< Back Asfia bint Abdullah The Crying Tree of Madinah Book blurb... Every Friday, a date palm tree stood beside the Prophet ﷺ in the mosque of Madinah. It listened. It waited. But one day, something changed. The Crying Tree of Madinah is a moving story inspired by a true moment from the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. As the story unfolds, young readers witness how even a tree felt love, longing, and comfort through remembrance. The story teaches that kindness is not limited,it reaches beyond people, extending even to the world around us. Through the Prophet’s ﷺ compassion, children discover that mercy can touch every living thing… even a tree. 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 Sarah Sparks The Messiest Monster on Mill Street Can Max escape from his huge pile of mess? Max is the messiest monster on Mill Street. He leaves paint on the walls, spills on the floor, crumbs in his fur, and dirt on his nose. Until one day the mess gets out of hand, and the dishes and pants, the socks, and clothes, topple onto Max and swallow him whole. Inside the gunky mess, fuzzy critters and creatures have started to grow. As Max kicks and cries, and tries to climb out of the mess, he promises to clean up if he ever gets out! Finally, he is free and true to his word, Max cleans up the mess, one task at a time. He tidies and scrubs and makes everything sparkly. He soon realises that cleaning is fun and turns it into a game. He promises never to let the house get so messy again, but he is still the messiest monster in the street. The Messiest Monster on Mill Street is an illustrated picture book by Sarah Sparks about a little monster, who can’t help but make a mess. He loves to have fun, and tidying up is not part of the game. Until one day, the mess gets too much and Max has to do something about it. He works hard to clean up and realises cleaning is not as tough as he thought. Max is an adorable character and young children will love to read his adventures, as he gets himself into a messy pickle. They will laugh out loud at the gunk and gloop he creates, and the tiny creatures that emerge from every surface. Parents will love this book; they will recognise the messy monster in their own children and hope (fingers crossed!) it will encourage their little ones to clean up their own mess at bedtime. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and funny story about an adorable, but very messy little monster named Max. Purchase here

< Back Kate Shooltz Kate the Earthling Kate has just moved to a new town where she doesn’t know anyone. She misses her old home, but decides to go for a walk to explore her new surroundings. She wonders deep into the forest and meets a little mushroom. The mushroom tells Kate that its house is a mossy log, but the earth is its home. She continues into the forest and meets an owl who explains that the tree is its house, but the earth is its home. She also meets a beaver, a blue whale, and a giant sequoia tree, who all explain that the earth is their home too. The wise tree tells Kate that the earth is home to all kinds of plants, animals and humans, and all are earthlings. As Kate returns home, she realises that no matter where she lives, she will always be home. She is an earthling too! Kate the Earthling by Kate Shooltz is a sweet and gentle illustrated picture book that explores feelings of loss, change and belonging, through the eyes of a little girl named Kate. The author captures the bittersweet emotions of moving home, with compassion and sensitivity, while the dreamy, nature-filled illustrations by Winona Kieslich create a sense of calm and wonder. This is an ideal story for young children who might be experiencing a big move or transition. Star rating: 4 Stars Summary : An uplifting and empowering story that will help young children learn that they will always belong – no matter where they are. Purchase here

< Back Nicole Frankel What is math good for, anyway? Can Bennie learn to love math? Bennie hates math. He thinks math is dull and silly, and he doesn’t understand why he has to learn math at school, when he could be doing something much more interesting instead. He ponders, what is math good for anyway? As Bennie goes about his day, he soon learns that math is more useful than he realises. In the cafeteria at lunchtime, Bennie uses math to count his chips and trade cookies with his friend. In the playground at recess, Bennie uses math to count how far he can swing in a monkey bar competition. After school, he uses math to find out how much money he needs to buy his ice cream. At home, he uses math to measure how tall he is, to see if he can ride his favourite roller coaster. That evening, as Bennie thinks about how he used math throughout his day, he realises that math is Mathtastic after all! He feels excited to go to school the next day to continue his math journey. What is math good for, anyway? Is a picture book by author Nicole Frankel, illustrated by Firman Putra Irawan. The book follows a young boy named Bennie as he discovers that math doesn’t have to be dull and boring. It can be fun, cool and useful in any situation, from playing in the park, to buying treats. The book shows that math is an integral part of life, and is used anywhere and everywhere. The book is an excellent resource for parents, carers and educators to introduce young children to math and help explain its importance. Young children will be inspired by Bennie’s curiosity and will hopefully learn to love and appreciate math, both in the classroom and at home. The artwork is fun, vibrant and engaging. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun introduction to math and its usefulness in everyday life. Simply Mathtastic! Purchase here

