< Back April Lopez Napoleon: No Ordinary Donkey Will Napoleon the donkey find his special and unique gift? Arthur, a bouncing little bull, and Napoleon, a darling little donkey, are best friends. When a storm brews over Sunny Hills Farm, Napoleon follows Arthur into the little red barn to take shelter, with the other cows. But Brutus the bull does not like the little donkey in the cow barn, and Napoleon has to go outside, alone in the storm. Napoleon is sad, cold and drenched, and doesn’t know where he belongs. He meets a momma duck and her six ducklings and tries to tuck his head under his foreleg like the ducks, but he falls over. Napoleon is sad that he isn’t big and strong like Brutus, and that he can’t fly or sit in the rain like the ducks. He stumbles into the stable and meets Sampson the noble steed, but Sampson doesn’t let him stay in the stable either. Napoleon sits in a puddle in the middle of the storm, and cries. He thinks he doesn’t fit in and wishes the rain would wash him away. He meets Alfred the Great, the wise billy goat, who lets him shelter under the shed, and explains he has a special and unique gift. Will Napoleon find his special and unique gift? Can you guess what it is? Napoleon: No Ordinary Donkey by author April Lopez is a sweet picture book about a little donkey, who doesn’t feel like he belongs. When a storm arrives, he is pushed out, left out, and has to endure the stormy weather all by himself. Until he meets a wise billy goat who helps him discover his special and unique gift. Younger children will love the adorable donkey character and will relate to his experiences as he is isolated by his peers. The book will encourage young children to find their own special and unique gifts, and will help them develop confidence and self-esteem. This is a delightful book and a pleasure to read. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspiring and uplifting illustrated picture book for pre-school children, with adorable animal characters, and an important message about the value of friendship, kindness and inclusion. Purchase here

< Back Jessica Dailey My Tiny Pet Elephant A fun picture book about a little girl and a most unusual pet, by author Jessica Dailey If you could choose any type of tiny pet, what would you choose? A miniature pup? No! A miniscule kitten? No! A teeny rabbit? No! How about a tiny elephant? An elephant so small it can fit in your hand. Yes, yes, yes! For one little girl, her wish is to own a tiny elephant of her very own. An elephant so small it could fit right in the palm of her hand. An elephant so small she could take it in her pocket to school. If she had a tiny elephant, she would play hide and seek with it, she would build him his very own tiny village, and she would read to him at bedtime. The best thing about owning an elephant is the tickles, cuddles, and kisses. Everyone needs a tiny elephant, they make the best of friends, but be careful, even though miniscule in proportions, they still make an enormous mess! My Tiny Pet Elephant by author Jessica Dailey is a sweet, playful, and funny picture book, about a little girl with a vivid imagination. Young children are naturally curious and often ask the most random and unusual questions. This book will spark children’s imagination and encourage further creative conversations. If you could choose any type of tiny pet, what would you choose? With further fun facts and interactive activities at the end of the book, this is a great resource to help parents, carers, and teachers, keep children active and engaged. The illustrations by Gabby Correia are stunning, colorful, and funny. The characters are adorable and will delight younger readers. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet, playful, and funny picture book, that will spark children’s imagination. Purchase here

< Back Ron Keres It's Not That 'Big a Deal' The smallest things can often cause the biggest stress, for both adults and children. Spilling something, forgetting something, making a mess, or making a mistake. These things happen and are frustrating, but there are much more important things in life to worry about. So, in the grand scheme of things, it is not such a big deal, is it? Keres reminds us not to worry about the little things, but to focus instead on what is really important in life, such as family, love, togetherness and being there for one another. This is a cute, well written children’s picture book. Both children and parents will enjoy reading this together and will relate to the real-life situations presented by Keres. A number of typical scenarios are presented, such as accidently spilling the milk on a table, or dropping a lamp on the floor in a store. It will encourage conversations between children and parents that everyone makes mistakes, that it is okay to make mistakes, and we all need to try and learn from our mistakes. It will encourage adults to reflect on their own behaviours and reactions to situations, and to remind them to stay calm and to keep things in perspective. Arthur Lin’s wonderful and funny illustrations bring the story and characters to life perfectly. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A cute children’s picture book that will encourage readers to focus on the important things in life. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

