< Back Kathleen Welton Whoo! Hoo! Hoo! The Carousel at the Zoo Inspired by a well-known children’s song, Whoo! Hoo! Hoo! The Carousel at the Zoo, by Kathleen Welton, is a fun and interactive picture book and sing-along experience. The book features a variety of zoo animals as they have fun riding on a fairground carousel. The rhythm is based on the classic, ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ tune. Each spread introduces different zoo animals, or different features of the carousel, as it spins around and around. We see horses galloping and neighing, elephants stomping and swaying, and pandas romping and rolling along to their favourite sing-along tune. Beautifully written, with lots of playful rhyme and alliteration, children will enjoy singing along. The repetitive structure and memorable tune, make it easy for young children to join in. The vibrant illustrations capture the fun at the fair perfectly. I particularly enjoyed the expressions of the different animal characters in lots of silly scenarios. Young children will love spotting their favourite creatures and predicting the next verse. Based on a well-known song, young children will enjoy this fresh take on a children’s classic. Perfect for pre-schoolers and early learners, this book will help with language development and spark a love of storytelling. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A super, interactive picture book, with a multitude of zoo animals, a fun fairground ride, and a familiar sing-along-tune. Purchase here

< Back April Lopez Napoleon: No Ordinary Donkey Will Napoleon the donkey find his special and unique gift? Arthur, a bouncing little bull, and Napoleon, a darling little donkey, are best friends. When a storm brews over Sunny Hills Farm, Napoleon follows Arthur into the little red barn to take shelter, with the other cows. But Brutus the bull does not like the little donkey in the cow barn, and Napoleon has to go outside, alone in the storm. Napoleon is sad, cold and drenched, and doesn’t know where he belongs. He meets a momma duck and her six ducklings and tries to tuck his head under his foreleg like the ducks, but he falls over. Napoleon is sad that he isn’t big and strong like Brutus, and that he can’t fly or sit in the rain like the ducks. He stumbles into the stable and meets Sampson the noble steed, but Sampson doesn’t let him stay in the stable either. Napoleon sits in a puddle in the middle of the storm, and cries. He thinks he doesn’t fit in and wishes the rain would wash him away. He meets Alfred the Great, the wise billy goat, who lets him shelter under the shed, and explains he has a special and unique gift. Will Napoleon find his special and unique gift? Can you guess what it is? Napoleon: No Ordinary Donkey by author April Lopez is a sweet picture book about a little donkey, who doesn’t feel like he belongs. When a storm arrives, he is pushed out, left out, and has to endure the stormy weather all by himself. Until he meets a wise billy goat who helps him discover his special and unique gift. Younger children will love the adorable donkey character and will relate to his experiences as he is isolated by his peers. The book will encourage young children to find their own special and unique gifts, and will help them develop confidence and self-esteem. This is a delightful book and a pleasure to read. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspiring and uplifting illustrated picture book for pre-school children, with adorable animal characters, and an important message about the value of friendship, kindness and inclusion. Purchase here

