Hungry Harry

By Joanne Partis

Year: 2000

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN: 978 1 85430 635 9

Little Harry, the frog, is hungry. When he asks his mum for dinner, she encourages him to find his own food.

He’s excited about it until he realizes his prey is quite clever. The dragonfly is too quick, the caterpillar too hairy and the snail lives in a hard shell.

However, his first day of finding his own food ends up to be fulfilling adventure when he finds a picnic! :-)

Excerpt

Harry Frog was feeling hungry.

“What’s for dinner?” he asked his mum.

Happy Birthday Santa!

Author: Gillian Rogerson

Illustrator: Ingela Peterson

Year: 2005

Publisher: Gullane Children’s Books, Great Britain

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 26

ISBN: 978 1 86233 761 9

We’re all used to stories and movies about Santa bringing gifts for children. This book, though, is a rarity, in that somebody actually looks out for Santa and brings him gifts in the middle of the night.

Meet Sylvie, an elf and Rudolph , a reindeer who suddenly realize they don’t know when Santa’s birthday is. Strangely, neither do the Chief Elf nor Rudolph’s old Uncle Bert at The Reindeer Retirement Home. The duo has quite an adventure but their persistence finally pays off.

I liked this book because it's about giving gifts to Santa when it’s usually the other way around. The story ever so subtly hints at determination and persistence, qualities that our children are rarely exposed to in this 'instant' age. 

Excerpt

Sylvie and Rudolph found the Wise Old Owl getting ready for a night out.

“Excuse me, Owl,” said Sylvie. “Do you know when Santa’s birthday is?”

“No, my dear, I don’t,” said the owl.

Sylvie and Rudolph sighed. 

To Every Thing There is a Season

Illustrator: Jude Daly

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, London

Year: 2006

ISBN: 978-1-84507-363-3

This book was timely with our little children, when we had to explain to them the loss of a dear friend.

The book is packed with highly detailed and clever illustrations that merit a deep look to help one understand the story behind each verse. As a source of wisdom and comfort in times of need, this book deserves a place in your library.

The text is essentially from the Bible, Ecclesiastes chapter 3, verses 1-8 (King James Version).    

Excerpt

A time to weep, and a time to laugh,

A time to mourn and a time to dance,

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together…

Little by Little

Author: Amber Stewart

Illustrator: Layn Marlow

For Ages: 3 to 7

No. of Pages: 28

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Year: 2008

ISBN: 978-0-54506-163-6

Meet Scramble, an otter, that errr… cannot swim! He can do forward roly-polys, slippery rock hopping, mud sliding and everything else that an otter ought to do but swim.

That is, until his sister has a brainwave.

‘You have got to start small,’ she says. Soon Scramble can swim and even tumble under-water.

The story did make me wonder if this story can be used to motivate children to learn swimming. Just a thought.

It’s inspiring in its own way especially for little children as they now begin to cope with the rigors and challenges of school. ‘Starting small’ can be an incredible learning for children as they learn to overcome obstacles in academics and relationships.   

Excerpt

So, on that Monday, Scramble started small. He hopped along the river bed, keeping his toes off the bottom just that bit longer every time.

On Tuesday, he did higher hops and floating (with holding on) in between.

On Wednesday, Scramble did floating with no holding on.

And, on Thursday, he did a little kicking and then a lot of kicking to the Halfway Stone. 

Hector and the Cello

Author and Illustrator: Ros Asquith

For Ages: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 24

Publisher: Big Cat, London

Year: 2005

ISBN: 978-0-00747-063-1

Now here’s a book that addresses an issue faced by all who dare to dream – criticism. People around us simply seem to love trampling on our dreams and aspirations. Some mean well and some don’t. Nevertheless, it is a real problem and something that we need to familiarize our children with.

Meet Hector the hippopotamus, who has a dream - to play the cello. Naturally, the lion, the leopard, the rhino and the snake express their disbelief in different ways and unknowingly, give Hector all that he needs to buy a cello and some lessons. Soon, he’s on his way to achieving his dream with happy consequences for all the animals of the wild, wet jungle.

