< Back Edgar Garcia ALPHAKAZOO An A-to-Z book, with a fun twist. ALPHAKAZOO is a unique and fun, zoo-inspired alphabet picture book, featuring a variety of wild and wonderful creatures, from Ava the Alligator, to Ivy the Iguana, Ziggy the Zebra, and many more! Each letter of the alphabet introduces an animal character, in a silly and entertaining scenario. Ava the Alligator is dressed as an astronaut on the moon. Carla the Cow performs on a tightrope in the circus. Sienne the Spider surfboards with sharks. Each letter/animal is presented on a single page, captured beautifully in fun, vibrant cartoon-like illustrations. Young children will laugh out loud at the animals and the absurd and entertaining scenarios they find themselves in. The book will not only make learning the alphabet an enjoyable experience, but it will also stimulate children’s imaginations. This is a delightful picture book that can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages, and the playful language, alliteration and wordplay make this a joy to read out loud. The humor will keep young readers thoroughly entertained, while at the same time helping them to learn the alphabet and develop language skills. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : Young children love silly stories, and they will love this fun, fresh, creative take on a traditional A to Z book. Purchase here

< Back Greg Payne My Grandpa's Grandpa An unforgettable bedtime story, by Greg Payne Charlie’s grandpa and grandma are visiting, and after a fun-filled day of adventures and wrestling, his grandpa tucks him into bed. Charlie asks his grandpa whether he had a grandpa when he was young. His grandpa tells Charlie that he had a grandpa and he loved him very much. He explains that his grandpa lived on a farm when he was a boy, and had to help out with farm duties whilst also going to school. His grandpas’ grandpa loved sports, just like Charlie, and when he left school he joined the army and fought in a great war. Charlie’s grandpa shows him photographs of his grandpa and describes how he liked to wrestle with him and climb on him, and how his grandpa took him to many fun and wonderful places when he was a young boy. Just before Charlie drifts off to sleep, he asks if he can meet his great-grandpa, His grandpa explains that one day, many years in the future, Charlie will meet his great-grandpa, great-grandma, and many other members of his family. My Grandpa’s Grandpa is a sweet and heart-warming picture book about the love and unique bond between a grandchild and grandparent, and the special times they spend together sharing stories. Through their adventures and stories, Charlie learns more about the past, his family history and what life was like many years ago. The book introduces younger readers to issues they might be unfamiliar with, such as rural life, war and death, and will encourage further discussions with caregivers. This is a great intergenerational picture book for grandparents, or any care-giver, to share with children at bedtime. The illustrations by Narayan Baidya are wonderful, and I particularly enjoyed the images of Charlie ‘watching’ the historical scenes of his great grandpa brought to life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and heart-warming picture book about the love and unique bond between a grandchild and grandparent, and the special times they spend together sharing stories. 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

< Back Amelie Patel and Harriet Hessam Saachi the Angel A beautiful and special angel is born, named Saachi Helen Patel Ravi the Raccoon and Mahaley the Meerkat lived in a forest, with their large family and their daughter Amelie the Alpaca. Amelie loved to play in the forest with her cousins, but wished she had a baby sister. Ravi the Raccoon and Mahaley the Meerkat decide to give Amelie the Alpaca a baby sister. They decide to call her Saachi Helen, but they cannot agree what type of animal she will be, so agree to wait until she is born to decide. After months of preparation the family are excited to welcome Saachi into the world, but Saachi is not born an animal, she is born a beautiful and special angel. Amelie the Alpaca is sad, but her parents remind her that Saachi the Angel was a gift from God and would always watch over her. The forest was a more vibrant and beautiful place, all because of Saachi the Angel, and Amelie the Alpaca felt more love than ever before. Saachi the Angel is a tender and beautifully written illustrated picture book by Amelie Patel and Harriet Hessam about a little alpaca named Amelie, and her baby sister named Saachi, born an angel. The book is dedicated to Saachi Helen Patel, the authors sister and granddaughter. The book gently introduces young children to the concept of infant death, in a sensitive and age-appropriate way that young people will understand. Through animal characters, the story follows a family as they navigate the emotions and questions that arise following the loss of a baby. The compassionate storytelling will help children understand complex feelings, while offering reassurance and hope. A valuable resource for any parent or caregiver, to help initiate conversations about loss and grief with very young children. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A tender and beautifully written picture book that gently introduces young children to the concept of infant death. Purchase here