< Back Ron Keres The Scariest Story You've Ever Heard It really is the scariest story you will ever read, by author Ron Keres The front cover of this book grabs your attention and immediately draws you in. You know you are going to be scared, but you just can’t help yourself, you have to read this book! The font, the gloomy, dark colour-scheme and the terrified eyes peeking out of the bedsheets all add to the tension. Go on, I dare you… Well, I dared, and I was not disappointed. Spooked yes, but disappointed no. The book lived up to its title of the ‘Scariest book ever’. Whilst the story is far too scary to present in pictures, this review is almost too scary to describe in words. I’ll do my best without giving the plot away. The fonts, the page layout, the black pages with small pops of colour, the lack of pictures, the use of language, all gradually build fear and suspense. Young readers will be captivated and terrified. I was! I can imagine parents playing along and adding to the drama, and young children hiding and squirming under their covers. I hope I haven’t scared you away from reading this book, it is a frighteningly good read and suitable for younger readers, I promise! And there is a really cool and funny ending too, I promise! This is a great book based on a really simple but innovative concept. Young children love spooky stories, and they will love this. Author Ron Keres and illustrator Arthur Lin have done such a fantastic job and I look forward to more of their collaborations in the future. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An innovative concept and a frighteningly good read. A GOLD WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back D.K. Wingerson Gary Greenbird Learns To Fly Book blurb... This is the story of Gary Greenbird and his struggle to overcome his fears. Being content to never leave the family nest and explore the world, he finds what it takes to finally learn to fly. He rescues his little sister and goes from being a timid little bird to a hero. 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 C James Sweeney Sadie Sasquatch has Big Feet Sadie Sasquatch finds a sporting match. Sadie Sasquatch loves going to school and learning new things. She loves story time, and arts and crafts, and she especially enjoys nap time. But her favourite time is recess! She loves to climb and jump, swing and slide, spin and play. But, as a sasquatch (bigfoot) sometimes Sadie’s big feet get in the way. They get tangled in the skipping rope, smudge the chalk on the hopscotch board, and get in the way when she plays basketball. Sadie’s friends are not happy, and Sadie is sad they do not want to play with her anymore. Over in the field, Sadie notices a group of friends playing kickball and joins in. But when she is picked last for the team, Sadie thinks it is because of her big feet. When it is her time to kick, Sadie grits her teeth and kicks the ball as far as she can. She lands a home run and helps her team win the game. As Sadie teaches her dad her new skills, she soon realises kickball is the perfect sport for a little (and big) sasquatch. Sadie Sasquatch has Big Feet by C. James Sweeney is part of a book series about a little sasquatch and her adventures at school. Sadie is different from the other children, and sometimes feels like an outsider. In this book, Sadie realises that her big feet are not great for many activities. However, they do not stop her from joining in and having fun. As she tries lots of different activities, she joins a group of friends playing Kickball. Sadie learns that she has unique skills, and finally finds an activity that she likes and is good at. The book teaches children important life lessons about perseverance, self-acceptance, and the importance of harnessing one’s own strengths. It reminds children that it is okay to be different, and it will encourage children to find an activity that is a good match for their own unique qualities and talents. It will help to develop inner-strength and confidence amongst young readers. Sadie is a cute, funny, and relatable character, and her story and school experiences will resonate with many young readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming picture book about a little sasquatch who finds her confidence and skills-match on the kickball field. Purchase here

< Back Lauren Brownrigg You Are...Volume One A beautiful collection of poems to share with our loved ones. You are…is a collection of four poems, written by author Lauren Brownrigg. Each poem is written in rhyme and explores a different theme. The poems are titled: You are loved, You are enough, You are kind, You are remembered. The first three poems are written from the perspective of an older character who is expressing their feelings towards a younger character. The characters are non-human, gender neutral and non-role specific. They could represent a range of roles and relationships (i.e., parent and child, grandparent and grandchild, aunt and niece, teacher and student, or any caregiving relationship). The fourth poem is a single character, who explores feelings of grief and discusses the importance of remembering those who have passed. Each poem is a reminder to the child that they are important, cared for, valued, and mean something to someone. Following each poem, there is a definition of the word, and a discussion point, to encourage further reflection and conversation. There is also a journal page, to add additional notes or reflections. This is a stunning collection of poems and picture book, that will help parents or caregivers express their feelings, show their love, and build nurturing relationships with a child or young person. Some people struggle to say how they feel and express their emotions, and this book will help them to open up and connect with others. The book will show children they are loved unconditionally and that just being themselves is enough. It will help them to develop confidence, self-esteem, and positive relationships. The watercolour style illustrations are exquisitely drawn, and the characters represented in each of the poems are adorable. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A stunning collection of poetry for younger children, beautifully illustrated. A perfect read-together picture book to share at bedtime. 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 Mariah Clark Skewes O is for Pig O is for Pig by author Mariah Clark Skewes is an illustrated, A to Z picture book for young children. The book features a diverse and colourful cast of characters and creatures, from babies to weightlifters, and pigs to kangaroos. But this is not your average A to Z book. Instead of naming the animal or object, this picture book highlights either the sound the animals make, or an alternative expression, for example ‘O’ for oink’, ‘B for baaa’, ‘E for eeekk’. This is a unique and creative A to Z picture book by Mariah Clark Skewes, which invites parents and caregivers to be playful with storytelling and phonetics. Young readers will laugh out loud at the vibrant illustrations and the sound effects that leap off the page. Written in rhyme, with lots of lovely alliteration, young children will enjoy repeating the sounds aloud. The unique concept not only makes learning the alphabet fun, it will also help build vocabulary and develop phonemic awareness. The illustrations by Terri Einer are lively and full of personality, complementing the fun journey through the alphabet perfectly. At the end of the book there is a ‘real letter list’, for those who want to teach the alphabet in the traditional way. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun, fresh and playful take on the classic alphabet picture book. Purchase here

