< Back Marlyn Bandiero Dante's Cool Wheels Book 2 Believe, Achieve A wheely adventure with a dog and his human best friend. Dante's Cool Wheels Book 2 Believe, Achieve tells the story of a dog name Dante, who cannot walk using his back legs, due to a spinal injury when he was young. Dante’s parents tried everything to help him walk, such as swimming and therapy, but nothing worked. One day, Dante was given a surprise set of wheels, and as soon as he got into the chair, he was able to walk and run again. The wheels changed Dante’s life, he was happy he could finally play and be himself. But it wasn’t easy for Dante at first, the other dogs didn’t know what to make of the wheels and were reluctant to play with him. When Dante meets a young boy named Freddie, who also uses a wheelchair, the two became best of friends. The two friends spend lots of time together, playing and exploring in the park. Dante didn’t let anything stop him from playing and having fun, and he inspired Freddie to play basketball. It wasn’t easy for Freddie, as other children didn’t want to play with him, but he soon found a wheelchair basketball team who welcomed him with open arms. Dante's Cool Wheels Book 2 Believe, Achieve by author Marlyn Bandiero is a heartwarming and inspiring picture book for younger aged readers. The book follows the story of a dog named Dante, and his human best friend, Freddie. Both human and canine use a wheelchair and experience similar obstacles, but their special friendship transcends their physical abilities. The duo support one another and help each other conquer their own unique challenges. Based on a real-life story, the book celebrates the special relationship between humans and canines, and shows that with love, determination and teamwork, anything is possible. Through Dante’s and Freddie’s story, young readers will learn about diversity and inclusion, and the importance of treating others with empathy, kindness, and respect. The illustrations are vibrant and expressive and beautifully capture the special bond between Dante and Freddie. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartwarming and memorable story of an inspirational dog named Dante, and his special friendship with a boy named Freddie. 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 Joanne Russo Insull Don't Follow Pino! Brothers, Dugan and Pino, escape their yard and are lost far away from home, by author Joanne Russo Insull This is a picture book for young readers about two dogs, brothers Dugan and Pino. Dugan loves to go on a walk with his mom and big brother, Pino. Every morning, they walk around their neighborhood and meet lots of new people. Dugan and Pino try to be on their best behavior when they walk on their leash, and if they are very lucky they might even receive a nice treat or two. When they are not out walking, they like to play outside in their back yard. The yard is locked and safe, and Dugan and Pino run and play with the squirrels and chipmunks. But one day, a workman who is fixing a pole behind the house, forgets to shut the gate. Pino suggests to Dugan that they go on a walk outside, without their mom. Dugan is reluctant, he knows they shouldn’t leave the yard alone, but Pino is persistent. Dugan is scared they will get lost, or get into big trouble, but he follows Pino through the gate and out into the street. He tells himself, “Don’t follow Pino!”, but he continues to follow him into a field, far away from home. As Dugan becomes more concerned, he hears his mom calling from the other side of the field. He turns around and sees her waving at the entrance, walking quickly towards them. But Pino thinks it’s a game, and he runs even further away. Suddenly, Dugan notices his mom turn around and walk slowly in the opposite direction. Dugan panics and decides to follow his mom rather than Pino. He runs as fast as he can to catch up with his mom, and Pino follows closely behind. Mom is happy to see her boys again, and quickly puts on their leashes. Dugan feels bad for scaring mom and promises never to run away again. Pino, on the other hand, has other ideas! Don't Follow Pino! by Joanne Russo Insull is a sweet picture book about a couple of mischievous dogs, who escape the safety of their back yard and become lost far away from home. Dugan is influenced by his older brother, Pino, and tags along even though he knows he shouldn’t. Mom eventually finds them, but Pino thinks it’s a game, and runs away. Mom’s quick reaction is to turn and walk in the opposite direction, to bring the boys safely home. Dugan and Pino are sweet and adorable characters, and younger children will enjoy reading about their exciting adventure. This is a fun read for the whole family, but there are some important messages for young people too, about peer pressure, following rules, personal safety. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet picture book about two mischievous pups, and a fun read for the whole family. Purchase here

