Book Review, Picture Books

Rex The Rhinoceros Beetle by M.G. Leonard & illustrated by Duncan Beedie

Rex is a wonderful rhinoceros beetle who would love to be as fearless and as strong as his friend, Buster. Buster has so many big stories about all of his rainforest adventures and Rex is in absolute awe of him. However, Buster might not actually be as brave as he seems.  Will Rex be able… Continue reading Rex The Rhinoceros Beetle by M.G. Leonard & illustrated by Duncan Beedie

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgomery

Even when things seem at their darkest, there is always a flicker of light. The Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgomery is so much more than a story about the Second World War. It explores darkness, light, hope and love within layers and layers of meaning. Both the internal and external battles portrayed in this story… Continue reading The Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgomery

Book Review, Picture Books

Joy by Yasmeen Ismail & Jenni Desmond

Joy by Yasmeen Ismail and illustrated by Jenni Desmond is just that – an absolute bundle of kitten joy! We are smitten cat lovers in our house so this charming book is purr-fect for us! I read it with my son and he giggled and “awwww”ed his way through the entire story. There’s nothing better… Continue reading Joy by Yasmeen Ismail & Jenni Desmond

Book Review, Picture Books

AB Gets His Wings by Richard Bland & Rosie Philpott

AB is a loveable teddy bear who lives on the shelf of a warehouse. Every day he waits patiently, hoping this will be the day he is chosen to go and live with a new family. Each evening, he loves to fly with the toy planes that sit on the highest shelves. He zooms around… Continue reading AB Gets His Wings by Richard Bland & Rosie Philpott

Book Review, Picture Books

Nell & the Circus of Dreams by Nell Gifford & Briony May Smith

Nell’s mother is ill and her farmhouse is so quiet. Then one day a little lost chick changes her life. Following her chick across the fields, Nell discovers the most amazing circus community full of excitement, daring, bright colours and, most importantly, friendship. Nell loves the circus and is swept away by the magic and… Continue reading Nell & the Circus of Dreams by Nell Gifford & Briony May Smith

Book Review, Picture Books

The Cockatoo from Timbuktu

The Cockatoo from Timbuktu by William A.E. Ford and illustrated by Ramile M. Imac is a delightful picture book that takes children on a journey around the world! Little Kian, the cockatoo, lives in a zoo. Even though he spends all day singing, he is sad. He misses his mum and dad and wants nothing… Continue reading The Cockatoo from Timbuktu

Book Review, Early Reader

Clever Cakes by Michael Rosen

Clever Cakes, written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Ashley King, is an appealing, colourful book containing two fun fairy tales with a twist. Published by Barrington Stoke, these stories help children age 5-8 make the jump into longer stories with a more grown-up feel. “Clever Cakes” and “The Great Golden Belly-Button” tell the stories of… Continue reading Clever Cakes by Michael Rosen

Book Review, Early Reader

Captain Whiskers by Jeremy Strong

Captain Whiskers, written by Jeremy Strong and illustrated by Matt Robertson, is a wonderful, laugh out loud story of a boy who desperately wants a pet.  Published by Barrington Stoke, it is an appealing “Little Gem” story for young readers (age 5-8). As an early chapter book, it builds confidence through manageable sections of text, short… Continue reading Captain Whiskers by Jeremy Strong

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell

The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell is a living, breathing story of colourful imagery and magnificent language set on the beautiful island of Papua New Guinea. It is a story of respect and responsibility, the conflict of traditions versus what is perceived to be progress, and a personal search for truth, forgiveness and finding oneself.… Continue reading The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Girl Who Stole an Elephant by Nizrana Farook

I loved this Robin Hood style story in which an unlikely hero steals from the rich (including the tyrannical king) to help those who are struggling in the community. Is this right? Is this wrong? Will good win in the end?  Chaya, Noor and Neel have to be true to themselves to find the answers.… Continue reading The Girl Who Stole an Elephant by Nizrana Farook