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< Back Julie Ellis Williams Bella Joins the Service Bella Joins the Service by Julie Ellis Williams is a children’s picture book that captures the bond between a man and his dog, while highlighting the important role of service animals. The story follows Bella, a young Labrador, and her owner, Kirk, as they navigate a life-changing event. Kirk, an adventurous young man, enjoys an active lifestyle in the Colorado mountains with Bella by his side. However, their lives take a dramatic turn when Kirk is involved in a mountain bike accident, leaving him unable to use his arms and legs as he once did. Bella, sensing Kirk’s struggles, joins “the service” and trains as a service dog to help Kirk adapt to his new way of life. The story is told from Bella’s perspective, and readers are drawn into her world as she learns to assist Kirk with everyday tasks, such as turning lights on and off, picking up dropped items, and even helping him navigate with his wheelchair. The book highlights Bella’s determination and the challenges she faces during her training, emphasizing the importance of patience, perseverance, and love. The book addresses complex topics, such as disability and adaptation, in a way that young children will relate to. The story emphasizes the importance of resilience and finding new ways to enjoy life, even in the face of adversity. The water-color style illustrations by Penny Weber are warm and endearing, capturing the essence of the story beautifully. Based on a true story, this book is a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to the authors son Kirk, and his beloved dog, Bella. The book also provides valuable information about service dogs, including how families can train their own dogs and how shelter dogs can become service animals. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heart-warming and inspiring tale of the bond between a man and his dog, and the valuable work of service animals. Purchase here

< Back Barry Hoffner Belonging to the World Belonging to the World by Barry Hoffner is a deeply moving memoir that explores themes of grief, healing, and the transformative power of travel. Following the sudden loss of his wife Jackie in Botswana in 2017, Hoffner embarked on a remarkable journey to visit all 193 UN-recognized countries. What began as an attempt to escape his pain evolved into a profound quest for connection, understanding, and closure. The book is structured as a personal narrative, divided into seven parts, each capturing a different phase of Hoffner's journey. Hoffner's travels are both physical and emotional, as he grapples with his grief and seeks solace in the beauty and humanity of the world. His journey takes him to remote and challenging destinations, including Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, and Sudan, where he encounters resilience, kindness, and connection in the face of adversity. Hoffner's vivid descriptions of landscapes, wildlife, and people bring readers along on his journey, from the Kalahari Desert to the bustling streets of Bangkok. His encounters with individuals from diverse cultures, such as Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Bushmen in Botswana, highlight the universal threads of humanity—kindness, resilience, and the desire for connection. The memoir is interwoven with reflections on Hoffner's life with Jackie, their shared love for travel, and the family they built together. Hoffner's writing is raw, introspective, and poignant, capturing the depth of his sorrow and the gradual process of healing. The narrative is filled with moments of wonder and connection. His reflections on love, loss, and resilience are relatable and inspiring, encouraging readers to embrace life's uncertainties and find meaning in unexpected places. Hoffner's journey is about finding a sense of belonging that transcends borders and cultures. His story is a testament to the healing power of connection and the importance of embracing the unknown. The memoir invites readers to reflect on their own journeys and consider how they can find belonging and purpose in their lives. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: This beautifully written memoir is a celebration of life, love, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Purchase here

< Back Kafilat Shobajo All The Things I Can Be A young girl named Kofo has big dreams. It is ‘Career Day’ at school and a young girl named Kofo is thinking about all the wonderful and amazing careers she could have when she grows up. Her parents have taught her the importance of education and she knows that she will have to work hard in any career. Her parents have also taught her the importance of self-belief, and everyday Kofo repeats positive affirmations to remind herself just how smart and strong she is, and that she can achieve anything she sets her mind to. She could be a teacher, a lawyer, a nurse or doctor, an architect, a farmer, or a plumber, and many, many more things. With hard work and determination, she could even be the first woman President of her country one day. All The Things I Can Be is an illustrated picture book by Kafilat Shobajo about a young girl who explores all the potential career options available to her. There are no limitations to her ambitions. She is strong and positive, and knows with hard work and determination, she will achieve her dreams. This is an engaging, positive and powerful picture book for young readers. It will inspire readers to think about a variety of different career options, the importance of those careers, and the benefits they bring. It will encourage young readers to think beyond typical gender-based careers and consider all opportunities. I particularly enjoyed the illustrations, the diversity of the characters and the images of Kofo in different roles. The book has a positive message for both girls and boys, and will inspire young readers to follow their dreams. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful picture book about a young girl and the endless career options available to her. Purchase here