Excerpt

“I want to play the cello,” said Hector. “Please don’t roar, or growl, or snort, or hiss.”

“Do you have a cello?” asked the lyrebird.

“No,” said Hector. “But I have a lion’s mane, a leopard’s spots, a rhino’s horn and a snake’s skin. 

Will that buy me a cello and some lessons?”

Little Yellow Digger

Author: Nicola Baxter

Illustrator: Toni Goffe

For Ages: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 28

Publisher: Ladybird Books, London

Year: 1997

ISBN: 978-0-72141-930-5

Our car fills up with excited squeals and shouts every time the kids spot a digger or an earthmover. Which is why I picked up this book. Needless to say, everyone was thrilled.

Meet the Little Yellow Digger, a hard working machine of steel with a gentle soul. He takes his orders from a very busy but clever Man with the Plan.

The Little Yellow Digger faithfully follows his instructions, interruptions notwithstanding from curious passers-by who want to know what the digger is up to. Of course, he doesn’t have the big picture yet but he entertains theories from others – a pond for a fierce Digger-crunching Shinkle Shark or a trap for a Many-headed Mud Monster and more!

The pictures are embellished liberally with humor and happiness which makes this book a keeper.

And no, I’m not going to play spoilsport here! :-)

Excerpt

“Just leave it to me!” said the Little Yellow Digger. “Does that mean …”

But the Man with the Plan had gone off to have a cup of tea.

So with a clank, clankety clank the Little Yellow Digger carried all the earth and all the grass over to the lorries.  

Gruff the Grump

Author: Steve Smallman

Illustrator: Cee Biscoe

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 26

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Year: 2009

ISBN: 978-1-56148-669-4

Now here’s a beautiful story with brilliant illustrations that make you want to frame up a couple of pages to hang on the wall.

This tender story about a grumpy bear discovering kindness and eventually, happiness in his lonely existence is bound to evoke feelings of empathy amongst young readers.

The story is narrated extremely well. It’s not poetry but you almost want it to be. Don’t be surprised if your children pick up a few sentences and repeat them like rhymes. But then, it isn’t a rhyme, either.

I must say, meaningful stories (for children) like this are rare and a find like this ought to be treasured.

Excerpt

Gruff was a bear.

A great big bear.

A great big, scowly, growly, grizzly grump of a bear.

He lived all alone in a musty, dusty old cave where nobody ever came to visit. The other animals hid when they saw him coming. They called him, ‘Gruff the Grump’.

“HUMPH!” went Gruff the Grump to show he didn’t care. 

Milly, Molly and What Was That?

Author: Gill Pittar

Illustrator: Cris Morrell

Year: 2001

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN: 978-1-86972-031-5

Milly and Molly are inseparable friends who constantly learn new things about people, places and important values.

Milly and Molly decide to spend the night with Bunty the ewe in Farmer Hegarty’s barn. After a night of startling sounds – the cricket, the mouse, the owl and other animals – they are each rewarded with a very special gift.

The Milly, Molly series of books (over 30!) are designed to promote healthy character and develop strong foundational values among children. 

Excerpt

“Puk puk, puk puk,”

“What was that?”

“A hen gathering in her chicks,” yawned Bunty. “Snuggle down and close your eyes.”

Flap, flap, flap.

“What was that?”

“Just a bat coming in from the night,” whispered Bunty. “You are perfectly safe.”

Milly, Molly and the Stowaways

Author: Gill Pittar

Illustrator: Cris Morrell

Year: 2003

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-1-87729-759-5

Milly and Molly are inseparable friends who constantly learn new things about people, places and important values.

In this book, they are at a play on stowaways. The captain orders that the stowaways prove their worth to earn their keep. Each stowaway exhibits a unique talent but the captain is mystified why such talented people are aboard his ship. 

In a time of worldwide immigration in every direction, it is important that we teach our children to accept and appreciate diversity. This story is just about that.