< Back Teddy Biron The Lighthouse Keeper Saves the Bay Author and illustrator Teddy Biron shows the devastating impact humans have on the ocean and wildlife. An old lighthouse keeper wakes up early every day, to say hello to all the creatures that live in the bay. Nothing much happens in the quiet bay, he hangs out his laundry, and watches the boats gently drift in the dock. But, in the midst of darkness, as the lighthouse switches on its lights to protect the ships, there is an unwelcome visitor to the bay. He tips a vat of oil and trash into the ocean, and slips away again under the cover of darkness. When the lighthouse keeper wakes the next day, he notices the mess and the devastation caused to the bay and the sea life. He starts to clean up the mess straightaway, and is soon followed by others who join in the clean-up mission. Slowly, the creatures return, and the bay is brought back to life. Sadly, the old man knows it won’t be the last time he has to clean up someone else’s discarded trash. The Lighthouse Keeper Saves the Bay, by author and illustrator Teddy Biron, is a beautiful story, with an important message about the devastating impact humans have on the ocean and wildlife. It will encourage young children and adults to take responsibility for their own actions, and clean up after themselves. But it will also encourage positive action to help out when others fail to play their part in cleaning up their own mess. The illustrations are simply stunning and really bring the story to life. They beautifully capture the serenity of the bay, the magnificent wildlife, the horror of the face-less hooded man, and the devastation caused after the trash is dumped. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: This is a beautiful story, with an important environmental message and stunning illustrations. Purchase here

< Back Leah Ingledew The Umbrella Dilemma! Bob the sheep has a blue umbrella. All of his friends have blue umbrella’s. Together, the mass of blue umbrella’s keep the flock happy, dry and safe when it rains. When Dave suggests the flock switch to red umbrella’s, everyone agrees. Except Bob. When it rains later that day, Bob shuffles off to the flock with his blue umbrella. The rest of the flock are struggling to keep dry, as their new red umbrellas are falling apart. While Bob stays dry under his umbrella, the flock blame Bob and his blue umbrella for getting them wet. As the flock of sheep get wetter and wetter, they struggle to run because their wet wool is so heavy. As a plucky fox is ready to pounce on the unsuspecting wet sheep, Bob has an idea to save the flock from the torrential rain. The Umbrella Dilemma! Is an illustrated picture book about a flock of sheep, by author Leah Ingledew. The flock have a tried and tested system to keep themselves dry when it rains, until one day an imposter suggests something new. While all of the other sheep follow along, Bob is the only one to stick to his own beliefs. Thanks to Bobs tenacity, quick thinking, and courage, the flock is saved from danger. This is a fun story, which is both educational and entertaining. The beautifully illustrated picture book teaches young children about courage, trust and friendship, and also the importance of standing up for what is right, even when others disagree. The books underlying message about thinking for yourself and not blindly following the crowd is delivered in a way that children will understand. Bob’s bravery will leave young readers feeling inspired and empowered. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun, engaging and educational picture book about peer pressure, which will leave young readers feeling inspired and empowered. Purchase here

< Back Deanna Hart Blue is the Only Color in the Rainbow A little girl learns that all colors of the rainbow are beautiful. Jasmine’s favourite color is blue. Everything she owns is blue. Even the food she eats is blue! When her grandmother buys her a big red monkey for her birthday, Jasmine is not happy. She does not like the monkey because it is red. Jasmine does not like the color red! The little red monkey is called Mango and he is upset because Jasmine throws him on the floor. He is upset because Jasmine does not like him because he is red. Mango has special powers and flies Jasmine to a special place. A bright, colorful place called the Prisma. Prisma is a world full of brilliant greens, reds and purples, and yellows and pinks. Everything in Prisma is bright and happy. But when Jasmine wakes up in the morning, she is back in her blue bedroom and Mango is left in the corner where she abandoned him. Was it a dream? Or did Jasmine really travel with her red monkey to the bright, colorful world of Prisma? Blue is the Only Color in the Rainbow is a sweet, illustrated picture book by author Deanna Hart about a little girl who is obsessed with the color blue. When she receives a red monkey for her birthday, Jasmine soon realises that there is more to life than blue. Jasmine’s fascination with a single color is not uncommon and younger children will relate to her story. The book has a subtle message about equality and diversity, as Jasmine learns that all colors of the rainbow are beautiful. With a handy Teachers Guide at the end of the book, the story will help younger children learn about the importance of kindness and inclusivity. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An entertaining and educational picture book about equality, diversity, and inclusion for younger readers. Purchase here