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< Back Amy Lee Westervelt The Colors Inside of Me Panda loves art. He loves to draw and paint and create. One day, his teacher gives him an assignment to draw a picture of himself, using all the colours inside of him. Panda is confused, “All I am is black and white.” he sobbed. His teacher explains that all of the colours that exist are in both black and white, and therefore all the colours that exist are inside of him. He is black and white on the outside, but on the inside, he is calm like the blue ocean, passionate like a red rose, and happy like the yellow sun. With a little help from his teacher and friends, the Panda soon comes to realise just how amazing and colourful he really is. The Colors Inside of Me is a sweet and heart-warming picture book by Amy Lee Westervelt about a young panda bear and his journey towards self-acceptance. Children will love the fun, vibrant, detailed illustrations by Mandy Moore, and the cute panda bear and other animal characters. By focusing on our hidden strengths and inner beauty, rather than our physical appearance, this book will help to develop confidence and self-esteem in young children. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A sweet and heart-warming picture book about a young panda bear and his journey towards self-acceptance.’ A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Cheryl Johnson Creatures of the Rainforest A guidebook about the rainforest, for young explorers. Creatures of the Rainforest is a reference book about the rainforest and the different creatures that live there. The book explores types of organisms in the animal kingdom, where they live, how they look, and how they act. It also includes valuable information about how readers can learn about these creatures, through observation and investigation. It includes lots of fun facts – did you know there are over 430 different kinds of mammals and over 2.5 million different insect species in the rainforest? Featuring some well-known species as well as some lesser well-known species, the book explains the importance of the rainforest and how it impacts on the entire planet. With lots of resources, including a biologist reference sheet, nature notes and fun facts about different species, and access to a free online activity pack, the book will encourage young readers to continue their discovery of nature and biology. On completion of the book, readers are awarded a ‘Junior Rainforest Biologist’ certificate. Creatures of the Rainforest by author and photographer Cheryl Johnson is an educational and entertaining guidebook for young readers. Well researched, full of interesting facts and figures, and sensational photography from Johnson, the book will appeal to anyone interested in nature, biology, and the rainforests. The book will increase awareness of the rainforest and the key issues affecting the rainforest and the creatures that live there. It will help to prompt further discussion and debate about environmental issues and conservation. Written in a simple and engaging way, with clean and clearly structured pages, this book is accessible for readers both young and old. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sensational portfolio of wildlife photography, with fascinating facts about the rainforest, this book will entertain readers for hours. 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 Mr Z The Mayfly and the Methuselah Tree The wise Methuselah tree stands high and proud in the White Mountains of Inyo County, California. Older than the ancient pyramids of Egypt, the Methuselah Tree is rather bored and very, very grumpy! He sees the same thing, day in, day out. Nothing ever changes, until one day a tiny, young, mayfly lands on the Methuselah’s leaf and changes his life forever. At first the Methuselah tree is annoyed by the mayfly’s intrusion and her youthful exuberance, but he soon realises that there is a great deal to learn from the younger generation. The young mayfly gives the older Methuselah tree hope and a new perspective on life. This is a sweet story of love and friendship, and of hope and gratitude. It is a reminder to us all to focus on the present, to show appreciation for the beauty of nature and all the good things in life, to seek love and friendships, and to learn from others’ experiences. This is a great intergenerational book for children to read with their parents and grandparents. It will help develop understanding and empathy in readers, both young and old. A joy to read, with captivating illustrations by Robert Askew. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A sweet story of love and friendship, and of hope and gratitude. It was a joy to read. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ 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 Joe Burud AJ and the Bouncing Ball AJ finds his favourite ball hidden underneath his bed. He throws the ball and chases it around the house, into the kitchen where it clashes into the pots and pans, into the bathroom where it makes a bubbly mess, and into the living room where it knocks over a lamp. But the ball isn’t quite finished yet, and accidently hits AJ’s dad straight on the head! Finally, AJ manages to catch the ball and is whisked off to bed before it causes anymore damage. When AJ’s dad assesses the damage, the mischievous ball is going to be in so much trouble! This is a fun, short and sweet picture book for younger children, written in rhyme. Children will laugh at the mischievous bouncing ball and the havoc it creates as it bounces around the house. They will laugh at AJ’s unsuccessful attempts to catch the ball and I am sure they will (secretly) enjoy the ball hitting the poor dad’s head! I like the way Burud represents the simplicity and joy of play and childhood – sleeping with a treasured toy and having so much fun you don’t notice the mess left behind. In an age when so many little people are attached to technological devices, it was a pleasure to read about a little boy having so much fun with a simple ball. