Just Right for Christmas

Text: Birdie Black

Illustrations: Rosalind Beardshow

Year: 2011

Publisher: Nosy Crow, London  

Age: 3 – 7 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Picture book, Paperback

ISBN: 978 0 85763 136 7

This is a cheery Christmas story of love and sacrifice. Christmas is also one of those times when miracles of kindness and friendship are born. And this book is about just that – an act of love sets off a chain reaction of selflessness and sharing.

On Christmas Eve, the king spots a roll of beautiful red cloth to make a cloak for his daughter. The maids leave the scraps outside which Jenny, the kitchen maid sews into a smart jacket for her mother. 

Bertie Badger finds her scraps and makes a hat for his father and leaves the cloth scraps outside his house. Samuel Squirrel finds them and makes a pair of gloves for his wife. His scraps are picked up by Milly Mouse who turns it into a scarf for her son Billy.

Everyone’s present feels just right…

We loved this book for its simple message of giving and sharing at Christmas time.

Excerpt

She snipped and she sewed and she snipped and she sewed and, by the time the candle had burnt down low, she’d made a cosy scarf for Billy. 

Me and My Dad

Text: Alison Ritchie

Illustrations: Alison Edgson

Year: 2007

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture book

ISBN:  978 1 84506 465 5

This delightfully illustrated tender expression of love from a cuddly, baby bear to his strong, tall daddy bear is a treasure.

The book traces a day in the life of the cub, from his father’s wake-up kiss to cuddling with his dad at night and packed with all their fun adventures in between.

This is a memorable book especially because of its enchanting illustrations that celebrate the love of a parent and child. 

Excerpt

My dad tells me stories as

As day turns to night.

We cuddle up close

In the twinkling light. 

I Love You, Little One

By Nancy Tafuri

Year: 1998

Publisher: Scholastic Press, New York

Age: 2 – 5 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Bedtime, Picture Book

ISBN: 0 590 92159 2

Here’s a beautiful “I Love You” book.

I loved this book because it borrows profoundly from nature - coolness of a river, shelter in a pond and the snugness of earth. It also celebrates other unique attributes of our world like the strength of a mountain and constancy of stars.

It might be a mite too intense for a little child but it might just find resonance somewhere in their little hearts. :-)

Excerpt

“I love you as the stars love you,

Constant and bright above you,

Giving you joy and peace and wonder.”

The Bravest Cat! (The true story of Scarlett) (Puffin Young Readers – Level 2)

Text: Laura Driscoll

Illustrations: DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan, Wikipedia

Year: 1997

Publisher: PuffinYoung Readers, New York

Age: 4 - 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Educational 

ISBN:  978 0 44849 482 1

Another “cat” book but with longer sentences than “That, Bad, Bad Cat”.

This is also a true story based on a cat named Scarlett who stole hearts worldwide for her bravery when she went back and forth from a blazing fire in a garage to rescue her kittens, all five of them!

Excerpt

And the poor mother cat!

Her burns are bad.

Her eyes are hurt.

She cannot even see her kittens.

That Bad, Bad Cat (Puffin Young Readers – Level 2)

Text: Claire Masurel

Illustrations: True Kelley

Year: 2002

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, New York

Age: 3 – 5 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Educational

ISBN:  978 0 44845 813 7

We love these ‘learning to read’ books on cats. It’s one of the first words children learn to read at kindergarten school.

This book has plenty of “cat” in it to encourage a tiny reader. :-)

Excerpt

He spilled milk.

He stole food.

“Bad, bad cat!” his family said. 

Henry’s Holiday

Text: Gillian Shields

Illustrations: Rosie Reeve

Year: 2009

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Book, London

Age: 3 - 7 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN: 978 0 23073 633 7

Books that feature penguins on ice are always welcome. :-)

Meet Henry, a sweet little penguin who dreams of living on a tropical island because he just feels too cold on the ice!

His wish is fulfilled but he soon misses the love and friendship at home and, of course, the icy chill!

Excerpt

The island was full of palm trees and coconuts and pineapples. Everything was bright and warm and colorful. Henry was DELIGHTED.

But when he waddled up the beach, the sand wasn't soft and smooth and slippery like the snow.

