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< Back Michael Shandler Karma and Kismet A spiritual quest across continents, cultures and consciousness. A Memoir of Adversity and Triumph One man’s journey of struggle, self-acceptance and success. Author Michael Shandler writes about his life growing up as ‘Gary Fuchs’, in South Africa, and his journey across the ocean to North America as a young man. Part one (‘Karma’) focuses on his early life in 1950’s Cape Town, where he lived in constant fear of his violent father. At age thirteen, he was sent away to an all-boys boarding school, where he was regularly bullied by other students. After leaving school at eighteen, he was drafted into the all-White South African army but struggled to find his place: “I’m not a proud South African. The country’s history is alien to me. I love the land and the sea, but I’m a Jew. An outsider. Bullied by Afrikaners and English alike”. After he is discharged from the army due to medical reasons, he joins a training program in Johannesburg, but he remains sad, lonely, and depressed. Part two (‘Seeking’) focuses on his early twenties, as he leaves South Africa in search of new opportunities. Following the outbreak of the Arab-Israel conflict in 1967, the twenty-one-year-old volunteers to work in a kibbutzim to support the war effort. When he receives cash from his uncle's in Canada, he decides to emigrate to Vancouver. He takes several jobs, and experiments with psychedelic drugs. He soon discovers a love of yoga, which he later teaches and develops a friendship with Ram Dass, a spiritual teacher and yoga guru. He is given the spiritual name Ravi Dass, and he joins an intensive ‘Arica’ enlightenment training program. He later marries Aparna, and they have a daughter named Manju. In the late 1970’s he writes a yoga journal and publishes his first book. In Part three (‘Kismet’) he publishes several other books with his wife, under the names Michael and Nina Shandler. Aparna gives birth to their second daughter, Sara, and Michael reconciles with his estranged father. Karma and Kismet A spiritual quest across continents, cultures and consciousness: A Memoir of Adversity and Triumph is an absorbing and heartfelt memoir by author Michael Shandler. Shandler shares his personal journey from Cape Town to Canada, chronicling key personal, social and political events during his life. Shandler escapes a violent and controlling father, and builds a new life in a new country, where he finds peace and a sense of purpose through yoga and spiritual practice. This is a deeply moving, honest, authentic and courageous memoir, exploring the complexity of the human experience and the basic need for love and belonging. It offers a beacon of hope and healing for anyone recovering from childhood trauma. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A deeply moving, honest, authentic and courageous memoir, exploring the complexity of the human experience and the basic need for love and belonging. Purchase here

< Back Laurie Anne Zaleski Travels with Ariel - What's up in Baker Lake? Can a young scientist rescue injured caribou and repair a twenty-year-old borehole? Eleven-year-old Ariel is passionate about the earth, rocks, and science. After winning first place in an International Science Fair at school, she is selected for a HER ( Headquarters of Environmental Resolution) mentorship program . As part of the program, she has the opportunity to work alongside real scientists and be part of a real-life scientific investigation. She is given an assignment in Baker Lake, Canada, and travels with her mom and beloved dog, Champ, to a site on the very edge of the Arctic Circle. She meets her mentor, a world-renowned geomorphologist Dr Bryce, and learns that several caribou have been injured near a damaged borehole on the Arctic Tundra. Her mission is to work with the scientists to investigate, repair, and recalibrate the old borehole and safeguard the migrating caribou. Ariel and the team trek to the site and find an injured caribou and her young calf. They secure the site and take the injured caribou back to the town for treatment. As the caribou are treated, the scientists attempt to repair the borehole, so it can continue to capture important data about the terrain. Will the caribou recover from their injuries? Can they be released back into the wild to continue their journey? And will the team be able to repair the twenty-year-old borehole to secure the site for future generations? Travels with Ariel - What's up in Baker Lake? by author Laurie Anne Zaleski is a chapter book for newly independent readers about a young girl who goes on a scientific adventure of a lifetime to the Arctic Tundra. Ariel is a charming, likeable, and fun character, with a love for geology and conservation, and a passion for adventure. Her journey is inspiring, as she wins a contest and fulfils her dream to be involved in a real-life scientific investigation. The book is full of interesting facts and figures about the earth, geology, and science in general, and will encourage young readers to explore more about these fascinating subjects. I hope this book will inspire a love of STEM, and the next generation of geologists and scientists. Fascinating, insightful, and inspiring. Who said rocks were boring? Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful, inspiring story about a young geologist who goes on an amazing adventure to the Arctic Tundra, 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 Christy Burbidge Paulie The Piping Plover's Sea Turtle Rescue: A Martha's Vineyard Tale Paulie the Piping Plover lived on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. It was his first migration south to the Gulf of Mexico, and he was going to miss his friends, Liam the lobster, Sarah the sea turtle and Belle the blue fish. But just as Paulie is about to leave, he discovers that Sarah has been cold-stunned and taken to the Sea Turtle Rescue Center on Cape Cod. Worried about their friend, Paulie, Liam and Belle build a raft and ride in the wake of a ferry all the way to Cape Cod. When they arrive at the Rescue Center, they find Sarah is safe and well looked after. The three friends decide to help spread the word about cold-stunned sea turtles and come up with a plan. They face an arduous journey back home, but they are determined to help other sea turtles stranded on the beaches of Cape Cod. Paulie The Piping Plover's Sea Turtle Rescue: A Martha's Vineyard Tale is a charming, illustrated picture book by author Christy Burbidge. When three friends learn that Sarah the sea turtle is missing, they will stop at nothing to find her. With strength and determination, the friends work together to find Sarah. Inspired by the work of the Rescue Center, the friends hatch an innovative plan to help other sea turtles. This is an inspiring and engaging picture book for young readers, with an adorable cast of characters and charming illustrations Mary Jo Helchowski. Perfect for young children who love birds, sea turtles and other sea creatures, as well as for budding explorers and conservationists. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An inspiring and engaging tale, with an adorable cast of characters, charming illustrations, and an important message about friendship and ocean conservation. Purchase here

