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< Back Kathleen Welton Whoo! Hoo! Hoo! The Carousel at the Zoo Inspired by a well-known children’s song, Whoo! Hoo! Hoo! The Carousel at the Zoo, by Kathleen Welton, is a fun and interactive picture book and sing-along experience. The book features a variety of zoo animals as they have fun riding on a fairground carousel. The rhythm is based on the classic, ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ tune. Each spread introduces different zoo animals, or different features of the carousel, as it spins around and around. We see horses galloping and neighing, elephants stomping and swaying, and pandas romping and rolling along to their favourite sing-along tune. Beautifully written, with lots of playful rhyme and alliteration, children will enjoy singing along. The repetitive structure and memorable tune, make it easy for young children to join in. The vibrant illustrations capture the fun at the fair perfectly. I particularly enjoyed the expressions of the different animal characters in lots of silly scenarios. Young children will love spotting their favourite creatures and predicting the next verse. Based on a well-known song, young children will enjoy this fresh take on a children’s classic. Perfect for pre-schoolers and early learners, this book will help with language development and spark a love of storytelling. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A super, interactive picture book, with a multitude of zoo animals, a fun fairground ride, and a familiar sing-along-tune. Purchase here

< Back Jennifer Ivy Walker The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight Tristan and Issylte return in the third instalment in the Sea Raven trilogy series by author Jennifer Ivy Walker Tristan, the banished Blue Knight of Cornwall, and heir to the Kingdom of Lyonesse, and his wife Issylte, the Emerald Princess and heir to the Irish crown, have fled from Issylte’s wicked stepmother, the Black Widow Queen Morag, and taken refuge on the island of Avalon. As heirs to their respective thrones, Tristan and Issylte pose an intolerable threat to Queen Morag, and her sovereignty over those two kingdoms. The Queen poisoned her first husband, Issylte’s father, the King Donnchadh of Ireland, and also attempted to murder Issylte, to secure her position on the Irish throne. She is poisoning her second husband, the King Marke of Cornwall, Tristan’s uncle, to maintain her rule over the Cornish Kingdom. The Queen is still raging from the death of Morholt, her beloved Black Knight who was killed by Tristan during a failed Viking invasion of Cornwall. She vows to find Tristan and avenge Morholt’s death. When Queen Morag and her cronies discover that Issylte is pregnant with Tristan’s child, she is further enraged. With her ally, dwarf Bothor, she plans an elaborate plot to kill Tristan, and capture Issylte and her unborn child. The Queen plans to imprison Issylte until her baby is born, and then sacrifice the royal infant during the winter solstice, to break a curse that has plagued the Queen for many years. Issylte is captured and imprisoned in a tower on the top of a rocky cliff edge. Tristan and his army of knights must journey back to Tintagel to rescue his wife and unborn child. Will Tristan save his wife and child from the murderous queen? Will Tristan and Issylte ever regain their thrones to their kingdoms? And will Queen Morag ever be punished for her crimes? The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight is a fascinating medieval fantasy fiction novel by author Jennifer Ivy Walker. In this third instalment in the Sea Raven trilogy, Tristan and Issylte’s journey to reclaim their rightful positions on their respective thrones, comes to a breathtaking climax. With gruesome and bloody battle scenes, hot and steamy love scenes, and many unexpected twists and turns, this is an electrifying conclusion to a magnificent trilogy. The book, and the series, is a super addition to the medieval fantasy fiction genre and will captivate readers who enjoy Celtic history and folklore. I could not wait to read this final book and I am gutted the series had concluded. I am hopeful that Tristan, Issylte and their son might return for a new adventure very soon! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An epic medieval fantasy fiction novel, comes to an electrifying conclusion. Purchase here

