What people are saying. . .
Books of the Year - Books for Keeps November 2022
Charlotte Hacking, Central Learning Programmes Director at CLPE
Books for the youngest readers are often taken for granted, but it a real and specific skill to craft and illustrate narratives for this age group. Zeki Rise and Shine and Zeki Sleep Tight by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson (Alanna Max) deserve applause and celebration. This is a team of writer, illustrator and publisher who deeply understand their audience and how to engage and enchant their readers and cater for their specific needs. These quiet stories centre on real and everyday experiences that every child can relate to. The rich and evocative language enriches a growing vocabulary and invites the reader to join in. The carefully observed illustrations capture attention, build visual literacy skills and richly develop characters and their world. The books are published perfectly for tiny hands – in a perfect size, with heavyweight paper and rounded corners. Perfect reads for 0-5 year olds.
Charlotte Hacking, Central Learning Programmes Director at CLPE
Books for the youngest readers are often taken for granted, but it a real and specific skill to craft and illustrate narratives for this age group. Zeki Rise and Shine and Zeki Sleep Tight by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson (Alanna Max) deserve applause and celebration. This is a team of writer, illustrator and publisher who deeply understand their audience and how to engage and enchant their readers and cater for their specific needs. These quiet stories centre on real and everyday experiences that every child can relate to. The rich and evocative language enriches a growing vocabulary and invites the reader to join in. The carefully observed illustrations capture attention, build visual literacy skills and richly develop characters and their world. The books are published perfectly for tiny hands – in a perfect size, with heavyweight paper and rounded corners. Perfect reads for 0-5 year olds.
Surely the best book friends to start and end a toddler’s day! – Fen CoLes Letterbox library A bright and bouncy addition to the shelves... Zeki is back! I love these heartwarming books about the everyday experiences a little boy has with his family. Parents of any toddler will relate to these and should definitely add a few of Zeki’s adventures to their book collections. – LibraryGirl&BookBoy (Jo) |
Dreamy lyrical prose for winding down at bedtime & bouncy, rich text for wake-up. @AnnaMMcQuinn & @RuthHearson have done it again! Beautifully written, cleverly illustrated, high-quality texts. 
Zeki has woken up fresh and bright eyed, welcoming readers into his home. |
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Sonia Thompson,
Headteacher, St Matthew’s CE Research School I adore Anna McQuinn's books. How beautiful that you can read about my favourite baby Zeki in the morning and in the night. Don't you just love the cute illustrations and words! perfect for Nursery and Reception. Charlotte Hacking CLPE – The Centre for Language in Primary Education Two new books in the Zeki series from the dream team of Anna McQuinn & Ruth Hearson is a definite cause for celebration. Beautiful everyday stories that every little one can relate to. Rich and evocative language that will enrich their growing vocabularies. Absolute must-haves. The whole series is just beautiful. If I was in charge, I’d give every baby in the land copies at birth. Caroline Fielding, Chartered School Librarian, CILIP @YLGLondon Committee, past CKG Judge Who wouldn't fall in love with Zeki? AlannaMaxBooks kindly sent me 2 new books featuring Bea's favourite baby doing baby things - which is the beauty of all the books - everyday recognisable scenarios for parents to enjoy with tiny ones Should be in *every* home & library Candid Cocoa Jumping on here because I had to share this absolutely gorgeous book post! It’s books like these that make me miss writing book reviews although I just don’t have the time right now. Thank you AlannaMaxBooks for this stunning duo (you really need to read both books as there is a lovely continuity between the two). Zeki Sleep Tight - dreamy lyrical prose for gentle winding down at bedtime AND Zeki Rise and Shine - bouncy, rich text for energetic wake-up @annamcquinnwrites & @ruthhearsonillustrator have done it again! These little books are beautifully written. Every word is expertly crafted - eg the wonderful assonance laced throughout is 🔥❤️! - and the comfy illustrations are so cleverly thought through. They are high-quality texts that babies, preschoolers