< 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 David L. Gillespie Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue by David L. Gillespie follows the charming protagonist, Miss Floo Flocky Doo, a spirited young girl with a knack for turning everyday events into exciting escapades. The story begins with Floo discovering a baby squirrel, whom she names Lucky Lou, and decides to rescue and care for him. As Lucky Lou grows, he becomes an integral part of Floo’s life, leading to a hilarious adventure when he escapes during a trip to the grocery store. The chaos that ensues, including Lou leaping into Miss Nellie Faye’s wig and racing through the aisles, is both entertaining and endearing. Floo’s determination to capture her mischievous pet, with the help of her hummingbird friend Peanut, showcases her resourcefulness and love for her furry companion. The book’s illustrations by Ronnie Rooney are vibrant and engaging, perfectly complementing the lively narrative. The expressive characters and dynamic scenes bring the story to life, making it visually appealing for young readers. The colorful depictions of Floo, Lucky Lou, Peanut, and the bustling grocery store add depth to the storytelling and captivate the audience. The writing is playful and rhythmic, with repeated phrases like “Hootie Hoo, Hootie Hoo, I know what to do!” The narrative is easy to follow, with a mix of humor and heartfelt moments that emphasize themes of love, responsibility, and problem-solving. The book also includes a touching “Story Behind the Story” section, where the author shares the real-life inspirations for the characters and events. This personal touch adds depth to the book, making it even more special for readers. Floo Flocky Doo to the Rescue is a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf. It’s a perfect read for young children, and a delightful experience for both children and adults alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A funny and entertaining tale, with captivating characters and a delightful protagonist. Purchase here

< Back Ashley Wall The Day I Had a Dinosaur Luke and his friends have the best-osaurus day ever. Luke is playing in the garden with his dog, Bobo, when the ground starts to shake. He spins around and finds a real-life Tyrannosaurus Rex (T-Rex) in his garden. Luke and the T-Rex become instant buddies. But when the ground starts to rumble, Luke discovers his friend, Noah, riding a Brachiosaurus. Luke and Noah take their new dinosaur pals to the park, but the dinosaurs are way too big to enjoy the playground. So, they make their own playground instead, climbing up and sliding down their new dinosaur friends. They hear a roar, and their friends Emma and Mikey join in the fun riding their own dinosaurs, a Triceratops and a Pterodactyl. The friends decide to play hide and seek in the park, and soon realise it is not so easy to hide a dinosaur! They play fetch with the dinosaurs, using dinosaur sized tree stumps instead of sticks, they play basketball and baseball, and they even take part in a little dino-yoga – adapting each activity to make sure even the biggest dinosaurs can take part. The Day I Had a Dinosaur is an illustrated picture by author Ashley Wall about a young boy and his friends, who meet a bunch of dinosaurs and have the best-osaurus day ever, playing in the park. This is a delightful and fun picture book, featuring some of the most popular and famous dinosaurs in the dinosaur family. The illustrations are bright and playful, and the characters are charming. I liked the diversity of the characters and the adaptation of the activities, so all dinosaurs could take part. Perfect for young children who love dinosaurs and enjoy imaginative storytelling. Young people love dinosaurs, and they will laugh out loud at this dinosaur filled playground adventure. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A laugh-out-loud, fun-filled playground adventure, with a dino-sized twist. Purchase here

