< 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 AC Bradburn Dancing with Cara: The Nature Stories Cara is digging a big hole in her grandfather’s garden. Soil encourages her to dig deeper and Cara is surprised that Soil is wet and warm to the touch. Soil explains that it is kept warm by the trees, plants and grass, who send warmth from the sun through their roots. Soil also holds onto the rain, to provide water to other living organisms. In return, Soil stores the warmth and the water in winter and helps the trees, plants and grass grow. Cara talks to Wren, resting in her grandfather’s apple tree. Wren explains that by singing, it wakes up the flower bulbs, trees and some animals in the spring. Cara helps Wren wake up spring by singing a song ‘Wake up, wake up, springtime is here!’. Cara feels the apple tree vibrate and hears it creak as it wakes up for spring. Cara is toasting marshmallows on a fire with her grandfather when she notices how the flame changes color. Flame explains how it transforms her marshmallow, and how it can transform other things too, through its ashes. Cara talks to her Tear, when she is sad when her bunny is injured. Tear explains how it comes out when she is hurt or feels upset, and sometimes when she is happy too. Dancing with Cara: The Nature Stories is a collection of short stories by author AC Bradburn, that takes young readers on a sensory journey through nature. The book is told through the eyes of Cara, a curious and adventurous little girl who loves spending time in nature. As Cara interacts with the environment, she converses with the wildlife and the natural elements around her. As Cara communicates with the natural environment, she learns how the soil helps plants grow, and how birds wake up spring. She discovers how all living organisms are connected through the web of life, and her own place in the ecosystem. This is a delightful and profound collection of stories about nature, beautifully written by Bradburn in a lyrical prose, with exquisite illustrations by Ivy Trazsi. I was completely immersed in these stories, and for a brief moment in time, I felt like I was one with nature – just like Cara. This is a wonderful addition to any bookshelf. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An immersive, heart warming and touching exploration of nature, and our place within it. Purchase here

< Back Tracey Smith Where's Grandma? A Child's View on Loss, Grief and Bereavement Jordyn looks for her grandma, but cannot find her anywhere. Her bed is empty, her wheelchair is abandoned, and her place at the table unoccupied. Jordyn’s mommy tells her that her grandma has ‘transitioned’, but Jordyn does not know what that means. Her mommy explains that Grandma is now in heaven with other family members. Jordyn misses her grandma and remembers good times spent with her, singing and dancing for her, watching movies together, and playing games. She remembers how her grandma like to spend time with the family, and cook big family dinners. Jordyn’s mommy encourages her to focus on happy memories of her grandma and turn tears of sadness into tears of joy. Jordyn knows that whenever she misses her grandma, she can look back at old pictures and videos, and remember the fun times they spent together. Where's Grandma? A Child's View on Loss, Grief and Bereavement is a heartfelt and touching picture book by Tracey Smith about a little girl named Jordyn who faces the loss of her beloved grandma. Struggling with sadness, Jordyn finds it difficult to understand where her grandma has gone. Her mom helps her to cope by gently remembering the happy times they shared. Through these memories, Jordyn discovers that although grandma is no longer there, her love will remain in her heart forever. The author handles the subject of death in a sensitive way that is suitable for young readers. The book includes helpful notes to help parents talk to children about their grief. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A heartfelt and touching story about grief, and a valuable resource for families who may have experienced the death of a loved one. Purchase here

< Back Glynis Falloon New Friends It is Saturday morning and Katie is looking forward to a full day of fun when she hears scratching and crying noises from underneath the deck. She goes to investigate the strange noises with her grandma and finds two eyes poking through the cracks in the boards. Katie and her grandma discover a small, orange, tabby cat hidden under the deck. While Katie is keen to keep the cat, her grandma suggests she tries to find the cat’s owner. Katie and her grandma speak to their neighbors, but no-one knows where the cat lives, or to whom it belongs. So, Katie and her grandma make posters and hang them in their neighborhood, in the hope of finding the owner of the cat. While Katie tries to locate the owner, she meets new people and develops new friendships. Will Katie find the cat’s owner? How will she feel if she has to give up the cat she has become fond of? New Friends is an illustrated picture book for children, by author Glynis Falloon. The book follows the story of a little girl, who finds a cat hidden under her grandma’s deck. This is a sweet and charming picture book that young children will relate to. Katie is a loveable character with a big heart, and the little cat is adorable. The book encourages kindness and compassion, and will help children learn the importance of friendship and taking care of animals. The simple, yet engaging text makes it perfect for young readers, and the expressive illustrations bring Katie’s personality to life beautifully. Young children will enjoy following Katie’s adventures, and the book may even encourage them to develop new friendships. It’s a great way to start children thinking about animal welfare, and helping animals in their own communities. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A delightful story with charming illustrations, will help children learn the importance of friendship, kindness and compassion. https://tinyurl.com/NewFriendsBook Purchase here

