< 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 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

< Back Sasha Graham Whitney Wins Everything: A Tiny Ninja Book Whitney really does win everything. From football and roller staking, to running and jumping. She is the best at everything, and she knows it! Whitney’s Tiny Ninja tries to remind her that winning is not always the most important thing, but Whitney doesn’t always listen. Whatever it is, Whitney is determined to win. Until one day, Whitney is not invited to a party because her friends are worried that she will win all the prizes, and then her soccer coach changes the rules so her team cannot win the match. Whitney is confused but soon comes to realise that there are more important things than winning and maybe her Tiny Ninja was right after all. This is a charming children’s picture book, with a positive message about kindness and compassion. It reinforces the message that being kind and helping others to succeed feels good, and is just as rewarding as winning yourself. Some young children are extremely competitive by nature and hate to lose, and this book will remind them to focus their energies on having fun and building good friendships. An important life lesson for both children and adults. The illustrations by Angelina Valieva are colourful, whimsical, and extraordinarily detailed. Children will love to find the Tiny Ninjas hidden in the pictures. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A charming children’s picture book, with a positive message about kindness and compassion. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ 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 Michelle Medlock Adams Dachshund Through the Snow Crosby is the world’s teeniest-weeniest Weiner dog. Despite his tiny proportions he has a big ambition – to compete in the Arctic Animal Olympics! He was prepared. He’d done the training. He was ready. But as race day arrived, Crosby started to have second thoughts. The bigger, stronger competitors laughed and taunted Crosby about his size. Poor Crosby, desperate to flee, dug and dug and dug deep into the snow until he stumbled across a cave. Inside the cave, he found Santa and his reindeer in desperate need of help. Rudolph was missing and Santa needed someone to find him. Crosby knew just what to do. Will Crosby find Rudolph? And can the world’s teeniest-weeniest Weiner dog save Christmas? This is a fantastic, festive picture book about a tiny little pup who finds the inner strength to carry on when all hope is lost. You can’t help but to love Crosby, he is the cutest, most adorable pup with miniature proportions and the biggest heart. With strength and determination, he proved to all those who doubted and mocked him, that he can achieve great things. This is a great message to all that your physical size doesn’t matter, it’s the size of your heart that really counts. We look forward to reading more from Michelle Medlock Adams and hope Crosby will feature in his own book series. The illustrations by Ana Sebastian are magical. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A fantastic, festive picture book about a tiny little pup with the biggest heart. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Susan Justice Children Who Dance in the Rain Sophie learns important life lessons on a trip to India, by author Susan Justice Sophie wakes up tired and is in a bad mood. She doesn’t want to go to school, and she refuses to eat her fruit for breakfast. She demands her mother drives her to school because it’s raining. Later the same day, Sophie’s mom tells her they are planning a family trip to India to see her grandmother. When she finally arrives at her grandmother’s house in a village in India, Sophie is shocked at how different it is to her own home. Sophie complains about the lack of cleanliness and lack of Wi-Fi, and asks to stay somewhere else. Sophie meets a girl named Nanaki, carrying lots of plastic trash in a bag. Nanaki explains that she has no parents and is collecting plastic to help buy food for her younger brother who is ill. Sophie visits Nanaki’s home, a house made of mud. Nanaki explains that she doesn’t have money for toys, but loves to play and dance under the night sky with the other children. Sophie soon realises how lucky and privileged she is to live in a nice home with plentiful food. Suddenly, it starts to rain, and Sophie joins in with Nanaki and the other children as they dance barefoot in the mud and rain. Returning home, Sophie discovers that happiness doesn’t come from material possessions, but from being grateful for what you have and sharing it with others. Children Who Dance in the Rain is an illustrated picture book by author and legal advocate Susan Justice. This is a wonderful, entertaining and educational picture book, which teaches younger children important life-lessons about gratitude, kindness and humility. This is a great resource for parents, carers and teachers to start conversations with younger children about privilege and will make a great addition to home and pre-school libraries. I particularly liked the book was partly set in India, and the diversity of the story and images presented. The artwork by Lena Bardy is bright, vibrant and mesmerising, which brings the culture of India to life beautifully. Simply stunning. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful, entertaining and educational picture book, about gratitude, kindness and humility, with stunning artwork. Purchase here

< Back Sally Fetouh Jana's Brightly Coloured Socks Jana shares her marvellous socks with her school friends. Jana has just learnt to put her socks on by herself and has a drawer full of brightly coloured, patterned and pretty socks. Jana loves her socks and puts them on every where she goes. She wears her socks around the house, in the playground and at school. When her friends notice her marvellous socks, they all want a pair too. So, every day, Jana puts an extra pair of socks in her school bag to give to her friends. Until one day, there are no socks left! On the last day of school, Jana’s teacher organises a sock parade, and all the children show off their wacky and wonderful socks. In the parade, Jana recognises some of the socks she has given to her friends. Jana’s friends organise a surprise for her, to thank her for her kindness for sharing her socks. A special surprise, for a special little girl. Can you guess what it is? Jana's Brightly Coloured Socks by Sally Fetouh is a sweet, funny and charming illustrated children’s picture book about a little girl who loves brightly coloured socks and shows kindness by sharing them with her friends. The book promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and will encourage young children to show kindness and compassion towards others. The book was inspired by the author’s own daughter, Jana, who has Down Syndrome. The illustrations by Alexis Schnitger are simply delightful. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet, funny and charming illustrated children’s picture book that promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. Purchase here