Newest For Sharing Reviews

You Make Me Smile by Layn Marlow

For Sharing

Snow, at least for us in the UK, isn’t an everyday occurrence, and for children, unbothered by traffic chaos and school closures and boilers on the brink of a breakdown, it can be rather magical. This book is about that magic. Full review...

I Want a Pet by Lauren Child

For Sharing

What do you do if you really, really want a pet? You ask your parents, of course. They’re bound to have some criteria. Like something with not too much fur, something that can live outside, neatly out of the way, or something that doesn’t buzz (it’s not good for Granny’s hearing aid, y’see). So you take all this into consideration and come up with a shortlist of critters that might work. One by one you suggest them, and one by one your ideas are shouted down. Full review...

The Tailypo: A Ghost Story by Joanna Galdone and Paul Galdone

For Sharing

The Tailypo is an old story from Appalachian folklore. It has not been tamed down at all like so many of the old stories but retains all its original spine-tingling terror for the very young. Although it is listed as ghost story, it really is not. Instead it the story of a strange beast which is best left well alone. Full review...

Enormouse by Angie Morgan

For Sharing

Enormouse isn’t quite like the other mice. He’s big. Really big. And while his great size can be a useful thing (he can reach into high cupboards when they’re foraging, he can carry more cheese), that doesn’t stop the others laughing at him. Full review...

Miss Dorothy-Jane Was Ever So Vain by Julie Fulton and Jona Jung

For Sharing

Miss Dorothy-Jane is very much obsessed with her appearance, so when she sees there’s a competition to find Hamilton Shady’s best lady she just has to enter! She spends ever such a long time perfecting her look but on the way to the contest, disaster strikes. Will she realise that there’s more to life than looks, and sacrifice her chance to win a meet and greet with the Queen (yes, her Majesty!)? Can she do the right thing, even if she gets all dirty and dishevelled in the process? I’m sure you can guess the outcome, but the final ending was a surprise, even for me. A nice surprise, I should add. Full review...

What can you Stack on the Back of a Yak? by Alison Green and Adam Stower

For Sharing

You might be wondering why anyone would want to stack anything on the back of a yak, but the answer is simple. In this adorable tale, Captain Quack and the Yak (you’ve guessed it, this is a rhyming one) deliver post to the top of a mountain. Along the way the Yak likes to play, and, well, deviate from the track, and no matter how hard he tries, Captain Quack cannot control him. Uh oh. One day, the Yak ends up with a rather more interesting load than his usual parcels and boxes and sacks. Full review...

Mr Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown

For Sharing

There’s something special about tigers. And there’s definitely something special about Mr Tiger. He’s the star of Peter Brown’s picture book, ‘Mr Tiger Goes Wild’. This distinctive book takes the themes of fitting in and being true to who you are, and explores them through the character of one animal who challenges the status quo and dares to be different. Full review...

One World Together by Catherine Anholt and Laurence Anholt

For Sharing

A child (from an unknown country) is gallivanting throughout the world looking for a friend. He stops in Brazil and meets Paulo. He would be a good friend. Then he’s off to Morocco where he meets Mohamed. He would be a good friend too. You can see where this is going. From country to country we travel, constantly meeting exciting and interesting new children and learning about their lives. They would all be great friends for our little narrator, but who should he choose? Spoiler alert: he realises you don’t have to have just one friend, and in fact all the children of the world can be friends. Awwww. Full review...

Precious and the Mystery of the Missing Lion : A New Case for Precious Ramotswe by Alexander McCall Smith

For Sharing

I had already previously enjoyed Precious and the Monkeys which is one of AMS' children's stories about his No.1 Ladies Detective Agency character, Precious Ramotswe, when she is a child. So I was looking forward to this one about a missing lion. I wasn't disappointed. Once again his gentle charm shines through, and this is a delightful book to read aloud or just enjoy by yourself, however old you may be! Full review...

A Letter for Bear by David Lucas

For Sharing

Bear is a postman. He's a very good postman and always delivers all his letters on time. Yet when he's finished his work for the day he goes back alone to his cave, and makes himself some soup, and he wonders what it would be like to receive a letter. Full review...

