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< 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

Healer's Blade (Enemy's Keeper Book 1) < Back Kyrie Wang Healer's Blade (Enemy's Keeper Book 1) Book blurb... A healer on the run. A rogue knight bound by secrets. Love was never part of the plan. At just eighteen, Aliwyn has already failed as a healer's apprentice. Haunted by her mistakes, she withdraws from the world as a rebellion ignites against William the Conqueror. But when she agrees to hide an endangered orphan, Aliwyn is plunged into the deadly revolt. A daring escape entangles her with the young rebel leader, Tobias, and she is swept into a world of rival factions and secret alliances. Caught in the heart of the insurgents' army, she must decide who to save. Worst of all, Tobias' compassionate nature turns her perceptions of the enemy upside down. As she unravels the rebels' fiery secret that could destroy England, Aliwyn is challenged to take fate into her own hands. Will she rise to save her kingdom? And can she resist the magnetic charms of the man she's vowed to defeat? Step into a magic-free historical fantasy with compelling, complex characters, slowburn enemies-to-lovers romance, faith-based themes of forgiveness and redemption, thrilling seafaring adventure, Vikings, Celts, and Norman knights clashing over gunpowder in a richly detailed, alternative medieval world. If you love clean, swoony romance and fast-paced action, grab Healer's Blade today! Purchase here

< Back Nicole Frankel What are bees good for anyway? Bennie learns the importance of honeybees for our planet and people. One day, Bennie is stung by a bee while playing in the garden with his brother and sister. Bennie hates bees after his brother was stung and had an allergic reaction, and after a colony of bees built a hive in his favourite tree. Bennie asks, What are bees good for, anyway? Bennie’s Aunt Beatrice takes him on a walk to learn about all the other wonderful things that bee’s do. Bennie learns how bee’s dance to communicate with other bees, how fast they flap their wings and travel for long distances, their anatomy and how they have two stomachs, and the importance of honeybees to the ecosystem. Aunt Beatrice also explains that bees are not naturally aggressive, and only sting when they feel threatened. As Bennie tucks into his dinner that evening, he talks about his walk with his Aunt, and how bees are important for life. UnBEElievable! What are bees good for, anyway? by author Nicole Frankel is an illustrated picture book about a little boy who doesn’t like bees, and his wonder when he discovers the importance of bees to our planet and people. This is a fantastic picture book for younger age readers, that will help children understand bees, and their contribution to the environment and ecosystem. With lots of interesting bee facts and figures (Did you know, bees have 3 million hairs on their bodies that attract pollen?!) this book will captivate and fascinate younger readers. The book introduces complicated words and topics, such as anatomy and ecosystem, in an engaging and accessible way for younger aged children. It will help younger children build new vocabulary and knowledge and will hopefully inspire a love for nature and conservation. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, entertaining and educational picture book, for young readers, bee enthusiasts and budding conservationists. Purchase here

< Back Jodi Dee Energy Wars - The Awakening Myles is an average, almost fourteen year old, student at Whitmore Public School. It’s just an ordinary day at school when Myles notices something unusual. A huge, flaming ball of fire, bursts out of Tommy Milfoil’s mouth towards Sally Munson. Invisible to everyone except Myles, the fireballs fly across the school, like an energy war between the students. Myles notices how the intensity of the fireballs change, depending on the energy of the people. He can see peoples energy fields, and how one person can positively or negatively impact another person’s energy, just by being near them. Myles learns that everything on the planet has an energy field, and for humans, the positive things that make people happy, like friendship or love, can increase a person’s energy field. On the other hand, negative things, like the stress associated with an exam, can put a person’s energy field on high alert. Strangely, Myles is unable to see his Principal’s energy field. When Myles’ father gives him a number of boxes left to him by his late grandmother, he discovers she had a secret life and connections with a number of important, historical figures. As Myles sets out to uncover the truth about the peculiar energy wars, and his grandmother’s secret life, he soon discovers he has a special gift and an important, clandestine mission he must fulfil. Energy Wars - The Awakening, by author Jodi Dee, is a fun, fast-paced, sci-fi, adventure for middle grade readers. The book follows the journey of Myles, as he discovers he has a special gift and unique powers. Myles is a likeable character, with typical teen troubles, that many readers will relate to. The book centres not only on his powers, but also his friendships, as he tries to navigate his new world. With plenty of quantum physics for the most avid sci-fi readers, coupled with a bit of mystery and a lot of action, this story has all the right ingredients to make this a superb middle-grade novel. The book ends on a gripping cliff-hanger, and I hope there isn’t too long to wait for the next instalment! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A gripping and thought-provoking sci-fi novel for middle grade readers, full of action and adventure. Purchase here

