< Back Anna Finch Hide and Seek Alphabet: With Australian Animals Can you find the Australian animals hiding in their habitats? Hide and Seek Alphabet: With Australian Animals by Anna Finch is an alphabet book based on Australian animals and birds. The book features a wide range of Australian animals, from the dingo and the emu, to the kookaburra and the platypus. The book is interactive, and readers are encouraged to find the animals that are hidden in their habitats, and imitate the sounds they make. ‘Brrup. Brrup.’ drums Earnest the Emu. Can you see where he’s hiding? While the book features plenty of well-known animals, I like that it features some lesser well-known animals too, instead of the popular kangaroos and koalas. Readers might learn about animals and birds they have never heard of, such as the galah and the quoll. This is a fun and educational A to Z illustrated picture book for younger children. With lots of lovely alliteration, and reader participation, this is a perfect read together book for younger aged children. The book provides a great introduction to Australia and its wildlife, while at the same time teaching children the alphabet. The book will help children build vocabulary and learn the names of the animals, and the sounds they make. The stunning illustrations by A. P. Gil capture the magnificent Australian wildlife and complement the book perfectly. After reading this A-to-Z alphabet book of Australian animals, I am keen to learn more about Australia and its wildlife. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, educational and interactive A-to-Z illustrated picture book about Australian animals and birds. Purchase here

< Back Jack Rotifer Teamwork! Betty the Iditarod Sled Dog Teamwork! Betty the Iditarod Sled Dog is a heartwarming tale that follows the journey of Betty, a spirited and determined sled dog, from her playful puppy days to becoming a skilled athlete and beloved companion. The book begins with Betty’s birth and her early days spent playing and growing alongside her siblings, Fred, Barney, and Wilma. The author beautifully captures the innocence and energy of the pups as they dream of becoming sled dogs and participating in the prestigious Iditarod race. Readers are transported to the snowy landscapes of Alaska, where the pups train under the watchful eyes of their musher, Catherine, and Hero, the experienced lead dog. As the story progresses, readers witness Betty’s growth and development as she trains for her role as a wheel dog, a position that requires strength and calmness. Betty meets Marie, a junior musher, during the Wyoming Stage Stop Race and their instant connection leads to Betty finding a new home and a new role as Marie’s loyal companion. The story concludes with Betty reflecting on her life, cherishing her memories as a sled dog and her new life with Marie. The book provides a fascinating insight into the roles of sled dogs and the history of the Iditarod race, making it both entertaining and informative. Overall, this is a charming and inspiring story that celebrates the values of hard work, friendship, and the special bond between humans and animals. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful story that explores themes of friendship, resilience, and finding one’s purpose. A perfect read for young readers and anyone who loves tales of adventure. Purchase here

< Back Reesa Shayne I Breathe For Me Inhale. Exhale. Breathe. A little girl learns how to use her breath to navigate through life. Her breath is a gift. Her breath is a friend. Her breath is a tool she uses to get through tough situations. Inhale. Exhale. Breathe. When she is sitting a test or having a tough lesson at school; when she is nervous or scared; or when she faces a difficult challenge, like climbing a rocky hill. She uses her inner strength and breath to get her through, even when she knows she might fail. She uses her breath to relax, calm herself and remind herself she is doing okay and that everything will be fine. I Breathe for Me is an inspiring and empowering picture book by Reesa Shayne, beautifully illustrated by Uttara Garg. The book will help children understand the importance and positive benefits of breath work and meditation, in a simple, engaging, accessible and age-appropriate way. It is a great resource for parents, carers and educators to help build confidence, self-esteem and resilience amongst younger children. It will help children understand and recognise their own feelings and emotions, and will encourage them to practice breathing techniques and self-care. With further resources, breathing exercises and positive affirmations at the end of this book, the book will help young children to find their own breath and inner strength. The illustrations are simply delightful. The little girl is a sweet, charming and relatable character, and her journey will inspire younger readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An inspiring and empowering picture book to help children understand the importance and positive benefits of breath work meditation. Purchase here

< Back Marie Nichols We're Going to the Dinosaur Forest Bracken loves playing outside with his friends. But more than anything, he loves playing with his grandmother, Gram. One day when Gram comes to visit, they decide to go to the Dinosaur Forest. As they walk through the forest together, they stomp their feet and roar like dinosaurs. They climb up a big hill and search for dinosaurs, but there are none to be found. They continue their search and discover a stegosaurus. Gram is scared and freezes on the spot, but luckily they find a big tree to hide behind. They climb up an even bigger hill and find a triceratops. They hide behind another tree, as the triceratops strolls by. While Gram is scared and wants to go home, Bracken is keen to find a T-Rex. Will Bracken and Gram find a T-Rex? And will they make it out of the Dinosaur Forest safely? We're Going to the Dinosaur Forest is an illustrated picture book by author Marie Nichols. This is a fun and engaging story for young readers, that beautifully captures the special bond between a little boy and his grandmother. With a dinosaur themed adventure in the forest, this book promotes imaginative play and celebrates intergenerational relationships. The illustrations by Penny Weber are vibrant and full of life, and capture the warmth and love between grandparent and grandchild beautifully. This is a great read-together book, and I’m sure grandparents everywhere will enjoy sharing this book with their grandchildren. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A roaring, dino-mite adventure, where an ordinary forest turns into a Jurassic jungle. Purchase here

< Back Janet Lau The Little Grey Pig: A Story About Self-Confidence Little Grey Pig has a big challenge to create something beautiful for a special garden party, from author Janet Lau Little Grey Pig goes shopping and finds aeroplanes and beautiful dresses in the store. But Little Grey Pig has no money to buy a new aeroplane or dress, and no money to buy tools or materials. So Little Grey Pig comes up with a great idea – she decides to create them herself, with resources she already has at home. She spends hours and hours building and making, but when her projects are complete, Little Grey Pig isn’t too happy. Her aeroplane falls apart mid-air, and people make fun of her home-made dress. A wise owl, Owletta, provides comfort and support, and gives the Little Grey Pig a big challenge – to build new aeroplanes and create a new dress for a special garden party. This is a lovely story about a creative little pig who is determined to create something beautiful herself, but when things don’t quite go to plan, she has the strength and courage to carry on. The book will encourage young readers to be proud of their achievements, no matter how small. It will encourage children to learn from their mistakes and to persevere when things might get tough. The book shows that things don’t have to be perfect to enjoy them, the best creations are the ones made from hard work and love. We loved the adorable characters, beautifully illustrated by Angela Gooliaff. With supporting notes and activities for readers to complete in the book, the book will help to develop confidence and self-esteem in young children. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A lovely story about a creative little pig who has the strength and courage to carry on, when things don’t quite go according to plan. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back R.G. de Rouen Books For Benjamin Benjamin would rather read about adventures in a giant peach than eat one! Unlike his family members who are happily munching away on scraps, Benjamin is a different kind of worm. He loves to read. Yet, all he finds are old newspapers and magazines full of tomato splotches. Not one to give up on his dreams, Benjamin sets off on a quest to find “real" books. Witty illustrations by Uliana Barabash are a great accompaniment to this delightful story written by R.G. de Rouen. Join Benjamin on his book-hunting adventure and watch your little ones search for Benjamin’s famous signature in their books! Purchase here

< 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 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