< Back Ashley Wall The Day I Had a Fire Truck Luke is busy cleaning out the garage one day, when he finds a big red fire truck parked outside his house. Inside the truck is a note from the firefighters asking Luke to find a crew and take over for the day. Luke, with his trusted dog Bobo by his side, sets out to assemble a crew. He picks up his friends, Noah, Mikey, and Emma, when the radio operator tells them that Mrs Lola’s cat, Fefe, is stuck in a tree. The four friends turn on the lights and sirens, and drive to the scene. Fefe is stuck in the tallest tree and the crew have to use the trucks aerial ladder to rescue her. After lunch, a report comes in of a fire near the park. The ice cream shop is at risk of burning down. Noah and his friends hurry to the park and find a trash can on fire. Can the young firefighters handle the machinery and put out the fire? Will the ice cream shop, and visitors to the park, be saved by Noah and his crew? The Day I Had a Fire Truck is an illustrated picture book by author Ashley Wall. Noah and his friends have the adventure of their life as they take over firefighting duties for the day. With a big red truck, a shiny helmet and a team to assemble, Luke must make sure the young firefighters are ready for action. This is a delightful picture book that captures the excitement of fire trucks and firefighters, through the eyes of a young boy. The engaging story encourages friendships, teamwork and problem solving skills. The book introduces young readers to firefighting terminology and safety tips, making it both an educational and entertaining read. A must read for aspiring firefighters, and children who enjoy role playing and other adventures. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A delightful and engaging picture book, and an excellent choice for young readers who dream of heroic adventures. Purchase here

< Back Patti Britton Chasing Sex: Wanting Love, Finding Myself - a memoir Book blurb... From the ashes of adversity, a fierce and compassionate warrior emerged. This captivating memoir is about a woman who refused to let her circumstances define her destiny. Against the backdrop of a world in turmoil, Patti's story unfolds as a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience, reinvention, and profound impact. Rising from the challenges of overcoming multiple sexual violations and single welfare motherhood, Patti embarked on a journey that would earn her the titles "Grande Dame of Sexology" and "Mother of Sex Coaching." Through her lighting-rod career and unwavering dedication to empowerment, she became a figurehead for women across generations seeking to reclaim their pleasure, power, and purpose. As you witness Patti's metamorphosis, you'll be inspired to embrace your own transformative journey and tap into the boundless resilience that lies within. Join Patti on this unforgettable odyssey of growth, healing, and unstoppable determination. Purchase here