< Back Stephanie Woodward The Big Scale Back: Success and Balance By Your Own Design Author Stephanie Woodward describes how she ‘scaled back’ her life in business to find fun, happiness and love. Author Stephanie Woodward excelled in business, and climbed the ladder to the very top. But, her drive and dedication to work eventually took its toll on her mind and body. Woodward describes how she sacrificed herself and her relationships to achieve success. But the success she was striving for was based on other people’s standards of productivity, long hours, loyalty, dedication and self-sacrifice. Woodward describes how she was conditioned at a very young age to enter the world of business, suppressing her inner desires and love of reading, writing and creativity. When her father sadly passed away from a terminal brain tumour, Woodward reflects on her father’s life as a businessman, and her own life as a self-described ‘loyal workhorse’. Exhausted, burnt out, and grief stricken, Woodward receives support from a coach and therapist. She begins to question her role in the workplace, and seeks to make changes in her life, to restore balance and find happiness. The Big Scale Back: Success and Balance by Your Own Design is an engaging and insightful memoir and self-help book by author Stephanie Woodward, a life and leadership coach. Woodward shares her own personal journey, from her school days, through university, and into the corporate world. She describes how her work was all encompassing, impacting all areas of her life, and how she managed to step ‘off the ramp’ to find fun, happiness and love. She explains the many obstacles and challenges she faced, and how she eventually identified four measures of success: having fun, paying bills, moving her body and love. She provides a useful framework for others who might want to embark on personal change, based on the concept of ‘conscious productivity’, which defines success on understanding the self. This is a real and honest book about how one woman found fulfilment, personally and professionally. With resources, worksheets and reflective questions, this book may encourage readers to start their own journey to find work-life fulfilment. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An engaging and insightful non-fiction book, which will appeal to readers looking for a real and honest book about leadership, management, and personal development. Purchase here

< Back Melanie Joy Mezzancello Love Snaggs - A Little Dog’s Courageous Journey An epic story of one little pups’ adventure on earth and in the afterlife, by author Melanie Joy Mezzancello A little Yorkie pup doesn’t have the best start in life. Born in a puppy mill, he spends his early days locked in a small cage with other frightened pups, before being sold to a pet store in Winter Park, Florida. But his future turns brighter when he is adopted by a young couple and taken to a new comfortable, and loving home. The couple name the pup Snaggs, and he is soon joined by his brother, Linus, a Silver Phantom Cockapoo, and sister, Sasha, a tiny caramel-white Maltese Poodle mix. Snaggs lives a full and happy life with his mommy, daddy, brother and sister, but as he grows older, he suffers from a number of health conditions and becomes very sick. Snaggs’ brief time on earth comes to an end, but his journey is not yet over. When he wakes, he has passed over the Rainbow Bridge into Summerland, a heavenly place where animals go when their time on earth is over. But Snaggs misses home and worries about the family he left behind, so he sets off on an epic journey up the Spire Mountain to find a ram named Shaman, who he believes will help him find his way back to earth. Will Snaggs find his way home? And will he ever see his beloved family again? Love Snaggs - A Little Dog’s Courageous Journey is a sweet and imaginative canine adventure story for younger independent readers, with a unique and unexpected twist. This is not a typical abandoned/neglected/lost pup story, it is an epic story of one little pups’ adventure on earth and in the afterlife. The little pup shows strength, courage, and determination to follow his dream and reunite with his family. He meets lots of wonderful and fascinating characters throughout this journey, and faces many dangers along the way. Snaggs is an adorable character, and this book will appeal to dog lovers of all ages, and readers interested in fantasy and adventure stories. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and imaginative canine adventure story with an adorable main character with a unique and unexpected twist. Purchase here

