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< Back Phyllis Harris The Gift Shop Bear A bear is for life, not just for Christmas! For most of the year, the little gift shop bear lives inside a box, in a dusty attic, above the gift shop. Once a year, at Christmas time, Annie takes him out of the box, to join in the Christmas festivities in the shop. Annie and the Bear fill the shop with fun and laughter, they help decorate the shop, drink lots of cocoa and listen to the Christmas carol singers. All the children that visit the shop want to take the bear home, but this special little bear is not for sale. He takes pride of place underneath the Christmas tree in the shop window. But, on Christmas Eve, the bear overhears a conversation that the gift shop is closing, and the bear is worried he might never see Christmas, or Annie, again. But the bear receives the most wonderful Christmas gift, as he finds a new home where he belongs and can be loved and cuddled, all year round. The Gift Shop Bear by author Phyllis Harris is a charming picture book for younger children about a little bear and his friendship with a little girl, Annie. The book will delight younger children, who will relate to the story, as they experience the joy of unpacking their favourite Christmas toys every year, and the sadness when they are all packed away. Beautifully written and illustrated by Phyllis Harris, this is a sweet, sentimental and nostalgic story, and I expect it will become a future Christmas classic. This book is a wonderful festive treat and would make the perfect Christmas eve story or Christmas gift. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet, sentimental and nostalgic story, about a little bear and his friendship with a little girl. Beautifully written and illustrated by Phyllis Harris. Purchase here

< Back Alan Claycomb Maisley's Moon One night, just before bedtime, five-year-old Maisley notices a big, bright full moon right outside her bedroom window. She asks her mom, Why is it there and where does it come from? Maisley’s mom explains that it is there to keep her company and to light up the night sky. Every evening, Maisley watches the pretty moon in the dark sky, but as the days and nights pass, Maisley notices changes in the moon – as a dark shadow casts over the moon’s surface, it appears to get smaller and smaller. Then, one day, Maisley can no longer see the moon and questions whether it is really there at all. Maisley’s Moon is a children’s picture book that explores complex topics of philosophy, faith, and Christianity, in a simple and accessible way that young children will understand and relate to. Just because one cannot see the moon sometimes, it does not mean that the moon does not exist. The book reaffirms Jesus and Faith and will encourage children to think about their own faith and the world around them. A lovely, read together, bedtime book for parents and children to learn about faith and the world around them. A great introductory book for those interested in religion and philosophy, or for anyone with a curious mind. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A lovely, read together, bedtime book for parents and children to learn about faith and the world around them. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Teddy Biron The Lighthouse Keeper Saves the Bay Author and illustrator Teddy Biron shows the devastating impact humans have on the ocean and wildlife. An old lighthouse keeper wakes up early every day, to say hello to all the creatures that live in the bay. Nothing much happens in the quiet bay, he hangs out his laundry, and watches the boats gently drift in the dock. But, in the midst of darkness, as the lighthouse switches on its lights to protect the ships, there is an unwelcome visitor to the bay. He tips a vat of oil and trash into the ocean, and slips away again under the cover of darkness. When the lighthouse keeper wakes the next day, he notices the mess and the devastation caused to the bay and the sea life. He starts to clean up the mess straightaway, and is soon followed by others who join in the clean-up mission. Slowly, the creatures return, and the bay is brought back to life. Sadly, the old man knows it won’t be the last time he has to clean up someone else’s discarded trash. The Lighthouse Keeper Saves the Bay, by author and illustrator Teddy Biron, is a beautiful story, with an important message about the devastating impact humans have on the ocean and wildlife. It will encourage young children and adults to take responsibility for their own actions, and clean up after themselves. But it will also encourage positive action to help out when others fail to play their part in cleaning up their own mess. The illustrations are simply stunning and really bring the story to life. They beautifully capture the serenity of the bay, the magnificent wildlife, the horror of the face-less hooded man, and the devastation caused after the trash is dumped. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: This is a beautiful story, with an important environmental message and stunning illustrations. 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