< Back Melitta Santos Fini: The beauty of a broken shell A little turtle finds her inner beauty, by author Melitta Santos One day, Fini the turtle is out walking when she trips over and breaks her shell. Fini thinks she is ugly, and no one will want to play with her because of her broken shell. Her friend, Jack the Jaguar, comforts Fini and offers to help her find someone to fix her shell. They meet Boris the Tapir who tries to fix Fini’s shell with an aquatic plant, but it is too big for the little turtle. Next, they meet Tim the Armadillo, who suggests a coconut shell, but it is too little for Fini’s shell. They meet Bea the Bee, but she can’t help and takes the to see Ana the spider. Ana has a solution, but it will take five long days to fix Fini’s shell. Fini and her new friends stay with Ana while she starts to work, and they have lots of fun, games, food and laughter. Ana makes Fini a magic nanduti, a brightly coloured, pretty lace cover for her shell. Fini is delighted with the nanduti, and Ana explains that it doesn’t fully cover her scars and reflects the inner beauty of the wearer. Fini not only has a beautiful nanduti, but also has four new friends. Fini: The Beauty of a Broken Shell by author Melitta Santos is a sweet and charming, illustrated picture book about a little pond turtle who goes in search of a new shell, when her shell is cracked after a fall. As Fini embarks on her journey, she meets lots of new friends, and soon discovers the importance of friendships, and that real beauty comes from within. The book teaches younger children about the wildlife and cultural heritage of Paraguay. With further information about each character and their values, and information about the nanduti, this book is a wonderful resource for parents, carers and teachers. The book will encourage young children to find their inner beauty and will help to develop confidence and self-esteem in young children. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and charming picture book with important life lessons that will help to develop confidence and self-esteem in young children. Purchase here

< Back Deanna Hart Blue is the Only Color in the Rainbow A little girl learns that all colors of the rainbow are beautiful. Jasmine’s favourite color is blue. Everything she owns is blue. Even the food she eats is blue! When her grandmother buys her a big red monkey for her birthday, Jasmine is not happy. She does not like the monkey because it is red. Jasmine does not like the color red! The little red monkey is called Mango and he is upset because Jasmine throws him on the floor. He is upset because Jasmine does not like him because he is red. Mango has special powers and flies Jasmine to a special place. A bright, colorful place called the Prisma. Prisma is a world full of brilliant greens, reds and purples, and yellows and pinks. Everything in Prisma is bright and happy. But when Jasmine wakes up in the morning, she is back in her blue bedroom and Mango is left in the corner where she abandoned him. Was it a dream? Or did Jasmine really travel with her red monkey to the bright, colorful world of Prisma? Blue is the Only Color in the Rainbow is a sweet, illustrated picture book by author Deanna Hart about a little girl who is obsessed with the color blue. When she receives a red monkey for her birthday, Jasmine soon realises that there is more to life than blue. Jasmine’s fascination with a single color is not uncommon and younger children will relate to her story. The book has a subtle message about equality and diversity, as Jasmine learns that all colors of the rainbow are beautiful. With a handy Teachers Guide at the end of the book, the story will help younger children learn about the importance of kindness and inclusivity. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An entertaining and educational picture book about equality, diversity, and inclusion for younger readers. Purchase here

< Back D Burton Smith Quoth the Raven Author D. Burton Smith offers a fascinating insight into the world of a young raven. Named after an Edgar Allan Poe poem, Quoth the North American raven lives high up in a nest on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the ocean. He is one of three chicks, and his mom and dad take good care of him and his siblings. They keep their nest fresh, clean, and tidy, and bring food for the chicks every day. Until he is two or three years old, and finds a partner of his own, Quoth joins a rowdy group of young ravens, called the unkindness of ravens. He enjoys dropping and catching objects from the sky, and he catches small animals, like mice, to eat. He likes shiny things, and often picks up objects that have been left by humans. One day, he meets a raven named Viola. After courting for many months, Quoth and Viola build a nest together and prepare for their own chicks. Quoth the Raven is a delightful and beautifully illustrated picture book by author D. Burton Smith, about the life of a North American raven, named Quoth. The book follows his journey from before he was born, his life as a chick and a young adolescent, until he meets a life partner of his own. Burton Smith describes the behaviours and habitat of this beautiful, and often misunderstood, bird. While often associated with death and illness, raven’s are one of the smartest birds in the world. They can use tools, play games, and mimic animal, bird, and even human sounds. Ravens can even recognise people and hold grudges against those who have wronged them! The illustrations by Paul Hock are stunning. Each page is a work of art, with vivid colours and intricate details that bring Quoth’s world to life. Written from the perspective of the raven, this is a charming story that will engage readers of all ages. While primarily aimed at children, the illustrations and story make it a pleasure to read for adults and children alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful and beautifully illustrated picture book, that will spark children’s curiosity about the natural world and this magnificent species. Purchase here