Autumn 2023: Best Children's Book Age 3 to 7 AC Bradburn Dancing with Cara The Rainbow Stories Gabriella Fiorletta What I See is Love Betty Cetas Oscar and Otto Sarah Sparks The Bounciest Monster on Mill Street Samantha Reynolds Help Me Be Me Kimberly A Perry Finley the Fairy Cheryl Johnson Creatures of the Rainforest Michael Dow Nurse Florence for Beginning Readers: Help, Im Bleeding! Adalgisa and David Nico Fish in the Desert: The Untold Story of the Death Valley Pupfish Michael Michie Pablo Avocado Lynne Harley What If You Could? Betty Cetas Oscar and the Awful Horrible Smell Sarah Sparks The Angriest Monster on Mill Street Deanna Hart Blue is the Only Color in the Rainbow Cheryl Johnson Backyard Critters and Creatures Charlene McIver Off to School in my Wheelie Chair Ashley Wall The Day I Had a Bulldozer Cheryl Johnson Today I Learned About Birds C James Sweeney Sadie Sasquatch has Big Feet Lauren Brownrigg You Are...Volume One Donna Wyland 'Twas the Night Before Jesus Jeffrey Morgan Bungo the Funky Monkey Adventures in Kindness Ginger Smith The Magic Blanket Margaret Grote A Farmer I'll Be and more poems for the young and young-at-heart D Burton Smith Quoth the Raven Christine Tussing Detective Stan the Crayon Man and the Missing Birthday Cake Nicole Frankel What are bees good for anyway? Katherine Lockwood Why Me Mama A Childrens Book About The Disability Experience Sarah Sparks The Messiest Monster on Mill Street FA Khan My Superhero Mom Stacy Gabel At the Zoo-oo-oo Donna Wyland Psalms in Rhyme for Little Hearts

< Back Rob Sudano Owl B Blue on Easter Day Owl B. Blue learns the true meaning of Easter. It is Easter morning, and Owl B. Blue hurries downstairs to find colored eggs. But rather than feeling happy, Blue feels down. He is sad because he was told in church that Jesus had died. Ma Owl and Pa Owl comfort Blue and explain that Jesus died on the cross, but rose on the third day and now reigns in heaven. Blue is happy that Jesus is alive and shares the news with everyone he meets. Blue meets a new owl named Purple and explains that Jesus is still alive. Purple already knows that Jesus is alive, and Blue is curious how she heard the news. Purple gives Blue a bible, which tells the story of how Jesus died to free us from sin and rose from the dead. Blue promises to read the bible from beginning to end, and Blue and Purple celebrate their Christianity. Owl B. Blue on Easter Day is a delightful and beautifully crafted picture book by author and illustrator Rob Sudano. Written in rhyme, the book tells the story of Jesus’s death and resurrection in a simple and engaging way that young readers will easily understand. The illustrations are bright, vibrant, and captivating for young audiences, and Owl B. Blue is a fun and charming character. The book will make an excellent resource for parents, carers and educators seeking to teach younger people the significance of Easter within the Christian faith. The book brings the joy and excitement of Easter to life and is sure to become a family-Easter-time favorite. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A joyful resource to help children understand and appreciate the true meaning of Easter. Purchase here

< Back C.J. Zachary Awkward Avocado and the Interrupting Raptor The trials and tribulations of being an older sister, by author C.J. Zachary Awkward Avocado has a little brother. A very annoying little brother. A very annoying little brother who thinks he is a dinosaur. A very annoying little brother who thinks he is a dinosaur, and who loves to roar. Just how annoying can a little brother be? Everywhere Awkward Avocado goes, her little brother…er, little raptor, is by her side. She cannot watch TV in peace. She cannot enjoy quiet time relaxing in the sun. She cannot hang out with her friends without being interrupted. Roar, roar, roar, yells the raptor in her ear! But, Awkward Avocado cannot stay cross with her little raptor for very long. Even though he is loud, and annoying, and even a little crazy, Awkward Avocado wouldn’t have it any other way. She loves his hugs and cuddles. She loves that he is always there. She loves her little raptor…er, little brother, just the way he is. Awkward Avocado and the Interrupting Raptor, is a sweet and funny illustrated picture book for young readers, by author C.J. Zachary. Written in rhyme, and told from the perspective of the big sister, Awkward Avocado, this book is about the trials and tribulations of having an annoying little brother. Yet, despite her little brothers constant noise, presence and annoyance, Awkward Avocado, loves her little brother dearly. Any child with a younger sibling (or cousin, or friend) will relate to this story. The book will help young readers understand other people’s character traits, and will help them to develop nurturing and positive relationships with others. The avocado characters are sweet and engaging, and the illustrations by Zac Zachary are adorable. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and funny illustrated picture book that will help young readers develop nurturing and positive relationships with others. Purchase here

