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< Back Julie Young Be Careful What You Wish For A tiny black pollywog named Finn wishes he were a boy. His brothers and sisters laugh at him. When Finn spots a fishing hook bobbing in the water, he sees this as an opportunity to join the human world. He is reeled in by a little boy named Colten, who has plans to fry the little pollywog. Colten’s Papa suggests he takes the pollywog home to see if it grows into a frog. Colten puts the pollywog into a goldfish bowl, and watches it grow and change. But as Finn begins to look more frog-like, he becomes sad. He isn’t sad because he doesn’t look like a boy, he is sad because he misses his family. Colten notices the pollywog is sad and he returns him back to the pond. Colten misses the pollywog, but Finn is happy to be back home where he belongs. Be Careful What You Wish For is a sweet and charming children’s picture book about a little pollywog who has big dreams. Dissatisfied with his life in a pond, he manages to escape but soon discovers that life isn’t any better outside of the pond after all. Instead of becoming a boy, he is trapped in a goldfish bowl, lonely and confused, slowly turning into a frog. The book explores themes of identity, family and self-acceptance through the eyes of a tiny pond creature. Julie Young’s storytelling is gentle and warm, and the expressive illustrations guide young readers through the little pollywogs emotional journey of self-discovery. The book is filled with humor and heart, and the message is quietly powerful. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A captivating picture book about an adventurous pollywog with big dreams. Purchase here

< Back Lori Hoffman Penna Catawampus: The Story of a Crooked Cat Catawampus was born with his front legs bent, so he stands on two feet. He lives all alone on the street, but he longs for a family of his own. One day, Catawampus is caught and taken to a cat shelter. The other cats at the shelter are mean, they laugh at his legs and tease him. So, Catawampus has an idea. He attempts to change his appearance, and disguise his bent legs. He thinks this will give him the best chance of being picked by a human and taken home. But his plan fails, and he starts to believe he will never find a new home. Then, a man sweeping up the trash at the shelter notices Catawampus. The man is old, grey and walks with a limp. He recognises himself in the cat and knows he just needs a friend. Will Catawampus ever leave the shelter? And will he ever find his forever home? Catawampus: The Story of a Crooked Cat is an illustrated picture book by author Lori Hoffman Penna about a stray cat with a physical difference, who unexpectedly finds himself in a cat shelter. The other cats are mean, and no-one wants to adopt a cat with crooked legs, but Catawampus is determined to find a new home. This is a heart-warming story about a beautiful, strong and determined cat. Just when he is about to give up hope, he meets a man who gives him the forever home he has been dreaming of. The book is a celebration of difference and diversity, and teaches young children the importance of acceptance, kindness, compassion and inclusion. A must read for children who love animals, and for anyone who has ever felt a little bit out of place. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A powerful and uplifting tale about a very special cat, and his journey from the streets to finding his forever home. Purchase here