< Back A.N. Stewart The Shotgun Shack Kitties: Bill Bailey, Please Come Home A group of kitties embark on a musical adventure like no other. A group of kitties live in a beautiful little shotgun shack in Gentilly, New Orleans, with their human, Eartha. One day, when Eartha is at work, a cat named Bill Bailey is playing outside when a butterfly lands on his nose. Bill Bailey follows the butterfly down the street and greets his neighbors, but none of them can understand him. He meets a couple of elder cats, who tell him they have a secret way to make all humans understand cats. They explain that the secret is in the power and language of music. The elders offer to teach Bill Bailey, and all the other kitties, how to play music. The kitties meet at the old oak tree and choose their musical instruments. When Eartha returns home, she is surprised to find all the kitties are gone. Sad and worried, Eartha goes out to search for the kitties and sings a song to bring them home. As she sings, she hears music and finds the shotgun shack kitties moving through the neighborhood in the tradition of a brass band parade, playing “Bill Bailey, Please Come Home.” The Shotgun Shack Kitties: Bill Bailey, Please Come Home is a delightful picture book by author A.N. Stewart about the adventures of Bill Bailey and other kitties who live in a little shotgun shack in Gentilly, New Orleans. Based on a real cat named Bill Bailey and other cats who live with the author in a shotgun house in New Orleans, the book features the song "Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey" written by Hughie Cannon in 1902. This is a sweet and endearing picture book, which provides a great introduction to New Orleans and jazz music. With an adorable cast of feline characters, and set in glorious New Orleans, this book will enchant readers of all ages. The book will leave readers tapping their toes and humming along to the sweet sounds of jazz music. The colorful, vibrant illustrations by Virginia de Mahy bring the characters and the sights and sounds of New Orleans to life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming tale of feline musicianship, set in the heart of New Orleans. Purchase here

< Back Nadia Khan Zoey Wonders Why Zoey is proud to share her cultural heritage at her new school, by author Nadia Khan Five-year-old Zoey is starting school in September, but she is a little worried about the homework she has been set. The children have been asked to tell their family stories, and to share their culture and food with the class. Zoey is confused. Her parents are from India and Pakistan in South Asia, and Nigeria in Africa. Zoey was born in the United States, so she asks her mommy, What am I? Who am I? Zoey is confused and is worried she will not remember when she has to share her story with the class. When school starts, Zoey listens to the other children tell their family stories and is looking forward to tasting all the delicious food they have brought in to eat. She gets over-excited and disrupts the class, and the teacher sends a letter home to her parents. Her mommy talks to her, and explains the importance of staying calm and being kind. With a little help from her mommy, and her brothers Zaky and Max, Zoey prepares the food to share with her class, delicious samosas with aloo and rice. But, Zoey gets over-excited again and pushes her brother over to taste the food. The next day, its Zoey’s turn. She is proud to tell the story of her family, and shares her food with the class. Zoey Wonders Why by author Nadia Khan is a sweet story about a little girl who is daunted by starting school and sharing her family story with her class. She is proud of her rich cultural heritage, but it is complicated and confusing for a little girl to understand. As she learns more about her family history, she also learns about the importance of showing kindness to her friends and brothers. The book has several themes, ie, starting school, family culture and history, making and sharing food, relationships with brothers, behaviour at school. Overall, this is a lovely picture book, which will help younger children learn about different cultures and will encourage them to show kindness to others Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet picture book, with an important message about cultural diversity, and showing kindness to others. Purchase here

