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< Back Chef Seff Canter Cuisine: Shetland Soup Book blurb... Join four friends, Rose, Hazel, Iris, and Daisy, and learn to cook alongside them! Daisy is feeling a bit under the weather (very under the weather, actually) and so the normal cooking lesson is shelved so her friends can cook were a warm chicken and lemon soup to make her feel better. However, ambiguity in the recipe leads to various interpretations, requiring the intervention of Chef Marigold to sort matters out. In the end, the girls learn good lessons and Daisy gets a nice hot bowl of soup, which does indeed make her feel better. Then follow the included recipe to cook and enjoy your own Shetland Soup! Purchase here

< Back Gail Kuhnlein How Happy Is a Lark A joyful exploration of similes, by Gail Kuhnlein How Happy Is a Lark? by Gail Kuhnlein is an imaginative and interactive collection of similes, brought to life through funny stories and vivid illustrations. Each page introduces a new simile and poses a question, which will engage, entertain, and educate younger readers. How silly is a goose? How quiet is a mouse? How angry is a hornet? The book cleverly combines wordplay with captivating visuals. Each simile is accompanied by a silly tale, and funny illustrations that bring the simile to life. ‘ How cool is a cucumber? A cucumber is so cool he always has a date on Friday night.’ The illustration depicts a dashing cucumber arm-in-arm with a date (fruit). How Happy Is a Lark? by Gail Kuhnlein is a simple, effective, and memorable way to introduce similes to younger children. The book demonstrates the fun and playful aspect of language and will help develop children’s vocabulary. With further ideas for parents, caregivers and teachers, the book will spark curiosity and creativity, and will encourage a love of reading and language among young readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and silly collection of similes, beautifully written and beautifully illustrated. A delight to read. Purchase here

< Back Asfia bint Abdullah The Crying Tree of Madinah Book blurb... Every Friday, a date palm tree stood beside the Prophet ﷺ in the mosque of Madinah. It listened. It waited. But one day, something changed. The Crying Tree of Madinah is a moving story inspired by a true moment from the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. As the story unfolds, young readers witness how even a tree felt love, longing, and comfort through remembrance. The story teaches that kindness is not limited,it reaches beyond people, extending even to the world around us. Through the Prophet’s ﷺ compassion, children discover that mercy can touch every living thing… even a tree. Purchase here

< Back Mr Z The Mayfly and the Methuselah Tree The old Methuselah tree learns important lessons from his younger friend, from author Mr Z. The wise Methuselah tree stands high and proud in the White Mountains of Inyo County, California. Older than the ancient pyramids of Egypt, the Methuselah Tree is rather bored and very, very grumpy! He sees the same thing, day in, day out. Nothing ever changes, until one day a tiny, young, mayfly lands on the Methuselah’s leaf and changes his life forever. At first the Methuselah tree is annoyed by the mayfly’s intrusion and her youthful exuberance, but he soon realises that there is a great deal to learn from the younger generation. The young mayfly gives the older Methuselah tree hope and a new perspective on life. This is a sweet story of love and friendship, and of hope and gratitude. It is a reminder to us all to focus on the present, to show appreciation for the beauty of nature and all the good things in life, to seek love and friendships, and to learn from others’ experiences. This is a great intergenerational book for children to read with their parents and grandparents. It will help develop understanding and empathy in readers, both young and old. A joy to read, with captivating illustrations by Robert Askew. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A sweet story of love and friendship, and of hope and gratitude. It was a joy to read. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Nicole Frankel What are bees good for anyway? Bennie learns the importance of honeybees for our planet and people. One day, Bennie is stung by a bee while playing in the garden with his brother and sister. Bennie hates bees after his brother was stung and had an allergic reaction, and after a colony of bees built a hive in his favourite tree. Bennie asks, What are bees good for, anyway? Bennie’s Aunt Beatrice takes him on a walk to learn about all the other wonderful things that bee’s do. Bennie learns how bee’s dance to communicate with other bees, how fast they flap their wings and travel for long distances, their anatomy and how they have two stomachs, and the importance of honeybees to the ecosystem. Aunt Beatrice also explains that bees are not naturally aggressive, and only sting when they feel threatened. As Bennie tucks into his dinner that evening, he talks about his walk with his Aunt, and how bees are important for life. UnBEElievable! What are bees good for, anyway? by author Nicole Frankel is an illustrated picture book about a little boy who doesn’t like bees, and his wonder when he discovers the importance of bees to our planet and people. This is a fantastic picture book for younger age readers, that will help children understand bees, and their contribution to the environment and ecosystem. With lots of interesting bee facts and figures (Did you know, bees have 3 million hairs on their bodies that attract pollen?!) this book will captivate and fascinate younger readers. The book introduces complicated words and topics, such as anatomy and ecosystem, in an engaging and accessible way for younger aged children. It will help younger children build new vocabulary and knowledge and will hopefully inspire a love for nature and conservation. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, entertaining and educational picture book, for young readers, bee enthusiasts and budding conservationists. Purchase here