< Back A Frank Corso Mystery Divine Travel Agency A Frank Corso mystery novel, set in magical New Orleans Frank Corso, a middle-aged New Yorker, and Wall Street financial researcher, is on a field trip to the French Quarter of New Orleans, when he is contacted by his ex-girlfriend Maggie. Maggie is worried about her friend, Aureole, a young, Creole girl who disappeared after visiting her bar the previous evening. Maggie is convinced Aureole’s disappearance is related to her unique mystical powers and her role as a clairvoyant. Frank reluctantly agrees to help Maggie look for her friend, in the hope that they might rekindle their relationship. As Frank begins to investigate the girl’s disappearance, he calls on his friends and colleagues to help him solve the mystery. Intrigued, but sceptical of Aureole’s special abilities, Frank starts his investigation by examining all those who attended Aureole’s last séance. He is soon drawn into the mysterious world of the occult and supernatural, and discovers the Divine Travel Agency, which will change his life forever. The Divine Travel Agency is an intriguing, mystery novel set in New Orleans. This is a fast-paced, riveting page turner, filled with mystery and mystique, and numerous twists and turns. With vivid descriptions of the sights, sounds and colours of the New Orleans French quarter, you can really feel the energy of this amazing city. I was completely immersed in the book and for a few hours, I was right in the heart of New Orleans. This is a riveting and well-developed story, with likeable and relatable characters. Frank Corso is a wonderfully charismatic and flawed character. The perfect anti-hero. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A fast-paced, intriguing mystery, with a charismatic investigator and a supernatural twist. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Brandon Moore Bridget Kimble Learns Self Control Bridget Kimble is looking forward to her first day at EnMotion elementary school and cannot wait to meet lots of new friends. She travels to school by bus and meets her teacher, Ms Widget. Ms Widget explains the school rules and asks each student to introduce themselves. But, when it is Bridget’s turn to introduce herself, a boy interrupts her. Bridget is upset but Ms Widget steps in and allows the boy to introduce himself first. Bridget stays quiet and when the boy has finished talking, she calmly introduces herself. Later, Ms Widget explains why she stepped in and praises Bridget for demonstrating self-control. Rather than reacting to the boy, Bridget processed the situation and made a decision to control her emotions. Bridget Kimble Learns Self Control is an illustrated picture book by Brandon Moore about a little girl’s first day at elementary school and the big feelings that come with it. When an interaction in the classroom doesn’t go as planned, her teacher gently guides her through a lesson in self-control and kindness. Moore skilfully captures the emotional highs and lows of a first day at school, offering readers a realistic and relatable experience. The story will help children learn that it is okay to feel sad or upset when someone doesn’t follow the rules, and how to pause, breathe and respond calmly. The anime-style illustrations by Mick Edrick M. Marcellana are vibrant and expressive, perfectly capturing Bridget’s experience and emotions. The book not only helps young readers learn important life skills, it also introduces them to this striking and expressive art-form. With additional creative content at the end of the book, this is a great resource for budding comic book or anime artists. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A sweet and empowering first-day-at-school story that will help young children learn self-control and important life skills. Purchase here

< Back Janet Lau The Little Grey Pig: A Story About Self-Confidence Little Grey Pig has a big challenge to create something beautiful for a special garden party, from author Janet Lau Little Grey Pig goes shopping and finds aeroplanes and beautiful dresses in the store. But Little Grey Pig has no money to buy a new aeroplane or dress, and no money to buy tools or materials. So Little Grey Pig comes up with a great idea – she decides to create them herself, with resources she already has at home. She spends hours and hours building and making, but when her projects are complete, Little Grey Pig isn’t too happy. Her aeroplane falls apart mid-air, and people make fun of her home-made dress. A wise owl, Owletta, provides comfort and support, and gives the Little Grey Pig a big challenge – to build new aeroplanes and create a new dress for a special garden party. This is a lovely story about a creative little pig who is determined to create something beautiful herself, but when things don’t quite go to plan, she has the strength and courage to carry on. The book will encourage young readers to be proud of their achievements, no matter how small. It will encourage children to learn from their mistakes and to persevere when things might get tough. The book shows that things don’t have to be perfect to enjoy them, the best creations are the ones made from hard work and love. We loved the adorable characters, beautifully illustrated by Angela Gooliaff. With supporting notes and activities for readers to complete in the book, the book will help to develop confidence and self-esteem in young children. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A lovely story about a creative little pig who has the strength and courage to carry on, when things don’t quite go according to plan. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back DoodleFina Adventure Press Beatrice and Her Razzmatazz Beatrice the bee finds her voice, by author Renee Hodges Beatrice is an unusual and quite extraordinary bee. While most bees are yellow, Beatrice is plaid, with black glitter and has glow in the dark paint sprayed on her wings. She likes to wear sneakers and play the trombone. The other bees laugh and make fun of Beatrice because she is different. But Beatrice doesn’t mind, because she believes she has razzamatazz. She likes being herself and she likes to be different. One little bee is curious about Beatrice and loves her pizzazz. She asks Beatrice, how she might find her own razzamatazz. Beatrice explains she already has razzamatazz, it’s within her. The little bee finds her own unique style and feels much better for being her true self. Soon, all the other bees are admiring their razzmatazz! Beatrice and Her Razzmatazz, by author Renee Hodges, is an illustrated children’s picture book, about a special bee, Beatrice, who is unique, creative and different from all the other bees. Beatrice is a fun, effervescent and self-confident bee, and her story will entertain young readers. The other bees tease her, but she ignores them and stays true to herself. She doesn’t follow the crowd and she doesn’t hide away. She is able to express herself in a way that she chooses. She celebrates her uniqueness, and she encourages another little bee to do the same. This is a fun and entertaining picture book for younger readers that promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. It teaches readers about the importance of being true to yourself and living the life you want to live. It will help to develop confidence and self esteem in young readers, and encourage readers to express themselves, in whatever way they choose. These are good messages to instil in children at a young age. The book is a great resource for parents, carers and teachers to open up conversations with children about recognising, respecting and celebrating each other's differences. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun and entertaining picture book for younger readers that promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. Purchase here

