< Back Charlene McIver Squishy Sand Three friends invent a new monster wheelchair buggy and enjoy a fun filled day at the beach, from author Charlene McIver Leigh wants to play on the beach with his friends Cosmo and Tara, but the beach is inaccessible for his wheelchair. The friends think of lots of different ways to enable Leigh to enjoy the beach – such as getting the dogs to pull the wheelchair across the sand like a sled, adapting the wheelchair so it glides across the sand. But it’s no use, nothing works! Until Cosmo finds some discarded tyres and they transform the wheelchair into a monster dune-buggy. The friends take it in turns to whiz down the boat ramp in the new wheelchair buggy. They speed across the squishy sand and splash through the waves, enjoying the beach and sun. A fun-filled, perfect day out, where everyone is equal, and everyone is included. This is a sweet story about a group of friends spending time together and having fun at the beach. Despite the inaccessibility of the beach to wheelchairs, it doesn’t hold them back from having fun. The friends find a fun and creative solution to ensure all three can enjoy the sand and shore together. This book highlights some of the challenges faced by wheelchair users, reinforcing the importance of kindness, empathy, and compassion. But it is not primarily a book about disability, it’s a book about courage and true friendships. A fun-filled book which captures the essence of friendship, and beautifully illustrated by Caroline Keys. It was a joy to read, and we can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A sweet story about a group of friends spending time together and having fun at the beach. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Kate Powers Pip the Plover and the Dune Grass Path Pip the Plover and the Dune Grass Path is an illustrated picture book by author Kate Powers about a young piping plover, named Pip. After Pip hatches in a nest on the sand dunes, he learns essential survival skills from his mom, such as staying low and still to camouflage himself from potential dangers like human feet. But, when a group of children playing on the beach accidentally disturb the roped-off nesting area, Pip is in danger. One girl notices the warning sign and educates the other children, leading them to repair the boundary and ensure the birds' safety. Pip's journey from the nest to the shore teaches children about navigating a big, new world and overcoming fear with guidance and support. The story was inspired by the real piping plovers that nest near the authors beach cottage in New England. The book gently introduces the concept of sharing natural spaces and the simple ways humans can help protect endangered species. The story highlights the importance of kindness and empathy, and how thoughtful actions can help to protect vulnerable wildlife. There are further resources at the end of the book, including facts about real piping plovers, explaining why they are threatened or endangered and providing actionable steps for families and children to become "Beach Heroes". The charming illustrations by Abigail Powers, feature earth-toned artwork that brings the coastal world to life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heart-warming read-aloud picture book about the importance of empathy, shared spaces, and caring for the natural world. Purchase here

< Back Christina M Carroll The Things I Love A young boy and his mom share memories of the past. A young boy sits in his bedroom with his mother, looking back through an old photograph album. He looks at the photographs and shares memories of all the good times and things he loved to do, with his mother. Each photograph represents a time in his young life, a moment and a memory captured in a glorious colorful image. He loved to climb trees and go on fishing trips, play hide and seek, and go trick or treating. But most of all, he loved spending time with his mother. Written in rhyme, with a numerical countdown from the boy aged ten to age one, this book will help build both vocabulary and numeracy skills. The book is a unique take on a traditional counting book, as the countdown is woven into the story. The format worked really well and will engage young readers. Children love looking back at old photographs and sharing memories, and they will connect with the story in this book. I can imagine young readers sharing this book with parents or caregivers, pulling out their own photograph albums, and remembering key moments in their own lives. In an age where most photographs are captured digitally, this book is a celebration of the beauty and power of a physical photograph. Overall, this is a sweet and charming illustrated picture book, and a perfect book to share at bedtime. The illustrations by Jenny Slife are wonderful. Vibrant, fun, and engaging, the illustrations capture the story perfectly. The main character is sweet and adorable, and I enjoyed watching how he developed and how his appearance changed over time. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A sweet and charming picture book, which captures the essence of childhood and the joy of sharing memories with loved ones. Purchase here

