Search Results

< Back Billy Baldwin Orbit's Monster Nebula Have you ever wondered where monsters come from? The abdominal snowman? King Kong? The Loch Ness monster? Orbit’s Monster Nebula will take you on a journey through far distant galaxies to a planet like no other. A planet where only the bravest space travellers dare to venture. A planet where monsters are born. Big ones, small ones, pink ones, green ones, furry ones, slimy ones. Any kind of monster you dare to imagine was born on this planet, in a scare factory by young Orbit and the Astroblast family. But when Orbit notices his monsters are disappearing, he sets off on a treacherous journey to Earth to capture the monsters and bring them home. Will Orbit succeed in his mission? Or will the monsters escape and wreak havoc on planet Earth? This is a super scary, imaginative picture book that will appeal to intrepid monster hunters and wanna-be galaxy travellers. Baldwin creatures a horrifying but very humorous fantasy planet that will have young children shaking in their boots. The illustrator Liesl Bell is an outstanding talent. The wonderfully detailed, vibrant illustrations really capture the imagination and bring the terrifying creatures to life. Children will love pouring over the intricate images of the fantasy world and the disgusting creatures that inhabit it. We cannot wait to read more adventures or Orbit and the Astroblast family. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A super scary, imaginative picture book that will have young children shaking in their boots. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Sarah Sparks The Messiest Monster on Mill Street Can Max escape from his huge pile of mess? Max is the messiest monster on Mill Street. He leaves paint on the walls, spills on the floor, crumbs in his fur, and dirt on his nose. Until one day the mess gets out of hand, and the dishes and pants, the socks, and clothes, topple onto Max and swallow him whole. Inside the gunky mess, fuzzy critters and creatures have started to grow. As Max kicks and cries, and tries to climb out of the mess, he promises to clean up if he ever gets out! Finally, he is free and true to his word, Max cleans up the mess, one task at a time. He tidies and scrubs and makes everything sparkly. He soon realises that cleaning is fun and turns it into a game. He promises never to let the house get so messy again, but he is still the messiest monster in the street. The Messiest Monster on Mill Street is an illustrated picture book by Sarah Sparks about a little monster, who can’t help but make a mess. He loves to have fun, and tidying up is not part of the game. Until one day, the mess gets too much and Max has to do something about it. He works hard to clean up and realises cleaning is not as tough as he thought. Max is an adorable character and young children will love to read his adventures, as he gets himself into a messy pickle. They will laugh out loud at the gunk and gloop he creates, and the tiny creatures that emerge from every surface. Parents will love this book; they will recognise the messy monster in their own children and hope (fingers crossed!) it will encourage their little ones to clean up their own mess at bedtime. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and funny story about an adorable, but very messy little monster named Max. Purchase here

< Back Betty Cetas Oscar and Otto Friendship is much more fun than fighting. Oscar is a troll who loves to fish. Otto is a fish who loves to trick fishermen. When Oscar takes his boat into the lake, Otto cannot wait to have some fun. Oscar throws his line into the lake, and Otto bites on the tasty worm. But when Oscar retrieves the worm, there is no fish. Oscar drops his line again, and again and again, and Otto nibbles on the worm, one bit at a time. Until Oscar has no worms left. Otto teases Oscar, and Oscar hatches a plan to catch the fish. He tries a fishing net, but Otto is too strong and falls into the water. He tries a hook, but the line snaps and he falls into the water. Otto escapes, but the hook is stuck in his mouth. Oscar is furious, and even when the lake freezes over, he plots to catch Otto. He cuts a hole in the icy surface of the lake, but the ice isn’t thick enough and he falls into the water again. Oscar cannot find the ice hole, but Otto sees him drowning and helps him to the surface. When spring arrives, Oscar returns back to the lake…but this time he has a very different plan. Oscar and Otto is part of the Troll Tales and Other Stories from Grandma’s Cottage series, by Betty Cetas. This is a heartwarming tale of two enemies who set their differences aside to become good friends. It follows Oscar as he battles to catch the fish ‘that cannot be caught’. The more Otto evades Oscar’s capture, the more furious Oscar becomes. Oscar is determined to catch the pesky fish, and Otto is determined to evade the fisherman. Until the day their games go too far, and both Oscar and Otto’s lives are in danger. Otto notices Oscar is in trouble and helps save his life. In return, Oscar does a good deed to help the fish. The book demonstrates the importance of friendship, kindness, and supporting others when they are in need. Young children will enjoy the fun scenes of Oscar repeatedly falling in the lake and will root for the fish as he evades the troll’s capture. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartwarming tale of two enemies who set their differences aside and become best friends. Purchase here

