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Emma Sandford is a children’s author based in Cheshire. Her debut picture book, The Problem with Poppy, was published by Full Media on 1 June 2021. Set in the Sumatran rainforest, it tells the story of Poppy the porcupine, whose traumatic past causes her to act defensively towards others – until one day when she meets a playful tiger cub and the two develop an unlikely friendship.
Emma wanted to write a children’s book that draws on her own experiences and helps young children overcome certain emotional issues they may have. Unfortunately, due to traumatic events in her own life, Emma has also been defensive in situations where she didn’t need to be, and was frightened to let people get close to her. The Problem With Poppy teaches kids that while everybody has a natural defence mechanism, there is a time and a place to use it.
Before the ink was dry on the first print run of The Problem with Poppy, Emma had written a second book set in Sumatra. What’s Troubling Tawny? was published in January 2022 and the third and final book in the Sumatran Trilogy, Hooray for Heidi!, was released in September 2022. All three were illustrated by Olena Osadcha and have been created in partnership with Rainforest Trust UK. We are proud to say that £1 per book sale of all three titles in the Sumatran Trilogy is going to Rainforest Trust UK, to save the rainforest and the animals that inhabit them.
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Heidi the turtle is not as fast as she’d like to be, especially on the day of the Sumatran Games. She really wants to be there to see the events, but her little legs just won’t move her fast enough. Then, along comes José the elephant. He offers to carry Heidi and the two make it to the games just in time to watch the first event. As Heidi watches the fastest and the strongest competitors compete, she feels sorry for herself that she can’t be as fast or as strong as they are. José makes her feel better by pointing out things she does better than the competitors. But one thing makes José sad and it’s Heidi’s turn to cheer him up. It’s going to require some intense teamwork. Can they pull it off?
Emma Sandford’s picture book, Hooray for Heidi!, is one of the books in the Sumatran Trilogy series. With simply spectacular illustrations by Olena Osadcha, the plot follows the adventures of Heidi and José as they face their own abilities. The language is simple to allow young readers to follow along; the illustrations really carry the story forward, making the story come alive with action and a sense of purpose. With plenty of dialogue and several onomatopoeiae to emphasize the action, the story is engaging and entertaining and will have young readers cheering along both Heidi and José. This is a great story to teach young readers about teamwork and believing in oneself, accepting what one can do, and being proud of one’s own abilities.
