< Back Ashley Wall The Day I Had a Bulldozer Luke and Bobo’s amazing construction adventure. One day, a bulldozer turns up at Luke’s house, with his name on it. Luke and his dog, Bobo, hop into the bulldozer and drive to his friends, Noah’s house. When he arrives, Noah is driving a dump trunk. With their new machines, Luke and Noah build a gigantic hill of dirt and Bobo plays in the muck pile. When their friend Mikey drives by in a steamroller, he flattens everything in his path. Before Mikey can do anymore damage, the boys cruise to the park in their vehicles and meet their friend Emma, who is driving an excavator. The four friends dig a new path to the ice cream shop. Luke cleared the path, Emma filled the dumper, Noah made a huge pile of rubble, and Mikey (after lots of practice) flattened the road to the ice cream shop. When they have finished, the friends enjoyed a well-deserved ice cream from Mr Popsicle’s shop. After a full day of construction adventures, will Luke make it home in time for dinner? The Day I Had a Bulldozer is a fun, illustrated children’s picture book by author Ashley Wall about a young boy who had a fun-filled day with his friends, building a new road in his new bulldozer. The book will help young children learn more about construction, the types of vehicles used in construction, and the types of jobs involved in the construction industry. Many youngsters love to play with toy construction vehicles, and this book will help them understand what they are used for in the real world. The book will help develop knowledge and vocabulary of the construction industry and might inspire younger children to get involved in construction, science, and engineering. I liked the diverse representation of characters in this book, and the charming, colourful illustrations by Vaughan Duck. Luke is a sweet character, and young children will love to follow his adventures with his friends. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun picture book about Luke and his dog Bobo, and their fun-filled day of construction adventures. Purchase here

< Back Gail Kuhnlein Into the Thicket Into the Thicket is a heartfelt and beautifully illustrated story that explores themes of compassion, courage, and the wonders of nature through the eyes of a young boy named Patrick. Patrick is playing football when he discovers an injured baby rabbit. Despite his brother Ben’s initial indifference, Patrick’s empathy drives him to seek help from Felice, a family friend and wildlife rehabilitator. The journey to Felice’s house, which requires Patrick to brave a dark and mysterious thicket, serves as both a literal and metaphorical passage from fear to courage. The thicket, filled with imagined goblins and shadows, represents Patrick’s anxieties, which he overcomes for the sake of the vulnerable animal. Once at Felice’s, Patrick learns about the delicate nature of wild rabbits and the responsibilities involved in caring for injured wildlife. The book does an excellent job of weaving educational content into the narrative, teaching young readers about animal rehabilitation, the importance of not disturbing wild nests, and the realities of nature’s challenges. Patrick’s dedication to the rabbit, is touching and relatable, especially as he navigates setbacks like the animal’s illness and the emotional difficulty of letting go. Patrick’s journey is not just about saving a rabbit, but about growing up, facing fears, and understanding the balance between helping and letting go. The book also subtly addresses the ripple effect of compassion, as seen when Ben, initially dismissive, is inspired by Patrick’s actions to help a turtle in need. The story is further enriched by the author’s note, which reveals the real-life inspiration behind the story and encourages readers to consider their own capacity for kindness. Practical advice is provided for those who might encounter injured wildlife, making the book both a story and a useful resource. John Megahan’s illustrations complement the text beautifully, capturing the emotions of the characters and the lushness of the natural world. The visual storytelling enhances the reader’s connection to Patrick’s journey and the animals he encounters. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A moving and memorable story that encourages empathy, bravery, and respect for nature. Purchase here

