Hector and the Cello

Author and Illustrator: Ros Asquith

For Ages: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 24

Publisher: Big Cat, London

Year: 2005

ISBN: 978-0-00747-063-1

Now here’s a book that addresses an issue faced by all who dare to dream – criticism. People around us simply seem to love trampling on our dreams and aspirations. Some mean well and some don’t. Nevertheless, it is a real problem and something that we need to familiarize our children with.

Meet Hector the hippopotamus, who has a dream - to play the cello. Naturally, the lion, the leopard, the rhino and the snake express their disbelief in different ways and unknowingly, give Hector all that he needs to buy a cello and some lessons. Soon, he’s on his way to achieving his dream with happy consequences for all the animals of the wild, wet jungle.

Excerpt

“I want to play the cello,” said Hector. “Please don’t roar, or growl, or snort, or hiss.”

“Do you have a cello?” asked the lyrebird.

“No,” said Hector. “But I have a lion’s mane, a leopard’s spots, a rhino’s horn and a snake’s skin. 

Will that buy me a cello and some lessons?”

Tom’s Tail

Author: Linda Jennings

Illustrator: Tim Warnes

For Ages: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 28

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Year: 1995

ISBN: 978-1-58925-383-4

Children of the television and Internet era have a huge problem – they are bombarded with messages that seem to indicate that they could be really happy if they changed a wee bit of this or that of themselves. I liked this book, because it addresses just that – accepting yourself for who you are.

Little Tom is a perfectly made piglet but he has a problem with his tail. His kind-hearted farm friends try several remedies until Tom realizes, through a series of mishaps, that his tail is just fine, the way it was meant to be.

This is definitely a book for your personal library.  

Excerpt

“Tell you what,” said Sam, picking himself up.

“Why don’t I take hold of your tail and you can lead me along. That should straighten it!”

So Tom took Sam for a walk, past the pigsties and over the buttercup meadows.

“That’s enough!” squealed Tom. “Let me go!”

PING!

Back sprang the tail to its usual curly-twirly self. 

Paddington at the Palace

Author: Michael Bond

Illustrator: R. W. Alley

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 24

Publisher: Harper Collins, UK

Year: 1986

And here’s adorable Paddington again – this time on a visit to the Palace.

It’s a beautiful day when Paddington and Mr. Gruber set out to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Unfortunately, the bear has a bad time in the crowd and ends up missing the parade. Just when all seems glum, a man in a bowler hat asks the policeman at the gate to let them in so Paddington can get a proper photograph!

Then they know, someone in the Palace likes bears and has let them in.

Excerpt

“Look,” said a small boy, pointing at Paddington. “One of the soldiers has dropped his hat.”

“It’s what they call a busby, dear,” said his mother.

Paddington jumped to his feet. “I’m not a busby,” he cried. “I’m a bear!”

Paddington at the Zoo

Author: Michael Bond

Illustrator: R.W. Alley

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 24

Publisher: Harper Collins, UK

Year: 1984

Some of us grew up with Paddington bear – adorable, clever and, if I may say so, pampered- in a good way. 

In this book, the little brown bear visits the zoo with a large pile of marmalade sandwiches. He's a little miffed when the gatekeeper mistakes him for a pet and refuses him entry. Of course, Judy and Jonathan convince him otherwise.

Paddington visits the birds at the aviary, the Siberian Wild Dogs, elephants and lions who all seem to like his sandwiches, much to his dismay! 

Excerpt

The elephant didn’t wait to be asked either. It simply made a loud trumpeting noise – “Whoooohoowooo!” – and reached down with its trunk.

Paddington watched as his third sandwich disappeared. He began to feel that going to the zoo was not such a good idea after all.

Little Yellow Digger

Author: Nicola Baxter

Illustrator: Toni Goffe

For Ages: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 28

Publisher: Ladybird Books, London

Year: 1997

ISBN: 978-0-72141-930-5

Our car fills up with excited squeals and shouts every time the kids spot a digger or an earthmover. Which is why I picked up this book. Needless to say, everyone was thrilled.

Meet the Little Yellow Digger, a hard working machine of steel with a gentle soul. He takes his orders from a very busy but clever Man with the Plan.

The Little Yellow Digger faithfully follows his instructions, interruptions notwithstanding from curious passers-by who want to know what the digger is up to. Of course, he doesn’t have the big picture yet but he entertains theories from others – a pond for a fierce Digger-crunching Shinkle Shark or a trap for a Many-headed Mud Monster and more!

The pictures are embellished liberally with humor and happiness which makes this book a keeper.