< Back Cheryl Johnson Backyard Critters and Creatures Readers discover a variety of critters and creatures in their own backyard. Backyard Critters & Creatures is an informative and engaging book for young readers about the many creatures that hide out of sight in the backyard or park. With a location map and information about when and where to find each creature, and other key facts about each creature, such as their size and favourite foods, young readers will be able to start their own backyard adventure. Featuring the tiniest critters and creatures, amphibians, birds and mammals, the book highlights the variety of life that exists right outside the backdoor. On double page spreads, there is a spotlight on a different creature, with a wonderful full color photograph, nature notes, fun facts, explorer tips and recommended activities. The book equips readers with all the information and resources they need to become a junior backyard biologist and at the end of the book, they receive a certificate of achievement. Backyard Critters & Creatures is another great addition to the nature book series, by author and photographer Cheryl Johnson. The book shows that wherever you live, in the city or the countryside, you don’t have to travel far to find amazing creatures and animals. With some simple tools, such as a notepad and pen, and binoculars, there is lots to explore right outside the backdoor. The book and the series will spark children’s curiosity and encourage a deeper interest in the natural environment. It will hopefully inspire readers of all ages to go outside and explore. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful exploration of the amazing wildlife that exists right outside the back door. Purchase here

< Back Angela Delf Trixie Bixby and Her 66 Pairs of Socks Trixie Bixby just loves socks! Blue, green, red, and yellow socks, patterned socks, striped socks, polka-dot socks, and many, many more. Any type of sock, you name it, she has it! Her socks are everywhere. Tumbling out of her dresser, hidden in her closet and under her bed. There are so many socks, Trixie struggles to choose. When a new girl starts school, Trixie notices she isn’t wearing any socks. So she sets out on a mission to share her love of socks, and her enormous collection of socks, with the new girl and with everyone around her. She sorts and she organises. She packs and she gift wraps. She gives away her socks until she is left with just a few of her favourite pairs. Trixie feels good about sharing her socks with others, and finds there are many benefits of owning fewer socks. Less mess and more time! Trixie Bixby and her 66 Pairs of Socks is a fun, quirky, picture book about a cute little girl with a joyful passion for socks. Younger children will laugh out loud at Trixie’s enormous sock collection and the mess it creates. Whilst the focus of the story is about Trixie’s stupendous sock collection, there is a subtle message about friendship and kindness, sharing and helping others less fortunate. Written in rhyme, and beautifully illustrated by Chiara Civatiis, this book will appeal to younger children. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A fabulously fun and beautifully illustrated picture book about Trixie and her 66 pairs of socks. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Scott Smallwood Monkey and Bug's Night at The Corn Stand Jam A little dog realises he is not alone, and receives much needed support from his friends, by author Scott Smallwood Monkey the dog, and Bug the cat, are best friends from a small town in Ohio. Monkey was adopted into a loving family home, but sometimes felt sad and lonely. He missed his friends from the kennels, and his older sister didn’t want to play with him. Bug knew Monkey was unhappy, and he suggested they go for a walk together to the park to meet his friends and family. At the park, Monkey met Bugs friends and tried out lots of new activities, like yoga, skateboarding, and painting, which made Monkey feel happy inside and less sad. When Monkey meets a woman in a wheelchair, he is happy when he learns that she is proud of her abilities, and that she feels loved and supported by many people. Then he meets more of Bug’s friends, who play music on the Corn-Jam Stand, to help spread happiness for people when they are feeling a little sad. Monkey learns from his new friends that it is okay not to feel okay, which made him feel a little less alone. Monkey has a little boogie with all his new friends, and knows he has plenty of people to talk to, the next time he feels sad. Monkey and Bug's Night at The Corn Stand Jam is a wonderful picture book by author Scott Smallwood about inclusion, and mental health and wellbeing. Despite having a loving and supportive family, Monkey feels sad and alone sometimes. Through trying new activities, meeting new and different people, and talking to others, Monkey learns that everyone feels sad and lonely from time to time, and it is okay not to be okay. He learns the importance of talking to others, sharing problems, as well as the importance of letting go and having fun. This book will help to open up conversations with young readers and their parents or carers, and will encourage them to talk about their thoughts and feelings. The book deals with mental health issues in a simple, engaging and effective way, that young readers will relate to. Inspired by the real Christian’s Corn Stand Jam, proceeds of this book go to charity. This is an engaging and insightful book, with an important message that will benefit readers of all ages, and support a much deserved charity. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful picture book that deals with mental health issues in a simple, effective and engaging way. Purchase here