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A fun, short and sweet picture book for younger children, and a pleasure to read about a little boy having so much fun with a simple ball. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Margaret Grote A Farmer I'll Be and more poems for the young and young-at-heart Another stunning collection of poetry, by the late Margaret Grote. A Farmer I'll Be and more poems for the young and young-at-heart, is a collection of twelve poems, by the late Margaret Grote. The poems capture the countryside and rural life, and include a range of themes, including farming, the seasons, festivities, animals and nature, and a whole variety of other things. The poems capture the essence of childhood, and of a more simple, innocent time. My favourite is Six, about a little girl celebrating her birthday. The poem beautifully captures her lisp as a result of her missing front teeth. I also enjoyed the ice man, which you don’t see very often these days and reflects the time these poems were written. This is a stunning collection of poems, written by Margaret Grote for her children, over thirty years ago. The poems have been curated and published by Margarets son and niece, eighteen years after her death. The book showcases and celebrates the work of this extraordinary poet. This book is the second collection of poems published posthumously, following the publication of the critically acclaimed, I Like Mud. The whimsical illustrations by Marcia Wheelan Coles, capture life in the countryside beautifully. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A timeless collection of poems for the young and young-at-heart, by a much-loved poet. Purchase here

< Back Joe Caruso In the Image of God - A Story of Identity and Value A fun, accessible and engaging book for younger children about Christian values, by Author Joe Caruso In the Image of God: A Story of Identity and Value by Joe Caruso is a beautiful children’s picture book filled with positive affirmations that will encourage young children to believe in themselves, just the way God does. The book will help children to understand they are unique, good, have spirit, speak the truth, are just, wise, creative, and have power and purpose. The book encourages children to show love for those who may doubt them, mock them, or hurt them, ‘With love you’ll deflate, all life’s hurt, hate and crime. With love change the world, one heart at a time.’ Beautifully written in rhyme, with charming illustrations by Alina Shabelnyk, this book is a fun, accessible and engaging way for younger children to learn about Christian values. It is a great resource for parents, carers and teachers and will help nurture kindness, compassion, confidence, and self-belief in young children. This is a wonderful, read together book and I imagine it will become a bedtime favourite, as young children will love to read aloud to ‘For you were made in the image of God. In the image of God, you were made,’ which is repeated throughout the book. The illustrations by Alina Shabelnyk are wonderful, and complement the positive messages in the book perfectly. We particularly enjoyed the diversity of the characters, and the wide range of activities presented, which will appeal to a wide and diverse audience. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Beautifully written in rhyme, with charming illustrations, this book will help nurture kindness, compassion, confidence, and self-belief in young children. Purchase here

< Back Brett Gunning and Stacy Padula On the Right Path: Book Three Shai learns the importance of healthy eating at basketball camp. Shai lives next door to his friend, Jayden and his younger siblings, Jordan and Jasmine. Every day the friends love to play basketball. On his way to basketball camp one day, Shai’s mom gives him an apple for his snack. Shai questions why he can’t have a better snack, like candy, cookies or chips. Coach Pete starts the session with a thought of the day and explains the importance of eating fresh fruit and vegetables. “Eating healthy is the first step to becoming a strong athlete,” Coach Pete explains. As Shai plays basketball all day, he is grateful for Coach Pete’s thought of the day, and grateful for his apple that gave him the energy to play the game. On the Right Path: Book Three, by authors Brett Gunning and Stacy Padula, is an illustrated book for younger readers about a young boy named Shai who loves basketball. Through basketball, Shai learns important life lessons. In this scenario, he learns the importance of eating fresh fruit and vegetables, to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to provide the nutrition and energy required to play sport. Coach Pete helps the children improve in basketball, but he also helps children with key life skills, through memorable coaching ‘moments’. Sometimes children will ignore their parents, but they will listen to trusted individuals outside their family. Coach Pete is a trusted adult and a great role model, that children listen to and respect. This is a fun and educational book and will appeal to readers who enjoy basketball and other sports. Shai and Coach Pete are strong, positive role models, that young children will relate to and will enjoy following their stories. I enjoyed the comic-book style illustrations by Maddy Moore. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun and educational illustrated book that teaches younger children about key life skills, through basketball. Purchase here