Dog Fish

Text: Gillian Shields

Illustrations: Dan Taylor

Year: 2008

Publisher: Simon and Schuster, UK

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 41691 043 5

Here’s a humorous look at one of the salient conversations that happen all around the world in almost every home – a child asks for a pet and the parent hmmms and haws. The middle ground that they arrive at is often fascinating.

It’s how the little boy in this story came up with the intriguing title – Dog Fish.

Excerpt

Then she says in her soothing-and-explaining voice, “But, sweetheart, wouldn't the dog be bored all day, when I’m at work and you’re in school?”

So I think a bit more and say, “It could read the paper?”

Nuddy Ned

Text: Kes Gray

Illustrations: Garry Parsons

Year: 2008

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing, London

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Novelty Picture Book, Paperback

ISBN:  978 1 40883 659 0

This hilariously illustrated, cheeky lift-the-flap book is uproarious. The rhyming text sets the tone for a mischievous reading session.

Meet Ned, who is suddenly inspired (!?) to run around in the nude! His parents are flabbergasted as they chase him around town while his neighbors are simply appalled. But nothing, absolutely nothing prepares you for the last page. :-)

Excerpt

“I’m Nuddy Ned! I’m Nuddy Ned!

Jim-jams aren’t for me!

I’m never wearing clothes again.

It’s the nuddy life for me!”

If you meet a Dinosaur

Text: Paul Bright

Illustrations: Hannah George

Year: 2013

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 3 – 7 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, Paperback

ISBN: 978 1 84895 542 4  

We seem to be homing in on quite a few dinosaur books these days. :-)

This charming tale of Mummisaurus trying her best to protect her egg makes for hilarious reading. Thanks to some awfully clumsy dinosaurs bumbling around in the pre-historic jungle. There are plenty of sound words to keep your little ones engaged too!

Warning: The book does introduce some oddly named dinos – Clomposaurus, Noseysaurus, Waggosaurus and more.

Excerpt

For dim Dozysaurus came lumbering into sight –

A bumble-stumble dinosaur who’s dozy day and night –

Swishing, stomping, snuffling, with tail and feet and snout. 

Sam’s Snowflake

Text: Gillian Shields

Illustrations: Rosie Reeve

Year: 2008

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books, London

Age: 2 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, paperback

ISBN: 978 0 23053 178 9

This is a gentle Christmas story that explores the deep bond that children forge with their dads.

Little Sam can’t wait to do fun things with his dad but he’s gone away to ‘fetch a special Christmas surprise’.

As Christmas Eve slowly fades into a cold, dark night Sam worries that his dad might get lost. He makes a glittery star that he puts up at the highest window to guide his father back home.

The book offers a gentle opportunity to explain to little ones, especially those prone to separation anxiety that parents come back. 

Oh yes, there’s a generous smattering of glitter through the pages too! :-)

Excerpt

Sam couldn't wait for the snow to come.

Every Christmas, Dad helped him to make a snow bear, took him toboganning and played roly-poly snowball fights. 

Aladdin and his Magical Lamp (Usborne Young Reading)

Retold by Katie Daynes

Illustrations: Paddy Mounter 

Year: 2003

Publisher: Usborne Publishing, London

Age: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 60

Book Type: Chapter book

ISBN: 978 0 74605 770 4

Website: Usborne Young Reading

Alladin and his Magical Lamp is one among the many classics from One Thousand and One Nights, a collection of Arabian stories.

The Usborne Young Reading re-telling in easy-to-read text makes the story relevant to modern young children.

Aladdin finds a magic lamp which comes with a resident genie. The magical genie is obliged to fulfill the wishes of whoever possesses the lamp. The genie helps Aladdin become rich and marry the princess.

Of course, nothing worthwhile in life comes easy - Aladdin has to fight a wicked magician to keep the lamp and prove he is worthy.

Excerpt

The Sultan lived in a grand palace. 

On her first visit, the Sultan didn't even look at Aladdin's mother. But she went back, again and again until, finally, he spoke to her.   

Noddy Goes to Sea

By Enid Blyton

Year: 1959

Publisher: BBC Books, London

Age: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 60

Book Type: Chapter book

ISBN: 978 0 56336 834 2

Website: Noddy.com

Noddy’s golden heart lands him on a ship! 

Tubby Bear has run off to sea and life away from home isn't as much fun as he thought it’d be. Noddy who’s followed him on to the ship, is promptly recruited by the captain as a cabin boy and is well-liked by the sailors. He also gets to meet some merfolk too.     