Mission: Red Scythe < Back C.W. James Mission: Red Scythe Book blurb... Two novice teen agents step onto the deadly chessboard of international espionage during the Cold War. In the summer of 1965, 18-year-old James Vagus is recruited into a shadowy spy agency and thrust into a life where every move could be his last. His first mission: infiltrate the Golden Syndicate, a covert group threatening the global food supply. With help from fellow agent Dakota Walker, a Cherokee teen, James races from Miami to Vienna to Madras, unraveling a plot that could collapse the West. As danger mounts and betrayal lurks in every shadow, the rookie agents must risk everything to stop a catastrophe and save a world on the brink. Purchase here

< Back Jeremy Haymore The Bandana Express: The True Story of the 1980 Giles Spartans Book blurb... The Bandana Express chronicles the coming-of-age tale of a high school football team and their young coach, Steve Ragsdale, as he strives to follow in the footsteps of his legendary father in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. Faced with a threat directed at his star player, Coach Ragsdale unites the school and rural community behind a symbol of hope: the boy's red bandana. With a colorful cast of memorable characters, the underdog Spartans employ grit and an old-fashioned offense to propel their improbable season toward an unforgettable finish. A nostalgic journey through sports and pop culture, The Bandana Express illustrates why high school football remains an enduring thread in the American fabric. Reminiscent of Friday Night Lights, The Junction Boys, and Twelve Mighty Orphans,the true story of the 1980 Giles Spartans will captivate football diehards and casual fans alike. Purchase here

The Vending Portal < Back Judy Liu The Vending Portal Two sisters stumble across an old vending machine and find themselves transported to an alternate universe, by debut author Judy Liu Sisters, Mel and Sage, are walking home from school one day when they take a detour through the Old Town, and stumble across an old vending machine in a bus shelter. The vending machine is out of order and the sisters try to grab a snack by shaking and kicking the machine. Suddenly, the floor beneath them disappears and the girls are transported to an unknown park in an alternate universe. When a uniformed officer approaches the girls, a strange boy named Lewis leads them away and saves them from being captured. The girls visit Lewis’s home, where they learn more about the strange world and the strange people that inhabit it. They manage to find another vending machine and a portal back home, but when their mother gives them a peculiar old key that belonged to their grandfather, they believe there is a connection to the alternate world, and decide to go back to explore further. The girls find Lewis and go on a journey to learn more about their grandfather’s connection to the mysterious world, its memory-enhancing technologies, and the dark secrets of the government. The Vending Portal by author Judy Lui is a magnificent, sci-fi adventure, set in a strange, alternate universe. Judy Liu presents an interesting perspective on the utopian/dystopian society, seen through the eyes of two young girls. This is a fun, fast-paced novel for teens, and will appeal to those who enjoy sci-fi, adventure and fantasy stories. With a captivating plot, well-rounded and likeable characters, and an intriguing multi-verse world, this book will entertain readers of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A magnificent, sci-fi adventure, set in a strange, alternate universe, this book will entertain readers of all ages. Purchase here

