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< Back Vassi Rombis Story Swapping A Family Tradition Kali’s exciting storytelling adventure, by author Vassi Rombis It’s a big day at school for Kalianne (Kali), as it’s her turn for ‘Show ‘n Share’. She is a little nervous and has butterflies in her tummy, but she tells her classmates about her family tradition of reading stories with her mom at bedtime, snuggled under her story quilt. Kali’s mom tells her stories of all the amazing adventures she has at work and on her travels. Kali tells her teacher that she would like to share a story with her mom, but she has nothing interesting or exciting to share. Kali’s teacher reminds her of all the wonderful activities she has taken part in throughout her day at school, and Kali has an idea. She doesn’t want to tell her story like her mom, she wants to do something a little different, and decides to paint a picture of her story. Kali’s mom enjoys her story so much, that they start a new family tradition of story swapping, where mother and daughter both share their stories with each other at bedtime. Story Swapping a Family Tradition is a sweet picture book by author Vassi Rombis, about a little girl, Kali, who loves to listen to her mom’s stories at bedtime. But Kali is keen to join in the storytelling and would like to tell her mom a story. Struggling to find an idea for a story, Kali builds up the courage to ask a teacher for help, and comes up with a unique idea to share her story. This is a fun and engaging book, which will encourage young children to tell their own stories, in their own way, encouraging creativity, imagination and storytelling. With bright, digital illustrations by Frances Rose Español, and a cute, relatable, main character, this is a perfect bedtime story for little ones, and may even inspire families to start their own bedtime storytelling tradition! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet picture book that will encourage young children, to tell their own stories, in their own way, encouraging creativity, imagination and storytelling Purchase here

< Back Randy Susan Meyers The Many Mothers of Ivy Puddingstone A young woman is torn between saving the world and saving her family. Summer 1964, eighteen-year old Annabel Cooper, a self-declared, free-thinking Unitarian, volunteers with the Mississippi Freedom Summer Project. She is assigned to work as a teacher in a Baptist church, and decides she wants to devote her life to serving God. Everything changes when she meets and falls in love with Clay, a young African American volunteer. The couple try to keep their blossoming relationship a secret, but when Clay mysteriously disappears, the involvement of the Klu Klux Klan cannot be ruled out. Annabel returns home and starts a new relationship with Guthrie. Annabel and Guthrie attend college in Boston together, and move into an intentional community, Puddingstone, with other civil rights activists. The Puddingstone families devote their time to fighting for human rights and social justice, but Annabel is forced to give up college when she falls pregnant and has a daughter named Ivy. In the mid 1970’s, the Puddingstone families decide to move their children to a commune in Vermont - the Roundhouse. The children are cared for permanently by one adult, while the other parents continue to fight for their cause in Boston. Life in the commune is challenging, and Ivy struggles to adapt to the new environment and regime. But when the children discover an old, locked trunk in a barn, there are tragic consequences that change their whole lives forever. The Many Mothers of Ivy Puddingstone is a poignant and thought-provoking novel by Randy Susan Meyers. Set predominantly in the 1960’s and 1970’s, the story centres on Annabel Cooper who makes the heart-wrenching decision to send her children away to live in a commune. Interweaved throughout Annabel’s story is the story of her daughter, Ivy, who reflects on her own experience. Meyers has crafted a story that is both intimate and expansive. Told from the perspective of the two women, the book captures the unique bond between mothers and daughters, and it also captures key events of this turbulent period of American history. There are beautiful moments of joy, love and tenderness, and there are harrowing scenes of loss and grief. I laughed and cried in equal measure. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A beautifully written, witty and heart-warming novel of love and loss, set against the backdrop of the American civil rights movement. 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 Chris Feistl and Dave Mitchell After Escobar: Taking Down the Notorious Cali Godfathers and the Biggest Drug Cartel in History Book blurb. .. By the early 1990s, Colombia's Cali cartel had become what the former head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Thomas Constantine referred to as the 'biggest and most powerful crime syndicate in history.' Responsible for nearly 85 percent of the cocaine that reached US soil and 90 percent worldwide, they were untouchable, earning billions of dollars all while maintaining their reputation as 'The Godfathers of Cali.' They brazenly corrupted thousands of Colombian authorities and government officials, even 'buying' the outcome of the 1994 presidential election. That same year, the DEA sent young operatives Chris Feistl and Dave Mitchell to Colombia with one formidable task: help Colombian authorities take down the ruthless leaders of the brutal Cali cartel. Not an easy job for two men who looked more like California surfers than DEA agents. Standing well over six feet tall and only six years removed from the DEA Academy, they were the epitome of conspicuous in a city where most residents rarely, if ever, saw an American in person. Many of their colleagues feared for their safety, openly questioning their ability to blend in. Their almost three-year journey would lead them from the bureaucratic halls of the US Embassy to the violent streets of Cali and deep into its rural sugar cane fields, on high alert day and night as they dodged deadly cartel assassins and battled the unprecedented corruption within Colombia's security forces. Throughout their quest they formed loyal, long-term alliances, experienced shocking and devastating betrayals, participated in numerous dramatic arrests, and suffered constant setbacks. Over time, their relentless efforts began to slowly degrade the godfathers' defenses and weaken their infrastructure. After Escobar: Taking Down the Notorious Cali Godfathers and the Biggest Drug Cartel in History offers a unique, on-the-ground perspective that will be praised by true crime enthusiasts, history buffs, and Narcos fans alike. Part of Chris and Dave' s story was told in Season 3 of the acclaimed Netflix series Narcos: Rise of a New Empire. Now, they tell it for themselves. Purchase here

