Animals
Hattie Peck by Emma Levey
Hattie Peck’s story is full of eggs that have been laid by all kinds of creatures! We love Hattie, she’s a determined, kind hearted heroine who turns her own heartbreak around when she goes out into the big wide world to rescue abandoned eggs.
Hidden World Ocean by Libby Walden & Stephanie Fizer-Coleman
Hidden World Ocean is a beautifully illustrated, sturdy lift-the-flap book which introduces children to thirty six different sea dwelling creatures. It’s a colourful introduction to sea life which includes many different species including sharks, octopuses, various fish and crabs.
I say OOH You say AAH by John Kane
I say OOH You say AAH is a hilarious read aloud picture book. It is hugely entertaining for the reader and the listener and introduces children to the concept of following instructions in a fun way. Listener responses are a big part of the reading experience and the first time we read the book together my…
Shady Bay Buddies: Archie’s First Day At School / Archie Goes To The Doctor by Emma Brown
The Shady Bay Buddies, Archie and his friends and family, introduce children to familiar first experiences. With simple texts and adorable illustrations these two stories are fabulous for preparing children for their first day of school and reassuring them that visiting the doctor is nothing to worry about.
Rooster Wore Skinny Jeans by Jessie Miller & Barbara Bakos
Rooster Wore Skinny Jeans is definitely one of the most eye catching picture book titles that we’ve come across. It really invited us to open the book and we weren’t disappointed! Rooster’s story is as funny as the title suggests but it also shows that it takes courage to be yourself, regardless of the reactions…
The Storm Dog by Holly Webb & Artful Doodlers
The Storm Dog takes us back in time with Tilly who is learning about life in World War Two for a school project. Great-Gran is nearly ninety and sends Tilly a parcel which takes her back in time to give her the experience of an evacuee firsthand. We really enjoyed this story, as well as…
Ludwig The Sea Dog by Henning Lohlein
Put on your 3D goggles and join Ludwig The Sea Dog in a magical adventure which takes him out of his own book and into a watery world!
Pumpkin Soup by Helen Cooper
Pumpkin Soup is one of our favourite autumn picture books and reading it heralds the time of year when the days are getting shorter, the mornings are getting cooler and homemade soup becomes a staple food. The three protagonists in the story, Cat, Squirrel and Duck, have a very traditional soup making routine which is…
Spot Goes to School by Eric Hill
Many children are starting school next month and Spot Goes to School is a lovely lift the flap board book which introduces some of the activities that take place in a school setting. It’s a very simple story that is also suitable for those who may be starting nursery or preschool. Eric Hill’s famous character…
International Cat Day – favourite fictional cats
Happy International Cat Day! Do you have a favourite fictional cat? We looked through our bookshelves to find cats whose stories we enjoy reading and after some discussion we came up with a top five list. We’re also curious to know which fictional cats you would add.