< Back Betty Cetas Otto and the Lost Children Otto and the Lost Children is a charming children’s story set in the magical woods of Finland, where adventure, mischief, and kindness intertwine. Written by Betty Cetas and beautifully illustrated by Ugur Kose, the book transports readers to a lakeside cottage, where three children embark on a fishing trip that quickly turns into an unexpected journey. Otto is a clever and playful fish who delights in tricking fishermen. When he notices three young siblings heading out onto the lake without checking their boat’s gas tank, Otto decides to have some fun. He leads them from one fishing spot to another, always just out of reach, until they are far from their grandmother’s cottage and, eventually, lost. But, when the weather suddenly turns and the children realize they are lost with an empty gas tank, the tone shifts from playful to tense. Otto, having enjoyed his prank, feels remorse when he sees the children’s fear. Otto has a big decision to make, should he help the children return home, or leave them to fend for themselves? The book’s underlying message is one of forgiveness and doing the right thing, even after making a mistake. Otto’s decision models growth and compassion and will help young children understand the consequences of heir actions. The dedication to the author’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren adds a personal touch, making the story feel like a treasured family tale. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful adventure story that encourages curiosity, kindness, and the courage to make amends. Purchase here

< Back Ken Waldecker Princess Ella and the Missing Kittens Princess Ella enjoys playing with her cat in her big castle. One day, she goes into town to visit the kittens in the pet store. But, when she arrives at the pet store, she learns that the kittens are missing. Someone, or something, has crashed into the pet store and stolen the kittens. Princess Ella joins the search and starts to look for clues. She follows some large footprints through the forest, up into the mountains, to a scary cave. Inside the cave, she finds a huge, scary and very smelly troll. Ella is scared, but is determined to find the kittens. With strength and courage, Princess Ella approaches the troll. Did the troll take the kittens? Will Princess Ella ever see the kittens again? Princess Ella and the Missing Kittens is an illustrated picture book, by author Ken Waldecker. Part of the ‘Princess Ella’ series, the book follows the adventures of a young princess. In this book Princess Ella turns detective, as she goes in search of missing kittens. With lots of humor, and an unexpected twist, this book will delight and entertain young readers. Many young readers enjoy scary characters, and they will love this green troll. The book will help children learn that appearances can be deceiving, and will encourage them to show kindness towards others and look for the good qualities in people (and trolls!). Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun and delightful story about a sweet princess, and a not so sweet troll. Purchase here

< Back Megan Deliberto Garbage Squirrel Garbage Squirrel is a heartwarming children’s story that explores themes of empathy, kindness, and community through the journey of a mischievous squirrel named Gary. Written by author Megan Deliberto and brought to life with vibrant illustrations by Tiemoko Sylla, the book delivers a gentle yet impactful lesson about understanding and helping those who seem difficult or different. Gary is a squirrel who spends his days causing trouble around the zoo - swiping food, scratching, and stealing to survive. His actions, initially seen as mean-spirited, are revealed to be the result of loneliness and necessity. When confronted by Bruno the polar bear and Anthony the lizard, Gary’s frustrations pour out. Unlike the zoo animals, he has no home or steady food, forcing him to live in a garbage can and fend for himself. Rather than responding with anger, Bruno and Anthony show compassion. They recognize that Gary’s behavior is a cry for help, not malice. Through honest conversations and apologies, Gary learns that asking for help and saying sorry require courage. The zoo animals, in turn, offer him food and a place to stay—on the condition that he changes his ways and treats others with kindness. The book’s greatest strength lies in its ability to present complex social-emotional lessons in a way that is accessible and engaging for young readers. The narrative encourages children to look beyond surface behaviors and consider the reasons behind someone’s actions. The message “If you see someone who needs a friend, be one!" is woven seamlessly into the story, making it both memorable and actionable. A memorable and touching story for young children, with important life lessons, ideal for parents, educators, and caregivers seeking stories that foster empathy and community spirit. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartwarming tale about a lonely and mischievous little squirrel, who learns the value of friendship, empathy, and kindness. Purchase here

