Search Results

< Back Susan and Matthew Downing Bradykin's Snowy Adventure Fun and frolics in the snow, with pup Bradykin and his siblings. Bradykin, a Coton de Tulear pup, and his siblings pack up their winter gear and set out on a fun-filled, snowy adventure. They travel to a mountainside retreat where the pups enjoy playing arcade games and pool in the games room, skiing and snowboarding down the snowy slopes, and eating fondue by the warmth of the open fire. One pup takes part in a snowboarding race, twisting and turning at speed down the snowy slopes, while his siblings watch and cheer him on. The pups explore the snow covered trails on their snowmobiles, and gather by an outdoor fire pit to tell stories. As the pups return to their mountain retreat, they remember the precious times spent with their siblings in the winter wonderland. Bradykin's Snowy Adventure, by authors Susan and Matthew Downing is a fun, action-packed picture book for younger readers, about a little Coton de Tulear pup named Bradykin, and his siblings. In this book, Bradykin travels with his siblings to a mountainside retreat, where the pups have fun and frolics in the winter wonderland. This is a charming book, with an adorable group of canine characters, who enjoy adventures and spending time together. There is a core message of family, friendship and togetherness throughout the book. The vibrant illustrations by Chris and Maria Young bring the pups’ personalities and the snowy landscapes to life perfectly. Children who enjoy animal characters, thrilling adventures, and snow sports, will love this book. An excellent choice for a cozy, snowy day, by the fire. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun-filled, family adventure in the snow, with a bunch of charming and adorable pups. Purchase here

< Back J.T. Tenera Erift's Journeys: Secrets of The Sealed Forest A magical adventure, inspired by video game fantasy, by author JT Tenera It’s Joseph Erift’s last day of eleventh grade, and he can’t wait to spend the summer playing video games with his best friend, Eric. During school, he has a run-in with a troublesome rich-kid, Clyde, and bumps into a mysterious elderly man in the school corridor, but the last day is rather uneventful. But when Joseph returns home, he finds a special package has been delivered, notifying him that he has qualified for two, all-expenses paid tickets to the tropical islands of Murean. The trip includes a professional demonstration of a new video game, but there are strict instructions not to tell anyone else about the trip, including his parents. Joseph invites his friend Eric, and the two friends sneak out of their houses and cycle all the way to the airport to catch their flight. Arriving in the remote Murean Islands, Joseph and Eric meet Professor Benjamin Thessit, a coffee-addicted, eccentric man conducting research into a powerful and ancient force...Magic. The teens soon discover that the Professor has lured them to the island under false pretences, and their mission is to hunt down a man named Ryan Morter, who has stolen important pieces of his research. So, rather than watch a demonstration of a new video game, the teens find themselves in a real-life gaming adventure, where they must discover their hidden abilities and the magic within themselves. Erift's Journeys: Secrets of The Sealed Forest is the first book in a new series, by debut author J.T. Tenera. It is a magnificent, fantasy story about two young men who go on a magical gaming adventure. The book is easy to follow, the characters are beautifully developed, and the world building is…Magic! Inspired by video game fantasy and anime, this book is packed full of action, magic and adventure. With lots of gaming references, the book will particularly appeal to middle grade readers and fans of fantasy fiction, animated series and video games. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A magnificent, fantasy story with beautifully developed characters, and magical world building. Purchase here

< Back Louis Papadakis Gertie Braves the River Set in the picturesque savanna, Gertie Braves the River, follows the journey of a giraffe named Gertie, who becomes stranded when a river blocks her path. Gertie must find the courage, determination, and strength to find a different way to cross the river. She tries to cross the river by herself, but it is too difficult. With support and encouragement from her friend Yank, and inspired by a group of monkeys, Gertie decides to build a raft using vines. With grit and grace, Gertie makes another attempt to cross the river. Gertie Braves the River is a beautifully illustrated, funny, and inspiring children's picture book by author Louis Papadakis. The story follows Gertie, a gentle and lovable giraffe with big dreams and an even bigger heart, as she faces the challenge of crossing a daunting river. Gertie's journey is relatable for readers of all ages, as she struggles, learns, and ultimately triumphs by finding strength within herself. The introduction of Yank, a wise and supportive character, adds depth to the narrative, reminding readers of the importance of guidance and reflection. Papadakis' illustrations are magnificent, bursting with color, comedy, character, and charm. Written in playful rhyme, this is a fun, read-aloud experience for adults and children alike. Overall, Gertie Braves the River is a sweet, funny, and heartwarming tale and a wonderful addition to any child's bookshelf. Highly recommended for families, educators, and anyone who loves a fun story with a positive message. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A sweet, funny, and heartwarming tale about a gentle and lovable giraffe with big dreams and an even bigger heart. Purchase here

