Pooh and the Storm that Sparkled

Text: Isabel Gaines

Illustrations: Studio Orlando

Year: 2000

Publisher: Random House, USA

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 38

Book Type: Picture Book, Reading for beginners

ISBN:  978 0 73641 147 X

This book belongs to the Winnie the Pooh First Reader series designed to encourage and engage young readers to learn to read through the adventures of beloved Pooh.

Pooh and Piglet are intrigued by a strange kind of storm brewing behind the Great Hill. They decide to warn the others. They are worried when they hear that Tigger, Kanga, Roo and Christopher Robin are on a picnic on the Great Hill. The kind-hearted friends rush to rescue them but are in for a spectacular surprise. :-)

Excerpt

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM - BOOM!

Pooh woke up with a start.

“What was that?”

Eeyore Finds Friends

Text: Isabel Gaines

Illustrations: Josie Yee

Year: 1999

Publisher: Disney Press, USA

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 38

Book Type: Picture Book, Reading for beginners

ISBN:  978 0 78684 259 5

This book belongs to Winnie the Pooh First Reader series designed to encourage and engage young readers to learn to read through the adventures of beloved Pooh.

Eeyore discovers that it is ‘Twos-day’ and wanders around the Hundred-Acre Wood to find a friend to share the day with. Eeyore is perplexed as Gopher has planned to spend his day with Rabbit, Owl is having tea with Kanga and Tigger is playing with Roo in the meadows.

As expected, he finds Piglet at Pooh’s house and they’re just about to tuck into a pot of honey. Kind-hearted Pooh has forgotten that it's Twos-day and decides to call it Fun-day, instead. 

Excerpt

One lovely spring morning, Gopher popped out of a hole right beside Eeyore.

“Say, sonny,” said Gopher, “why are you alone? Don’t you know today is Twos-day?”

Just One More!

Text: Tracey Corderoy

Illustrations:  Alison Edgson

Year: 2012

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Bedtime Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84895 313 0

Little Brown Bunny is ready for bed but he can’t seem to get enough stories for the night. After a few stories, his exhausted Mummy passes the books on to Daddy. Soon, Granny and then, Grandpa read to him.

Finally, after all the stories have been read, Little Brown Bunny is still not ready to sleep. However, he has a wonderful idea on how to get a new bedtime book.

Excerpt

Teatime was over. Bath time was over.

That meant just one thing …

“Story time!” cried Little Brown Bunny.

So Mummy read him a story. Then another.

Dream Animals – A Bedtime Journey

By Emily Winfield Martin

Year: 2013

Publisher: Random House Children’s Books, New York

Age: 5 - 9

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Bedtime, Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 44981 080 4

This enchanting bedtime book about children’s journeys to Dreamland employs lyrical text to weave a web of dreams and twilight magic.

The illustrations are a combination of pencil sketches and elaborate finely detailed paintings that seem to be infused with life.  

Simply beautiful! :-)

Excerpt

There are animals from long ago

And twice as far away.

Their maps are made of starlight

And can’t be seen by day.

Friends in the Snow

Text: Daniel Postgate

Illustrations: Sam Childs

Year: 2012

Publisher: Scholastic Children’s Books, London

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture book

ISBN: 978 1 40711 539 9

Here’s another delightful book that celebrates a child’s unique ability to imagine much like Bruno’s Box. I liked this book also because it encourages children to explore their creative instincts and to be bold about their expressions. 

Brave little Lucy is startled by the white monster on the stark white bedroom wall. After failing to ignore the monster’s grunts and howls, she befriends him and takes him for a walk to discover new friends.

The adventure doesn't end … :-)

Excerpt

The penguin looked north, south, east and west.

He saw that Lucy was quite right, there was nothing but white.

“Then I’m King of Nothing,” said the penguin. “And Nothing will have to do.”

One Sleepy Night

By Sebastien Braun 

Year: 2013

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 2 – 4 years

No. of Pages: 20

Book Type: Bedtime, Board Book

ISBN:  978 1 84895 512 7

This charming bedtime board book is beautiful. And, of course, the central character is a baby bear on his way to bed. They stop by one sleepy owl, two badgers and three fireflies before finally calling it a night.

The rhyming text is memorable too!

Excerpt

Three sleepy fireflies litter and peep.

Softly, the wind whispers, “Hush! Time for sleep!”

One little bear has a wash before bed. 