< Back Angela Odusanya Amelia's Easter Surprise It’s Easter and Amelia is searching for the Easter Bunny. She looks everywhere, but he is nowhere to be found. She searches the kitchen and finds a little purple egg hidden inside a cupboard. Inside the egg is a pink feather. Amelia continues her search for the bunny in the garden, and finds a blue egg. Inside the egg is another pink feather. Then she finds another egg, and another, and another, and another. Inside each colorful egg is something different. A rock, buttons, yarn, and some gems. Amelia still cannot find the elusive Easter Bunny, and wonders why he has left her these strange gifts. As she examines the objects in each egg, and lays them out to create loose part art, she discovers that the Easter Bunny was there all along! Amelia's Easter Surprise is a sweet and charming illustrated picture book for young children, by author Angela Odusanya. Part of ‘Amelia’s Loose Part Art’ series, this book follows Amelia as she searches for the Easter Bunny and finds new objects to create an extra special, Easter-themed loose part art. The book not only encourages imagination and creativity, but it also helps to develop language and counting skills. Young children will have lots of fun recognising the different colors and counting the eggs as Amelia searches for the Easter Bunny. They will particularly enjoy searching for the hidden bunny on each page, and may even be inspired to create their own Easter Bunny with loose part art. With lots of rhyme and repetition, this is a great read-aloud book for children and their parents or caregivers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A joyful, Easter-themed rhyming picture book, to inspire budding artists and creative minds. Purchase here

Overcoming Deepest Grief, A Woman's Journey - Grief, Acceptance, Gratitude and Joy < Back Mary Aviyah Farkas Overcoming Deepest Grief, A Woman's Journey - Grief, Acceptance, Gratitude and Joy A collection of essays, prose, and poems, from author Mary Aviyah Farkas, following her journey through unimaginable loss, to acceptance, gratitude, and joy. Overcoming Deepest Grief, a Woman’s Journey: Grief, Acceptance, Gratitude and Joy is a collection of essays, prose, and poems by author Mary Aviyah Farkas. The book was written by Mary following the death of her beloved sister, and wife of eighteen years within a six-month period, and the trauma she experiences as she leaves her cherished home and builds a new life in Southern California. The collection follows Mary’s personal journey from the depths of depression and grief, through to acceptance, gratitude, and joy. We learn of Mary’s history, her connection with God, and her experiences of being a lesbian woman in the twenty first century. We see Mary build a new life, make new friends, connect with family, experience the joy from the simple things in life, and find new love. This book is a deeply intimate and emotional memoir of one woman’s journey through life, and her experiences of love and unimaginable loss. It gives hope and comfort to anyone who is experiencing grief and depression that they can live a fulfilling life and love again. This is a beautiful book, and a moving tribute to Mary’s wife, sister, and friends. Written by Mary during a turbulent thirteen-year period, and told through Mary’s unadulterated words, this is a book of pure, raw emotion. It is a deeply moving book, and it brought a tear to my eye on several occasions. Whilst the book is targeted at teens, it is equally suitable for adults. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A deeply intimate and emotional memoir of one woman’s journey through life, love, and loss. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Bryan Asher The Assassin of Malcoze Debut author Bryan Asher builds a rich fantasy world in the Intercontinents The book takes place in the Intercontinent of Malcoze, a fantasy realm, comprising a floating world of continents. The Malcozeans are an advanced species, with unique powers and special abilities to augment, enhance and manipulate everyday things. Three Malcozeans, Auros, Analia and Taurong are each on an independent journey of self-discovery, finding their own way in life. Auros an eccentric, ageing mercenary is working on a contract to find a mysterious heir of the King Tarburous. Analia, Princess of Malcoze, the Kings daughter and a student with a unique talent for enchantment. Taurong, a young man studying battle arts to become a member of the Rincoyle elite military, with special aura powers. As the characters’ progress on their own journeys, they are unwittingly united by a dangerous assassin, Scoria Kith from a neighbouring continent, the Intercontinent of Kratas. Kith’s mission is to destabilise Malcoze and assassinate King Tarburous, and he will not stop until he achieves his goal. The Assassin of Malcoze is a gripping, fantasy fiction novel, set in the fantasy realm of the Intercontinents. Asher has built a rich, fantasy world with strong, well-developed characters that will appeal to fans of this genre. The second half of the book was amazing, and I couldn’t put it down. I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A beautifully crafted fantasy fiction novel, with an intriguing plot, brilliant character development, and excellent artwork. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Jeffrey Morgan Bungo the Funky Monkey Adventures in Kindness A lesson in kindness from a jungle monkey. Bungo is a funky monkey, who lives in the jungle. He loves to dance, play, and swing in the trees, but his favourite thing is to spread kindness amongst the other animals. He helps a little bird who has hurt her wing, and he cheers up a tiger who his feeling down. He plays his flute to entertain his jungle friends, and he spreads joy and happiness to everyone around him. Through his small acts of kindness, Bungo makes his friends feel happy. But through showing kindness, Bungo also feels happy. Bungo the Funky Monkey, Adventures in Kindness, is a sweet and charming illustrated picture book for young children by author Jeffrey Morgan. The book has an important message for young readers about the importance of showing kindness, empathy, and compassion. Written in rhyme, with bright, colourful, and delightful animal characters, this is a great way of engaging young readers in such an important topic. Young readers will love the colourful illustrations and the cute cartoon-like characters. With additional resources at the end of the book, this is a great book for parents, carers, and teachers to start conversations about kindness with younger children. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and charming illustrated picture book, with cute animal characters, and an important message about kindness and compassion. Purchase here

