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< 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 Nicola A Lewis Tilda finds her rainbow Tilda the Tortoise loves the colour green, but she is curious to see what other colours exist outside of her garden. She sets out to explore but a little robin tells her, her journey is impossible without wings. Tilda is not deterred and sets out on her adventure. She meets a butterfly with golden yellow wings laced with red. Tilda has never seen such beautiful colours before. The butterfly has tired wings and decides to accompany Tilda on her journey. They travel to the pond and meet a fairy, with white and pink petals. The fairy has never been far from the pond, and joins the pair on their journey. They meet an old frog wearing a navy blue cap, and an orange and red snake who thinks he is too scary. They join Tilda and the others and journey into the unknown. The new friends don’t know where they are going, and the pace is slow, but they enjoy each other’s company. When they stumble upon a rainbow, they are in wonder at the beautiful colours. They soon realise they are all different, special and beautiful in their own unique way. Tilda finds her Rainbow by Nicola A Lewis is a beautiful and inspiring children’s picture book, about a tortoise and her friends as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Each friend teaches Tilda something new, not just about different colours, but about different perspectives that make the world vibrant and interesting. The friends accept and celebrate each other’s differences, and together they find a sense of peace and belonging in their new friendship group. This is a wonderful message for young readers about friendship, kindness, inclusion and diversity. The illustrations by Alice Pieroni are simply delightful, full of charm, colour and character. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A beautiful, inspiring and colourful picture book, of friendship, self-discovery and self-acceptance. 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 Leah Ingledew Where's My Shell? Help find a tiny turtle a brand-new shell, with author and illustrator Leah Ingledew He is small, he is scared, and he is naked. He is a teeny, tiny turtle with a rather big problem. He appears to have lost his shell. A shell that protects him from the elements, and from pesky predators that might gobble him up at any moment. But (thankfully) no-one wants to eat the naked tiny turtle, because without his shell no-one can quite figure out who or what exactly he is! So the tiny turtle sets off to find a new shell, and with a little help from his coastal friends, he tries on many new shell-like substitutes for size. The seaweed is too scratchy, the pebble is too tough, and the hermit-crab’s shell is already rather occupied. The tiny turtle finally finds his perfect shell, just in time to help a slimy sea snail. A slimy sea snail who is small, scared, and naked. A slimy sea snail with a rather big problem… This is a fabulous and fun picture book for young children. It is well written by Ingledew, with great use of repetition and alliteration. This is a great read aloud story where children will love to repeat the phrases and the tongue-twisting names of all the creatures. They will laugh at the turtles’ antics and his unsuccessful attempts to find a suitable shell. They will adore the little turtle character and enjoy the glorious coastal scenes, beautifully illustrated by Ingledew. Leah Ingledew has an amazing talent for both illustration and storytelling and we look forward to watching her progress further in this artform. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A fabulous and fun picture book with an adorable main character. Well written and beautifully illustrated. A BRONZE WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Joe Ciccarelli When You Meet a Hangry Howard Meet a Hangry Howard, by author Joe Ciccarelli Have you ever felt angry and irritable as a result of hunger? Have you ever seen someone snap if they skip breakfast? Or, become bad tempered if they miss out on lunch? I’m sure you have, as it’s quite common for people to experience some irritability when they have not eaten in a while. That sudden, irrational rage when we are hungry is often referred to as "hangry" (a combination of "hunger" and "anger"). So, what do you do when you meet a Hangry Howard? How would you satisfy his hunger, and tame his temper? You could bake a delicious cake, but I wouldn’t recommend it. You could cook a three-course dinner, but I wouldn’t advise it. You could even provide a menu of scrumptious options, but that might not be the best solution. When it comes to Hangry Howards, only the fastest foods will do. Whether it’s beef stew, or cheese fondue; handmade strudel or homemade noodles; you better feed him, and feed him quick! When You Meet a Hangry Howard is a fun and entertaining picture book by Joe Ciccarelli, about the common phenomenon of feeling angry when you have not eaten. Written in verse, with lots of fabulous, tongue twisting rhymes, this is a fun book to read out aloud. Young children will laugh out loud at all the Hangry Howards, and may even recognise themselves too! There are some unusual foods listed that might not be familiar to younger readers, but there is a useful glossary at the end of the book to prompt further discussions. The cartoon like illustrations by Gary Ciccarelli are superb. Vibrant, eye catching and amusing, they capture the story and humour perfectly. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, fast-food filled book, for foodies Purchase here