Pawprints On Our Hearts: How A Few Incredible Dogs Changed One Life Forever < Back Kerk Murray Pawprints On Our Hearts: How A Few Incredible Dogs Changed One Life Forever A funny, emotional, and heart-breaking book about Kerk Murray’s life with his amazing dogs Pawprints On Our Hearts is a memoir by Kerk Murray about his life with his beloved pets, and how they supported him through some of the most challenging times of his life. He writes about his first encounter with a dog, when he was chased by a terrifying Doberman Pinscher, at the age of thirteen. Shortly after, his mom brought home an old, miniature Pinscher, Chelsea, rescued from an abusive situation. At first, Kerk was a little unsure and cautious, but he soon learned to love the ageing dog. Chelsea became an integral part of the family and Kerk recalls fond memories of playing with her, walking her, and how she provided comfort when he experienced bullying at school. Chelsea was later joined by an excited border collie and Labrador mix puppy, Lexi, and the two dogs became inseparable. Kerk describes how Lexi brought him immense joy during his young adult life and how she was by his side through major life events, even saving him from a suicide attempt. The latest editions to Kerk’s family are a Yorkie-poo, Maximus, and a Morkie, Spartacus. Kerk also describes how he set up an animal rescue organisation, the Lexis’s Legacy Foundation, following a chance encounter with an abandoned dog, Gunner. This is a well written and moving memoir, which captures the love between a man and his canine best friends. It is a warm, funny, emotional, and heart-breaking book, and a must read for animal lovers everywhere. Kerk describes a deep and profound connection with each of his wonderful dogs, and how they supported him throughout his life, providing companionship and comfort through the darkest times. This book is a beautiful and loving tribute to Kerk’s canine friends, past and present. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A well written and moving memoir of the love between a man and his canine best friends, A must read for animal lovers everywhere. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Hannah Sward STRIP: A MEMOIR Author Hannah Sward tells the story of her life and work in the sex industry. Hannah Sward was abandoned by her mother at the age of two, and brought up by her father, poet Robert Sward. Hannah lived on a houseboat near Victoria, Lasqueti Island, with no cars, stores, and few people. Hannah describes a simple life, living off the land and sea, with fun filled summers spent in Florida with her mother and her half-sister, Rilke. Hannah dreamed of becoming an actress or dancer, and made a pledge with her sister to move to California when they were older. When her father leaves for a trip to India, Hannah is left with his girlfriend, Alina, but spends much of her time alone. One day, while playing at a park alone, Hannah is abducted by a man in a brown car and sexually assaulted. The police are called, and Hannah is examined, but no-one mentions the incident again. Her father and Alina marry, and Alina has a baby boy named Alex. When Hannah and Alex are left alone with a young male babysitter, Hannah is repeatedly sexually abused in the family home. At the age of twenty-two, after studying in Montreal, working as an escort in Chicago, and living with an older man in Miami, Hannah moved to Los Angeles with her sister. But their dreams of becoming successful actresses did not work out as planned, as Rilke worked as a burlesque dancer, while Hannah found more work as an escort. As Hannah struggles to make ends meet, she turns to crystal meth to help cope with her reality. She finds a respectable office job and starts to see a therapist, but jeopardises both when she replaces her drug of choice with alcohol. As Hannah spirals further into addiction, she must confront her past to move forward with her life. Strip: A Memoir, is a deeply moving and personal memoir by Hannah Sward about her childhood growing up in the 1970’s, and her adult life working as a stripper and escort in Los Angeles. Sward’s writing is raw, honest, and at times difficult to read. She describes the pain of being abandoned by her mother, the enduring trauma of abuse, the reality of sex work, and the impact of drug addiction. But she does not dwell on any of these incidents, she does not criticise, and she does not blame. She describes her experience in her own words, with no judgment of others. Sward’s story is heart-breaking. Her journey is inspiring. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A deeply moving and personal memoir about one woman’s life working as a stripper and escort in Los Angeles. Purchase here