< Back Leandra and Kevin Decoud The What If Book The What If Book is an illustrated picture book by Leandra and Kevin Decoud. The book presents a series of fun "what if" scenarios. "What if everyone had superpowers?" “What if money grew on trees?” "What if the ocean were made of ice cream?" “What if we could breathe underwater?” The book poses follow-up questions, encouraging readers to explore different possibilities and think outside the box, encouraging imagination and creative thinking. At the end of the book, readers are encouraged to imagine something wild and wonderful and consider their own "What if..." scenarios. Overall, this is a sweet and playful book, which gives young children the permission to dream wildly and see the world as full of possibilities. The tone is fun and light, the illustrations are bright and engaging, and the prompts are silly, serious, and surreal – and will inspire real conversations. Young children love asking, “what if,” and they will love exploring new possibilities and adventures through the prompts in this book. Recommended for families and educators who want to encourage creativity, silliness, and open ended thinking. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun and laugh-out-loud picture book designed to spark imagination and encourage creative thinking. 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 Neera Badhwar Kali the Elephant Learns from Socrates the Philosopher Kali the Elephant by Neera K. Badhwar is a delightful and heartwarming children’s picture book that tackles the universal theme of self-acceptance and turning perceived flaws into strengths. The book follows the journey of Kali, a young elephant who is teased by her classmates about her appearance. Through her creative attempts to change her looks, Kali learns an invaluable lesson about embracing her unique traits. Kali tries to shrink her ears and trunk using water and sunlight, only to discover that these methods don’t work. Feeling disheartened, she stumbles upon a comic book about Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, who was also teased about his appearance. Inspired by Socrates’ witty response to his friends, Kali learns to see her features as strengths rather than flaws. She uses her big ears, long trunk, and large eyes to help her classmates, teaching them the importance of appreciating their own unique qualities. The book is illustrated by Ady Branzei, and the colorful artwork beautifully captures the emotions and humor of the story. Badhwar’s background in philosophy shines through as she introduces children to Socrates’ wisdom in an accessible and entertaining way. The story is not only enjoyable but educational too, subtly teaching children about genetics and the importance of self-confidence. Young readers will laugh, learn, and be inspired by Kali’s journey to self-acceptance. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful picture book that encourages empathy and resilience, and celebrates individuality. A valuable addition to any child’s bookshelf. Purchase here

< Back Lori Rotter Best Chef in Town Best Chef in Town by Lori Rotter tells the tale of Chef Romi Rabbit, a confident and somewhat self-absorbed chef, and her hardworking sous chef, Sam. The story unfolds as Romi enters a high-stakes cooking competition, only to find herself unprepared and reliant on Sam’s quick thinking to save the day. The narrative is fast-paced and filled with rhyming verses that make it enjoyable to read aloud. Romi’s overconfidence and her initial disregard for Sam’s contributions set the stage for a humorous yet meaningful lesson about teamwork. The turning point comes when Sam, despite being overlooked, steps up to create a unique chocolate pasta dish that ultimately wins the competition. Romi’s eventual acknowledgment of Sam’s talent and her decision to share the spotlight add a heart-warming conclusion to the story. The illustrations by Vaughan Duck are vibrant and playful, and the expressive characters bring the story to life. Duck’s ability to capture the chaos of the kitchen and the tension of the competition adds humor to the story. The book also includes a fun recipe for chocolate pasta, encouraging readers to try cooking. This interactive element is a clever addition, making the book not just a story but an experience that families can enjoy together. A perfect choice for young readers who enjoy stories about food and cooking. It is sure to make them giggle and leave them feeling inspired. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A delightful and engaging story about cooking, competition and the importance of teamwork. Purchase here