< Back Margaret Grote I Like Mud A fun collection of poetry for young readers, and the young at heart. I Like Mud and other poems for the young and young-at-heart is a collection of fourteen poems by author Margaret Grote, Illustrated by Marcia Wheelan Coles. The poems cover a wide range of fun topics, such as ‘I Like the Beach’, ‘The Ice Cream Man’, ‘My Dog’, ‘My Friends’, and ‘I Like Mud’. Each poem is short and succinct (one to two pages), and easy to read. Perfect for younger readers. My favourite is ‘My Friends’, ‘In my room I have many friends, You’ll find them hiding everywhere…. I bet you know who my friends are, They all live here, they are my books.’ The poems have a beautiful lyrical quality and young readers will enjoy reading them out loud with parents or carers. They describe simple childhood pleasures, playing, having fun, and spending time with family, and will spark children’s imagination and creativity. The poems were written by Margaret Grote (1922—2005) and published by her son, David. This is a beautiful collection of poems, and a loving tribute to a talented poet. The collection offers a wonderful variety of poems. There is something for everyone, boys and girls, young and old. The poems are sweet, simple and delightful. Each one was a joy to read. The pastel, whimsical illustrations by Marcia Wheelan Coles are simply stunning. This is an excellent introduction to poetry for children, and I hope it will inspire a love of reading and a love of poetry. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun collection of poems, by a much loved and talented poet. Purchase here

< Back Marieke Lexmond The Cup, The Madigan Chronicles #4 The Madigan clan return in the fourth volume of this magical series. The Cup, The Madigan Chronicles is the fourth instalment in this fantasy series, by author Marieke Lexmond. Several centuries ago, four sisters separated four powerful elemental objects (the Cup of Plenty, the Wand of Wisdom, the Dagger of Consciousness, and the Pentacle of Growth). The Cup of Plenty was hidden in northern Greenland, with a strong magical safety net, of witch wands and modern technology. The Cup is protected by the guardian of the Cup, Snowflake, and the Berthelsen family. In her pursuit of power, evil aunt Lucy Lockwood was banished from the family for trying to steal the elemental objects. She created a powerful spell to find the general location of the Cup and to breakdown the protective barriers. Lucy locates the Cup on the island of Greenland, and travels to the island to recover it. Freya and Luna Madigan also travel to Greenland, to warn Snowflake and help her protect the Cup of Plenty. Will Freya and Luna find the Cup before Aunt Lucy and the Queen of Fairy? The Cup, The Madigan Chronicles #4 is a magical and mesmerising fantasy fiction novel by author Marieke Lexmond. Lexmond effortlessly weaves together a spellbinding tale of magic, destiny, and a battle between good and evil. With beautiful scenery, a rich mystical world, wonderful eccentric characters, and a cleverly crafted and gripping plot, this is a fantasy fiction novel not to be missed. Readers new to the series might struggle to follow some of the backstory, and I recommend starting from the first book to fully enjoy this magical series. The book (and series) will appeal to readers who enjoy character-led fantasy fiction adventure. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A spellbinding tale of magic, destiny, and a battle between good and evil. Purchase here

< Back Ken Waldecker Princess Ella and the Great Squirrel Chase One day, Princess Ella is playing on her swing in the grounds of the castle, happily enjoying the sucker her daddy bought her. When suddenly, the sucker flies out of her mouth and gets stuck in a tree. Poor Ella cannot reach the sucker. She sees a little squirrel and asks him if he can get the sucker out of the tree. Mr Squirrel climbs the tree and grabs the sucker. But rather than give it back to Ella, he starts to eat it! Ella chases the squirrel all over the castle grounds and through the forest, but the squirrel is way too fast. When Ella finds a net, she finally catches the squirrel. But, after the squirrel has drooled all over the sucker, maybe Ella doesn’t want it back after all! Princess Ella and the Great Squirrel Chase is a sweet and funny illustrated picture book by author Ken Waldecker. The book tells the story of Princess Ella, a little princess who enjoys playground adventures and even more so, sweet treats. Princess Ella is a cute and curious little princess, with a fun and bright personality. Young children will enjoy the colorful illustrations and reading about her adventures. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A sweet and funny illustrated picture book, with a charming protagonist and a very naughty squirrel. Purchase here