< Back Cheryl Johnson Today I Learned About Birds A guidebook about birds, with words and photographs by Cheryl Johnson. Today I Learned About Birds is a guidebook about birds, where they live, what they eat, how they look and how they behave and communicate with one another. It explores their wide range of habitats, from the city to the country, and forests and deserts; the different bird species, from house sparrows to mockingbirds, and swans to owls; the food they eat, including seeds, fruits, and small animals; and much, much more. On each page there is a reader tip (including explorer tips, birding tips, how to identify birds, fun facts) to help readers learn more about birds and find great places to discover birds. The final section explores some of the challenges birds face, endangered species of birds, and how we can all help make things a little easier for our feathered friends. On completion of the book, readers are awarded a ‘Junior Ornithologist’ certificate. Today I Learned About Birds is a wonderful book about birds by author and photographer, Cheryl Johnson. With fascinating and fun facts about our feathered friends, and glorious technicolour photographs of birds in their natural environments, this is a great introduction to birds for younger readers. I am fascinated by birds and I love birdwatching, but I learnt many new things from this book. The book will encourage young children and adults to grab their binoculars and venture outside to watch these amazing specimens. With handy symbols and maps, to help readers look for birds in their own backyard, and a whole range of other resources, this book is a perfect guide for any budding ornithologist or nature enthusiast. Whilst aimed at young readers, this book is a great reference book for readers of all ages, and a super addition to any library. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A glorious book about birds and a perfect resource for any budding ornithologist. Purchase here

< Back Donna Wyland Psalms in Rhyme for Little Hearts A collection of twelve well-known psalms, written in rhyme for younger readers. Psalms in Rhyme for Little Hearts is an illustrated picture book for younger readers with a beautiful collection of twelve psalms, all written in rhyme, by author Donna Wyland. The book contains a selection of well-known psalms (Psalms 1, 4, 8, 15, 19, 20, 23, 24, 27, 29, 32, and 33), each presented in rhyming verse which beautifully captures the essence of the original text, while being accessible and enjoyable for younger audiences. After each psalm, there is a prayer that younger readers can reflect on and apply to their own life. Expertly crafted by Wyland, the rhymes translate complex topics into simple, joyful, and lyrical rhymes. The rhymes will help younger children understand and remember each psalm. Courtney Smith’s vibrant illustrations bring the psalms to life beautifully, and allow young readers to connect with each message. Wyland’s creative use of rhyme, and Smith’s vivid illustrations, make this book accessible and engaging for young readers. This is a great introduction to the Book of Psalms, and a wonderful resource for any teacher, caregiver, or young student. The book will help engage children in spiritual conversations, and will encourage readers to study the original psalms, which are also included for reference at the end of the book. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: This joyful collection of psalms would make a great addition to any home, school, or church library. Purchase here

< Back Anna Finch Hide and Seek Alphabet: With Australian Animals Can you find the Australian animals hiding in their habitats? Hide and Seek Alphabet: With Australian Animals by Anna Finch is an alphabet book based on Australian animals and birds. The book features a wide range of Australian animals, from the dingo and the emu, to the kookaburra and the platypus. The book is interactive, and readers are encouraged to find the animals that are hidden in their habitats, and imitate the sounds they make. ‘Brrup. Brrup.’ drums Earnest the Emu. Can you see where he’s hiding? While the book features plenty of well-known animals, I like that it features some lesser well-known animals too, instead of the popular kangaroos and koalas. Readers might learn about animals and birds they have never heard of, such as the galah and the quoll. This is a fun and educational A to Z illustrated picture book for younger children. With lots of lovely alliteration, and reader participation, this is a perfect read together book for younger aged children. The book provides a great introduction to Australia and its wildlife, while at the same time teaching children the alphabet. The book will help children build vocabulary and learn the names of the animals, and the sounds they make. The stunning illustrations by A. P. Gil capture the magnificent Australian wildlife and complement the book perfectly. After reading this A-to-Z alphabet book of Australian animals, I am keen to learn more about Australia and its wildlife. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, educational and interactive A-to-Z illustrated picture book about Australian animals and birds. Purchase here

