< Back Lisa Gerlits Rewilding Eleven-year-old Joy Holderman is trying her best to look after her little brother, Ian, after her dad left the family home. Her mom has spiralled into a deep, dark, depression and is unable to care for herself or the children. When the school counselor asks questions about her home life, Joy fears that she will call Child Protective Services. While Joy tries to present some sense of normalcy at school, she is troubled by early childhood memories. She worries that she might hurt her little brother, after comments made by her dad many years ago. One day, Joy and Ian find a baby bird in their garden and decide to take care of it. They name the bird Lady, but when the bird becomes sick they are forced to seek the help of a neighbor, Ezzie. Ezzie helps Joy and Ian look after the bird, on condition that the children help her rewild her garden. Joy and Ian find comfort in nature, and a sense of purpose and belonging. At the same time, Joy develops a new perspective that makes her question the actions of her father. Rewilding is a heartfelt coming of age novel by Lisa Gerlits, about a young girl and her brother, whose lives are turned upside down when their mom and dad separate. Both parents let the children down at the time they need them most. Unfortunately, their experience is not uncommon, and many readers will relate to this story. Lisa Gerlits delicately handles themes of abuse and neglect, while also celebrating the restorative and healing power of nature. Highly recommended for young readers who are experiencing change or seeking comfort. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A heartfelt and touching story for young readers, and a reminder that even in difficult times, beauty can be found in the most unexpected places. Purchase here

< Back Stephanie Scott Tools to Cool Finding Ways to Cope Nini the bird helps readers find different ways to keep cool. Tools to Cool Finding Ways to Cope, by author Stephanie Scott, is an illustrated seek and find book for young readers, with tools to help them cope in stressful situations. On each page, a different situation, scenario, or emotion is presented, (ie, feeling stressed or worried at school, making new friends, or feeling angry or mad) and then provides a number of coping mechanisms, such as finding a quiet space to calm down and relax, deep breathing, or dancing. On each page, the reader is asked a number of questions, to help them find a solution that might work for them, and a ‘Can you find?’ bubble, which encourages readers to look for the item in the illustration. This also encourages positive action, by encouraging the reader to explore further in real life. There are over 20 coping tools and strategies hidden in the book. Tools to Cool Finding Ways to Cope is a unique and interactive seek and find book, where readers are encouraged to find coping tools and strategies that are hidden in the illustrations. This is a cleverly crafted book for young readers, which addresses the topic of coping with stress, with a fun and engaging activity. The book follows an endearing character, Nini the bird, as she navigates her way through different scenarios. The book is designed to be used independently by children, and will encourage readers to take control and develop their own coping mechanisms. It will also make an excellent resource for parents, carers, and teachers to discuss stress and coping mechanisms with young children. It will encourage open conversations about emotions, and teaches valuable life skills in an accessible and enjoyable way. Overall, a charming and educational illustrated book that not only entertains children, but also empowers them to handle stress in a positive and proactive manner. Star rating: 5 stars Summary: A unique and interactive seek and find book for young readers, which addresses the topic of coping with stress, with a fun and engaging activity. Purchase here