< Back Vassi Rombis Story Swapping A Family Tradition Kali’s exciting storytelling adventure, by author Vassi Rombis It’s a big day at school for Kalianne (Kali), as it’s her turn for ‘Show ‘n Share’. She is a little nervous and has butterflies in her tummy, but she tells her classmates about her family tradition of reading stories with her mom at bedtime, snuggled under her story quilt. Kali’s mom tells her stories of all the amazing adventures she has at work and on her travels. Kali tells her teacher that she would like to share a story with her mom, but she has nothing interesting or exciting to share. Kali’s teacher reminds her of all the wonderful activities she has taken part in throughout her day at school, and Kali has an idea. She doesn’t want to tell her story like her mom, she wants to do something a little different, and decides to paint a picture of her story. Kali’s mom enjoys her story so much, that they start a new family tradition of story swapping, where mother and daughter both share their stories with each other at bedtime. Story Swapping a Family Tradition is a sweet picture book by author Vassi Rombis, about a little girl, Kali, who loves to listen to her mom’s stories at bedtime. But Kali is keen to join in the storytelling and would like to tell her mom a story. Struggling to find an idea for a story, Kali builds up the courage to ask a teacher for help, and comes up with a unique idea to share her story. This is a fun and engaging book, which will encourage young children to tell their own stories, in their own way, encouraging creativity, imagination and storytelling. With bright, digital illustrations by Frances Rose Español, and a cute, relatable, main character, this is a perfect bedtime story for little ones, and may even inspire families to start their own bedtime storytelling tradition! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet picture book that will encourage young children, to tell their own stories, in their own way, encouraging creativity, imagination and storytelling Purchase here

< Back Greg Payne My Grandpa's Grandpa An unforgettable bedtime story, by Greg Payne Charlie’s grandpa and grandma are visiting, and after a fun-filled day of adventures and wrestling, his grandpa tucks him into bed. Charlie asks his grandpa whether he had a grandpa when he was young. His grandpa tells Charlie that he had a grandpa and he loved him very much. He explains that his grandpa lived on a farm when he was a boy, and had to help out with farm duties whilst also going to school. His grandpas’ grandpa loved sports, just like Charlie, and when he left school he joined the army and fought in a great war. Charlie’s grandpa shows him photographs of his grandpa and describes how he liked to wrestle with him and climb on him, and how his grandpa took him to many fun and wonderful places when he was a young boy. Just before Charlie drifts off to sleep, he asks if he can meet his great-grandpa, His grandpa explains that one day, many years in the future, Charlie will meet his great-grandpa, great-grandma, and many other members of his family. My Grandpa’s Grandpa is a sweet and heart-warming picture book about the love and unique bond between a grandchild and grandparent, and the special times they spend together sharing stories. Through their adventures and stories, Charlie learns more about the past, his family history and what life was like many years ago. The book introduces younger readers to issues they might be unfamiliar with, such as rural life, war and death, and will encourage further discussions with caregivers. This is a great intergenerational picture book for grandparents, or any care-giver, to share with children at bedtime. The illustrations by Narayan Baidya are wonderful, and I particularly enjoyed the images of Charlie ‘watching’ the historical scenes of his great grandpa brought to life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and heart-warming picture book about the love and unique bond between a grandchild and grandparent, and the special times they spend together sharing stories. Purchase here