The Milly, Molly series of books (over 30!) are designed to promote healthy character and develop strong foundational values among children. 

Excerpt

“But tell me one thing,” said the Captain.

“Why are you stowing away on my ship when you all have such beautiful talents?”

“We thought we could prove our worth before being returned to shore,” said the first stowaway. 

“You see, no one gives us a chance.”

Madeline and her dog

Author: John Bemelmans Marciano

Illustrator: JT Morrow

For Ages: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, New York

Year: 2011

ISBN: 978-0-60623-128-2

Television series: Madeline

A short and sweet story of Madeline and her pup Genevieve. Genevieve thinks nothing of poking her head into a garbage bin or fishing in the river. However, Miss Clavel thinks the pup needs a bath.

John Marciano’s (Madeline's creator, Ludwig Marciano's grandson) rhyming prose is reminiscent of the original Madeline books, making her an endearing friend for little children all over the world.

Excerpt

Genevieve gets her dearest wish. 

From the river, she pulls a fish!

“Pee-Yew!” say the people all around.

“That is one dirty, stinky hound!”

Miss Clavel says, “We must go right away

and wash this dog without delay!”


Other Madeline titles 

• A Madeline Treasury
• Madeline's Christmas
• Madeline's Rescue
• Madeline's Tea Party
• Madeline says Merci: The Always-Be-Polite Book
• Madeline Loves Animals
• Madeline at the White House
• Mad about Madeline: The Complete Tales

The Terrible Greedy Fossifoo

Author and Illustrator: Charles Fuge

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 30

Publisher: Simon and Schuster, London

Year: 2009

ISBN: 978-1-41691-037-4

Meet the brightly colored and contented creatures of the Great Green Forest who lived happily until “the terrible greedy Fossifoo arrived!”

This story about greed, repentance and propitiation ought to go well with children besides introducing them to the concept of sharing and caring for the world around them.   

I loved how Fuge uses colors to demonstrate the ravages of greed as the palette gently but inexorably moves from lush, vibrant greens to bare, lifeless browns.

Though, I must say, the name Fossifoo reminds me a lot of ‘fossil fuels’.

Excerpt

“What have I done?” whispered the Fossifoo, and he started to cry.

He cried and cried and cried until he had no tears left to cry. If only he had taken care of the beautiful forest.

Then he noticed it – beneath his feet, watered by all the tears, a tiny seed had sprouted.  

Peasant Pig and the Terrible Dragon

Author and Illustrator: Richard Scarry

For Ages: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 46

Publisher: Sterling Publishing, New York

Year: 1980

It’s a holiday in Busylande, and everyone is celebrating including Peasant Pig and Lowly Worm until a huge dragon appears.

This captivating tale of a simple peasant pig set in an enchanting land (of pigs) makes for delightful reading with detailed illustrations that keep  little ones engaged for long after the reading is done.

A couple of twists in the tale serve to engage older children too.

Yes, there's an interesting jester but you’ll have to find out more about him!  

Excerpt

In the forest, poor Princess Lily was now a prisoner. The dragon had tied her up and put her to work making grape juice.

The Royal Guards could not help Princess Lily.

But help was on its way! The king’s knights rode out of the castle, crossed the drawbridge over the moat, and galloped into the forest.

But the terrible dragon leaped up!

PC Polly - Little Workmates

Author: Mandy Ross

Illustrator: Emma Dodd

Year: 2001

Publisher: Ladybird Books, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages:  24

ISBN: 978 0 72142 168 7

The Little Workmates Series is a delightfully creative way to introduce children to the various people engaged in different professions and how they impact our lives. 

It is Story Town Show day and PC Polly has a busy day ahead of her. She has two cases to solve – a missing dog and a lost package of sausages.

She finds Barker, the dog who, in turn, sniffs his way to the misplaced sausages and is rewarded for her efforts with prize-winning sausages for her tea.

