< Back Angela Odusanya Amelia's Easter Surprise It’s Easter and Amelia is searching for the Easter Bunny. She looks everywhere, but he is nowhere to be found. She searches the kitchen and finds a little purple egg hidden inside a cupboard. Inside the egg is a pink feather. Amelia continues her search for the bunny in the garden, and finds a blue egg. Inside the egg is another pink feather. Then she finds another egg, and another, and another, and another. Inside each colorful egg is something different. A rock, buttons, yarn, and some gems. Amelia still cannot find the elusive Easter Bunny, and wonders why he has left her these strange gifts. As she examines the objects in each egg, and lays them out to create loose part art, she discovers that the Easter Bunny was there all along! Amelia's Easter Surprise is a sweet and charming illustrated picture book for young children, by author Angela Odusanya. Part of ‘Amelia’s Loose Part Art’ series, this book follows Amelia as she searches for the Easter Bunny and finds new objects to create an extra special, Easter-themed loose part art. The book not only encourages imagination and creativity, but it also helps to develop language and counting skills. Young children will have lots of fun recognising the different colors and counting the eggs as Amelia searches for the Easter Bunny. They will particularly enjoy searching for the hidden bunny on each page, and may even be inspired to create their own Easter Bunny with loose part art. With lots of rhyme and repetition, this is a great read-aloud book for children and their parents or caregivers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A joyful, Easter-themed rhyming picture book, to inspire budding artists and creative minds. Purchase here

< Back Ashley Wall The Day I Had a Spaceship Luke and his friend Noah discover a real-life spaceship in Luke’s garden. Luke and Noah hop aboard and find their friends already inside. The friends are sent on an urgent mission to rescue a spaceball team that has crash landed on the Moon. They zoom to the Moon, experiencing zero gravity and the delights of space food. The pilot carefully manoeuvres the spaceship and lands safely on the Moon. The friends put on their spacesuits and explore the moon’s surface. They find a lunar rover and use it to try and locate the spaceball team. Will Luke and his friends find the spaceball team? Will the spaceball team make their tournament? And will Luke and his friends make it back home to Earth safely? The Day I had a Spaceship is a fun-filled, illustrated, picture book by author Ashley Wall, and part of the ‘The Day I Had…’ series. This book follows Luke and his friends as they find a spaceship and are sent on an intergalactic mission to rescue a stranded spaceball team. This is a playful tale, full of adventure, imagination, and a sprinkling of moon dust. The illustrations are full of energy, bringing to life space exploration, lunar landscapes and goofy alien creatures. With lots of fascinating facts and space insights, this book is perfect for curious learners, space enthusiasts and young explorers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun-filled, stellar adventure that will inspire young explorers and spaceball champs! Purchase here

< Back Nabila Nawaz Milden and the Vanishing Numbers Milden loves to dream, paint and read. But math he finds difficult. Every time he has to solve a math problem at school, he cannot find the right numbers. Milden’s grandma explains that numbers come together to create patterns, just like colors mix to make beautiful paintings. So, Milden decides to find all the numbers he has missed, and his school friends help him in his search. Milden finds the missing numbers and the patterns soon become clear. But, when he meets the Number Monster, he discovers that he is not the only one to be afraid of math. As Milden’s confidence in math grows, he learns that math can be fun after all, and that patterns can be found everywhere, not just in the classroom. Milden and the Vanishing Numbers is a fun and educational picture book for young readers that introduces the concept of number patterns through an engaging story. The book follows a curious little boy named Milden, who struggles with math. As he begins to explore number patterns in the world around him, he learns to enjoy math. The books bright, playful illustrations make the number patterns come to life, and the simple, rhythmic text is perfect for early readers. A perfect resource to introduce young children to number patterns, and may help to improve confidence in math. Star rating: 4 Stars Summary : A fun and educational picture book to help young children develop confidence in math. Purchase here