< Back Mary L Schmidt Her Alibi A heart-breaking story of survival, by author Mary Schmidt One of seven children, Mary tells the story of her childhood and growing up in a household where the children were neglected and abused by their mother, Marguerite. Mary describes the horrific mental and physical abuse she experienced and the trauma of living with a sociopath. Mary recalls her first memories of her mother’s rage, from around the age of two, when she was regularly beaten and force fed. She describes how she was often singled out by her mother throughout her childhood, and blamed for the misdemeanours of her siblings. Unfortunately, Marguerite’s abuse was never discovered by the authorities. From the outside, Marguerite was a warm, loving and attentive parent, but behind closed doors, she was a monster who terrorised her children, her husband, and even her own mother. While Mary describes a loving relationship with her father and grandmother, they could do little to intervene, help or protect the children, as they were subject to the same cruelty and feared the matriarch. As an adult, Mary distanced herself from her mother, as did most of her siblings. But one day, her mother unexpectedly visits her home and they spend several hours reconnecting and bonding. Mary had hoped for a reconciliation, but the next day she heard tragic news that her step father had been shot, and Mary questions the motivation for her mothers’ strange and sudden visit. Her Alibi is a heart-breaking novel and a memoir by author Mary L Schmidt. Mary describes the pain and trauma she suffered at the hands of her abusive mother, and the impact this had on her life, and the lives of her siblings. It is an open, honest and graphic account of child abuse, told through Mary’s own tragic lived experience. Whilst this is a deeply upsetting story, there is some comfort that Mary survived and was successful in her own life, despite her mother's maltreatment. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling memoir about one woman’s lived experience of childhood abuse and trauma. Purchase here

