< Back Betty Cetas Oscar and Otto Friendship is much more fun than fighting. Oscar is a troll who loves to fish. Otto is a fish who loves to trick fishermen. When Oscar takes his boat into the lake, Otto cannot wait to have some fun. Oscar throws his line into the lake, and Otto bites on the tasty worm. But when Oscar retrieves the worm, there is no fish. Oscar drops his line again, and again and again, and Otto nibbles on the worm, one bit at a time. Until Oscar has no worms left. Otto teases Oscar, and Oscar hatches a plan to catch the fish. He tries a fishing net, but Otto is too strong and falls into the water. He tries a hook, but the line snaps and he falls into the water. Otto escapes, but the hook is stuck in his mouth. Oscar is furious, and even when the lake freezes over, he plots to catch Otto. He cuts a hole in the icy surface of the lake, but the ice isn’t thick enough and he falls into the water again. Oscar cannot find the ice hole, but Otto sees him drowning and helps him to the surface. When spring arrives, Oscar returns back to the lake…but this time he has a very different plan. Oscar and Otto is part of the Troll Tales and Other Stories from Grandma’s Cottage series, by Betty Cetas. This is a heartwarming tale of two enemies who set their differences aside to become good friends. It follows Oscar as he battles to catch the fish ‘that cannot be caught’. The more Otto evades Oscar’s capture, the more furious Oscar becomes. Oscar is determined to catch the pesky fish, and Otto is determined to evade the fisherman. Until the day their games go too far, and both Oscar and Otto’s lives are in danger. Otto notices Oscar is in trouble and helps save his life. In return, Oscar does a good deed to help the fish. The book demonstrates the importance of friendship, kindness, and supporting others when they are in need. Young children will enjoy the fun scenes of Oscar repeatedly falling in the lake and will root for the fish as he evades the troll’s capture. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartwarming tale of two enemies who set their differences aside and become best friends. Purchase here

< Back Dr. Natasha Cox-Magno How many ways can I find to add up to numbers 1 through 5 ? Book blurb. .. This is a great time to explore addition! Math is everywhere you look. This book is designed for you. You can add numbers in different ways to get the same answer. You have engaging pictures to support adding. You can add as you read using real lollipops. Just remember one important thing. Have fun as you read and learn! There is more than one way to find the same answer...... Purchase here

< Back Cheryl Johnson Today I Learned About Birds A guidebook about birds, with words and photographs by Cheryl Johnson. Today I Learned About Birds is a guidebook about birds, where they live, what they eat, how they look and how they behave and communicate with one another. It explores their wide range of habitats, from the city to the country, and forests and deserts; the different bird species, from house sparrows to mockingbirds, and swans to owls; the food they eat, including seeds, fruits, and small animals; and much, much more. On each page there is a reader tip (including explorer tips, birding tips, how to identify birds, fun facts) to help readers learn more about birds and find great places to discover birds. The final section explores some of the challenges birds face, endangered species of birds, and how we can all help make things a little easier for our feathered friends. On completion of the book, readers are awarded a ‘Junior Ornithologist’ certificate. Today I Learned About Birds is a wonderful book about birds by author and photographer, Cheryl Johnson. With fascinating and fun facts about our feathered friends, and glorious technicolour photographs of birds in their natural environments, this is a great introduction to birds for younger readers. I am fascinated by birds and I love birdwatching, but I learnt many new things from this book. The book will encourage young children and adults to grab their binoculars and venture outside to watch these amazing specimens. With handy symbols and maps, to help readers look for birds in their own backyard, and a whole range of other resources, this book is a perfect guide for any budding ornithologist or nature enthusiast. Whilst aimed at young readers, this book is a great reference book for readers of all ages, and a super addition to any library. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A glorious book about birds and a perfect resource for any budding ornithologist. Purchase here