< Back Michael Michie Pablo Avocado Can a little avocado take on the fashion world? Pablo Avocado comes from a long line of accomplished avocado’s. His father was a salsa dancer, his grandfather was a sailor, and his great grandfather was so beautiful that he didn’t have to work a day in his life. Pablo is a handsome young avocado, but he is feeling a little lost in life. He wants to make something of himself, but he doesn’t know what to do or where to start. He isn’t even sure whether he is a fruit or a vegetable! Pablo sneaks into his therapists office, hidden under his ‘cloak of secrecy’ so nobody sees him. He settles into the cozy therapists chair, and suddenly has an idea. He dreams of turning the store isles into a colourful catwalk. He dreams of creating fabulous outfits for his fruit friends. He dreams of becoming the next big fashion designer. But Pablo doesn’t want to waste any more time dreaming. He knows just what he needs to do, and the first thing is to get out of the therapists chair! Pablo Avocado by author Michael Michie is a fabulous and fun picture book for young readers about an eccentric little avocado who is feeling sad and a little lost in life. Pablo wants to make a name for himself, just like his father and his fathers’ father, so he visits a therapist to help him make a decision about his future. But Pablo doesn’t need the therapists help, he knows exactly what he wants to do and how he is going to do it! With a little bit of focus and a lot of self-belief, Pablo finally finds his purpose. This is a simple and entertaining way of helping young children to open up and talk through their problems. This is a cute and imaginative story, with lots of humor and plenty of word play to entertain both children and their care givers. Young children will enjoy this adorable character and will laugh out loud at his antics, for example as he hides under his cloak and loses his belly button stone. They will enjoy the colourful illustrations and the fruit and vegetable characters as they feature in various unexpected scenes. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fabulously fun and fruity picture book about a little avocado with a big dream. Purchase here

< Back Betty Cetas Oscar and the Awful Horrible Smell Can Oscar the troll find the source of the stinky smell? Oscar the troll lives deep in the forest. He loves the forest and knows it very well. He even knows all the forest smells, the good smells, and the not-so-good smells! But one day, while out picking blueberries, Oscar notices a very unusual and very stinky smell. He can’t quite put his finger (or nose, rather) on the smell, so he sets out into the forest to investigate. He travels throughout the forest, and the smell gets stronger and stronger. It isn’t his armpits, although they are pretty stinky. It isn’t the mushrooms, which smell pretty terrible. Nor the dead fish inside the wolverine’s cave, which smell vile. What could it be? Oscar continues to search high and low throughout the forest, but still cannot find the source of the stinky smell. He decides to return home, but the smell even follows him into his house. As he puts his feet up to rest for the evening, he suddenly discovers the source of the foul smell! Oscar and the Awful, Horrible Smell, is part of the Troll Tales and Other Stories from Grandma’s Cottage series, by Betty Cetas. The book follows the adventures of Oscar, a rather grotesque looking, but loveable troll. This is an entertaining and funny book, and children will laugh out loud at Oscar’s antics as he tries to find the source of the smell. Children will enjoy searching with Oscar as he trundles through the forest and they will enjoy guessing where the smell might be coming from. There is a very funny twist at the end of the book, that will delight younger readers. Young children love silly stories, and the funnier, dirtier, smellier, and more gruesome the better! They will love this story and fall in love with the adorable (but rather smelly) Oscar. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A stinky, fun-filled adventure with a very loveable troll. Purchase here

< Back C James Sweeney Sadie Sasquatch has Big Feet Sadie Sasquatch finds a sporting match. Sadie Sasquatch loves going to school and learning new things. She loves story time, and arts and crafts, and she especially enjoys nap time. But her favourite time is recess! She loves to climb and jump, swing and slide, spin and play. But, as a sasquatch (bigfoot) sometimes Sadie’s big feet get in the way. They get tangled in the skipping rope, smudge the chalk on the hopscotch board, and get in the way when she plays basketball. Sadie’s friends are not happy, and Sadie is sad they do not want to play with her anymore. Over in the field, Sadie notices a group of friends playing kickball and joins in. But when she is picked last for the team, Sadie thinks it is because of her big feet. When it is her time to kick, Sadie grits her teeth and kicks the ball as far as she can. She lands a home run and helps her team win the game. As Sadie teaches her dad her new skills, she soon realises kickball is the perfect sport for a little (and big) sasquatch. Sadie Sasquatch has Big Feet by C. James Sweeney is part of a book series about a little sasquatch and her adventures at school. Sadie is different from the other children, and sometimes feels like an outsider. In this book, Sadie realises that her big feet are not great for many activities. However, they do not stop her from joining in and having fun. As she tries lots of different activities, she joins a group of friends playing Kickball. Sadie learns that she has unique skills, and finally finds an activity that she likes and is good at. The book teaches children important life lessons about perseverance, self-acceptance, and the importance of harnessing one’s own strengths. It reminds children that it is okay to be different, and it will encourage children to find an activity that is a good match for their own unique qualities and talents. It will help to develop inner-strength and confidence amongst young readers. Sadie is a cute, funny, and relatable character, and her story and school experiences will resonate with many young readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming picture book about a little sasquatch who finds her confidence and skills-match on the kickball field. Purchase here