< Back Brett Gunning and Stacy Padula On the Right Path: Book Three Shai learns the importance of healthy eating at basketball camp. Shai lives next door to his friend, Jayden and his younger siblings, Jordan and Jasmine. Every day the friends love to play basketball. On his way to basketball camp one day, Shai’s mom gives him an apple for his snack. Shai questions why he can’t have a better snack, like candy, cookies or chips. Coach Pete starts the session with a thought of the day and explains the importance of eating fresh fruit and vegetables. “Eating healthy is the first step to becoming a strong athlete,” Coach Pete explains. As Shai plays basketball all day, he is grateful for Coach Pete’s thought of the day, and grateful for his apple that gave him the energy to play the game. On the Right Path: Book Three, by authors Brett Gunning and Stacy Padula, is an illustrated book for younger readers about a young boy named Shai who loves basketball. Through basketball, Shai learns important life lessons. In this scenario, he learns the importance of eating fresh fruit and vegetables, to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to provide the nutrition and energy required to play sport. Coach Pete helps the children improve in basketball, but he also helps children with key life skills, through memorable coaching ‘moments’. Sometimes children will ignore their parents, but they will listen to trusted individuals outside their family. Coach Pete is a trusted adult and a great role model, that children listen to and respect. This is a fun and educational book and will appeal to readers who enjoy basketball and other sports. Shai and Coach Pete are strong, positive role models, that young children will relate to and will enjoy following their stories. I enjoyed the comic-book style illustrations by Maddy Moore. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun and educational illustrated book that teaches younger children about key life skills, through basketball. Purchase here

< Back Laura Lee Rittman Lucky Ruby - A Hanukkah and Christmas Holiday Book The holidays are approaching, and Ruby’s mom and dad are busy decorating the house, but Ruby doesn’t feel as excited as she usually would. Ruby invited her friend, Violet, to her house for a holiday party, and Ruby overheard Violet talking to another girl about Ruby celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas. Ruby is sad and wonders whether she did the right thing inviting Violet to her home. When Violet arrives, she is initially apprehensive, but soon gets involved in the celebrations. She enjoys cooking latkes with Ruby’s Bubbie, making Christmas Charade medals with Ruby’s cousin, helps Ruby’s mom light the candles on the menorah, and plays spin the dreidel with the entire family. Violet enjoys the party and recognises how lucky Ruby is to celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. Lucky Ruby - A Hanukkah and Christmas Holiday Book, is a sweet and charming holiday picture book for young readers, by author Laura Lee Rittman. The book follows the story of Ruby who is worried about her friend visiting her home after she overheard her talking about her celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas. Violet is welcomed by Ruby’s family and joins in the celebrations, soon realising that celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas is not so weird after all. The author skilfully blends the two holidays, showing how Ruby’s family decorates the Christmas tree and also lights the menorah for Hanukkah. It is a wonderful introduction to the key holiday traditions of both the Jewish and Christian faiths, and shows how both holidays can be celebrated together. The illustrations by Cennet Kapkac are filled with warm and cosy family holiday scenes, which bring the festivities to life. This is a perfect picture book to share in preparation for the holiday season, and would also make a great Hanukkah or Christmas gift. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A sweet, charming and touching multi-cultural picture book, which celebrates friendship, family and faith in all its forms. Purchase here

< Back Ali Barclay The Tales of Charlie Wags: London Part of the Charlie Wags series, this book follows Charlie as he visits London, England. With a familiar introduction to the story, Charlie wags his tail and travels to London. His first stop is the grand Buckingham Palace, where the King and Queen of England live. Next, he visits Westminster Abbey, the church where Kings and Queens are crowned, and royalty get married. He see Big Ben, the big clock tower and has tea and scones in a fancy restaurant. He hops aboard a boat on the Thames River and passes under Tower Bridge, and he visits the great Tower of London where he sees the royal jewels. With a trip to Borough Market, and a ride on the London Eye, this is a trip Charlie will never forget. In The Tales of Charlie Wags: London by author Ali Barclay, a little pup takes a trip to London, the capital city of England. Each stop on the journey is brought to life with watercolour style, pastel illustrations that capture the magic of this special city. The story is a great addition to the series and encourages young readers to explore new places, and embrace new experiences and different cultures. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A pup-filled travel exploration of London. Joyful, colourful and full of adventure. Purchase here