< Back Brett Rumfelt Get Through This Book Get Through This Book by author Brett Rumfelt is a delightfully inventive and funny picture book that turns the act of reading into an interactive adventure. At first glance, the book presents itself as a challenge: the narrator openly admits that the book looks boring and expresses a desperate desire to simply "get through it." This self-aware, tongue-in-cheek premise immediately sets the tone for a playful journey that both children and adults can enjoy. The story follows a character who tries a series of increasingly silly and imaginative methods to get through the book. From attempting to walk through the pages, running at full speed, and even diving into a (fake) hole, the protagonist's antics are both absurd and endearing. Each failed attempt is met with humor "(BONK!) Ouch!" and "(SPLAT!) OUCHIE!" that will elicit giggles from young readers. The book cleverly uses visual gags, such as a picture of a hole that turns out not to be real, and interactive moments where the reader is asked to help turn pages or swing a rope. The character is aware of the reader, frequently asking for help and commenting on the book's own structure. This creates a sense of partnership between the reader and the protagonist, making the reading experience highly engaging. The book also pokes fun at itself and the conventions of reading, culminating in the realization that the only way to truly get through the book is to read the words - "Maybe if we read the words, that will get us through the book. Eh? Good idea?" Get Through This Book is a perfect choice for parents, teachers, or anyone looking to make reading a more engaging and enjoyable experience for kids. The book's humor, creativity, and self-referential style ensure that readers will want to "get through" it again and again. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A witty, energetic, and interactive read that transforms the challenge of finishing a book into a fun-filled adventure. Purchase here

< Back AC Bradburn Dancing with Cara The Rainbow Stories A beautiful reminder of the magic that can be found outdoors, by AC Bradburn. Dancing with Cara: The Rainbow Stories is a collection of eight short stories by AC Bradburn. The stories follow a four-year-old little girl named Cara, as she explores the natural world around her. In ‘Grandad’, Cara has fun splashing in puddles with her grandad. She makes up songs and sings along as she splashes in the puddles, teaching her Grandad the words to her silly songs. She explains how she loves to sing and talk to the plants and animals. In ‘Mountain’, Cara talks to a mountain and learns where mountains come from, and how they grow and change, just like humans. In ‘Sunflower’ Cara discovers how sunflowers get their nourishment and energy from the sun, and how the whole world dances around the sun. In ‘Butterfly’, she sings a song to a butterfly. She learns that she doesn’t need wings to fly, and her spirit can fly anywhere it wants to. In ‘Crystal’, Cara sees the beauty in her mom’s crystal jewellery, and learns there is beauty inside everything. Dancing with Cara: The Rainbow Stories is a delightful collection of stories for younger aged children by AC Bradburn, beautifully illustrated by Ivy Trazsi. Cara is a curious, imaginative, and playful little girl, who enjoys spending time outdoors and has a magical connection with nature. The book takes readers on a journey through forests, fields, beaches, and meadows, where Cara interacts with the natural environment and converses with plants, animals, and natural elements. From splashing in puddles, dancing in the waves, and singing with butterflies, every page is filled with wonder. The book deals with some complex topics about life and the universe, but Bradburn’s writing is simple and engaging, making it accessible for children of various ages. Trazsi’s enchanting illustrations bring Cara’s personality and the natural world to life beautifully. This is a gem of a book, for young readers and adults alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful collection of stories about a little girl who has a magical connection with nature. 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 Julie McGue Jack and Lulu Go to the Tree Farm Book blurb... Jack and Lulu Go to the Tree Farm is a tender, timeless story about dreams planted, memories grown, and the quiet magic of trees. Long ago, Jack's great-grandfather dreamed of planting a walnut farm - a gift for future generations. Though he never saw that dream come true, his son carried it forward, and now, young Jack gets to choose a tree of his own at Weatherwood Walnut Farm. When Jack discovers a little oak standing proud among the saplings, he feels an instant connection. What he doesn't expect is the tiny surprise waiting in its branches - and the deep family legacy that takes root in him. Told with warmth and lyrical beauty, Jack and Lulu Go to the Tree Farm is a gentle exploration of growth, remembrance, and the ways love lives on through nature. Perfect for readers who cherish Miss Rumphius and The Giving Tree, this story is a celebration of family, seasons, and the trees that impact our lives and influence our sense of belonging. Purchase here