< Back Elizabeth M Grieco Paws in Paris: The Adventures of Tenny and Bella An exciting cat adventure through the streets of Paris, by Elizabeth M Grieco Journalist Sarah has been offered a new job in Paris. Sarah accepts the position on the condition she can take her two beloved cats with her, Tenny and Bella. After a long flight from Atlanta to Paris, Sarah and her two cats arrive in Paris, but no sooner have they found their new apartment, Sarah receives an urgent call and has to travel to Berlin for an important job. Tenny and Bella are left alone and scared in a new apartment in a strange city, under the watchful eye of their new neighbour Mme Gautier. But Mme Gautier accidently leaves a window open, and the two cats go outside to explore the garden. With new sights and sounds all around them, the frightened cats escape the garden and find themselves lost in the streets of Paris. They meet a tomcat, Mephisto, and ask for his help to find their way home. Mephisto takes the cats to meet his friends Cleo, Maurice, and Seraphine, who advise the only way back is to seek assistance from Pierre le Matou, the notorious leader of the brutal Graveyard Gang. The cats are scared but agree to find Le Matou and fight their way into his secret hideout. But before their journey can begin, Tenny is catnapped by a struggling artist as a gift for his wife, and Bella is hit by a motorbike and seriously injured. How will Tenny escape from the artist who thinks she is a stray? Will Bella recover from her injuries and ever see Tenny again? And will the pair ever find Le Matou and their way back home to Sarah? Paws in Paris: The Adventures of Tenny and Bella is a sweet and charming book for young independent readers by Elizabeth M Grieco. With two adorable cats, an intriguing plot, and a wonderful Parisian setting, this book will appeal to those who like animal stories and travel adventures. The book opens with Sarah and her husband Mark as they notice a painting from a famous artist featuring their beloved cat Tenny. How on earth did their beloved cat find her way into a famous painting? This is a great opening for a story, and will leave readers thinking of all possible scenarios. What follows, is an unexpected and exciting cat adventure through the streets of Paris. Readers will be engaged and entertained, as they root for Tenny and Bella, and at the same time learn about the magnificent city of Paris. The first chapter would make a fantastic prompt for parents, carers, or teachers, to encourage children to tell their own version of the story and engage them in imaginative thinking and creative writing. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and charming story, with two adorable cats, an intriguing plot, and a wonderful Parisian setting. Purchase here

< Back Robin Jeffrey .exe: A Cadence Turing Mystery Chance Hale is enamoured by a mysterious woman from a different planet. Chance Hale is an Arrhidaean living in the wealthy suburb or Zahia. Chance is heir to the multi-billion-dollar company, Halcyon Enterprises, headed up by his father, Felix Hale. Travelling home after a one-night stand he can hardly remember, Chance notices a woman with a phoenix tattoo on her back. He introduces himself to the woman, and learns her name is Cadence Turing, from the plant Paraesepe. New to the city, and with no where else to stay, Chance invites the stranger to stay at his house, the imposing Hale Manor. Felix is planning a party that night and has an important announcement to make. He is not happy his son has brought a stranger into the house. As Cadence learns more about the strange, new world, the party gets underway. To everyone’s surprise, Felix announces his engagement t o Desdemona Eydis, and gives her an expensive necklace. Chance is livid that his father is marrying a woman younger than him, and who he has known for just three months. When Chance confronts his father, Felix threatens to cut him off from his inheritance. The next day, Desdemona’s necklace is missing, and the following day Felix is found beaten to death in his room. As Chance becomes the prime suspect for his father’s murder, Cadence reveals her true identity, putting her own life in danger. Will Chance prove his innocence? Will Cadence’s true identity be discovered by the authorities? And can they solve the mystery of Felix’s death? .exe: A Cadence Turing Mystery is a thrilling science fiction novel by author Robin Jeffrey , and the first book in the Cadence Turing mystery series. The book follows two people from two different worlds, who are unexpectedly brought together and realise they have more in common than they think. This is a classic mystery novel, set in a captivating futuristic world. With intriguing characters, and a gripping mystery plot, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy futuristic fantasy fiction and crime mysteries. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A classic whodunnit, with a unique, futuristic twist. Purchase here

