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< 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 Christina Davis Tilly the Troll's Shopping Spree Tilly the Hopping Troll by Christina Davis is a delightful and engaging children's book set in the whimsical Enchanted Rainbow Realm. The story follows Tilly, a young troll who lives with her family in the Troll Forest. As the youngest sibling, Tilly is often left with the smallest bridge, which she dreams of upgrading by winning a game of tag against her brothers. However, her brothers have magical shoes that give them an unfair advantage, leaving Tilly at a disadvantage. When Tilly discovers a pair of teleportation high-tops at the Flea Market, she sees them as her ticket to finally winning the game and claiming a bigger bridge. However, her impulsive shopping habits lead her to spend her savings on shiny jewelry that she doesn’t need, leaving her unable to afford the shoes. This moment of disappointment teaches Tilly—and young readers—the importance of prioritizing needs over wants and avoiding impulse purchases. The story is both entertaining and educational, with relatable themes for children and parents alike. Davis cleverly uses Tilly’s journey to impart lessons about financial literacy, goal-setting, and the value of hard work. Tilly’s determination to save up for the shoes after her initial setback is inspiring, and her eventual success demonstrates the rewards of perseverance and planning. The inclusion of discussion prompts and activities at the end of the book further reinforces these lessons, making it an excellent resource for parents and educators to encourage critical thinking, practical life skills, and financial literacy. Jane Sparks’ illustrations are vibrant and whimsical, perfectly complementing the enchanting world of the Troll Forest. This book is highly recommended for children aged 4-8, as well as parents and educators looking for a creative way to introduce financial literacy and decision-making skills. Tilly’s story is a charming reminder that with patience, hard work, and focus, we can achieve our goals and make thoughtful choices that lead to lasting happiness. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartwarming and educational tale, combining fantasy and practical life lessons. Purchase here

< Back Reesa Shayne I Breathe For Me Inhale. Exhale. Breathe. A little girl learns how to use her breath to navigate through life. Her breath is a gift. Her breath is a friend. Her breath is a tool she uses to get through tough situations. Inhale. Exhale. Breathe. When she is sitting a test or having a tough lesson at school; when she is nervous or scared; or when she faces a difficult challenge, like climbing a rocky hill. She uses her inner strength and breath to get her through, even when she knows she might fail. She uses her breath to relax, calm herself and remind herself she is doing okay and that everything will be fine. I Breathe for Me is an inspiring and empowering picture book by Reesa Shayne, beautifully illustrated by Uttara Garg. The book will help children understand the importance and positive benefits of breath work and meditation, in a simple, engaging, accessible and age-appropriate way. It is a great resource for parents, carers and educators to help build confidence, self-esteem and resilience amongst younger children. It will help children understand and recognise their own feelings and emotions, and will encourage them to practice breathing techniques and self-care. With further resources, breathing exercises and positive affirmations at the end of this book, the book will help young children to find their own breath and inner strength. The illustrations are simply delightful. The little girl is a sweet, charming and relatable character, and her journey will inspire younger readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An inspiring and empowering picture book to help children understand the importance and positive benefits of breath work meditation. Purchase here

< Back Ali Barclay The Tales of Charlie Wags: Paris Part of the Charlie Wags series, this book follows Charlie as he visits Paris, France. With a familiar introduction to the story, Charlie wags his tail and travels to Paris. He visits the Louvre art museum and sees the famous Mona Lisa painting. He visits Notre Dame, a grand cathedral in the centre of the city. He climbs the Arc de Triomphe and catches a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. He eats tasty French treats in a street café, and hops on a train to the Palace of Versailles. Finally, he floats down the River Seine on a boat and strolls down the charming streets by moonlight. The Tales of Charlie Wags: Paris is an illustrated picture book by author Ali Barclay. This is a wonderful addition to the series, which sees the little pup take a trip to the magnificent city of Paris. Each book in the series has a similar introduction, and has a similar style and format, making this a familiar and reassuring read for young readers. Barclay’s rhymes are as sweet as ever and the pastel, watercolour style illustrations, are bursting with French flair. A magnifique addition to this travel adventure series for young explorers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A delightful, tail wagging, travel adventure in Paris, with an adorable little pup. 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 Christina M Carroll The Things I Love A young boy and his mom share memories of the past. A young boy sits in his bedroom with his mother, looking back through an old photograph album. He looks at the photographs and shares memories of all the good times and things he loved to do, with his mother. Each photograph represents a time in his young life, a moment and a memory captured in a glorious colorful image. He loved to climb trees and go on fishing trips, play hide and seek, and go trick or treating. But most of all, he loved spending time with his mother. Written in rhyme, with a numerical countdown from the boy aged ten to age one, this book will help build both vocabulary and numeracy skills. The book is a unique take on a traditional counting book, as the countdown is woven into the story. The format worked really well and will engage young readers. Children love looking back at old photographs and sharing memories, and they will connect with the story in this book. I can imagine young readers sharing this book with parents or caregivers, pulling out their own photograph albums, and remembering key moments in their own lives. In an age where most photographs are captured digitally, this book is a celebration of the beauty and power of a physical photograph. Overall, this is a sweet and charming illustrated picture book, and a perfect book to share at bedtime. The illustrations by Jenny Slife are wonderful. Vibrant, fun, and engaging, the illustrations capture the story perfectly. The main character is sweet and adorable, and I enjoyed watching how he developed and how his appearance changed over time. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A sweet and charming picture book, which captures the essence of childhood and the joy of sharing memories with loved ones. Purchase here

