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< Back Kathleen Welton Whoo! Hoo! Hoo! The Carousel at the Zoo Inspired by a well-known children’s song, Whoo! Hoo! Hoo! The Carousel at the Zoo, by Kathleen Welton, is a fun and interactive picture book and sing-along experience. The book features a variety of zoo animals as they have fun riding on a fairground carousel. The rhythm is based on the classic, ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ tune. Each spread introduces different zoo animals, or different features of the carousel, as it spins around and around. We see horses galloping and neighing, elephants stomping and swaying, and pandas romping and rolling along to their favourite sing-along tune. Beautifully written, with lots of playful rhyme and alliteration, children will enjoy singing along. The repetitive structure and memorable tune, make it easy for young children to join in. The vibrant illustrations capture the fun at the fair perfectly. I particularly enjoyed the expressions of the different animal characters in lots of silly scenarios. Young children will love spotting their favourite creatures and predicting the next verse. Based on a well-known song, young children will enjoy this fresh take on a children’s classic. Perfect for pre-schoolers and early learners, this book will help with language development and spark a love of storytelling. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A super, interactive picture book, with a multitude of zoo animals, a fun fairground ride, and a familiar sing-along-tune. Purchase here

< Back Ron Keres It's Not That 'Big a Deal' Author Ron Keres reminds us to keep things in perspective, in It’s not that ‘Big a Deal’ The smallest things can often cause the biggest stress, for both adults and children. Spilling something, forgetting something, making a mess, or making a mistake. These things happen and are frustrating, but there are much more important things in life to worry about. So, in the grand scheme of things, it is not such a big deal, is it? Keres reminds us not to worry about the little things, but to focus instead on what is really important in life, such as family, love, togetherness and being there for one another. This is a cute, well written children’s picture book. Both children and parents will enjoy reading this together and will relate to the real-life situations presented by Keres. A number of typical scenarios are presented, such as accidently spilling the milk on a table, or dropping a lamp on the floor in a store. It will encourage conversations between children and parents that everyone makes mistakes, that it is okay to make mistakes, and we all need to try and learn from our mistakes. It will encourage adults to reflect on their own behaviours and reactions to situations, and to remind them to stay calm and to keep things in perspective. Arthur Lin’s wonderful and funny illustrations bring the story and characters to life perfectly. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A cute children’s picture book that will encourage readers to focus on the important things in life. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back A.N. Stewart The Shotgun Shack Kitties: Bill Bailey, Please Come Home A group of kitties embark on a musical adventure like no other. A group of kitties live in a beautiful little shotgun shack in Gentilly, New Orleans, with their human, Eartha. One day, when Eartha is at work, a cat named Bill Bailey is playing outside when a butterfly lands on his nose. Bill Bailey follows the butterfly down the street and greets his neighbors, but none of them can understand him. He meets a couple of elder cats, who tell him they have a secret way to make all humans understand cats. They explain that the secret is in the power and language of music. The elders offer to teach Bill Bailey, and all the other kitties, how to play music. The kitties meet at the old oak tree and choose their musical instruments. When Eartha returns home, she is surprised to find all the kitties are gone. Sad and worried, Eartha goes out to search for the kitties and sings a song to bring them home. As she sings, she hears music and finds the shotgun shack kitties moving through the neighborhood in the tradition of a brass band parade, playing “Bill Bailey, Please Come Home.” The Shotgun Shack Kitties: Bill Bailey, Please Come Home is a delightful picture book by author A.N. Stewart about the adventures of Bill Bailey and other kitties who live in a little shotgun shack in Gentilly, New Orleans. Based on a real cat named Bill Bailey and other cats who live with the author in a shotgun house in New Orleans, the book features the song "Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey" written by Hughie Cannon in 1902. This is a sweet and endearing picture book, which provides a great introduction to New Orleans and jazz music. With an adorable cast of feline characters, and set in glorious New Orleans, this book will enchant readers of all ages. The book will leave readers tapping their toes and humming along to the sweet sounds of jazz music. The colorful, vibrant illustrations by Virginia de Mahy bring the characters and the sights and sounds of New Orleans to life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming tale of feline musicianship, set in the heart of New Orleans. Purchase here