< Back Joseph L Licari Mia's Mouses Mia and her mouse friends learn about plural nouns. Mia is a curious little girl who loves to dance and play. One day, Mia meets three little mice, she names Squeaky, Nibbles and Speedy. When Mia calls her new friends ‘mouses’ her family explain that the correct plural of a mouse is mice. Mia is keen to learn more about plural nouns, and with a little help from her teacher she learns the rules for making nouns plural. Miss Jess explains that for some nouns, you simply add an ‘es’ or ‘s’ to the word to make it plural (like girl to girls, or fox to foxes). But, for other nouns, it is a little more complicated (like child to children, or mouse to mice). Mia enjoys learning about plural nouns and practices every day, as she dances and plays with her new friends. Mia's Mouses is a sweet and delightful picture book by Joseph L Licari that follows the adventures of a little girl as she discovers the fascinating rules for changing singular nouns to the plural forms. Written in rhyme, with cute and charming characters that will engage younger readers, this book introduces regular and irregular plural nouns in a simple, accessible and memorable way. The illustrations by Victor Nieto are vibrant and fun, capturing Mia’s playful and inquisitive nature. Both educational and entertaining, this book is a valuable resource for parents, carers and educators, and would make a great addition to any home or school library. Star rating: 5 stars Summary : An educational and entertaining picture book, with charming characters that make learning an enjoyable experience for young readers. Purchase here

< Back Hazem Nassar If I Must Go, You Must Stay Salma is all alone, trapped underneath the rubble following an explosion. She cannot see or hear her mama, or papa, or big brother Ahmad. Suddenly she hears Ahmad’s voice. She cannot see her brother, but she can see a small yellow bird. Ahmad provides comfort and reassurance that someone will rescue her soon. But, it is so dark, and Salma is frightened. Ahmad explains that he is on his way ‘up’ and it is time for him to use his wings and go. Salma begs him not to leave her behind. She wants wings too, and wants to go ‘up’ with him. She does not know what she will do without her brother. Ahmad explains that she is not ready, but if he must go, she must stay to tell his story. Will Salma find her own wings? Will she be rescued from the rubble? If I Must Go, You Must Stay is an illustrated picture book by Hazem Nassar about a little girl who is trapped under the rubble after a bombing in her village. Alone and frightened, Salma hears her brothers voice, and sees a small yellow bird. Realising the bird is Ahmad’s spirit watching over her, Salma finds comfort and strength in a dire situation. This beautifully written and illustrated picture book explores the devastating impact of war from a child’s perspective, and handles grief sensitively and with grace. Salma’s journey from fear to courage, guided by her brothers spirit, is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A heart-wrenching and uplifting story about the devastating impact of war on young children. Purchase here

Soul Scepter: Time Marauders < Back Eric Westergard Soul Scepter: Time Marauders A time-travelling fantasy adventure to medieval England. Sixteen-year-old Will Donovan is the son of a mass terrorist, who blew up hundreds of people when Will was just a baby. Will was relentlessly bullied by his classmates, and his family received death threats, when he displayed ‘violent genetic predispositions.’ Unbeknownst to Will, his family have special ‘unhuman abilities,’ and he has been watched and monitored by the authorities for years. During a game of paintball, Will and his friend Danny are targeted by a bully named Tanner and his friends. Will and Danny manage to outsmart the bullies, but they are left abandoned in the Idaho desert. When their friends come to rescue them, they are chased and attacked by a militant organization. The friends find themselves in a battle for a powerful scepter in the middle of the desert. When Will inadvertently activates the soul scepter, the friends are transported back in time to medieval England, in the year 1345. As the friends learn how to survive in their new (old) world, they are pursued by the evil Commander Morgan and his army. Soul Scepter: Time Marauders is a historical fantasy fiction, adventure novel by author Eric Westergard, about a group of American teens who travel back in time to medieval England. This is a well written and cleverly crafted novel for young adult readers, full of action, adventure, and many plot twists and turns. With vivid descriptions of medieval England, and a number of historical characters, this is both an entertaining and insightful read. This is an exhilarating, fun filled, time travelling adventure that will appeal to teens and young adult readers who enjoy historical fiction, fantasy, and stories of time-travel. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An exhilarating novel for young adult readers, combining the thrill of time travel with the intrigue of medieval England. Purchase here