< Back Wittingly Yours You can be anything (Yes! It's True) Wittingly Yours is a sweet and inspiring illustrated picture book, perfect for young readers and dreamers. The book encourages readers to explore different activities and careers, emphasizing the importance of following your heart and doing the things that you enjoy and make you happy. Written in lyrical rhyme, this is an uplifting and motivational picture book, exploring themes of ambition, determination, and self-belief. I particularly enjoyed the illustrations, which are charming, colorful, and engaging for young readers, and complement the text beautifully. Each career or aspiration, from being a pilot, astronaut, doctor, artist or baker, is accompanied with charming illustrations that will spark young readers imagination and curiosity. There are a diverse range of professions highlighted in the book, which will encourage children to dream big and explore various possibilities without judgement or limitation. The book reassures young readers that they are supported and loved no matter what path they might choose. The recurring theme of patience and trusting the process is a valuable lesson for young readers, teaching them resilience and the importance of taking their time to find their way. Overall, this is a delightful rhyming picture book, which will inspire young readers to follow their dreams. It is a perfect resource to help build confidence and self-belief in young readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A charming and beautifully illustrated, rhyming picture book, which will inspire young readers to follow their dreams. Purchase here

< Back Ron Keres The Scariest Story You've Ever Heard It really is the scariest story you will ever read, by author Ron Keres The front cover of this book grabs your attention and immediately draws you in. You know you are going to be scared, but you just can’t help yourself, you have to read this book! The font, the gloomy, dark colour-scheme and the terrified eyes peeking out of the bedsheets all add to the tension. Go on, I dare you… Well, I dared, and I was not disappointed. Spooked yes, but disappointed no. The book lived up to its title of the ‘Scariest book ever’. Whilst the story is far too scary to present in pictures, this review is almost too scary to describe in words. I’ll do my best without giving the plot away. The fonts, the page layout, the black pages with small pops of colour, the lack of pictures, the use of language, all gradually build fear and suspense. Young readers will be captivated and terrified. I was! I can imagine parents playing along and adding to the drama, and young children hiding and squirming under their covers. I hope I haven’t scared you away from reading this book, it is a frighteningly good read and suitable for younger readers, I promise! And there is a really cool and funny ending too, I promise! This is a great book based on a really simple but innovative concept. Young children love spooky stories, and they will love this. Author Ron Keres and illustrator Arthur Lin have done such a fantastic job and I look forward to more of their collaborations in the future. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An innovative concept and a frighteningly good read. A GOLD WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Vicki Scott Burns Charli's Turtle Triumph: A Marine Biology Adventure Book blurb... On a school field trip to the aquarium, Charli meets a marine biologist who rescues sea turtles. Charli can't stop wondering what it would be like to be a marine biologist herself. Soon, she is lost in a turtle daydream. When she finds a weak sea turtle stranded on the beach, it's up to Charli and her friends to save him - and to figure out a way to help save all sea turtles! Purchase here