< Back Stacy Salomone Whitcomb Baby Munchkin A little girl is excited when her mommy and daddy tell her she is going to be a big sister. She is even more excited when she learns the new baby will be a girl. She is looking forward to playing with her and sharing her toys, and knows they will be best of friends. But her mommy and daddy cannot decide what to call the new baby. They think of lots of names, such as Olivia, Mia, Kristen and Grace. The little girl has an idea. She would like to call her sister Baby Munchkin. When the new baby arrives, she is disappointed and upset when her mommy and daddy call her a different name. The little girl adores her baby sister, and soon realises that her name does not matter a bit. Baby Munchkin is a sweet and charming illustrated picture book by Stacy Salomone Whitcomb, about a little girl who eagerly awaits the arrival of her new baby sister. Her mommy and daddy involve her in the preparations for the new baby, and encourage her to think of a name. She spends a long time thinking of the perfect name, but her parents choose a different name. This is a lovely book for any child preparing for a new sibling, and shows young readers that while it is okay to share ideas, sometimes grown-ups have to make the final decision, and that’s okay too. By the end of the story the little girl learns that she can still love her sister with all her heart. Star rating : 4 Stars Summary: A sweet and charming story to help young children understand change, decision making, and the loving role they play in a growing family. Purchase here

< Back Trevor Crafts, Aaron Burakoff The Apple That Fell Far From the Tree A little apple with a big family tree, and an even bigger imagination. A little apple has a big family tree. All of his 247 relatives are pretty much alike, but the little apple is different. He doesn’t enjoy bobbing in the pond like the other apples. He doesn’t enjoy rolling down the hill. He might look like all the other apples, but he doesn’t fit in. Unlike the other apples, he has a big imagination and big ideas. One day, the little apple decides to leave the orchard to find somewhere where he can fit in. After much searching, the little apple ends up in the Big Apple. In the big city, he meets lots of new friends who don’t look like him, but who have big imaginations and share similar ideas. The little apple finds new ways of expressing himself, and finally finds a sense of purpose and belonging. But when the little apple sees his family again, he does something totally unexpected. The Apple That Fell Far From the Tree is an illustrated picture book by Trevor Crafts and Aaron Burakoff about a curious and adventurous little apple who leaves home to find himself. He settles into big city life, and finds a new sense of purpose and belonging. When the little apple fulfils his dreams, he finally begins to understand who he really is and what he truly wants. The story shows children that stepping outside of our comfort zone might be necessary to fulfil our true potential. It also highlights the importance of family connections and reminds readers that while the journey to finding oneself might take them far away from home, they are always welcome back when they are ready. The book encourages children to follow their dreams, and embrace their unique qualities and differences. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A heart-warming, inspiring and funny story for young readers, with a sweet apple character and themes of identity, self-discovery and belonging. Purchase here

