< Back Gabriella Fiorletta What I See is Love A day filled with love. A day in the life of a little girl, and her appreciation of the love that surrounds her. A little girl wakes up in the morning and receives a warm embrace from her mom. She sees love. Her dad drives her to school and blows her a kiss. She sees love. Her teacher greets her in class. She sees love. Her grandma bakes her cookies for lunch. She sees love. She plays with her friends at recess. She sees love. She looks at herself in the mirror before bedtime and notices how beautiful she is. She sees love. What I See is Love is a sweet and heartfelt illustrated picture book by Gabriella Fiorletta about love. Through simple narrative and everyday scenarios that young children will recognise, the book explores various expressions of love in a child-friendly way. It is a beautiful reminder that there is love all around us and we are all loved. It shows that you don’t need to use the words ‘I love you’ to show love. Love is expressed through our actions towards each other, the things we do and the things we feel and not what we say. It is also a reminder that love starts with ourselves, and encourages children to appreciate the unique qualities that make them special. I enjoyed the gentle and dreamy illustrations by Nyrryl Cadiz, the pastel color palette and the crayon-style drawings. A perfect book for a parent or caregiver to read to a child, to show them the are loved. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and heartfelt illustrated picture book, and a reminder that love is literally all around us. Purchase here

< Back Kate Shooltz Kate the Earthling Kate has just moved to a new town where she doesn’t know anyone. She misses her old home, but decides to go for a walk to explore her new surroundings. She wonders deep into the forest and meets a little mushroom. The mushroom tells Kate that its house is a mossy log, but the earth is its home. She continues into the forest and meets an owl who explains that the tree is its house, but the earth is its home. She also meets a beaver, a blue whale, and a giant sequoia tree, who all explain that the earth is their home too. The wise tree tells Kate that the earth is home to all kinds of plants, animals and humans, and all are earthlings. As Kate returns home, she realises that no matter where she lives, she will always be home. She is an earthling too! Kate the Earthling by Kate Shooltz is a sweet and gentle illustrated picture book that explores feelings of loss, change and belonging, through the eyes of a little girl named Kate. The author captures the bittersweet emotions of moving home, with compassion and sensitivity, while the dreamy, nature-filled illustrations by Winona Kieslich create a sense of calm and wonder. This is an ideal story for young children who might be experiencing a big move or transition. Star rating: 4 Stars Summary : An uplifting and empowering story that will help young children learn that they will always belong – no matter where they are. Purchase here

< Back Angela Odusanya Amelia's Loose Part Art: A Day at the Beach Amelia has a special talent. She can create art anywhere, with anything. One day, she visits the beach with her parents, and plans to make loose part art with objects she finds by the shore. She picks up sticks, shells and seaweed, and finds a robins’ egg underneath a tree. The egg has fallen out of the nest, but the nest is too high in the tree to put it back. Amelia thinks hard and comes up with a plan to build a nest made of sticks and mud for the robin’s egg. She finds a fish stranded in a pool of water. She thinks hard again and decides to create a channel in the sand for the fish to swim back to the sea. Then, she uses her skills to help a boy build a sandcastle. Amelia didn’t the get chance to create loose part art at the beach, but she had lots of fun using her artistic skills, and loose parts, to solve problems and find solutions. Amelia's Loose Part Art: A Day at the Beach is a creative and interactive picture book by Angela Odusanya about a little girl who loves to create loose part art. In this book, Amelia takes a trip to the beach, but rather than create artwork, she uses her creative skills in other ways. Through several challenges, Amelia discovers that ideas are inside of her, and solutions are all around her. The book will help young children develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. With lots of additional resources at the end of the book, this book will inspire young children to create their own loose part art. A perfect book for little (and big!) artists . Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A delightful picture book that encourages creativity, imagination, problem-solving skills, and art in all its forms. Purchase here

< Back Maya Krishnan Tiny Bites of Brave Tiny Bites of Brave by Maya Krishnan is a heartfelt and empowering children's story that gently introduces young readers to the challenges and triumphs of living with food allergies. The book follows Mila, a young girl who has always been careful about what she eats due to her allergies. The narrative opens with Mila at a birthday party, longing for a cupcake she cannot have, highlighting the everyday realities and emotional complexities faced by children with food restrictions. The story takes a hopeful turn when Mila's mother shares news about starting food allergy treatment with Dr. Harris. Through clear, child-friendly language, the book explains the concept of oral immunotherapy—practicing with tiny amounts of allergenic foods to build tolerance. This process is depicted as both daunting and courageous, with Mila's journey unfolding in small, manageable steps. The author skillfully captures the mix of fear, uncertainty, and hope that accompanies each "tiny bite," making the experience relatable for children and reassuring for parents. One of the book's strengths is its honest portrayal of bravery. Rather than presenting courage as grand or dramatic, "Tiny Bites of Brave" shows that bravery can be quiet and incremental. Mila's bravery chart, filled with gold, purple, and silver stars for each dose and hard day, serves as a visual testament to her perseverance. The story acknowledges setbacks and frustrations, such as Mila growing tired of the routine, but ultimately celebrates persistence and the gradual progress that comes from trying again. The illustrations and gentle tone create a supportive atmosphere, making the book accessible and comforting. The inclusion of a note from the author, who shares her own experience with food allergy treatment, adds authenticity and encourages empathy. By focusing on small acts of courage, the book empowers children to face their fears and celebrates every step forward, no matter how tiny. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A valuable resource for families navigating food allergies. The book offers practical insight, emotional validation, and a message of hope for young children. Purchase here