< Back Ryan Vernel The Lady of the Loch A paranormal mystery for younger readers, by author Ryan Vernel Twelve-year-old Tyler Buckland is moving from Oxford to Lochview, a small village in Scotland, to start a new life and a new school. On the long journey to Scotland, Tyler reads a book about a small Scottish village, and a haunted house, Lochview Manor, inhabited by a real-life ghost, known as the Lady of the Loch. The Lady of the Loch is reported to be responsible for the disappearance of several local children. Tyler soon discovers that his new home is located in the grounds of Lochview Manor. As Tyler explores the grounds, he meets the caretaker of the manor, Archibald Macleod, and is invited along to a ghost tour. During the tour, Tyler meets another young boy, Jackson, and the pair share a common interest in the history of the manor and paranormal activity. As the pair join forces to solve the mystery of the Lady of the Loch, they meet another young girl, Shona, who is keen to support their mission. But, when Jackson mysteriously disappears, Tyler defies his parents to help find the missing boy. He meets up with Shona and her friends to find Jackson, but soon discovers the true identity of his new friends, and a secret family connection to the legend of the Lady of the Loch. The Lady of the Loch by author Ryan Vernel is a ghost story for middle grade readers, and the first in the series of the Lochview Mysteries. This is a captivating novel, with a great hook and a gripping plot. The book builds suspense throughout, and with plenty of twists and turns, it will keep young readers engaged and entertained. Tyler is a relatable and likeable character, and young readers will enjoy following his journey, discovering clues and solving the mystery. The book is a ‘light’ ghost story and suitable for young readers in this age category. It will appeal to those who enjoy mystery and suspense. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating ghost story, with a great hook and a gripping plot. Purchase here

< Back Deanna Hart Blue is the Only Color in the Rainbow A little girl learns that all colors of the rainbow are beautiful. Jasmine’s favourite color is blue. Everything she owns is blue. Even the food she eats is blue! When her grandmother buys her a big red monkey for her birthday, Jasmine is not happy. She does not like the monkey because it is red. Jasmine does not like the color red! The little red monkey is called Mango and he is upset because Jasmine throws him on the floor. He is upset because Jasmine does not like him because he is red. Mango has special powers and flies Jasmine to a special place. A bright, colorful place called the Prisma. Prisma is a world full of brilliant greens, reds and purples, and yellows and pinks. Everything in Prisma is bright and happy. But when Jasmine wakes up in the morning, she is back in her blue bedroom and Mango is left in the corner where she abandoned him. Was it a dream? Or did Jasmine really travel with her red monkey to the bright, colorful world of Prisma? Blue is the Only Color in the Rainbow is a sweet, illustrated picture book by author Deanna Hart about a little girl who is obsessed with the color blue. When she receives a red monkey for her birthday, Jasmine soon realises that there is more to life than blue. Jasmine’s fascination with a single color is not uncommon and younger children will relate to her story. The book has a subtle message about equality and diversity, as Jasmine learns that all colors of the rainbow are beautiful. With a handy Teachers Guide at the end of the book, the story will help younger children learn about the importance of kindness and inclusivity. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An entertaining and educational picture book about equality, diversity, and inclusion for younger readers. Purchase here

< Back Ashley Wall The Day I Had a Spaceship Luke and his friend Noah discover a real-life spaceship in Luke’s garden. Luke and Noah hop aboard and find their friends already inside. The friends are sent on an urgent mission to rescue a spaceball team that has crash landed on the Moon. They zoom to the Moon, experiencing zero gravity and the delights of space food. The pilot carefully manoeuvres the spaceship and lands safely on the Moon. The friends put on their spacesuits and explore the moon’s surface. They find a lunar rover and use it to try and locate the spaceball team. Will Luke and his friends find the spaceball team? Will the spaceball team make their tournament? And will Luke and his friends make it back home to Earth safely? The Day I had a Spaceship is a fun-filled, illustrated, picture book by author Ashley Wall, and part of the ‘The Day I Had…’ series. This book follows Luke and his friends as they find a spaceship and are sent on an intergalactic mission to rescue a stranded spaceball team. This is a playful tale, full of adventure, imagination, and a sprinkling of moon dust. The illustrations are full of energy, bringing to life space exploration, lunar landscapes and goofy alien creatures. With lots of fascinating facts and space insights, this book is perfect for curious learners, space enthusiasts and young explorers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun-filled, stellar adventure that will inspire young explorers and spaceball champs! Purchase here

< Back Nadia Khan Zoey Wonders Why Zoey is proud to share her cultural heritage at her new school, by author Nadia Khan Five-year-old Zoey is starting school in September, but she is a little worried about the homework she has been set. The children have been asked to tell their family stories, and to share their culture and food with the class. Zoey is confused. Her parents are from India and Pakistan in South Asia, and Nigeria in Africa. Zoey was born in the United States, so she asks her mommy, What am I? Who am I? Zoey is confused and is worried she will not remember when she has to share her story with the class. When school starts, Zoey listens to the other children tell their family stories and is looking forward to tasting all the delicious food they have brought in to eat. She gets over-excited and disrupts the class, and the teacher sends a letter home to her parents. Her mommy talks to her, and explains the importance of staying calm and being kind. With a little help from her mommy, and her brothers Zaky and Max, Zoey prepares the food to share with her class, delicious samosas with aloo and rice. But, Zoey gets over-excited again and pushes her brother over to taste the food. The next day, its Zoey’s turn. She is proud to tell the story of her family, and shares her food with the class. Zoey Wonders Why by author Nadia Khan is a sweet story about a little girl who is daunted by starting school and sharing her family story with her class. She is proud of her rich cultural heritage, but it is complicated and confusing for a little girl to understand. As she learns more about her family history, she also learns about the importance of showing kindness to her friends and brothers. The book has several themes, ie, starting school, family culture and history, making and sharing food, relationships with brothers, behaviour at school. Overall, this is a lovely picture book, which will help younger children learn about different cultures and will encourage them to show kindness to others Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet picture book, with an important message about cultural diversity, and showing kindness to others. 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