and new parents need. Do check them out. BookTrust Like the rest of the Zeki series, this adorable book is made from thick card with curved corners, making it an ideal gentle step-up from board books. As ever, Hearson’s cute illustrations are fun, bright and eye-catching. Babies and toddlers will love recognising aspects from their own daily routine like opening the curtains and dancing around while a grown up tries to dress them. The book is full of fun sound words (onomatopoeia) like ‘splash’, ‘crunchies’ and ‘swish’. Not only will babies and toddlers find these words irresistibly funny, noticing and imitating sound words can help children build phonological awareness – a key aspect of early literacy development. |
Kirkus Reviews
Rise & Shine – Developmentally appropriate language playfully captures the movement of toddlers, making this exploration of a happy child’s morning appropriate for group read-alouds and lap reads. The short, descriptive sentences, which appear on most pages, describe the world as experienced by toddlers: “The lemon-yellow sun sparkles in”; “Leo has had a big sleep”; he “shimmies into sharp shorts.” Hearson’s gentle illustrations, which use a soft palette of colors dominated by blues and greens, evoke feelings of harmony and depict a trusting and loving relationship between Leo and his caregivers, who appear to be Black. What a joyful morning! Reliable storytelling and comforting images make this latest series installment another charmer. Sleep Tight – Reliable storytelling and comforting images make this latest series installment another charmer. McQuinn’s text is appropriate for young toddlers, with just a few words per page. The descriptions are short and make use of alliteration, while Hearson’s soft, warm illustrations exude a feeling of comfort, from the delicate bathtub bubbles to the fleecy snuggle of Leo’s pajamas. What sets the artwork apart is how it makes an ordinary experience feel like the precious, magical time that it is. The family’s love and trust for one another are evident as they cuddle together while reading; in one image, a parent holds Leo tenderly, and in another, the other parent draws him close. All of the steps in this bedtime routine are reassuring, and Leo looks content throughout; this is a helpful read to get little ones ready—and even eager—for bedtime. A lovely bedtime read. Children's Literature
A precious representation of a morning routine for a toddler. Little ones will love to wake up with Leo! The illustrations are joyful and simple. A wonderful addition to a home library. A sweet and simple way to help children understand a bedtime routine. The illustrations are peaceful and engaging. This is a very relatable book for little ones... School Library Journal
A toddler goes through his morning routine with his father and mother: play, breakfast, toothbrushing, dressing, dancing, and heading out for an adventure. Jubilant, soft-textured illustrations depict an easy warmth and bubbly energy shared by all three Black family members. The cheery sequence of activities may serve as a valuable tool for young readers learning to internalize a predictable morning routine. VERDICT A bright and bouncy addition to the shelves. A Black toddler goes through his evening routine with his father and mother: bottle, bath, skin care, pajamas, a song, and a book. The tranquil, soft-textured illustrations place emphasis on quiet relaxation and loving connection between parent and child. With the turn of each page, the background colors subtly shift from bright white to cool green to deep blue, providing a calming experience for sleepy eyes. VERDICT A warm and fuzzy addition for all collections. |
Longer and more indepth Reviews
Fen Coles, Letterbox library
Lush additions to the Zeki series!
Flow along with Zeki’s night time routine and then watch him burst into the next morning.
McQuinn’s text is a pleasure to read aloud. Phrases pop, snap and surprise. Zeki doesn’t dress; he ‘shimmies’ into his clothes; he doesn’t wake up; he ‘shakes’ awake; his bubble bath is a soaking in ‘smells of dark forests’; a bedtime book is a ‘dozy story’.
Hearson’s snuggle-soft illustrations journey through the books- the ‘lemon-yellow sun’ carries though to the bright yellows of Zeki’s jelly shoes, his bib, his puppet duck.
The animal toys and motifs in Zeki Sleeps Tight reappear in a different form. A smiley snail is first a pull along toy and then dangles from Zeki’s crib mobile.
A fluffy sheep flops on the floor and ends up in a special Zeki spoon on the final page.
Surely the best book friends to start and end a toddler’s day!
Lush additions to the Zeki series!