< Back C.J. Hudson Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street A young boy finds love with the girl next door, by author CJ Hudson Twelve-year-old CJ lives in constant fear of his drunken, abusive father. Life at school is no better, as he is frequently tormented and bullied by other children. When CJ gets into a scrape at school, his father is enraged and beats him with his belt. But when CJ’s mother tries to intervene to protect her son, he beats her close to death, and she ends up in hospital. His father leaves the family home, and his mother later marries another equally unpleasant man, Dick. The family move to a new house on Fairhaven Street, where CJ meets his new neighbor, Danielle. Danielle’s home becomes a sanctuary for CJ, where he can escape his miserable life at home. CJ and Danielle become inseparable, but their parents dismiss their relationship as ‘puppy love.’ As the love between CJ and Danielle grows, CJs mother announces she is seeking full custody of CJ, and the family are moving from Florida to Michigan. CJ is distraught when he has to leave Fairhaven Street, and he promises to wait for Danielle and return back to Florida when he can. CJ soon settles into school in Michigan, and meets new friends, but misses Danielle and dreams of the day when they can be reunited. Eight years later, following his graduation, CJ returns to Florida to try and track down Danielle. Will CJ find Danielle? Will Danielle remember her childhood sweetheart? And will the couple rekindle their relationship? Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street is a beautifully written, heart-breaking, and poignant memoir by author CJ Hudson. Written for his sons, CJ Hudson tells the story of his troubled life, the abuse he suffered as a child from his father and school bullies, and the depression he experienced throughout his life. But this is also a story about love and hope, how the love he found from the girl next door, and other significant people in his life, including his grandma and his karate teacher, helped him move forward and break the cycle of violence and abuse. There is an unexpected twist towards the end of the book, which brings a whole new and slightly disturbing perspective to the story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written, heart-breaking, and poignant memoir about love and hope. Purchase here

< Back Raejean Kanter Who Held the Door Open?: Mentoring Through Life's Challenges Author, Raejean Kanter, discusses the positive impact of mentoring. Raejean Kanter has mentored over fifty people in her lifetime. She shares her own personal experience of going through a troubling time. She explains how she hit rock bottom, and the only thing that kept her going, was to focus on the positive things that happened to her that day. As a mentor, she questioned how she could mentor others when her own life was falling apart. She recalls that she became involved in mentoring as a result of people that mentored her, and ‘held the door open’, believing in her, encouraging her. One of those mentors was her father, and another, the owner of a weight loss business who gave her a job following breast cancer. Kanter presents the true stories of three women she mentored. Each story is written by the mentee in her own words. The first story is from Stacey Kent. Stacey met Raejean whilst at university, at a time when she was having lots of fun, but her grades were slipping. Raejean helped Stacy define her aims and establish some life goals. Stacey remains friends with RaeJean to this day. The second story is from Rhonda Ronsman who describes Raejean as a mentor and number one friend. RaeJean supported Rhonda through one of her most difficult times, including following a period of heavy drinking. In the third story, Vân Thanh Nguyễn, a student from Vietnam discusses her relationship with Raejean and other mentors during her studies in the United States. Raejean even visited her home in Vietnam when she struggled to adapt to life back home. In the final story, Theresa Nemetz, describes how Raejean became her first professional mentor, and she uses her experience of working with many mentors to encourage readers to take action and challenge themselves. Raejean shares four beautiful stories of four incredible women. In each story, each woman shares their personal life journey, and how mentors supported them through challenges and helped them to achieve their goals. They describe their friendship with Raejean and other mentors, and how they made a positive difference to their lives. Each story is unique, powerful, and inspiring. The book demonstrates that we all need a friend and mentor, and we are all capable of opening the door to others. As Theresa Nemetz says, ‘I wish everyone could have a Raejean in their life’. I do too! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspirational woman shares four beautiful stories of women she has mentored. Each story is unique, powerful and inspiring. Purchase here

