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.
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.
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.
Perhaps you’re looking for a gift that’s a little bit different. Perhaps you want to introduce your own child to fantastic new books and activities each month. Or perhaps you love children’s books and want to treat yourself. Whatever the case, you could try a fabulous books subscription from The Happy Book Company who provide … Continue reading The Happy Book Club
Written by award-winning author-illustration Rosie Wellesley, The Itchy-saurus was specifically written to normalise itchy skin (particularly eczema.) Tyrannosaurus Rex is out enjoying himself in the jungle when his skin becomes itchy and scratchy. Of course, only having short arms means that he can’t reach everywhere to have a scratch, and where he can scratch just … Continue reading ‘The Itchy-saurus,’ by Rosie Wellesley.
Father’s Day is always the perfect opportunity to buy a new book for daddies and little ones to snuggle up with. As fate would have it, Raj dropped through my letterbox just in time. Raj and Dad are very excited about heading off on an adventure and have big plans and a long list. All … Continue reading ‘Raj and the Best Day Ever!’ By Seb Braun.
Empathy Day was founded in 2017 by Empathy Lab who believe in using the power of stories to help us understand each other better and make us more empathetic. This year, Empathy Day 2018 is on 12 June so if you’d like to get involved, download a school pack or the free Read For Empathy Guide Of … Continue reading Celebrating Empathy Day with ‘Perfectly Norman,’ by Tom Percival.
Library Girl and Book Boy 