The dream team of children’s picture books are back with a suitably wintery Christmas book, ‘Snowball.’ Book Boy Jr. had been desperate to read this since spotting an advert for it at the train station! A lonely little snowball stands on top of a mountain and gazed down at the town below. It seems to … Continue reading ‘Snowball,’ by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet.
I’m lucky enough to have been sent lots of lovely Christmas books to review this Winter. The Snow Rabbit’s glittery cover really caught my eye. Bear is always so grumpy. Will anybody ever manage to make him smile? When snowfall covers the woods, rabbit thinks he knows just the thing to cheer him up. Surely … Continue reading ‘The Snow Rabbit,’ by Georgiana Deutsch, illustrated by Alison Edgson.
I am always on the look out for classic stories retold in a simplified style and I’ve got two gorgeous ones plus a classic song for you to enjoy in picture book form. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, retold by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Sarah Warburton (Nosy Crow) This is an absolutely stunning re-telling of … Continue reading Picture a Classic…
Another brilliant title in the ‘Archie’ series which tackles concepts that little children find difficult to understand (No!, Why?, Now!, and More! being previous instalments). This time, it’s Christmas, and Archie the rhinoceros can barely contain his excitement. Archie absolutely loves Christmas and has big plans to make this one the best Christmas ever! From … Continue reading ‘It’s Christmas!’ By Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tim Warnes.
If the stories in the news are to be believed, it would seem that people are more divided and more at odds with each other than ever. Authors, illustrators and publishers are trying to counteract this by producing beautiful books which show actually just how similar we all are. ‘Under the Same Sky’ by Britta … Continue reading We Are All the Same…
I love picture books for readers of all ages so am delighted to be able to share with you Jo’s newest picture book and a special post about who it went from a being a few rough character sketches to a finished book. I also have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader. Papa … Continue reading ‘What’s For Lunch, Papa Penguin?’ By Jo Williamson with special post about the making of a picture book.
Having previously met Fiona several times at the Picture Book Club she runs, and listened to talks with her about other authors’ experiences of getting published, I am absolutely delighted to be hosting her very own picture book and special post on my blog today. There is nothing Danny wants more than a real live … Continue reading ‘Danny and The Dream Dog,’ by Fiona Barker, illustrated by Howard Gray.
Would you rather serve a meal to a very polite rat or a bad-mannered cat? This is just one of the dilemmas posed in the anarchic sequel to ‘Would You Rather..’ An absolutely cracking book based on the classic game ‘Would You Rather...’ (to be played with caution!) Inside there are plenty of puzzlers to … Continue reading ‘More Would You Rather…,’ by John Burningham.
It’s important that all children find themselves and their beliefs reflected in the books they see around them. This blog post is showcasing two books based in the Muslim world. ‘Night of the Moon - a Muslim Holiday Story’ by Hena Khan, illustrated by Julie Paschkis (Chronicle Books) This beautiful picture book follows the story … Continue reading Tales to Embrace Muslim Culture
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
Library Girl and Book Boy 