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< 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 Brenda Do It's Okay Not to Know Author Brenda Do encourages the development of positive learning mindsets in young children It's Okay Not to Know, by author Brenda Do, is a picture book that shows that it is okay not to know something, to have an uh-oh moment, or to make a mistake. It explains that it might be easy to feel down when something doesn’t quite go according to plan. But any challenge, no matter how big or small, is a great opportunity to learn something new, and try new things. It shows that learning new things makes you feel good, and encourages further exploration and discovery. It is like opening a surprise present and finding a special gift. It shows that it is also great to be able to help someone when they do not know something, and help them find the answers they do not know. This is a sweet and charming picture book by author Brenda Do. In essence, this story is about acknowledging and learning from failure, and using every experience as an opportunity to learn, grow and develop. Told in simple language, with two sweet characters, this book introduces younger children to the concept of positive learning mindsets in a fun and engaging way. It will provide reassurance to younger readers that it is okay not to know something or to make a mistake. It will help children develop confidence, self-belief and resilience, and will support the development of positive mindsets and learning habits for life. The illustrations by C.S Fritz are cute and colourful, and full of fun. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and charming picture book that will help children develop confidence, self-belief and resilience. 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

< Back Deanna Hart Blue is the Only Color in the Rainbow A little girl learns that all colors of the rainbow are beautiful. Jasmine’s favourite color is blue. Everything she owns is blue. Even the food she eats is blue! When her grandmother buys her a big red monkey for her birthday, Jasmine is not happy. She does not like the monkey because it is red. Jasmine does not like the color red! The little red monkey is called Mango and he is upset because Jasmine throws him on the floor. He is upset because Jasmine does not like him because he is red. Mango has special powers and flies Jasmine to a special place. A bright, colorful place called the Prisma. Prisma is a world full of brilliant greens, reds and purples, and yellows and pinks. Everything in Prisma is bright and happy. But when Jasmine wakes up in the morning, she is back in her blue bedroom and Mango is left in the corner where she abandoned him. Was it a dream? Or did Jasmine really travel with her red monkey to the bright, colorful world of Prisma? Blue is the Only Color in the Rainbow is a sweet, illustrated picture book by author Deanna Hart about a little girl who is obsessed with the color blue. When she receives a red monkey for her birthday, Jasmine soon realises that there is more to life than blue. Jasmine’s fascination with a single color is not uncommon and younger children will relate to her story. The book has a subtle message about equality and diversity, as Jasmine learns that all colors of the rainbow are beautiful. With a handy Teachers Guide at the end of the book, the story will help younger children learn about the importance of kindness and inclusivity. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An entertaining and educational picture book about equality, diversity, and inclusion for younger readers. Purchase here

