Mole’s Sunrise

Text: Jeanne Willis, Wikipedia

Illustrations: Sarah Fox-Davies

Year: 2011

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 40633 778 5

This kind and generous story of friendship offers little children a tiny peek at the window to the world of the differently-abled.

Vole is in a hurry to catch the sunrise. He stops by Mole’s house and invites him too. Soon, they are joined by Rabbit, Squirrel and Sparrow.

Each of them sees the sunrise with a unique perspective, all of which blend together to create a beautiful image for the nearly blind Mole.

This book is about kindness, friendship, generosity and so much more. The illustrations are breathtakingly detailed.

Excerpt

Vole got up just before dawn.

Mole was having breakfast but Vole didn’t have time.

Katie and the Sunflowers

By James Mayhew, Wikipedia

Year: 2000

Publisher: Orchard Books, London

Age: 5 - 9 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84121 634 8

This is the first time we’ve come across a book that skillfully introduces the enchanting world of art, the masters and their timeless masterpieces to little ones.

The story weaves in Paul Gauguin’s Breton Girls Dancing and Tahitian Pastorale, Paul Cezanne’s Still Life with Apples and Oranges and Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Café Terrace at Night.

We loved it!

Excerpt

The gallery was full of warm sunny paintings. Katie liked a painting called Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh.

The sunflowers looked dry and crunchy and were full of seeds.

It’s Snowing!

By Olivier Dunrea

Year: 2010

Publisher: Square Fish, New York

Age: 6 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 31260 216 1

The first snowfall is often a magical and momentous time for most of us. This book is a tender narrative of a mother’s delight at introducing her baby to her first snowfall. The text and illustrations are enchanting.

Excerpt

“Baby, taste the snow!”

Baby opens his mouth.

“Baby, touch the snow!”

Baby flies into the air.

Hector

Text: Sarah Aspinall

Illustrations: Mark Barry

Year: 2011

Publisher: Templar Publishing, UK

Age: 6 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84877 204 5

Hector is creative and a dreamer. One day, he paints a bright, red car and introduces it to his friends as the car that will take him to faraway places.

The day he plans to leave, his friends decide to leave with him. They happily land up in a place with trees, houses and a big, blue sky.

Excerpt

A little while later, Hector’s friends, Pootle and Poppet, arrived. Hector showed them his new picture.

“What’s that?” said Pootle.

“My big, bright-red car,” said Hector. “It’s going to take me to faraway places.”

Caterpillar Butterfly

Text: Vivian French, Wikipedia

Illustrations: Charlotte Voake

Year: 1993

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age: 4 - 8

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, Educational

ISBN:  978 0 74456 282 1

Here’s an engaging way to teach children about metamorphosis – that magical, beautiful process of nature where an ordinary caterpillar turns into a radiant butterfly.

The text introduces the discovery through the eyes of a little girl and her grandfather who patiently watch over a batch of butterfly eggs as they hatch, crawl, pupate and finally, emerge as butterflies.

Excerpt

The next day there were lots and lots of little tiny caterpillars crawling on the nettle leaves. The eggs were papery and empty.

Buzz Bumble to the Rescue

Text:  Lynn E. Hazen

Illustrations:  Jill Newton

Year: 2006

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing, London

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 74757 297 6

This story about bees is captured in outstanding illustrations that make each page a work of art.

Buzz Bumble is a star in his garden. All the bees admire him for his style, speed and agility. However, when sweet lil' Baby Bumble comes flying around, all the attention is turned to her.

Buzz Bumble feels miffed but he races to her rescue when she’s trapped in a Venus Flytrap.

He makes it to the cover of “The National Bee-Geographic Magazine.”

We loved this book for its message of self-acceptance and encouraging children to be comfortable with themselves. The sunny illustrations are cheery and adorable. 

Excerpt

“Look at Baby Bumble!” announced Humble.

“Our little fuzzy-buzzy is covered with pollen!”

“Adorable,” cooed Miss Bizzy.

“Where’s Ansel Antennae?” asked Senor Sting. “He must take a picture!”

Laura’s Star

By Klaus Baumgart, Wikipedia

Year: 1996

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 3 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Novelty Picture Book

ISBN: 978 1 85430 696 0

Sometimes, we find the gift of friendship in the most unexpected places.

Lonely little Laura wishes for a friend. Her wish is granted in the most extraordinary manner – a star comes whirling down from the sky! 

She brings it home and tends to it as a point has broken off.

Laura has a wonderful time with the star but its glitter begins to fade. She knows a star is happiest up in the sky and sets it free.

