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< 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 Nadja Springer The Big Adventures Of A Little Tree: Tree Finds Hope Can a little tree find new hope after a devastating storm? By author Nadja Springer The little green tree stands all alone by the shore, waiting for the spring to arrive. As the snow melts away, he looks forward to the day his friends will return and they can play together in the sunshine. But there is a storm brewing, and the tree’s brothers and sisters must huddle together and shelter from the wind and the rain. Suddenly, the tree is hit by a bolt of lightning, which snaps off his favourite branch. Tree is sad he is broken, and worried what the others will think. His siblings and friends tell him they don’t care how he looks, and that they love him just the way he is. His friends wait patiently for his sadness to pass, and remain by his side, providing comfort and support. Day by day the tree takes small steps to recover, and day by day he starts to feel a little brighter. Then one day, just as tree has learnt to accept his new self, he spots a tiny leaf growing from his broken branch. The tiny green shoot gives new hope and life to the tree. He knows he cannot replace his broken branch, but he is given a new sense of purpose and pride as he cares and nurtures the new life. Tree Finds Hope by author Nadja Springer, is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book, and the second instalment in The Big Adventures of a Little Tree series. The tree faces a new challenge in the second book, when he is struck by lightening and disfigured. He is sad and depressed, and thinks that no one will love him because of the way he looks. His friends care for the tree during this time, waiting patiently for him to recover and providing comfort and support when he needs it. This is a fun and engaging read, beautifully written in rhyme. The fun tree characters and broken-branch analogy will help young children understand complex issues, such as body image, inclusion and diversity, and self-acceptance. The book will help young children to understand the importance of self-acceptance, and of accepting others just the way they are. It will encourage them to show kindness and compassion to others, and to care for others in need. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written and illustrated picture book about inclusion and diversity. 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

< 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 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 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