< Back Alison McBain The New Empire A young prince fights for survival when he is sold into slavery and shipped across the Pacific Ocean, by author Alison McBain The New Empire tells the story of Jiangxi, the son of a Chinese emperor who is sold into slavery by his older brother, following his fathers’ death. Jiangxi is shipped across the Pacific Ocean to the west coast of North America, where he is bought by Onas, an elder and spiritual leader of the Haudenosaunee and Mutsun Native American tribes. Jiangxi becomes Onas’s personal, household slave, and unlike other slaves, Jiangxi has some, albeit limited, freedoms. He is able to spend time exploring his environment, where he meets other enslaved Chinese people, working in the corn fields. One day, he meets a young, enslaved girl and helps her escape, by sailing her up the river in a boat he found and repaired. Onas suspects Jiangxi’s involvement in the girl’s disappearance, and expels him from the house. Jiangxi is forced to work in the fields and live in the squalid and cramped longhouses. After twelve months, Jiangxi returns to Onas’s home, where he promises to obey his owner, but secretly hatches a plan to free other Chinese slaves. Over the next few years, Jiangxi slowly rebuilds Onas’s trust, and Onas repays him by giving him his freedom and making him his apprentice. But Jiangxi is conflicted, and torn between his loyalty to the man who liberated him, and the promise he made to his enslaved country people. The New Empire by author Alison McBain is a captivating and mesmerizing alternative history novel, set in the west coast of North America in the eighteenth century. The book provides an interesting perspective on what might have happened, had the Chinese been the first to settle in North America. Told from the perspective of a young boy, born to an Emperor and sold into slavery, as he comes of age and fights for survival in a new world. Despite his own predicament, Jiangxi defies the authorities and risks his freedom, and his own life, to help others. The book shows the horrors and brutality of slavery, so prevalent throughout human history, but also the power of individual acts of resistance and defiance, which can change the world. Thoroughly researched, with a gripping and believable plot, rich characters and excellent world building, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy alternative history novels. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating and mesmerizing alternative history novel, beautifully written by Alison McBain. Highly recommended. Purchase here

< Back Gail Scoates Paws, Purpose and Possibilities: How therapy dogs and faith healed my heart Author Gail Scoates shares her story of how therapy dogs gave her a sense of purpose following the death of her beloved younger sister. Dogs had always played a significant part in Gail’s life. Growing up, there were many dogs in the family, and Gail recalls happy memories and adventures with her sister, Karen, and their dogs. She describes how dogs provided a sense of comfort and security throughout her whole life. When Karen was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at the age of thirty-eight, Gail witnessed the special love and bond between Karen and her two dogs, Preston and Tanner. When Karen sadly passed away, Gail’s dog, Tucker, provided comfort and helped her through the grieving process. Following Karen’s passing, Gail became involved with the PAWS ministry, a therapy dog program. Gail trained up Tucker as a therapy dog, and together they visited a residential home for children with emotional and behavioural challenges, providing them with an opportunity to play and have fun, while learning how to interact with a dog safely. When Tucker passed away, Gail adopted a rescue dog, Max, and also trained him up as a therapy dog. Through many dog therapy visits, and observing the positive impact on children, Gail was able to find a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Later, Gail set up her own dog therapy program, named Karing Partners in memory of her sister. She was successful in setting up a program in a hospital and recruited other volunteer handlers and their dogs. With Max, and a subsequent dog, Sadie, the program made a significant difference to the lives of many patients and their families, hospital visitors, and health care staff. Paws, Purpose and Possibilities: How therapy dogs and faith healed my heart is a beautiful memoir by author Gail Scoates. Gail shares her story of how dogs supported her through many difficult periods of her life, including the death of her younger sister, and how therapy dogs have changed the lives of many others. This is a powerful story that not only shows the special bond between humans and dogs, but how dogs can help support, heal and rehabilitate people. A ‘ Paws for Reflection’ section at the end of each chapter, provides the reader with an opportunity for personal reflection. Gail’s commitment and dedication to dog therapy work is remarkable and her story is inspiring. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful and inspiring memoir, by an inspirational woman. Purchase here