< Back Sara Patricia Kelly 4 a.m. Raspberry Party: Childhood Poems A collection of eleven sing-along poems by Sara Patricia Kelly. 4 a.m. Raspberry Party: Childhood Poems is a collection of eleven poems for young children, by author Sara Patricia Kelly, featuring four characters: Flossie Bossy, Jammy, Jumperlina and Cat. The delightful ‘What are the Bubbles?’ explores the wonder and magic of bubbles in different forms, Bubbles are moments, shiny and bright; adventures in childhood, a magical flight. ‘Recipe for a Green Pea Monster’, explores the joys (and mess!) of cooking for, and feeding, a little one. My favourite in this collection is the title of the book ‘4 a.m. Raspberry Party’, with its clever use of rhyme, repetition and alliteration, this is a joy to read. ‘My Sister is an Owl’ is a sweet poem, about a girl who is adjusting to the arrival of a new baby sister ‘Coochi coo,’ the grown-ups ooh around the baby bed. I was number one before; now she’s the star, instead. 4 a.m. Raspberry Party: Childhood is a beautifully written collection of poetry for younger readers. The poems are silly, fun and a joy to read aloud, each capturing precious moments of childhood. The poems are accompanied with sing-along melodies on the authors website. The author encourages readers to sing-along and record musical versions of the poems, and to share their creativity online. The variety of poems introduces young readers to different poetic forms and styles, which will help to develop language skills and an appreciation for poetry. It is a book that children and their parents or caregivers can enjoy and sing-along together, creating precious memories that will last a lifetime. The delicate, hand painted water colour illustrations by Ella Elviana are simply stunning. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A sensational, sweet, sing-along collection of poems, which celebrates the joy and innocence of childhood. A must-have for every child’s library or bookshelf. Purchase here

< Back Jessica Wendi Abel The Little Blue Rocket Ship Author Jessica Wendi Abel provides comfort and reassurance for those impacted by postpartum depression. The Little Blue Rocket Ship: A Story About Postpartum Depression is a children’s picture book about a young boy whose mom suffers postpartum depression following the birth of his baby brother. The boy wants to play with his mom, just like he used to, but suddenly she no longer wants to play. The boy launches a blue rocket ship from his window with a note to bring his old mom back, and waits every day for the ship to return. After a long time, and following lots of rest and support, his mom finally returns the blue rocket ship. The boy knows things will never be the same, but looks forward to building another rocket ship with his mom. This is a heart-warming book about postpartum depression, lovingly and sensitively told from the perspective of a child. He doesn’t understand why his mum doesn’t want to play anymore, or why she stays in her room. He experiences a range of emotions, from anger through to sadness. The book provides a great resource to start conversations about postpartum depression with younger children. It will help children to understand that postpartum depression affects many women, but with lots of rest and support, they will get better with time. It will provide comfort and reassurance for those experiencing postpartum depression, and those impacted by the illness. The book contains much needed additional resources for those who might need further information or support. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A heart-warming book about postpartum depression, lovingly and sensitively told from the perspective of a child. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Deborah Wade Always In Your Heart Always In Your Heart is a picture book for younger children exploring grief and loss, by author Deborah Wade. Always in Your Heart, written by Deb Wade and illustrated by Tim McGee, is a deeply moving children’s picture book about love, loss, and grief. It follows a number of families with children and their experiences of losing a treasured loved one. The children miss their loved ones deeply, and recall precious memories of cherished times they have spent together. The book encourages children to think about and visualise their loved ones and to remember the good times – the hugs and kisses, singing silly songs, reading stories together, and outdoor adventures, fishing and feeding the birds. It also shows children that it is okay to miss their loved ones. That it is okay to cry and be sad. That it is okay not to be okay. The book is a great resource for families who have experienced the loss of loved one, or for those who want to open up conversations about death and grief. With supporting questions for the reader, the book will encourage parents, carers, and children to talk about their own grief, and to discuss their thoughts, emotions, and memories of those who have sadly passed. Beautifully simple illustrations by Tim McGee capture the love, sadness, and sentiment perfectly. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A deeply moving picture book for younger children, exploring the important topics of love, loss and grief’. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Ben Askew This Monkey Lost A Banana A little monkey loses her beloved banana and embarks on a mission to find it, searching high and low in the jungle and savannah. Along the way, she encounters various animals and mistakes the horn of a rhino and the tusk of an elephant for her banana. These interactions are not only funny, but they also introduce children to different animals. The illustrations are magnificent and a standout feature of this book. They are colorful, dynamic, and filled with charming details that bring the story to life. The expressions on the characters’ faces, especially the monkey’s, are wonderfully exaggerated, perfectly capturing her frustration and determination. The rhyming text is simple and rhythmic, making it easy for young readers to follow along. The repetition of phrases and the playful tone make the story engaging and fun to read aloud. The book also carries a subtle message about resilience and the importance of not giving up, as the monkey continues her search despite various setbacks. This Monkey Lost a Banana written and illustrated by Ben Askew is a delightful, charming, and funny children’s book that takes readers on a colorful journey through the jungle and savannah. With its vibrant illustrations and playful rhymes, the book captures the imagination of young readers while delivering a simple yet engaging message about perseverance, friendship, and kindness. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful, charming, and funny children’s book about a little monkey and a lost banana. Purchase here

