< 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 Sheeba Varghese Mommy, Am I Indian Today? Two young brothers are getting ready for a wedding. They are dressing in traditional Indian outfits, called kurta pyjama’s and wear a type of scarf called a stole. The brothers always wear matching outfits for special occasions, and sometimes they match their mothers outfit, called a sari. One boy asks her mother, “Mommy, am I Indian today?” His mother takes out an old photograph album and tells him the story of how her parents came to America from the state of Kerala in India, many years ago. She describes how they emigrated to America in search of a better life and opportunities for their children. She explains that the boys are not just Indians when they wear their traditional Indian clothes, but they are Indians every day. The brothers feel proud when they leave the house in their special kurta pyjama’s. Mommy, Am I Indian Today? is an illustrated picture book by author Sheeba Varghese about two brothers who are attending a wedding and wear traditional Indian outfits, called kurta pyjama’s. The brothers are curious about the outfits, and it prompts a discussion with their mother about their heritage. The book introduces young readers to Indian culture and Indian wedding traditions, and addresses themes of identity, multi-culturalism and belonging. The book is an excellent resource for sparking conversations about cultural identity and family traditions. The water-color style illustrations by Tori Tilahun bring the vibrant Indian culture to life, and show the beauty and elegance of traditional wedding attire. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An entertaining and educational read for young readers, and a wonderful celebration of Indian culture and heritage. Purchase here

< Back Sally Fetouh Jana's Brightly Coloured Socks Jana shares her marvellous socks with her school friends. Jana has just learnt to put her socks on by herself and has a drawer full of brightly coloured, patterned and pretty socks. Jana loves her socks and puts them on every where she goes. She wears her socks around the house, in the playground and at school. When her friends notice her marvellous socks, they all want a pair too. So, every day, Jana puts an extra pair of socks in her school bag to give to her friends. Until one day, there are no socks left! On the last day of school, Jana’s teacher organises a sock parade, and all the children show off their wacky and wonderful socks. In the parade, Jana recognises some of the socks she has given to her friends. Jana’s friends organise a surprise for her, to thank her for her kindness for sharing her socks. A special surprise, for a special little girl. Can you guess what it is? Jana's Brightly Coloured Socks by Sally Fetouh is a sweet, funny and charming illustrated children’s picture book about a little girl who loves brightly coloured socks and shows kindness by sharing them with her friends. The book promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and will encourage young children to show kindness and compassion towards others. The book was inspired by the author’s own daughter, Jana, who has Down Syndrome. The illustrations by Alexis Schnitger are simply delightful. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet, funny and charming illustrated children’s picture book that promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. Purchase here

< Back Melissa Rousu Grandpa Loved Wild Things Grandpa Bill loves wild things, and loves to take his grandchildren outside to enjoy nature. He takes them into the snowy forest to find a snowy owl, and teaches them about owl habitats. Grandpa Bill also takes care of injured wild animals in his home. He looks after an injured eagle, and a racoon who has been abandoned by his mother. Grandpa Bill teaches his grandchildren about each animal, and how to take care of them. Another day, Grandpa Bill takes his grandchildren to a lake to look at the ducks. As the grandchildren get older, they spend less time with Grandpa Bill, until one day he joins the wild things he loved so much. His grandchildren remember what he taught them, and they teach their own children all about the wild things their grandpa loved. Grandpa Loved Wild Things by Melissa Rousu is a charming, illustrated picture book that explores the special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren, and the importance of passing down knowledge and stories through generations. Grandpa Bill patiently teaches his grandchildren about nature, and in time those children pass on the same learnings to their own children. The book has a gentle environmental message, encouraging young readers to explore the world around them, and to take care of nature. A perfect book to inspire children to get involved in outdoor activities and nature. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary: A charming, illustrated picture book with a gentle environmental message. Purchase here