< Back Carter Fielding Murder at the Summit: A Blake Sisters Travel Mystery The fifth instalment in this captivating murder-mystery series. Whitt Blake and her husband David Quinn are in Manila with Whitt’s sister, Finley, and her life partner Max Davies. Whitt won four days for two at a luxury spa in a benefit gala, and Finley, a travel writer, is working on an assignment about the best spas in Asia. While David and Max spend the weekend on a diving expedition, Whitt and Finley explore the luxury spa, named the Summit. The Summit is an exclusive resort spa in the hills of Manila, and a remote retreat for the rich and famous. With guests including a former Miss International and an a-list Bollywood Star, the Summit is the place to see and be seen. But on their first day at the resort, Whitt and Finley find the body of a young woman face-down in a pool at the foot of a waterfall. A murder investigation is launched when it is found the woman died in suspicious circumstances. This isn’t the first time Whitt and Finley have found themselves in a precarious situation, as they have unwittingly become entangled in several murder investigations during previous travel escapades. When a second dead body is found the next day, Whitt and Finley suspect the deaths are linked. But when a third dead body is found, the sisters worry there is a serial killer on the loose. When they meet an old friend at the resort, an undercover British detective, the sisters soon realise there is more to the story than meets the eye. Whitt and Finley are once again thrown into the depths of the investigation and the murky world of the super-rich and powerful. Murder at the Summit: A Blake Sisters Travel Mystery is the fifth instalment of this gripping murder-mystery series, by author Carter Fielding. The series follows two sisters as they travel the world and unwittingly find themselves entangled in several murder investigations. I have read several books in the series, and thoroughly enjoyed each one. The Blake sisters are likeable and relatable characters, and I have enjoyed following their travel adventures and the development of their personal relationships. I particularly enjoyed reading about the diverse and exotic places the sisters visit, this time readers are transported to a luxury spa in the lush and picturesque hills in Manila. Carter Fielding masterfully blends the charm of a cosy mystery, with the allure of a luxury spa setting, and the dangerous, murky world of the super-rich. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A cosy murder mystery set in a luxury resort in the picturesque hills of Manila, with two charming amateur sleuths. Purchase here

< Back Deanna Chesley What If We Had A Pet Shark? A fun, rhyming, picture book by author Deanna Chesley, with a rather terrifying question. What if…? 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 Viola B. Mecke, Ph.D., ABPP Aging Wisely: Life from Fifty to Seventy-Five Years Wise words for aging wisely, by author Viola B. Mecke Aging Wisely: Life from Fifty to Seventy-Five Years is a book targeted at older adults, about the authors’ own experience of growing older and as a practicing clinical psychologist. The book is divided into two parts, with thirteen chapters. The first part of the book discusses life and aging, and the passage of time from the ages of fifty to sixty-five and the beginning period of the loss of youthfulness, right through to the ages of eighty-five plus, and the ‘final curtain call’. The second part of the book discusses how to age wisely through physical activity and exercise, a positive mindset, gratitude and resilience, stress management, good self-esteem and positive relationships with others. The author explores issues of love and loss, change and uncertainty. Eighty-five-year-old author, Mecke, draws on her own personal feelings and experiences of ageing, and her professional experience as a clinical psychologist to help people age wisely and deal with the many stressors that aging brings. She discusses many of the myths associated with ageing and demonstrates the strengths of older senior citizens. The book will help readers to understand their own strengths to live a more fulfilled life in later years. Aging Wisely: Life from Fifty to Seventy-Five Years is a valuable resource for those who are in the later years of life, or those approaching older age. It will also be beneficial for others who might be supporting or caring for a parent, friend or family member in older age. This is a deeply personal book by author Mecke, who lays bare her personal experience of ageing. Older adults are often overlooked in society, and it was great to hear first-hand about Mecke’s life and personal journey. As a reader in the intended target age range, I found this book incredibly insightful and impactful. With plenty of practical advice and guidance, the book will help others to maintain a high quality of life in older age. I would highly recommend this book to anyone impacted by aging (all of us at some point!). Beautifully written, and easy to read, this book was a pleasure to read. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A valuable resource for those who are in the later years of life, or those approaching older age, and their caregivers. Purchase here

Stones of Wrath : The Twins < Back SJ Ratcliffe Stones of Wrath : The Twins Book blurb... Relic-hunting Nazis, an earthquake, danger on two fronts. Professor of Archaeology, Mikkel Jacobsen thinks he has found peace after the terrors of WWI. His escape from England to Buenos Aires with his new bride and a secret ancient artefact, is not as untroubled as he anticipates. During a terrifying uprising his wife gives birth to twins, Christian and Ruby. We now follow the adult twins as they separate during WWII-Christian to Denmark during the German occupation and Ruby to the Andes mountains as she searches for her missing father. Hitler knows of the Kaiser's search for the missing artefact and sends his spies in pursuit of the Professor. Meanwhile, Christian runs the gauntlet across Denmark and the sea to Sweden rescuing the Danish Jews. This is the second in the series, 'Stones of Wrath', filled with fast-paced intrigue and menace. The reader learns of the miraculous escape of Denmark's Jews in WWII and the fascinating legends of the pre-history megalith-'El Enladrillado' in Chile. Purchase here

