As we enter Spring, fresh growth and new beginnings are at the forefront of my mind. Shibu’s Tail subverts the notion of constant growth and improvement by prompting us to consider whether we are OK just as we are. Shibu wears his heart on his mighty expressive tail, he feels a lot of feelings and his tail helps him to express them all… that is until he starts to notice that everyone else seems to keep their feelings to themselves, causing his tail to draw a lot of attention. As Shibu alters his behaviour he finds “life’s highs didn’t feel so high and life’s lows felt even more low”. Adorably illustrated, this double debut is a lovely read for kids and adults, providing a reminder of the joys of being yourself, and an alternative approach to the control that we sometimes feel we must have over ourselves.

Sam, Little Unity