< Back Cheryl Johnson Backyard Critters and Creatures Readers discover a variety of critters and creatures in their own backyard. Backyard Critters & Creatures is an informative and engaging book for young readers about the many creatures that hide out of sight in the backyard or park. With a location map and information about when and where to find each creature, and other key facts about each creature, such as their size and favourite foods, young readers will be able to start their own backyard adventure. Featuring the tiniest critters and creatures, amphibians, birds and mammals, the book highlights the variety of life that exists right outside the backdoor. On double page spreads, there is a spotlight on a different creature, with a wonderful full color photograph, nature notes, fun facts, explorer tips and recommended activities. The book equips readers with all the information and resources they need to become a junior backyard biologist and at the end of the book, they receive a certificate of achievement. Backyard Critters & Creatures is another great addition to the nature book series, by author and photographer Cheryl Johnson. The book shows that wherever you live, in the city or the countryside, you don’t have to travel far to find amazing creatures and animals. With some simple tools, such as a notepad and pen, and binoculars, there is lots to explore right outside the backdoor. The book and the series will spark children’s curiosity and encourage a deeper interest in the natural environment. It will hopefully inspire readers of all ages to go outside and explore. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful exploration of the amazing wildlife that exists right outside the back door. Purchase here

< Back Fafa Meistrell 38 Socks A little boy has 38 socks in his drawer. Some old, some new, and not all are pairs. There are socks of every different shape, style and color you can imagine, and socks for all types of sports or special occasions. Blue ones to wear when you are feeling sad, and green ones to wear when you are camping so you can hide in the bushes. You know, while socks are great for keeping feet warm, they are also great for sliding on floors, or even better for rolling into balls and bowling. But what happens to all the missing socks? Where do they all go? They go into the wash, never to be seen again. Maybe there is a magic dragon who likes to steal socks, one sock at a time? Maybe, the dragon likes to wear odd socks? Or maybe he likes to eat them? 38 Socks is an illustrated picture book by Fafa Meistrell about a little boy who loves socks, So much so, that he has 38 socks in his drawer. This is a fun and imaginative book that turns an everyday mystery into a hilarious adventure. The adorable (and ever so slightly scary) green dinosaur is a wonderful addition to the mystery. Where do all the odd socks go? Written in playful rhyme and rhythm, this is a funny story that will keep young readers thoroughly entertained. The bright and expressive illustrations by Joe Huffman complement the story perfectly. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : A perfect read-aloud sock-story adventure, which will make both children and adults giggle. https://a.co/d/1m1tZvC Purchase here

