< Back Kathy Anderson Bailey's Belly Battle: A Time Machine Veggie Adventure for Picky Eaters Book blurb... Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary kids, this engaging story uses humor, heart, and kid-friendly science to help children explore new foods step by step: look, smell, touch, lick, bite, and chew at their own pace. Purchase here

< Back Todd Angilly and Rachel Goguen The Adventures of Owen and the Anthem Singer Little pug Owen follows his dream, by authors Rachel Goguen and Todd Angilly Owen the Pug is a very happy little pup. He lives in Boston with his mom and loves lots of belly rubs and yummy treats. His favourite game is ice hockey, and he likes to play in goal with his other pup friends. Little Owen has a very big dream. A dream to drop the puck at a big hockey game. So, when Owen gets the opportunity to drop the puck for his favourite team, alongside his friend Todd who will sing the national anthem, he cannot wait! He practices his technique all week, but when the day finally arrives, Todd is nervous. He sees the large crowd of fans and worries he might make a mistake. But, with a little support and encouragement from Todd, Owen finally realises his dream. He drops the puck perfectly, and Todd sings the national anthem perfectly too. The crowd clap and cheer, as the pair join the other hockey fans to watch the game. Owen and Todd, proud of their own achievements, are welcomed and treated like stars by the adoring fans. The Adventures of Owen and the Anthem Singer by Rachel Goguen and Todd Angilly is a sweet and engaging picture book about an adorable little pug with a big dream. Owen is determined and works hard. He practices every day, and with a little help from his friend, finally achieves his dream. There are positive messages in this story about commitment, hard work and friendships. The book shows that hard work pays off, and will inspire young children to follow their own dreams. With bright, cartoon-like, digital illustrations, and an adorable pup character, this book will appeal to those who love dogs and those who enjoy sports, particularly hockey. A wonderful and entertaining read, with positive messages for children and adults alike. Star rating: 5 stars Summary: A sweet and engaging picture book about an adorable little pug with a big dream, with a positive message for children and adults alike. 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 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 Jessica Ann What If Roxy Book blurb... What if Roxy is a heartwarming journey that explores the challenges of childhood anxiety through the eyes of a young pup named Roxy. Faced with overwhelming "what if's," she discovers the power of resilience and the strength that comes from facing fears together with loved ones. This book is a beacon of hope for families seeking to support their little ones through the anxieties they may face, finding comfort in the knowledge they do not have to face them alone. Purchase here

< Back Michael L Curles Can You Touch Butterfly? Book blurb... On a warm summer day, five-year-old Erica and her dad set out for their favorite place: the local swimming pool. What begins as an ordinary Saturday quickly turns magical when a beautiful butterfly appears, dancing around them in the sunlight. Erica has always wondered if it’s really possible to touch a butterfly. Her dad says it is—if you’re still, quiet, and believe. What happens next becomes a memory she will never forget. In this heartwarming true story, father and daughter share a gentle encounter with nature that teaches Erica more than she imagined, not just about butterflies, but about life’s possibilities. With vivid illustrations and a tender father–daughter bond at its core, Can You Touch a Butterfly? is a story of wonder, belief, and the little moments that stay with us forever. Purchase here

< Back AC Bradburn Dancing with Cara: The Nature Stories Cara is digging a big hole in her grandfather’s garden. Soil encourages her to dig deeper and Cara is surprised that Soil is wet and warm to the touch. Soil explains that it is kept warm by the trees, plants and grass, who send warmth from the sun through their roots. Soil also holds onto the rain, to provide water to other living organisms. In return, Soil stores the warmth and the water in winter and helps the trees, plants and grass grow. Cara talks to Wren, resting in her grandfather’s apple tree. Wren explains that by singing, it wakes up the flower bulbs, trees and some animals in the spring. Cara helps Wren wake up spring by singing a song ‘Wake up, wake up, springtime is here!’. Cara feels the apple tree vibrate and hears it creak as it wakes up for spring. Cara is toasting marshmallows on a fire with her grandfather when she notices how the flame changes color. Flame explains how it transforms her marshmallow, and how it can transform other things too, through its ashes. Cara talks to her Tear, when she is sad when her bunny is injured. Tear explains how it comes out when she is hurt or feels upset, and sometimes when she is happy too. Dancing with Cara: The Nature Stories is a collection of short stories by author AC Bradburn, that takes young readers on a sensory journey through nature. The book is told through the eyes of Cara, a curious and adventurous little girl who loves spending time in nature. As Cara interacts with the environment, she converses with the wildlife and the natural elements around her. As Cara communicates with the natural environment, she learns how the soil helps plants grow, and how birds wake up spring. She discovers how all living organisms are connected through the web of life, and her own place in the ecosystem. This is a delightful and profound collection of stories about nature, beautifully written by Bradburn in a lyrical prose, with exquisite illustrations by Ivy Trazsi. I was completely immersed in these stories, and for a brief moment in time, I felt like I was one with nature – just like Cara. This is a wonderful addition to any bookshelf. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An immersive, heart warming and touching exploration of nature, and our place within it. Purchase here

