Children's Book review

Shine

By Karen Langley

Published by Frances Lincoln

Jimmy is given the part of the star in the school Christmas play, and practices 'shining' every day. His excitement and anxiety in the build-up to his appearance are contrasted with his busy dad's duties as the town electrician. Will dad's last minute call-out to fix the Christmas lights prevent him from seeing the play? The central father-son relationship in this book is celebrated throughout in a manner both straightforward and sensitive, while the illustrations glow with comfort and warmth.

Illustrator: Jonathan Langley
Reading age: 5+
Interest level: 3-7