< Back August E. Allen I Love Dandelions The difference between a weed and a flower is a judgment. It is a lovely spring day and Theodore W. Mouse is keen to go on an adventure all by himself. His mom wants him to stay close to home and asks him to take along his little sister, Mirabella (Bella for short). The siblings go out into the field and see millions of droplets of golden sunshine in the grass, as far as the eye could see. Theodore is curious and plucks at the stem of a golden light. He takes the droplet home to show his mom, who explains that it is a dandelion, a beautiful golden flower that is often called a weed. Dandelions are natures magic, explains mom. A few days pass and Theodore and Mirabella still don’t understand why dandelions are natures magic. So, the siblings head out into the field one evening and discover the droplets of golden sunshine are gone, but there are millions of little moons floating in the sky. Theodore plucks at the stem of a little moon and takes it home to show his mom. Mom explains that the moon is the magic. But there is more magic to come, when the little moons burst into millions of sparkly stars. I Love Dandelions is a magical illustrated picture book by author and illustrator August E. Allen, about mouse siblings, Theodore and Mirabelle, who go on an adventure and discover the wonderful metamorphosis of the dandelion plant. This is a cute story, with a sweet message about the beauty and wonder of nature, told through the eyes of adorable mouse characters. It shows that beauty is in the eye of the beholder - what is a nuisance weed to some, is a beautiful spectacle and nutritious food for others. The book will encourage young children to explore nature and see the beauty in all living things. The illustrations are exquisite, and I was drawn to this book by the stunning front cover. If you are not a big fan of dandelions, you will be after reading this delightful book! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A magical illustrated picture book about the wonderful metamorphosis of the dandelion plant, with adorable mouse characters. Purchase here

Readers Choice Book Awards, book reviews and awards voted by readers in three categories, with cash prizes for gold award winners: Best Childrens Book 3-6; Best Childrens Book 7-10; Best Childrens Book Illustrations; Best Childrens Book Cover Design. Winners and finalists of the Summer 2021 Readers' Choice Book Awards announced! We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2021 Summer Readers’ Choice Book Awards. Best Children’s Book 3-6 **GOLD** Kathleen McPolin: Boomer and Blanky and the clothes **SILVER** Kelly Vurinaris: Hi, I'm Me **BRONZE** R.J. Furness: The Pomdig **FINALISTS** Justin Davis: The Snark Nadja Springer: The Big Adventures of a Little Tree: Tree Finds Friendship Emma Wyatt: Super Harry Stephanie Brien : Shade Hunter C M Harris: What If We Were All The Same!: A Children's Book About Ethnic Diversity and Inclusion Best Children’s Book 7-10+ **GOLD** Ektaa Bali: The Fae Princess **SILVER** Murray Richter: Fishing for Luck **BRONZE** Valerie Chamberlain: Notes in the Night: A Becky Lawson Mystery **FINALISTS** Audrey Lavigne: An Only Child's Diary; A New Life Mara Purl and Kensington Norfleet: Mystery Sleigh Ride Alexandra Bach: Cheering for the Underdog: A Rescue Dog's Quest Aimee C. Trafton: Amber Tambourine and the Land of Laugh-a-Lot Jennifer Benito-Kowalski: My first day as a Junior Park Ranger

< Back Lori Hoffman Penna Catawampus: The Story of a Crooked Cat Catawampus was born with his front legs bent, so he stands on two feet. He lives all alone on the street, but he longs for a family of his own. One day, Catawampus is caught and taken to a cat shelter. The other cats at the shelter are mean, they laugh at his legs and tease him. So, Catawampus has an idea. He attempts to change his appearance, and disguise his bent legs. He thinks this will give him the best chance of being picked by a human and taken home. But his plan fails, and he starts to believe he will never find a new home. Then, a man sweeping up the trash at the shelter notices Catawampus. The man is old, grey and walks with a limp. He recognises himself in the cat and knows he just needs a friend. Will Catawampus ever leave the shelter? And will he ever find his forever home? Catawampus: The Story of a Crooked Cat is an illustrated picture book by author Lori Hoffman Penna about a stray cat with a physical difference, who unexpectedly finds himself in a cat shelter. The other cats are mean, and no-one wants to adopt a cat with crooked legs, but Catawampus is determined to find a new home. This is a heart-warming story about a beautiful, strong and determined cat. Just when he is about to give up hope, he meets a man who gives him the forever home he has been dreaming of. The book is a celebration of difference and diversity, and teaches young children the importance of acceptance, kindness, compassion and inclusion. A must read for children who love animals, and for anyone who has ever felt a little bit out of place. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A powerful and uplifting tale about a very special cat, and his journey from the streets to finding his forever home. Purchase here