< Back Tracey Smith Where's Grandma? A Child's View on Loss, Grief and Bereavement Jordyn looks for her grandma, but cannot find her anywhere. Her bed is empty, her wheelchair is abandoned, and her place at the table unoccupied. Jordyn’s mommy tells her that her grandma has ‘transitioned’, but Jordyn does not know what that means. Her mommy explains that Grandma is now in heaven with other family members. Jordyn misses her grandma and remembers good times spent with her, singing and dancing for her, watching movies together, and playing games. She remembers how her grandma like to spend time with the family, and cook big family dinners. Jordyn’s mommy encourages her to focus on happy memories of her grandma and turn tears of sadness into tears of joy. Jordyn knows that whenever she misses her grandma, she can look back at old pictures and videos, and remember the fun times they spent together. Where's Grandma? A Child's View on Loss, Grief and Bereavement is a heartfelt and touching picture book by Tracey Smith about a little girl named Jordyn who faces the loss of her beloved grandma. Struggling with sadness, Jordyn finds it difficult to understand where her grandma has gone. Her mom helps her to cope by gently remembering the happy times they shared. Through these memories, Jordyn discovers that although grandma is no longer there, her love will remain in her heart forever. The author handles the subject of death in a sensitive way that is suitable for young readers. The book includes helpful notes to help parents talk to children about their grief. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A heartfelt and touching story about grief, and a valuable resource for families who may have experienced the death of a loved one. Purchase here

< Back Glynis Falloon New Friends It is Saturday morning and Katie is looking forward to a full day of fun when she hears scratching and crying noises from underneath the deck. She goes to investigate the strange noises with her grandma and finds two eyes poking through the cracks in the boards. Katie and her grandma discover a small, orange, tabby cat hidden under the deck. While Katie is keen to keep the cat, her grandma suggests she tries to find the cat’s owner. Katie and her grandma speak to their neighbors, but no-one knows where the cat lives, or to whom it belongs. So, Katie and her grandma make posters and hang them in their neighborhood, in the hope of finding the owner of the cat. While Katie tries to locate the owner, she meets new people and develops new friendships. Will Katie find the cat’s owner? How will she feel if she has to give up the cat she has become fond of? New Friends is an illustrated picture book for children, by author Glynis Falloon. The book follows the story of a little girl, who finds a cat hidden under her grandma’s deck. This is a sweet and charming picture book that young children will relate to. Katie is a loveable character with a big heart, and the little cat is adorable. The book encourages kindness and compassion, and will help children learn the importance of friendship and taking care of animals. The simple, yet engaging text makes it perfect for young readers, and the expressive illustrations bring Katie’s personality to life beautifully. Young children will enjoy following Katie’s adventures, and the book may even encourage them to develop new friendships. It’s a great way to start children thinking about animal welfare, and helping animals in their own communities. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A delightful story with charming illustrations, will help children learn the importance of friendship, kindness and compassion. https://tinyurl.com/NewFriendsBook Purchase here