< Back Brett Gunning & Stacy Padula On the Right Path: Book Two Jordan learns important life lessons at basketball camp, by authors Brett Gunning and Stacy Padula Jordan and his siblings are at basketball camp. Jordan is competitive, he wants to score the basket. He wants to win. But Jordan is so focused on the basket, he doesn’t see the opposition and he doesn’t see one of his teammates in a prime position to take the shot. He makes an error and loses the shot. Coach Pete takes the opportunity to remind Jordan and the rest of the team the importance of teamwork when playing basketball, and to always put the needs of the team before your own. Jordan listens carefully, and in the next game the team work more cohesively together and score many more baskets. Later that day, with Coach Pete’s advice still ringing in his ears, Jordan applies the same learning at the dinner table. This is a fabulous book to help instil the importance of teamwork in young children. It shows the power of basketball (and sport in general) to change peoples’ lives, through the development of teamworking skills and other core life skills. It also shows the great work that sport coaches do in developing and supporting young people through life. This book will appeal to boys and girls interested in basketball and other sporting activities, and would make a fantastic addition to any home or school library. We enjoyed the vibrant, detailed illustrations by Maddy Moore, and we particularly liked the diversity of images represented. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘More than basketball – this book shows the significant role that sport plays in developing and supporting young people through life. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Mariam Latifi A to Z of Mini Muslims A unique and educational book about Islam and being a Muslim, from author Mariam Latifi This is a unique and educational A to Z picture book for children, exploring Islam and being a Muslim. The book is ideal for young Muslims who want to learn a little more about their religion, or for anyone interested in learning about this beautiful religion of peace. Latifi presents a range of interesting facts in an alphabet style picture book, from A which represents the Almighty, All-wise Allah SWT, right through to Z which represents Zakah, which means giving to charity to the poor and needy. This is a great resource for those with limited knowledge of the religion and want to learn more, or for those who want to enhance their knowledge in certain areas. The book also includes a useful glossary of terms and an A to Z of frequently asked questions. This easy-to-read book will help both children and adults to learn about the religion in a really fun and engaging way. It will help them to learn the alphabet, whilst at the same time supporting the development of new knowledge and new vocabulary. The book would be a valuable resource in any home, public or school library to promote religious awareness and diversity. The illustrations by Saba Yasmeen complement the book perfectly. The vibrant and diverse images show the beauty of the religion, and unity of Muslims across the world. We particularly liked the subtle themes and references to Australia. Latifi set out to promote diversity, inclusivity, religious awareness and tolerance, and the book does exactly that. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A fantastic book which promotes diversity, inclusivity, religious awareness, and tolerance in a fun and engaging way. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Sofie Wells and Ali Barclay The Tales of Charlie Wags: European Christmas Adventure Charlie Wags is an adventurous dog with a unique ability to travel the world by wagging his tail. This festive edition of the series follows Charlie as he travels to Europe and celebrates Christmas in five iconic European destinations: Amsterdam, Brussels, the Swiss Alps, Munich, and Vienna. Each place is beautifully depicted, highlighting its unique charm and holiday traditions. In Amsterdam, Charlie skates on frozen canals surrounded by gingerbread-like houses, capturing the magic of winter in the Netherlands. Next, Charlie visits Brussels, where he explores the historic Grand-Place, adorned with gold-lined buildings and a towering Christmas tree. The journey continues to the Swiss Alps, a winter wonderland known for its breath-taking peaks and world-class skiing. In Munich, Charlie experiences the magic of Germany's famous Christmas markets, which have been a tradition since the 14th century. Finally, Charlie arrives in Vienna, the City of Music, where he enjoys the holiday festivities at the Schonbrunn Palace. The beautiful illustrations capture the essence of each city with vibrant colors and intricate details. The text is engaging and rhythmic, making it perfect for young readers and a joy for parents to read aloud. Additionally, the book includes fun facts about each destination, encouraging curiosity and love of travel. The Tales of Charlie Wags: Christmas in Europe is a charming and educational picture book that combines the magic of Christmas with the wonder of travel. It is a perfect read for families looking to explore holiday traditions around the world while enjoying the heart-warming adventures of an extraordinary little pup. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A delightful children's picture book featuring an adorable little pup who takes readers on a magical journey across Europe during the holiday season. Purchase here

< Back D.K. Wingerson Gary Greenbird Learns To Fly Book blurb... This is the story of Gary Greenbird and his struggle to overcome his fears. Being content to never leave the family nest and explore the world, he finds what it takes to finally learn to fly. He rescues his little sister and goes from being a timid little bird to a hero. Purchase here

< Back Angela Odusanya Amelia's Loose Part Art Amelia learns to create art from everyday objects . Amelia is an artist with a secret technique. She creates her art from photographs, by using her camera to capture the beauty of everything around her. As Amelia goes to her grandmother’s house for the night, she captures photographs during the car journey, the blue sky, the cornfields and even a horse. But when she passes a field of wildflowers, she is so mesmerised by its beauty she forgets to take a photograph. Arriving at her grandmother’s house, Amelia realises she has forgotten her art box. She is sad that she will not be able to create art without it. Her grandmother reminds her that a rt is inside of her, and supplies are all around her. She just has to look for them. Amelia looks all around her, and by taking a little bit of this, and a little bit of that, she creates new, beautiful pieces of ‘loose part art.’ She even creates a picture of the beautiful wildflowers she forgot to photograph on her journey. What will Amelia’s next masterpiece be? Amelia's Loose Part Art is an illustrated picture book by Angela Odusanya about a little girl who discovers that a rt is inside of her, and supplies are all around her. Rather than using her art box of pencils and paints, she learns to create art from everyday objects. This is an exquisite picture book about a sweet protagonist with an artistic flair. The book will fire up readers imagination and creativity, and will encourage them to look beyond traditional materials to create art. The book introduces young readers to loose part art, promoting the idea that art and creativity can flourish anywhere and everywhere. Each page is filled with bright and vibrant illustrations, which capture Amelia’s beautiful and colorful artistic creations. The book includes simple loose part art projects at the end, that children can try at home, making this an interactive and hands-on reading experience. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An exquisite picture book about a sweet protagonist with an artistic flair. Purchase here

