Why We Love Rachel Bright and Jim Field Books
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I really want to start by saying, what’s not to love? Every single book that we have read by Rachel Bright and that have been wonderfully illustrated by Jim Field have been a winner in our house. If you have not checked them out, go do that — like right now.
The stories have sweet characters and fantastic morals
Every time we open one of the stories, we know we have something to learn. Even the grownups. Simple morals are conveyed in rhyme through an adventure that the main character(s) are on. Our first ever Rachel Bright and Jim Field book was The Koala Who Could. I spent so many story times reading this to my young son that the pages tore and have been lovingly sellotaped. But as I was reading to him, I found myself pulled into Kevin the Koala’s world. He spent life in his tree, playing it safe as the world went on by around him. As a new mother, that was kind of how it felt at the time for me. I had a lot of anxiety of leaving the house. But eventually, Kevin is forced from his place of safety, and, with the help of some friends, he finds that there is a world waiting for him. I loved that Kevin was able to experience life outside of his tree. And for those of us in a season of worry about trying something new, you would benefit from listening to this one.
2. The Amazing Illustrations
It was a joy to attend the Bath Children’s Literature Festival in 2025 and see a live demonstration of illustrator Jim Field creating one of the characters from The Turtle Who Turned The Tide. Every drawing in every book brings the story to life and the characters are simply adorable. When he signed his autograph with a little turtle and a koala at the book signing, I just loved him that little bit more. It’s brilliant to have the theme of different animals in each book with a lion, a koala, a camel, squirrels, a whale, a gecko and more. The children know what to expect with the familiar pattern, yet every story and character is utterly unique and compelling.
3. The Rhythm of the stories help with engagement
The rhyming of these books is simply glorious. I love to read aloud to my children so it is a joy for it to flow so brilliantly. It also helps to hold their attention, and my own, as I seek to make it fun by putting on voices for the different characters. I love to make the mouse in The Lion Inside have a squeaky, little voice and to put a sulky tone in my voice for The Camel Who Had The Hump! Kevin the Koala was my favourite one to put a voice to. I can’t quite explain how I did it, but it was a whole lot of fun!
4. the delight of collecting them
When we found out that there was a new book being released, it was super exciting! Collecting all of the characters with their gorgeous front covers is pleasing to the eye and satisfying to spread out. Seeing my daughter pull one book out after another is a delight. There’s something warm and comforting about each one.
5. We had the pleasure of meeting rachel and jim!
As a writer and a reader, I am ashamed to say that I only went to a Literature Festival for the first time in 2025! It was the Bath Children’s Literature Festival and I attended for the day with both children in tow. It was an unforgettable experience for me. My daughter and I waiting in line to meet Rachel and Jim at the meet and greet afterwards and they were so nice. I was able to share what an impact these books have had on me and the children, even showing her our well-loved The Koala Who Could! We discussed how the rhythm of the stories help with engagement with our children who both have additional needs. Apparently Rachel shared how she has heard that from others too. We must keep reading aloud because there truly are a wealth of benefits for all!
Have you read any books by Rachel Bright and Jim Field? Do let me know! If you haven’t, please visit my bookshop.org/shop/thestoryark online shop to purchase them from an independent bookshop. You won’t regret it!
Publisher: Orchard House