< Back Julia Coldicott Just Being Fred Frederick looks like a frog. He is green and slimy, has big bug-like eyes and can jump high in the sky. But more than anything in the world Frederick would like to be a duck. He feels like a duck on the inside, so why can’t he be a duck? Frederick’s frog friends disagree. They laugh at him and repeatedly tell him that he is a frog, and a frog he shall stay. Until one day, poor little Frederick, lonely and upset, talks to his mum and dad, and explains that he thinks he is a duck. His parents accept his desire to be a duck with open arms. “If you feel like a duck in your body, dear Fred, then a duck you shall be. It’s your life!” They both said. Brave Frederick returns to his friends beaming with confidence and tells them he will live as a duck just as he feels. Beautifully written by Coldicott, with sumptuous rhyme and repetition that younger will love. I imagine this book will be a bedtime favourite, as young children will love to shout aloud to ‘You’re a frog!’ ‘No, I’m not,’ ‘Yes, you are,’ which is repeated throughout the book. The illustrations by Lily Baron are adorable and funny. Young children will giggle at Frederick in some silly situations, and his many attempts to swim and fly like a duck. This is a sweet and charming picture book with an important message about equality, diversity, and inclusion. It will help children to understand the importance of self-acceptance, and of accepting others just the way they are. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A sweet and charming picture book, with an important message about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We loved it. Everyone needs to be more like Fred! A SILVER WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Anna Kutishcheva Jake and Nick's Spooky Fall An adorable picture book about two canine friends and their fun-filled adventures. Jake wants to play. He is happy, confident, and energetic. He wants to jump and frolic in the leaves with his friend Nick. But Nick isn’t in the mood to play today. He is tired and a little scared. He sees monsters everywhere! In the closet, under the bed, and behind the shower curtain. Nick has nowhere to hide! Jake is not afraid of monsters. He reassures his friend there are no monsters, it’s just his imagination. But the dogs need to be on guard. Someone or something is stealing their kibble! Is it just Nick’s imagination? Or do monsters really exist? The story and the fear of the unknown will resonate with young children. Those sudden movements, unusual objects or unexpected sounds can often create such anxiety in little people. The book will provide comfort to young children that it is perfectly okay to be a little scared sometimes, but that not everything is as it seems. Things that might at first appear scary are usually nothing to worry about at all. Young children will love the adorable canine characters and their fun-filled adventures. They will laugh at Nick’s attempts to run away and hide as they discover the real identity of the ‘monsters.’ Kutishcheva’s illustrations are delightful. The whimsical, watercolour style illustrations bring the story and the characters to life, and will engage readers of all ages. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A super cute book, about two canine friends and their fear of monsters. A FINALIST and highly recommended. Purchase here

< Back AC Bradburn Dancing with Cara The Rainbow Stories A beautiful reminder of the magic that can be found outdoors, by AC Bradburn. Dancing with Cara: The Rainbow Stories is a collection of eight short stories by AC Bradburn. The stories follow a four-year-old little girl named Cara, as she explores the natural world around her. In ‘Grandad’, Cara has fun splashing in puddles with her grandad. She makes up songs and sings along as she splashes in the puddles, teaching her Grandad the words to her silly songs. She explains how she loves to sing and talk to the plants and animals. In ‘Mountain’, Cara talks to a mountain and learns where mountains come from, and how they grow and change, just like humans. In ‘Sunflower’ Cara discovers how sunflowers get their nourishment and energy from the sun, and how the whole world dances around the sun. In ‘Butterfly’, she sings a song to a butterfly. She learns that she doesn’t need wings to fly, and her spirit can fly anywhere it wants to. In ‘Crystal’, Cara sees the beauty in her mom’s crystal jewellery, and learns there is beauty inside everything. Dancing with Cara: The Rainbow Stories is a delightful collection of stories for younger aged children by AC Bradburn, beautifully illustrated by Ivy Trazsi. Cara is a curious, imaginative, and playful little girl, who enjoys spending time outdoors and has a magical connection with nature. The book takes readers on a journey through forests, fields, beaches, and meadows, where Cara interacts with the natural environment and converses with plants, animals, and natural elements. From splashing in puddles, dancing in the waves, and singing with butterflies, every page is filled with wonder. The book deals with some complex topics about life and the universe, but Bradburn’s writing is simple and engaging, making it accessible for children of various ages. Trazsi’s enchanting illustrations bring Cara’s personality and the natural world to life beautifully. This is a gem of a book, for young readers and adults alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful collection of stories about a little girl who has a magical connection with nature. Purchase here