And no, I’m not going to play spoilsport here! :-)

Excerpt

“Just leave it to me!” said the Little Yellow Digger. “Does that mean …”

But the Man with the Plan had gone off to have a cup of tea.

So with a clank, clankety clank the Little Yellow Digger carried all the earth and all the grass over to the lorries.  

Bug Books - Ladybird

Authors: Karen Hartley and Chris Macro

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Heinemann Library, Oxford

Year: 1999

ISBN: 978-0-43101-833-1

Are ladybirds beetles? Why do gardeners like ladybirds? These are just some of the few curiosities addressed in photo-packed book on the colorful ladybirds. Even the page numbers use a ladybird icon! The book also addresses why people like ladybirds. (Because they are cute!) Of course, yes.

This book makes an excellent choice if you want to introduce your children to bugs and the world of insects. Heinemann Library has published several titles in this series including Ants, Snails, Head Louse and Cockroach to mention a few. The content is balanced well. It stays factual without appearing dreary.    

Excerpt

Ladybirds eat garden pests that harm plants and flowers. People who have gardens like ladybirds because they help their plants.

Sometimes farmers bring ladybirds to their farms and orchards. The ladybirds eat aphids and other insects that kill the farmers’ plants. 

The Big Pancake

Retold by Nicola Baxter

Illustrator: Tony Kenyon

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 24

Publisher: Ladybird Books, London

ISBN: 978-0-72141-694-6

This delightful adaptation of a folktale will find echoes with children of most cultures. And, anyway, a rolling-moving pancake is bound to catch the imagination of little minds.

The delightful illustrations make the tale easy to relate to – a mom in tracks and sneakers, a little boy with glasses.

Of course, children’s tales are rarely complete without talking animals, of which there are plenty here.

Excerpt

So, two hungry little boys cracked the eggs and …

two hungry little boys measured the milk and …

two hungry little boys weighed the flour and …

one hungry little boy mixed it all together (and got quite a lot on the floor!).

My Big Body Book

Author: Zita Newcome

For Ages: 2 and above

No. of Pages: 12

Publisher: Walker Books Ltd., London

Year: 2006

ISBN: 978-1-40630-412-1

This is literally a BIG book with warm, friendly illustrations and cardboard pages for the use of little ones. The book tenderly invites the child to discover the parts of the body and its functions. It covers the basics from eyes to body aerobics.

A good book to have in your library and of course, to share!

Excerpt

We use our ears for hearing. Listen carefully.

How many noises can you hear? Are they loud or quiet?

Some noises are nice … and some are not so nice.

What noises can you make? Can you bark like a dog or miaow like a cat?

Gruff the Grump

Author: Steve Smallman

Illustrator: Cee Biscoe

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 26

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Year: 2009

ISBN: 978-1-56148-669-4

Now here’s a beautiful story with brilliant illustrations that make you want to frame up a couple of pages to hang on the wall.

This tender story about a grumpy bear discovering kindness and eventually, happiness in his lonely existence is bound to evoke feelings of empathy amongst young readers.

The story is narrated extremely well. It’s not poetry but you almost want it to be. Don’t be surprised if your children pick up a few sentences and repeat them like rhymes. But then, it isn’t a rhyme, either.

I must say, meaningful stories (for children) like this are rare and a find like this ought to be treasured.

Excerpt

Gruff was a bear.

A great big bear.

A great big, scowly, growly, grizzly grump of a bear.

He lived all alone in a musty, dusty old cave where nobody ever came to visit. The other animals hid when they saw him coming. They called him, ‘Gruff the Grump’.

“HUMPH!” went Gruff the Grump to show he didn’t care. 

Bright Stanley

Author and Illustrator: Matt Buckingham

For Ages: 2 and above

No. of Pages: 22

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Year: 2006

ISBN: 978-1-58925-059-8

Meet Stanley who belongs to a shoal that’s the ‘brightest, sparkliest fish in the whole of the deep, dark sea.’

It shows too. Little Stanley is illustrated with shiny, golden scales that little ones will love to see and play with.

He has a little encounter with a mean ole’ shark but comes through safely.  

Our 4-year-old wanted me to read it to her everyday that we had the book. (it was borrowed from the State Library.) So a good choice for little ones, especially those who are inclined to shiny and sparkly stuff.

Excerpt

CLONK!

Stanley crashed head-first into something very hard.

“Jumping jellyfish!” he cried. It wasn’t one of his friends at all, but his own reflection in a shiny pearl!

Stanley rubbed his bumped nose, feeling a little dazed. He didn’t notice a dark shape coming up behind him. 