< Back Governor Nathan Deal Veto, the Governor's Cat Veto, an ordinary cat, with an extraordinary story. Veto is a cat, but not just any cat! He is the Governor’s cat. Veto was born on a farm and enjoyed playing with all the farmyard animals. One day, Veto and his big brother, Bill, were sent to live at the Governor and First Lady’s mansion, to help protect the mansion’s garden from the chipmunks and birds that were eating the fruits and berries. As Veto and Bill settled into their new home, they explored the grounds and liked to chase away the chipmunks, squirrels, and birds. They make friends with the troopers and a man who worked at the mansion, named Dan. But one day, it is time for the Governor and First Lady to move on, and Veto and Bill move to a new home in the country. The brothers are scared and sad to leave their friends, especially Dan. Veto and Bill have a good life in the country, and meet lots of new friends. But as time passes, Veto soon has to navigate life in the country without his big brother and best friend. He makes new friends, and the Governor and the First Lady become his very special companions. Veto, the Governor's Cat by author, Governor Nathan Deal, is a sweet, charming and heartfelt tale of the Governors cat, Veto. Written from Veto’s perspective, the book follows his journey from his birth on a farm, through to his time living at the Governor’s mansion, through to his later years in the countryside. As Veto moves to different homes, he learns important life lessons, including how to be brave in new situations, how to make new friends, and even how to deal with death. The story captures Veto’s emotions, the confusion of moving home and the sadness of his loss, while also offering moments of warmth and joy as he makes new friends and learns new things. His experiences are similar to human experiences and young children will relate to his journey. The watercolour style illustrations by Cheryl Riner Hodge are beautiful and capture Veto’s life and emotions perfectly. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A warm, tender and beautifully illustrated book that gently guides children through big life events. Purchase here

< Back Cat Fan Mika's Quest for the Lost Artifact Mika’s magical, mystical adventure in San Francisco, by author Cat Fan Mika and her pet unicorn, Polo, are admiring the pavilion in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, when suddenly a secret message appears. The message explains that a precious artefact is lost, and Mika’s quest is to solve the clue and find it. The first clue is to find a hidden king, but as Mika takes a closer look at the message, she touches an engraving and is magically teleported to another part of the city. Mika and Polo are in the California Academy of Sciences, and find a hidden king, the T-Rex, the king of all dinosaurs. As Mika and Polo uncover new clues, they are teleported across the city, to monuments and famous streets, where they learn all about the history and culture of San Francisco. Will Mika and Polo solve the clues and find the lost artefact? And will they get back to the park before Mika’s parents notice they are missing? Mika's Quest for the Lost Artifact is a fun and educational illustrated chapter book, with an adorable protagonist Mika, and a cute sidekick, Polo. This book is a great concept, where the history and culture of a real city is revealed through solving cryptic clues. Children will be engaged and entertained, as they help Mika and Polo solve the clues, and at the same time learn about the city of San Francisco. Wonderful, digital artwork by Caner Soylu, bring the story and characters to life beautifully. We look forward to more adventures of Mika and Polo in other mesmerising cities. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun and educational book, with an adorable protagonist Mika, and her cute sidekick, Polo Purchase here

< Back Renee Hamilton Norey Loo Glory's Adoption Story Book blurb... Celebrate adoption through the eyes and heart of nine year old Norey Loo Glory, as she sets the record straight that "adoption is an awesome option". Purchase here

< Back Nikita Kapoor Pack of the Lost- The Uninviting Forest Two young wolves must face their fears and enter a dangerous forest, by author Nikita Kapoor A pack of majestic wolves live peacefully in a cave on the edge of the forest on a crooked mountain. But when the roof collapses and the cave crumbles, two young wolves, Daffodil and Jasper, become separated from the pack. Jasper tries to persuade Daffodil to search for the pack in the forbidden, uninviting forest. The forest has hidden dangers and Daffodil is scared, but she won’t allow Jasper to journey alone. She reluctantly agrees, and together they venture into the depths of the forest. Jasper and Daffodil are chased by hungry tigers, and become separated. Jasper desperately searches for Daffodil, and whilst trying to avoid danger, he meets two dogs, Cosmo and Nova. Meanwhile, Daffodil is lost, scared and alone, deep in the forest. She meets a white wolf named Iris and finds a magical amulet, with a connection to her ancestors and the wolf god, Felix. The ghost of Felix helps the pair out of danger and the friends are reunited, but Daffodil is troubled by inner turmoil, and Jasper is haunted by a disturbing dream. Will the pair ever find their way out of the uninviting forest? And can they rebuild their pack? The Uninviting Forest, by ten-year old author Nikita Kapoor, is an imaginative, magical, fantasy fiction novel for middle grade readers. This is the first book in the Pack of the Lost series, and is packed full of action and adventure. The two main characters show strength, determination and leadership skills, as they face their fears and overcome many challenges in the forest. With excellent writing for someone so young, superb world-building, and captivating characters, Nikita Kapoor is a talent to watch out for. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An imaginative, magical, fantasy fiction novel, packed full of action and adventure. Purchase here