< Back Charlene McIver Nature Study Buddies A wonderful, third instalment in the Leigh’s Wheelie Adventures series, by author Charlene McIver Friends, Tara, Cosmo and Leigh are conducting a nature study project at school. Their task is to take an animal picture, record an animal call, and find a food sample and a biological specimen. Leigh suggests they study nocturnal animals, and Cosmo agrees the creatures in Leigh’s tree would make a great study project. But Leigh is disappointed he cannot help his friends search for specimens in the tree. Tara and Cosmo do not want Leigh to miss out on the night-time adventure, and they practice hoisting him up into the tree by the ropes on the swing. As Leigh enjoys the view from the tree, he is attacked by an angry magpie protecting her babies. Leigh thinks the tree swing is unsafe and decides not to join in the tree climbing activities. As Tara and Cosmo climb the tree, Leigh feels left out. But Leigh is surprised to find a number of nocturnal creatures on the ground, and photographs a strange bird, a bandicoot and a frog. Tara and Cosmo descend from the tree disappointed not to find any nocturnal creatures, while Leigh finds a tawny frogmouth feather and shows his friends the photographs he captured. The friends find everything on their list and look forward to sharing their discoveries at school. Nature Study Buddies is a fun picture book by Charlene McIver and the third in the series of Leigh’s Wheelie Adventures. This is a super addition to the series about Leigh, a child with a disability, who loves to have fun with his friends Tara and Cosmo. This time, a school nature project sees the friends climbing trees and exploring nature in the dark. Leigh doesn’t want to miss out on the activities and his friends make sure he is included by hoisting him into the tree. But Leigh recognises his own limitations and puts his own safety first, while at the same time, finds alternative methods to join in the fun. This is a wonderful book about friendship, inclusion and diversity, beautifully illustrated in a traditional style by Claudia Gadotti. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful and fun picture book about friendship, inclusion and diversity. 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 Joe Ciccarelli When You Meet a Hangry Howard Meet a Hangry Howard, by author Joe Ciccarelli Have you ever felt angry and irritable as a result of hunger? Have you ever seen someone snap if they skip breakfast? Or, become bad tempered if they miss out on lunch? I’m sure you have, as it’s quite common for people to experience some irritability when they have not eaten in a while. That sudden, irrational rage when we are hungry is often referred to as "hangry" (a combination of "hunger" and "anger"). So, what do you do when you meet a Hangry Howard? How would you satisfy his hunger, and tame his temper? You could bake a delicious cake, but I wouldn’t recommend it. You could cook a three-course dinner, but I wouldn’t advise it. You could even provide a menu of scrumptious options, but that might not be the best solution. When it comes to Hangry Howards, only the fastest foods will do. Whether it’s beef stew, or cheese fondue; handmade strudel or homemade noodles; you better feed him, and feed him quick! When You Meet a Hangry Howard is a fun and entertaining picture book by Joe Ciccarelli, about the common phenomenon of feeling angry when you have not eaten. Written in verse, with lots of fabulous, tongue twisting rhymes, this is a fun book to read out aloud. Young children will laugh out loud at all the Hangry Howards, and may even recognise themselves too! There are some unusual foods listed that might not be familiar to younger readers, but there is a useful glossary at the end of the book to prompt further discussions. The cartoon like illustrations by Gary Ciccarelli are superb. Vibrant, eye catching and amusing, they capture the story and humour perfectly. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, fast-food filled book, for foodies 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 Amelie Patel and Harriet Hessam Saachi the Angel A beautiful and special angel is born, named Saachi Helen Patel Ravi the Raccoon and Mahaley the Meerkat lived in a forest, with their large family and their daughter Amelie the Alpaca. Amelie loved to play in the forest with her cousins, but wished she had a baby sister. Ravi the Raccoon and Mahaley the Meerkat decide to give Amelie the Alpaca a baby sister. They decide to call her Saachi Helen, but they cannot agree what type of animal she will be, so agree to wait until she is born to decide. After months of preparation the family are excited to welcome Saachi into the world, but Saachi is not born an animal, she is born a beautiful and special angel. Amelie the Alpaca is sad, but her parents remind her that Saachi the Angel was a gift from God and would always watch over her. The forest was a more vibrant and beautiful place, all because of Saachi the Angel, and Amelie the Alpaca felt more love than ever before. Saachi the Angel is a tender and beautifully written illustrated picture book by Amelie Patel and Harriet Hessam about a little alpaca named Amelie, and her baby sister named Saachi, born an angel. The book is dedicated to Saachi Helen Patel, the authors sister and granddaughter. The book gently introduces young children to the concept of infant death, in a sensitive and age-appropriate way that young people will understand. Through animal characters, the story follows a family as they navigate the emotions and questions that arise following the loss of a baby. The compassionate storytelling will help children understand complex feelings, while offering reassurance and hope. A valuable resource for any parent or caregiver, to help initiate conversations about loss and grief with very young children. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A tender and beautifully written picture book that gently introduces young children to the concept of infant death. Purchase here

< Back Bridgetta Tomarchio Monsters Don't Say Meep: Even the tiniest roar can make the biggest difference Book blurb... At Monster Scare Prep School, every monster is practicing their scariest roar. But when Meep tries, all that comes out is a squeaky little “meep.” The others laugh—until real trouble strikes, and Meep may be the only one who can save the day. Will he find his roar—or discover that being himself is more than enough? Funny, playful, and full of heart, Monsters Don’t Say Meep is a laugh-out-loud monster adventure about courage, individuality, and the magic of being yourself—reminding us that sometimes the smallest voice makes the biggest impact. Perfect for bedtime, classrooms, and storytime, this book will have kids (and adults) cheering for their own true voices. 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 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

< Back Stacy Byous Tattle Tails Tattle Tails is a charming and insightful children's book that tackles the nuanced difference between tattling and telling, a topic often encountered in homes and classrooms. Written by Stacy Byous, and brought to life with Maddie Kimber's vibrant illustrations, the book offers both a delightful story and a practical guide for parents, educators, and children. The story centers on siblings Skylar and Brodie, whose playful mornings quickly devolve into a series of tattles over minor infractions—spilled milk, extra cookies, and unwashed hands. Their parents patiently explain the distinction between tattling (reporting minor misdeeds to get someone in trouble) and telling (alerting adults to genuine problems or dangers). The narrative is relatable, capturing the everyday squabbles and misunderstandings that children experience. The story introduces the Tattle Tail, a cute, stuffed animal designed to listen to children's small grievances. This clever device empowers children to express their feelings without escalating minor issues to adults, fostering emotional awareness and self-regulation. The book even includes a step-by-step guide for adults on how to introduce and use the Tattle Tail, making it a practical resource for families and classrooms. The story is peppered with real-life examples, making the lessons easy to grasp and apply. Tattle Tails serves as a gentle tool for teaching empathy, kindness, and healthy communication. The book encourages children to reflect on their actions and consider the feelings of others, while also reassuring them that it's always right to seek help when someone is hurt or in danger. The inclusion of discussion prompts and practice scenarios further enhances its educational value. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thoughtful, engaging, and practical book that addresses a common childhood challenge with creativity and compassion. Purchase here