Excerpt

A sailor took Noddy down into the ship, and gave him a cabin-boy’s uniform.

“I want to wear my hat with the bell,” said Noddy. “This round cap-thing doesn't fit me. It will fall off every time I nod.”

SO MUCH!

Text: Trish Cooke

Illustrations: Helen Oxenbury, Wikipedia

Year: 1994

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 48

Book Type: Picture book

ISBN: 978 1 40630 665 1

This was our first experience of African-Caribbean life.

The book is centered around an adorable baby who's pampered and cuddled by a string of visiting relatives. One of them wants to squeeze him, another wants to kiss him. His doting grand-mammas want to eat him while a cousin wants to fight him. All because they love the baby SO MUCH!

The illustrations are striking in their attention to detail and each person is brought alive through the lyrical prose and paintings.

This book ought to be a collector’s item.:-)

Excerpt

Nannie and Gran-Gran came inside with their handbags cock up to one side and their brolly hook up on their sleeve.

“Yoooooo Hoooooo! Yoooooo Hoooooo!” they said. 

Mr. Brown can Moo! Can You?

By Dr. Seuss, Wikipedia

Year: 1961

Publisher:  Harper Collins Children’s Books, UK

Age:  2 and above

No. of Pages: 30

ISBN:  978 0 00786 518 5

Book Type: Picture book, Poetry

It was the kids’ first encounter with Dr. Seuss and they loved it!

The younger kids chuckled with delight as they tried out different sounds like goldfish kissing and hippopotamus chewing gum among many other adventures in noise-making. :-)

If you have a toddler, this book is a sheer delight. 

A big thumbs up!

Excerpt

BOOM BOOM BOOM

Mr. Brown is a wonder!

BOOM BOOM BOOM

Mr. Brown makes thunder!

He makes lightning!

SPLATT SPLATT SPLATT

First-Grade Bunny (Robin Hill School) Ready-to-Read: Level 1

Text: Margaret McNamara

Illustrations: Mike Gordon

Year: 2005

Publisher: Aladdin Books, New York

Age: 4 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture book for beginner readers

ISBN: 978 0 68986 427 2

Website: Ready to Read

Here’s another delightful tale from the Robin Hill School series.

Mrs. Connor has brought a bunny named Sparky to class and the children are to take turns to care for it.

Reza would rather not. He’s not afraid of much but bunnies aren't on his cute list either. Kind Mrs. Connor understands and does not insist. 

Excerpt

Mrs. Connor saw Reza in the corner.

“Tomorrow, you will take care of Sparky,” she said.

That night, Reza had a scary dream. 

The Legend of the Christmas Kiss

Text: Barbie Penkins

Illustrations: Joyce Revoir

Year: 2005

Publisher: Howard Publishing Co., USA

Age: 3 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 34

Book Type: Picture book, Poetry

ISBN:  978 1 58229 450 6

Here’s a truly adorable festive story that takes place during the very first Christmas.

When Baby Jesus is born, all the angels wonder what would make a perfect gift for the baby. A little angel wishes to kiss His face. That strange wish sets in motion a series of delightful events culminating in one of the most beautiful natural events, snowflakes.

The paintings are fabulous! :-)

This is a splendid book - one that could become an heirloom.

Excerpt

Sparkling specks fell from the sky.

All day and through the night.

They didn't stop ‘til morning came

And everything was white.

It was a Cold, Dark Night

By Tim Hopgood

Year: 2010

Publisher: Collins Big Cat, London

Age:  4 - 6 years       

No. of Pages: 16

ISBN:  978 0 00732 922 9

Book Type: Picture book, Nature

This guided reading book from Collins Big Cat is a short, warm story of Ned, a hedgehog, who is in need of a home to snooze in during winter.

The leaves are falling fast, the wind is blowing colder and most homes have been taken. Ned finds the perfect place, finally, with some help from the bats.

Excerpt

It was a cold, dark night and the wind was blowing.

The hedgehog looked up at the old barn.

The bats said, “This is our home. But look down, Ned!”

Dinosaurs Galore!