< Back Kelly Cheek Gazing Into the Abyss Spirit medium, Suzy Quinn, returns in the fourth book in the SpiritSense series. Suzy Quinn and Fin MacKinley decide to move in together, after three years dating. It’s been a tough few years for Suzy, after losing both her husband, Mark, and daughter, Emma, in a tragic boating accident several years previously. Suzy is a spirit medium and able to connect with the spirit world. She found notoriety in the media and was dubbed a ‘ghost whisperer’ for her ability to talk to ghosts. But despite her unique ability, she has not been able to connect with either her own husband or her daughter. The couple settle into their new living arrangements and Fin proposes to Suzy. As they look forward to spending the rest of their lives together, Suzy is contacted by the mother of an old friend, Joan Rossi. Joan explains that her daughter, Michelle, recently passed away and has been haunting her ever since. Michelle has asked her mother to call Suzy Quin, the ghost whisperer. Suzy agrees to help Joan, and within a few minutes of entering her home, she connects with Michelle’s spirit. Through her spiritual connection with Michelle, Suzy is able to see her flashbacks, and her memories of other dead people. She soon discovers that Michelle dated her husband Mark, long before Suzy had met him. Through Michelle, Suzy is able to feel, converse and experience the man she deeply loved. As Suzy continues to support Joan, in order to experience her dead husband, she questions whether marrying Fin is the right thing to do. Suzy witnesses Michelle’s flashbacks to her troubled life with her mother, her turbulent relationship with Mark, her addictions to alcohol, drugs and sex, and her devastating illness. During the final weeks of Michelle’s life, Suzy learns that her unfinished business is actually with her, and finally discovers the real truth about her death. Gazing Into the Abyss is a supernatural thriller, by author Kelly Cheek and the fourth book in the SpiritSense series. This is a gripping, page-turning thriller, about a woman who has a unique ability to connect with the spirit world. When the mother of an old friend contacts her, she gets to reconnect with the man she once deeply loved. The scenes where she observes her husband in his previous relationship are both heart-breaking and heart-warming. The characters are well developed, and the plot is well-crafted. Full of intrigue, mystery and suspense, this book was hard to put down. I had not read any of the previous books in the series, and could easily follow and enjoy the story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping, page-turning supernatural thriller, full of intrigue, mystery and suspense. Purchase here

< Back E.M. Schorb FIVE AND TEN, A Fairy Tale, a Few Poems, and a Fable Five and Ten, A Fairy Tale, a Few Poems, and a Fable is a collection of previously published stories and poems by author E.M. Schorb. The stories and poems are accompanied by a small number of sweet, hand drawn, illustrations by the authors’ daughters. The first story is a traditional fairy-tale called The Golden Squirrel about the Czar of Russia who asked his magician to perform a magic poem to turn his son, Prince Leo, into a golden squirrel. By turning his son into a squirrel, he hoped to bring him home from China in secret, and to protect him from being stolen by his enemies. Prince Leo, in the guise of a little squirrel, faces a perilous journey back to Russia, where he comes face to face with his fathers’ enemies, and a great white bear. The collection includes six sweet and funny, cleverly crafted poems, The Ghost Shop, The Riddle of the Clock, Monsieur Elan, Instant Angels, The Squid, Sock Puppets Song, The Horrid Truth, and The Rubber Church. My particular favourite from this collection is, It Must Have Been the Angels, which beautifully describes the wonder of nature and humankind. This is a beautiful collection of traditional poems and stories, reminiscent of a time gone by. Reading this book, I was taken back to my own childhood, sitting on my grandmother’s knee, whilst she read poetry. I hope young readers will get to experience the same joy and wonder whilst sharing this book with their loved ones. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy poetry and those who enjoy classic fables and fairy tales. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful, sentimental collection of poems, fables and fairy tales that will be treasured by readers forever. Purchase here

< Back Donna Wyland 'Twas the Night Before Jesus A rhyming celebration of the true essence of Christmas. ‘Twas the night before Jesus and all through the land, lived people not knowing that God would be man. 'Twas the Night Before Jesus is a skilfully crafted rhyming picture book, based on the famous festive poem by Clement Clarke Moore. Wyland refreshes the classic Christmas verse, to tell the story of the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The book provides a great introduction to the life of Jesus Christ and is accessible for readers of all ages. It begins prior to Christ’s birth and follows his journey from Bethlehem, to Egypt and Nazareth. It ends with a modern-day scene of a family sitting by the fire and sharing a book on Christmas Eve. “Happy Birthday to Jesus!’ and to all a good night.” Written in rhyme, with delightful and funny illustrations by Courtney Smith, this book will captivate both children and adults. I particularly enjoyed the charming, cartoon-like illustrations, and the characterisation of the animals and the baby Jesus. Inspired by the classic Clement Clarke Moore poem, Twas the night before Christmas, the book pays homage to the timeless original while reminding readers of the true meaning of Christmas. The book follows a similar rhythm and meter to the original poem, and readers will enjoy reading / singing this aloud. It has a comforting familiarity, while offering a biblical perspective on the original poem. Overall, the book beautifully captures the magic and wonder of the festive season, while reminding readers of the true meaning of Christmas. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A perfect bedtime story to share with younger readers on Christmas Eve. Purchase here