< Back Leah Ingledew Where's My Shell? He is small, he is scared, and he is naked. He is a teeny, tiny turtle with a rather big problem. He appears to have lost his shell. A shell that protects him from the elements, and from pesky predators that might gobble him up at any moment. But (thankfully) no-one wants to eat the naked tiny turtle, because without his shell no-one can quite figure out who or what exactly he is! So the tiny turtle sets off to find a new shell, and with a little help from his coastal friends, he tries on many new shell-like substitutes for size. The seaweed is too scratchy, the pebble is too tough, and the hermit-crab’s shell is already rather occupied. The tiny turtle finally finds his perfect shell, just in time to help a slimy sea snail. A slimy sea snail who is small, scared, and naked. A slimy sea snail with a rather big problem… This is a fabulous and fun picture book for young children. It is well written by Ingledew, with great use of repetition and alliteration. This is a great read aloud story where children will love to repeat the phrases and the tongue-twisting names of all the creatures. They will laugh at the turtles’ antics and his unsuccessful attempts to find a suitable shell. They will adore the little turtle character and enjoy the glorious coastal scenes, beautifully illustrated by Ingledew. Leah Ingledew has an amazing talent for both illustration and storytelling and we look forward to watching her progress further in this artform. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A fabulous and fun picture book with an adorable main character. Well written and beautifully illustrated. A BRONZE WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Sasha Graham Whitney Wins Everything: A Tiny Ninja Book Whitney really does win everything. From football and roller staking, to running and jumping. She is the best at everything, and she knows it! Whitney’s Tiny Ninja tries to remind her that winning is not always the most important thing, but Whitney doesn’t always listen. Whatever it is, Whitney is determined to win. Until one day, Whitney is not invited to a party because her friends are worried that she will win all the prizes, and then her soccer coach changes the rules so her team cannot win the match. Whitney is confused but soon comes to realise that there are more important things than winning and maybe her Tiny Ninja was right after all. This is a charming children’s picture book, with a positive message about kindness and compassion. It reinforces the message that being kind and helping others to succeed feels good, and is just as rewarding as winning yourself. Some young children are extremely competitive by nature and hate to lose, and this book will remind them to focus their energies on having fun and building good friendships. An important life lesson for both children and adults. The illustrations by Angelina Valieva are colourful, whimsical, and extraordinarily detailed. Children will love to find the Tiny Ninjas hidden in the pictures. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A charming children’s picture book, with a positive message about kindness and compassion. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Marlyn Bandiero Dante's Cool Wheels Book 2 Believe, Achieve A wheely adventure with a dog and his human best friend. Dante's Cool Wheels Book 2 Believe, Achieve tells the story of a dog name Dante, who cannot walk using his back legs, due to a spinal injury when he was young. Dante’s parents tried everything to help him walk, such as swimming and therapy, but nothing worked. One day, Dante was given a surprise set of wheels, and as soon as he got into the chair, he was able to walk and run again. The wheels changed Dante’s life, he was happy he could finally play and be himself. But it wasn’t easy for Dante at first, the other dogs didn’t know what to make of the wheels and were reluctant to play with him. When Dante meets a young boy named Freddie, who also uses a wheelchair, the two became best of friends. The two friends spend lots of time together, playing and exploring in the park. Dante didn’t let anything stop him from playing and having fun, and he inspired Freddie to play basketball. It wasn’t easy for Freddie, as other children didn’t want to play with him, but he soon found a wheelchair basketball team who welcomed him with open arms. Dante's Cool Wheels Book 2 Believe, Achieve by author Marlyn Bandiero is a heartwarming and inspiring picture book for younger aged readers. The book follows the story of a dog named Dante, and his human best friend, Freddie. Both human and canine use a wheelchair and experience similar obstacles, but their special friendship transcends their physical abilities. The duo support one another and help each other conquer their own unique challenges. Based on a real-life story, the book celebrates the special relationship between humans and canines, and shows that with love, determination and teamwork, anything is possible. Through Dante’s and Freddie’s story, young readers will learn about diversity and inclusion, and the importance of treating others with empathy, kindness, and respect. The illustrations are vibrant and expressive and beautifully capture the special bond between Dante and Freddie. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartwarming and memorable story of an inspirational dog named Dante, and his special friendship with a boy named Freddie. Purchase here

< Back Greg Payne My Grandpa's Grandpa An unforgettable bedtime story, by Greg Payne Charlie’s grandpa and grandma are visiting, and after a fun-filled day of adventures and wrestling, his grandpa tucks him into bed. Charlie asks his grandpa whether he had a grandpa when he was young. His grandpa tells Charlie that he had a grandpa and he loved him very much. He explains that his grandpa lived on a farm when he was a boy, and had to help out with farm duties whilst also going to school. His grandpas’ grandpa loved sports, just like Charlie, and when he left school he joined the army and fought in a great war. Charlie’s grandpa shows him photographs of his grandpa and describes how he liked to wrestle with him and climb on him, and how his grandpa took him to many fun and wonderful places when he was a young boy. Just before Charlie drifts off to sleep, he asks if he can meet his great-grandpa, His grandpa explains that one day, many years in the future, Charlie will meet his great-grandpa, great-grandma, and many other members of his family. My Grandpa’s Grandpa is a sweet and heart-warming picture book about the love and unique bond between a grandchild and grandparent, and the special times they spend together sharing stories. Through their adventures and stories, Charlie learns more about the past, his family history and what life was like many years ago. The book introduces younger readers to issues they might be unfamiliar with, such as rural life, war and death, and will encourage further discussions with caregivers. This is a great intergenerational picture book for grandparents, or any care-giver, to share with children at bedtime. The illustrations by Narayan Baidya are wonderful, and I particularly enjoyed the images of Charlie ‘watching’ the historical scenes of his great grandpa brought to life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and heart-warming picture book about the love and unique bond between a grandchild and grandparent, and the special times they spend together sharing stories. Purchase here

