Rainy Day Fairies

Text: Julia Rowe

Illustrations: Eric Kincaid

Year: 2000

Publisher: Brimax, London

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 20

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 85854 155 6

If you’ve ever wondered where fairies come from, take a closer look at the raindrops. You might just see a tiny one clinging to an “extra large, shiny raindrop.”

This series by Julia Rowe provides a refreshing look at fairies and their origins. Puddles made by dragonflies and colors lent by a kind kingfisher are just some of the intriguing details that make this book exciting for little ones. 

Excerpt

When they were ready the beautiful kingfisher flew over each of them in turn and hovered over them. 

He flapped his wings so fast that you could barely see them move.

Also in this series:

• Sunny Day Fairies
• Snowy Day Fairies
• Rainbow Fairies

Sam’s Bush Journey

Text: Sally Morgan and Ezekiel Kwaymullina

Illustrations: Bronwyn Bancroft

Year: 2009

Publisher: Little Hare Books, Australia

Age: 5 - 9 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, Traditional

ISBN:  978 1 92154 172 8

Little Sam is visiting his nanna. He loves the experience except that her house is surrounded by the (Australian) bush – he gets scratched by spiky shrubs and bitten by mosquitoes. Nanna believes that one day he will love the bush.

Sam isn’t so sure until he has a dream where he’s lost. He finds shelter, food and water in the bush and begins to appreciate the role of the bush in the circle of life.

This eye-opener features colorful Aboriginal art and celebrates the beauty and self-sufficiency of nature.  

Excerpt

But Sam didn’t know where to find the waterhole.

Then he heard the birds singing. His nanna had told him that birds gather by the water, so he followed the sound. 

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

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?”

Hoppy Ever After!

Text: Alan Durant

Illustrations: Sue Mason

Year: 2007

Publisher: Zero to Ten Ltd., London

Age: 2 to 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Books, Paperback

ISBN:  978 1 84089 579 7

This happy tale of a happy frog was first published as Froggy went a Hopping.

Meet Froggy, a deliriously happy frog who wants to share his happiness with someone. He gets shooed away by the busy bees, funny bunnies and the beautiful birds. He comes back home and finds a surprise companion to be “Hoppy ever after” with.

The little ones loved this book because of all the “tweet, tweet” and “croak, ribbit” that they got to do while reading this book.

Excerpt

The sky darkened and the stars came out.

Twinkle, twinkle, twinkle.

Froggy’s fingers itched and his webby toes twitched.

He wanted to twinkle too. 

Bird Talk – What Birds are Saying and Why

By Lita Judge

Year: 2012

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, New York

Age: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 52

ISBN: 978 1 59643 646 6

This beautifully-done book presents a wide repertoire of bird noises and the reasons for their songs.

Chirp, warble, quack, coo, rattle, screech!

This is a must-have book if your child shows an inclination towards feathered friends. Or not. After all, who doesn't like birds? 

Excerpt

African Grey Parrots are excellent mimics. Many learn to repeat people’s voices, but one named Alex learned to use words with human meaning. With his vocabulary of about 150 words, he could name objects, count to six, ask and answer questions, and request rewards. “Wanna nut!”