How to Babysit a Grandad by Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish

For Sharing

It's very important to know how to babysit your grandad. You'll need to know what he likes to eat (Icecream topped with cookies or anything dipped in ketchup!) You'll also need to know how to keep him entertained (somersault across the room!) In case you've ever wondered about the best ways to look after your grandad then this is the book for you! Full review...

I Love You Father Christmas by Giles Andreae and Emma Dodd

For Sharing

This is a rather lovely letter to Santa style book, told entirely in verse. It starts off with the title words, I love you Father Christmas and works through why the gentleman in question rocks:

Your beard looks amazing
And yes, you’re rather fat
But you probably just like eating
And there’s nothing wrong with that Full review...

Fishy Tales by Rob Scotton

For Sharing

Even cats have to go to school too, y’know? And Splat is no exception. Today they’re going on a school trip to the aquarium, though, which is a bit exciting if you’re a cat, even if your teacher (the fabulously named Mrs Wimpydimple) is very clear on the ground rules: look with your eyes, not with your hands. And absolutely no eating of the fish! Full review...

Wibbly Pig Picks a Pet by Mick Inkpen

For Sharing

Big Pig's sister's friend is choosing a pet, but Wibbly and Scruffy can't wait to meet. They imagine all sorts of pets she might choose. Could it be an elephant, a polar bear or a dinosaur? They think of all sorts of fun choices, while hoping she chooses anything at all except a rabbit. Rabbits are boring according to Wibbly and Scruffy - at least until they see one. Full review...

Toucan Can by Juliette MacIver and Sarah Davis

Emerging Readers

If you’ve ever wondered what a toucan can do, this book will tell you. The answer, in a nutshell, is EVERYTHING!. Some are typical things – dancing and singing and sliding and swinging. Some are more random – banging a frying pan, doing the cancan. But they all look like a lot of fun, and the question remains: can you do what Toucan can? I bet, I bet, I bet you can! Full review...

The Christmas Carrot by Allan Plenderleith

Emerging Readers

It’s Christmas time, and there’s every reason to be afraid, at least if you’re a carrot. While everyone else is getting excited about the season, the Christmas carrot is dreading it. He’s about to go under the knife and emerge as a side dish on the family dinner table tomorrow. Gulp! Luckily Billy has other ideas, and seizes him from the kitchen where his dad (a nice touch…it’s not just mums who cook) had been about to prepare him. Outside they go, heading for Billy’s snowman who is missing one small feature… a nose! It’s a last minute save from the chopping board, but the Christmas carrot is still not happy with this career change, because it’s, y’know, rather cold out here. And so his adventure continues. Full review...

Wibbly Pig and the Tooky by Mick Inkpen

For Sharing

I had a feeling, when I saw the cover of this book, that I was going to enjoy it. I wasn't disappointed. Something really tickled me as I read this book, and I have since flicked through it again, by myself, without the kids! So that's usually a good sign of a good children's picture book. Especially if I now sneak it upstairs onto my picture book bookshelf where I keep all my personal favourites from our ridiculously large collection and I try to keep sticky fingers off them and keep them for special reading times together! Full review...

Winnie's Pirate Adventure by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul

For Sharing

We like Winnie the Witch stories in our house. We have a whole bag full of them, and have read them many times over, so when my daughter saw this new one she was very excited. Sadly, it didn't quite live up to our (admittedly high) expectations. This new story sees Winnie head off on a pirate adventure which should, you would think, have the makings of an excellent story. Full review...

Ding Dong Gorilla by Michelle Robinson and Leonie Lord

For Sharing

We never learn the name of the main character in Ding Dong Gorilla. This book is told in the first person, from the point of view of a very young child and addressed to his parent. This works quite well in this story, because most children will be able to identify very easily with the protagonist and most parents will identify with the unseen mother whom this story is directed to. The story begins with a sheepish looking wee boy reminding his mother how they had ordered a huge pizza. Unfortunately, he has a bit of bad news to break first. Full review...

Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts

For Sharing

Andrea Beaty and David Roberts make a great team. Their previous book, Iggy Peck, Architect, is a best seller and has a lot in common with Rosie Revere, Engineer. Both stories offer hope and encouragement to children who feel at odds and left out of the mainstream. Rosie is very shy and cannot bring herself to join in at school. But at home she sparkles and comes to life while building inventive gadgets from odds and ends, often using things rescued from the bin. When her favourite uncle laughs at one of her contraptions (made especially for him), Rosie is mortified and it takes the exuberant help of another relative to bring her back out of her shell. Full review...

Lollipop and Grandpa and the Christmas Baby by Penelope Harper and Cate James

For Sharing

Lollipop’s mum has just made an announcement. She started off sneakily by asking Lollipop and her brother James how they’d feel about welcoming another brother or sister to the family, but Lollipop is not stupid. She knows it’s not really up for debate. It’s already a done deal. Full review...

Pigeon Pie, Oh My! by Debbie Singleton and Kristyna Litten

For Sharing

This tale is a gently humorous picture book gem from Debbie Singleton and illustrator Kristyna Litten. Farmer Budd goes about his daily work, feeding animals and repairing the old scarecrow. But when he sets off to market he forgets to close the gate…..leaving the way open for the goat to cause havoc. Down tumbles the scarecrow and in come the pigeons with their beady eyes set on the corn crop. Tiny chick cleverly stops their plan in a way that may remind some young readers of a certain mouse in Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo. Full review...

Upside Down Babies by Jeanne Willis and Adrian Reynolds

For Sharing

Upside Down Babies is not about flipping little ones over and getting them to do headstands before they can walk (though, seriously, the earlier you start the better). No, it’s even more fun than that. The Earth has flipped! The sky is no longer blue – it’s brown like the ground instead. And the ground is brown like the sky used to be. Uh oh! Everything and everyone has gone tumbling, from the animals in the pictures to the text on the page. And while what goes up must come down, it might not come down in the place it should. Full review...

The Faber Book of Nursery Stories by Barbara Ireson and Shirley Hughes

For Sharing

A whopping 45 stories make up this reissued book of nursery stories perfectly pitched at the pre-school and early years audience. There are animal stories and stories about fantasy creatures. There are tales of good, sweet children and tales of naughty, crotchety ones. There are stories that go on for pages and others that finish after a few paragraphs. There are entries you might end up reading again and again, and entries you might read once or not at all, in favour of the favourites instead. Full review...

Barbapapa by Annette Tison and Talus Taylor

For Sharing

Bibliophiles over the age of 40 may have fond memories of a certain shape-shifting character by the name of Barbapapa who appeared in a series of children's books back in the 1970’s. The books were originally written in French, but gained popularity and were eventually translated into 30 languages. Barbapapa also had his own TV series and comic book and his name, literally translated, means candy floss. The books are now enjoying a resurgence in popularity now that the original stories have been reprinted in English for a new generation to enjoy. Full review...

Hugless Douglas Finds A Hug by David Melling

For Sharing

The fun in Hugless Douglas Finds A Hug jumps out at you. Literally. In the form of a Douglas puppet who arrives poking his head through the centre of the book. He pops up on every page of the story, sporting his red scarf and his slightly dopey look, and as his body seems to grow with every page that’s turned, you just know there’s something special waiting for you on the last page. Can you guess what it is? Hint: the clue’s in the title. Full review...

Poppy Cat's Counting Adventure by Lara Jones

For Sharing

Just how much can you pack in one short book? That’s the question you’ll be asking when you pick up Poppy Cat’s Counting Adventure. How about: rhyme (check), flaps to lift (check), holes to peep through (check), bright colours, happy characters and a fun, educational aspect (check, check, check). This book really has it all. Full review...

