Search Results

< Back Scott Smallwood Monkey and Bug's Night at The Corn Stand Jam A little dog realises he is not alone, and receives much needed support from his friends, by author Scott Smallwood Monkey the dog, and Bug the cat, are best friends from a small town in Ohio. Monkey was adopted into a loving family home, but sometimes felt sad and lonely. He missed his friends from the kennels, and his older sister didn’t want to play with him. Bug knew Monkey was unhappy, and he suggested they go for a walk together to the park to meet his friends and family. At the park, Monkey met Bugs friends and tried out lots of new activities, like yoga, skateboarding, and painting, which made Monkey feel happy inside and less sad. When Monkey meets a woman in a wheelchair, he is happy when he learns that she is proud of her abilities, and that she feels loved and supported by many people. Then he meets more of Bug’s friends, who play music on the Corn-Jam Stand, to help spread happiness for people when they are feeling a little sad. Monkey learns from his new friends that it is okay not to feel okay, which made him feel a little less alone. Monkey has a little boogie with all his new friends, and knows he has plenty of people to talk to, the next time he feels sad. Monkey and Bug's Night at The Corn Stand Jam is a wonderful picture book by author Scott Smallwood about inclusion, and mental health and wellbeing. Despite having a loving and supportive family, Monkey feels sad and alone sometimes. Through trying new activities, meeting new and different people, and talking to others, Monkey learns that everyone feels sad and lonely from time to time, and it is okay not to be okay. He learns the importance of talking to others, sharing problems, as well as the importance of letting go and having fun. This book will help to open up conversations with young readers and their parents or carers, and will encourage them to talk about their thoughts and feelings. The book deals with mental health issues in a simple, engaging and effective way, that young readers will relate to. Inspired by the real Christian’s Corn Stand Jam, proceeds of this book go to charity. This is an engaging and insightful book, with an important message that will benefit readers of all ages, and support a much deserved charity. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful picture book that deals with mental health issues in a simple, effective and engaging way. Purchase here

< Back Lynne Golodner Cave of Secrets Eve, a Jewish American research student working at the National Archives of Scotland, is hiking through the forests around Loch Lomond. When she shelters from the rain in a cave, she finds a leather-bound satchel half buried in the dirt. Inside the satchel are letters written by a woman named Shira to her lover, Benjamin. Eve suspects the letters are from the mid-nineteenth century and takes them home for safe keeping. Returning back from the walk, she stops by at a local pub and meets the owner, Mac, the son of a wealthy landowner, the Earl of Monteith. Eve and Mac develop a romantic relationship and fall deeply in love. Meanwhile, Eve and her boss at the National Archives find more letters hidden in a trunk deep inside the cave. They uncover shocking evidence about Shira Levenson-Macalaster, the wealthiest woman in Great Britain in the 1870s, who was married to the Prime Minister of Great Britain. As Eve continues her research, she finds a connection between the Macalaster family and Mac’s family, the Montieth’s. The revelations could damage the reputation of the Monteith family and the whole of the British aristocracy. When Mac’s mother discovers that Eve is planning to write a book about her research, she will stop at nothing to keep the family secrets hidden. Cave of Secrets by Lynne Golodner is a captivating novel about an ambitious American woman who discovers the dark family secrets of a British aristocratic family. While in the midst of her research, she meets a charming Scotsman who quickly sweeps her off her feet. As their relationship develops, a family mystery slowly unravels. With an atmospheric backdrop of sweeping landscapes, rugged terrain, and cosy pubs, the book transports readers to the idyllic Scottish countryside and the beautiful city of Edinburgh. The novel seamlessly blends the past and present, as Eve’s research threatens to shatter the pristine image of the British aristocracy. Golodner accomplishes her goal of addressing serious topics, such as homophobia, antisemitism, social class and power in a heart-warming and engaging romance. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A beautiful and touching tale of love, loss, and family, set in the atmospheric Scottish highlands. Purchase here

