A Home Full of Friends
Written by : Peter Bently
Illustrated by: Charles Fuge
Published by: Hodder Children’s Books (10 Aug. 2017)
Ages: 5 – 11 years
Theme: Friendship, Compassion, Kindness
Opening Lines: Bramble was looking for nuts by the river when a sudden fierce storm made him shudder and shiver.
“Oh bother! I’m bound to catch a cold in this storm! I’m heading back home where it’s cosy and warm!”
Synopsis: One stormy night, Bramble Badger offers his home to a group of animals in need and gets more than he bargained for! He’s worried about how everyone will fit, but when his house is crowded with friends, he gains something truly special.
Why I like this: This beautiful rhyming story of Bramble the Badger wandering through the forest collecting nuts and ends up offering his home to friends in need when they lose their homes, is a great message of friendship, compassion and kindness. The beautiful illustrations are rich and apart from a couple of pages, most are double-spread displaying emotion and lots of detail for the young to pore over. I loved how at first Bramble was so concerned at whether he had room or that his place was tidy enough to have visitors or that he had enough to feed everyone, but in the end it didn’t matter that they were crammed in, it was the company he enjoyed most. Giving new meaning to the saying – Home is where the Heart is. And I can sure attest to that, as having my dear critique buddy staying with me for three weeks hubby and I agree, it was the best time of all and so much fun.
Resources/Findings:
Tips for sleepover nights… https://www.todaysparent.com/kids/10-tips-for-successful-sleepovers/
Peter’s website… http://www.peterbently.com/
Kids Tea Party ideas… https://www.pinterest.nz/pin/312437292878237410/?lp=true
I’m always happy reviewing Picture Books that come my way and share them with you. If you would like to see more please pop over to Susanna Leonard Hills Blog where there are hundreds of books reviewed by other like minded authors and writers. Thank you for popping in and I hope you return again soon.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
What a welcoming book! Love that cover. We need to flood the children’s PB market with messages of kindness, compassion and friendship. Great selection!
Aww… thank you Pat. Yes we definitely need more of these kind of books for kids everywhere. Glad you liked this one.
Another great picture book with a perfect message.
Thank you Darlene. Glad you liked it.
It sounds very sweet and kind of reminds me of The MItten.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Grade, gosh I better look up the Mitten, I’m not sure if I have read that one. Off to find out. Thanks for being here.
How incredibly sweet! I love Bramble Badger’s BIG heart! He sounds like the sort of friend everyone would love to have.
Ha, yes Bramble Badger is adorable. A great friend to have. 🙂 Thanks Leslie.
Looks like a fun book. That cover is so inviting. Can’t wait to have a proper look at it. Thanks for highlighting it.
Hi Maria, Thank you for sharing it out there. It is adorable and I love everything about this book. The rhyme is perfect.
That cover just welcomes you into the book.
Hi Joanna, yes it does. Very clever illustration for a cover. Glad you liked this one.
I love the cover. I love the rhyme. It sounds fabulous. It looks like our library doesn’t have this one. Will search the behemoth to see if I can find it new or used. Thanks for the rec!
Oh Jilanne I hope you can find it. It is an imprint of the Hachette Children’s Group UK so hope that helps. 2017 is not that old so should be able to order it in. He also has another out in the series and there is a third in the works.
What cute idea!
Isn’t it. I love it. Thanks for popping in Andrea.
This looks like a beautiful book, Diane! And who couldn’t love a mc called Bramble!
Hi Julie, yes he is a cute character and I agree it is a beautiful book. Thanks for stopping by.