Rapunzel (Ladybird Books)

Retold by: Nicola Baxter

Illustrator: Martin Aitchison

For Ages: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 24

Publisher: Ladybird Books, Leicestershire, UK

Year: 1993

ISBN: 978-0-72141-557-4

Based on the story by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, this version is merely a retelling, abridged to suit young readers.

Every page has a full-color illustration, true to Ladybird Books style.

The witch looks awful, through.

Excerpt

Years passed, and Rapunzel never set eyes on another living person. Then, one day, a young prince riding through the forest heard Rapunzel’s sweet singing.

“I have never heard such a lovely voice,” he said to himself. “I shall not rest until I find out who it belongs to.”

So the Prince hid nearby and saw the witch climb the tower.

That evening, after the witch had gone, the Prince called out,

“Rapunzel, Rapunzel,

Let down your hair.”

Open Wide!

Author: Julia Moffatt

Illustrator: Anni Axworthy

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Evans Brothers, London

Year: 2004

ISBN: 978-0-23752-791-4

This is a great book to help introduce your child to dental care and dentists. It features a simple story line but it’s a practical book to help with children like Danny. He’s been scared by his big brother and does not want to visit a dentist for a check-up. He drags his feet until he realizes the dentist isn’t all that scary.

And the full-page, full color illustrations, definitely help.

Excerpt

Inside, Danny was surprised. It didn’t look like a spooky cave at all.

The dentist didn’t look like a monster, either.

“Would you like a ride on my chair?” he said.

“Wheeeeee!” said Danny.

“Open wide!” said the dentist. 

Milly, Molly and What Was That?

Author: Gill Pittar

Illustrator: Cris Morrell

Year: 2001

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN: 978-1-86972-031-5

Milly and Molly are inseparable friends who constantly learn new things about people, places and important values.

Milly and Molly decide to spend the night with Bunty the ewe in Farmer Hegarty’s barn. After a night of startling sounds – the cricket, the mouse, the owl and other animals – they are each rewarded with a very special gift.

The Milly, Molly series of books (over 30!) are designed to promote healthy character and develop strong foundational values among children. 

Excerpt

“Puk puk, puk puk,”

“What was that?”

“A hen gathering in her chicks,” yawned Bunty. “Snuggle down and close your eyes.”

Flap, flap, flap.

“What was that?”

“Just a bat coming in from the night,” whispered Bunty. “You are perfectly safe.”

Milly, Molly and the Stowaways

Author: Gill Pittar

Illustrator: Cris Morrell

Year: 2003

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-1-87729-759-5

Milly and Molly are inseparable friends who constantly learn new things about people, places and important values.

In this book, they are at a play on stowaways. The captain orders that the stowaways prove their worth to earn their keep. Each stowaway exhibits a unique talent but the captain is mystified why such talented people are aboard his ship. 

In a time of worldwide immigration in every direction, it is important that we teach our children to accept and appreciate diversity. This story is just about that.

The Milly, Molly series of books (over 30!) are designed to promote healthy character and develop strong foundational values among children. 

Excerpt

“But tell me one thing,” said the Captain.

“Why are you stowing away on my ship when you all have such beautiful talents?”

“We thought we could prove our worth before being returned to shore,” said the first stowaway. 

“You see, no one gives us a chance.”

Milly, Molly and Salt and Pepper

Author: Gill Pittar

Illustrator: Cris Morrell

Year: 2003

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-1-87729-758-8

Milly and Molly are inseparable friends who constantly learn new things together about people, places and important values.

Milly and Molly visit Farmer Hegarty who lets them ride Salt and Pepper, a couple of old but very trusty horses. The children enjoy their day ambling about on the horses with their friends.

The Milly, Molly series of books (over 30!) are designed to promote healthy character and develop strong foundational values among children. 

Excerpt

And then they met Tom and George.

“Can we please come too?” they asked.

Salt and Pepper didn’t mind.

Clip-clop, clip-clop, clip-clop.

The day was an amble and a rosy red apple until it was time to go home. 

Milly, Molly and BiddyBid

Author: Gill Pittar

Illustrator: Cris Morrell

Year: 2003

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-1-87729-743-4

Milly and Molly are inseparable friends who constantly learn new things together about people, places and important values.

In this story, they are on a visit with BiddyBid who has ‘a garden full of secrets and a thing about forgiveness.” The children have a fantastic time of fun and discovery with her until they fall sick and BiddyBid thinks they might have eaten too many plums despite her warnings. The doctor clears the air as Milly and Molly forgive BiddyBid for her hasty and wrong diagnosis.

