The best books from the Waterstones Children's Laureate 2022-2024 Joseph Coelho
Joseph Coelho has been named the Waterstones Children's Laureate 2022-2024!
Here, we share a list of some of his books for you to explore...
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A Year of Nature Poems
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Kelly Louise Judd
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+This beautifully illustrated portrait of one year in nature is put together by poet Joseph Coelho, with each month assigned a relevant and resonant poem. It reassuringly shows that emotions come and go, like the seasons – and the bad times always pass.
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Frankenstiltskin
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Freya Hartas
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 7-11
Reading age: 8+This funny, clever and very enjoyable verse retelling of Rumpelstiltskin takes the story back to its original darkly horrifying roots and adds a smart, likeable heroine who saves the day with a story.
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If All the World Were
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Allison Colpoys
Publisher: Lincoln Children’s Books
Interest age: 0-5
This beautiful story tells the love that one little girl has for her ageing grandad. One day he isn’t there anymore, but the little girl finds evidence of their happy times together. A touching, sensitive text that doesn’t dwell on the sadness and could bring real comfort.
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Poems Aloud
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Daniel Gray-Barnett
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 6+This dynamic collection of verse brings poetry alive, both for the reader and their audience. Perfect to encourage children to develop a love of poetry and performance.
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The Girl Who Became A Tree
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Kate Milner
Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
Interest age: 12-14
Reading age: 12+In Joseph Coelho's story told in poems, the ancient Greek myth of Daphne and Apollo is seamlessly woven into the modern-day tale of a 14 year old girl who becomes lost in the tangled woods of her grief and anger .
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My Beautiful Voice
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Allison Colpoys
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Interest age: 4-8
When a child who never speaks gets a new teacher, she is blown away by her colourful personality. A gentle story that pays homage to the people that sometimes come into our lives to guide us through difficult times, and the power of a fantastic teacher.
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Overheard in a Tower Block
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Kate Milner
Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
Interest age: 10-14
Reading age: 10+Recounting the childhood of a child living in a city tower block, many of these poems are sad or angry and bristle with an edginess that young teens may find refreshing when compared to other poetry aimed at them.
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Luna Loves Library Day
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Fiona Lumbers
Publisher: Anderson Press
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 5+From the talented poet Joseph Coelho, this charming picture book highlights the wonders of libraries for families and communities. Accompanying the poetic text is gloriously bright and delightful illustrations to bring the magic of the library to life.
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Smile Out Loud: 25 Happy Poems
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Daniel Gray-Barnett
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+Joseph Coelho has written the brilliant poems in this book to help children spread happiness.
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Werewolf Club Rules
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: John O'Leary
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Interest age: 7-12
Reading age: 8Coelho follows in a noble tradition headed by Agard, Ahlberg, McGough and Rosen, who turn everyday life into memorable poetic miniatures.
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The Hairdo That Got Away
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Fiona Lumbers
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 4-5
This is a lovely and gentle picture book to share with young children to prompt discussion about how upsetting situations, such as parental separation, can provoke feelings which are difficult to manage and may lead to uncharacteristic behaviour.
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Thank You
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Sam Usher
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Interest age: 3-6
Reading age: 6+A touching, colourful picture book about gratitude and how a small ‘Thank you!’ can grow and grow and brighten up the world.