< Back Christine Tussing Detective Stan the Crayon Man and the Missing Birthday Cake Can Detective Stan solve the mystery of the missing birthday cake? Detective Stan’s pink crayon glows brightly, which means there is an emergency in Colorful County. He races over to Pretty Pink’s bakery and finds Pretty Pink in distress. Someone has stolen the cake for Mellow Yellow’s birthday party. Detective Stan begins his investigation by interviewing all the crayons, but there are no signs of the cake, or the thief, anywhere. He searches the bakery and looks for clues. He finds messy sprinkles and purple drippy drops on the floor. He heads to Polite Purple’s home, but it can’t be her, as she was at the hair salon all morning. Detective Stan looks at all the different color combinations that make purple and considers whether two crayons worked together to steal the cake. Will Detective Stan find the culprit and solve the case? Will Mellow Yellow get a cake for his birthday party? And will Detective Stan get home before his mom notices? Detective Stan the Crayon Man and the Missing Birthday Cake by author Christine Tussing is a charming illustrated picture book. The book, written by the author when she was just eight years old, is a unique, creative, and playful story about a little boy who loves his crayons and loves to solve mysteries. When his crayons glow, he knows they need help, and he goes on an amazing adventure to Colorful County to help the crayons. Each crayon has a name and character based on their color, and the mystery clues are based on color-combinations. Young readers will enjoy following the clues and solving the mystery. The book will spark young children’s imagination, and will also help them to learn colour combinations. The illustrations by Izzy Bean are delightful. I particularly like how the two different worlds are represented – the real world where Stan lives; and the fantasy world of the crayons. I would love to see more adventures of Detective Stan! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming and fun illustrated picture book that will spark young children’s imagination and creativity Purchase here

< Back Kimberly A Perry Finley the Fairy Finley the Fairy escapes the forest to explore the human world . When all of the other fairies are tucked up in bed, Finley the Fairy sneaks out of her tree house, travels through the dark forest, and ventures into town. She finds a welcoming home, and with a little help from a garden gnome, she flutters inside. As the humans sleep peacefully in their beds, Finley explores their home. She has a quick snack from the pantry, she paints a picture with glitter, she plays with the human’s toys, and she even completes a few household chores. But as soon as the sun rises, Finley must head back to the forest before the humans and the other fairies wake from their slumber. Can she make it back in time without being noticed? And where will her next adventure take her? Finley the Fairy is an illustrated picture book for young children by author Kimberly A Perry and illustrated by Lau Frank. The book follows Finley, a little fairy who sneaks out of her bed at night to explore the forbidden human world. Finley is smart, mischievous, and adventurous, and young children will laugh out loud at her outrageous antics, as the humans sleep peacefully in their beds. This is a fun and delightful picture book which will help spark young children’s curiosity and imagination, as they wonder whether fairies really exist and what they might get up to in the middle of the night. Beautifully written in lyrical rhyme, with an adorable character and dreamy illustrations, this book is a bedtime treat for younger children and their caregivers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun and delightful picture book about a mischievous and adventurous little fairy, which will help spark young children’s curiosity and imagination. Purchase here

< Back Betty Cetas Oscar and the Awful Horrible Smell Can Oscar the troll find the source of the stinky smell? Oscar the troll lives deep in the forest. He loves the forest and knows it very well. He even knows all the forest smells, the good smells, and the not-so-good smells! But one day, while out picking blueberries, Oscar notices a very unusual and very stinky smell. He can’t quite put his finger (or nose, rather) on the smell, so he sets out into the forest to investigate. He travels throughout the forest, and the smell gets stronger and stronger. It isn’t his armpits, although they are pretty stinky. It isn’t the mushrooms, which smell pretty terrible. Nor the dead fish inside the wolverine’s cave, which smell vile. What could it be? Oscar continues to search high and low throughout the forest, but still cannot find the source of the stinky smell. He decides to return home, but the smell even follows him into his house. As he puts his feet up to rest for the evening, he suddenly discovers the source of the foul smell! Oscar and the Awful, Horrible Smell, is part of the Troll Tales and Other Stories from Grandma’s Cottage series, by Betty Cetas. The book follows the adventures of Oscar, a rather grotesque looking, but loveable troll. This is an entertaining and funny book, and children will laugh out loud at Oscar’s antics as he tries to find the source of the smell. Children will enjoy searching with Oscar as he trundles through the forest and they will enjoy guessing where the smell might be coming from. There is a very funny twist at the end of the book, that will delight younger readers. Young children love silly stories, and the funnier, dirtier, smellier, and more gruesome the better! They will love this story and fall in love with the adorable (but rather smelly) Oscar. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A stinky, fun-filled adventure with a very loveable troll. Purchase here