Forbidden Ties (Enemy's Keeper Series Book 1) < Back Kyrie Wang Forbidden Ties (Enemy's Keeper Series Book 1) A medieval story for a younger generation, from author Kyrie Wang Nine years after the Norman conquest of England, a young, orphaned, Watermill Keeper named Heather, becomes embroiled in the conflict between the two opposing sides of the Normans and the English rebels. After her home is ambushed by the rebels, Heather meets Toby, a young rebel leader who seeks revenge against the Normans. After Toby is brutally attacked and tortured, Heather helps him escape and unwittingly becomes a fugitive herself. She is later captured by the rebels and is taken on a treacherous journey through forests and overseas, where she learns more about her past, her adoptive family, and the man she once loved. Forbidden Ties is a medieval fiction novel and the first book in the Enemy's Keeper Series. With a blend of history, politics, conflict, and romance, this is a captivating and fast-paced story, that will both entertain and educate young adult readers, and those interested in medieval fiction. Interspersed between the battles is the blossoming relationship between Heather and Toby, as they are drawn together and support each other, despite their differences. The characters are well developed, and Wang develops high levels of empathy for the lead characters, as they struggle to survive during a period of turmoil and political unrest. This is a captivating read, and we hope to read the next instalment in the Enemy’s Keeper Series very soon. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A captivating and fast-paced read, that will both entertain and educate young adult readers. A BRONZE WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Joanne Griffin and Declan Foster Humology: How to put humans back at the heart of technology Griffin and Foster explore how to put humans into the heart of technology. Humology: How to Put Humans Back at the Heart of Technology, by authors Joanne Griffin and Declan Foster, explores the impact of technology on humans and society. The authors were motivated to write the book to urge others to design technology with humans in mind, not just for the sake of progress. The book is divided into six parts: The Shifting Landscape, Managing Change, Designing with Humans in Mind, Seeing Humans Through Five ‘I’s, Ethical Design and The Humology Approach. It considers the evolution of technology from the dawn of the digital age to the present day, the impact of technology on market dynamics and human behaviours. It examines the complexity of change and the various approaches taken to increase success, including change and project management. The authors seek to understand human psychology through a Five ‘I’s framework (Impatient, Impressionable, Inattentive, Inert, and Irrational) and they describe their human-first approach to solving challenges with technology, ‘The Humology Approach.’ Humology: How to Put Humans Back at the Heart of Technology is an informative and thought-provoking book about the impact of technology on our lives. Well written and thoroughly researched, the book examines the rapid advancement in technology and the challenges and opportunities this presents. The book is easy to read, engaging and very accessible. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between humans and technology. This book provides practical tools and solutions for those designing and building technological solutions. The book will appeal to readers involved in designing and implementing technology, anyone using technology, and anyone interested in the role technology plays in our lives. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An informative and thought-provoking book about the impact of technology in our lives. Purchase here

< Back Julia Brewer Daily ;The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch A Modern Ranch with an Ancient Secret A modern Texas ranch has an ancient secret. Twenty-two-year-old Emma Rosales has trained all of her life to take over ‘The Thorn’, a million-acre ranch in Texas. As sole heir to the property, Emma is ready to take over the property after recently graduating from college with a degree in veterinary medicine. Emma is fierce and headstrong, and follows in a long line of strong, female matriarchs. However, she is disheartened to learn that her boyfriend is more in love with the ranch than he is with her. While her parents, Josie and John, are out of the country on a trip to Europe, Emma decides to explore the vast ranch on her horse, Honey-Boy. But, when Honey-Boy falls and breaks a leg, she is forced to put him down. She takes shelter in a cave and discovers a group of people living there. The ‘People’ have been completely isolated from the modern world, and they live a primitive but peaceful life. Afraid that Emma might reveal their secret, they hold her captive in the secret cave. While her distraught parents search frantically for their missing daughter, Emma has an important decision to make. Will she try to escape and return to her beloved parents? Or will she live with the ‘People’ and remain hidden in the cave forever? The Fifth Daughter of Thorn Ranch: A Modern Ranch with an Ancient Secret, by author Julia Brewer Daily, is a gripping adventure and romance novel set in the Texas wilderness. This is a unique and imaginative novel, with many twists and turns. Beautifully written, with a fascinating plot and well developed, believable and relatable characters, the book will appeal to readers who enjoy women’s fiction, adventure stories and romance. I particularly enjoyed reading the different perspectives of the two primary characters, Emma, and her mother Josie. With vivid descriptions of Texas, the book captures the breath-taking beauty and the vastness of the Lone Star State. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping adventure, with a fascinating plot and well developed, believable and relatable characters. Purchase here