< Back Deanna Chesley What If We Had A Pet Shark? Ellie returns from a field trip to the zoo. She has a very big and quite terrifying question. A question, she is too afraid to ask. A question, she is too afraid to know the answer. What if we had a pet shark? Ellie reluctantly asks her momma. Or a crocodile, a giraffe, or a skunk? Ellie imagines what might happen if she brought home some scary and very unusual pets. Will they help around the house, or will they create mess and chaos, Ellie ponders? As she snuggles down to sleep with her beloved pooch, Ellie soon realises that the best pet is the one snuggled up right beside her. This illustrated picture book will have younger children laughing out loud and squirming in their seats! The story is based on a typical question that a young child might ask, and will help spark the imagination and further conversations. What if…? Written in rhyme by Deanna Chesley, with stunning, vibrant illustrations that will entice younger readers by Roksana Barwinska. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘This fabulously fun picture book will have children laughing out loud and squirming in their seats. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Jennifer Welborn Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals Dr. Rosie finds alternative treatments for her animal friends. Rosie loves to help animals, just like her mom. She asks lots of questions as her mom treats and cares for the animals in her veterinary practice. She watches her mom treat a puppy with a cut on his ear, and then Rosie decides to go out and help real live animals. She uses her new skills to treat a rabbit with a poorly ear, a pig with a swollen tummy, a giraffe with a sore throat, an elephant with a stuffy nose, an ostrich with an injured knee, a crocodile with a painful tooth, an octopus with a bump on his head, a beluga whale with a nasty rash, a polar bear with a fever, and an owl with an allergy. Rosie uses natural remedies, including gel from the aloe plant, honey, salt water, a cold compress, and rest and water. But most importantly, she offers lots of kisses and cuddles! Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals by author Jennifer Welborn is a children’s picture book about a little girl who loves animals and wants to help care for them and make them better. This is a cute, engaging and funny picture book that will appeal to younger readers who love animals and nature. The book explores a range of animal symptoms, diagnoses, and natural treatments, informed by real-life veterinarians and scientists. The book will help children learn about different animals, their symptoms and natural remedy treatments. It will encourage children to show empathy towards animals and could inspire them to get involved in animal health and welfare, for example as a veterinary surgeon, nurse, or volunteer. I particularly like that the book focuses on natural remedies and could help to support further discussions about alternative treatments, for both humans and animals. I enjoyed the colourful illustrations by Rozillia MH and the diversity of the characters represented. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A cute, engaging and funny picture book for younger readers who love animals and nature. Purchase here

< Back Julie Stephens Mountain Mutts - Joy's Tale A wonderful tale of friendship, by author Julie Stephens This is a story about two dogs, named Winter and Spring. The two best friends were inseparable, wherever Winter went, Spring would follow. Winter and Spring loved to play and explore together, until the day Winter sadly passed away, leaving Spring sad, alone and confused. Then one day, a new puppy named Joy arrived in the household. Joy wants lots of attention, but Spring is not interested in the energetic newcomer. She misses her dear friend, Winter. Joy plays and sleeps alone, and waits patiently until Spring is ready to be her friend. Eventually Spring takes notice, and the pair become good friends. Spring teaches the young pup how to climb down the steps, how to cross the river, and how to fetch a stick. Now, Spring and Joy are inseparable, but Winter will never be forgotten. Mountain Mutts - Joy's Tale by author Julie Stephens is a wonderful picture book for young children, about the friendship and love that exists between dogs. Spring is despondent when her play mate and best friend Winter passes away. She is no longer interested in having fun or making new friends, but all that changes when she meets a lively little pup, named Joy. Joy helps Spring overcome her grief and shows her that there is still lots to live for. This is a poignant story about love and loss, beautifully told through the eyes of adorable dogs. The story deals with complex issues, such as depression and grief, in a way that younger children will understand and can relate to. The book will appeal to readers who love dogs, and may help those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The book features beautiful photographs of three wonderful dogs, Winter, Spring and Joy. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A poignant picture book for younger readers about love and loss, beautifully told through the eyes of adorable dogs. Purchase here