< Back Linda Harkey Chatty the Hen Pheasant: Travels with the Pack Cimaroc Lucky Nassau (or Nassau for short) is a Labrador Retriever, and a fearless hunter. One day, whilst out hunting pheasant with his owner the ‘Great One,’ there is a ferocious snowstorm. Nassau is separated from his owner, but undeterred he carries on the hunt alone. He sniffs out a pheasant under the snow and dives in head-first to retrieve the specimen. As Nassau pulls it out of the snow, he is presented with a rather strange – and extremely chatty - bird. Nassau carefully holds the bird between his teeth and begins his search for the ‘Great One.’ But the ‘Great One’ isn’t too pleased with Nassau’s discovery because he has inadvertently captured a hen pheasant, which is protected from hunting. The ‘Great One’ promptly releases the bird to the sky. This is an entertaining and educational story about a working dog, who performs an extremely important job for his human owner. Harkey shows the close bond between human and canine, and their relationship is beautifully captured in the illustrations by Mike Minick. Children will enjoy reading this story from the dog’s unique perspective, and will laugh at his frolics in the snow and his interactions with the very chatty bird. Whilst the bird is unharmed and released by the dogs’ owner, the pretext of this book is the hunting of pheasants to kill, which could upset or scare some young children (particularly in communities where children are not exposed to hunting). Parents reading this story might want to be prepared to answer questions about this type of activity and why it happens. The author might also want to consider adding some additional notes or resources, to support parents with those conversations. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An entertaining and educational story about a working dog, who performs an extremely important job for his human owner. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Ginger Smith The Magic Blanket Jo Jo searches for a new home with her mom and her magic blanket. A little girl named Jo Jo carries her beloved magic blanket, as she looks for a new home with her mom. Together they walk the streets in search of a home, and sleep in the park one evening when they are unable to find a place to rest. But mom turns the search into an adventure, as they gaze at the stars in the night sky, and play in the park. Jo Jo meets a puppy and follows it to a warm cosy house. She wishes her magic blanket could find a warm house like the puppy’s. She meets a bird, who flies into a nest in a tree with her babies. She wishes her magic blanket could find her a happy home like the bird’s. She meets a little mouse, who runs into a hole in the wall. She wishes her magic blanket could find her a safe place to go like the mouse. Jo Jo’s mom comforts her and reminds her that home is where you feel love, and she will always be loved. As Jo Jo and her mom find space in a shelter one night, it is Jo Jo’s turn to comfort her mom. She reminds her mom, that home is where you feel love, and she will always love her. The Magic Blanket by author Ginger Smith is a powerful, heartbreaking, and endearing picture book about a little girl who is homeless and in search of a new place to live. Jo Jo’s magic blanket gives her hope that things will change for the better. The book is both sad and hopeful in equal measure. It highlights the devastating impact of homelessness on young children and families, but also demonstrates the unconditional love between parent and child. The book will provide comfort, reassurance and hope to children and parents who might be going through a similar situation, and will help develop understanding, empathy, and compassion amongst readers. The book deals with sensitive and complex issues of homelessness and disadvantage, in a simple way that young children will easily understand. It is an excellent resource for parents or caregivers to open up conversations about social inequalities and privilege with very young children. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful, heartbreaking, and endearing picture book about homelessness. Purchase here

< Back L.A.D. Publishing Space Monkey: Mars Mission Report A mischievous monkey is on a mission to Mars, by LAD publishing! Space Monkey: Mars Mission Report is a cute picture book for young readers, about the planetary system and space exploration. A little monkey is on a big, intergalactic mission to share his stories of his travels through space. His first stop is one of Earth’s closest neighbours, the magnificent red planet, Mars. But, do you know why it is called the red planet? Do you know Mars has a mountain three times bigger than Mount Everest? And do you know Mars has two moons? The book provides an incredible insight into the wonders of Mars, which will spark young people’s curiosity, and encourage them to learn more about science, engineering and technology. This is a wonderful picture book, which is insightful and inspiring, entertaining and educational, funny and factual. With an adorable monkey character, amazing illustrations and interesting factoids, this book will appeal to budding astronomers, and young readers interested in the solar system and space exploration. The digital illustrations by Lana Vivchar are bright, colourful, and funny. I particularly liked the cute little additions, (Paddington Bear, the baby bottle, and flying cookies) which will keep readers entertained for hours. I look forward to learning about Jupiter next, and more space adventures from the mischievous monkey. Written by three inspirational young men, this book will inspire readers of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspiring book about space travel, by three inspiring young men. Purchase here