< Back Adalgisa and David Nico Frogs on the Mountain: The Mountain Yellow-Legged Frogs in Yosemite Adele is visiting Yosemite National Park with her mom and dad. But as she tries to settle down to sleep in her hammock for the night, she is kept awake by a strange ‘kraak, kraak, kraak’ sound. The next morning, Adele asks a ranger about the strange noise, and discovers the sound was from mountain yellow-legged frogs. The ranger explains that the frogs nearly became extinct when trout were introduced into the river and ate the tadpoles and frogs, dragonfly larvae, and other insects that frogs relied on for food. Adele learns about the frogs habitat, defense mechanisms, breeding patterns, and how tadpoles develop into frogs. The ranger explains how the frogs made a comeback in Yosemite, and how they thrived once the trout were removed from some of the lakes. Adele learns that the mountain yellow-legged frogs are connected to other creatures in the ecosystem, and each species is reliant on the others for survival. Frogs on the Mountain: The Mountain Yellow-Legged Frogs in Yosemite is an illustrated children’s picture book by authors, Adalgisa and David Nico. The book provides a fascinating insight into the mountain yellow-legged frogs, an endangered amphibian species that can be found in the lakes in Yosemite National Park. With lots of fascinating facts, and glorious illustrations by Andy Atkins that capture Yosemite’s breath-taking scenery, this book brings the little known frog species to life. Through Adele’s exploration of the park, children will learn about the challenges these tiny amphibians face in their natural habitat and the importance of conservation. Adalgisa and David Nico do an excellent job at balancing a conservation message with an engaging storyline. A wonderful addition to any bookshelf. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An inspiring story, which will help children learn about these fascinating amphibians, the role they play in the ecosystem, and the importance of conservation. Purchase here

< Back Leah Ingledew The Umbrella Dilemma! Bob the sheep has a blue umbrella. All of his friends have blue umbrella’s. Together, the mass of blue umbrella’s keep the flock happy, dry and safe when it rains. When Dave suggests the flock switch to red umbrella’s, everyone agrees. Except Bob. When it rains later that day, Bob shuffles off to the flock with his blue umbrella. The rest of the flock are struggling to keep dry, as their new red umbrellas are falling apart. While Bob stays dry under his umbrella, the flock blame Bob and his blue umbrella for getting them wet. As the flock of sheep get wetter and wetter, they struggle to run because their wet wool is so heavy. As a plucky fox is ready to pounce on the unsuspecting wet sheep, Bob has an idea to save the flock from the torrential rain. The Umbrella Dilemma! Is an illustrated picture book about a flock of sheep, by author Leah Ingledew. The flock have a tried and tested system to keep themselves dry when it rains, until one day an imposter suggests something new. While all of the other sheep follow along, Bob is the only one to stick to his own beliefs. Thanks to Bobs tenacity, quick thinking, and courage, the flock is saved from danger. This is a fun story, which is both educational and entertaining. The beautifully illustrated picture book teaches young children about courage, trust and friendship, and also the importance of standing up for what is right, even when others disagree. The books underlying message about thinking for yourself and not blindly following the crowd is delivered in a way that children will understand. Bob’s bravery will leave young readers feeling inspired and empowered. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun, engaging and educational picture book about peer pressure, which will leave young readers feeling inspired and empowered. Purchase here

< Back Rachel Robbins The Sound of a Thousand Stars The Sound of a Thousand Stars by Rachel Robbins is a deeply evocative and thought-provoking novel that weaves historical fiction with personal narratives. Set against the backdrop of the Manhattan Project in Los Alamos, New Mexico, the story explores themes of love, loss, ambition, guilt, and the moral complexities of scientific discovery during World War II. The narrative is structured with alternating timelines and perspectives, including a unique reverse chronological account of Haruki Sato, a Hiroshima bombing survivor, which adds emotional depth and highlights the devastating aftermath of the atomic bomb. The novel primarily focuses on Alice Katz, a brilliant physicist who defies societal norms to pursue her passion for science, and Caleb Blum, a Jewish scientist grappling with the moral weight of his contributions to the bomb. Their love story is central to the narrative, marked by personal tragedy, secrecy, and the ethical dilemmas of their work. Robbins skilfully portrays the psychological toll of the Manhattan Project on its participants, including the enigmatic J. Robert Oppenheimer, whose charisma and intellect are juxtaposed with his personal struggles and the burden of creating a weapon of mass destruction. The novel also delves into the lives of other historical figures, such as Richard Feynman, blending fact and fiction to create a compelling narrative. The inclusion of the hibakusha (survivors of the Hiroshima bombing) adds a powerful layer of humanity, emphasizing the global consequences of the atomic bomb. The author’s note and historical context further enhance the narrative, shedding light on the real-life inspirations behind the story and the contributions of women in STEM during the Manhattan Project era. Robbins challenges readers to reflect on the human cost of scientific progress, the ethical dilemmas of war, and the enduring impact of historical events on individuals and families. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling and unforgettable novel that examines the intersection of science, morality, and human relationships. Purchase here