< Back Marteena Rodriguez-Drinnen Always Room for More Tiny Tail is drawing a picture while Mother Otter is cooking dinner. Mother Otter is expecting a baby, and when she asks Tiny Tail to put his things away for dinner, Tiny Tail is sad. Mother Otter notices the picture he has drawn, of a little fox sitting outside his home all by himself. Tiny Tail explains that the little fox is by himself because there is no room for him inside the house, and when the new baby arrives he will have to live all alone. When Father Otter returns home he reassures Tiny Tail that his feelings are normal and Mother Otter explains that there is enough love for the whole family, including the new baby and Tiny Tail. Always Room for More is a tender illustrated picture book by Marteena Rodriguez-Drinnen about a young otter family, awaiting the arrival of a new baby. The book gently explores a young child’s worry about a new sibling and fear of being forgotten. This is a beautifully written story, which speaks directly to young children who are experiencing big changes in their family – and the grown ups who want to help them feel secure. The illustrations are soft and comforting, with cozy home scenes and expressive animal characters that make the emotional journey accessible for even very young readers. A must read for growing families. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A beautiful and tender story that offers comfort, reassurance and validation to children facing the arrival of a new sibling. Purchase here

< Back August E. Allen I Love Dandelions The difference between a weed and a flower is a judgment. It is a lovely spring day and Theodore W. Mouse is keen to go on an adventure all by himself. His mom wants him to stay close to home and asks him to take along his little sister, Mirabella (Bella for short). The siblings go out into the field and see millions of droplets of golden sunshine in the grass, as far as the eye could see. Theodore is curious and plucks at the stem of a golden light. He takes the droplet home to show his mom, who explains that it is a dandelion, a beautiful golden flower that is often called a weed. Dandelions are natures magic, explains mom. A few days pass and Theodore and Mirabella still don’t understand why dandelions are natures magic. So, the siblings head out into the field one evening and discover the droplets of golden sunshine are gone, but there are millions of little moons floating in the sky. Theodore plucks at the stem of a little moon and takes it home to show his mom. Mom explains that the moon is the magic. But there is more magic to come, when the little moons burst into millions of sparkly stars. I Love Dandelions is a magical illustrated picture book by author and illustrator August E. Allen, about mouse siblings, Theodore and Mirabelle, who go on an adventure and discover the wonderful metamorphosis of the dandelion plant. This is a cute story, with a sweet message about the beauty and wonder of nature, told through the eyes of adorable mouse characters. It shows that beauty is in the eye of the beholder - what is a nuisance weed to some, is a beautiful spectacle and nutritious food for others. The book will encourage young children to explore nature and see the beauty in all living things. The illustrations are exquisite, and I was drawn to this book by the stunning front cover. If you are not a big fan of dandelions, you will be after reading this delightful book! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A magical illustrated picture book about the wonderful metamorphosis of the dandelion plant, with adorable mouse characters. Purchase here

