Cover Image: Tilda Tries Again

Tilda Tries Again

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Member Reviews

Tom Percival has done it again! Another great addition to his group of books building children's empathy and self resilience

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My little girl adores Tom's books, they're brightly coloured and have great characters with a pertinent message. She loved the story of Tilda, which promotes resilience and has since referred to Tilda when she needs to try again to do things. We really enjoyed this addition to the series, and can't wait to read more of Tom's books.

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A wonderful edition to this series, from Tom Percival.

The latest tackles perseverance, in the way Tom does - with a magic touch, and a lightness that simply works.
Highly recommended.

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Another brilliant offering in the Big Bright Feelings series. Tom Percival introduces young readers to Tilda, who used to find everything easy, but one day wakes up to find that everything feels a bit upside down and although she tries to do things the way she always did, it's too difficult and she gives up, deciding to do nothing. The lesson Tilda learns comes from a ladybird, and she learns is that although things might feel strange, if you have a go and try your best you can achieve success.
This brilliant book teaches children the importance of having a go, even when things feel difficult. With the right mix of bright happy pictures, and sad grey pictures, Percival uses colour in his almost trademark style to portray the emotions of the titular character. I will definitely be introducing this book to my new class of Year 1s in September.

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I was very excited to see this next instalment in the Big Bright Feelings Series, as I loved Ruby's Worry, Meesha Makes Friends, Perfectly Norman and Ravi's Roar.
This book is about resilience and trying again - maybe a little bit simpler than the other books in the series, or maybe I just felt this because it reiterates lots of the themes of the other books. Tom Percival's illustrations are as gorgeous and eye-catching as always, with his clever use of black and white in some areas to express the mood, and the bright pops of colour on Tilda. I will be buying to use with children all through school from Reception to Year 3.

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If you ask me, or any of my class, we’ll tell you that Tom Percival is the undisputed king of brilliant stories that have an important message. His Big Bright Feelings collection, from Ruby’s Worry to Meesha Makes Friends and everything in between, is perfect for children of all ages to discuss and understand their emotions. Fantastic links can be made to relationships and PSHE, and the newest outing in the series, Tilda Tries Again, is another shining jewel.
When things start getting a bit tricky for Tilda, she decides it’s time to just give up – a classic situation many teachers will find their pupils in. The story clearly states the importance of continuing to try, even when things are difficult or even a bit scary. Resilience is a key value in our primary school, and with Tom’s always brilliant writing and illustrations, this book is an excellent reminder of what that word actually means. King Tom has once again hit it out of the park and Tilda is a brilliant addition to the Big Bright Feelings series. It was very quickly passed around Key Stage 1 when it arrived, and every single child asked about it said the same thing – “I really, really loved it!” Then there were the teachers, who couldn’t stop gushing either! Though useful for younger children to begin thinking about their feelings, this could easily be used in any age group and you would be able to get lots of fantastic discussion out of it. The perfect picture book for any primary classroom!

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Another lovely Tom Percival story, celebrating perseverance with colourful illustrations and a sweet story.

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A really beautiful story about finding your way back when things change and reaching out to others. A very important message for the current times!

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Easily recognisable with its bright and unique stylised cover, Tilda Tries Again proved to be just as wonderful as the previous books from Tom Percival's Big Bright Feelings Collection. With short, simple sentences and eye-catching illustrations, this story will engage pre-school and primary school children alike. The message of this story is about a young child who shows a great sense of resilience and perseverance when faced with a situation that has literally left her feeling 'topsy turvy' - something that has cleverly been left open-ended so that it can be relatable to all children.

At first glance, I immediately fell in love with the use of greyscale and contrasting colour to emphasise the way Tilda is feeling throughout the story and as I read each page, my love for the book only increased. Perfect for classroom discussions or snuggling up before bed, this book is sure to capture the hearts of everyone.

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Brilliant, again. This is a fabulous series and this book is the perfect addition to the collection. I know many school librarians are fans of these books and this one is sure to be a hit.

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It's bright, bold and greatly positive for young children. Not every day is going to be just as your children would want it to go, it isn't possible and Tilda shows not only that, but that they can overcome that bad day and things can become brighter again. Tilda has her friends and toys and all is well with her world, but suddenly nothing feels right and for her, her whole world is turned upside down (literally, in the depiction). The pictures are all terrifically illustrated. They illustrate the narrative perfectly as children can follow both and it is a real attention grabber. The use in dramatic pictures and draining the colour out of the time when she is having a bad day, and bringing it back into full colour, when things get better only further, visually helps with the understanding of how she is feeling, when she is sad and happy. It captures children and their moods and interests very well.

