Search Results

< Back Ron Keres The Scariest Story You've Ever Heard The front cover of this book grabs your attention and immediately draws you in. You know you are going to be scared, but you just can’t help yourself, you have to read this book! The font, the gloomy, dark colour-scheme and the terrified eyes peeking out of the bedsheets all add to the tension. Go on, I dare you… Well, I dared, and I was not disappointed. Spooked yes, but disappointed no. The book lived up to its title of the ‘Scariest book ever’. Whilst the story is far too scary to present in pictures, this review is almost too scary to describe in words. I’ll do my best without giving the plot away. The fonts, the page layout, the black pages with small pops of colour, the lack of pictures, the use of language, all gradually build fear and suspense. Young readers will be captivated and terrified. I was! I can imagine parents playing along and adding to the drama, and young children hiding and squirming under their covers. I hope I haven’t scared you away from reading this book, it is a frighteningly good read and suitable for younger readers, I promise! And there is a really cool and funny ending too, I promise! This is a great book based on a really simple but innovative concept. Young children love spooky stories, and they will love this. Author Ron Keres and illustrator Arthur Lin have done such a fantastic job and I look forward to more of their collaborations in the future. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An innovative concept and a frighteningly good read. A GOLD WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back H. R. Manske Doppy and the Runaway Balloons Will Doppy Dopperton retrieve his special balloons? Doppy Dopperton, a very happy Dop, lives in Dop Town. One day he hops to the town and buys three brightly coloured balloons, blue, yellow and red. But poor Doppy trips and falls and loses his grip on his special balloons. The balloons float up, up, up, and away, far out of reach. Doppy chases the balloons, but they are blown further away by a bird, sent down the river by a frog, and snatched by a bunny. But fear not, little Doppy, there are other interesting things to explore in the sky. Doppy and the Runaway Balloons by author H. R. Manske is a fun, entertaining and uplifting illustrated picture book about a little Doppy who has a magical, fun adventure with three balloons. But when he loses the balloons, he goes on a challenging journey to retrieve them. While he doesn’t catch his balloons, he does find something very special instead. It is a beautifully simple and inspiring picture book, that will help teach young children never to give up hope and never to dwell on things when they don’t go to plan. Written in rhyme, with lots of alliteration, this is a great read together book. Young children will love the cute little Doppy character, and the brightly coloured illustrations. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, entertaining and uplifting illustrated picture book about a cute little character and his love of balloons. Purchase here

< Back Stacy Gabel At the Zoo-oo-oo Sing-along with Stacy At the Zoo-oo-oo by author, singer- songwriter, and recording artist Stacy Gabel, is a fun sing-along picture book for younger children, featuring an original song written by the author. It’s a day trip to the zoo, and young readers are invited to sing along and find a variety of zoo animals. But zoo animals like you have never seen before. A giraffe, riding a raft! A potbellied pig dancing a jig! With lots of wonderful rhyme and repetition, each page follows the same structure. ‘Who’s seen a slippery seal, slip slip sliding on a banana peel? Who’s seen a slippery seal at the zoo? Well, I’ve seen a slippery seal, slip slip sliding on a banana peel! I’ve seen a slippery seal right here at the zoo! At the zoo, oh at the zoo! Woo! I’ve seen a slippery seal right here at the zoo!' Parents and children will love to sing along to the simple and catchy tune and will enjoy the illustrations of the zoo animals in various unexpected scenarios. The author recommends readers download the accompanying song and official music video from her website to enjoy the full experience. I didn’t, but I made up a tune and thoroughly enjoyed the experience! An interactive, creative sing-along book, with a rather catchy earworm. I’m sure the book will inspire a love of music and encourage creativity amongst younger readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, sing-along picture book about life at the zoo-oo-oo. Purchase here