The Milly, Molly series of books (over 30!) are designed to promote healthy character and develop strong foundational values among children. 

Excerpt

She put foxgloves on their fingertips and said, “Now aren’t you grand?”

She held buttercup flowers under their chins and asked, “Guess who likes butter?”

She gave them each a grass soldier and they went into battle. “Let the strongest soldier win,” she cried. 

I am Reading: Princess Rosa’s Winter

Author: Judy Hindley

Illustrator: Margaret Chamberlain

Year: 1997

Publisher: Kingfisher Publications, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 50

ISBN: 978 0 75341 038 9

It’s a tale of long ago in a land where winter is a dark time. Princess Rosa feels grumpy with the weather and it looks like nothing will bring cheer to her or the courtiers in the castle. They try to cheer each other up with memories of warmer times. That doesn’t work either.

The King, then, remembers Hode, their ‘wonderful, winter visitor.’ Soon everyone is on their feet, dancing. Princess Rosa, now happy, finds beauty in the winter moon and snow.

I liked this story because it encourages children to look beyond their circumstances and find happiness in what they have.

The GOBBLE GOBBLE MOOOOOO Tractor Book

Author and Illustrator: Jez Alborough

Year: 2010

Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books, London

Age: 2 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-1-93527-966-2

Yes, the book does have an odd name but it really is a simple story of some farm animals who are out to have some silly fun with the farmer’s tractor.

Meet Sheep, the first to get the brilliant idea. Then Cat, Turkey and the rest of the gang use their vocal chords to make a ruckus loud enough to sound like a tractor at full throttle.

A sweet, nutty story guaranteed to keep your little ones engaged. Did I mention, the book has a spread-out that details all the animals up to their ludicrous antics? 

Excerpt

‘Can I come too?’ said Mouse.

‘I can do the wheels! The great big wheels which go round and round with a SQUEAK SQUEAK SQUEAK…

‘Wait for me!’ said Goose. ‘I can do the horn, which shouts, “Get out of the way!”

Arthur’s Fantastic Party

Author and Illustrator: Joseph Theobold 

Year: 2005

Publisher: Collins Big Cat, London

Age: 2 and above

No. of Pages: 24

Arthur plans to host an exciting party but only for fantastic animals. So who really are the fantastic animals? The three little pigs who love mud or the wolf who likes dressing up or the bear family that can cook good porridge? Oh dear!

I’d recommend this book to young readers for two reasons. One, the detailed illustrations and the bright colors make for a very happy reading time. Two, this story drives home the point that all of us are fantastic in our own way – something every child ought to know at a very young age before the world’s cut-throat competitiveness attempts to ruin the self esteem of the little one.

Excerpt

Arthur said, “Are you fantastic?”

“We make good porridge,” said the bears.

“Yuk! That doesn’t sound fantastic to me,” Arthur said. “You can’t come!”

That evening, Arthur put out the food and drinks. He was ready to party!

But something was wrong …

Ballet Sisters – The Newest Dancer

Author and Illustrator: Jan Ormerod

For Ages: 2 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Scholastic, New York

Year: 2008

ISBN: 978-0-43982-282-4

Sisters make for such fun reading!

Little Sylvie watches her sister Bonnie at her ballet classes. It’s obvious she loves dancing as much as her big sister. 

Kindly Miss Trisha watches as Sylvie waddles, flaps and quacks at her ducky dance. Impressed, she arranges for the little one to have her very own dance lessons. 

Excerpt

Sylvie learns knee flaps, knee bends, and jump, jump, jump.

She learns pony trots and rag dolls, elephants and butterflies.

Then the girls curtsy and the boy bows.

Miss Amy says, “Well done, dancers. And well done to our newest dancer, Sylvie.”

Happy 4th of July, Jenny Sweeney!

Author: Leslie Kimmelman

Illustrator: Nancy Cote

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company, USA

Year: 2003

ISBN: 978-0-80753-152-5

Here's a patriotic book for little hearts!

The book features an all-color snapshot of 4^th of July celebrations in an unnamed town. Each page describes different people, from Baby Lily to Mr. Jonas, a veteran and their preparations for this national holiday honoring USA’s birthday – all of it in rhyme. There's also a dog, Rags, who weaves in and out of every one's homes. 

Excerpt

Lisa practices her twirling.

Luis salutes the flag unfurling.

Mr. Jonas finds his cap.

Baby Lily takes a nap.

Mayor Swanson writes her speech.

Rags keeps running out of reach.