< 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 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 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 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

< Back Ron Keres This Book Is Perfect! Readers, please make sure you wash your hands before reading this book! Most people think that frogs are dirty and slimy creatures. But most people have probably not met Finn the Frog! Finn is the cleanest and tidiest frog you could ever meet. Finn is so clean and tidy he doesn’t want readers spoiling his pristine book. He doesn’t want their grubby little hands touching and staining the perfect, pure white pages. Finn’s book is perfect, and he would like to keep it that way, thank you. So, how can Finn stop readers destroying his perfect book? How can he stop them staining the pages with cheesy puff-stained orange fingers, purple grape juice drips, and sticky pink gum? But it gets worse, the stains and the drips and the gum, are attracting pesky, dirty little flies. Urgh, Finn does not know what to do! If he squishes the flies, he will make even more mess. If he tries to vacuum up the flies, he could create even more damage. What is a frog to do? Hmm, now let me think. What’s a frog’s favourite snack again? This Book is Perfect, by author Ron Keres, is a fun picture book about an adorable, but neurotic, little frog with an obsession with cleanliness and tidiness. I particularly enjoyed the participative element of the book, as Finn talks directly to the reader throughout. Finn’s increasing annoyance and frustration as readers mess up his pages, will humor readers of all ages. I really enjoyed the illustrations by Arthur Lin, and the gradual transition from pristine, perfect white pages, to bright, colourful, stained, pages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Another unique and funny picture book, by a talented author-illustrator duo. Purchase here

< Back Nicole Frankel What are bees good for anyway? Bennie learns the importance of honeybees for our planet and people. One day, Bennie is stung by a bee while playing in the garden with his brother and sister. Bennie hates bees after his brother was stung and had an allergic reaction, and after a colony of bees built a hive in his favourite tree. Bennie asks, What are bees good for, anyway? Bennie’s Aunt Beatrice takes him on a walk to learn about all the other wonderful things that bee’s do. Bennie learns how bee’s dance to communicate with other bees, how fast they flap their wings and travel for long distances, their anatomy and how they have two stomachs, and the importance of honeybees to the ecosystem. Aunt Beatrice also explains that bees are not naturally aggressive, and only sting when they feel threatened. As Bennie tucks into his dinner that evening, he talks about his walk with his Aunt, and how bees are important for life. UnBEElievable! What are bees good for, anyway? by author Nicole Frankel is an illustrated picture book about a little boy who doesn’t like bees, and his wonder when he discovers the importance of bees to our planet and people. This is a fantastic picture book for younger age readers, that will help children understand bees, and their contribution to the environment and ecosystem. With lots of interesting bee facts and figures (Did you know, bees have 3 million hairs on their bodies that attract pollen?!) this book will captivate and fascinate younger readers. The book introduces complicated words and topics, such as anatomy and ecosystem, in an engaging and accessible way for younger aged children. It will help younger children build new vocabulary and knowledge and will hopefully inspire a love for nature and conservation. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, entertaining and educational picture book, for young readers, bee enthusiasts and budding conservationists. Purchase here

< Back Donna Wyland 'Twas the Night Before Jesus A rhyming celebration of the true essence of Christmas. ‘Twas the night before Jesus and all through the land, lived people not knowing that God would be man. 'Twas the Night Before Jesus is a skilfully crafted rhyming picture book, based on the famous festive poem by Clement Clarke Moore. Wyland refreshes the classic Christmas verse, to tell the story of the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The book provides a great introduction to the life of Jesus Christ and is accessible for readers of all ages. It begins prior to Christ’s birth and follows his journey from Bethlehem, to Egypt and Nazareth. It ends with a modern-day scene of a family sitting by the fire and sharing a book on Christmas Eve. “Happy Birthday to Jesus!’ and to all a good night.” Written in rhyme, with delightful and funny illustrations by Courtney Smith, this book will captivate both children and adults. I particularly enjoyed the charming, cartoon-like illustrations, and the characterisation of the animals and the baby Jesus. Inspired by the classic Clement Clarke Moore poem, Twas the night before Christmas, the book pays homage to the timeless original while reminding readers of the true meaning of Christmas. The book follows a similar rhythm and meter to the original poem, and readers will enjoy reading / singing this aloud. It has a comforting familiarity, while offering a biblical perspective on the original poem. Overall, the book beautifully captures the magic and wonder of the festive season, while reminding readers of the true meaning of Christmas. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A perfect bedtime story to share with younger readers on Christmas Eve. Purchase here