< Back Charly Froh How to Solve the Mystery of Crying Space-robot Novo travels to earth to solve a mystery, by author Charly Froh Space robot, Novo, from the planet Infinita, is back for another exciting adventure. His week starts with shopping at the Martian Market, but on his way home, Novo is caught up in a space storm that destroys his venus-bot flowers, and causes liquid to leak from his laser eyes. Novo tries everything to make the liquid stop, but nothing will stop the drip-drop dripping. His only option is to contact his earthling friends. They will know exactly what to do! So, Novo whistles for his scooter, vrooms towards earth, and is reunited with his earthling friends. The earthlings explain the liquid is tears from crying, and people can cry when they are happy, joyful, angry or frustrated. But, Novo still cannot explain his tears as he feels neither happy, joyful, angry or frustrated. The earthlings listen to Novo’s story, how the space storm destroyed his precious flowers, and how he feared the rain would rust his body, and then suddenly the tears stopped. With a little help from his earthling friends, Novo realised his tears were tears of sadness, and that talking about his sadness helped him feel much better. Novo returned back to Infinita to share his news with all the other space-bots. How to Solve the Mystery of Crying by author Charly Froh is a cute and funny picture book about an adorable little robot who travels to earth to solve the mystery of his leaking eyes. This is a delightful book and Novo is a sweet and adorable character, who will appeal to younger readers. The book deals with a complex topic in a really simple, engaging and age-appropriate way, and will encourage young readers to share and discuss their thoughts and feelings with others. The illustrations by Zuzana Svobodova are bright and engaging, and with lots of interesting and funny details, will keep readers entertained for hours. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful picture book about a sweet and adorable robot character, who goes on a space-tastic adventure to solve the mystery of crying. Purchase here

< Back Jana L. Farris The Chicken on the Moon A little chick, dreams big. Little Chick was tiny on the day he was born, but he wanted to grow big and tall, so he ate all his corn. He dreams of travelling to outer space, but he is still too small. So, Chick studies hard, morning, noon, and night, and learns everything there is to know about space. One day, all of his hard work pays off when he is selected as an astronaut. But when they try to send him to the sun, Chick knows it is a bad idea, and he takes a detour to the moon instead! The Chicken on the Moon by author and illustrator Jana L. Farris is a fun, creative and quirky illustrated picture book for young children about a little chick who dreams of becoming an astronaut. The little chick is told he will never make it, but he never gives up hope and continues to follow his dream. The book will encourage young children to work hard and follow their dreams. If a little chick can do it, anyone can! This is a fun picture book, written in rhyme. Children will love the chicken characters and will laugh out loud at Chick’s amazing space adventure. The illustrations are cute, colourful, and quirky. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, creative and quirky illustrated picture book for young children about a little chick who dreams of becoming an astronaut. Purchase here

< Back Kim Adams Billy Be Kind: My BIG Feelings Billy Be Kind helps a young girl manage difficult emotions. A young girl named Olivia is sad that her best friend, Maya, is moving away. Olivia hugs Maya and begs her to stay, but Maya has to leave with her family. Olivia’s feelings grow and grow, until she ‘blows’. She stomps on the floor, throws things to the ground, and cries, cries and cries. A tiny mouse named Billy Be Kind plays a game with Olivia to help her name her feelings. Olivia describes feeling angry, worried, sad and bad, and acknowledges she screams and shouts to let the anger out. Billy helps Olivia to breathe, count and calm down. By naming her feelings, and taking time to breathe, Olivia learns how to understand and better manage her emotions. Billy encourages Olivia to write a letter to Maya, and to remember all the good times they had together. Billy Be Kind: My BIG Feelings by author Kim Adams is an illustrated picture book about a little mouse, Billy Be Kind, who helps a young girl named Olivia to name, express and manage her emotions. Olivia is distraught and angry when her best friend moves away, and Billy provides Olivia with a range of tools and techniques to cope with difficult emotions. The book is a valuable resource for parents, caregivers, or educators, to help young children recognise and manage their emotions in an accessible and age-appropriate way. Written in rhyme and complemented by bright and dynamic illustrations, the book is an engaging guide to emotional literacy. The book will encourage young children to recognise and acknowledge their emotions, and provides practical tools to help them cope through difficult times. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A valuable resource and an engaging guide to emotional literacy, with practical tools and techniques to help children cope with difficult emotions. Purchase here