Bouncy Bouncy Bedtime

Text: David Bedford

Illustrations: Russell Julian

Year: 2011

Publisher: Egmont UK, London

Age: 2 – 5 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, Bedtime

ISBN:  978 1 40525 741 1

This is a truly fanciful bedtime tale that ought to have children asking for more. There are plenty of “noisy” words to engage little ones too. The kids loved chirruping, tweeting, roaring and trumpeting various animal sounds. :-)

The illustrations are enchanting as they transition from a gentle golden sunset to mild, soothing shades of blue and purple to complete the bedtime effect. 

Truly creative. :-)

Excerpt

Look who’s first!

Waddlers!

Sliding and gliding to the big, bouncy bed in the sky.

Those early birds don’t want to be late!

Slip, slap, flippety-flap!

No Babysitters Allowed

Text: Amber Stewart

Illustrations: Laura Rankin

Year: 2008

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing, New York

Age: 3 – 7 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, Bedtime

ISBN:  978 0 74759 847 3

No Babysitters Allowed addresses the common concerns of a child who’s not happy to see his parents go out for the evening and even less happier to have a babysitter.

Ordinarily, brave and bold Hopscotch is fearless but when he realizes that his parents are going out for the evening, he “doesn’t feel brave at all.”

His babysitter, Mrs. Honeybunch, soon befriends little Hopscotch and they have a great time playing, painting and reading.

Excerpt

Hopscotch and Rabbity pressed their noses to the goodbye window, still waving long after Mummy and Daddy had turned the corner out of sight. 

Angels Watching Over Me

Adapted by Julia Durango

Illustrations: Elisa Kleven 

Year: 2007

Publisher: Simon and Schuster, New York

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 32 

Book Type: Picture Book, Poetry

ISBN:  978 0 68986 252 6

This book finds inspiration from the well-loved spiritual Angels Watching Over Me. The text is essentially the song expanded with additional verses to weave a soothing blanket of comfort and reassurance for little ones.

It is a beautiful song. :-)

Excerpt

All night, all day angels watching over me.

Day begins, dawn breaks anew.

Sun wakes up, I wake up too.

Dinosaur Sleepover

Text: Pamela Duncan Edwards

Illustrations: Deborah Allwright

Year: 2010

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books, London

Age: 3 - 7 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, Bedtime

ISBN:  978 0 23074 052 5

This beautiful bedtime story blends thoughtfully laid out text with warm, witty illustrations to create a memorable book.

The story traces the concerns of a little boy just before his first-ever sleepover. Never mind, that he ends up pretending that it’s his dinosaur who’s worried about staying away for a night. :-)

This ought to be a classic. We loved everything about this book.

Excerpt

What would you do if it was your cousin’s birthday and he invited you and Dinosaur to a sleepover party?

What if dinosaur looked puzzled?

Noodle’s Knitting

Text: Sheryl Webster

Illustrations: Caroline Pedler

Year: 2010

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 3 – 7 years

No. of Pages: 24

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84895 093 1

This heartwarming story of friendship, love and sacrifice makes for a great reading experience.

Noodle, an industrious little mouse, longs to knit. She manages to lay her hands on a lovely ball of wool.

She knits, all day long and soon she has a scarf ready for herself and her friends to tuck into during the long, cold winter.

The illustrations are exceptionally adorable. Our baby loved this book because of the soft-to-touch velvety texture on every page.

Excerpt

Pitter patter went her paws, clickety click went her needles. On and on she danced, singing merrily,

“One plain, one purl, one twisk, one twirl!”

She was enjoying herself so much she didn't even notice her knitting catch on a prickle …

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. 

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 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.

The Usborne Little Book of Bedtime Stories

Written and retold by Philip Hawthorn

Illustrator: Stephen Cartwright, Wikipedia

Year: 2002

Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd., London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 96

ISBN: 978 0 74604 844 0

This book is a collection of seventeen wise old fairy tales and folk tales with a modern twist and cleverly suited-up to be read as bedtime tales. From classics like Princess and the pea to the Giving Tree, the stories in this book are a great way to end the day for little ones.

Excerpt from Button Nose

‘Why, you little beast, there’s nothing here!” said the witch.

In a flash there was nothing of her either. She vanished in a puff of smoke, and in her place sat the king and queen. The magic spell had been broken because the witch had looked at the inside of the apple, which no-one had ever seen before.

I Love You as Big as the World

Text: David van Buren

Illustrations: Tim Warnes

Year: 2008

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 0 to 3 years

No. of Pages: 20

ISBN:  978 1 84895 644 5

This is a beautiful “I Love You” board book for little ones.