Oh yes, the star is all silvery, shiny and smooth to touch. Little ones will love it. :-)

The book is perfect in every way especially because of the almost magical quality of the illustrations.

Excerpt

Outside on the pavement lay a little star, fizzing sparks and colours like a giant sparkler.

“You’re beautiful,” Laura whispered, as she tiptoed towards it. 

When the snow comes

By Jonathan Allen

Year:  2010

Publisher: Boxer Books, London

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 90796 713 9

This enchanting story of the first snowfall of the season is also our very first book on yaks. :-) They look adorable in this book.

As Little Yak prepares for his very first winter, we get a glimpse into all the different ways in which his friends prepare for the cold. The Pika stores up grass, Bear hibernates and Blue Thrush flies away to his warm winter home.

Little Yak is grateful that he can withstand the icy winter, thanks to his shaggy coat, and enjoy the snowfall surrounded by his mother's warmth.

Excerpt

“Well, what do yaks do when the snow comes?” asked Little Yak.

“We stay right where we are,” said Mum. “our thick shaggy coats keep us warm.. And little yaks snuggle up close to their mums.”

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.”

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. 

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.

Busy Bugs: A book about Patterns (Puffin Young Readers – Level 1)

Text: Jayne Harvey

Illustrations: Bernard Adnet

Year: 2003

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, New York

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN:  978 0 44845 816 8

The book cover calls it a ‘book about patterns’ and it is. The text showcases all the pretty patterns in nature – butterfly wings, the dots on a ladybird, spider webs, fireflies and more.

All of these facts are woven into a lyrical text that intertwines numbers and colors to spin a tale of fantasy and sheer natural beauty.

Excerpt

Here are eight bugs who like to sing.

They all line up from wing to wing.

One moth, one flea, one fly, one bee.




Other titles in this series

• Level - 1: A new friend
• Level - 1: At the beach 
• Level - 1: Ice Cream Soup
• Level - 1: Max has a Fish, Review here
• Level - 1: Nicky Upstairs and Down 
• Level - 1: Play with Blue
• Level - 1: Tiny goes camping 
• Level - 1: Tiny the Birthday Dog 
• Level - 1: Tiny the Snow Dog 

• Level - 2: Cowboy Roy, Review here
• Level - 2: Madeline and her dog, Review here
• Level - 2: Princess Buttercup, Review here
• Level - 2: Red, White and Blue
• Level - 2: Shape Spotters, Review here 
• Level - 2: Snug Bug, Review here
• Level - 2: Spider's Lunch, Review here
• Level - 2: The Cow in the House, Review here
• Level - 2: The Garden that we grew  
• Level - 2: Who stole the cookies?, Review here

• Level - 3: Agapanthus Hum and the Eyeglasses
• Level - 3: Amanda Pig on her own
• Level - 3: Why do birds sing?

Beautiful Ballerinas

Text: Elizabeth Dombey

Illustration: Shelagh McNicholas

Year: 2014

Publisher: Grosset and Dunlap, New York

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 0 44846 714 6

My 4-year-old zoomed into this book at the library like a bee to a flower. She’s passionate about ballet, rather, her idea of ballet and ballerinas.

This book is a soft introduction to ballet for little girls, and combines cute illustrations with photographs. The book touches on basic positions; common terms and also devotes eight pages to the history and evolution of the art. 

It should keep your budding artist engaged for quite some time! :-)

Excerpt

Now on to the allegro (say: ah-LEG-roh) portion of class!

The music picks up and the dancers perform faster, livelier steps, such as turns and small jumps.

Then it’s time for grand allegro, which is a series of large jumps. 

Very Special Friends: Down by the River

By Jane Chapman 

Year: 2012

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 1 84895 305 5

Here’s another magical book from Jane Chapman on friendship, happiness and the sheer joy of contentment.

Mouse awaits her Special Friends by the riverside. As she waits, Rabbit decides to wait with her. They are joined by Frog and eventually, Turtle. The four of them have a lovely day by the riverside and realize at the end that Mouse’s Special Friends never did come by.

But they did, didn't they? :-)

The book captures the passing of a beautiful day with elegant prose. And, the paintings make this book a collector’s item. Simply beautiful!

Excerpt

“Just the weather for waiting,” smiled Frog. “Can I join you?”

Sunshine speckled the trees.

Caterpillars munched lazily in the leaves.

A single cloud drifted in the blue, blue sky. 

Anna Hibiscus’ Song

Author: Atinuke

Illustrator: Lauren Tobia

Year: 2011

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 40

ISBN: 978 1 40633 841 6

This is the first time I've read a children’s book by an author of Nigerian origin and I am enthralled by the joie de vivre that sparkles through the pages. 