< Back J.T. Tenera Erift's Journeys: The Dark Messengers Joseph and Eric are back in another magical adventure, by author J.T. Tenera The Dark Messengers is the second instalment in the Erift's Journeys series, by author J.T. Tenera. It has been a year since Joseph Erift and his best friend, Eric Castis, embarked on a magical gaming adventure in the remote Murean Islands. During the trip, they met an eccentric researcher, Professor Benjamin Thessit, and were asked to track down a young man named Ryan Morter, who had stolen the Professor’s research. Life has pretty much returned back to normality in their hometown of Sethen County, and Joseph and Eric are preparing for college, when the friends are suddenly chased by strange, black shadowy creatures. They receive an urgent letter from the Professor, with VIP plane tickets, requesting their immediate return to Murean. Joseph and Eric travel back to the Murean Islands and reunite with the Professor. They discover that the strange shadowy creatures are connected to Ryan Morter, and the events that took place in the Sealed Forest a year ago. As the creatures follow their every move, Joseph and Eric must act quickly to assist the Professor, and avert the biggest catastrophe the world has ever faced, before his research is shut down by the Secretive Information Agency. The Dark Messengers by author J.T. Tenera is an epic, action-packed, sequel to the Secrets of The Sealed Forest. The book picks up a year after the first book in the series ended, and introduces some new characters, as well as the return of the two memorable protagonists, Joseph and Eric, and the eccentric Professor. I enjoyed this book even more than the first book, particularly from a character development perspective. It was great to see the characters, their relationships, and their magic, grow and develop through the series. This is a fun, entertaining and magical novel, that will appeal to middle grade readers and young adults alike. Highly recommended. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An epic, action-packed sequel, with memorable characters, and a captivating, magical world. Purchase here

< Back Rhonda Mcdonald JESUS Was A Child Like You Book blurb... Jesus Was A Child Like You invites young readers to explore the childhood of Jesus through a thoughtful blend of faith, research, and imagination. Inspired by years of teaching in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, this engaging narrative answers the questions children naturally ask—What was Jesus like as a child? Did He laugh, learn, and grow just like them? Grounded in historical context and supported by Scripture references, this book transforms curiosity into connection. It helps children see Jesus not as distant, but relatable—someone who understands their experiences. Give children a story they can see themselves in—and a relationship they can grow into. Purchase here

< Back Nick Vakalopoulos A Blue Jay Is Hungry A Blue Jay Is Hungry is a photography book by author and wildlife photographer, Nick Vakalopoulos, about the magnificent bird, the Blue Jay. Written in rhyme, the book follows a Blue Jay as it goes about its daily business. The Blue Jay is captured in glorious photography, as it searches for food, rests on a branch, and then launches into the air, before swooping down like an arrow to eat a tasty nut. The photographs depict the bird in various moments of flight and action, showcasing the birds beautiful colors and patterns, as well as its anatomy. A Blue Jay Is Hungry is an educational and entertaining book for readers of all ages. Full of interesting facts about the Blue Jay and stunning photography from Vakalopoulos, the book will appeal to readers who are interested in nature and wildlife photography. Each page includes a full color photography of a Blue Jay in its natural habitat, resting in trees and soaring through the air. The book will increase awareness of the magnificent bird and will help to prompt further discussions about wildlife and conservation. Written in a simple and engaging rhyme, this book can be enjoyed by readers both young and old. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful and insightful picture book about the magnificent Blue Jay, accompanied by glorious wildlife photography. Purchase here