It uses the imagery of a bear and its cub to convey the beauty and vitality of one of the strongest bonds known to man, that of a parent and child. I found it a great bedtime read. The kids giggled and reveled in the creative expressions of love. :-)

Excerpt

I love you as strong as the wind.

I love you as soft as the dew.

I love you as far as a star. 

Rumble in the Jungle

Text: Giles Andreae, Wikipedia

Illustrator: David Wojtowycz

Year: 1996

Publisher: Orchard Books, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 1 86039 660 7

This book is just right for all those little ones who dream about adventures in the jungles. Rumble in the Jungle is essentially a collection of witty poems, each focused on a specific animal - crocodiles, lions, elephants and the rest!

The illustrations burst with color and vitality boosted by the use of plentiful primary colors to engage babies too!  :-)

This book is a keeper. :-)

Excerpt

The night has started falling

But the jungle never sleeps,

The vultures circle slowly

While the leopard softly creeps.

The Nutcracker – Usborne Young Reading

Retold by Emma Helbrough

Illustrator:  Anna Luraschi

Year: 2004

Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd., London

Age: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 48

ISBN: 978 1 40951 820 4

It is delightful to see a classic packaged just right so children can enjoy it too! Thanks to the Usborne Young Reading series. 

Meet intrepid little Clara, who sneaks in to take a peek at her grandfather’s present even though it’s just Christmas Eve. That launches her into a series of fantastical adventures which includes a battle against some mean mice, a visit with the Ice Queen and a trip to the Land of Sweets where dancers from around the world perform for Clara.

The illustrations are enchanting enough to pique your child’s curiosity and spur her on a fantasy trip, not that kids need any help in that area. :-)

Excerpt

“Clara, this is the Sugarplum Fairy,” said the prince. “She rules over the Land of Sweets.”

“I hope you have a sweet tooth,” said the Sugarplum Fairy, with a smile.

She led them into a grand hall, where the tables were covered with chocolate cakes, cookies and candy swirls. 

A Little Fairy Magic

Author: Julia Hubery

Illustrator: Alison Edgson

Year: 2011

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-1-84895-141-9

If only I could get one of the the pages of this book as a poster for my children’s room…

This has to be one of those dream books for little girls – it’s about little Phoebe, a mouse with a fairy costume and a magic wand. And, there’s actual glitter on the pages. The kids couldn't keep their hands off the book! 

Meet Fairy Fizzwhizz (ahem! Phoebe in real life) who sets out to become a fairy now that she has a costume. She tries to fly but lands with a bump. She tries to turn a ladybird into a parrot, but then it flies away.

She finally does make her brother happy in her role as a fairy and learns that being kind and thoughtful is ‘the best fairy magic in the world.’

Excerpt

Sam opened his eyes… and saw a sparkling new mast on his pirate ship.

“You really can do magic, Fairy Fizzwhizz!’ he laughed.

“I did, I did!” squealed Phoebe, and they sailed together until Daddy called, “Ahoy there, time for tea!” 

The Little White Owl

Author:  Tracey Corderoy

Illustrator: Jane Chapman

Year: 2010

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 2 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN: 978 1 84895 085 6

We’re all familiar with that one person in our circle who’s content with life and himself. And often, we find that even though we find this person a little out-of-place initially, eventually, we secretly aspire to be like him.

The Little White Owl is the story of a contented, happy bird who’s all alone in the world and his only possessions are a teddy bear and a clock. His favorite food is toast with strawberry jam. He has a favorite branch, too.

One day he decides to explore the world a bit and finds “owls – lovely owls!” Brilliantly colored but prim and proper birds who always sit still for they do not want their feathers ruffled.

They initially attempt to chase the little white owl away because he has no colors. But the owl wins the others over with his fantastical tales of ‘castles, and knights and dragons.’

Soon, the colorful owls can’t seem to get enough of the little white owl. They even follow him to his home and discover that life can be fun if they only allow themselves to have a good time.    

I love the transition in the expressions of the colorful owls. In the first few pages, they are shown morose and burdened. Gradually, the veneer cracks in one, then two and by the last page all the owls are laughing and frolicking in the snow.

This book is just perfect in every way - a charming story and paintings that make you go back to the book, over and over again. 

Excerpt

So the little white owl closed his eyes and magical stories came pouring from his heart!

Colourful tales of castles and knights and dragons with fiery breath and blasting through moonbeams and counting bright stars and tumbling down like a snowflake!