Text: Giles Andreae, Wikipedia

Illustrations: David Wojtowycz

Year: 2004

Publisher: Orchard Books, London

Age: 2 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, poems

ISBN: 978 1 84362 609 8

This book could easily be the signature book of dinosaurs for little ones. With enchanting rhymes devoted to famous dinosaur species, this book is, truly, a gem from the creators of Rumble in the Jungle. :-)

This book will add loads of color to your child’s library.

Excerpt

So now you've met the dinosaurs,

What a fierce bunch!

Some of them would really like

To eat you for their lunch!

Duck says Don’t!

Text: Alison Ritchie

Illustrations: Hannah George

Year:  2012

Publisher:  Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 3 – 7 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture book

ISBN:  978 1 84895 316 1

Here’s a gem from the Little Tiger Press.

Goose’s Pond is a haven of fun, frolicking and friendship. However, Goose has to go away on a holiday and leaves the duck in charge, who errrmm…takes his charge a bit too seriously.

Soon, the Pond is smothered by several “Don’t” signs put up by an overly-conscientious duck. He soon sees the error of his ways.

The illustrations are simply delightful and the story, hilarious. Though there is an important message hidden in there ... 

Excerpt

Duck was having a little nap when the frogs dived into the water, SPLASH!

“Frogs!”Duck yelled. “What do you think you’re doing? Diving is forbidden!”

“Forbidden?” said the frogs angrily. “Says who?”

The Sleepy Way Home to Bed

Text: Claire Freedman

Illustrations: Veronica Vasylenko

Year: 2012

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 2 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 24

Book Type: Picture book, bedtime

ISBN:  978 1 84895 278 2

Now, here’s a bedtime book that most parents of little ones will identify with – the reluctance of a child to sleep.

The sun’s about to set in a brilliantly portrayed golden glow but Little Hare is as energetic ever. So Mummy Hare decides to take the ‘sleepy way back home’ – a winding path where they get to meet all their special friends who in their own sweet way try to get Little Hare sleepy.

This is a warm tale of friendly neighborliness and childhood innocence and the paintings are simply glorious.

A keeper, I must say!

Excerpt

“Oh, I see!”  smiled Mouse with a twinkle in his eye. “I know that special path. Follow me, Little Hare!”

Giggling, Little Hare went scurrying and hurrying after Mouse.

How to Catch a Star

By Oliver Jeffers, Wikipedia

Year: 2004

Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books, London

Age: 2 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Picture Book, Board Book

ISBN: 978 0 00732 461 3

This is a truly delightful board book guaranteed to set afire many a toddler’s imaginations.   

The book starts with the ubiquitous “Once there was a boy” and then takes us on a fantasy adventure into a little boy’s mind who dreams of catching a star.

At last, after many creative attempts at getting a star, his wish is fulfilled. In a way. :-)

Excerpt

The boy decided he would try to catch a star. E thought that getting up early in the morning would be best, because then the star would be tired from being up in the sky all night. 

‘Click!’ Carrot poses for the Camera

Text: Arleen

Illustrations: Lilli Messina, Wikipedia

Year: 2008

Publisher: Pelangi Books, Malaysia

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 24

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 9 83002 999 3

Carrie’s just received a Polaroid camera as a gift. She wants to click photographs of her mother but she’s busy with cooking. Dad has some work to do too!

Carrie then finds the perfect model with her dog, Carrot.

Other titles in this series include:

• Carrot Loves Carrots
• Carrot Goes to School
• Carrot Gets Lost
• ‘Hicks!’ Carrot has a Hiccup

Excerpt

‘Click! Click! Click!’

After a few more snapshots, Carrot refuses to pose.

She is tired of getting dizzy every time Carrie takes a photo. 

Baby Tawnies

By Judy Paulson

Year: 2012

Publisher: Random House, Australia  

Age: 3 – 5 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture book

ISBN:  978 1 72475 577 9

The book features a family of Tawny Frogmouths, (a native Australian bird that looks like it belongs to the owl family but does not).

Reggie and Lyla, decide to get adventurous when their parents go out at night to hunt for them. Before long, they've learnt not only to sit on a branch just like their parents but also to flutter their wings and fly!

The book uses clever photography with Tawny Frogmouth dolls as illustrations.

Excerpt

The next night, Lyla and Reggie bounce out onto the branch.

‘Come on, Reggie, let’s fly,’ says Lyla as she flutters her wings and sails into the air.

Reggie lifts his wings up and down, up and down, faster and faster, faster and faster…