< Back Michael Dow Nurse Florence for Beginning Readers: Help, Im Bleeding! Jean learns basic first aid, with the help of the school nurse, Florence. Three little girls, Jean, Sonia, and Condi are playing outside at school when Jean trips over a rock and falls down. She cuts her hand on the rock and is sent to the school nurse to stop the bleeding. Nurse Florence puts on her gloves and puts pressure on Jeans hand. She explains how Jean’s own body will heal itself and stop the bleeding by using the food she has eaten. She puts some anti-bacterial cream on the wound and covers it with a band-aid to keep it clean. To help her wound heal faster, Nurse Florence recommends that Jean eats a healthy diet, including green vegetables, cereal and eggs, and drinks plenty of milk. Jean thanks Nurse Florence and hopes one day she might become a nurse herself. Nurse Florence for Beginning Readers: Help, I’m Bleeding! is an illustrated picture book By author Michael Dow. Inspired by the nursing profession and particularly the remarkable work of Florence Nightingale, the book provides a basic lesson in first aid for very young readers. It follows a young girl who is injured at school and is treated by the school nurse, Florence. Nurse Florence treats the girls wound, but also gives advice about how to help her own body heal. The girl is so inspired by Nurse Florence, she hopes to become a nurse one day too. The book is an educational and engaging story, that will help young readers understand basic first aid, and may even inspire them to pursue a career in nursing, medicine, or science. It shows the important work that nurses do to help others when they need treatment, but also the work they do in health promotion and disease prevention. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A great introduction to first aid for young readers, and a fascinating insight into the nursing profession. Purchase here

< Back Nadja Springer The Big Adventures Of A Little Tree: Tree Finds Hope Can a little tree find new hope after a devastating storm? By author Nadja Springer The little green tree stands all alone by the shore, waiting for the spring to arrive. As the snow melts away, he looks forward to the day his friends will return and they can play together in the sunshine. But there is a storm brewing, and the tree’s brothers and sisters must huddle together and shelter from the wind and the rain. Suddenly, the tree is hit by a bolt of lightning, which snaps off his favourite branch. Tree is sad he is broken, and worried what the others will think. His siblings and friends tell him they don’t care how he looks, and that they love him just the way he is. His friends wait patiently for his sadness to pass, and remain by his side, providing comfort and support. Day by day the tree takes small steps to recover, and day by day he starts to feel a little brighter. Then one day, just as tree has learnt to accept his new self, he spots a tiny leaf growing from his broken branch. The tiny green shoot gives new hope and life to the tree. He knows he cannot replace his broken branch, but he is given a new sense of purpose and pride as he cares and nurtures the new life. Tree Finds Hope by author Nadja Springer, is a beautifully written and illustrated picture book, and the second instalment in The Big Adventures of a Little Tree series. The tree faces a new challenge in the second book, when he is struck by lightening and disfigured. He is sad and depressed, and thinks that no one will love him because of the way he looks. His friends care for the tree during this time, waiting patiently for him to recover and providing comfort and support when he needs it. This is a fun and engaging read, beautifully written in rhyme. The fun tree characters and broken-branch analogy will help young children understand complex issues, such as body image, inclusion and diversity, and self-acceptance. The book will help young children to understand the importance of self-acceptance, and of accepting others just the way they are. It will encourage them to show kindness and compassion to others, and to care for others in need. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautifully written and illustrated picture book about inclusion and diversity. Purchase here