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< Back Margaret Grote I Like Mud A fun collection of poetry for young readers, and the young at heart. I Like Mud and other poems for the young and young-at-heart is a collection of fourteen poems by author Margaret Grote, Illustrated by Marcia Wheelan Coles. The poems cover a wide range of fun topics, such as ‘I Like the Beach’, ‘The Ice Cream Man’, ‘My Dog’, ‘My Friends’, and ‘I Like Mud’. Each poem is short and succinct (one to two pages), and easy to read. Perfect for younger readers. My favourite is ‘My Friends’, ‘In my room I have many friends, You’ll find them hiding everywhere…. I bet you know who my friends are, They all live here, they are my books.’ The poems have a beautiful lyrical quality and young readers will enjoy reading them out loud with parents or carers. They describe simple childhood pleasures, playing, having fun, and spending time with family, and will spark children’s imagination and creativity. The poems were written by Margaret Grote (1922—2005) and published by her son, David. This is a beautiful collection of poems, and a loving tribute to a talented poet. The collection offers a wonderful variety of poems. There is something for everyone, boys and girls, young and old. The poems are sweet, simple and delightful. Each one was a joy to read. The pastel, whimsical illustrations by Marcia Wheelan Coles are simply stunning. This is an excellent introduction to poetry for children, and I hope it will inspire a love of reading and a love of poetry. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun collection of poems, by a much loved and talented poet. Purchase here

< Back Gail Kuhnlein How Happy Is a Lark A joyful exploration of similes, by Gail Kuhnlein How Happy Is a Lark? by Gail Kuhnlein is an imaginative and interactive collection of similes, brought to life through funny stories and vivid illustrations. Each page introduces a new simile and poses a question, which will engage, entertain, and educate younger readers. How silly is a goose? How quiet is a mouse? How angry is a hornet? The book cleverly combines wordplay with captivating visuals. Each simile is accompanied by a silly tale, and funny illustrations that bring the simile to life. ‘ How cool is a cucumber? A cucumber is so cool he always has a date on Friday night.’ The illustration depicts a dashing cucumber arm-in-arm with a date (fruit). How Happy Is a Lark? by Gail Kuhnlein is a simple, effective, and memorable way to introduce similes to younger children. The book demonstrates the fun and playful aspect of language and will help develop children’s vocabulary. With further ideas for parents, caregivers and teachers, the book will spark curiosity and creativity, and will encourage a love of reading and language among young readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and silly collection of similes, beautifully written and beautifully illustrated. A delight to read. Purchase here

< Back Lynne Harley What If You Could? Will a little caterpillar fulfil his dreams of traveling the world? A little caterpillar is busy doing what little caterpillars do, when he hears his inner voice telling him it is time for something new. Little caterpillar feels lonely, discontent, and blue, and longs for a more fun and fulfilled life. His inner voice urges him to be whatever he would love to be, and to do whatever makes him happy. The inner voice is as warm as sunshine and encourages the caterpillar to let his imagination run free, and to dream big. The caterpillar dreams of flying through the sky and travelling across the world. He dreams of being bright and colourful, and being admired by people wherever he goes. But when the caterpillar wakes from his slumber, another inner voice tells him to give up on his foolish dreams. This voice is cold and mean and has nothing positive to say. The caterpillar is disheartened and discouraged. As the caterpillar goes to bed each night, he is reminded by the warm, loving voice to believe in himself, and never give up. Which voice will the caterpillar listen to? And will the little caterpillar realize his dreams? What If You Could? by Lynne Harley, is an illustrated picture book about a little caterpillar who wants a better and more fulfilled life. As he contemplates his future, he is influenced by two inner voices. One voice is warm, loving, and positive, and encourages him to dream big. The other voice is cold, mean, and negative, and dissuades him for following his dreams. This is a sweet, heartwarming, and inspiring book that introduces the concept of our inner thoughts and emotions to very young children. Written in rhyme, with beautiful whimsical illustrations by Kiram Akram, the book will help young readers to understand their own thoughts and feelings and will encourage them to follow their dreams. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspiring and captivating book that helps young readers navigate the complex world of inner thoughts and emotions. Purchase here

< Back Jeffrey Morgan Bungo the Funky Monkey Adventures in Kindness A lesson in kindness from a jungle monkey. Bungo is a funky monkey, who lives in the jungle. He loves to dance, play, and swing in the trees, but his favourite thing is to spread kindness amongst the other animals. He helps a little bird who has hurt her wing, and he cheers up a tiger who his feeling down. He plays his flute to entertain his jungle friends, and he spreads joy and happiness to everyone around him. Through his small acts of kindness, Bungo makes his friends feel happy. But through showing kindness, Bungo also feels happy. Bungo the Funky Monkey, Adventures in Kindness, is a sweet and charming illustrated picture book for young children by author Jeffrey Morgan. The book has an important message for young readers about the importance of showing kindness, empathy, and compassion. Written in rhyme, with bright, colourful, and delightful animal characters, this is a great way of engaging young readers in such an important topic. Young readers will love the colourful illustrations and the cute cartoon-like characters. With additional resources at the end of the book, this is a great book for parents, carers, and teachers to start conversations about kindness with younger children. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and charming illustrated picture book, with cute animal characters, and an important message about kindness and compassion. Purchase here