< Back A.N. Stewart The Shotgun Shack Kitties: Bill Bailey, Please Come Home A group of kitties embark on a musical adventure like no other. A group of kitties live in a beautiful little shotgun shack in Gentilly, New Orleans, with their human, Eartha. One day, when Eartha is at work, a cat named Bill Bailey is playing outside when a butterfly lands on his nose. Bill Bailey follows the butterfly down the street and greets his neighbors, but none of them can understand him. He meets a couple of elder cats, who tell him they have a secret way to make all humans understand cats. They explain that the secret is in the power and language of music. The elders offer to teach Bill Bailey, and all the other kitties, how to play music. The kitties meet at the old oak tree and choose their musical instruments. When Eartha returns home, she is surprised to find all the kitties are gone. Sad and worried, Eartha goes out to search for the kitties and sings a song to bring them home. As she sings, she hears music and finds the shotgun shack kitties moving through the neighborhood in the tradition of a brass band parade, playing “Bill Bailey, Please Come Home.” The Shotgun Shack Kitties: Bill Bailey, Please Come Home is a delightful picture book by author A.N. Stewart about the adventures of Bill Bailey and other kitties who live in a little shotgun shack in Gentilly, New Orleans. Based on a real cat named Bill Bailey and other cats who live with the author in a shotgun house in New Orleans, the book features the song "Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey" written by Hughie Cannon in 1902. This is a sweet and endearing picture book, which provides a great introduction to New Orleans and jazz music. With an adorable cast of feline characters, and set in glorious New Orleans, this book will enchant readers of all ages. The book will leave readers tapping their toes and humming along to the sweet sounds of jazz music. The colorful, vibrant illustrations by Virginia de Mahy bring the characters and the sights and sounds of New Orleans to life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming tale of feline musicianship, set in the heart of New Orleans. Purchase here

< Back Nadia Khan Zoey Wonders Why Zoey is proud to share her cultural heritage at her new school, by author Nadia Khan Five-year-old Zoey is starting school in September, but she is a little worried about the homework she has been set. The children have been asked to tell their family stories, and to share their culture and food with the class. Zoey is confused. Her parents are from India and Pakistan in South Asia, and Nigeria in Africa. Zoey was born in the United States, so she asks her mommy, What am I? Who am I? Zoey is confused and is worried she will not remember when she has to share her story with the class. When school starts, Zoey listens to the other children tell their family stories and is looking forward to tasting all the delicious food they have brought in to eat. She gets over-excited and disrupts the class, and the teacher sends a letter home to her parents. Her mommy talks to her, and explains the importance of staying calm and being kind. With a little help from her mommy, and her brothers Zaky and Max, Zoey prepares the food to share with her class, delicious samosas with aloo and rice. But, Zoey gets over-excited again and pushes her brother over to taste the food. The next day, its Zoey’s turn. She is proud to tell the story of her family, and shares her food with the class. Zoey Wonders Why by author Nadia Khan is a sweet story about a little girl who is daunted by starting school and sharing her family story with her class. She is proud of her rich cultural heritage, but it is complicated and confusing for a little girl to understand. As she learns more about her family history, she also learns about the importance of showing kindness to her friends and brothers. The book has several themes, ie, starting school, family culture and history, making and sharing food, relationships with brothers, behaviour at school. Overall, this is a lovely picture book, which will help younger children learn about different cultures and will encourage them to show kindness to others Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet picture book, with an important message about cultural diversity, and showing kindness to others. Purchase here

< Back Angela Odusanya Amelia's Loose Part Art: A Night at the Campsite Amelia’s Loose Part Art by Angela Odusanya is a delightful children’s book that celebrates creativity, teamwork, and the boundless imagination of children. The story follows Amelia, a young artist with a knack for creating art using unconventional materials, referred to as “loose parts.” Her room is filled with an assortment of items like rocks, sticks, buttons, and fabric scraps, which she uses to bring her creative ideas to life. When Amelia goes camping with her cousin Jayce and Auntie Teya, she is initially disappointed to find the campsite playground missing. However, her aunt encourages her to see the world as her playground and use her creativity to build her own fun. This sparks Amelia’s imagination, and she and Jayce embark on a journey to create their own playground using the loose parts they find in nature. The story beautifully illustrates the power of creativity and teamwork. Amelia and Jayce work together to build a teeter-totter, a slide, and even a swing, using natural materials and their ingenuity. The narrative emphasizes the importance of resourcefulness and problem-solving, showing children that they can create something wonderful with what’s available to them. The book also highlights the value of collaboration, as Amelia and Jayce learn that working together makes their creations even better. The illustrations by Dileema Medonza are colorful, detailed, and full of life, capturing the joy and excitement of Amelia and Jayce’s adventures. A perfect read for families, educators, and anyone who wants to nurture a child’s love for play and exploration. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartwarming and inspiring book that encourages children to embrace their creativity, work together, and find joy in the simple things around them. Purchase here