 It is positive, entertaining and such a well-written story that children will relate to. What is so good is that Tilda brushes herself down and decides to try again. It also refrains from it being a sob story or self-centred story. It does in a fun way, promote reslience and that there will be a better day. It could also have a positive impact on children in a way that may just make them feel good inside and out and ready to try again, as Tilda does.

It's well written for young children, with short sharp sentences, perfect for preschool and reception or primary 1 classes as fun and discussions can come out of this book. Parents/carers etc can also have so much fun reading this to their children and whatsmore is that it is properly positive and can also be used as a bedtime story, or just curling up having a quiet time together.

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Tom Percival has done it again, a fantastic book for children that is pitched at the just the right level and gives opportunity for discussion. The story and illustrations both help children to explore the idea of giving up and perseverance. Tilda is already to give up but then discovers that if she keeps trying she can do things she thought she couldn’t.
This book along with the other Tom Percival books are a fantastic addition to a school library or school book corner. I would highly recommend.

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A lovely, bright picture book very much in keeping with the style of the author. A lovely moral message and a big twist in the middle of the book will provoke thoughtful discussions with children. Gorgeously illustrated and irresistible.

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A lovely tale with a good message.

I love Tilda, she is full of life and very likeable. The story is well written, with a good message to send to children. I really like the illustrations too.

I would definitely recommend this book.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

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My daughter spotted this while we were looking at another book. She immediately knew that it was one from Tom Percival's series on feelings. She adores the others in this series and they have helped in lots of situations for her in the past. The books are fantastic at helping children to think about different feelings they or friends may be experiencing and are great discussion points. Tilda Tries Again is no exception. We particularly loved Tilda's fiery, curly red hair that stood out on each page. The illustrations are so cleverly done with a grey palette at times when feelings are tricky with splashes of colour. As the worries, in this case the 'topsy-turvy' feelings, are worked through the images become full colour.

I loved how the 'topsy-turvy' feeling was left open and not given any specific reasons. This is great as often we can all feel a little out of sorts but don't know why, yet if we do know why it's very much an opportunity to discuss your own thoughts and feelings rather than have a set 'problem' discussed in the book. The book gives practical ideas and strategies children can do to help themselves feel less like their world is all upside down.

Floss (aged 4) - I love these books, they always give you good ideas if you've got a problem and help you talk about tricky things when you don't know where to start. I love Tilda's hair!

Thank you #Bloomsbury and #NetGalley for this electronic ARC for review. #Tom Percival #TildaTriesAgain

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Tom Percival creates wonderful picture books and this Bright Feelings series is particularly good, especially for those looking at books to support children's mental and emotional health. Here, Tilda finds a way to deal with sudden changes in circumstance, what feels desperately hard becomes a means of finding new ways of doing things. The illustrations are beautiful and work well with the story, the images reinforcing Tilda's emotional journey throughout. It's a well written story with a lovely character in Tilda, who finds inner strength and resilience. An excellent book to help discuss these issues with children or just as an enjoyable story.

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Another great picture book from Tom. It's so clever how the books are so accessible and fun whilst educating children on feelings etc. This book is all about developing resilience.
Great to share in school.

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Love this book; the pictures and story are both engaging and portray an important message to children... the importance of keeping trying.

Tilda's world one day turns upside down and she finds everything difficult, after observing a ladybird struggle, Tilda realises that she might be able to do things if she just keeps trying. Low and behold, this helps Tilda, she finds success and starts to enjoy the world again....and she realises that even if something does feel difficult, she can try and try again.


An important book about developing resilience in a healthy way, this is a great book for both home and the classroom. It'll appeal to readers of all ages in Primary schools - the stylised illustrations are interesting to look at and have a great use of colour. The text is easy to follow and not overwhelming. I really enjoyed this book and will be buying it for my toddler!

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Wow what a wonderful book! I was first drawn to this book as I’ve read a few titles by Tom Percival and loved them! This book was so simple but had such a strong message. We know that sometimes we don’t feel ourselves and don’t enjoy things as much but this book addresses this feeling to children in a really lovely way. From the black and white illustrations with colourful touches to the heartwarming message, this book is a great read for all!

I can imagine planning a series of health and well-being lessons around this with excellent discussion. Fantastic for children!

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Another tremendous triumph from Tom Percival with Tilda Tries Again - dare I say it might even be my Big Bright Feelings picture book yet!

When Tilda's world turns topsy-turvy, the things she once found joy and comfort in, like reading and playing with friends, now feel gray and challenging. But when Tilda encounters a little ladybird in a topsy-turvy situation of its own, Tilda realises the power that comes with trying again.

Resilience, self-belief, patience and perseverance are all packed into this gorgeously uplifting tale that will have little and big readers rooting for Tilda's happiness all the way through. I've said it once and I'll say it again; Tom Percival's picture books belong on every child's bookshelf. I really hope that this empowering and important series continues to grow.

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