< Back Charles Byrd The Reaper's Guide on How NOT to Take a Soul! A young girl dreams of becoming a Grim Reaper. Eleven-year-old Lyra Corvin is a living girl in the Underworld. She has no memory of her childhood or recollection of how she came to the Underworld. Lyra works as an assistant to a Grim Reaper named Silas. She hopes one day to become a Grim Reaper herself, but Silas does not think she has the necessary people skills to do the job. But, when a strange case presents itself to the Grim Reaper, he asks for Lyra’s help. Lyra is sent to the Living Realm, to help guide a young boy to the Afterlife, but the circumstances on the death scroll keep changing. Lyra meets the boy named Casper at a bus stop, and discovers she is not invisible to him, as expected. Casper is scared of Lyra and runs away. As she tries to catch him, Lyra trips and falls, and her precious necklace is broken in the tussle. Casper falls in the road and is hit by a bus. His soul leaves his body and becomes a ghost, but his body does not die. Lyra must take Casper to the Underworld to seek Silas’s advice. During the journey, Lyra and Casper are chased by Soul Eaters who want to capture their souls. But when Silas suddenly disappears, Lyra seeks help from various creatures of the Underworld. She wants to help return Casper’s soul to his body, find her necklace, and understand why she has no memories of her childhood. As Lyra and Casper try to evade capture from Soul Eaters and Spectres, they go on a journey to the Greek Afterlife, where Lyra finally learns the truth about her family history. The Reaper's Guide on How NOT to Take a Soul! by Charles Byrd is a funny and slightly scary book for young readers about ghosts and ghouls, spectres and soul eaters, and all kinds of terrifying creatures that inhabit the Underworld. The book follows a seemingly ordinary girl who somehow came to live in the Underworld, and her work as an assistant Grim Reaper. At just eleven, she is not quite ready to step into the Grim Reaper’s shoes, and she must learn the key tricks of the trade. Byrd crafts a rich, detailed world, filled with intriguing characters and dark secrets. Overall, this is a unique and captivating book that explores the darkly enchanting world of life, death and the supernatural. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An imaginative, funny and slightly scary book for young readers about the job of a Grim Reaper, and the ghosts and ghouls that inhabit the Underworld. Purchase here

< Back Sheeba Varghese Mommy, Am I Indian Today? Two young brothers are getting ready for a wedding. They are dressing in traditional Indian outfits, called kurta pyjama’s and wear a type of scarf called a stole. The brothers always wear matching outfits for special occasions, and sometimes they match their mothers outfit, called a sari. One boy asks her mother, “Mommy, am I Indian today?” His mother takes out an old photograph album and tells him the story of how her parents came to America from the state of Kerala in India, many years ago. She describes how they emigrated to America in search of a better life and opportunities for their children. She explains that the boys are not just Indians when they wear their traditional Indian clothes, but they are Indians every day. The brothers feel proud when they leave the house in their special kurta pyjama’s. Mommy, Am I Indian Today? is an illustrated picture book by author Sheeba Varghese about two brothers who are attending a wedding and wear traditional Indian outfits, called kurta pyjama’s. The brothers are curious about the outfits, and it prompts a discussion with their mother about their heritage. The book introduces young readers to Indian culture and Indian wedding traditions, and addresses themes of identity, multi-culturalism and belonging. The book is an excellent resource for sparking conversations about cultural identity and family traditions. The water-color style illustrations by Tori Tilahun bring the vibrant Indian culture to life, and show the beauty and elegance of traditional wedding attire. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An entertaining and educational read for young readers, and a wonderful celebration of Indian culture and heritage. Purchase here

< Back Cheryl Johnson Today I Learned About Birds A guidebook about birds, with words and photographs by Cheryl Johnson. Today I Learned About Birds is a guidebook about birds, where they live, what they eat, how they look and how they behave and communicate with one another. It explores their wide range of habitats, from the city to the country, and forests and deserts; the different bird species, from house sparrows to mockingbirds, and swans to owls; the food they eat, including seeds, fruits, and small animals; and much, much more. On each page there is a reader tip (including explorer tips, birding tips, how to identify birds, fun facts) to help readers learn more about birds and find great places to discover birds. The final section explores some of the challenges birds face, endangered species of birds, and how we can all help make things a little easier for our feathered friends. On completion of the book, readers are awarded a ‘Junior Ornithologist’ certificate. Today I Learned About Birds is a wonderful book about birds by author and photographer, Cheryl Johnson. With fascinating and fun facts about our feathered friends, and glorious technicolour photographs of birds in their natural environments, this is a great introduction to birds for younger readers. I am fascinated by birds and I love birdwatching, but I learnt many new things from this book. The book will encourage young children and adults to grab their binoculars and venture outside to watch these amazing specimens. With handy symbols and maps, to help readers look for birds in their own backyard, and a whole range of other resources, this book is a perfect guide for any budding ornithologist or nature enthusiast. Whilst aimed at young readers, this book is a great reference book for readers of all ages, and a super addition to any library. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A glorious book about birds and a perfect resource for any budding ornithologist. Purchase here

