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Anna McQuinn
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A fun-filled day with Mum at the park!

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There’s so much I could say but I’ll restrain myself.
The hot + cool theme running through the illustrations and text.
The colour palette - cooling blues and greens against hot reds/oranges/yellows.
The celebration of sensory play - this is not just a park playdate - the children are enjoying a multi-sensory feast of activites including a literal picnic.
The perfectly pitched word choices - the instantly recognisable, 21st century urban setting… stunning stunning, stunning! Bravo!  – Fabia Turner on Twitter

Zeki is hot hot hot!
So he and Mummy head to the park to cool down.

There they meet up with Zeki’s friend Yu. The two toddlers get hot riding the toy horses, but cool down on the swings, they get hot digging in the sandbox, then cool down on the splash pad.

Vibrant art with warm and cool colors supports the underlying theme of a day full of hot and cold.

A perfect everyday read-aloud for little ones.


CLPE Power of Reading choice for 2023-24
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In this new adventure for Zeki, it’s a happy day in the park with Mummy that is the focus, reflecting the relatable and simple pleasures of everyday life for toddlers. The story is a simple and enjoyable one, perfect for reading and enjoying with 1–2-year-olds, with clear, colourful illustrations and friendly, simple language.
All the picture books in the Zeki range depict the daily activities of a black toddler and his family, beautifully illustrated by Ruth Hearson. In Zeki Goes to the Park, it’s lovely to see another diverse family represented, too, especially in a book aimed at the early years where this representation is still lacking. – Booktrust

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It's great to see Fabia notice the hot and cool contrast theme running through this little story.
The book opens with Zeki and his mum walking the visibly hot pavements on their way to seek shade in the park.
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Little readers paying close attention to the art will notice the hot dogs (!) and fries (!) on the restaurant window as they pass... it's so hot you could fry an egg! The poor plants are wilting.

The green leaves of a large tree and Yu's blue rug provide contrasting and welcome shade.

But little kids are less phased by heat than us and they head to the ride-on's for more fun.
But Mommy is keeping an eye and they switch to the swings where the breeze and the shade help calm them again.

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The fun continues building awesome sand castles, and digging, so they have to wash off and cool down all over again... just in time for a picnic before heading home as the sun sets.

Companion title coming in autumn - Time to explore, Zeki!

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Zeki and Daddy are off on a hike.

While Daddy gazes at the tall trees, Zeki notices a tiny leaf... then follows a trail of duck prints to finds a delicate feather, a smooth stone and a slow snail.

The trail delivers a feast of different textures and delights for Zeki to discover.

Publishers

Published in the UK and Ireland by Alanna Max
Published in the US by Charlesbridge Publishing

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Illustrated by Ruth Hearson
click here to read about her

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