< Back Charlene McIver Squishy Sand Leigh wants to play on the beach with his friends Cosmo and Tara, but the beach is inaccessible for his wheelchair. The friends think of lots of different ways to enable Leigh to enjoy the beach – such as getting the dogs to pull the wheelchair across the sand like a sled, adapting the wheelchair so it glides across the sand. But it’s no use, nothing works! Until Cosmo finds some discarded tyres and they transform the wheelchair into a monster dune-buggy. The friends take it in turns to whiz down the boat ramp in the new wheelchair buggy. They speed across the squishy sand and splash through the waves, enjoying the beach and sun. A fun-filled, perfect day out, where everyone is equal, and everyone is included. This is a sweet story about a group of friends spending time together and having fun at the beach. Despite the inaccessibility of the beach to wheelchairs, it doesn’t hold them back from having fun. The friends find a fun and creative solution to ensure all three can enjoy the sand and shore together. This book highlights some of the challenges faced by wheelchair users, reinforcing the importance of kindness, empathy, and compassion. But it is not primarily a book about disability, it’s a book about courage and true friendships. A fun-filled book which captures the essence of friendship, and beautifully illustrated by Caroline Keys. It was a joy to read, and we can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A sweet story about a group of friends spending time together and having fun at the beach. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Gabriella Fiorletta What I See is Love A day filled with love. A day in the life of a little girl, and her appreciation of the love that surrounds her. A little girl wakes up in the morning and receives a warm embrace from her mom. She sees love. Her dad drives her to school and blows her a kiss. She sees love. Her teacher greets her in class. She sees love. Her grandma bakes her cookies for lunch. She sees love. She plays with her friends at recess. She sees love. She looks at herself in the mirror before bedtime and notices how beautiful she is. She sees love. What I See is Love is a sweet and heartfelt illustrated picture book by Gabriella Fiorletta about love. Through simple narrative and everyday scenarios that young children will recognise, the book explores various expressions of love in a child-friendly way. It is a beautiful reminder that there is love all around us and we are all loved. It shows that you don’t need to use the words ‘I love you’ to show love. Love is expressed through our actions towards each other, the things we do and the things we feel and not what we say. It is also a reminder that love starts with ourselves, and encourages children to appreciate the unique qualities that make them special. I enjoyed the gentle and dreamy illustrations by Nyrryl Cadiz, the pastel color palette and the crayon-style drawings. A perfect book for a parent or caregiver to read to a child, to show them the are loved. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and heartfelt illustrated picture book, and a reminder that love is literally all around us. Purchase here

< Back Joanne Russo Insull Don't Follow Pino! Brothers, Dugan and Pino, escape their yard and are lost far away from home, by author Joanne Russo Insull This is a picture book for young readers about two dogs, brothers Dugan and Pino. Dugan loves to go on a walk with his mom and big brother, Pino. Every morning, they walk around their neighborhood and meet lots of new people. Dugan and Pino try to be on their best behavior when they walk on their leash, and if they are very lucky they might even receive a nice treat or two. When they are not out walking, they like to play outside in their back yard. The yard is locked and safe, and Dugan and Pino run and play with the squirrels and chipmunks. But one day, a workman who is fixing a pole behind the house, forgets to shut the gate. Pino suggests to Dugan that they go on a walk outside, without their mom. Dugan is reluctant, he knows they shouldn’t leave the yard alone, but Pino is persistent. Dugan is scared they will get lost, or get into big trouble, but he follows Pino through the gate and out into the street. He tells himself, “Don’t follow Pino!”, but he continues to follow him into a field, far away from home. As Dugan becomes more concerned, he hears his mom calling from the other side of the field. He turns around and sees her waving at the entrance, walking quickly towards them. But Pino thinks it’s a game, and he runs even further away. Suddenly, Dugan notices his mom turn around and walk slowly in the opposite direction. Dugan panics and decides to follow his mom rather than Pino. He runs as fast as he can to catch up with his mom, and Pino follows closely behind. Mom is happy to see her boys again, and quickly puts on their leashes. Dugan feels bad for scaring mom and promises never to run away again. Pino, on the other hand, has other ideas! Don't Follow Pino! by Joanne Russo Insull is a sweet picture book about a couple of mischievous dogs, who escape the safety of their back yard and become lost far away from home. Dugan is influenced by his older brother, Pino, and tags along even though he knows he shouldn’t. Mom eventually finds them, but Pino thinks it’s a game, and runs away. Mom’s quick reaction is to turn and walk in the opposite direction, to bring the boys safely home. Dugan and Pino are sweet and adorable characters, and younger children will enjoy reading about their exciting adventure. This is a fun read for the whole family, but there are some important messages for young people too, about peer pressure, following rules, personal safety. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet picture book about two mischievous pups, and a fun read for the whole family. Purchase here