< Back Ali Barclay The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York City In an ordinary house lives Charlie Wags. Charlie Wags is just an average pup, but he has a secret. He likes to travel the world, just for fun. With a little wag of his tail, he can travel wherever he wants. In this book, he travels to New York City. He explores all the famous sights, including Central Park, where he visits the Central Park Zoo. He visits the Empire State Building, where he ascends to the top, and takes a moment to look up at the One World Trade building. He wonders the city, and has a bite to eat, before taking a cruise to the magnificent Statue of Liberty. He watches a play on Broadway and finally sees the bright lights on Times Square. The Tales of Charlie Wags: New York City is an illustrated picture book, by author Ali Barclay. The book follows Charlie’s journey to New York, where he explores the sights and sounds of the big city. Written in playful rhyme, with an adorable pup character, this book will delight young readers. With additional information about each place he visits at the end of the book, it may even inspire young readers to embark on their own travels. Readers who love animal characters, and have a sense of adventure will love this book. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A tail-wagging triumph and a must read for budding explorers. Purchase here

< Back Julie Stephens Mountain Mutts - Joy's Tale A wonderful tale of friendship, by author Julie Stephens This is a story about two dogs, named Winter and Spring. The two best friends were inseparable, wherever Winter went, Spring would follow. Winter and Spring loved to play and explore together, until the day Winter sadly passed away, leaving Spring sad, alone and confused. Then one day, a new puppy named Joy arrived in the household. Joy wants lots of attention, but Spring is not interested in the energetic newcomer. She misses her dear friend, Winter. Joy plays and sleeps alone, and waits patiently until Spring is ready to be her friend. Eventually Spring takes notice, and the pair become good friends. Spring teaches the young pup how to climb down the steps, how to cross the river, and how to fetch a stick. Now, Spring and Joy are inseparable, but Winter will never be forgotten. Mountain Mutts - Joy's Tale by author Julie Stephens is a wonderful picture book for young children, about the friendship and love that exists between dogs. Spring is despondent when her play mate and best friend Winter passes away. She is no longer interested in having fun or making new friends, but all that changes when she meets a lively little pup, named Joy. Joy helps Spring overcome her grief and shows her that there is still lots to live for. This is a poignant story about love and loss, beautifully told through the eyes of adorable dogs. The story deals with complex issues, such as depression and grief, in a way that younger children will understand and can relate to. The book will appeal to readers who love dogs, and may help those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The book features beautiful photographs of three wonderful dogs, Winter, Spring and Joy. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A poignant picture book for younger readers about love and loss, beautifully told through the eyes of adorable dogs. Purchase here

< Back Eliana Miao The Brave Fuzzy: A Microbiome Story The Brave Fuzzy: A Microbiome Story is a beautifully illustrated children's book that seamlessly blends storytelling with science education. Written by Eliana Miao and the Pen & Pipette team, and illustrated by Johanna Gousset, the book introduces young readers to the fascinating world of the gut microbiome through the adventures of an orange fuzzy searching for a home and a village of blue fuzzies rebuilding after a storm. The narrative is both heartwarming and accessible, using the metaphor of a village of fuzzies to represent the diverse community of microbes living inside our bodies. The story explores themes of inclusion, resilience, and the importance of diversity—both in communities and in our own microbiomes. When the orange fuzzy joins the blue fuzzies, they create a stronger, more vibrant village together, mirroring how a diverse microbiome supports better health. What sets this book apart is its ability to make complex scientific concepts understandable and engaging for children. The science section at the end explains how microbes help digest food, communicate with our bodies, and even influence our mood and immune system. The book encourages healthy habits, like eating colorful fruits and vegetables, to "feed your fuzzies" and keep your internal village thriving. The watercolor style illustrations are warm and cozy, adding character and charm to the story. The book also includes real-life science facts, reviewed by experts, making it both educational and accurate. Created by a nonprofit of high school students passionate about science and storytelling, The Brave Fuzzy is not only a delightful read but also a valuable resource for sparking curiosity about biology in young minds. Overall, the book is an excellent choice for parents, teachers, and anyone looking to inspire a love of science in children. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An entertaining and education book, that delivers an important message about inclusion and health in a way that is both memorable and fun. Purchase here