< Back Kimberly A Perry Finley the Fairy Finley the Fairy escapes the forest to explore the human world . When all of the other fairies are tucked up in bed, Finley the Fairy sneaks out of her tree house, travels through the dark forest, and ventures into town. She finds a welcoming home, and with a little help from a garden gnome, she flutters inside. As the humans sleep peacefully in their beds, Finley explores their home. She has a quick snack from the pantry, she paints a picture with glitter, she plays with the human’s toys, and she even completes a few household chores. But as soon as the sun rises, Finley must head back to the forest before the humans and the other fairies wake from their slumber. Can she make it back in time without being noticed? And where will her next adventure take her? Finley the Fairy is an illustrated picture book for young children by author Kimberly A Perry and illustrated by Lau Frank. The book follows Finley, a little fairy who sneaks out of her bed at night to explore the forbidden human world. Finley is smart, mischievous, and adventurous, and young children will laugh out loud at her outrageous antics, as the humans sleep peacefully in their beds. This is a fun and delightful picture book which will help spark young children’s curiosity and imagination, as they wonder whether fairies really exist and what they might get up to in the middle of the night. Beautifully written in lyrical rhyme, with an adorable character and dreamy illustrations, this book is a bedtime treat for younger children and their caregivers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun and delightful picture book about a mischievous and adventurous little fairy, which will help spark young children’s curiosity and imagination. Purchase here

< Back Paul Hock Snowflake the Christmas Beagle A year in the life of a little Beagle pup, by author Paul Hock Snowflake, a Beagle pup, was born on a cold November day, in a barn in Ontario, Canada. After seven weeks in the barn, Snowflake and his brothers and sisters were taken into the farmhouse. One by one, Snowflake’s siblings were taken away by visitors and friends. Snowflake and his brother, Grumpy, were the only remaining pups, and they hid under the Christmas tree, afraid they might be taken next. Their mom provides comfort, and their human owner, Tricia, reassures them that the puppies have gone to good homes. Tricia decides to keep Snowflake, and her brother, Don, keeps Grumpy. The brothers are relieved they will not be leaving the farmhouse. The two pups spent their first Christmas in the farmhouse and each pup got a new toy and chew sticks in their stockings. During Spring, the pups meet all the farm animals, including Brewster Rooster, Tommy Turkey, Chirpy the Chicken, and Bernice the barn cat. In summer, Snowflake and Grumpy liked to go on walks and chase wild rabbits, and in the fall, they meet a scary bear. On his second Christmas, Snowflake is reunited with his brothers and sisters, and he learns all about their amazing Beagle adventures. Snowflake the Christmas Beagle is an illustrated picture book by author Paul Hock about the first year in the life of a little Beagle pup. Born on a farm, and into a loving human family, this is a sweet and charming story about an adorable pup who loves to explore nature. With stunning, photography-inspired illustrations, by Paul Hock, this is a beautiful book that both children and adults will treasure. Caution, young children will fall in love with Snowflake, and might want to adopt their own pup! With lots of additional information about dogs and the Beagle breed, this is a wonderful book for readers who love dogs, Beagle’s and nature. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and charming picture book, with stunning, photography-inspired illustrations, about an adorable Beagle pup. Purchase here

< Back Samantha Reynolds Help Me Be Me A thought-provoking picture book about children’s emotional well-being, by author Samantha Reynolds. Help Me Be Me by author Samantha Reynolds is an engaging, powerful, and thought-provoking picture book about children’s emotional health and well-being. The book serves as a valuable resource for parents seeking to understand and foster their children’s emotional wellbeing. Written from the child’s perspective, the book follows the journey of a child as they navigate the world around them, and the complex landscape of emotions they experience. The story is accompanied by vivid illustrations, which depict the child’s feelings, needs and emotions. Through the story, parents can initiate meaningful conversations with their children about their feelings and emotions. The book provides valuable advice on how parents can support their children to be themselves, and how to express and manage these emotions in a supportive and healthy way. The enchanting illustrations by Jessica Hiemstra, make this book a must-have for every parent’s bookshelf. Whilst the book is primarily aimed at parents, the engaging artwork also serves as an excellent tool for helping young children recognise and understand their own feelings. The language is clear and accessible, making it easy for both adults and children to engage with the material. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A nurturing guide for parents, offering tools and insights needed to raise emotionally resilient children. Purchase here