< Back Ronan James Cassidy Margaret Anne: Child of the West Wind A historical fiction novel set in South Carolina during the 1800’s, by author Ronan James Cassidy Set in 1859 in South Carolina, during a significant and turbulent period in American history, the book follows Margaret Anne Basseterre, an illegitimate child, born of forbidden love. Margaret’s father, Mr Edward Christopher Calhoun, is a wealthy merchant and landowner, from one of the most respected families in South Carolina. Her mother, Miss Jeanne Jolie Basseterre-Osment, is a beautiful Haitian immigrant, and a maiden in the Calhoun household. Jeanne had a difficult labor and Margaret was born in secret in the middle of the woods. From the moment of her birth, Margaret is shrouded in a dark mystery, but she is determined to succeed against all odds. Her mother Jeanne is keen to understand why she is different and how she managed to survive her birth. Margaret grows up on the Calhoun estate where her life, and the lives of those around her, are tested by evil forces lurking in the shadows of plain sight. As Margaret attempts to find her purpose in life, she uncovers family secrets and learns of her own unique abilities to heal and inspire others. Margaret Anne: Child of the West Wind is an engrossing and thought-provoking novel by author Ronan James Cassidy about a young woman coming of age in the deep South. Set against a backdrop of civil war, social unrest, rigid class structures, slavery and gender inequality, the book explores one woman’s fight for survival and redemption. Her journey reflects the social, political, and religious changes that were happening in America during the nineteenth century. This is a beautifully written and extensively researched novel. Cassidy delivers an engrossing historical narrative, with rich characters and eloquent prose. This is quite a lengthy book (at 656 pages), but the storytelling is so consuming that I could not put it down. I finished the book within a couple of days. Set in the mid 1800’s, during a turbulent time in American history, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, those who are interested in the American Civil War, and anyone who enjoys a good old mystery. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An engrossing and thought-provoking historical fiction novel about one woman’s fight for survival and redemption. Purchase here

< Back Gabriella Fiorletta What I See is Love A day filled with love. A day in the life of a little girl, and her appreciation of the love that surrounds her. A little girl wakes up in the morning and receives a warm embrace from her mom. She sees love. Her dad drives her to school and blows her a kiss. She sees love. Her teacher greets her in class. She sees love. Her grandma bakes her cookies for lunch. She sees love. She plays with her friends at recess. She sees love. She looks at herself in the mirror before bedtime and notices how beautiful she is. She sees love. What I See is Love is a sweet and heartfelt illustrated picture book by Gabriella Fiorletta about love. Through simple narrative and everyday scenarios that young children will recognise, the book explores various expressions of love in a child-friendly way. It is a beautiful reminder that there is love all around us and we are all loved. It shows that you don’t need to use the words ‘I love you’ to show love. Love is expressed through our actions towards each other, the things we do and the things we feel and not what we say. It is also a reminder that love starts with ourselves, and encourages children to appreciate the unique qualities that make them special. I enjoyed the gentle and dreamy illustrations by Nyrryl Cadiz, the pastel color palette and the crayon-style drawings. A perfect book for a parent or caregiver to read to a child, to show them the are loved. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and heartfelt illustrated picture book, and a reminder that love is literally all around us. Purchase here