< Back Carina Ho & Jesse Byrd Mighty Mara Everyone is the same in Sametown. Everyone except Mara. Mara is different. She is colour in a world of grey. She is unique in a world of ordinary. But, because of her uniqueness, Mara struggles to find her place in Sametown. What she wants more than anything in the world, is for people to love her just for who she is. Inspired by a TV show, Mara decides to sign up for the school talent show. She wants to show off her dance skills, but no one dances in Sametown, certainly not like Mara anyway. No-one believes she can do it. No-one thinks she has a chance. Will Mara have the courage to dance in the talent show? And will she prove her critics wrong? This is an inspirational story of a unique young girl who struggles to fit in. The odds are stacked against her - no-one believes in her and the environment doesn’t make things easy for her – but, through sheer determination, self-belief, and extraordinary talent, she realises her dream. It will encourage young children not only to accept their differences, but to embrace and celebrate their differences, and to follow their dreams. We liked that there were no words on some of the pages, which will encourage parents and children to discuss the pictures and interpret the events in their own words. The book is beautifully presented and illustrated by Monica Paola Rodriguez. We loved the colours, and the images of Mara standing out and shining in a world of dull grey. We did notice some grammatical errors, and therefore recommend the authors consider a full editorial review. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A beautifully presented picture book about an inspirational young girl with a unique talent. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Christine Tussing Detective Stan the Crayon Man and the Missing Birthday Cake Can Detective Stan solve the mystery of the missing birthday cake? Detective Stan’s pink crayon glows brightly, which means there is an emergency in Colorful County. He races over to Pretty Pink’s bakery and finds Pretty Pink in distress. Someone has stolen the cake for Mellow Yellow’s birthday party. Detective Stan begins his investigation by interviewing all the crayons, but there are no signs of the cake, or the thief, anywhere. He searches the bakery and looks for clues. He finds messy sprinkles and purple drippy drops on the floor. He heads to Polite Purple’s home, but it can’t be her, as she was at the hair salon all morning. Detective Stan looks at all the different color combinations that make purple and considers whether two crayons worked together to steal the cake. Will Detective Stan find the culprit and solve the case? Will Mellow Yellow get a cake for his birthday party? And will Detective Stan get home before his mom notices? Detective Stan the Crayon Man and the Missing Birthday Cake by author Christine Tussing is a charming illustrated picture book. The book, written by the author when she was just eight years old, is a unique, creative, and playful story about a little boy who loves his crayons and loves to solve mysteries. When his crayons glow, he knows they need help, and he goes on an amazing adventure to Colorful County to help the crayons. Each crayon has a name and character based on their color, and the mystery clues are based on color-combinations. Young readers will enjoy following the clues and solving the mystery. The book will spark young children’s imagination, and will also help them to learn colour combinations. The illustrations by Izzy Bean are delightful. I particularly like how the two different worlds are represented – the real world where Stan lives; and the fantasy world of the crayons. I would love to see more adventures of Detective Stan! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming and fun illustrated picture book that will spark young children’s imagination and creativity Purchase here

< Back Dawn McLucas Why Am I So Quiet? A little girl celebrates her quietness, by Author Dawn McLucas Eight-year-old Ava is a creative little girl, with a quiet personality and a love of reading. It is her first day back at school, and Ava is looking forward to seeing her friends again. Busy in her own thoughts, as she travels on the bus to school, Ava doesn’t hear her friend call her name. The friend asks, ‘Why are you always so quiet Ava?’ In class, her teacher comments that she has been quiet today, and later at home, her mom also comments that she has been quiet since she got home from school. At bedtime, Ava asks her mom if being quiet is a bad thing. Her mom reassures her that there is nothing wrong with her, and it is okay to be quiet. Ava has a school assignment about her family, and she learns she has more in common with her mom and dad than she realised. Through talking with her friends, Ava also finds the perfect response when people ask her why she is so quiet. Why Am I So Quiet? by author Dawn McLucas, is a wonderful picture book for younger readers about a quiet little girl who learns to accept, and love, her quiet personality. It is a positive story that will help children to understand that being quiet is a positive attribute. It will help children develop confidence and self-esteem, and it will encourage them to accept themselves just the way they are. This is a great resource for parents, carers and teachers to start conversations with younger children about personality and diversity. It will make a great addition to home and pre-school libraries. As a quiet person myself, constantly asked why I am so quiet, I really connected with this story. I wish I had this story as a youngster, as it would have helped me understand that quietness is a positive attribute. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful picture book that will encourage young children to accept themselves just the way they are. Purchase here