< Back Melanie Joy Mezzancello Love Snaggs - A Little Dog’s Courageous Journey An epic story of one little pups’ adventure on earth and in the afterlife, by author Melanie Joy Mezzancello A little Yorkie pup doesn’t have the best start in life. Born in a puppy mill, he spends his early days locked in a small cage with other frightened pups, before being sold to a pet store in Winter Park, Florida. But his future turns brighter when he is adopted by a young couple and taken to a new comfortable, and loving home. The couple name the pup Snaggs, and he is soon joined by his brother, Linus, a Silver Phantom Cockapoo, and sister, Sasha, a tiny caramel-white Maltese Poodle mix. Snaggs lives a full and happy life with his mommy, daddy, brother and sister, but as he grows older, he suffers from a number of health conditions and becomes very sick. Snaggs’ brief time on earth comes to an end, but his journey is not yet over. When he wakes, he has passed over the Rainbow Bridge into Summerland, a heavenly place where animals go when their time on earth is over. But Snaggs misses home and worries about the family he left behind, so he sets off on an epic journey up the Spire Mountain to find a ram named Shaman, who he believes will help him find his way back to earth. Will Snaggs find his way home? And will he ever see his beloved family again? Love Snaggs - A Little Dog’s Courageous Journey is a sweet and imaginative canine adventure story for younger independent readers, with a unique and unexpected twist. This is not a typical abandoned/neglected/lost pup story, it is an epic story of one little pups’ adventure on earth and in the afterlife. The little pup shows strength, courage, and determination to follow his dream and reunite with his family. He meets lots of wonderful and fascinating characters throughout this journey, and faces many dangers along the way. Snaggs is an adorable character, and this book will appeal to dog lovers of all ages, and readers interested in fantasy and adventure stories. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and imaginative canine adventure story with an adorable main character with a unique and unexpected twist. Purchase here