< Back AC Bradburn Dancing with Cara: The Nature Stories Cara is digging a big hole in her grandfather’s garden. Soil encourages her to dig deeper and Cara is surprised that Soil is wet and warm to the touch. Soil explains that it is kept warm by the trees, plants and grass, who send warmth from the sun through their roots. Soil also holds onto the rain, to provide water to other living organisms. In return, Soil stores the warmth and the water in winter and helps the trees, plants and grass grow. Cara talks to Wren, resting in her grandfather’s apple tree. Wren explains that by singing, it wakes up the flower bulbs, trees and some animals in the spring. Cara helps Wren wake up spring by singing a song ‘Wake up, wake up, springtime is here!’. Cara feels the apple tree vibrate and hears it creak as it wakes up for spring. Cara is toasting marshmallows on a fire with her grandfather when she notices how the flame changes color. Flame explains how it transforms her marshmallow, and how it can transform other things too, through its ashes. Cara talks to her Tear, when she is sad when her bunny is injured. Tear explains how it comes out when she is hurt or feels upset, and sometimes when she is happy too. Dancing with Cara: The Nature Stories is a collection of short stories by author AC Bradburn, that takes young readers on a sensory journey through nature. The book is told through the eyes of Cara, a curious and adventurous little girl who loves spending time in nature. As Cara interacts with the environment, she converses with the wildlife and the natural elements around her. As Cara communicates with the natural environment, she learns how the soil helps plants grow, and how birds wake up spring. She discovers how all living organisms are connected through the web of life, and her own place in the ecosystem. This is a delightful and profound collection of stories about nature, beautifully written by Bradburn in a lyrical prose, with exquisite illustrations by Ivy Trazsi. I was completely immersed in these stories, and for a brief moment in time, I felt like I was one with nature – just like Cara. This is a wonderful addition to any bookshelf. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An immersive, heart warming and touching exploration of nature, and our place within it. Purchase here

< Back Cristiana Pinciroli Sport : a Stage for Life - How to Connect with the Touchstones of Elite Performance and Personal Fulfillment Lessons in sport and life from professional athlete, Cristiana Pinciroli Sport: A Stage for Life: How to Connect with the Touchstones of Elite Performance and Personal Fulfillment is a self-help / handbook written by Cristiana Pinciroli, with her father Pedro Pinciroli Junior. Cristiana is a former professional water polo player who captained the Brazilian national team for over a decade, and her father Pedro represented Brazil at two Olympic games. Cristiana shares her memories of her father’s sporting achievements, and how his success and legacy inspired her to achieve her own goals in the sport. She shares her own personal experiences of sport, the successes and failures, the challenges and rewards, the highs and the lows. There are twelve chapters, divided into four parts (dimensions). The dimensions follow the ‘WeTeam’ method, which includes the things that motivate us, move us, and enable us to act intentionally (self-knowledge, purpose and values, and happiness). In each chapter the authors explore the key elements needed for a fuller and more successful life. They show how they applied the lessons from sport in building successful corporate careers. In addition, there are contributions from other athletes, coaches, psychologists, and academics, who share their own personal stories of the impact of sport. This is an inspiring and captivating book which will appeal to both professional and amateur athletes, parents of athletes, sport coaches, and anyone interested in sport. It provides a fascinating insight into water polo and other sports. For water polo enthusiasts, or those new to the sport, the book provides plenty of valuable hints and tips on how to play the sport. For athletes, she provides advice and guidance on how to balance the demands and pressure of high-performance sport and other aspects of life. The authors show how everything we learn in sport applies to life and they provide many life hacks that will help readers live a more fulfilled and happy life. This is a well-written, and entertaining book. The writing is warm, funny, and engaging. The book demonstrates the positive role and impact of sport on individuals, and on society as a whole. It will help readers develop more positive mindsets and behaviors to live a happy and more fulfilled life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspiring and captivating book about the positive role and impact of sport on individuals and society. Purchase here