Bob the Bursting Bear by Michael Rosen and Tony Ross

For Sharing

I knew from the title this would be a good book. All that alliteration couldn't be for nothing, surely? Then I saw the cover, with a delightful bear wearing round wire-rimmed glasses and an oversized bowtie. 'Better and better,' I thought to myself. And you'll be relieved to hear that the story does not disappoint. This is one of my favourite books this year, and I have read it repeatedly with both my six year old and my one year old, both of whom enjoy it in different ways! Full review...

Breaking the Spell: Stories of Magic and Mystery from Scotland by Lari Don and Cate James

For Sharing

I love folk tales and fairy tales and have a vast collection from many countries and cultures. Finding ones from Britain however is surprisingly difficult. I must have at least ten Asian folktales for every British one I own. Of course we love learning about other cultures, but children should learn about their own heritage as well. While we live in Northern Ireland, the cultures of Northern Ireland and Scotland have intertwined from the first human settlements in Scotland. In fact I would argue very strenuously that one of these stories is Northern Irish, originating in the Tain Bo Cuailnge, but in fact, many of these stories are told in more than one place, and I do feel that the stories of Scotland reflect a part of our heritage as well. Whether you live in Scotland, or simply have an interest in the heritage of this country, this book would make an excellent addition to a child's book shelf, and should be required reading within the Scottish schools. Full review...

Best Word Book Ever by Richard Scarry

For Sharing

Richard's Scarry's Best Word Book Ever was first published in 1963. Over the years it has had a few minor revamps. Some adults have applauded these as improvements to the original, and others have bemoaned the changes as pandering to political correctness. I for one like the inclusion of female characters in traditionally male jobs and, knowing the actual definition of squaw, I am more than happy to see it removed. Most of all I appreciate the inclusion of Hanukkah and a menorah under Holidays, as I believe this will keep some children from feeling that their culture is left out. Full review...

Alexander and the Wind Up Mouse by Leo Lionni

For Sharing

When I saw Leo Lionni's name on this book, I couldn't snatch it up quickly enough. Leo Lionni began writing children's books in the early 60's and many of his were childhood favourites of mine. After having spent a fortune tracking down two out of print books of his, I am overjoyed to find one of his wonderful books is once again in print. Lionni had perfectly captured the magic of collage style illustrations years before Eric Carle came onto the scene, and has such beautiful, timeless stories. His stories are always fun and entertaining, but they carry messages of hope and kindness as well. They seem to have captured all the yearning for peace of the era in which they were written, and the very best of human emotions without every being preachy or twee. In my opinion Lionni was one of the best children's authors of all time. He wrote books that fed the soul. Full review...

Eat Up, Little Donkey by Rindert Kromhout and Annemarie van Haeringen

For Sharing

Little Donkey won't eat his lunch. He really, really doesn't want to eat at all. So, without a fuss Mama Donkey packs him into the pushchair and off they go to the park. I wonder what she has in mind? Full review...

It's Not Yours, It's Mine! by Susanna Moores

For Sharing

Presents are always special but Blieka’s new present is extra special. It is a lovely red ball and Blieka is sure that it is most definitely not for sharing. This ball belongs to Blieka and no-one else! Time passes and the lovely red ball is not quite so lovely anymore. Blieka needs help but what can Blieka do now? Will Blieka’s friends be prepared to come to the rescue? Full review...

The Weasel Puffin Unicorn Baboon Pig Lobster Race by James Thorp and Angus Mackinnon

For Sharing

I really enjoyed this book, but it is pretty clear from the outset, that this book will not be everyone's cup of tea. I'm just waiting for it to make an appearance on the banned or challenged books lists ( I read them regularly and get many of my best books from them). Curious George has been challenged more than once for being having a pipe in one illustration, but Weasel in this book is never without his. Coupled with the surreal, psychedelic images and the dream like quality of this book - there are sure to be complaints, but I don't think the author or illustrator will mind. I can't imagine this book being written or illustrated by anyone who gives a fig about political correctness. And in all honesty, there is nothing in this book that children are going to take the wrong way. The illustrations in this book are not going to make a child smoke a pipe anymore than they will make them try to go swimming in the fish tank. But if you prefer more mainstream children's books you might want to give this one a miss. Full review...