< Back Jeremiah Gilbert On to Plan C A Return to Travel Jeremiah Gilbert’s experience of international travel, following the Covid19 pandemic. On to Plan C: A Return to Travel by author Jeremiah Gilbert is a travel memoir / travel guidebook about the authors return to international travel after more than two years of cancellations, following the Covid19 pandemic. Gilbert, a Californian travel writer and photographer, describes his experience of travelling to Fiji, Europe, and the West Indies. In May 2022, Gilbert travelled to Fiji and describes a visit to the oldest settlement in Fiji , a nd the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere . He discusses a near death experience whilst climbing sand dunes in Sigatoka. During a trip to London in July 2022, he has afternoon tea on a Jubilee themed bus and visits Greenwich and Tower Bridge. From London, he travels to Bergen, the street art capital of Norway; Copenhagen, the capital and cultural centre of Denmark; and Berlin, where he visits the Holocaust Memorial, Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie. In November 2022, Gilbert takes a Christmas river cruise, travelling on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, visiting Dordrecht, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Mannheim, Strasbourg, Freiburg, and the Ravenna Gorge enroute. In December 2023, Gilbert takes a three-week Caribbean cruise, visiting St. Barts, Antigua, Martinique, St. Vincent, Trinidad, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. On to Plan C: A Return to Travel is an insightful and captivating blend of travel memoir and travel guide, with a stunning collection of photographs. While Gilbert shares his experience of each destination, the main sights, activities, and cultural experiences, he also discusses his travel experience, and how he navigated the airlines and train services in a post-Covid world. Through vivid storytelling and lots of humor, Gilbert takes the reader on a journey across continents, weaving his own personal experiences with practical travel tips. The memoir aspect provides an intimate touch, allowing readers to connect with Gilbert’s experience and adventures, while the guide provides valuable insights for anyone looking to embark on a similar journey. Whether you are a virtual traveller, or are planning your own adventure, this book offers a delightful mix of inspiration and advice. What sets this book apart is Gilbert’s breathtaking photography. Each image transports the reader to the heart of the destination, capturing the landscapes, culture, and people, beautifully. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An insightful and captivating blend of travel memoir and travel guide, with a stunning collection of photographs. Purchase here

< Back L.A.D. Publishing Space Monkey: Mars Mission Report A mischievous monkey is on a mission to Mars, by LAD publishing! Space Monkey: Mars Mission Report is a cute picture book for young readers, about the planetary system and space exploration. A little monkey is on a big, intergalactic mission to share his stories of his travels through space. His first stop is one of Earth’s closest neighbours, the magnificent red planet, Mars. But, do you know why it is called the red planet? Do you know Mars has a mountain three times bigger than Mount Everest? And do you know Mars has two moons? The book provides an incredible insight into the wonders of Mars, which will spark young people’s curiosity, and encourage them to learn more about science, engineering and technology. This is a wonderful picture book, which is insightful and inspiring, entertaining and educational, funny and factual. With an adorable monkey character, amazing illustrations and interesting factoids, this book will appeal to budding astronomers, and young readers interested in the solar system and space exploration. The digital illustrations by Lana Vivchar are bright, colourful, and funny. I particularly liked the cute little additions, (Paddington Bear, the baby bottle, and flying cookies) which will keep readers entertained for hours. I look forward to learning about Jupiter next, and more space adventures from the mischievous monkey. Written by three inspirational young men, this book will inspire readers of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspiring book about space travel, by three inspiring young men. Purchase here

< Back Cynthia Hughes Can I Be President of the United States at 8? Author Cynthia Hughes encourages young people to follow their dreams. Can I Be President of the United States at 8? By author Cynthia Hughes is a small book with a very big message. The children ask their teacher a big question – Can I be President, or even Vice-President, at the age of eight? The teacher explains that it is a very long journey to become the President or Vice President of the United States, but if one imagines it, works hard at school and college, demonstrates good values, and follows their dreams, one might very well become the President by the age of forty-eight. With positive, diverse images of young people, the book will inspire young people to follow their dreams. It will provide hope and encouragement that anyone can be successful in life, if they believe in themselves and work hard: ‘If you can see it, you can be it!” With positive affirmations throughout the book, the book will help young people develop confidence and self-belief, and could inspire young people to get involved in politics. Maybe in a few years, we might hear of a politician who was inspired to enter politics or the presidential race after reading this book! The digital illustrations by Debra Gordon, are bright and engaging for younger readers, and include a diverse representation of young people, which readers will relate to. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspirational book for young people, which will help them develop confidence and self-belief, and encourage them to follow their dreams. Purchase here

< Back Daniel Collins The Little Candle Book blurb... This children's picture book follows a short candlestick's journey to self-acceptance. The story begins in a candle shop, where the short candle is bought by a man as a holiday gift for his youngest daughter Tonya. Tonya treasures it as her own holiday candle, carrying it with her as a valued possession during the Christmas Holiday. The short candle eventually realizes that his size doesn't matter when it comes to making someone happy. He soon learned that he was a century candle, and that he was made to burn for a hundred years or more. So joyful was he to learn this that he would have jumped for joy had he been gifted with any legs. Through the example of a candle, The Little Candle shows readers why comparing oneself to others isn't worthwhile. Everyone has their own special gifts and talents and it is recognized by others, although it may not be apparent at the moment. Purchase here