< Back Janet Lau The Little Grey Pig: A Story About Self-Confidence 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 Renee Hayes The Gingerbread Twins Two gingerbread cookies, which means double the trouble, and double the fun! By author Renee Hayes Fox has a plan to make the most delectable gingerbread cookies. Not just one gingerbread cookie, but a pair of gingerbread cookie twins! But Fox can't quite remember the recipe from the little old woman and the little old man. So, he decides to experiment with different ingredients. A pinch of this, a dash of that, but every combination turns flat! The cookies smell divine, and they look great, but they don’t taste quite like he remembers. After many failed attempts, Fox finally finds a recipe for the perfect gingerbread taste and crunch, but no sooner have the cookies cooled down from the oven, the two gingerbread twins, Gavin and Greyson, jump off the baking sheet and escape Fox’s kitchen. Fox chases the cookies, through the village, into the bakery, and through the park, but the cookies are too fast, and Fox cannot keep up. As the cookies attempt to cross the lake, Fox closes in. Will the gingerbread twins reach the shore and escape Fox? Or will the Fox catch them and gobble them up for breakfast? And will Fox ever find the perfect gingerbread recipe? Gingerbread Twins by author Renee Hayes is a fun adaptation of the classic children’s tale, the Gingerbread Man. This time there are two gingerbread cookies, which means double the trouble, and double the fun! I really enjoyed this version of the story, which brings the classic tale up to date, and will appeal to a contemporary audience. With sweet and adorable illustrations that will delight younger readers, by Darby Scebold. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun adaptation of the classic children’s tale, with sweet and adorable illustrations that will delight younger readers. Purchase here

< Back Brett Gunning & Stacy Padula On the Right Path: Book Two Jordan and his siblings are at basketball camp. Jordan is competitive, he wants to score the basket. He wants to win. But Jordan is so focused on the basket, he doesn’t see the opposition and he doesn’t see one of his teammates in a prime position to take the shot. He makes an error and loses the shot. Coach Pete takes the opportunity to remind Jordan and the rest of the team the importance of teamwork when playing basketball, and to always put the needs of the team before your own. Jordan listens carefully, and in the next game the team work more cohesively together and score many more baskets. Later that day, with Coach Pete’s advice still ringing in his ears, Jordan applies the same learning at the dinner table. This is a fabulous book to help instil the importance of teamwork in young children. It shows the power of basketball (and sport in general) to change peoples’ lives, through the development of teamworking skills and other core life skills. It also shows the great work that sport coaches do in developing and supporting young people through life. This book will appeal to boys and girls interested in basketball and other sporting activities, and would make a fantastic addition to any home or school library. We enjoyed the vibrant, detailed illustrations by Maddy Moore, and we particularly liked the diversity of images represented. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘More than basketball – this book shows the significant role that sport plays in developing and supporting young people through life. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Phyllis Harris The Gift Shop Bear A bear is for life, not just for Christmas! For most of the year, the little gift shop bear lives inside a box, in a dusty attic, above the gift shop. Once a year, at Christmas time, Annie takes him out of the box, to join in the Christmas festivities in the shop. Annie and the Bear fill the shop with fun and laughter, they help decorate the shop, drink lots of cocoa and listen to the Christmas carol singers. All the children that visit the shop want to take the bear home, but this special little bear is not for sale. He takes pride of place underneath the Christmas tree in the shop window. But, on Christmas Eve, the bear overhears a conversation that the gift shop is closing, and the bear is worried he might never see Christmas, or Annie, again. But the bear receives the most wonderful Christmas gift, as he finds a new home where he belongs and can be loved and cuddled, all year round. The Gift Shop Bear by author Phyllis Harris is a charming picture book for younger children about a little bear and his friendship with a little girl, Annie. The book will delight younger children, who will relate to the story, as they experience the joy of unpacking their favourite Christmas toys every year, and the sadness when they are all packed away. Beautifully written and illustrated by Phyllis Harris, this is a sweet, sentimental and nostalgic story, and I expect it will become a future Christmas classic. This book is a wonderful festive treat and would make the perfect Christmas eve story or Christmas gift. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet, sentimental and nostalgic story, about a little bear and his friendship with a little girl. Beautifully written and illustrated by Phyllis Harris. Purchase here

< Back Alan Claycomb Maisley's Moon One night, just before bedtime, five-year-old Maisley notices a big, bright full moon right outside her bedroom window. She asks her mom, Why is it there and where does it come from? Maisley’s mom explains that it is there to keep her company and to light up the night sky. Every evening, Maisley watches the pretty moon in the dark sky, but as the days and nights pass, Maisley notices changes in the moon – as a dark shadow casts over the moon’s surface, it appears to get smaller and smaller. Then, one day, Maisley can no longer see the moon and questions whether it is really there at all. Maisley’s Moon is a children’s picture book that explores complex topics of philosophy, faith, and Christianity, in a simple and accessible way that young children will understand and relate to. Just because one cannot see the moon sometimes, it does not mean that the moon does not exist. The book reaffirms Jesus and Faith and will encourage children to think about their own faith and the world around them. A lovely, read together, bedtime book for parents and children to learn about faith and the world around them. A great introductory book for those interested in religion and philosophy, or for anyone with a curious mind. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A lovely, read together, bedtime book for parents and children to learn about faith and the world around them. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here