Beti and the Little Round House

Beti lives in a little round house deep, in the Welsh countryside. She is an independent little girl and this can sometimes land her in difficulties. She loves the different seasons – and each brings another adventure – whether it is a disastrous birthday party or rescuing horses in a snowstorm. Throughout she shows resourcefulness and character. Here is a friend and companion who will step off the page.

This is a lovely sequence of four stories following the seasons of the year. Each story has an appropriate situation, and all celebrate a life lived close to nature. Atinuke’s prose is a joy to read. Each story starts in the same way drawing on Atinuke’s skill as a storyteller allowing them to be read and enjoyed separately. Beti is a completely believable, indeed recognisable, little girl. She is lively and determined, her relationship with her family warm and caring.  The audience will relate to her easily and will follow her adventures with interest because they are adventures grounded in the real world. Accompanying the text are the warm, lush illustrations by Emily Hughes. These both ground stories in the countryside as well as bringing personality to the characters. Her style is ideally suited to that of the storyteller. A rich textured palette brings depth and to each spread while pages have the added visual interest of lively decoration and vignettes. This is an ideal pairing to create an attractive package that can only be highly recommended. The reader leaves hoping for more adventures about Beti, her friends and family from this skilled storyteller and this illustrator.