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.

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!”

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.”

Home

By Alex T. Smith, Wikipedia

Year: 2009

Publisher: Scholastic Children’s Books, London

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN:  978 1 40710 540 6

“A house is made of BOARDS and BEAMS

A home is made of LOVE and DREAMS. – anon.

And, that’s how the book starts.

The book does keep its promise as it uses the example of four friends, named simply as One, Two, Three and Four to bring home the lesson that people and relationships make a home not the walls and floors.

It’s a delightful read.

Excerpt

First they talked.

Then they argued.

Then they fought.

Finally they decided to go their separate ways.

“If I’m going,” they all shouted, “I’m taking the house with me!”

Uncle Rabbit’s Busy Visit

Text: Christa Kempter

Illustrations: Frauke Weldin

Year: 2010

Publisher: North-South Books, New York  

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN:  978 0 73582 320 4

Well, this is supposed to be a children’s book but it’s could be a good morale booster for grown-ups too!

The story is about relatives, and, sometimes, friends  who brim over with so much advice and suggestions that, unknowingly, they tend to take over our homes (and lives!) in their attempt to do good for us.

Uncle Rabbit’s visiting Wally and Mae’s home. In a couple of days, though, Wally’s wallpaper has been changed, silk curtains hung up, furniture's been moved around and soon it doesn't feel like home anymore. 

Wally knows it’s time to speak up.

This is a book about being sensitive to others' feelings and it's a picture book, too. So, yes, it’s a keeper!

Excerpt

“Wait!” stuttered Wally. “That’s not what I meant. It’s just that I liked my carrot wallpaper. And the colorful cushions are lovely, but they’re too hard to wash. And silk curtains are just too fancy for my little house.”

Uncle Rabbit cleaned his spectacles thoughtfully.