< Back Christine Copeland Gold Author Christine Copeland captures the changing of the season, and the magnificent splendor of autumn. Autumn is approaching and the forest is changing. There is a chill in the air, the wind is howling, and the leaves and seeds are falling to the ground. The colors are transitioning from luscious greens to wonderful hues of yellow, gold, brown and reds. The animals are preparing for the colder weather. The geese are flying away to warmer climates, the squirrels are gathering nuts and hiding in their nests, and the bears are resting in their lair. Autumn in the Forest by author Christine Copeland is one in a series of books for younger children about the seasons and the natural world. This is an enchanting picture book, which captures the changing of the season, and the magnificent splendor of autumn. Beautifully written in rhyme, with wonderful rhythm and repetition, this lyrical book sings the sights and sounds of the forest. The rich, vibrant, watercolor illustrations are stunning, and capture the essence of autumn perfectly. The book will help children learn about the changing of the seasons, how plants and animals prepare for autumn, and the habitats of forest animals. With further information, questions for readers, and suggested activities at the end of the book, the book will encourage further discussion and exploration of nature. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: This is a stunning book, that children and families will treasure forever. Purchase here

< Back Jessica Dailey My Tiny Pet Elephant A fun picture book about a little girl and a most unusual pet, by author Jessica Dailey If you could choose any type of tiny pet, what would you choose? A miniature pup? No! A miniscule kitten? No! A teeny rabbit? No! How about a tiny elephant? An elephant so small it can fit in your hand. Yes, yes, yes! For one little girl, her wish is to own a tiny elephant of her very own. An elephant so small it could fit right in the palm of her hand. An elephant so small she could take it in her pocket to school. If she had a tiny elephant, she would play hide and seek with it, she would build him his very own tiny village, and she would read to him at bedtime. The best thing about owning an elephant is the tickles, cuddles, and kisses. Everyone needs a tiny elephant, they make the best of friends, but be careful, even though miniscule in proportions, they still make an enormous mess! My Tiny Pet Elephant by author Jessica Dailey is a sweet, playful, and funny picture book, about a little girl with a vivid imagination. Young children are naturally curious and often ask the most random and unusual questions. This book will spark children’s imagination and encourage further creative conversations. If you could choose any type of tiny pet, what would you choose? With further fun facts and interactive activities at the end of the book, this is a great resource to help parents, carers, and teachers, keep children active and engaged. The illustrations by Gabby Correia are stunning, colorful, and funny. The characters are adorable and will delight younger readers. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet, playful, and funny picture book, that will spark children’s imagination. Purchase here

< Back Megan Deliberto Garbage Squirrel Garbage Squirrel is a heartwarming children’s story that explores themes of empathy, kindness, and community through the journey of a mischievous squirrel named Gary. Written by author Megan Deliberto and brought to life with vibrant illustrations by Tiemoko Sylla, the book delivers a gentle yet impactful lesson about understanding and helping those who seem difficult or different. Gary is a squirrel who spends his days causing trouble around the zoo - swiping food, scratching, and stealing to survive. His actions, initially seen as mean-spirited, are revealed to be the result of loneliness and necessity. When confronted by Bruno the polar bear and Anthony the lizard, Gary’s frustrations pour out. Unlike the zoo animals, he has no home or steady food, forcing him to live in a garbage can and fend for himself. Rather than responding with anger, Bruno and Anthony show compassion. They recognize that Gary’s behavior is a cry for help, not malice. Through honest conversations and apologies, Gary learns that asking for help and saying sorry require courage. The zoo animals, in turn, offer him food and a place to stay—on the condition that he changes his ways and treats others with kindness. The book’s greatest strength lies in its ability to present complex social-emotional lessons in a way that is accessible and engaging for young readers. The narrative encourages children to look beyond surface behaviors and consider the reasons behind someone’s actions. The message “If you see someone who needs a friend, be one!" is woven seamlessly into the story, making it both memorable and actionable. A memorable and touching story for young children, with important life lessons, ideal for parents, educators, and caregivers seeking stories that foster empathy and community spirit. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartwarming tale about a lonely and mischievous little squirrel, who learns the value of friendship, empathy, and kindness. Purchase here

