< 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 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 Mariam Latifi A to Z of Mini Muslims This is a unique and educational A to Z picture book for children, exploring Islam and being a Muslim. The book is ideal for young Muslims who want to learn a little more about their religion, or for anyone interested in learning about this beautiful religion of peace. Latifi presents a range of interesting facts in an alphabet style picture book, from A which represents the Almighty, All-wise Allah SWT, right through to Z which represents Zakah, which means giving to charity to the poor and needy. This is a great resource for those with limited knowledge of the religion and want to learn more, or for those who want to enhance their knowledge in certain areas. The book also includes a useful glossary of terms and an A to Z of frequently asked questions. This easy-to-read book will help both children and adults to learn about the religion in a really fun and engaging way. It will help them to learn the alphabet, whilst at the same time supporting the development of new knowledge and new vocabulary. The book would be a valuable resource in any home, public or school library to promote religious awareness and diversity. The illustrations by Saba Yasmeen complement the book perfectly. The vibrant and diverse images show the beauty of the religion, and unity of Muslims across the world. We particularly liked the subtle themes and references to Australia. Latifi set out to promote diversity, inclusivity, religious awareness and tolerance, and the book does exactly that. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A fantastic book which promotes diversity, inclusivity, religious awareness, and tolerance in a fun and engaging way. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Sarah Sparks The Bounciest Monster on Mill Street Becks bounces all the way to the stars and back. Becks is the bounciest monster on Mill Street. She loves to twirl and giggle, dance and giggle. She loves to have fun and never sits still. One day, Becks feels like she might explode. She bounces down Mill Street and through the playground. She bounces through the mud and splashes into the pond. She gets so excited, she bounces high into the sky, off the planet Mars, and zooms across space. She flies past the sun before crashing back down to earth with a bang. Poor little Becks is dazed and confused and has a sore noggin from all the bouncing. As she cleans up her mess, she thinks she needs to bounce a little less. She finds a new sport to work off all of her energy, and she even finds time to relax a little bit now and then. But Becks will be Becks, and she is still the bounciest monster in Mill Street. The Bounciest Monster on Mill Street is part of the Monster on Mill Street series by Sarah Sparks. This book follows the adventures of Becks, who like many children just cannot sit still. She has lots of energy and loves to bounce, but after a fun-filled day full of bouncing, Becks has a terrible headache. Becks learns that she needs to burn off a lot of energy, but she also needs to rest. Ultimately, she needs balance in life to stay happy and healthy. The book and the series teach young children important lessons in life. Beck’s story is a reminder to have fun, but to have fun safely. It is also a reminder to slow down occasionally and take those well-deserved breaks. The book is beautifully written in rhyme and has lots of alliteration that young children love. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming picture book about a little monster who cannot sit still. 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 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 C. James Sweeney Sadie Sasquatch Goes to School How will a little sasquatch fit in at school? It is Sadie Sasquatch’s first day at kindergarten. She is excited to make new friends, but everyone stares at her. Her backpack is homemade and different to all the other backpacks. Sadie wonders why everyone is staring at her and decides to make her classmates laugh by passing gas. Some children laugh, but others do not, and Sadie’s teacher is not amused. Sadie is embarrassed but determined not to let it ruin her first day at school. Sadie enjoys art class but is told off again for picking her nose with a paint brush. At snack time, Sadie makes a big mess, but shares her favourite food with a boy who doesn’t have a snack. When Sadie arrives at home, she tells her dad all about her first day and has a few things to teach him too! Sadie Sasquatch Goes to School by author C. James Sweeney is an illustrated picture book about a little sasquatch’s (bigfoot) first day in kindergarten. This is a funny and engaging picture book, that will delight young readers. Sadie has never been to school, and quickly learns what is appropriate and not appropriate. Sadie is a sweet, adorable, and slightly mischievous character. Young children will laugh out loud when Sadie passes gas in the classroom and picks her nose with a paintbrush. Sadie is ridiculed by her fellow classmates for being different, but she is resilient and shows kindness to her classmates by sharing her favourite food with another child. The book has an important message about equality, diversity and inclusion, and will help to develop kindness and compassion amongst younger readers. The illustrations are bright, engaging and captivating for younger audiences. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun and laugh out loud picture book about a little sasquatch and her eventful first day at kindergarten. 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