Mimi Lee would like to introduce you to her THREE-STEP PLAN to train the perfect parents.... Mimi is convinced that parents just don’t understand what children want (a puppy, in her case) but that they shouldn’t be blamed because they’ve never been trained. Cue Mimi’s Three-Point Plan which focuses on communication, trust and routine. Strict … Continue reading ‘How to Train the Perfect Parents,’ by Rebecca Ashdown.
I have received a number of beautiful and informative non-fiction titles about the wonderful animal kingdom in recent weeks. A subject of constant fascination amongst children and adults alike, they’ll be spoilt for choice with this gorgeous selection. ‘Hello World Animals’ by Nicola Edwards, illustrated by L’Atelier Cartographik (360 Degrees) This stunning hardback book with … Continue reading The Animal Kingdom
Lantana publish a beautiful, diverse range of picture books in the belief that all children deserve to see themselves in the books they read. ‘Sing to the Moon,’ is no exception. I’m very lucky to also have a brilliant guest post by Nansubuga about the importance of viewpoint when writing. This adventurous Ugandan boy has … Continue reading ‘Sing to the Moon,’ by Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl and Sandra Van Doorn.
Little Mole is covered in labels: tiring, useless, ADD, loud, wriggly. But who is he really? From the second Little Mole wakes up, he storms through the burrow like a whirlwind. Everything’s a distraction. He can’t sit still in class or listen to instructions. No one wants to play with him and Little Mole is … Continue reading ‘Little Mole is a Whirlwind,’ by Anna Llenas.
Welcome to my stop on the ‘How Rude!’ Blog tour. I am delighted to introduce you to this hilarious and incredibly bad-mannered book featuring the inimitable Dot and Duck. Dot has organised a tea party to enjoy with her special friend, Duck, but Duck just doesn’t seem to appreciate all the effort Dot’s gone to. … Continue reading ‘How Rude!’ By Clare Helen Welsh, illustrated by Olivier Tallec.
‘Maybe the Moon’ is a dazzling picture book debut from Frances Ives, and winner of the 2016 LOM Art Prize. It tells the story of a boy called Eric as he moves from the countryside to the city, far away from the wild, carefree life he lived in the forest with his mother and animal … Continue reading ‘Maybe the Moon,’ by Frances Ives.
During my time as a teacher, there have been many occasions where the children I’ve been working have struggled to express how they’re feeling, often resulting in meltdowns or acting out. One of the best ways I found to help in these situations was to encourage the children recognise how different emotions felt and to … Continue reading Books to Foster Emotional Literacy
When this book pirouetted its way through my letterbox, I knew it was destined to find its forever home at my ballet-loving niece’s house. So before I deliver it this afternoon, here’s a little review so you can enjoy it too. Betty Bunny Dreams of becoming a ballerina, like her heroes Darcey Burrow and Rudolph … Continue reading ‘Ballet Bunnies,’ by Lucy Freegard.
Last night’s bedtime story took us off down the yellow brick road to visit the Wonderful Wizard of Oz in this great adaption for little ones. In this modern reimagining of a classic children’s tale, preschooler Little Dot is helping peg the washing out when a tornado blows in. Little Dot and her dog, Toto, make it … Continue reading ‘The Wizard Of Oz,’ by L. Frank Baum, adapted by Meg McLaren and Sam Hay.
This beautiful story was originally published in Syria and has been translated from Arabic by author and illustrator Nadine Kaadan. Everything around Yazan was changing. He never went to the park, he never saw his friends, his mum never painted any more. All she did was watch the news. Yazan was so bored - he … Continue reading ‘Tomorrow,’ by Nadine Kaadan.
Starting school is a major milestone in any child’s (and parent’s) life. At first, the thought of being somewhere so unfamiliar all day, everyday with people you don’t know can be very daunting. Before my youngest child started school last year, we spent a lot of time reading books about going to school to help … Continue reading Books for little ones starting school…
I am a huge fan of Chris Riddell’s beautiful work so was particularly excited to receive a package containing his first picture book in eight years (and a delicious gingerbread biscuit)! Turning traditional fairy tales on their heads, Little Green Raincape is on her way to Rapunzel’s party, deep in the dark wild woods. On … Continue reading ‘Once Upon a Wild Wood,’ by Chris Riddell.
Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for the gorgeous ‘The Garden Of Hope’ which is the work of author, Isabel Otter and new illustrative talent, Katie Rewse. Things hadn’t been the same for Maya, Dad and Pip since Mum had been gone. They were a mess, the house was a mess and the … Continue reading ‘The Garden Of Hope,’ by Isabel Otter, illustrated by Katie Rewse.
Today I’m highlighting a gorgeous mini hardback series from 360 degrees. Absolutely crammed full of facts and beautiful illustrations, these books are aimed at enhancing children’s knowledge on a range of essential topics. Transport and Travel by Sandra Lawrence, illustrated by Jem Maybank Vehicles are a source of endless fascination in our household so this … Continue reading Mini Hardbacks and Mega Minds
Sadly, not a weather update, but a new blog post! Our House is currently plagued by chicken pox, so we’ve taken the opportunity to catch up on a bit of picture book reading. I’m am pleased to share with you three pawfect reads you’d be barking mad to miss! Picking Pickle by Polly Faber & … Continue reading Raining Cats and Dogs
“Tonight’s the Starlight Parade, but the invitations haven’t been sent out yet! Luckily, Mayor Snail is on the job. And maybe Etta can lend a hand?” Etta the Elephant is very excited about the Starlight Parade which is happening in Cycle City that evening. Her Aunt Ellen takes her around town getting everything they will … Continue reading ‘Cycle City,’ by Alison Farrell.
We always enjoy testing out new bedtime reads, particularly one which comes with a ‘100% guaranteed to make you yawn’ bedtime promise. Book Boy and I cosied up in front of the fan to test out the sleepy powers of this story. Millie’s all snuggled up in bed ready to go to sleep when she … Continue reading ‘Millie’s Missing Yawn,’ by You Jung Byun.
I am a huge fan of the canine bakers extrodinaire so was thrilled to receive a brand spanking new copy (plus TWO to giveaway!) of their latest adventure en Paris! Not only that, but the terrific twosome shared some of their baking knowhow and also sent over their top-secret gingerbread recipe and Eiffel Tower cookie … Continue reading ‘Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam – The Missing Masterpiece,’ by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Steven Lenton.
Book Boy and I took a little time out of the heat this afternoon to enjoy one of the latest picture books from firm household favourite, Caryl Hart. Jack is far too busy laying outside to hear his mum calling him in for dinner, so unfortunately by the time he notices, his chips have gone … Continue reading ‘Lunch on a Pirate Ship,’ by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Kristina Stephenson.
Imagine not being able to get any underwear that fits. Pants, right?! Now imagine being an octopus in that same situation - 8x as pants! There seem to be pants for every other fish/ cephalopod in the ocean, except for poor old eight-legged octopus. There’s evening wear for eels and jewellery for jellyfish; it’s just … Continue reading ‘Octopants,’ by Suzy Senior, illustrated by Claire Powell.
Library Girl and Book Boy 