The first in a new series for Dave Pigeon Author Swapna Haddow has finally launched! If you're a fan of the hilarious Dave series you'll fall equally in love with Lin, who's determined to be the baddest Panda on the block!
Now Lin wasn't born to be bad, in fact she's the cutest, cuddliest most pand-iest panda ever - people travel from far and wide to take photos of this monochrome beauty. But, beauty has a price for Lin, as she is shipped far away from her family and beloved brother Face-like-a-bag-of-potatoes to be the star attraction at a zoo!
Devastated to be separated from her brother Lin decides that 'if being good got me sent away - then being BAD will get me back!'. Along with her hilariously innocent and sweet new best friend Fu, she embarks on a series of ill-fated plans to get herself shipped home.
Things, as you can probably imagine, do not necessarily go to plan...
There's been a long relationship between Swapna Haddow (author) and Sheena Dempsey (illustrator) and their compatibility shines through in this first book in the new series. Beautifully nuanced, Sheena's illustrations perfectly compliment and help to tell Swapna's story. We loved the comic strip sections placed throughout the book, and the soothing easy-on-the-eye colour pallet.
As a past librarian what I particularly loved (aside from the story!), is the clear widely spaced font for easy reading, enough challenge to interest older readers, and part-comic book style. All these things make it a perfect book for your reluctant readers, or those KS2 readers who might be struggling for one reason or another, but still want a book of interest to their age.
Teachers will love the Teachers notes and activities that accompany the book, making it great for a read aloud during golden time. http://swapnahaddow.co.uk/fun-stuff/
Want to WIN your own copy of the book? Visit our twitter page to share the competition post!
Bad Panda is OUT NOW for purchase, written by Swapna Haddow, Illustrated by Sheena Dempsey, and published by Allen and Unwin Publishers (NZ) and Faber Children's Publishers (UK). Watch a reading by Swapna herself here...https://youtu.be/JclV0DVykMM