< Back Christine Copeland Have You Seen the Ghost of John Author and artist Christine Copeland brings an old folk song to life through beautiful watercolour illustrations Have You Seen the Ghost of John? by author Christine Copeland, is based on a folk song of the same name. The sheet music is included at the start of the book, and the author encourages readers to sing along. The book tells the story of newlyweds Abigail and Peter Williams who visit Peters family in their New England village, but they sense a presence, which, unbeknownst to them, is the ghost of their ancestor John Williams. Readers are encouraged to find John Williams in the beautiful watercolour illustrations. This is an interactive picture book, where readers are encouraged to get involved by singing along and finding John Williams in the illustrations. Young readers will love to get involved, and sing along with their parents or carers. The illustrations by Copeland are stunning and a piece of art in their own right. They capture the era and the New England scenery perfectly, and include a touch of humour. Star rating: 5 Stars. Purchase here

< Back Julie Stephens Mountain Mutts - Joy's Tale A wonderful tale of friendship, by author Julie Stephens This is a story about two dogs, named Winter and Spring. The two best friends were inseparable, wherever Winter went, Spring would follow. Winter and Spring loved to play and explore together, until the day Winter sadly passed away, leaving Spring sad, alone and confused. Then one day, a new puppy named Joy arrived in the household. Joy wants lots of attention, but Spring is not interested in the energetic newcomer. She misses her dear friend, Winter. Joy plays and sleeps alone, and waits patiently until Spring is ready to be her friend. Eventually Spring takes notice, and the pair become good friends. Spring teaches the young pup how to climb down the steps, how to cross the river, and how to fetch a stick. Now, Spring and Joy are inseparable, but Winter will never be forgotten. Mountain Mutts - Joy's Tale by author Julie Stephens is a wonderful picture book for young children, about the friendship and love that exists between dogs. Spring is despondent when her play mate and best friend Winter passes away. She is no longer interested in having fun or making new friends, but all that changes when she meets a lively little pup, named Joy. Joy helps Spring overcome her grief and shows her that there is still lots to live for. This is a poignant story about love and loss, beautifully told through the eyes of adorable dogs. The story deals with complex issues, such as depression and grief, in a way that younger children will understand and can relate to. The book will appeal to readers who love dogs, and may help those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The book features beautiful photographs of three wonderful dogs, Winter, Spring and Joy . Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A poignant picture book for younger readers about love and loss, beautifully told through the eyes of adorable dogs. Purchase here

Will Harley James solve the clues to find the missing statue, and save the world from ultimate destruction? < Back Leah Cupps Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings Harley Rebecca James, a budding cryptologist, and the daughter of a world-renowned archaeologist, is on an expedition to Tikal Guatemala. Out walking with her dog one day, Harley discovers a Mayan carving and a missing stone from six nooks carved into the wall. When Harley finds the sixth stone, and places it in the wall, part of the wall collapses and she discovers a hidden, glowing, statue. But before Harley can tell her dad about the mysterious artefact, it is stolen from under her bed. Harley soon learns about the legend of the three Mayan Kings, and if her statue meets two other missing statues, it could result in world destruction. Harley must follow the clues to find the statue before it gets into the wrong hands. Little does she know that a criminal gang is also in search of the missing statue, and Harley and her friends must stop them before it’s too late. Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings is a superb story for young, independent readers. Harley is a strong, confident, female lead, with a quest for knowledge and adventure. The book will appeal to those who like action, adventures, and mystery stories. With lots of interesting facts about Mayan history, readers might be inspired to learn more about this fascinating, ancient civilisation. There are cryptic clues throughout the book, that will also encourage readers to learn more about code breaking and cryptology. The book is complemented by wonderful illustrations, and other resources to access on the authors website. As the first in the series, this book sets the scene for future adventures of Harley James, and we look forward to reading the next instalment. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A superb mystery story, with a strong female lead. A BRONZE WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here