< Back Jennifer Welborn Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals Dr. Rosie finds alternative treatments for her animal friends. Rosie loves to help animals, just like her mom. She asks lots of questions as her mom treats and cares for the animals in her veterinary practice. She watches her mom treat a puppy with a cut on his ear, and then Rosie decides to go out and help real live animals. She uses her new skills to treat a rabbit with a poorly ear, a pig with a swollen tummy, a giraffe with a sore throat, an elephant with a stuffy nose, an ostrich with an injured knee, a crocodile with a painful tooth, an octopus with a bump on his head, a beluga whale with a nasty rash, a polar bear with a fever, and an owl with an allergy. Rosie uses natural remedies, including gel from the aloe plant, honey, salt water, a cold compress, and rest and water. But most importantly, she offers lots of kisses and cuddles! Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals by author Jennifer Welborn is a children’s picture book about a little girl who loves animals and wants to help care for them and make them better. This is a cute, engaging and funny picture book that will appeal to younger readers who love animals and nature. The book explores a range of animal symptoms, diagnoses, and natural treatments, informed by real-life veterinarians and scientists. The book will help children learn about different animals, their symptoms and natural remedy treatments. It will encourage children to show empathy towards animals and could inspire them to get involved in animal health and welfare, for example as a veterinary surgeon, nurse, or volunteer. I particularly like that the book focuses on natural remedies and could help to support further discussions about alternative treatments, for both humans and animals. I enjoyed the colourful illustrations by Rozillia MH and the diversity of the characters represented. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A cute, engaging and funny picture book for younger readers who love animals and nature. 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 Lynne Harley What If You Could? Will a little caterpillar fulfil his dreams of traveling the world? A little caterpillar is busy doing what little caterpillars do, when he hears his inner voice telling him it is time for something new. Little caterpillar feels lonely, discontent, and blue, and longs for a more fun and fulfilled life. His inner voice urges him to be whatever he would love to be, and to do whatever makes him happy. The inner voice is as warm as sunshine and encourages the caterpillar to let his imagination run free, and to dream big. The caterpillar dreams of flying through the sky and travelling across the world. He dreams of being bright and colourful, and being admired by people wherever he goes. But when the caterpillar wakes from his slumber, another inner voice tells him to give up on his foolish dreams. This voice is cold and mean and has nothing positive to say. The caterpillar is disheartened and discouraged. As the caterpillar goes to bed each night, he is reminded by the warm, loving voice to believe in himself, and never give up. Which voice will the caterpillar listen to? And will the little caterpillar realize his dreams? What If You Could? by Lynne Harley, is an illustrated picture book about a little caterpillar who wants a better and more fulfilled life. As he contemplates his future, he is influenced by two inner voices. One voice is warm, loving, and positive, and encourages him to dream big. The other voice is cold, mean, and negative, and dissuades him for following his dreams. This is a sweet, heartwarming, and inspiring book that introduces the concept of our inner thoughts and emotions to very young children. Written in rhyme, with beautiful whimsical illustrations by Kiram Akram, the book will help young readers to understand their own thoughts and feelings and will encourage them to follow their dreams. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspiring and captivating book that helps young readers navigate the complex world of inner thoughts and emotions. 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 Leah Ingledew Meowl! Author and illustrator Leah Ingledew presents a version of Rome and Juliet for younger readers. Max is a dog and Mia is a cat, and they are very good friends. They like each other a lot. But in the city of Up, dogs and cats are not allowed to be friends. They are not allowed to meet, or talk or play. Dogs and cats are just too different to get on, or so they say in the city of Up. So Max and Mia decide to meet in secret, and every day at sunrise and sunset they play and have lots of fun. Until one day, they are caught, and a big wall is built to keep them apart. But Max and Mia are not happy to be separated and they run far away from their families and the city of Up. How will the two young friends cope away from the parents? And who will protect them now, when they are all alone and in the wilderness? This is a sweet and charming picture book, superbly written and illustrated by Ingeldew. It is a story about forbidden love and friendship, and the destructiveness of forced separation. The book is reminiscent of the story of Romeo and Juliet, but for younger children (and with a happier ending!). The more society pushes Max and Mia apart, the more they are driven to stay together. This is a deep and complex story, but told through dog and cat characters it will easily resonate with younger children. It will help children to learn that despite our physical differences, we are all the same, with the same desires to be happy, have fun, and seek friendships and love. It is a timely reminder for us all. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A story about forbidden love and friendship between two feline and canine friends. Superbly written and illustrated by Ingeldew. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Deanna Chesley What If We Had A Pet Shark? A fun, rhyming, picture book by author Deanna Chesley, with a rather terrifying question. What if…? Ellie returns from a field trip to the zoo. She has a very big and quite terrifying question. A question, she is too afraid to ask. A question, she is too afraid to know the answer. What if we had a pet shark? Ellie reluctantly asks her momma. Or a crocodile, a giraffe, or a skunk? Ellie imagines what might happen if she brought home some scary and very unusual pets. Will they help around the house, or will they create mess and chaos, Ellie ponders? As she snuggles down to sleep with her beloved pooch, Ellie soon realises that the best pet is the one snuggled up right beside her. This illustrated picture book will have younger children laughing out loud and squirming in their seats! The story is based on a typical question that a young child might ask, and will help spark the imagination and further conversations. What if…? Written in rhyme by Deanna Chesley, with stunning, vibrant illustrations that will entice younger readers by Roksana Barwinska. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘This fabulously fun picture book will have children laughing out loud and squirming in their seats. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Jamie McMahon The Handy Pandas There is a cottage hidden deep in the woods where the handiest panda friends live. The panda’s are so handy, they can fix the most impossible tasks. They work so hard fixing things together, but they also like to have lots of fun, climbing, sliding, tumbling and running. One day, while working hard in the garden, they are so exhausted they fall asleep. When they wake, it is dark outside, and they think the sky is broken. One panda has an idea. He thinks the sun has fallen down, and so the panda’s set out to find it. They search here, there and everywhere, but cannot find the sun. Another panda thinks the sun has gone down because it is unhappy, and so the panda’s try to make the sun go back up by making it laugh. The panda’s stay up all night, until something miraculous happens… The Handy Pandas is a joyful illustrated picture book for young readers by Jamie McMahon. The book follows a group of adorable and mischievous panda’s, who try their best to fix things, and sometimes try to fix things that maybe don’t need fixing! The story is sweet, silly and full of giggles. The illustrations are super colourful and full of fun, and children will laugh out loud at the cute panda bears and their wild ideas. Star rating: 5 stars Summary : A super sweet and funny picture book for young readers who like animals and enjoy silly adventures. Purchase here