< Back Charlene McIver Medieval Mashup Three friends, Leigh, Cosmo, and Tara are planning their medieval costumes for the school fair. Cosmo wants to dress up as Robin Hood, and Tara is planning to dress up as Maid Marion. Leigh wants to dress up as knight in shining armour, but is worried it will be too heavy in his wheelchair and he might look silly. The friends joke and make silly suggestions for his costume, using a cardboard box, a plastic barrel, and pieces of wood. Fed up with all the jokes, Leigh confides in his friends that every day he looks different and all he wants is to look brave and strong. Tara and Cosmo reassure him, but question why he can’t be brave and strong, and also funny. So, Leigh decides to do something a little bit different, and to mash-up costume ideas to show his full personality. The friends join in the fun and three new medieval mash-up costumes are created. This book is the second instalment in the ‘Leigh’s Wheelie Adventures’ series, and it follows on from the first nice book nicely. Although, one doesn’t have to read the first book to enjoy the second. In the second book we see further development of the characters and their relationships. We learn a little bit more about Leigh’s personality, his worries, and anxieties. We also see the kindness and compassion of Cosmo and Tara, and whilst they like to joke and have fun, they are also very aware and sensitive to Leigh’s feelings. Another fun-filled instalment from McIver, with an important message of friendship and inclusion. With beautiful pastel illustrations by Caroline Keys, reminiscent of a time-gone-by. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A charming book about a young boy who just wants to fit in. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Kate Giles Camp Cattitude Crazy camp capers and cats with a cranky cattitude, by author Kate Giles Camp Cattitude is the world’s top kitten camp, run by the formidable Meowmoiselle. Meowmoiselle trained all the top kittens, including the world’s Expert Sofa Shredder, the Olympic Napping Champion and the Fussiest Eater Alive, and was in high demand from all the cat moms. Camp Cattitude was bursting at the seams, much to the dismay of the neighbouring Rottweilers, when a little kitty named Snug, turned up at the door. Meowmoiselle was smitten by the kitten, and could not refuse to take him in. But Snug was no ordinary little kitten. He was well behaved. He did not follow the camp rules. He had no cattitude! One day, when Meowmoiselle was out shopping, the other kittens escape and wreak havoc in the neighbour’s garden. Little Snug is caught and faces the wrath of a raging Rottweiler. But rather than face-off with the Rottweiler, Snug tries a different approach. He works with the other kittens to repair the damage to the garden, and restores friendships with the warring neighbours. Snug teaches the other kittens an important lesson in kitty cattitude! Camp Cattitude by author Kate Giles is a sweet and funny picture book about a crazy camp, for cute cats with a cranky cattitude. The book is a funny and enjoyable read and has a subtle message about kindness and the importance of not following the crowd. With lots of word play and cat puns, children will laugh out loud at the mischievousness little kittens, and their crazy antics. The illustrations by Ben Chandler and Enile Reiner are simply delightful. With fabulous facial expressions and body language, and intricate details like the dog drinking a cup of tea and the comedy signs around the camp, the illustrations will amuse young readers and adults alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and funny picture book, with delightful illustrations. It was a joy to read. Purchase here

< Back Jessica Wendi Abel The Little Blue Rocket Ship The Little Blue Rocket Ship: A Story About Postpartum Depression is a children’s picture book about a young boy whose mom suffers postpartum depression following the birth of his baby brother. The boy wants to play with his mom, just like he used to, but suddenly she no longer wants to play. The boy launches a blue rocket ship from his window with a note to bring his old mom back, and waits every day for the ship to return. After a long time, and following lots of rest and support, his mom finally returns the blue rocket ship. The boy knows things will never be the same, but looks forward to building another rocket ship with his mom. This is a heart-warming book about postpartum depression, lovingly and sensitively told from the perspective of a child. He doesn’t understand why his mum doesn’t want to play anymore, or why she stays in her room. He experiences a range of emotions, from anger through to sadness. The book provides a great resource to start conversations about postpartum depression with younger children. It will help children to understand that postpartum depression affects many women, but with lots of rest and support, they will get better with time. It will provide comfort and reassurance for those experiencing postpartum depression, and those impacted by the illness. The book contains much needed additional resources for those who might need further information or support. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A heart-warming book about postpartum depression, lovingly and sensitively told from the perspective of a child. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Becca Johnsey When We Are Apart Author Becca Johnsey explores separation anxiety in a sweet picture book This is a picture book about a little boy who loves spending time with his father. Father and son have lots of fun, playing games and reading books together. But when his father is away at work during the day, the little boy feels sad. He misses his father terribly, and hopes he will come home soon. The little boy’s mom comforts him, and explains she misses him and feels sad too. The little boy tries a number of things to pass the time and relieve the sadness. Breathing and relaxation techniques, keeping busy, and looking at the watch his father bought him. He also rings his father at work, which reassures him he will be home soon. When We Are Apart by author Becca Johnsey is a sweet, rhyming, picture book about a little boy who misses his father when he is away at work. The author was inspired to write this book following her own experiences when her young son missed his father, when he returned to work following the pandemic. The book will help young children name and understand their feelings, and deal with their emotions. It will provide comfort and reassurance that they are loved even when a parent might be absent, and that the parent will come home. With a list of activities to support families at the end of this book, the book will help families manage emotions when a parent or loved one leaves home. It will provide support and comfort to those who might be experiencing separation anxiety. Beautiful digital illustrations by Mariza, created in a traditional style. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet, rhyming, picture book that will help young children deal with their emotions when a parent might be away from home. Purchase here

