Cub
by Jonty Howley
Interest age: 3 to 8
Reading age: 7+
Published by Flying Eye Books
About this book
Magnus has come to live with his grandparents. They give him a soft toy lion, named Cub. Both Magnus and Cub have lost their roars. Overnight, Cub comes alive! He and Magnus play together, and Cub encourages Magnus to do things with Grandma and Grandpa. Slowly, Magnus feels braver, but sometimes he still feels a bit unsure. Then one day, Grandma asks him if he’d like a hug. Magnus hasn't had a hug for a long time. How will he respond?
This is a deeply moving story about finding your confidence and your voice. It’s also a sensitive depiction of kinship care, where a child goes to live with a family member. Magnus’s grandparents are loving and kind, and take things slowly, at his pace. Plus they understand that sometimes a child needs a toy to imagine with, and to be brave with. The soft, beautiful illustrations add warmth to the simple words.
This could be enjoyed by children in similar family situations, but also by any child who’s felt unnerved by change, or even any child who’s owned a beloved soft toy. It could spark conversations about families, love, courage – and might even end with a hug between adult and child
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This is Us
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The Map of Me
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Lists of recommended reads
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Books about grandparents
Take a look at some of our favourite books about the grandparents in our life. They're perfect for your child to share with their own granny or grandad, but otherwise with you – giving you the chance to chat about why grandparents are just so wise and wonderful. More seriously, a couple of these books also touch very well on some sad and delicate themes about the older relatives we love, and have loved, so much.
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Books with family and friends looking after children
It's important that books reflect contemporary society, and that children see a variety of family situations in the stories they read. Some families don't have a mum or dad in the carer or parental role. Sometimes grandparents or uncles or aunts are looking after the children. This can be called 'kinship care' or 'family and friends care'. This selection of fantastic books show children living with family members who aren't their parents, although that is usually only the background setting, not the plot.