Flow along with Zeki’s night time routine and then watch him burst into the next morning.
McQuinn’s text is a pleasure to read aloud. Phrases pop, snap and surprise. Zeki doesn’t dress; he ‘shimmies’ into his clothes; he doesn’t wake up; he ‘shakes’ awake; his bubble bath is a soaking in ‘smells of dark forests’; a bedtime book is a ‘dozy story’.
Hearson’s snuggle-soft illustrations journey through the books- the ‘lemon-yellow sun’ carries though to the bright yellows of Zeki’s jelly shoes, his bib, his puppet duck.
The animal toys and motifs in Zeki Sleeps Tight reappear in a different form. A smiley snail is first a pull along toy and then dangles from Zeki’s crib mobile.
A fluffy sheep flops on the floor and ends up in a special Zeki spoon on the final page.
Surely the best book friends to start and end a toddler’s day!
Anne Thompson - A Library Lady
A double helping of Zeki is hugely welcome and these two delightful new books published by Alanna Max perfectly start and end the day for little ones. They encompass the family rituals familiar to many and are wonderful for encouraging early learning and talk too. Perfect little packages created with care.
A double helping of Zeki is hugely welcome and these two delightful new books published by Alanna Max perfectly start and end the day for little ones. They encompass the family rituals familiar to many and are wonderful for encouraging early learning and talk too. Perfect little packages created with care.
It is morning and as Zeki wakes in his cot his mummy pulls back the curtains and the sun shines in beckoning the baby to start his day. We bounce along with Zeki as he shakes himself and his cereal, munches and splashes, wriggles and shimmies making the most of the sights, sounds and sensations of his busy day. Zeki is loved and secure, involved and happy throughout this celebration of family routine and togetherness.
Repeated readings of this book have highlighted the care and consideration that has gone into the detail. Each time I look notice more. The text, perfect to read aloud, is lush evoking the sounds and sensations the baby is experiencing. “He munches on crunchies. He sips zingy juice.” The joyful illustrations contain detail for young children to identify enabling vocabulary learning. Some elements in the pictures are repeated prompting recognition; the sun in Zeki’s book and hanging from the cot, the toy rooster on the window sill and on the logo on the Daddy’s cereal box. There is humour also as the crocodile on Zeki’s bib looks as though he wants to share breakfast. Eagle eyed readers may spot the little seahorse who features in the other Zeki books too. |
Perfectly complementing Zeki Rise and Shine this comforting book encourages a slower read and gentle moments as Zeki settles down to sleep. Sipping warm milk, a bath time soak, a snuggly towel and sleep suit, a quiet story then hushed and cosy Zeki winds down and rests surrounded by his favourite toys. The tone and feel of this second book is calm, reassuring and just like the morning version full of family love and care.
The language again evokes both the mood and the sensory experience of the bedtime rituals families with small children know and share. The choice of words such as “dreamy cream” and “snuggly hug” are perfect for calming toddlers as they listen to this read aloud. The text uses tools such assonance and alliteration to give this story a lyrical feel almost like a lullaby. It’s beautifully done. The illustrations work in harmony with the text adding much to the enjoyment. Just a few examples are sleeping sheep on Zeki’s sleep suit, a dozing bear on a book cover, a sloth on the bedside cabinet echoing Zeki’s shape nestled on his daddy. The detail is wonderful and there is much to recognise and talk about within this little book. |
Both Zeki Rise and Shine and Zeki Sleep Tight are produced in sturdy card with rounded corners perfect for small hands. These titles are published in October and come highly recommended for both Early Years settings and new parents. I would like to thank the publishers, Alanna Max for my review copies.
Red Reading Hub - Jill Bennett's Reviews of Children's Books
So much thought has gone into these two books starring the totally adorable Zeki wherein we share his family rituals.
In the first Zeki has just woken up and from his cot, he greets readers with THE most engaging smile you could ever imagine as his Mummy opens the curtains to reveal the sparkling lemon-yellow sun. Then released from the confines of his cot he proceeds to dance his way into the kitchen where Daddy, preparing breakfast, joins his little one in a bit of box shaking.