Other books in the Little Workmates Series:

•  Builder Bill      
• Doctor Daisy
• Farmer Fred
• Fireman Fergus
• Footballer Fabio
• Hairdresser Hannah
• Nurse Nancy
• Postman Pete  
• Queen Clara
• Teacher Tina
• Truckdriver Tom
• Vet Vicky

       

Excerpt

Sniff … sniff…sniff… went Barker, his nose to the ground.

“He must be following a trail!” puffed PC Polly, grabbing Barker’s lead.

Sniff … sniff…sniff… went Barker, through the town square and into the park.

“Barker! STOP! Gasped PC Polly, running along behind. 

Cow’s ding dong bell

Author: Jillian Harker

Illustrator: Simon Abbott

For Ages: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Bright Sparks, UK

Year: 2002

Something is not right at Goosefeather farm. All the animals are cross or grumpy except Cow. She’s walking around with a big grin as she enjoys the sound of the bell around her neck.

That is, until she realizes that the other animals on the farm don’t quite enjoy the sound of the bell. She’s forced to sleep out in her field when she realizes that the barn her friends are in is on fire. She shakes her bell aloud and wakes the farmer and his wife who put the fire out.

The friends now celebrate Cow and her bell.

There's a message there for all of us. :-)

This friendly book, with its large print and bright, happy illustrations, belongs in your library if you have little ones.

The Goosefeather Farm series is a colorful and cheery means to introduce children to diversity and to help them appreciate the unique differences that make each of us special.  

Excerpt

Hen came rushing across the yard.

“I've really had enough of this!” she clucked. “I can’t hear myself think. Cow! Come here!”

Cow turned around.

“Is there a problem?” she asked.

Other Goosefeather Farm titles are

• Duck's scoopy doopy beak
• Frog's flicky licky tongue
• Pig's curly wurly tail

Arthur’s Lost Puppy

Author: Marc Brown

For Ages: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 24

Publisher: Random House, New York

Year: 2000

ISBN: 978-0-67988-466-8

This delightful book not only features the colorful world of Arthur as seen on television but is complimented with fun stickers of key words like balloons and clowns that children can use to stick wherever the respective word appears.

Arthur and D.W. take Baby Kate to the street fair where she has lots of fun until she starts crying. Arthur is left clueless but little Pal knows and finds a way to get what she wants – a balloon!

This book belongs to the Random House Step into Reading 3 series, an initiative to encourage reading among children using creative tools.

Excerpt

The balloons rose higher and higher.

Over the roofs, over the trees, up, up, up they went.

And so did Pal!

“Look!” someone shouted.

“A flying puppy!”

Old MacDonald had a Tractor

Author: Nicola Baxter

Illustrator: Caroline Davis

For Ages: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Bright Sparks, UK

Year: 2000

ISBN: 978-1-84250-0840-2

Now, here’s Old MacDonald’s farm complete with dogs, ducks, hens, cats and all. Except the stories are all new.

The author has woven stories around the very familiar Old MacDonald with a wry sense of humor.

This book features three stories:

1. Tractor Trouble: It’s just another happy day at the farm except the tractor refuses to start. Old MacDonald decides to investigate and is in for a warm, snuggly surprise.
2. So many colours: Old MacDonald decides to embark on a long overdue paint job. However, a series of accidents with Jenny the hen and Annabel the cow result in a far better job than he had originally planned.
3. Good Teamwork: It’s been raining for days and days and Old MacDonald’s tractor gets stuck in mud. He enlists the help of every animal on the farm starting with the horses, then the cows, the sheep, the dogs and cats until the addition of an unlikely member, helps roll the tractor out of the mud.

Also don’t miss the famed Old MacDonald song with a verse on the tractor:

With a brum, brum here 

And a brum, brum there.

:-)

Excerpt

What a pity that Annabel the cow chose just that moment to come racing over to see what was happening, She did see Old MacDonald – but she didn’t see the pot of paint. 

Clang! It went flying up into the air. 

Clunk! It landed all over Percy the pig’s head.