< Back Katherine Lockwood Why Me Mama A Childrens Book About The Disability Experience A little owl has a big worry. It’s Rose’s birthday and she is planning a party, but she is not looking forward to the celebrations. She is afraid her friends will not want to come to the party because she is different. Her mom explains that she felt different from her friends too, but people couldn’t see her difference. Some differences can be seen, but others cannot. So, Rose decides she wants to invite everyone, and as she hands out her invitations, she learns that many of her friends have differences too. Some of the differences are visible, but some of them are not visible. As Rose prepares for her birthday party, she learns that sometimes her friends have to find new ways of doing things, but it does not stop them from joining in and taking part. Rose also learns that some of her friends cannot attend her party because it is just too difficult for them, but she makes sure they still feel involved by sharing her birthday cake with them. The day of the party arrives, and Rose is looking forward to the celebrations. Rose understands that many of her friends have differences, and their differences make them who they are. She soon realises they are all wonderful and unique, and so is she. Why Me, Mama? A Childrens Book About The Disability Experience by author Katherine Lockwood is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book, about Rose who is worried about being different but learns to accept and love her differences. This is a powerful and inspiring story about a little girl, told through the eyes of an adorable owl. Featuring a variety of charming woodland creatures with human characteristics, young children will be able to connect with their emotions and experiences. The book will help young children learn the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion, of accepting people the way they are, and of celebrating their individual differences. An excellent choice for parents and educators to explore themes of self-acceptance and friendship with young readers. The enchanting illustrations by Evgeniya Erokhina, complement the story perfectly, capturing the owl’s changing emotions and the delightful woodland setting. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written and illustrated picture book, which explores themes of self-acceptance and friendship. Purchase here

< Back Sarah Sparks The Angriest Monster on Mill Street A tiny monster has the biggest roar on Mill Street. Albie is the angriest monster on Mill Street. He is a little monster, but when he is angry, he is very angry! He shouts and screams, and hits and kicks when he doesn’t get his own way. But one day, Albie gets so angry he loses his temper and lets out a big roar. As the anger bubbles inside him, little Albie grows into the biggest monster you have ever seen. He stomps on the ground and causes a giant earthquake. He huffs and he puffs and stirs up a tornado. Albie knows he has lost control and starts to think what he can do to help himself. He smells the fresh flowers, and he feels the cool breeze. He sees a rainbow in the sky, and watches the rain bounce off the ground. He feels much calmer. Albie’s temper subsides, and he goes back to being a pint-sized little monster. But he has left a lot of mess in Mill Street and is determined to put things right. He meets some new friends who help him talk through his thoughts and feelings. Some days, Albie is still a grumpy monster, but now he knows how to cope. The Angriest Monster on Mill Street by author Sarah Sparks is part of the Monster on Mill Street series. Like other books in this series, Albie has thoughts and feelings he doesn’t know how to control. He experiences bouts of anger and doesn’t know how to keep his emotions in check, to the extent that his temper blows up out of all proportion. But with spending time in nature and speaking to his friends, Albie learns how to cope, little by little. This book is a great resource for parents or carers to open up discussions with younger children about their thoughts and feelings. It will help younger children recognise their own behaviours and help them to develop techniques to manage their emotions. Importantly, it will remind them that they are not alone, and other people will help and support them. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A great resource for parents or carers, with coping mechanisms for children to help manage their emotions. Purchase here