< Back C.J. Zachary Awkward Avocado and the Interrupting Raptor The trials and tribulations of being an older sister, by author C.J. Zachary Awkward Avocado has a little brother. A very annoying little brother. A very annoying little brother who thinks he is a dinosaur. A very annoying little brother who thinks he is a dinosaur, and who loves to roar. Just how annoying can a little brother be? Everywhere Awkward Avocado goes, her little brother…er, little raptor, is by her side. She cannot watch TV in peace. She cannot enjoy quiet time relaxing in the sun. She cannot hang out with her friends without being interrupted. Roar, roar, roar, yells the raptor in her ear! But, Awkward Avocado cannot stay cross with her little raptor for very long. Even though he is loud, and annoying, and even a little crazy, Awkward Avocado wouldn’t have it any other way. She loves his hugs and cuddles. She loves that he is always there. She loves her little raptor…er, little brother, just the way he is. Awkward Avocado and the Interrupting Raptor, is a sweet and funny illustrated picture book for young readers, by author C.J. Zachary. Written in rhyme, and told from the perspective of the big sister, Awkward Avocado, this book is about the trials and tribulations of having an annoying little brother. Yet, despite her little brothers constant noise, presence and annoyance, Awkward Avocado, loves her little brother dearly. Any child with a younger sibling (or cousin, or friend) will relate to this story. The book will help young readers understand other people’s character traits, and will help them to develop nurturing and positive relationships with others. The avocado characters are sweet and engaging, and the illustrations by Zac Zachary are adorable. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and funny illustrated picture book that will help young readers develop nurturing and positive relationships with others. Purchase here

< Back Corey and Carrie Webber Sofie Finds a Best Friend Sofie Finds a Best Friend, written by Carrie and Corey Webber and illustrated by Jeremy Vickneswaran, is a heartwarming children’s picture book that explores the themes of friendship, kindness, and perseverance. The story follows Sofie, an enthusiastic squirrel who lives in a cozy treehouse. Sofie’s greatest wish is to find a friend to share acorns and laughter at a tea party in her treehouse. The narrative takes young readers on Sofie’s journey as she invites a variety of animal neighbors—ranging from Badger the raccoon to Willow the horse and Gracie the giraffe—to join her for tea and play. Each animal, for their own unique reasons, politely declines Sofie’s invitation. Despite repeated rejections, Sofie remains kind, respectful, and hopeful, never letting disappointment dampen her spirit. This gentle repetition not only builds anticipation but also subtly teaches children about resilience and the importance of respecting others’ boundaries. The turning point arrives when Sofie meets Chip the chipmunk, who enthusiastically accepts her invitation. Their instant connection and shared joy reinforce the book’s central message: true friendship is found through kindness and patience, and it’s important not to be discouraged by setbacks. The story concludes with a touching reminder that the right friend is out there for everyone, and that kindness is the foundation of lasting relationships. The illustrations by Jeremy Vickneswaran are vibrant and engaging, bringing Sofie’s woodland world to life and making the story accessible and enjoyable for young readers. The book’s gentle tone, repetitive structure, and positive message make it an excellent read-aloud choice for parents, teachers, and caregivers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful and meaningful addition to any children’s library, offering both entertainment and valuable life lessons about friendship and empathy. Purchase here

< Back Jeffrey Morgan Bungo the Funky Monkey Adventures in Kindness A lesson in kindness from a jungle monkey. Bungo is a funky monkey, who lives in the jungle. He loves to dance, play, and swing in the trees, but his favourite thing is to spread kindness amongst the other animals. He helps a little bird who has hurt her wing, and he cheers up a tiger who his feeling down. He plays his flute to entertain his jungle friends, and he spreads joy and happiness to everyone around him. Through his small acts of kindness, Bungo makes his friends feel happy. But through showing kindness, Bungo also feels happy. Bungo the Funky Monkey, Adventures in Kindness, is a sweet and charming illustrated picture book for young children by author Jeffrey Morgan. The book has an important message for young readers about the importance of showing kindness, empathy, and compassion. Written in rhyme, with bright, colourful, and delightful animal characters, this is a great way of engaging young readers in such an important topic. Young readers will love the colourful illustrations and the cute cartoon-like characters. With additional resources at the end of the book, this is a great book for parents, carers, and teachers to start conversations about kindness with younger children. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and charming illustrated picture book, with cute animal characters, and an important message about kindness and compassion. Purchase here

< Back Joe Caruso In the Image of God - A Story of Identity and Value A fun, accessible and engaging book for younger children about Christian values, by Author Joe Caruso In the Image of God: A Story of Identity and Value by Joe Caruso is a beautiful children’s picture book filled with positive affirmations that will encourage young children to believe in themselves, just the way God does. The book will help children to understand they are unique, good, have spirit, speak the truth, are just, wise, creative, and have power and purpose. The book encourages children to show love for those who may doubt them, mock them, or hurt them, ‘With love you’ll deflate, all life’s hurt, hate and crime. With love change the world, one heart at a time.’ Beautifully written in rhyme, with charming illustrations by Alina Shabelnyk, this book is a fun, accessible and engaging way for younger children to learn about Christian values. It is a great resource for parents, carers and teachers and will help nurture kindness, compassion, confidence, and self-belief in young children. This is a wonderful, read together book and I imagine it will become a bedtime favourite, as young children will love to read aloud to ‘For you were made in the image of God. In the image of God, you were made,’ which is repeated throughout the book. The illustrations by Alina Shabelnyk are wonderful, and complement the positive messages in the book perfectly. We particularly enjoyed the diversity of the characters, and the wide range of activities presented, which will appeal to a wide and diverse audience. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Beautifully written in rhyme, with charming illustrations, this book will help nurture kindness, compassion, confidence, and self-belief in young children. Purchase here