< Back Deborah Wade Always In Your Heart Always in Your Heart, written by Deb Wade and illustrated by Tim McGee, is a deeply moving children’s picture book about love, loss, and grief. It follows a number of families with children and their experiences of losing a treasured loved one. The children miss their loved ones deeply, and recall precious memories of cherished times they have spent together. The book encourages children to think about and visualise their loved ones and to remember the good times – the hugs and kisses, singing silly songs, reading stories together, and outdoor adventures, fishing and feeding the birds. It also shows children that it is okay to miss their loved ones. That it is okay to cry and be sad. That it is okay not to be okay. The book is a great resource for families who have experienced the loss of loved one, or for those who want to open up conversations about death and grief. With supporting questions for the reader, the book will encourage parents, carers, and children to talk about their own grief, and to discuss their thoughts, emotions, and memories of those who have sadly passed. Beautifully simple illustrations by Tim McGee capture the love, sadness, and sentiment perfectly. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A deeply moving picture book for younger children, exploring the important topics of love, loss and grief’. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Lauren Brownrigg You Are...Volume One A beautiful collection of poems to share with our loved ones. You are…is a collection of four poems, written by author Lauren Brownrigg. Each poem is written in rhyme and explores a different theme. The poems are titled: You are loved, You are enough, You are kind, You are remembered. The first three poems are written from the perspective of an older character who is expressing their feelings towards a younger character. The characters are non-human, gender neutral and non-role specific. They could represent a range of roles and relationships (i.e., parent and child, grandparent and grandchild, aunt and niece, teacher and student, or any caregiving relationship). The fourth poem is a single character, who explores feelings of grief and discusses the importance of remembering those who have passed. Each poem is a reminder to the child that they are important, cared for, valued, and mean something to someone. Following each poem, there is a definition of the word, and a discussion point, to encourage further reflection and conversation. There is also a journal page, to add additional notes or reflections. This is a stunning collection of poems and picture book, that will help parents or caregivers express their feelings, show their love, and build nurturing relationships with a child or young person. Some people struggle to say how they feel and express their emotions, and this book will help them to open up and connect with others. The book will show children they are loved unconditionally and that just being themselves is enough. It will help them to develop confidence, self-esteem, and positive relationships. The watercolour style illustrations are exquisitely drawn, and the characters represented in each of the poems are adorable. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A stunning collection of poetry for younger children, beautifully illustrated. A perfect read-together picture book to share at bedtime. Purchase here

< Back Nadia Khan Zoey Wonders Why Zoey is proud to share her cultural heritage at her new school, by author Nadia Khan Five-year-old Zoey is starting school in September, but she is a little worried about the homework she has been set. The children have been asked to tell their family stories, and to share their culture and food with the class. Zoey is confused. Her parents are from India and Pakistan in South Asia, and Nigeria in Africa. Zoey was born in the United States, so she asks her mommy, What am I? Who am I? Zoey is confused and is worried she will not remember when she has to share her story with the class. When school starts, Zoey listens to the other children tell their family stories and is looking forward to tasting all the delicious food they have brought in to eat. She gets over-excited and disrupts the class, and the teacher sends a letter home to her parents. Her mommy talks to her, and explains the importance of staying calm and being kind. With a little help from her mommy, and her brothers Zaky and Max, Zoey prepares the food to share with her class, delicious samosas with aloo and rice. But, Zoey gets over-excited again and pushes her brother over to taste the food. The next day, its Zoey’s turn. She is proud to tell the story of her family, and shares her food with the class. Zoey Wonders Why by author Nadia Khan is a sweet story about a little girl who is daunted by starting school and sharing her family story with her class. She is proud of her rich cultural heritage, but it is complicated and confusing for a little girl to understand. As she learns more about her family history, she also learns about the importance of showing kindness to her friends and brothers. The book has several themes, ie, starting school, family culture and history, making and sharing food, relationships with brothers, behaviour at school. Overall, this is a lovely picture book, which will help younger children learn about different cultures and will encourage them to show kindness to others Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet picture book, with an important message about cultural diversity, and showing kindness to others. Purchase here

< Back Mr Z The Mayfly and the Methuselah Tree The wise Methuselah tree stands high and proud in the White Mountains of Inyo County, California. Older than the ancient pyramids of Egypt, the Methuselah Tree is rather bored and very, very grumpy! He sees the same thing, day in, day out. Nothing ever changes, until one day a tiny, young, mayfly lands on the Methuselah’s leaf and changes his life forever. At first the Methuselah tree is annoyed by the mayfly’s intrusion and her youthful exuberance, but he soon realises that there is a great deal to learn from the younger generation. The young mayfly gives the older Methuselah tree hope and a new perspective on life. This is a sweet story of love and friendship, and of hope and gratitude. It is a reminder to us all to focus on the present, to show appreciation for the beauty of nature and all the good things in life, to seek love and friendships, and to learn from others’ experiences. This is a great intergenerational book for children to read with their parents and grandparents. It will help develop understanding and empathy in readers, both young and old. A joy to read, with captivating illustrations by Robert Askew. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A sweet story of love and friendship, and of hope and gratitude. It was a joy to read. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here