< Back Allison Hill Lolly the Left Out Lobster Will Lolly the Lobster find her way home? There is a big storm in the ocean and Lolly the Lobster is scooped up by the waves. She is whisked around in the turbulent sea, before being washed up on shore. Lolly finds herself in a strange forest. She is lost, alone and very frightened. Lolly finds a house and meets a squirrel, but when she asks the squirrel for help, he runs away. She meets a turkey and explains she is lost, but the turkey will not help her either. Just when Lolly has given up hope of seeing her mom again, she meets a pack of dogs. At first Lolly is scared of the strange creatures, but the dogs are fun, friendly and offer to help her. The dogs – Billie, Alex, Ruby, Luna, and Izzy – help Lolly back to the ocean, where she is finally reunited with her family. Lolly the Left Out Lobster by author Allison Hill is a charming and thoughtful, illustrated picture book for younger children about an adorable little lobster who finds herself lost in a forest. But when Lolly asks for help, the other forest creatures are wary and scared of her. They have never met a lobster before, and she looks different from anything they have ever seen. When a pack of friendly dogs come to the rescue, the other forest creatures soon realise Lolly is not so scary after all. The different creatures put aside their differences and become good friends. The book teaches young children about diversity, and the importance of showing kindness and accepting others just the way they are. A great resource for parents and educators to gently introduce young children to these complex topics. Lolly’s journey from isolation to acceptance and belonging is one that many children will relate to. The illustrations by Sandie Sonke are super-sweet, vibrant and full of character. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A charming and thoughtful picture book, with an unusual but adorable protagonist, and a powerful message about diversity and inclusion. Purchase here

< Back Jacqueline Crann Being Different Is The New Cool Maddie learns to accept and celebrate her differences. A little girl named Maddie was born with a birthmark on her face and a white streak in her hair. Maddie’s unique features make her stand out, and sometimes people stare at her. Maddie loves to dance, but when she goes to dance class, she wears a hat to cover her head and hair, to avoid people asking questions or saying mean things. One day, when practising her dance routine, her hat falls off her head and onto the floor. Some of the children start laughing. The dance teacher, Miss Cherry, explains that everyone is different and the importance of treating people with kindness and respect. Miss Cherry reassures Maddie that her birthmark and hair streak make her cool and unique, and she should be proud of herself. When Maddie’s baby sister is born, Maddie discovers she has the same birthmark as herself. Maddie promises to teach her baby sister that being different is the new cool. Being Different Is the New Cool is an inspiring picture book for young readers by author Jacqueline Crann. The book follows a little girl named Maddie who has a condition called Poliosis, which causes a streak of her hair to turn white. At first, Maddie worries about what others will say and wears a hat to hide her hair, but with support and reassurance from her dance teacher, she soon learns to accept and embrace her difference. The arrival of her new baby sister also makes Maddie more determined to celebrate peoples’ unique qualities and attributes. The book is an excellent resource for parents and educators to open up discussion about diversity and self-acceptance with young readers. Young readers will learn the importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion, and of accepting people just the way they are. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An inspiring picture book for young readers, and a wonderful celebration of diversity. Purchase here

< Back Brenda Do It's Okay Not to Know Author Brenda Do encourages the development of positive learning mindsets in young children It's Okay Not to Know, by author Brenda Do, is a picture book that shows that it is okay not to know something, to have an uh-oh moment, or to make a mistake. It explains that it might be easy to feel down when something doesn’t quite go according to plan. But any challenge, no matter how big or small, is a great opportunity to learn something new, and try new things. It shows that learning new things makes you feel good, and encourages further exploration and discovery. It is like opening a surprise present and finding a special gift. It shows that it is also great to be able to help someone when they do not know something, and help them find the answers they do not know. This is a sweet and charming picture book by author Brenda Do. In essence, this story is about acknowledging and learning from failure, and using every experience as an opportunity to learn, grow and develop. Told in simple language, with two sweet characters, this book introduces younger children to the concept of positive learning mindsets in a fun and engaging way. It will provide reassurance to younger readers that it is okay not to know something or to make a mistake. It will help children develop confidence, self-belief and resilience, and will support the development of positive mindsets and learning habits for life. The illustrations by C.S Fritz are cute and colourful, and full of fun. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and charming picture book that will help children develop confidence, self-belief and resilience. 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