< Back Deanna Hart A Firefly Named Felix Felix is a little firefly, who is just like all the other fireflies, but he has a secret. All of his friends can light up their bioluminescence, but no matter how hard Felix tries, he cannot light up. One day, while playing with his brothers and sisters, they notice he cannot light up and laugh at him. Felix is sad and wonders what is wrong with him. When his friends at school tease him because he cannot play lightning tag, Felix thinks he is a dud and hides in the closet. Felix’s teacher gives him a hug and explains that not all fireflies can light up. She helps Felix and the other fireflies recognise that everyone has their own special and unique abilities. The next time Felix is asked to play lightning tag, he finds an alternative way to join in the fun. A Firefly Named Felix is a touching picture book by author Deanna Hart about a young firefly who cannot light up like all of the other fireflies. As Felix watches all of his friends light up in the dark, he feels left out and wonders if he’ll ever be able to join in the fun. Young readers will empathise with Felix’s feelings of self-doubt and exclusion. The story reminds young readers to believe in themselves, to celebrate their uniqueness, to show kindness to others, and to be an upstander to bullying. With additional information for both children and parents, the book is an excellent teaching resource to support conversations about bullying. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A gentle yet powerful lesson in kindness, diversity and inclusion, and self-acceptance. Purchase here

< Back Charly Froh The Dragon and the Unicorn: The Magic of Friendship Two unlikely friends must work together to find their way home, by author Charly Froh In the Emerald Kingdom, there are two fantastical cities, separated by the Marble Mountain. On one side live the fiery dragons in Cloud City. On the other side, the magical unicorns live in Sparkle Land. The creatures that live in these cities are happy and content in their own wonderful worlds, and are not aware of each other’s existence. Until one day, a storm strikes the kingdom, and the creatures are carried away far from home. Lost, alone, and far from home, Dan, a fiery dragon from Cloud City, stumbles across a strange and unfamiliar creature. The creature is Fran, a magical unicorn from Sparkle Land. Curious of each other, but with no time to spare to make new friends, and too afraid to ask for help, the two creatures try to find their own way home. But poor Dan’s wing has been hurt in the storm and he cannot fly, and poor Fran’s hoof is injured, and she gets stuck in the ice. The pair know that their only option is to work together and help each other find the mountain. As Dan rescues Fran from the ice, and Fran heals Dans wound, the pair start their perilous journey towards home, and on an adventure through the sky, across the sea and over the ice. Will Dan and Fran ever make it home? And will the two new best friends ever see each other again? The Dragon and the Unicorn: The Magic of Friendship is a super, engaging, and entertaining picture book by author Charly Froh. With two cute and loveable characters, a wonderful fantasy world, and positive messages about friendship, resilience and teamwork, this book will appeal to young children who love magic and adventure. With lots of lovely alliteration and repetition, and many humorous scenes, this book is a fun read for the whole family. I’m sure young readers will demand to read more about Dan and Fran, and I hope there will be more books in this series! The bright, digital illustrations by Zuzana Svobodová really capture the humour, and bring the characters and their personalities to life perfectly. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A super picture book with two loveable characters, a wonderful fantasy world, and positive messages about friendship, resilience, and teamwork. Purchase here

< Back Kathleen Welton Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star Following a turbulent sea storm, little sea stars wash up on the beach. Sea turtles Max and Myrtle are worried they might become stuck, and swim to shore to help. With a little bit of magic, they start the rescue immediately. They gather their bird friends who bring a carpet from the sky to scoop up the sea stars. The owls and otters help get the turtles back in the water, and the ducks and dolphins start a band to save those stranded on the land. Together, the animals help get the sea stars back out to sea, and they do not stop until each and every sea star is safe. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star is a heart-warming and beautifully illustrated picture book by author Kathleen Welton, about a bale of sea stars who become stranded on the shore. With hard work, team-work, and just a little bit of magic, the coastal animals spring into action, and work together to rescue the sea stars. The book will help young children learn the importance of kindness, compassion, cooperation and environmental awareness. Beautifully written by Welton in lyrical rhyme, this book is a perfect read aloud story. The illustrations shine with soft pastel hues, and young children will enjoy the adorable sea and coastal creatures. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A delightful tale of rescue and friendship, and a must read for young nature enthusiasts. Purchase here