< Back AC Bradburn Dancing with Cara: The Nature Stories Cara is digging a big hole in her grandfather’s garden. Soil encourages her to dig deeper and Cara is surprised that Soil is wet and warm to the touch. Soil explains that it is kept warm by the trees, plants and grass, who send warmth from the sun through their roots. Soil also holds onto the rain, to provide water to other living organisms. In return, Soil stores the warmth and the water in winter and helps the trees, plants and grass grow. Cara talks to Wren, resting in her grandfather’s apple tree. Wren explains that by singing, it wakes up the flower bulbs, trees and some animals in the spring. Cara helps Wren wake up spring by singing a song ‘Wake up, wake up, springtime is here!’. Cara feels the apple tree vibrate and hears it creak as it wakes up for spring. Cara is toasting marshmallows on a fire with her grandfather when she notices how the flame changes color. Flame explains how it transforms her marshmallow, and how it can transform other things too, through its ashes. Cara talks to her Tear, when she is sad when her bunny is injured. Tear explains how it comes out when she is hurt or feels upset, and sometimes when she is happy too. Dancing with Cara: The Nature Stories is a collection of short stories by author AC Bradburn, that takes young readers on a sensory journey through nature. The book is told through the eyes of Cara, a curious and adventurous little girl who loves spending time in nature. As Cara interacts with the environment, she converses with the wildlife and the natural elements around her. As Cara communicates with the natural environment, she learns how the soil helps plants grow, and how birds wake up spring. She discovers how all living organisms are connected through the web of life, and her own place in the ecosystem. This is a delightful and profound collection of stories about nature, beautifully written by Bradburn in a lyrical prose, with exquisite illustrations by Ivy Trazsi. I was completely immersed in these stories, and for a brief moment in time, I felt like I was one with nature – just like Cara. This is a wonderful addition to any bookshelf. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An immersive, heart warming and touching exploration of nature, and our place within it. Purchase here

< Back Charly Froh The Dragon and the Unicorn: The Magic of Friendship Two unlikely friends must work together to find their way home, by author Charly Froh In the Emerald Kingdom, there are two fantastical cities, separated by the Marble Mountain. On one side live the fiery dragons in Cloud City. On the other side, the magical unicorns live in Sparkle Land. The creatures that live in these cities are happy and content in their own wonderful worlds, and are not aware of each other’s existence. Until one day, a storm strikes the kingdom, and the creatures are carried away far from home. Lost, alone, and far from home, Dan, a fiery dragon from Cloud City, stumbles across a strange and unfamiliar creature. The creature is Fran, a magical unicorn from Sparkle Land. Curious of each other, but with no time to spare to make new friends, and too afraid to ask for help, the two creatures try to find their own way home. But poor Dan’s wing has been hurt in the storm and he cannot fly, and poor Fran’s hoof is injured, and she gets stuck in the ice. The pair know that their only option is to work together and help each other find the mountain. As Dan rescues Fran from the ice, and Fran heals Dans wound, the pair start their perilous journey towards home, and on an adventure through the sky, across the sea and over the ice. Will Dan and Fran ever make it home? And will the two new best friends ever see each other again? The Dragon and the Unicorn: The Magic of Friendship is a super, engaging, and entertaining picture book by author Charly Froh. With two cute and loveable characters, a wonderful fantasy world, and positive messages about friendship, resilience and teamwork, this book will appeal to young children who love magic and adventure. With lots of lovely alliteration and repetition, and many humorous scenes, this book is a fun read for the whole family. I’m sure young readers will demand to read more about Dan and Fran, and I hope there will be more books in this series! The bright, digital illustrations by Zuzana Svobodová really capture the humour, and bring the characters and their personalities to life perfectly. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A super picture book with two loveable characters, a wonderful fantasy world, and positive messages about friendship, resilience, and teamwork. Purchase here

< Back Michael L Curles Can You Touch Butterfly? Book blurb... On a warm summer day, five-year-old Erica and her dad set out for their favorite place: the local swimming pool. What begins as an ordinary Saturday quickly turns magical when a beautiful butterfly appears, dancing around them in the sunlight. Erica has always wondered if it’s really possible to touch a butterfly. Her dad says it is—if you’re still, quiet, and believe. What happens next becomes a memory she will never forget. In this heartwarming true story, father and daughter share a gentle encounter with nature that teaches Erica more than she imagined, not just about butterflies, but about life’s possibilities. With vivid illustrations and a tender father–daughter bond at its core, Can You Touch a Butterfly? is a story of wonder, belief, and the little moments that stay with us forever. Purchase here