< Back Clara Donis-Girma Clara and Mr. Milo's Adventures Episode 1 Clara Wanting a Pet Clara dreams of owning her own pet, by author Clara Donis-Girma Little Clara loves animals and would very much like a pet of her own. In Episode 1 Clara thinks about all the different ways she could own her own pet, and asks her mom if she could look after a pet that doesn’t have a home. Clara’s mom explains that owning a pet is a big responsibility, as they need feeding, cleaning, walking, and entertaining every day. Clara shows her mom how responsible she is by cleaning her room and helping out with the housework, and promises to take very good care of a pet. Her mom agrees that she is responsible and suggests they go to their local animal shelter to look at all the animals available for pet adoption. Clare is ecstatic and looks forward to her visit to the animal shelter, when finally, she might be able to take home her very own pet. In Episode 2, Clara goes to the pet shelter and chooses a little orange kitten. In Episode 3 she picks up pet supplies from the store and names the kitten Milo. In Episode 4, she takes the kitten home and in Episode 5, Milo settles into his new home. In Episode 6, Milo has his first visit to the vet, and in Episode 7, Clara celebrates her birthday with Milo and her friends. Clara and Mr. Milo's Adventures, by author Clara Donis-Girma, is a sweet picture book for younger children. The book introduces the reader to Clara, a little girl who dreams of owning her own pet. This book will help children and families learn the importance of responsible pet ownership and is ideal for anyone considering pet ownership and adoption. The illustrations by Lana Lee are simple, colourful, and delightful. Young children will love the charming main character, Clara, and the super cute Milo, and I’m sure they will look forward to more adventures from the pair in the future. Star rating: 5 stars Summary: A sweet picture book with a charming main character and delightful illustrations. 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 Tracey Lear Eli’s Story What Makes Me, ME! This is Eli’s story. Eli is a little boy with autism who gathers all of his friends together to tell them all about him. He reads his story aloud and explains what autism is, how he is very bright but sees the world differently from other children, and how some things challenge him. He describes his world, through his eyes. His feelings and emotions. The things he likes and things he finds difficult. Eli is proud of who he is and encourages his friends to embrace their differences. The book is based on the real-life story of Eli, whose mum wrote a poem about him and shared it on social media. Following a positive reaction, the poem was later made into this lovely picture book to share far and wide. Designed to raise awareness of autism, the book certainly achieves that. It is an insightful book, written from the perspective of the child. Eli’s story will provide inspiration to others and encourage them to share their own stories. The book will help to increase understanding of autism and encourage empathy and compassion. Beautifully written in rhyme by Eli’s mum Tracey Lear, with adorable illustrations from Matea Anic, the book will appeal to children and adults alike. This book is a great resource for parents, carers, and children to open up conversations about autism, equality, diversity, and inclusion. We look forward to hearing more from Eli and his mum, Tracey Lear. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An insightful and inspirational book, written from the perspective of a child with autism. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< 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 Charlene McIver Nature Study Buddies A wonderful, third instalment in the Leigh’s Wheelie Adventures series, by author Charlene McIver Friends, Tara, Cosmo and Leigh are conducting a nature study project at school. Their task is to take an animal picture, record an animal call, and find a food sample and a biological specimen. Leigh suggests they study nocturnal animals, and Cosmo agrees the creatures in Leigh’s tree would make a great study project. But Leigh is disappointed he cannot help his friends search for specimens in the tree. Tara and Cosmo do not want Leigh to miss out on the night-time adventure, and they practice hoisting him up into the tree by the ropes on the swing. As Leigh enjoys the view from the tree, he is attacked by an angry magpie protecting her babies. Leigh thinks the tree swing is unsafe and decides not to join in the tree climbing activities. As Tara and Cosmo climb the tree, Leigh feels left out. But Leigh is surprised to find a number of nocturnal creatures on the ground, and photographs a strange bird, a bandicoot and a frog. Tara and Cosmo descend from the tree disappointed not to find any nocturnal creatures, while Leigh finds a tawny frogmouth feather and shows his friends the photographs he captured. The friends find everything on their list and look forward to sharing their discoveries at school. Nature Study Buddies is a fun picture book by Charlene McIver and the third in the series of Leigh’s Wheelie Adventures. This is a super addition to the series about Leigh, a child with a disability, who loves to have fun with his friends Tara and Cosmo. This time, a school nature project sees the friends climbing trees and exploring nature in the dark. Leigh doesn’t want to miss out on the activities and his friends make sure he is included by hoisting him into the tree. But Leigh recognises his own limitations and puts his own safety first, while at the same time, finds alternative methods to join in the fun. This is a wonderful book about friendship, inclusion and diversity, beautifully illustrated in a traditional style by Claudia Gadotti. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful and fun picture book about friendship, inclusion and diversity. Purchase here