< Back Dee Hale A Girls Only Club - No Boys Allowed! Holly and friends build a clubhouse just for girls. Friends, Anna, Kim, and Holly are having a sleep-over at Holly’s house. But it has been a long summer, and the girls struggle to think of something new and fun to do next. When the girls find Holly’s dad stacking old boxes in the garage, they have an idea. They want to do something fun without interference from Holly’s annoying little brother, Robbie. They decide to build a castle clubhouse from the old boxes in the garden, and paint a big sign that says, “No boys allowed!” Robbie doesn’t like tea parties anyway, so he doesn’t mind. The girls settle into the clubhouse and Robbie races around the garden on his bike, every time he gets a little closer to the clubhouse. But Robbie soon gets bored on his own, and he starts to pester the girls. They tell Robbie to go away, “No boys allowed!” So, Robbie has an idea. He builds his own clubhouse out of blocks. But when Robbie delivers tasty treats to the girls, they soon realise that it is much more fun when everyone can join in and play together. A Girls Only Club -No Boys Allowed! is a cute and charming picture book by Dee Hale about a group of girls who build a girls-only clubhouse. The girls need their own space to do the things that girls like to do, but they soon realise it is more fun when everyone is included. Both boys and girls will enjoy this picture book. Whilst it is important that girls (and boys!) have their own time and space, the book encourages children to be kind to others, especially the opposite sex! The illustrations by Remesh Ram are bright and colorful and capture the fun and mischief of children playing perfectly Star rating: 5 Stars. Summary : A fun, cute and charming take on the girls v' boys scenario, highlighting the importance of kindness, collaboration and inclusion. Purchase here

< Back Ginger Smith The Magic Blanket Jo Jo searches for a new home with her mom and her magic blanket. A little girl named Jo Jo carries her beloved magic blanket, as she looks for a new home with her mom. Together they walk the streets in search of a home, and sleep in the park one evening when they are unable to find a place to rest. But mom turns the search into an adventure, as they gaze at the stars in the night sky, and play in the park. Jo Jo meets a puppy and follows it to a warm cosy house. She wishes her magic blanket could find a warm house like the puppy’s. She meets a bird, who flies into a nest in a tree with her babies. She wishes her magic blanket could find her a happy home like the bird’s. She meets a little mouse, who runs into a hole in the wall. She wishes her magic blanket could find her a safe place to go like the mouse. Jo Jo’s mom comforts her and reminds her that home is where you feel love, and she will always be loved. As Jo Jo and her mom find space in a shelter one night, it is Jo Jo’s turn to comfort her mom. She reminds her mom, that home is where you feel love, and she will always love her. The Magic Blanket by author Ginger Smith is a powerful, heartbreaking, and endearing picture book about a little girl who is homeless and in search of a new place to live. Jo Jo’s magic blanket gives her hope that things will change for the better. The book is both sad and hopeful in equal measure. It highlights the devastating impact of homelessness on young children and families, but also demonstrates the unconditional love between parent and child. The book will provide comfort, reassurance and hope to children and parents who might be going through a similar situation, and will help develop understanding, empathy, and compassion amongst readers. The book deals with sensitive and complex issues of homelessness and disadvantage, in a simple way that young children will easily understand. It is an excellent resource for parents or caregivers to open up conversations about social inequalities and privilege with very young children. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful, heartbreaking, and endearing picture book about homelessness. Purchase here