< Back Daniel Cramton Seeking the Lost: Sheep Book blurb... Seeking the Lost: Sheep is a rhyming adaptation of the parable of Jesus with epic graphics and deep Biblical roots dealing with the emotion of sin's separation and the response of the grace of God. 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 FA Khan My Superhero Mom Will Soha win her school writing competition? It is a big day for Soha at school as the teacher announces a new writing competition. Soha is excited to enter the competition and hopes she will win first prize. When her teacher explains that the competition is to write a story about ‘My Superhero Mom’, Soha is stumped. All of her friends’ moms have important jobs, like a doctor or a teacher. Soha thinks her mom doesn’t have a job or do important things. She looks different to the other moms and doesn’t speak very good English either. Soha is sad because she doesn’t think she will win the competition. But, when Soha helps her mom volunteer at the food bank and the soup kitchen, she notices how friendly and kind her mom is towards other people, how people like her mom, and how much she enjoys volunteering. Then, as her mom hands out toys to poorly children at the paediatricians office and organises a bake sale to raise money for the school library, Soha soon realises her mom does many important jobs in their community. She thinks about all the important jobs she does at home too, like creating a nice home and helping to look after the family. As Soha starts to write her story for the competition, she realises her mom is a superhero after all! My Superhero Mom by FA Khan is a wonderful, heartwarming illustrated picture book about a little girl who doesn’t realise just how amazing her mom is. She compares her mom to her friends’ moms and thinks she is not as important. But, as she understands more about what her mom does every day in the community and at home, she learns that she has superhero qualities too. This book shows gratitude and appreciation to all the moms who strive every day to create safe and loving homes for their children. It is a delightful reminder that not all superheroes wear capes, and not all superheroes have a fancy job. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful, heartwarming illustrated picture book and a fabulous celebration of moms everywhere. 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 Aaron Kelsall Tokens from Heaven Tokens from Heaven is a heartfelt and gentle storybook designed to help children and families navigate the difficult emotions that come with loss. Written by Aaron Kelsall, the book uses the metaphor of 'tokens from heaven' to offer comfort, hope, and a sense of ongoing connection with loved ones who have passed away. The story centers on a family of kangaroos living in the Australian outback: Momma Roo, Pappa Roo, and their young son, Ronnie Roo. When Momma Roo falls ill and eventually passes away, the narrative sensitively explores the grief experienced by Ronnie and Pappa. The book introduces the imaginative idea that those in heaven receive tokens, which they can use to send small signs of love and comfort to those left behind. This magical concept helps Ronnie—and by extension, young readers—find reassurance that love endures beyond physical presence. Kelsall’s writing is gentle and age-appropriate, making complex emotions accessible to children. The dialogue between Ronnie and Pappa Roo is particularly effective in modeling open conversations about grief, curiosity, and hope. For example, when Ronnie asks if Momma Roo still thinks about them, Pappa Roo reassures him that she is always watching over them, just in a different way. The story encourages children to notice small, comforting moments in daily life—like sunshine breaking through clouds or a butterfly’s visit—as possible 'tokens' from their loved ones. The Australian setting and animal characters add a unique charm to the story, allowing children from various backgrounds to relate to the themes of love and loss. Beyond the story, the book includes a message from the author, dedicating the work to his own mother and offering words of encouragement to anyone experiencing grief. Tokens from Heaven provides comfort but also opens the door for meaningful conversations about loss, remembrance, and the enduring nature of love. The book’s gentle approach, imaginative metaphor, and supportive tone make it a valuable addition to any family or classroom library. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartfelt and compassionate resource for families dealing with bereavement. Purchase here

< Back Charissa Bates The Traveling Book A unique and imaginative picture book by author Charissa Bates If a book could talk, what would it say? How would the book describe its world and the people it meets every day? Well, the book in The Travelling Book, can do just that! In this delightful picture book, by author Charissa Bates, we meet a little blue, travelling book, who just wants to be picked up and read by children. Shortly after the book is printed, it is shipped off to a bookstore, where it meets the friendly cashier, a cute kitten, and all the customers who browse through its pages. The book is bought and packaged, and then whisked off on an adventure to meet a new friend. The book is happy in its new home, where it is read every day, and even gets to go to school to share all of its colorful pictures with the school children. But soon, the book is left abandoned and unread, before it is boxed up and discarded with other unused books. But this is just the start of an adventure for the little blue travelling book, as it finds a new home in a Little Free Library. The book is borrowed, read and swapped many times, and travels across the world, where it finds new libraries and meets lots of new friends. Where will the book travel to next? And which lucky reader will find the book amongst all the other books that reside in free libraries? This is a unique and imaginative picture book by author Charissa Bates, which celebrates little free libraries, and highlights the different types of libraries that exist across the world. The book will encourage young children to visit free libraries, and to share and recycle their books. The book is both entertaining and educational, and will help to support a lifelong love of reading, and sustainable reading practices. With some fun and interactive features, and beautiful, whimsical illustrations by Nadja Bullis, this book would make a wonderful addition to any home or free library. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An entertaining and educational picture book, which will help to support a lifelong love of reading, and sustainable reading practices. Purchase here

< Back L.A.D. Publishing Space Monkey: Mars Mission Report A mischievous monkey is on a mission to Mars, by LAD publishing! Space Monkey: Mars Mission Report is a cute picture book for young readers, about the planetary system and space exploration. A little monkey is on a big, intergalactic mission to share his stories of his travels through space. His first stop is one of Earth’s closest neighbours, the magnificent red planet, Mars. But, do you know why it is called the red planet? Do you know Mars has a mountain three times bigger than Mount Everest? And do you know Mars has two moons? The book provides an incredible insight into the wonders of Mars, which will spark young people’s curiosity, and encourage them to learn more about science, engineering and technology. This is a wonderful picture book, which is insightful and inspiring, entertaining and educational, funny and factual. With an adorable monkey character, amazing illustrations and interesting factoids, this book will appeal to budding astronomers, and young readers interested in the solar system and space exploration. The digital illustrations by Lana Vivchar are bright, colourful, and funny. I particularly liked the cute little additions, (Paddington Bear, the baby bottle, and flying cookies) which will keep readers entertained for hours. I look forward to learning about Jupiter next, and more space adventures from the mischievous monkey. Written by three inspirational young men, this book will inspire readers of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspiring book about space travel, by three inspiring young men. Purchase here

< 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