< Back Katie Germain The Honey Bees: The Power of Positivity Little Bee has a difficult time letting negative thoughts go. After school, he thinks of the unfortunate events of the day, such as a tough quiz, or a quarrel with a friend. These negative thoughts make him feel low. Mommy Bee and Daddy Bee help Little Bee to find new ways to stay positive. They remind Little Bee that positivity is a choice and remind him to see the positive in any situation. One tip they recommend is to add AND to the inner voice. By adding AND to a difficult situation will remind Little Bee to acknowledge what has happened AND to focus on the positive outcome or learning. When Little Bee uses his power of choice, he notices his mood improves. The Honey Bees: The Power of Positivity by author Katie Germain is an uplifting and inspiring picture book for young readers about positivity. The story follows a young bee who always sees the worst in every situation, until his supportive and loving parents introduce him to a magical word: AND. The shift from ‘this is bad’, to ‘this happened AND I learnt this’ is powerful and accessible for kids and adults alike. The book will help readers shift from a negative mindset to a positive, growth-focused perspective. The delightful illustrations by Nardin Hany are bright and engaging, and the sweet bee family will captivate young readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A wonderful story for helping readers develop resilience and a positive, growth mindset. https://www.amazon.com/Honey-Bees-Power-Positivity/dp/1962949079/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SuVIVHIj8LP_6Z-quWh3fZG-GKBilnef8Xeyl3I73NSB5bcSMDiAvBLTHBDEeCbb9Zgx9AZsQJ2lgoPDnf7hCg.p80kn3WOHwo6YKSlTess782Gz43rYSGMWek706qo_rk&qid=1739283204&sr=8-1 Purchase here

< Back Angela Odusanya Amelia's Loose Part Art: A Day at the Beach Amelia has a special talent. She can create art anywhere, with anything. One day, she visits the beach with her parents, and plans to make loose part art with objects she finds by the shore. She picks up sticks, shells and seaweed, and finds a robins’ egg underneath a tree. The egg has fallen out of the nest, but the nest is too high in the tree to put it back. Amelia thinks hard and comes up with a plan to build a nest made of sticks and mud for the robin’s egg. She finds a fish stranded in a pool of water. She thinks hard again and decides to create a channel in the sand for the fish to swim back to the sea. Then, she uses her skills to help a boy build a sandcastle. Amelia didn’t the get chance to create loose part art at the beach, but she had lots of fun using her artistic skills, and loose parts, to solve problems and find solutions. Amelia's Loose Part Art: A Day at the Beach is a creative and interactive picture book by Angela Odusanya about a little girl who loves to create loose part art. In this book, Amelia takes a trip to the beach, but rather than create artwork, she uses her creative skills in other ways. Through several challenges, Amelia discovers that ideas are inside of her, and solutions are all around her. The book will help young children develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. With lots of additional resources at the end of the book, this book will inspire young children to create their own loose part art. A perfect book for little (and big!) artists . Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A delightful picture book that encourages creativity, imagination, problem-solving skills, and art in all its forms. Purchase here

< Back Marta Almansa Esteva Nurse Bear Does First Aid Nurse Bear Does First Aid is a super sweet picture book, with a great introduction to healthcare and first aid for younger children, from debut author Marta Almansa Esteva. Nurse Bear Does First Aid is a sweet story of a cute little bear who cares for, and helps others when they are unwell. Nurse Bear and colleagues, such as Duck the Doctor, Tiger the Radiographer, Monkey the Dietician and Bunny the Physiotherapist care for and treat patients in different situations and healthcare settings. The book describes a range of ailments and medical treatments, tests, and tools, supporting the development of basic first aid language, knowledge, and skills. Children will learn how to recognise some of the signs and symptoms of illness, and how to respond calmly and with empathy (and of course with the help of a grown-up!). There is also space for parents to add the ambulance service number and home contact details, which will help children learn how to contact the emergency services should they ever need to. This book is a great resource for parents, carers, and teachers to start conversations with younger children about healthcare and first aid, whether in preparation for a hospital visit, or when caring for minor ailments at home. The cute, gender-neutral, animal characters are beautifully handmade by Esteva using modelling clay. The characters will appeal to younger aged children and could inspire them to get involved in nursing and healthcare. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A sweet picture book, with a set of adorable clay animal characters, helping children learn important and potentially lifesaving first aid skills. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here