We’re big fans of Mick Inkpen here, Monkey has grown up with Wibbly Pig and Kipper. So when we heard the Mick was working with his daughter Chloe on a new series of picture books, we were eager to test them out. I’d like to introduce you to Zoe and Beans. We were sent Zoe and Beans – Hello Ladybird! and Zoe and Beans – We’re not scared! Both books were published a month ago.
Zoe is an inquisitive little girl who goes everywhere with her faithful companion Beans the dog. In Zoe and Beans – Hello Ladybird!, we go hunting for a missing ladybird.
As Zoe and Beans hunt for their ladybird in all sorts of places, they uncover lots of different things. You can actually see the ladybird hiding in each page, so it’s great for stimulating interaction. Where? What? Lots of questions to answer as you read each page. The illustrations are wonderful, just as you would expect and the story is lovely.
In Zoe and Beans – We’re Not Scared! our intrepid friends are joined by Oscar and his little sister Evie. Monkey loves mini beasts, and is definitely not scared of spiders. Neither are Zoe and Beans.
Monkey really enjoyed this book, we talked about the things that scared him. He liked the idea that Zoe and Beans weren’t scared of the same things as him. The ending sees all the friends in bed together. They’re not scared of anything, but they would prefer the landing light to be left on! Just like me Mummy!!
The language is simple, younger children will love these books. We can certainly recommend.
These board books are published through Pan Macmillan Children’s Books, and are priced at £5.99 each. You can follow Zoe and Beans adventures on Facebook. Keep your eyes peeled on the horizon in June for the release of Zoe and Beans – Pirate Treasure!
disclaimer: we were sent the books mentioned for the purpose of review, our comments remain our own honest opinions.
They are lovely books aren’t they. F is a big fan!
They are lovely
My little Lucy LOVES the Zoe and Beans books… When they go to the Moon is her favourite at the moment, but Hello Oscar is featuring quite heavily at the moment!
Oh yes, Hello Oscar is lovely isn’t it.
Love the illustrations in this book. Very cute
I know, they are lovely aren’t they.
Ah we have these and LM adores them. Bud calls them baby books though although he does like Hello Oscar which is the picture book in the series.
Does he! Monkey still seems to like reading most things, he still loves Hug!