< Back Lori Rotter Best Chef in Town Best Chef in Town by Lori Rotter tells the tale of Chef Romi Rabbit, a confident and somewhat self-absorbed chef, and her hardworking sous chef, Sam. The story unfolds as Romi enters a high-stakes cooking competition, only to find herself unprepared and reliant on Sam’s quick thinking to save the day. The narrative is fast-paced and filled with rhyming verses that make it enjoyable to read aloud. Romi’s overconfidence and her initial disregard for Sam’s contributions set the stage for a humorous yet meaningful lesson about teamwork. The turning point comes when Sam, despite being overlooked, steps up to create a unique chocolate pasta dish that ultimately wins the competition. Romi’s eventual acknowledgment of Sam’s talent and her decision to share the spotlight add a heart-warming conclusion to the story. The illustrations by Vaughan Duck are vibrant and playful, and the expressive characters bring the story to life. Duck’s ability to capture the chaos of the kitchen and the tension of the competition adds humor to the story. The book also includes a fun recipe for chocolate pasta, encouraging readers to try cooking. This interactive element is a clever addition, making the book not just a story but an experience that families can enjoy together. A perfect choice for young readers who enjoy stories about food and cooking. It is sure to make them giggle and leave them feeling inspired. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A delightful and engaging story about cooking, competition and the importance of teamwork. 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 Alan Claycomb Maisley's Moon A sweet picture book for curious children, with curious minds, from author A Joseph Claycomb One night, just before bedtime, five-year-old Maisley notices a big, bright full moon right outside her bedroom window. She asks her mom, Why is it there and where does it come from? Maisley’s mom explains that it is there to keep her company and to light up the night sky. Every evening, Maisley watches the pretty moon in the dark sky, but as the days and nights pass, Maisley notices changes in the moon – as a dark shadow casts over the moon’s surface, it appears to get smaller and smaller. Then, one day, Maisley can no longer see the moon and questions whether it is really there at all. Maisley’s Moon is a children’s picture book that explores complex topics of philosophy, faith, and Christianity, in a simple and accessible way that young children will understand and relate to. Just because one cannot see the moon sometimes, it does not mean that the moon does not exist. The book reaffirms Jesus and Faith and will encourage children to think about their own faith and the world around them. A lovely, read together, bedtime book for parents and children to learn about faith and the world around them. A great introductory book for those interested in religion and philosophy, or for anyone with a curious mind. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A lovely, read together, bedtime book for parents and children to learn about faith and the world around them. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Jessica Pleuss Sharing My Family Sharing My Family is a heartfelt bilingual children’s book by Jessica Pleuss that introduces the concept of foster care to young children. Told through the eyes of an eight-year-old boy named Zee, the book follows his family’s story as they welcome two new foster children, Jackson and Emma, to their home. Their arrival brings significant changes to Zee’s life as the children disrupt his routine with unfamiliar habits and behaviors. Zee initially feels frustrated and perceives the situation as unfair, but his mother helps him to understand the situation from the foster children’s perspective. She explains the difficulties they have faced, from being separated from their family, adjusting to new rules, and leaving most of their personal belongings behind. This moment of empathy helps Zee see the behavior in a new light, leading to a deeper understanding of the challenges foster children endure. Written in both English and Spanish, the story is accessible to a diverse audience and provides a thoughtful exploration of the challenges and rewards of becoming a foster family. The book is beautifully illustrated, with vibrant and relatable images that complement the story. The inclusion of practical tips for parents and caregivers at the end of the book is a valuable addition. These tips provide guidance on discussing foster care with children, teaching empathy, and reassuring biological children about their place in the family. Jessica Pleuss draws on her expertise as a child psychologist and her personal experience as a foster parent to create a story that is both authentic and educational. The book is a compassionate and engaging introduction to foster care, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and family. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An excellent resource for families, educators, and anyone considering or navigating foster care. Purchase here

< Back Ken Waldecker Princess Ella and the Lost Fairy Garden Princess Ella is walking in the royal garden, in search of adventure and looking for the Lost Fairy Garden. She had searched many times before, but never found the secret garden. When she notices the bushes sparkling, Princess Ella thinks it might be fairy dust and follows the trail. She crawls through the bushes, and meets a tiny fairy. She follows the fairy to the Lost Fairy Garden, which is more beautiful than she ever imagined. But the fairies are worried because people are chopping down the trees to build new houses for the villagers. Princess Ella decides to help the fairies save their homes. She returns to the castle, to tell the King and Queen, and all the villagers, about the fairies and the secret garden. Princess Ella comes up with a plan to help the villagers find an alternative place to chop down trees for their new houses. Princess Ella and the Lost Fairy Garden by author Ken Waldecker, is an illustrated picture book, and part of the ‘Princess Ella’ series for young readers. This book sees Princess Ella turn eco-warrior, as she tries to save a lost fairy garden from destruction. The princess must use her courage, determination and influencing skills, to preserve the precious fairy sanctuary. With gentle messages about nature and the environment, this is a great book to introduce young children to conservation. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A delightful story about a princess who learns the importance of conservation. Purchase here

< Back Joe Burud AJ and the Bouncing Ball AJ has fun with his favourite ball, by author and illustrator Joe Burud AJ finds his favourite ball hidden underneath his bed. He throws the ball and chases it around the house, into the kitchen where it clashes into the pots and pans, into the bathroom where it makes a bubbly mess, and into the living room where it knocks over a lamp. But the ball isn’t quite finished yet, and accidently hits AJ’s dad straight on the head! Finally, AJ manages to catch the ball and is whisked off to bed before it causes anymore damage. When AJ’s dad assesses the damage, the mischievous ball is going to be in so much trouble! This is a fun, short and sweet picture book for younger children, written in rhyme. Children will laugh at the mischievous bouncing ball and the havoc it creates as it bounces around the house. They will laugh at AJ’s unsuccessful attempts to catch the ball and I am sure they will (secretly) enjoy the ball hitting the poor dad’s head! I like the way Burud represents the simplicity and joy of play and childhood – sleeping with a treasured toy and having so much fun you don’t notice the mess left behind. In an age when so many little people are attached to technological devices, it was a pleasure to read about a little boy having so much fun with a simple ball. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A fun, short and sweet picture book for younger children, and a pleasure to read about a little boy having so much fun with a simple ball. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here