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The Perfect Shelter
Book Review
I can see this book will be one we return to for many years to come, helping Ila to make sense of the world in such a gentle and loving way
Thank you so much for the latest book ‘The Perfect Shelter’. It was such a beautiful book to review, we are so grateful…
As soon as Ila received this book it was all about the texture of the book it’s self, how it felt to the touch “feel it, it’s not paper, what is it?”
This led to her exploring the images, touching each illustration to see how it felt as she tried to work out what was going on from each picture before we started reading, it instantly drew her in.
Then as we read, she seemed to explode with questions “Is she hiding? Why? Where’s her sister? Who is with her? Is that the doctor mummy? Where’s the sister? Is she still at the doctors? Why?” And each time we’ve read it it has been so interesting to see how Ila’s interest, initially focused on the way the book felt to the touch, has developed to the way it has made her feel emotionally.
When I asked her what she thought of the book she replied “ I like it, it is a bit sad though, but it would be fun to build a shelter, can we do that?”
Thank you for this book, I can see it will be one we return to for many years to come, helping her to make sense of the world in such a gentle and loving way.
About the Book
This is an unusual and rather special picture book for young children. It is a beautiful story that explores the mixed emotions we feel when someone we love is poorly. Two sisters are happily building a den together outdoors until one of the sisters ends up in hospital for a while. There follows an initial period of confusion, then uncertainly and later adjustment when the sister finally returns home and the sisters resolve to making an indoor shelter instead.
The book is tactile and the gentle narrative is accompanied by soft illustrations in pastel tones by Åsa Gilland.
As you can read (keep scrolling down!) from the mother of young reviewer this book has caused a range of responses from three year old Ila who agree that it is a special book.
Author
Clare Helen Welsh
Clare Helen Welsh is a British children’s author and former primary‑school teacher, now based in Devon. After a decade of teaching, she switched careers to writing, and in 2015 published her debut picture book Aerodynamics of Biscuits.
Since then she has written dozens of books for children across picture‑books, early readers and middle‑grade fiction, often with a focus on humour, empathy and supporting children through emotional challenges.
Illustrator
Åsa Gilland
Åsa Gilland is a Swedish children’s book illustrator whose vibrant, charming artwork blends influences from Scandinavian and Indonesian folk art. After studying interior design at Accademia Italiana Moda in Florence and working for many years as a graphic designer, she eventually turned to picture book illustration — and is now best known for books such as 'A Grandma’s Magic' and the “Welcome To…” series of state-themed kids’ books. She currently lives in Jakarta, Indonesia with her family, working in both traditional and digital media to create warm, inclusive children’s art.
Reviewer Profile
Ila, 3
- Reviews: 9
- Likes: monsters, dragons and tortoises
- Dislikes: prawns and pirates stealing treasure!
- Favourite book: There's a Monster in Your Book by Tom Fletcher
- Favourite Film: Ballerina
- Favourite Song: Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway (from Cars)
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