< Back Jennifer Ivy Walker The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight Tristan and Issylte return in the third instalment in the Sea Raven trilogy series by author Jennifer Ivy Walker Tristan, the banished Blue Knight of Cornwall, and heir to the Kingdom of Lyonesse, and his wife Issylte, the Emerald Princess and heir to the Irish crown, have fled from Issylte’s wicked stepmother, the Black Widow Queen Morag, and taken refuge on the island of Avalon. As heirs to their respective thrones, Tristan and Issylte pose an intolerable threat to Queen Morag, and her sovereignty over those two kingdoms. The Queen poisoned her first husband, Issylte’s father, the King Donnchadh of Ireland, and also attempted to murder Issylte, to secure her position on the Irish throne. She is poisoning her second husband, the King Marke of Cornwall, Tristan’s uncle, to maintain her rule over the Cornish Kingdom. The Queen is still raging from the death of Morholt, her beloved Black Knight who was killed by Tristan during a failed Viking invasion of Cornwall. She vows to find Tristan and avenge Morholt’s death. When Queen Morag and her cronies discover that Issylte is pregnant with Tristan’s child, she is further enraged. With her ally, dwarf Bothor, she plans an elaborate plot to kill Tristan, and capture Issylte and her unborn child. The Queen plans to imprison Issylte until her baby is born, and then sacrifice the royal infant during the winter solstice, to break a curse that has plagued the Queen for many years. Issylte is captured and imprisoned in a tower on the top of a rocky cliff edge. Tristan and his army of knights must journey back to Tintagel to rescue his wife and unborn child. Will Tristan save his wife and child from the murderous queen? Will Tristan and Issylte ever regain their thrones to their kingdoms? And will Queen Morag ever be punished for her crimes? The Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight is a fascinating medieval fantasy fiction novel by author Jennifer Ivy Walker. In this third instalment in the Sea Raven trilogy, Tristan and Issylte’s journey to reclaim their rightful positions on their respective thrones, comes to a breathtaking climax. With gruesome and bloody battle scenes, hot and steamy love scenes, and many unexpected twists and turns, this is an electrifying conclusion to a magnificent trilogy. The book, and the series, is a super addition to the medieval fantasy fiction genre and will captivate readers who enjoy Celtic history and folklore. I could not wait to read this final book and I am gutted the series had concluded. I am hopeful that Tristan, Issylte and their son might return for a new adventure very soon! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An epic medieval fantasy fiction novel, comes to an electrifying conclusion. Purchase here

< Back Charlene McIver Off to School in my Wheelie Chair Leigh’s fun journey to school in his super wheelie chair. Leigh is off to school in his super wheelie chair. With his four wheels, he zooms down the path, being careful not to ride over any bumps or cracks in the path. He splashes through puddles and tests his strength by spinning his wheels to the top of a hill, before cruising down the other side to reach his school. He scoots through the school gate and up the ramp, before arriving safely in his class. Leigh meets his friends, and settles down in class, where he is ready, willing, and ABLE to learn. Off to School in my Wheelie Chair is an illustrated picture book by author Charlene McIver, about Leigh and his adventures in his super wheelie chair. The book follows Leigh’s journey to school one day, as he splashes through puddles, avoids obstacles, climes a strenuous hill and freewheels down the other side in his wheelchair. The book is a positive story about a little boy who doesn’t let his wheelchair get in the way of his life or his learning. His journey to school in his wheelchair is a fun, enjoyable experience, albeit sometimes challenging. He is happy, confident, and included at school, he understands his strengths and he is ready, willing, and ABLE to learn. Leigh’s wheelchair is not a hinderance, but used as a tool to maintain independence. The book will help children who might be in a wheelchair, prepare for their first day at school. It will help other children understand other peoples’ differences and abilities. Beautifully written in rhyme, with charming illustrations by Winendra Adi, the book delivers an important message of acceptance, inclusion, and friendship. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful picture book about a remarkable young boy with a super wheelie chair and an infectious sense of fun and adventure. Purchase here

< Back Kate Shooltz Kate the Earthling Kate has just moved to a new town where she doesn’t know anyone. She misses her old home, but decides to go for a walk to explore her new surroundings. She wonders deep into the forest and meets a little mushroom. The mushroom tells Kate that its house is a mossy log, but the earth is its home. She continues into the forest and meets an owl who explains that the tree is its house, but the earth is its home. She also meets a beaver, a blue whale, and a giant sequoia tree, who all explain that the earth is their home too. The wise tree tells Kate that the earth is home to all kinds of plants, animals and humans, and all are earthlings. As Kate returns home, she realises that no matter where she lives, she will always be home. She is an earthling too! Kate the Earthling by Kate Shooltz is a sweet and gentle illustrated picture book that explores feelings of loss, change and belonging, through the eyes of a little girl named Kate. The author captures the bittersweet emotions of moving home, with compassion and sensitivity, while the dreamy, nature-filled illustrations by Winona Kieslich create a sense of calm and wonder. This is an ideal story for young children who might be experiencing a big move or transition. Star rating: 4 Stars Summary : An uplifting and empowering story that will help young children learn that they will always belong – no matter where they are. Purchase here