< Back Lynsey Martin How to Get an Alligator Out of the Bathtub It is nearly bedtime and brothers Peyton and Bennett race to get into the bathtub. But much to their surprise they find an unexpected guest in the tub – a very green and very scary alligator! They discover that Alistair is not so scary after all, and in fact is quite a sophisticated alligator. Alistair is fed up with the filthy swamp and has decided to make his home in Peyton and Bennett’s clean tub. Peyton and Bennett try to think of ways to get the alligator out of the bathtub, but nothing works. When they learn that Alistair has lost his family and friends, the brothers decide to search for them. They search the dock, the swamp, and the beach, but they are nowhere to be found. Peyton and Bennett give up and head back home, wondering whether they will ever be able to have a bath again. But, when they arrive home, they find another surprise waiting for them on their doorstep. How to Get an Alligator Out of the Bathtub is a fun picture book by author Lynsey Martin. The book follows two brothers who desperately try to get an alligator out of their bathtub, after he takes up residence in their home. However, there is one big problem, he refuses to leave. The illustrations by Colleen Coggins are funny, bright and engaging, and young children will enjoy seeing the alligator in lots of silly scenarios. Young readers will enjoy the fun story and the amusing twists as the brothers find different ways to get the alligator out of the tub. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun and imaginative read, perfect for children who love silly stories and a little bit of mischief. https://mamabearbooks.com/ Purchase here

< Back Clari Nguyen I Can Be Anything! A Children's Book About Emotions An illustrated picture book, exploring the range of different emotions and feelings experienced by young children. A Children's Book About Emotions by Clari Nguyen is an illustrated picture book, exploring the range of different emotions and feelings experienced by young children, from anger and sadness, fear and anxiousness, jealousy and happiness. The book discusses how some emotions are fleeting, while others last a long time. It discusses the importance of acknowledging emotions and understanding that they are part of everybody. But most importantly, to recognise that emotions don’t have to control us. “I can feel many different emotions, And that’s okay! They go up and down like waves of an ocean, But I’ll find my way”! The book shows different children in different settings or scenarios where different emotions might be experienced, for example, at home, at school, at the park. It provides a range of hints and tips to help young children recognise and manage their own emotions. This is a thoughtful, inspiring and engaging picture book by Clari Nguye, designed to help young children and their parents or caregivers recognise and manage their emotions. Written in rhyme and complemented by beautiful illustrations, this book provides a comprehensive and accessible guide to emotional literacy. The use of bright colors and dynamic scenes will keep young readers engaged and will help them to recognise the emotions described. It will encourage children to acknowledge their feelings and provides constructive ways to cope with difficult emotions. An excellent resource for parents, carers and educators. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A comprehensive and accessible picture book to support the emotional development of young children. Purchase here

< Back Ariel and Brandon Blackwell The Beat In My Head Brandon finds belonging through beats, by authors Ariel and Brandon Blackwell Brandon loves to hum and tap along to sounds and beats in his head. Wherever he is, whatever he is doing, he can make music out of sound. But when he starts to hum and tap along to the sounds in the classroom, his teacher thinks he is not listening and is distracting the other students. The teacher calls his mom, and his mom worries something might be wrong, as Brandon doesn’t have many friends or talk very much. But Brandon is happy, music makes him feel happy and safe. Brandon’s mom takes him to see a therapist and the therapist thinks he is just a little shy. The therapist encourages Brandon to try sports and get involved in new activities. So, Brandon tries a number of different sports, soccer, karate and golf, but he isn’t a natural athlete and discovers sport isn’t for him. Everything Brandon hears, the thwack of the ball and the smack of a kick, distracts him from the game and creates music in his head. Brandon’s mom doesn’t know what else to do to help, but takes him to a music concert, to let loose and have some fun. While dancing and singing along to the music, Brandon notices a guy with headphones, focused on a console and bobbing along to the music. He learns the guy is a sound engineer, who blends and balances music to make it sound good. Later, Brandon meets the sound engineer, Mr Davis, at his church and becomes fascinated by his work. Mr Davis teaches Brandon how to work the audio console, and Brandon discovers a passion for audio engineering. The Beat in My Head by authors Ariel and Brandon Blackwell is an inspiring picture book about a young boy who struggles to find his place in the world. He is only happy when he is listening to music, and making beats in his head, but his behaviour is seen by others as unusual. Through audio engineering, Brandon is able to express himself through music, and he finally finds a sense of purpose and belonging. The book is based on the true story of how the author, Brandon Blackwell, found his vocation and became a successful audio engineer. It will inspire other young readers to be creative, and to express themselves in any way that makes them feel happy. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful and inspiring picture book, about a young boy who finds a sense of purpose and belonging through music. Purchase here