< Back Christy Burbidge Paulie The Piping Plover's Sea Turtle Rescue: A Martha's Vineyard Tale Paulie the Piping Plover lived on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. It was his first migration south to the Gulf of Mexico, and he was going to miss his friends, Liam the lobster, Sarah the sea turtle and Belle the blue fish. But just as Paulie is about to leave, he discovers that Sarah has been cold-stunned and taken to the Sea Turtle Rescue Center on Cape Cod. Worried about their friend, Paulie, Liam and Belle build a raft and ride in the wake of a ferry all the way to Cape Cod. When they arrive at the Rescue Center, they find Sarah is safe and well looked after. The three friends decide to help spread the word about cold-stunned sea turtles and come up with a plan. They face an arduous journey back home, but they are determined to help other sea turtles stranded on the beaches of Cape Cod. Paulie The Piping Plover's Sea Turtle Rescue: A Martha's Vineyard Tale is a charming, illustrated picture book by author Christy Burbidge. When three friends learn that Sarah the sea turtle is missing, they will stop at nothing to find her. With strength and determination, the friends work together to find Sarah. Inspired by the work of the Rescue Center, the friends hatch an innovative plan to help other sea turtles. This is an inspiring and engaging picture book for young readers, with an adorable cast of characters and charming illustrations Mary Jo Helchowski. Perfect for young children who love birds, sea turtles and other sea creatures, as well as for budding explorers and conservationists. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An inspiring and engaging tale, with an adorable cast of characters, charming illustrations, and an important message about friendship and ocean conservation. Purchase here

< Back Mariah Clark Skewes Never Pet a Penguin Nana said, ‘NEVER pet a penguin!’ Maddy knows she shouldn’t, but she really, really wants to pet a penguin. She goes out in search of a penguin to pet. She searches across her whole town, in the garden, in the fields, and in the woods. She even visits the animal shelter and the local zoo, but there are no penguins to be found. At schools she learns all about penguins and where they live on earth, but they are all far too far away. So, she tries everything she can to reach the penguins. She tries to build a boat, a hot air balloon, and even tries to make herself wings to fly to the penguins. But nothing works! Just as Maddy is about to give up all hope of ever petting a penguin, her Nana has an extra special surprise for her. Never Pet a Penguin is an illustrated picture book by Mariah Clark Skewes about a girl named Maddy - a little girl with a big dream – to pet a penguin. Maddy is a sweet and charming character, full of fun, imagination and adventure. Her journey begins at home, where she searches high and low for a penguin. Undeterred, she ventures across town, hoping that a penguin might be hiding somewhere unexpected. This is a fun and imaginative story that will captivate young readers who love wildlife and adventure. The illustrations by Phoebe Cho are simply delightful. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A super sweet picture book, about a curious, determined and adventurous little girl and her search for a penguin. mariahclarkskewes.com Purchase here

< Back Anna Finch Mellie the Mermaid: Is NOT Scared of ANYTHING Is there anything that will scare Mellie the Mermaid? Mellie the Mermaid is not scared of anything. Not little fish that bite and snap. Or giant clams that clap and trap. Mellie’s mum and dad warn her of the dangers in the sea, the creatures that might sting and bite, or strike and burn. They ask her to be careful when she is on her own exploring the ocean. Mellie is not deterred and ventures out into the deep, deep blue ocean to explore an old shipwreck. She meets a snappy, clappy clam, a bright blue octopus, a whale, a seal, an eel, and a turtle. No, Mellie is still not scared. But as she dives into the shipwreck, she meets a big, toothy shark. Mellie flees as fast as she can and does not stop swish, swish, swishing until she gets all the way home. Mellie realises maybe there are some things she is scared of after all! Mellie the Mermaid is a beautifully illustrated picture book by author Anna Finch about a confident, courageous and adventurous little mermaid who fears nothing. This is a charming and amusing picture book for younger children, featuring magnificent mermaids in glorious underwater scenes. Mellie is a cute and adorable mermaid character, who will delight younger readers. The book is funny and entertaining, but it also teaches children the importance of personal safety. The illustrations by Wathmi de Zoysa are magnificent. I particularly liked the characterisation of the mermaids and the sea creatures, and the underwater colour palette with hues of blue and purple. This is a great book for pre-schoolers and was a joy to read. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming and amusing picture book for younger children, featuring magnificent mermaids in glorious underwater scenes. Purchase here