With cereal consumed, it’s off to the bathroom for a wash and teeth brushing. Then on go a snazzy top and shorts, and to complete the outfit ,wonderful sunglasses and jelly shoes. Now Zeki is ready for whatever the day brings; and it’s patently clear just how much this little one is loved by his parents as they enjoy these simple routines together.
An equal amount of love and care has been taken in the creation of this simple presentation of family rituals. With each and every word having been carefully considered, the text is an absolute pleasure to read aloud:
‘He munches crunches. he sips zingy juice.’
and there’s a wealth of other onomatopoeia and alliteration too.
Equally, Ruth Hearson’s illustrations radiate joy, while cleverly using repeat images such as the sun (hanging from Zeki’s cot and in his book); the chickens (on the window sill and in the kitchen); the crocodile (on Zeki’s bib and the rolled up mat in Mummy’s bag); the ducks (on the soles of Zeki’s shoes matching the string puppet). Sheer delight for adults and little ones at every turn of the page.
The same is true of Zeki Sleep Tight wherein the atmosphere is much gentler as Zeki slows down and prepares for bed.
He sips warm milk, soaks in a bubbly bath, wriggles his creamy caressed body into a fleecy sleep suit and settles down for a pre-bedtime song and favourite story. Bliss.
Beautiful calming, soothing, sometimes sibilant language
‘they sing a slow song about a slumbering sloth’
and illustrations full of delightful details including plenty of sheep and other sleepy creatures.
No need for parents to sing their little ones a lullaby, a quiet read aloud of this at bedtime will surely send them off to slumberland.
Both books are made from thick card and have rounded corners – ideal for little hands as well as a change from board books. I wholeheartedly recommend these for parents of very young children and for early years settings.
So much thought has gone into these two books starring the totally adorable Zeki wherein we share his family rituals.
In the first Zeki has just woken up and from his cot, he greets readers with THE most engaging smile you could ever imagine as his Mummy opens the curtains to reveal the sparkling lemon-yellow sun. Then released from the confines of his cot he proceeds to dance his way into the kitchen where Daddy, preparing breakfast, joins his little one in a bit of box shaking.
With cereal consumed, it’s off to the bathroom for a wash and teeth brushing. Then on go a snazzy top and shorts, and to complete the outfit ,wonderful sunglasses and jelly shoes. Now Zeki is ready for whatever the day brings; and it’s patently clear just how much this little one is loved by his parents as they enjoy these simple routines together.
An equal amount of love and care has been taken in the creation of this simple presentation of family rituals. With each and every word having been carefully considered, the text is an absolute pleasure to read aloud:
‘He munches crunches. he sips zingy juice.’
and there’s a wealth of other onomatopoeia and alliteration too.
Equally, Ruth Hearson’s illustrations radiate joy, while cleverly using repeat images such as the sun (hanging from Zeki’s cot and in his book); the chickens (on the window sill and in the kitchen); the crocodile (on Zeki’s bib and the rolled up mat in Mummy’s bag); the ducks (on the soles of Zeki’s shoes matching the string puppet). Sheer delight for adults and little ones at every turn of the page.
The same is true of Zeki Sleep Tight wherein the atmosphere is much gentler as Zeki slows down and prepares for bed.
He sips warm milk, soaks in a bubbly bath, wriggles his creamy caressed body into a fleecy sleep suit and settles down for a pre-bedtime song and favourite story. Bliss.
Beautiful calming, soothing, sometimes sibilant language
‘they sing a slow song about a slumbering sloth’
and illustrations full of delightful details including plenty of sheep and other sleepy creatures.
No need for parents to sing their little ones a lullaby, a quiet read aloud of this at bedtime will surely send them off to slumberland.
Both books are made from thick card and have rounded corners – ideal for little hands as well as a change from board books. I wholeheartedly recommend these for parents of very young children and for early years settings.
I like to include Goodreads and Amazon reviews as these are people who've not been sent review copies and just post for the love of the books!