< 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 A.N. Stewart The Shotgun Shack Kitties: Bill Bailey, Please Come Home A group of kitties embark on a musical adventure like no other. A group of kitties live in a beautiful little shotgun shack in Gentilly, New Orleans, with their human, Eartha. One day, when Eartha is at work, a cat named Bill Bailey is playing outside when a butterfly lands on his nose. Bill Bailey follows the butterfly down the street and greets his neighbors, but none of them can understand him. He meets a couple of elder cats, who tell him they have a secret way to make all humans understand cats. They explain that the secret is in the power and language of music. The elders offer to teach Bill Bailey, and all the other kitties, how to play music. The kitties meet at the old oak tree and choose their musical instruments. When Eartha returns home, she is surprised to find all the kitties are gone. Sad and worried, Eartha goes out to search for the kitties and sings a song to bring them home. As she sings, she hears music and finds the shotgun shack kitties moving through the neighborhood in the tradition of a brass band parade, playing “Bill Bailey, Please Come Home.” The Shotgun Shack Kitties: Bill Bailey, Please Come Home is a delightful picture book by author A.N. Stewart about the adventures of Bill Bailey and other kitties who live in a little shotgun shack in Gentilly, New Orleans. Based on a real cat named Bill Bailey and other cats who live with the author in a shotgun house in New Orleans, the book features the song "Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey" written by Hughie Cannon in 1902. This is a sweet and endearing picture book, which provides a great introduction to New Orleans and jazz music. With an adorable cast of feline characters, and set in glorious New Orleans, this book will enchant readers of all ages. The book will leave readers tapping their toes and humming along to the sweet sounds of jazz music. The colorful, vibrant illustrations by Virginia de Mahy bring the characters and the sights and sounds of New Orleans to life. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming tale of feline musicianship, set in the heart of New Orleans. 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

< 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

< Back JB Van Cleave PTSDragon PTSDragon explores the magic of the human brain, and how dragons have helped the human brain overcome great challenges. People working in difficult or dangerous jobs, such as the military, emergency services and healthcare; and those who have experienced an accident, disaster, or crime, may experience trauma. A dragon can be summoned by the brain to help it cope with a dangerous or stressful situation, for example to help a soldier fight to victory, or to help a paramedic stay calm and focused. But sometimes a dragon is known to outstay its welcome and can stay with a person even after the danger has passed, causing further challenge, pain, sadness or discomfort to the brain and others around it. In these scenarios, wizards (psychiatrists) and dragon trainers (therapists) can help train the brain and manage the dragon. PTSDragon is an inspiring, insightful, and educational picture book for children, exploring an often complex and confusing subject matter. The imaginative use of dragons and magic will help children to understand the issue in a really engaging and accessible way. It will encourage families to discuss the topic, and help children to understand the experiences of their loved ones and the impact of PTSD. The book is a great resource for those who might have experienced trauma, or for anyone who wants to open up conversations about PTSD and mental health. Van Cleave provides hope to those experiencing trauma, and those that have been affected by PTSD, that support and help is available. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An inspiring, insightful, and educational picture book for children exploring PTSD and mental health. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Timothy Frazier Lauren The Cow A little cow with a big dream, by author Timothy Frazier Lauren, a Jersey cow, lives on a farm in the countryside. When she grows up, she wants to be a jumping cow. But cows don’t jump, her mum tells her. Undeterred, Lauren is determined to become a jumping cow. So, every day, Lauren trains very hard and climbs up and down the hill to make her legs stronger. Tim the Fox helps Lauren train, and she starts to jump over small obstacles, starting with a single blade of grass. As Lauren becomes more confident, she attempts to jump over a fence. But she is not quite ready, and crashes into the fence, headfirst. Lauren is sad, and doesn’t think she will ever become a jumping cow, but with a little help and encouragement from Tim, she picks herself up and starts training again. The other farm animals notice her training, and cheer her on. Little by little, Lauren gets stronger and stronger, and her jumps get higher and higher, until eventually she jumps high over the fence. But Lauren doesn’t stop there! What will she jump over next? And how high can she go? Lauren the Cow is a charming, illustrated picture book, by author Timothy Frazier, about a little cow with a big dream. Cows are not made for jumping, everyone tells her. But Lauren is strong, confident and determined. She doesn’t listen to those who tell her she can’t do it, and she trains hard to follow her dream. But Lauren knows she cannot achieve her dream on her own, and with a little help from her friend Tim and the other farmyard animals, Lauren does eventually succeed. She perseveres when others tell her it is not possible, and she keeps going despite setbacks. The book demonstrates that hard work pays off, and will help encourage young children to follow their dreams. It will help to develop confidence, strength and resilience in young readers. Lauren the Cow is a cute character, and the illustrations by Meritxell Andreu are delightful. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming picture book, with an adorable little cow, that will help to develop confidence, strength and resilience in young readers. Purchase here

< Back Anna Finch Mellie the Mermaid: Is NOT Scared of ANYTHING Is there anything that will scare Mellie the Mermaid? Mellie the Mermaid is not scared of anything. Not little fish that bite and snap. Or giant clams that clap and trap. Mellie’s mum and dad warn her of the dangers in the sea, the creatures that might sting and bite, or strike and burn. They ask her to be careful when she is on her own exploring the ocean. Mellie is not deterred and ventures out into the deep, deep blue ocean to explore an old shipwreck. She meets a snappy, clappy clam, a bright blue octopus, a whale, a seal, an eel, and a turtle. No, Mellie is still not scared. But as she dives into the shipwreck, she meets a big, toothy shark. Mellie flees as fast as she can and does not stop swish, swish, swishing until she gets all the way home. Mellie realises maybe there are some things she is scared of after all! Mellie the Mermaid is a beautifully illustrated picture book by author Anna Finch about a confident, courageous and adventurous little mermaid who fears nothing. This is a charming and amusing picture book for younger children, featuring magnificent mermaids in glorious underwater scenes. Mellie is a cute and adorable mermaid character, who will delight younger readers. The book is funny and entertaining, but it also teaches children the importance of personal safety. The illustrations by Wathmi de Zoysa are magnificent. I particularly liked the characterisation of the mermaids and the sea creatures, and the underwater colour palette with hues of blue and purple. This is a great book for pre-schoolers and was a joy to read. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming and amusing picture book for younger children, featuring magnificent mermaids in glorious underwater scenes. Purchase here