< Back Joanne Russo Insull Don't Follow Pino! Brothers, Dugan and Pino, escape their yard and are lost far away from home, by author Joanne Russo Insull This is a picture book for young readers about two dogs, brothers Dugan and Pino. Dugan loves to go on a walk with his mom and big brother, Pino. Every morning, they walk around their neighborhood and meet lots of new people. Dugan and Pino try to be on their best behavior when they walk on their leash, and if they are very lucky they might even receive a nice treat or two. When they are not out walking, they like to play outside in their back yard. The yard is locked and safe, and Dugan and Pino run and play with the squirrels and chipmunks. But one day, a workman who is fixing a pole behind the house, forgets to shut the gate. Pino suggests to Dugan that they go on a walk outside, without their mom. Dugan is reluctant, he knows they shouldn’t leave the yard alone, but Pino is persistent. Dugan is scared they will get lost, or get into big trouble, but he follows Pino through the gate and out into the street. He tells himself, “Don’t follow Pino!”, but he continues to follow him into a field, far away from home. As Dugan becomes more concerned, he hears his mom calling from the other side of the field. He turns around and sees her waving at the entrance, walking quickly towards them. But Pino thinks it’s a game, and he runs even further away. Suddenly, Dugan notices his mom turn around and walk slowly in the opposite direction. Dugan panics and decides to follow his mom rather than Pino. He runs as fast as he can to catch up with his mom, and Pino follows closely behind. Mom is happy to see her boys again, and quickly puts on their leashes. Dugan feels bad for scaring mom and promises never to run away again. Pino, on the other hand, has other ideas! Don't Follow Pino! by Joanne Russo Insull is a sweet picture book about a couple of mischievous dogs, who escape the safety of their back yard and become lost far away from home. Dugan is influenced by his older brother, Pino, and tags along even though he knows he shouldn’t. Mom eventually finds them, but Pino thinks it’s a game, and runs away. Mom’s quick reaction is to turn and walk in the opposite direction, to bring the boys safely home. Dugan and Pino are sweet and adorable characters, and younger children will enjoy reading about their exciting adventure. This is a fun read for the whole family, but there are some important messages for young people too, about peer pressure, following rules, personal safety. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet picture book about two mischievous pups, and a fun read for the whole family. Purchase here

< Back Nicole Frankel What is math good for, anyway? Can Bennie learn to love math? Bennie hates math. He thinks math is dull and silly, and he doesn’t understand why he has to learn math at school, when he could be doing something much more interesting instead. He ponders, what is math good for anyway? As Bennie goes about his day, he soon learns that math is more useful than he realises. In the cafeteria at lunchtime, Bennie uses math to count his chips and trade cookies with his friend. In the playground at recess, Bennie uses math to count how far he can swing in a monkey bar competition. After school, he uses math to find out how much money he needs to buy his ice cream. At home, he uses math to measure how tall he is, to see if he can ride his favourite roller coaster. That evening, as Bennie thinks about how he used math throughout his day, he realises that math is Mathtastic after all! He feels excited to go to school the next day to continue his math journey. What is math good for, anyway? Is a picture book by author Nicole Frankel, illustrated by Firman Putra Irawan. The book follows a young boy named Bennie as he discovers that math doesn’t have to be dull and boring. It can be fun, cool and useful in any situation, from playing in the park, to buying treats. The book shows that math is an integral part of life, and is used anywhere and everywhere. The book is an excellent resource for parents, carers and educators to introduce young children to math and help explain its importance. Young children will be inspired by Bennie’s curiosity and will hopefully learn to love and appreciate math, both in the classroom and at home. The artwork is fun, vibrant and engaging. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun introduction to math and its usefulness in everyday life. Simply Mathtastic! Purchase here

< Back Nichole Coran Crocodile Christmas Tree Book blurb... When Cris the crocodile forgets a Christmas gift for his mom, he's determined to save the day! With the Christmas tree toppled and time running out, Cris hatches a wild plan: turn himself into a sparkling, jingling, glowing Christmas tree! Will his clever disguise bring holiday cheer? Join Cris and his brothers for a festive, funny adventure filled with love, laughter, and a whole lot of crocodile creativity! Purchase here

< Back Allison Hill Lolly the Left Out Lobster Will Lolly the Lobster find her way home? There is a big storm in the ocean and Lolly the Lobster is scooped up by the waves. She is whisked around in the turbulent sea, before being washed up on shore. Lolly finds herself in a strange forest. She is lost, alone and very frightened. Lolly finds a house and meets a squirrel, but when she asks the squirrel for help, he runs away. She meets a turkey and explains she is lost, but the turkey will not help her either. Just when Lolly has given up hope of seeing her mom again, she meets a pack of dogs. At first Lolly is scared of the strange creatures, but the dogs are fun, friendly and offer to help her. The dogs – Billie, Alex, Ruby, Luna, and Izzy – help Lolly back to the ocean, where she is finally reunited with her family. Lolly the Left Out Lobster by author Allison Hill is a charming and thoughtful, illustrated picture book for younger children about an adorable little lobster who finds herself lost in a forest. But when Lolly asks for help, the other forest creatures are wary and scared of her. They have never met a lobster before, and she looks different from anything they have ever seen. When a pack of friendly dogs come to the rescue, the other forest creatures soon realise Lolly is not so scary after all. The different creatures put aside their differences and become good friends. The book teaches young children about diversity, and the importance of showing kindness and accepting others just the way they are. A great resource for parents and educators to gently introduce young children to these complex topics. Lolly’s journey from isolation to acceptance and belonging is one that many children will relate to. The illustrations by Sandie Sonke are super-sweet, vibrant and full of character. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A charming and thoughtful picture book, with an unusual but adorable protagonist, and a powerful message about diversity and inclusion. Purchase here

< 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