< Back Nancy Jean Exploring is NOT for Me!: A Humorous, Perspective-Taking Outdoor Adventure for Kids George is not looking forward to the outdoor adventure at the ‘Ruffin It Camphound’, planned by his mom. He thinks it will be dull and boring. Gemma, on the other hand, is super excited and looking forward to playing with her paw friends in the park. When they arrive at the campsite, Gemma puts on her special spy glasses to look for treasure, while George is reluctant to leave his tent. ‘Exploring is NOT for me!’ George cries. Poor George cannot get comfortable in his bed and is not having the best time at camp. The next day, while Gemma is out searching for treasure, George notices she has left her special spy glasses behind. He heads out to find her, and reluctantly becomes involved in the search. He doesn’t like the cold water, or climbing the rocks, but he is determined to help Gemma win the grand prize. With a little guidance from Gemma, George conquers his fears and soon discovers that outdoor adventures are not so dull and boring after all. Exploring is NOT for Me!: A Humorous, Perspective-Taking Outdoor Adventure for Kids is a fun and interactive picture book for young readers by author Nancy Jean. The book follows the adventures of George, a pup who does not enjoy the outdoors. George is a cute and funny little pup, with a unique personality. He knows what he likes, and will not be forced into anything he doesn’t like! Many young children do not enjoy certain activities, and the book provides reassurance that it is okay not to join in. It will give young ones the confidence to say no, and to sit out when they don’t feel comfortable in an activity, but it will also help them to develop the courage to try out new activities. With lots of fun facts and interactive activities, this is the perfect book to get children interested in the outdoors. I particularly enjoyed the whimsical illustrations by Lucy Shin, who captured George’s unique personality perfectly. A joy to read for both children and adults, and I hope there will be more adventures of George and Gemma to come very soon. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun and humorous interactive picture book, about a cute little pup who attempts to conquer his fears of the outdoors. Purchase here

< Back Jane Xu Can Pandas Be Koalas Too? A little panda named Pandy lives in Koalaland. Pandy has always believed she was a koala. She enjoys koala songs, games, and school, and her life seems perfectly content until one day, one of her friends questions her identity. He points out her physical differences and her preference for bamboo over eucalyptus leaves, leading Pandy to question who she is and where she truly belongs. The story takes readers on Pandy's emotional journey as she grapples with feelings of confusion and isolation. Her friends offer various perspectives, with one calling her a "Pand-ala," half panda and half koala, but Pandy feels whole, not divided. The turning point comes when she meets a wise platypus, who shares his own experience of being a creature that defies categorization. His advice—that only Pandy can decide who she is—empowers her to embrace her individuality and stop seeking validation from others. Can Pandas Be Koalas Too? by Jane Xu and illustrated by Sang Oh, is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated children's book that explores themes of identity, belonging, and self-acceptance. The book's message is profound yet simple: identity is not defined by others, but by oneself. This theme is conveyed in a way that is accessible to younger children, encouraging them to celebrate their uniqueness. The story also subtly addresses the challenges of feeling different and the importance of self-confidence, making it a valuable read for children navigating their own identities. Sang Oh's illustrations bring the story to life with soft, watercolor-style visuals. The artwork is whimsical and tender, perfectly complementing Pandy’s emotional journey. Overall, this is a touching and thought-provoking tale that will resonate with readers of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A beautifully illustrated picture book that celebrates diversity and individuality. Purchase here