< Back AC Bradburn Dancing with Cara The Rainbow Stories A beautiful reminder of the magic that can be found outdoors, by AC Bradburn. Dancing with Cara: The Rainbow Stories is a collection of eight short stories by AC Bradburn. The stories follow a four-year-old little girl named Cara, as she explores the natural world around her. In ‘Grandad’, Cara has fun splashing in puddles with her grandad. She makes up songs and sings along as she splashes in the puddles, teaching her Grandad the words to her silly songs. She explains how she loves to sing and talk to the plants and animals. In ‘Mountain’, Cara talks to a mountain and learns where mountains come from, and how they grow and change, just like humans. In ‘Sunflower’ Cara discovers how sunflowers get their nourishment and energy from the sun, and how the whole world dances around the sun. In ‘Butterfly’, she sings a song to a butterfly. She learns that she doesn’t need wings to fly, and her spirit can fly anywhere it wants to. In ‘Crystal’, Cara sees the beauty in her mom’s crystal jewellery, and learns there is beauty inside everything. Dancing with Cara: The Rainbow Stories is a delightful collection of stories for younger aged children by AC Bradburn, beautifully illustrated by Ivy Trazsi. Cara is a curious, imaginative, and playful little girl, who enjoys spending time outdoors and has a magical connection with nature. The book takes readers on a journey through forests, fields, beaches, and meadows, where Cara interacts with the natural environment and converses with plants, animals, and natural elements. From splashing in puddles, dancing in the waves, and singing with butterflies, every page is filled with wonder. The book deals with some complex topics about life and the universe, but Bradburn’s writing is simple and engaging, making it accessible for children of various ages. Trazsi’s enchanting illustrations bring Cara’s personality and the natural world to life beautifully. This is a gem of a book, for young readers and adults alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful collection of stories about a little girl who has a magical connection with nature. 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 Susan and Megan Downing Bradykin Unleashed: A Summer Camp Adventure Bradykin and his siblings enjoy a fun-filled summer at camp. Six pup siblings arrive at camp for a fun-filled, summer adventure. They settle into their lakeside cabin, and make up their bunk beds. During their week-long stay at the camp, the pups take part in many land-based and water adventures. The camp counsellors organise lots of crafts and activities, they build campfires and toast marshmallows, and sing songs together under the moonlight. Bradykin enjoys sailing on the lake and feeling the wind in his face, Baileykin likes the speed and thrill of waterskiing, Mattykin plays whiffle ball games on the sandy shore of the lake, and Megykin prefers the energy and zest of volleyball. The pups make lots of new friends at summer camp, develop new skills, and learn more about nature and the forest. Bradykin Unleashed: A Summer Camp Adventure is a sweet and charming picture book about a group of loveable, sibling puppies who go to summer camp together, by Susan and Megan Downing. The book explores the pups journey, as they experience the joy and wonder of camp together for the first time. While the siblings enjoy spending time together, each pup is unique and take part in different sports and activities. The pups make new friends, learn new skills, and make memories at camp that will last a lifetime. The colourful illustrations and depictions of camp-life are sure to captivate young readers and encourage them to try new things. This is a perfect book for any child attending summer camp for the first time, or simply looking for an entertaining summer read. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A delightful picture book, capturing the excitement and wonder of attending summer camp for the first time. Purchase here