< Back Paul Hock Snowflake the Christmas Beagle A year in the life of a little Beagle pup, by author Paul Hock Snowflake, a Beagle pup, was born on a cold November day, in a barn in Ontario, Canada. After seven weeks in the barn, Snowflake and his brothers and sisters were taken into the farmhouse. One by one, Snowflake’s siblings were taken away by visitors and friends. Snowflake and his brother, Grumpy, were the only remaining pups, and they hid under the Christmas tree, afraid they might be taken next. Their mom provides comfort, and their human owner, Tricia, reassures them that the puppies have gone to good homes. Tricia decides to keep Snowflake, and her brother, Don, keeps Grumpy. The brothers are relieved they will not be leaving the farmhouse. The two pups spent their first Christmas in the farmhouse and each pup got a new toy and chew sticks in their stockings. During Spring, the pups meet all the farm animals, including Brewster Rooster, Tommy Turkey, Chirpy the Chicken, and Bernice the barn cat. In summer, Snowflake and Grumpy liked to go on walks and chase wild rabbits, and in the fall, they meet a scary bear. On his second Christmas, Snowflake is reunited with his brothers and sisters, and he learns all about their amazing Beagle adventures. Snowflake the Christmas Beagle is an illustrated picture book by author Paul Hock about the first year in the life of a little Beagle pup. Born on a farm, and into a loving human family, this is a sweet and charming story about an adorable pup who loves to explore nature. With stunning, photography-inspired illustrations, by Paul Hock, this is a beautiful book that both children and adults will treasure. Caution, young children will fall in love with Snowflake, and might want to adopt their own pup! With lots of additional information about dogs and the Beagle breed, this is a wonderful book for readers who love dogs, Beagle’s and nature. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and charming picture book, with stunning, photography-inspired illustrations, about an adorable Beagle pup. 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 Ali Barclay The Tales of Charlie Wags: Paris Part of the Charlie Wags series, this book follows Charlie as he visits Paris, France. With a familiar introduction to the story, Charlie wags his tail and travels to Paris. He visits the Louvre art museum and sees the famous Mona Lisa painting. He visits Notre Dame, a grand cathedral in the centre of the city. He climbs the Arc de Triomphe and catches a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. He eats tasty French treats in a street café, and hops on a train to the Palace of Versailles. Finally, he floats down the River Seine on a boat and strolls down the charming streets by moonlight. The Tales of Charlie Wags: Paris is an illustrated picture book by author Ali Barclay. This is a wonderful addition to the series, which sees the little pup take a trip to the magnificent city of Paris. Each book in the series has a similar introduction, and has a similar style and format, making this a familiar and reassuring read for young readers. Barclay’s rhymes are as sweet as ever and the pastel, watercolour style illustrations, are bursting with French flair. A magnifique addition to this travel adventure series for young explorers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A delightful, tail wagging, travel adventure in Paris, with an adorable little pup. Purchase here

< Back Michelle Medlock Adams Dachshund Through the Snow Crosby saves Christmas, from author Michelle Medlock Adams Crosby is the world’s teeniest-weeniest Weiner dog. Despite his tiny proportions he has a big ambition – to compete in the Arctic Animal Olympics! He was prepared. He’d done the training. He was ready. But as race day arrived, Crosby started to have second thoughts. The bigger, stronger competitors laughed and taunted Crosby about his size. Poor Crosby, desperate to flee, dug and dug and dug deep into the snow until he stumbled across a cave. Inside the cave, he found Santa and his reindeer in desperate need of help. Rudolph was missing and Santa needed someone to find him. Crosby knew just what to do. Will Crosby find Rudolph? And can the world’s teeniest-weeniest Weiner dog save Christmas? This is a fantastic, festive picture book about a tiny little pup who finds the inner strength to carry on when all hope is lost. You can’t help but to love Crosby, he is the cutest, most adorable pup with miniature proportions and the biggest heart. With strength and determination, he proved to all those who doubted and mocked him, that he can achieve great things. This is a great message to all that your physical size doesn’t matter, it’s the size of your heart that really counts. We look forward to reading more from Michelle Medlock Adams and hope Crosby will feature in his own book series. The illustrations by Ana Sebastian are magical. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A fantastic, festive picture book about a tiny little pup with the biggest heart. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here