< Back JB Van Cleave PTSDragon Author Van Cleave explores the magic of the human brain, and how dragons have helped the human brain overcome great challenges. PTSDragon explores the magic of the human brain, and how dragons have helped the human brain overcome great challenges. People working in difficult or dangerous jobs, such as the military, emergency services and healthcare; and those who have experienced an accident, disaster, or crime, may experience trauma. A dragon can be summoned by the brain to help it cope with a dangerous or stressful situation, for example to help a soldier fight to victory, or to help a paramedic stay calm and focused. But sometimes a dragon is known to outstay its welcome and can stay with a person even after the danger has passed, causing further challenge, pain, sadness or discomfort to the brain and others around it. In these scenarios, wizards (psychiatrists) and dragon trainers (therapists) can help train the brain and manage the dragon. PTSDragon is an inspiring, insightful, and educational picture book for children, exploring an often complex and confusing subject matter. The imaginative use of dragons and magic will help children to understand the issue in a really engaging and accessible way. It will encourage families to discuss the topic, and help children to understand the experiences of their loved ones and the impact of PTSD. The book is a great resource for those who might have experienced trauma, or for anyone who wants to open up conversations about PTSD and mental health. Van Cleave provides hope to those experiencing trauma, and those that have been affected by PTSD, that support and help is available. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An inspiring, insightful, and educational picture book for children exploring PTSD and mental health. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ 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 C James Sweeney Sadie Sasquatch has Big Feet Sadie Sasquatch finds a sporting match. Sadie Sasquatch loves going to school and learning new things. She loves story time, and arts and crafts, and she especially enjoys nap time. But her favourite time is recess! She loves to climb and jump, swing and slide, spin and play. But, as a sasquatch (bigfoot) sometimes Sadie’s big feet get in the way. They get tangled in the skipping rope, smudge the chalk on the hopscotch board, and get in the way when she plays basketball. Sadie’s friends are not happy, and Sadie is sad they do not want to play with her anymore. Over in the field, Sadie notices a group of friends playing kickball and joins in. But when she is picked last for the team, Sadie thinks it is because of her big feet. When it is her time to kick, Sadie grits her teeth and kicks the ball as far as she can. She lands a home run and helps her team win the game. As Sadie teaches her dad her new skills, she soon realises kickball is the perfect sport for a little (and big) sasquatch. Sadie Sasquatch has Big Feet by C. James Sweeney is part of a book series about a little sasquatch and her adventures at school. Sadie is different from the other children, and sometimes feels like an outsider. In this book, Sadie realises that her big feet are not great for many activities. However, they do not stop her from joining in and having fun. As she tries lots of different activities, she joins a group of friends playing Kickball. Sadie learns that she has unique skills, and finally finds an activity that she likes and is good at. The book teaches children important life lessons about perseverance, self-acceptance, and the importance of harnessing one’s own strengths. It reminds children that it is okay to be different, and it will encourage children to find an activity that is a good match for their own unique qualities and talents. It will help to develop inner-strength and confidence amongst young readers. Sadie is a cute, funny, and relatable character, and her story and school experiences will resonate with many young readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming picture book about a little sasquatch who finds her confidence and skills-match on the kickball field. Purchase here

< Back Cheryl Johnson Backyard Critters and Creatures Readers discover a variety of critters and creatures in their own backyard. Backyard Critters & Creatures is an informative and engaging book for young readers about the many creatures that hide out of sight in the backyard or park. With a location map and information about when and where to find each creature, and other key facts about each creature, such as their size and favourite foods, young readers will be able to start their own backyard adventure. Featuring the tiniest critters and creatures, amphibians, birds and mammals, the book highlights the variety of life that exists right outside the backdoor. On double page spreads, there is a spotlight on a different creature, with a wonderful full color photograph, nature notes, fun facts, explorer tips and recommended activities. The book equips readers with all the information and resources they need to become a junior backyard biologist and at the end of the book, they receive a certificate of achievement. Backyard Critters & Creatures is another great addition to the nature book series, by author and photographer Cheryl Johnson. The book shows that wherever you live, in the city or the countryside, you don’t have to travel far to find amazing creatures and animals. With some simple tools, such as a notepad and pen, and binoculars, there is lots to explore right outside the backdoor. The book and the series will spark children’s curiosity and encourage a deeper interest in the natural environment. It will hopefully inspire readers of all ages to go outside and explore. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful exploration of the amazing wildlife that exists right outside the back door. Purchase here