< Back Sabrina Simon Violet A collection of romantic poems and prose, from author Sabrina Simon Violet is a collection of fifty poems and prose by author Sabrina Simon. Written over a seven-year period, from 2015 to 2022, the collection captures the authors journey from her early teenage years through to young adulthood. This is a deeply personal and profound collection of poems from a talented young woman, with a gift for poetry. The early poems capture the authors longing and yearning for love, and her desire for mental and physical intimacy. She describes beautifully her feelings of loss and rejection when love is unrequited, her elation and euphoria when she experiences her first love, and the pain of her first heartbreak. The later poems deal with more mature themes, her fears of starting a new relationship, and her growing sense of self and identity. This book is a deeply intimate collection of poetry and prose about the authors first experiences of love and life as a young teenager, through to early adulthood. This is a beautiful memoir, written during the authors formative years, which captures both the joy and pain of love and relationships. Sabrina Simons describes how poetry became a type of therapy, and how she used it to make sense of new, romantic feelings. Inspired by music and her own life experiences, her poetry is lyrical, powerful, and passionate. Her stories are vivid, emotional and relatable. The book took me back to my own youth, and my own experiences of love and loss. Overall, a beautiful and moving collection of poetry, and a joy to read. Ideal for teens, young adults and anyone who loves romantic poetry. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A deeply personal and profound collection of poetry from a talented young author. Purchase here

< Back Jim Lichtman Trust and Confidence: The 1998 Battle between the Secret Service and Ken Starr Author Jim Lichtman presents fascinating new insights into the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal Trust and Confidence: The 1998 Battle Between the Secret Service and Ken Starr is a political, non-fiction book by author Jim Lichtman about the investigation into the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal. In 1998, independent counsel KenW. Starr, issued a motion to compel Lewis Merletti, the former Director of the US Secret Service, and agents on the president’s protective detail, to testify about what they had heard or seen in relation to President Clinton’s intimate relationship with Lewinsky. It was the first time in history a director of the Secret Service was asked to testify against a sitting president. Merletti challenged Starr’s motion, arguing that due to the nature of the job, the President must have absolute confidence and trust in the agents of the Secret Service. Compelling an agent to testify against a President on anything other than a criminal act, would undermine trust and confidence, the basic tenet of the Secret Service, and threaten the very survival of the agency. With the support of all living former directors of the Secret Service, the upper echelon of the Department of Justice, and the former president George H.W. Bush, Merletti battled Starr’s Office of Independent Counsel for six months, taking the case all the way to the Supreme Court. The book is a tense political drama, presenting fascinating new insights into the legal battle between Starr’s Office of Independent Counsel and the upper echelon of the Department of Justice, following the Clinton-Lewinsky affair. Based on over twelve years of research by the author Jim Lichtman, including interviews with Lewis Merletti, documents from Merletti’s personal files, and other documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping, well-written and extensively researched book, which will appeal to readers of political drama and historic non-fiction. Purchase here

< Back Allison Hill Lolly the Left Out Lobster Will Lolly the Lobster find her way home? There is a big storm in the ocean and Lolly the Lobster is scooped up by the waves. She is whisked around in the turbulent sea, before being washed up on shore. Lolly finds herself in a strange forest. She is lost, alone and very frightened. Lolly finds a house and meets a squirrel, but when she asks the squirrel for help, he runs away. She meets a turkey and explains she is lost, but the turkey will not help her either. Just when Lolly has given up hope of seeing her mom again, she meets a pack of dogs. At first Lolly is scared of the strange creatures, but the dogs are fun, friendly and offer to help her. The dogs – Billie, Alex, Ruby, Luna, and Izzy – help Lolly back to the ocean, where she is finally reunited with her family. Lolly the Left Out Lobster by author Allison Hill is a charming and thoughtful, illustrated picture book for younger children about an adorable little lobster who finds herself lost in a forest. But when Lolly asks for help, the other forest creatures are wary and scared of her. They have never met a lobster before, and she looks different from anything they have ever seen. When a pack of friendly dogs come to the rescue, the other forest creatures soon realise Lolly is not so scary after all. The different creatures put aside their differences and become good friends. The book teaches young children about diversity, and the importance of showing kindness and accepting others just the way they are. A great resource for parents and educators to gently introduce young children to these complex topics. Lolly’s journey from isolation to acceptance and belonging is one that many children will relate to. The illustrations by Sandie Sonke are super-sweet, vibrant and full of character. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A charming and thoughtful picture book, with an unusual but adorable protagonist, and a powerful message about diversity and inclusion. 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