< Back Charissa Bates The Traveling Book A unique and imaginative picture book by author Charissa Bates If a book could talk, what would it say? How would the book describe its world and the people it meets every day? Well, the book in The Travelling Book, can do just that! In this delightful picture book, by author Charissa Bates, we meet a little blue, travelling book, who just wants to be picked up and read by children. Shortly after the book is printed, it is shipped off to a bookstore, where it meets the friendly cashier, a cute kitten, and all the customers who browse through its pages. The book is bought and packaged, and then whisked off on an adventure to meet a new friend. The book is happy in its new home, where it is read every day, and even gets to go to school to share all of its colorful pictures with the school children. But soon, the book is left abandoned and unread, before it is boxed up and discarded with other unused books. But this is just the start of an adventure for the little blue travelling book, as it finds a new home in a Little Free Library. The book is borrowed, read and swapped many times, and travels across the world, where it finds new libraries and meets lots of new friends. Where will the book travel to next? And which lucky reader will find the book amongst all the other books that reside in free libraries? This is a unique and imaginative picture book by author Charissa Bates, which celebrates little free libraries, and highlights the different types of libraries that exist across the world. The book will encourage young children to visit free libraries, and to share and recycle their books. The book is both entertaining and educational, and will help to support a lifelong love of reading, and sustainable reading practices. With some fun and interactive features, and beautiful, whimsical illustrations by Nadja Bullis, this book would make a wonderful addition to any home or free library. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An entertaining and educational picture book, which will help to support a lifelong love of reading, and sustainable reading practices. 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 Renee Hamilton Norey Loo Glory's Adoption Story Book blurb... Celebrate adoption through the eyes and heart of nine year old Norey Loo Glory, as she sets the record straight that "adoption is an awesome option". Purchase here

< Back Charlene McIver Off to School in my Wheelie Chair Leigh’s fun journey to school in his super wheelie chair. Leigh is off to school in his super wheelie chair. With his four wheels, he zooms down the path, being careful not to ride over any bumps or cracks in the path. He splashes through puddles and tests his strength by spinning his wheels to the top of a hill, before cruising down the other side to reach his school. He scoots through the school gate and up the ramp, before arriving safely in his class. Leigh meets his friends, and settles down in class, where he is ready, willing, and ABLE to learn. Off to School in my Wheelie Chair is an illustrated picture book by author Charlene McIver, about Leigh and his adventures in his super wheelie chair. The book follows Leigh’s journey to school one day, as he splashes through puddles, avoids obstacles, climes a strenuous hill and freewheels down the other side in his wheelchair. The book is a positive story about a little boy who doesn’t let his wheelchair get in the way of his life or his learning. His journey to school in his wheelchair is a fun, enjoyable experience, albeit sometimes challenging. He is happy, confident, and included at school, he understands his strengths and he is ready, willing, and ABLE to learn. Leigh’s wheelchair is not a hinderance, but used as a tool to maintain independence. The book will help children who might be in a wheelchair, prepare for their first day at school. It will help other children understand other peoples’ differences and abilities. Beautifully written in rhyme, with charming illustrations by Winendra Adi, the book delivers an important message of acceptance, inclusion, and friendship. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful picture book about a remarkable young boy with a super wheelie chair and an infectious sense of fun and adventure. Purchase here

< Back Andrea Antico The Books That You'll Read with Leo the Lion, Your Library Guide Leo the Lion is a library guide, who will help young readers discover the wonder of stories and books. Leo takes readers on a tour of the library, and introduces readers to a wide range of books, children’s authors and their famous characters. Leo explains different types of books (including e-readers), how to borrow a book, and how to avoid a fine! He also helps children explore mobile library services (book bikes, bookmobiles). But there is much more to do in a library than borrowing books, children can also use laptops, find resources, use the space to do homework, and take part in activities, such as story time. The Books That You'll Read with Leo the Lion (Your Library Guide) is a cheerful and engaging picture book, written in rhyme, by Andrea Antico. This delightful book introduces young readers to Leo the Lion, a wise and gentle lion who serves as an informative library guide. If you ever wondered what happens inside a library, or just need a friendly face to show you around, look no further than Leo the Lion. The storytelling is engaging and informative, with illustrations that are bright and colourful. Leo is a loveable character who makes the library feel welcoming and exciting, especially for children who might be visiting the library for the first time. Perfect for pre-school readers, or prior to a first library visit, this book will help young readers develop a life-long love of reading. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun and friendly resource for young children, to help them navigate the wonder of libraries and discover the joy of books. Purchase here