< Back Glenda Brown The Story of Raine One woman fights for survival when she learns her marriage is built on lies, by author Glenda Brown Following a short, whirlwind romance, seventeen-year-old Lana marries Sloan and moves to Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains to live with his family. The grand home and farm, named the ‘Shaddeau’, is set in 1,500 acres of land, far from Lana’s modest family home in Missouri. As Lana settles into life in Virginia, she soon becomes pregnant, and her baby girl, she names Raine, is born in the middle of a storm. Raine spends much of her childhood alone, while her father is busy working on the farm, and her mother is depressed. She grows up to be a shy but independent young woman, with dreams of becoming a lawyer. Raine attends college in Maryland, and meets her roommate JaDee who introduces her to an Italian named Anthony Riconi. Raine confides in her friend that one day she will marry Anthony. But JaDee warns her that he might not be a good match and his family has a questionable reputation. During a storm one evening, Raine is badly injured in a terrible car accident. Raine is rush to hospital and spends several weeks in a coma. JaDee suggests they call Anthony to her bedside, and on hearing his voice, she quickly recovers. Several years later, after Raine graduates and finds a job in real estate, Anthony proposes. The couple marry and Raine becomes pregnant with her first child. Raine feels blessed she has a good life, with a loving husband, a perfect baby, a nice apartment and financial stability. Yet, when Anthony continues to take lengthy trips home to see his family, Raine becomes suspicious. She knows little about his career, or how he earns his money, and she remembers JaDee’s warning when they first met. Raine follows her husband back to New Jersey to find out the truth, but in doing so she uncovers a whole web of lies, which puts her life, and her family home, the Shaddeau, at risk. The Story of Raine is a compelling and captivating Christian fiction novel by author Glenda Brown. Set between 1935 and 1969, the story is about a woman who is born into a privileged life, but largely neglected by her parents. It shows how her experiences as a young child and teen, and her relationship with her parents, impacted her later life choices. As she finds her own independence and marries the man of her dreams, she soon realises that she has been duped. The novel is easy to read, and hard to put down. It is quite a lengthy novel (at 444 pages), but I was hooked throughout. I particularly enjoyed the way the author weaved in the presence of storms throughout Raine’s life, from her birth right through to her death. This is a Christian novel, and there are some subtle references to God and Christian values, but this does not overwhelm the story. With a blend of romance, tragedy, mystery and suspense, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, women’s fiction and Christian fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling and captivating Christian fiction novel, that is both easy to read and hard to put down. Purchase here

< Back Christine Corrigan Mendez Leo Gets His Nighttime ZZZs Leo loves sport. He is always busy, doing this, doing that, doing everything! But, because Leo is busy doing lots of different activities, he gets tired sometimes. Leo often wakes up during the night and cannot get back to sleep. He thinks about all the things he needs to do and the places he needs to be. He tries new techniques to get back to sleep, but nothing seems to work. One day, Leo falls asleep during class, and another day he falls asleep while playing in a soccer match! Leo’s good friends are members of the Kids Can Club and Leo decides to join. The Kids Can Club take on all kinds of projects to help kids, animals and grown-ups too. Leo shares his story with the Kids Can Club, and they make it their next mission to help Leo get back to sleep. Leo learns a new technique called the ‘Scrunch up-Five Unscrunch’, which he uses to get back his nighttime ZZZ’s. Leo Gets His Nighttime ZZZs is an illustrated picture book for newly independent readers, by author Christine Corrigan Mendez. This is an engaging and insightful book for young readers about a young boy who struggles to sleep. He tries everything to get back to sleep, but cannot do it on his own. With a little help from his friends at the Kids Can Club, Leo learns new techniques for a restful night’s sleep. The book will help young readers understand why they might struggle to sleep, and provides practical tips to help them get a good night’s sleep. The story emphasises the importance of friendship and teamwork, and will encourage young readers to share their problems or concerns with others. With full guidance on the ‘Scrunch up-Five Unscrunch’ technique, this is a fabulous resource for children and their parents or caregivers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An engaging and insightful book, with practical strategies to help young children have a restful night’s sleep. Purchase here