One Winter’s Night

Author: Claire Freedman

Illustrator: Simon Mendez

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 26

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Year: 2009

ISBN: 978-1-84506-971-1

This book truly comes across as a gem amongst children’s books not just for the splendid illustrations but also for the poignant story that evoke tender thoughts in the readers.

A mysterious badger with warm, kindly eyes appears out of nowhere, hungry and cold. Fox, Mouse and Hare scamper to help him in their own tiny ways.

Each page is a marvelous expression in beauty. From snow-swept landscapes, to dark woods to glorious sunrise, Simon Mendez has captured details in stark clarity.

This beauty, definitely, belongs in your child’s bedtime library.      

Excerpt

Then together they curled up cosy and warm in their snowy den.

The wind howled and snow fell thickly, but they had never slept so well.

The next morning Badger had gone!

I like Monkeys because …

Author: Peter Hansard

Illustrator: Pat Casey

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 38

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Year: 2010

ISBN: 978-1-56402-196-0

Amongst the many friendly books that are available to introduce children to the animal world, I liked this one a lot. The friendly water-color illustrations make the books friendly for even the little ones.

The text is very child friendly and jargon-free despite offering a wealth of information on the world of monkeys.

Definitely, one for your nature library. 

Excerpt

I like monkeys because …

I like the funny way they play. Young ones tease and trick, then scamper off as fast as they can go.

I like monkeys because …

I like the way they jump from branch to branch, from tree to tree. 

Super Pants!

Author: Steve Smallman

Illustrator: Cee Biscoe

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Year: 2012

ISBN: 978-1-84895-493-9

Little Lola, a feisty little polar bear, gets a perfect Christmas gift – a superhero costume. Her dad gets one too and off they go looking for adventure.

After several hilarious incidents including an attempt to rescue penguins from a block of ice, Lola is finally contented and ready to call it a day.

I loved the cheery illustrations in full-page splendor. Definitely, a keeper. 

Excerpt

They shot off the cliff with a WHOOSH, and flew straight towards the penguins.

“Super Lola to the rescue!” she yelled.

CRASH!

Daddy and Lola landed on the ice and eight grumpy penguins sploshed into the water!

“Oops! Sorry!” said Daddy.          

Moon Rabbit

Author and Illustrator: Natalie Russell

For Ages: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books, London

Year: 2009

ISBN: 978-0-67001-170-4

Moon Rabbit is a brief story of a chance encounter and a beautiful friendship between two rabbits – Little Rabbit, who’s lived all her life in the city and Brown Rabbit, who lives in a park.

This book isn’t glossy or filled with bright colors. Therefore, while it might not appeal to many children, it is a tender tale of caring, being thoughtful and generous.    

Excerpt

But then, one dark night, Little Rabbit saw the city lights glowing in the distance and suddenly she felt sad.

“The city is so beautiful," she sighed.

Brown Rabbit was quiet. How could anything be as beautiful as the moonlit park, he thought.