< Back Marta Almansa Esteva Nurse Bear Does First Aid Nurse Bear Does First Aid is a super sweet picture book, with a great introduction to healthcare and first aid for younger children, from debut author Marta Almansa Esteva. Nurse Bear Does First Aid is a sweet story of a cute little bear who cares for, and helps others when they are unwell. Nurse Bear and colleagues, such as Duck the Doctor, Tiger the Radiographer, Monkey the Dietician and Bunny the Physiotherapist care for and treat patients in different situations and healthcare settings. The book describes a range of ailments and medical treatments, tests, and tools, supporting the development of basic first aid language, knowledge, and skills. Children will learn how to recognise some of the signs and symptoms of illness, and how to respond calmly and with empathy (and of course with the help of a grown-up!). There is also space for parents to add the ambulance service number and home contact details, which will help children learn how to contact the emergency services should they ever need to. This book is a great resource for parents, carers, and teachers to start conversations with younger children about healthcare and first aid, whether in preparation for a hospital visit, or when caring for minor ailments at home. The cute, gender-neutral, animal characters are beautifully handmade by Esteva using modelling clay. The characters will appeal to younger aged children and could inspire them to get involved in nursing and healthcare. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A sweet picture book, with a set of adorable clay animal characters, helping children learn important and potentially lifesaving first aid skills. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Amie White A Friend for Hope A Friend for Hope is a tender and heartwarming children’s story that beautifully captures the importance of friendship and the comfort that animals can bring into our lives. Written by Amie White and illustrated by Olena Oprich, the book follows nine-year-old Zoe Meadows as she navigates the gentle rhythms of her daily life, only to have it changed by the arrival of a new pet. Zoe’s parents are concerned she is lonely and surprise her with a visit to an animal shelter, to find a new friend. At the shelter, Zoe meets an older, quieter dog, waiting for her forever home. The family adopt the dog and Zoe names her Hope. The dialogue between Zoe and her parents is realistic and supportive, emphasizing themes of empathy and understanding. When Hope arrives at her new home, she is initially shy and hesitant. Zoe is patient with Hope, and the pair soon become forever friends. The author’s use of nature imagery, such as fireflies twinkling like tiny stars, and the hum of bike wheels, creates a soothing and comforting narrative that will appeal to young readers and their caregivers alike. The book’s gentle tone and positive message make it a wonderful read family read, especially for those who might be considering adopting a pet. Illustrator Olena Oprich’s beautiful artwork enhances the emotional impact of the story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and uplifting story that celebrates the joys of friendship and the special bond between children and animals. Purchase here

< Back Kate Giles Camp Cattitude Crazy camp capers and cats with a cranky cattitude, by author Kate Giles Camp Cattitude is the world’s top kitten camp, run by the formidable Meowmoiselle. Meowmoiselle trained all the top kittens, including the world’s Expert Sofa Shredder, the Olympic Napping Champion and the Fussiest Eater Alive, and was in high demand from all the cat moms. Camp Cattitude was bursting at the seams, much to the dismay of the neighbouring Rottweilers, when a little kitty named Snug, turned up at the door. Meowmoiselle was smitten by the kitten, and could not refuse to take him in. But Snug was no ordinary little kitten. He was well behaved. He did not follow the camp rules. He had no cattitude! One day, when Meowmoiselle was out shopping, the other kittens escape and wreak havoc in the neighbour’s garden. Little Snug is caught and faces the wrath of a raging Rottweiler. But rather than face-off with the Rottweiler, Snug tries a different approach. He works with the other kittens to repair the damage to the garden, and restores friendships with the warring neighbours. Snug teaches the other kittens an important lesson in kitty cattitude! Camp Cattitude by author Kate Giles is a sweet and funny picture book about a crazy camp, for cute cats with a cranky cattitude. The book is a funny and enjoyable read and has a subtle message about kindness and the importance of not following the crowd. With lots of word play and cat puns, children will laugh out loud at the mischievousness little kittens, and their crazy antics. The illustrations by Ben Chandler and Enile Reiner are simply delightful. With fabulous facial expressions and body language, and intricate details like the dog drinking a cup of tea and the comedy signs around the camp, the illustrations will amuse young readers and adults alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and funny picture book, with delightful illustrations. It was a joy to read. Purchase here