< Back Charlene McIver Squishy Sand Leigh wants to play on the beach with his friends Cosmo and Tara, but the beach is inaccessible for his wheelchair. The friends think of lots of different ways to enable Leigh to enjoy the beach – such as getting the dogs to pull the wheelchair across the sand like a sled, adapting the wheelchair so it glides across the sand. But it’s no use, nothing works! Until Cosmo finds some discarded tyres and they transform the wheelchair into a monster dune-buggy. The friends take it in turns to whiz down the boat ramp in the new wheelchair buggy. They speed across the squishy sand and splash through the waves, enjoying the beach and sun. A fun-filled, perfect day out, where everyone is equal, and everyone is included. This is a sweet story about a group of friends spending time together and having fun at the beach. Despite the inaccessibility of the beach to wheelchairs, it doesn’t hold them back from having fun. The friends find a fun and creative solution to ensure all three can enjoy the sand and shore together. This book highlights some of the challenges faced by wheelchair users, reinforcing the importance of kindness, empathy, and compassion. But it is not primarily a book about disability, it’s a book about courage and true friendships. A fun-filled book which captures the essence of friendship, and beautifully illustrated by Caroline Keys. It was a joy to read, and we can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A sweet story about a group of friends spending time together and having fun at the beach. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Gabriella Fiorletta What I See is Love A day filled with love. A day in the life of a little girl, and her appreciation of the love that surrounds her. A little girl wakes up in the morning and receives a warm embrace from her mom. She sees love. Her dad drives her to school and blows her a kiss. She sees love. Her teacher greets her in class. She sees love. Her grandma bakes her cookies for lunch. She sees love. She plays with her friends at recess. She sees love. She looks at herself in the mirror before bedtime and notices how beautiful she is. She sees love. What I See is Love is a sweet and heartfelt illustrated picture book by Gabriella Fiorletta about love. Through simple narrative and everyday scenarios that young children will recognise, the book explores various expressions of love in a child-friendly way. It is a beautiful reminder that there is love all around us and we are all loved. It shows that you don’t need to use the words ‘I love you’ to show love. Love is expressed through our actions towards each other, the things we do and the things we feel and not what we say. It is also a reminder that love starts with ourselves, and encourages children to appreciate the unique qualities that make them special. I enjoyed the gentle and dreamy illustrations by Nyrryl Cadiz, the pastel color palette and the crayon-style drawings. A perfect book for a parent or caregiver to read to a child, to show them the are loved. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and heartfelt illustrated picture book, and a reminder that love is literally all around us. Purchase here

< Back Ruthie Godfrey Grandpa's Lessons on Fishing and Life Lessons for fishing and lessons for life, by author Ruthie Godfrey Author Ruthie Godfrey describes her love of fishing in this wonderful picture book for younger readers. With thirteen key lessons for any budding fishing enthusiast, which include: planning and preparation, listening and learning from your teacher or guide, using the right tools, prioritising safety, keeping going when things get tough, staying patient, changing tactics if needed, not reacting too quickly, taking chances when you can, only keeping what you need, capturing memories, looking after equipment, and sharing wealth. These lessons will not only help youngsters preparing for a fishing expedition, but they will also help them prepare for other activities, or challenges they might experience in other areas of life. This is a wonderful picture book for younger children by author Ruthie Godfrey, which captures the joy of fishing in a simple, fun, and engaging way for young readers. Educational and entertaining, sweet and funny, this book was a joy to read. The watercolour style illustrations by Pable D’Alio are charming and funny. The special relationship between a boy and his grandfather, and the precious time they spend together fishing, is captured beautifully. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy fishing, and other outdoor adventures. It might also encourage those who have never tried fishing to give it a go. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful picture book about fishing and life, which is educational and entertaining, sweet and funny. A joy to read! Purchase here

< Back Jana L. Farris The Chicken on the Moon A little chick, dreams big. Little Chick was tiny on the day he was born, but he wanted to grow big and tall, so he ate all his corn. He dreams of travelling to outer space, but he is still too small. So, Chick studies hard, morning, noon, and night, and learns everything there is to know about space. One day, all of his hard work pays off when he is selected as an astronaut. But when they try to send him to the sun, Chick knows it is a bad idea, and he takes a detour to the moon instead! The Chicken on the Moon by author and illustrator Jana L. Farris is a fun, creative and quirky illustrated picture book for young children about a little chick who dreams of becoming an astronaut. The little chick is told he will never make it, but he never gives up hope and continues to follow his dream. The book will encourage young children to work hard and follow their dreams. If a little chick can do it, anyone can! This is a fun picture book, written in rhyme. Children will love the chicken characters and will laugh out loud at Chick’s amazing space adventure. The illustrations are cute, colourful, and quirky. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, creative and quirky illustrated picture book for young children about a little chick who dreams of becoming an astronaut. Purchase here