< Back Tricia Copeland Azreya Aztec Priestess A young Aztec girl's journey of courage, self-discovery and emancipation. Azreya is born with light eyes and a mark on her hand. Her parents fear she is cursed, and they seek advice from a shaman, Nukpana, just two days after her birth. Nukpana confirms Azreya is Tepeyollotl, the Aztec god and Lord of Darkness, with hidden powers and the ability to transform into a beast. Nukpana suggests he trains Azreya to subdue her inner beast, help her learn to control it, and harness her gifts. Just before her fourth birthday, Azreya is sent to live with Nukpana. He trains her daily through games, physical activity, and meditation. She connects with her inner beast, a spotted leopard she names Tecuani. She also discovers her special gift is the ability to hear other peoples thoughts and see the future. For many years Azreya is hidden away, but, as Nukpana attempts to reintroduce her into society, she is ridiculed because she is different to other children. As Azreya harnesses her gifts, Nukpana asks her to help him perform his shaman duties incognito. Azreya is able to help many people by looking into their future and diverting them from danger. Soon, word gets out that Nukpana is an exceptional shaman, and he is asked to help the King. But when Azreya learns that Nukpana has lied to the King, and also realises he has exploited her for many years, she decides to escape. Alone, afraid, and scared her inner beast might surface, Azreya goes in search of her family. But, when Nukpana reveals Azreya’s true identity, she is soon pursued by the King and his army. Azreya, Aztec Priestess, by author Tricia Copeland is an engrossing chapter book for middle grade readers based on Aztec mysticism and mythology. The book is told from Azreya’s perspective, a young girl born with special gifts and extraordinary powers. The book follows her journey from birth to her teenage years, as she is torn from her family and forced to live with a shaman who exploits her for his own personal gain. It is a journey of courage, self-discovery, and emancipation, as Azreya fights for her life and her people. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and the illustrations by Matt Maes are divine. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fascinating and engaging book about Aztec mythology for middle grade readers. Purchase here

< Back Betty Cetas Oscar and Otto Friendship is much more fun than fighting. Oscar is a troll who loves to fish. Otto is a fish who loves to trick fishermen. When Oscar takes his boat into the lake, Otto cannot wait to have some fun. Oscar throws his line into the lake, and Otto bites on the tasty worm. But when Oscar retrieves the worm, there is no fish. Oscar drops his line again, and again and again, and Otto nibbles on the worm, one bit at a time. Until Oscar has no worms left. Otto teases Oscar, and Oscar hatches a plan to catch the fish. He tries a fishing net, but Otto is too strong and falls into the water. He tries a hook, but the line snaps and he falls into the water. Otto escapes, but the hook is stuck in his mouth. Oscar is furious, and even when the lake freezes over, he plots to catch Otto. He cuts a hole in the icy surface of the lake, but the ice isn’t thick enough and he falls into the water again. Oscar cannot find the ice hole, but Otto sees him drowning and helps him to the surface. When spring arrives, Oscar returns back to the lake…but this time he has a very different plan. Oscar and Otto is part of the Troll Tales and Other Stories from Grandma’s Cottage series, by Betty Cetas. This is a heartwarming tale of two enemies who set their differences aside to become good friends. It follows Oscar as he battles to catch the fish ‘that cannot be caught’. The more Otto evades Oscar’s capture, the more furious Oscar becomes. Oscar is determined to catch the pesky fish, and Otto is determined to evade the fisherman. Until the day their games go too far, and both Oscar and Otto’s lives are in danger. Otto notices Oscar is in trouble and helps save his life. In return, Oscar does a good deed to help the fish. The book demonstrates the importance of friendship, kindness, and supporting others when they are in need. Young children will enjoy the fun scenes of Oscar repeatedly falling in the lake and will root for the fish as he evades the troll’s capture. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartwarming tale of two enemies who set their differences aside and become best friends. Purchase here

< Back Brett Gunning & Stacy Padula On the Right Path: Book Two Jordan learns important life lessons at basketball camp, by authors Brett Gunning and Stacy Padula Jordan and his siblings are at basketball camp. Jordan is competitive, he wants to score the basket. He wants to win. But Jordan is so focused on the basket, he doesn’t see the opposition and he doesn’t see one of his teammates in a prime position to take the shot. He makes an error and loses the shot. Coach Pete takes the opportunity to remind Jordan and the rest of the team the importance of teamwork when playing basketball, and to always put the needs of the team before your own. Jordan listens carefully, and in the next game the team work more cohesively together and score many more baskets. Later that day, with Coach Pete’s advice still ringing in his ears, Jordan applies the same learning at the dinner table. This is a fabulous book to help instil the importance of teamwork in young children. It shows the power of basketball (and sport in general) to change peoples’ lives, through the development of teamworking skills and other core life skills. It also shows the great work that sport coaches do in developing and supporting young people through life. This book will appeal to boys and girls interested in basketball and other sporting activities, and would make a fantastic addition to any home or school library. We enjoyed the vibrant, detailed illustrations by Maddy Moore, and we particularly liked the diversity of images represented. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘More than basketball – this book shows the significant role that sport plays in developing and supporting young people through life. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here