Anna Hibiscus is the quintessential happy child who feels happy for no particular reason. Just like any other child.

She shares her happiness with the people of her homestead (it feels like a joint-family) and they all, in turn, try to help her find ways to let out all that happiness bursting inside her.

When Grandma is happy, she squeezes Grandpa’s hand, when her cousins are happy, they cartwheel, somersault or walk on their hands.

Anna’s mother, finally, helps her find the answer.  

I loved the amazing illustrations and the text, well, it just jumps out at you with happiness!

Excerpt

“Papa! Papa! What can I do?” laughs Anna Hibiscus.

“I am SO happy, soon I will pop like a balloon.”

“When I am happy,” Papa smiles, “I go to Mama and tell her how much I love her.”

Said Mouse to Mole

Author: Clare Bevan

Illustrator: Sanja Rescek

For Ages: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 22

Publisher: QED Publishing, London

Year: 2004

ISBN: 978-1-84538-015-1

If I were to make a list of some of the finer things of life, it would include poetry, paintings and innocence. I would not have thought it possible, but I found all the above packaged beautifully into this lyrical story about two friends, a mouse and a mole.

One fine day, they find themselves gloomy and wish to be somebody else until they realize they are perfect just as they are.

Each page is a painting and the book will brighten up your children’s bookshelf. The story will delight young readers especially those who have been introduced to the concept of rhymes.

It’s one of those rare books that make you want to frame each page up.

Excerpt

Said Mole, “I wish that I could be

Taller than the tallest tree.”

Said Mouse, “But if you grow so tall,

Your little house will be too small.”

Said Mouse, “I wish that I could change

To something beautiful and strange.”

Said Mole, “But if you’re strange and new,

Will you like me? Will I like you?”

Wherever You Are

By Nancy Tillman, Wikipedia

Year: 2010

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends, New York

Age: 5 - 10 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, Poetry

ISBN: 978 0 31254 966 4

The complete title of the book is Wherever You Are my love will find you. It’s a touching tribute to parents’ love for their children.

There are stunning comparisons to the bounties of nature to remind little ones of the everlasting nature of their parent’s love.

The beautifully detailed illustrations compliment the heart warming text. The child's special status is accentuated by a glimmering trail of stars that surrounds the child through the pages. 

It’s poetry. It’s art. It’s love. :-)

Excerpt

So climb any mountain … climb up to the sky!

My love will find you.

My love can fly!

When the World is Ready for Bed

Text: Gillian Shields

Illustrations: Anna Currey

Year: 2011

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing, London

Age: 3 – 7 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type:  Picture Book, Bedtime

ISBN:  978 1 40880 564 0

This is an enchanting bedtime book with charming lyrical text that evokes the beauty of dusk and night time.  

The innocence of the bedtime ritual is vividly captured in watercolors as three little ones prepare to sleep.

A big thumbs up! :-)

Excerpt

Let’s talk about

The things you’ve done –

All the laughter,

All the fun.

Disney’s Brother Bear

Year: 2003

Publisher: Chuang Yi Publishing Pte.  Ltd., Singapore

Age: 6 – 10 years

No. of Pages: 46

Book Type: Graphic Novel

ISBN:  978 9 81241 669 8

This brilliant graphic novel based on Disney’s blockbuster animated movie, Brother Bear will cheer any comic book lover.    

Brother Bear is heartwarming tale set in ancient times and celebrates the special bond between man and animals.

A young impetuous boy is turned into a bear and he must journey through treacherous terrain to see himself change back into a human being again. This journey also transforms his perspective on life, brotherhood and kinship with nature.

This is a great way to introduce young ones to the colorful world of comics.

Give her the River

Text: Michael Dennis Browne

Illustration: Wendell Minor

Year: 2004

Publisher: Pocket Books, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 40

ISBN:  978 0 74348 986 1

This exceptional picture book reminds me of the several “I love you” books that articulate a parent’s love for their child(ren). While the others use simple words and are apt for very young readers, Give her the River – A father’s wish for his daughter (Yes! That’s what the cover says) is a poetic expression of a father’s desires for his little one. It uses the analogy of a river to explore the beauty of the world. It’s a poignant rendition of love - that special love that only parents can feel.

I loved this book, because it captures the essence of happiness by teaching a child to appreciate the world around her. That will stand her in good stead for life!

The words are tender and the beautiful paintings, elevate the book to a whole new level.

Excerpt

Give her the river at dawn,

when it shines,

when the swans are gliding.