< Back Felicia Taylor E. Southern Spiced: A Brown Girl’s Tale Poet, Felicia Taylor E, shares her memories of childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. Southern Spiced: A Brown Girl’s Tale is a collection of poems by Felicia Taylor E. centered around her childhood memories, adolescence and young adulthood. There are four distinct collections: ‘Beginning’, ‘Piney Woods Time’, ‘Blues of Life and Love’ and ‘Grateful’. The first is a collection about her early childhood, with sweet memories watching and learning from television, her love of books and her imaginary friends, movies, and her adventures with her mom and dad. But also, some traumatic memories of discrimination, random strangers touching her hair, the cruelty of her early years’ teacher, and a terrifying encounter with the Klu Klux Klan. The second collection is about her time growing up, spending time with her grandmother and grandfather, her love of music, playing out with friends, and the joy of singing in the church choir. In the third collection, Felicia describes her youth, her growing understanding of the world around her, the stories of others who fought every day for survival in an unjust society, the cruelty of dementia on patients and their loved ones, her growth as a young woman and a poet, a blossoming love with a ‘brown eyed Knight’, and thoughts about death. In the final collection, Felicia shares beautiful memories of lost loved ones. Southern Spiced: A Brown Girl’s Tale is a beautiful and poignant collection of poetry by Felicia Taylor E. The poems are both heart-warming and heart-breaking, as Felicia takes the reader on a journey through her life, and shares her experiences of growing up as a Black girl and woman in the South. The diverse collection of poems shows the authors ‘multilayers’ of womanhood and being a Black woman. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful and poignant collection of poetry that are both heart-warming and heart-breaking. Purchase here

< Back A Frank Corso Mystery Divine Travel Agency A Frank Corso mystery novel, set in magical New Orleans Frank Corso, a middle-aged New Yorker, and Wall Street financial researcher, is on a field trip to the French Quarter of New Orleans, when he is contacted by his ex-girlfriend Maggie. Maggie is worried about her friend, Aureole, a young, Creole girl who disappeared after visiting her bar the previous evening. Maggie is convinced Aureole’s disappearance is related to her unique mystical powers and her role as a clairvoyant. Frank reluctantly agrees to help Maggie look for her friend, in the hope that they might rekindle their relationship. As Frank begins to investigate the girl’s disappearance, he calls on his friends and colleagues to help him solve the mystery. Intrigued, but sceptical of Aureole’s special abilities, Frank starts his investigation by examining all those who attended Aureole’s last séance. He is soon drawn into the mysterious world of the occult and supernatural, and discovers the Divine Travel Agency, which will change his life forever. The Divine Travel Agency is an intriguing, mystery novel set in New Orleans. This is a fast-paced, riveting page turner, filled with mystery and mystique, and numerous twists and turns. With vivid descriptions of the sights, sounds and colours of the New Orleans French quarter, you can really feel the energy of this amazing city. I was completely immersed in the book and for a few hours, I was right in the heart of New Orleans. This is a riveting and well-developed story, with likeable and relatable characters. Frank Corso is a wonderfully charismatic and flawed character. The perfect anti-hero. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A fast-paced, intriguing mystery, with a charismatic investigator and a supernatural twist. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Kim C Lee The Night Owl Goes to Space A dreamy adventure in space. The Night Owl Goes to Space is an illustrated picture book about a little boy who drifts off to sleep and has a dreamy adventure in space. He dreams of climbing a floating stack of stairs into the sky and far out to space. From beyond the earth’s atmosphere, the boy has a magnificent view of the earth and the other planets within our solar system. He sees the rocky planets, Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. He sees the gas planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. He sees Pluto, a dwarf planet, planetary moons, shooting stars and far distant galaxies. He watches space rockets zoom across the cosmos, and satellites floating through space. As night turns into day, the little boy’s dream is interrupted by an alarm clock, and he must return back down the wooden stairs to earth. While this dreamy adventure in space ends, he hopes there will be another space adventure tomorrow night. The Night Owl Goes to Space is a fun and imaginative picture book by author Kim C. Lee. The book is a great introduction to space and the solar system for very young readers. The book will help build vocabulary and language skills, and will help young children learn the names of the planets in the milky way. With lots of space facts and figures, and a handy glossary, this book is a great resource for budding space explorers, and anyone interested in the universe and our solar system. The illustrations by Vera Sysolina are bright and vibrant, and will captivate younger readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Overall, a fun and imaginative picture book, with a sweet character and a dreamy adventure in space. Purchase here