< Back Angela Odusanya Amelia's Loose Part Art: A Night at the Campsite Amelia’s Loose Part Art by Angela Odusanya is a delightful children’s book that celebrates creativity, teamwork, and the boundless imagination of children. The story follows Amelia, a young artist with a knack for creating art using unconventional materials, referred to as “loose parts.” Her room is filled with an assortment of items like rocks, sticks, buttons, and fabric scraps, which she uses to bring her creative ideas to life. When Amelia goes camping with her cousin Jayce and Auntie Teya, she is initially disappointed to find the campsite playground missing. However, her aunt encourages her to see the world as her playground and use her creativity to build her own fun. This sparks Amelia’s imagination, and she and Jayce embark on a journey to create their own playground using the loose parts they find in nature. The story beautifully illustrates the power of creativity and teamwork. Amelia and Jayce work together to build a teeter-totter, a slide, and even a swing, using natural materials and their ingenuity. The narrative emphasizes the importance of resourcefulness and problem-solving, showing children that they can create something wonderful with what’s available to them. The book also highlights the value of collaboration, as Amelia and Jayce learn that working together makes their creations even better. The illustrations by Dileema Medonza are colorful, detailed, and full of life, capturing the joy and excitement of Amelia and Jayce’s adventures. A perfect read for families, educators, and anyone who wants to nurture a child’s love for play and exploration. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartwarming and inspiring book that encourages children to embrace their creativity, work together, and find joy in the simple things around them. Purchase here

< Back Cheryl Johnson Creatures of the Rainforest A guidebook about the rainforest, for young explorers. Creatures of the Rainforest is a reference book about the rainforest and the different creatures that live there. The book explores types of organisms in the animal kingdom, where they live, how they look, and how they act. It also includes valuable information about how readers can learn about these creatures, through observation and investigation. It includes lots of fun facts – did you know there are over 430 different kinds of mammals and over 2.5 million different insect species in the rainforest? Featuring some well-known species as well as some lesser well-known species, the book explains the importance of the rainforest and how it impacts on the entire planet. With lots of resources, including a biologist reference sheet, nature notes and fun facts about different species, and access to a free online activity pack, the book will encourage young readers to continue their discovery of nature and biology. On completion of the book, readers are awarded a ‘Junior Rainforest Biologist’ certificate. Creatures of the Rainforest by author and photographer Cheryl Johnson is an educational and entertaining guidebook for young readers. Well researched, full of interesting facts and figures, and sensational photography from Johnson, the book will appeal to anyone interested in nature, biology, and the rainforests. The book will increase awareness of the rainforest and the key issues affecting the rainforest and the creatures that live there. It will help to prompt further discussion and debate about environmental issues and conservation. Written in a simple and engaging way, with clean and clearly structured pages, this book is accessible for readers both young and old. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sensational portfolio of wildlife photography, with fascinating facts about the rainforest, this book will entertain readers for hours. Purchase here

< Back Marteena Rodriguez-Drinnen Always Room for More Tiny Tail is drawing a picture while Mother Otter is cooking dinner. Mother Otter is expecting a baby, and when she asks Tiny Tail to put his things away for dinner, Tiny Tail is sad. Mother Otter notices the picture he has drawn, of a little fox sitting outside his home all by himself. Tiny Tail explains that the little fox is by himself because there is no room for him inside the house, and when the new baby arrives he will have to live all alone. When Father Otter returns home he reassures Tiny Tail that his feelings are normal and Mother Otter explains that there is enough love for the whole family, including the new baby and Tiny Tail. Always Room for More is a tender illustrated picture book by Marteena Rodriguez-Drinnen about a young otter family, awaiting the arrival of a new baby. The book gently explores a young child’s worry about a new sibling and fear of being forgotten. This is a beautifully written story, which speaks directly to young children who are experiencing big changes in their family – and the grown ups who want to help them feel secure. The illustrations are soft and comforting, with cozy home scenes and expressive animal characters that make the emotional journey accessible for even very young readers. A must read for growing families. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A beautiful and tender story that offers comfort, reassurance and validation to children facing the arrival of a new sibling. Purchase here

< 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