< Back Carina Ho & Jesse Byrd Mighty Mara An inspirational book for anyone who has ever struggled to fit in, from authors Carina Ho and Jesse Byrd Everyone is the same in Sametown. Everyone except Mara. Mara is different. She is colour in a world of grey. She is unique in a world of ordinary. But, because of her uniqueness, Mara struggles to find her place in Sametown. What she wants more than anything in the world, is for people to love her just for who she is. Inspired by a TV show, Mara decides to sign up for the school talent show. She wants to show off her dance skills, but no one dances in Sametown, certainly not like Mara anyway. No-one believes she can do it. No-one thinks she has a chance. Will Mara have the courage to dance in the talent show? And will she prove her critics wrong? This is an inspirational story of a unique young girl who struggles to fit in. The odds are stacked against her - no-one believes in her and the environment doesn’t make things easy for her – but, through sheer determination, self-belief, and extraordinary talent, she realises her dream. It will encourage young children not only to accept their differences, but to embrace and celebrate their differences, and to follow their dreams. We liked that there were no words on some of the pages, which will encourage parents and children to discuss the pictures and interpret the events in their own words. The book is beautifully presented and illustrated by Monica Paola Rodriguez. We loved the colours, and the images of Mara standing out and shining in a world of dull grey. We did notice some grammatical errors, and therefore recommend the authors consider a full editorial review. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A beautifully presented picture book about an inspirational young girl with a unique talent. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Stacy Gabel At the Zoo-oo-oo Sing-along with Stacy At the Zoo-oo-oo by author, singer- songwriter, and recording artist Stacy Gabel, is a fun sing-along picture book for younger children, featuring an original song written by the author. It’s a day trip to the zoo, and young readers are invited to sing along and find a variety of zoo animals. But zoo animals like you have never seen before. A giraffe, riding a raft! A potbellied pig dancing a jig! With lots of wonderful rhyme and repetition, each page follows the same structure. ‘Who’s seen a slippery seal, slip slip sliding on a banana peel? Who’s seen a slippery seal at the zoo? Well, I’ve seen a slippery seal, slip slip sliding on a banana peel! I’ve seen a slippery seal right here at the zoo! At the zoo, oh at the zoo! Woo! I’ve seen a slippery seal right here at the zoo!' Parents and children will love to sing along to the simple and catchy tune and will enjoy the illustrations of the zoo animals in various unexpected scenarios. The author recommends readers download the accompanying song and official music video from her website to enjoy the full experience. I didn’t, but I made up a tune and thoroughly enjoyed the experience! An interactive, creative sing-along book, with a rather catchy earworm. I’m sure the book will inspire a love of music and encourage creativity amongst younger readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, sing-along picture book about life at the zoo-oo-oo. Purchase here

< Back Becca Johnsey When We Are Apart Author Becca Johnsey explores separation anxiety in a sweet picture book This is a picture book about a little boy who loves spending time with his father. Father and son have lots of fun, playing games and reading books together. But when his father is away at work during the day, the little boy feels sad. He misses his father terribly, and hopes he will come home soon. The little boy’s mom comforts him, and explains she misses him and feels sad too. The little boy tries a number of things to pass the time and relieve the sadness. Breathing and relaxation techniques, keeping busy, and looking at the watch his father bought him. He also rings his father at work, which reassures him he will be home soon. When We Are Apart by author Becca Johnsey is a sweet, rhyming, picture book about a little boy who misses his father when he is away at work. The author was inspired to write this book following her own experiences when her young son missed his father, when he returned to work following the pandemic. The book will help young children name and understand their feelings, and deal with their emotions. It will provide comfort and reassurance that they are loved even when a parent might be absent, and that the parent will come home. With a list of activities to support families at the end of this book, the book will help families manage emotions when a parent or loved one leaves home. It will provide support and comfort to those who might be experiencing separation anxiety. Beautiful digital illustrations by Mariza, created in a traditional style. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet, rhyming, picture book that will help young children deal with their emotions when a parent might be away from home. 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