You’re Too Small!

Text: Shen Roddie

Illustrations: Steve Lavis

Year: 2004

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN: 978 1 85430 965 5

Little Pip wakes up to a wonderful morning. He wants to help out his busy friends at the farm. The other animals, however, find that he’s too small – pig thinks he might get squashed under the marrows, Goat says he’ll get lost in the hay and Goose knows he’s too small to sit on her eggs.

Pip finds his niche though. When the animals are locked out of the barn, Pip squeezes in through a tiny hole and opens the door from within. The animals now realize that Pip is just the right size for himself.

Excerpt

Pip woke up all warm and tingly as a dot of sunshine touched his nose.

He peered out of the window.

Born Again!

By Phil A. Smouse

Year: 2004

Publisher: Barbour Publishing, USA

Age: 4 -7 years

No. of Pages: 62

Book Type: Picture book

ISBN:  978 1 59310 099 5

Born Again belongs to the I Can Read God’s Word series for young children which features stories from the Bible written to suit little ones.

I liked this book because it explains complex verses like 2 Corinthians 5:17 in elegant simplicity and vividly colored illustrations to etch the truth in a young child’s mind.

Excerpt from Peace (Philippians 4: 4-7)

At all times, in every way, in all things, rejoice!

Let your heart be filled with joy.

You do not need to worry.

God hears your prayers. 

At the end of the Rainbow

Text: A H Benjamin

Illustrations: John Bendall-Brunello

Year: 2004

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 3 – 7 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture book

ISBN:  978 1 84506 003 2

This heart-warming story about two friends and their search for the mystical treasure at the end of the rainbow opens up a window into the world around us and all that truly matters in life.

Badger and Fox decide to follow the rainbow for it's treasure. During their journey, they find that their friends have different perspectives on the meaning of treasure. Squirrel places most value on his store of acorns while Mother Duck thinks of her baby as her greatest treasure. They finally meet Old Hare whose memories are most precious to him.

Badger and Fox get to thinking and it dawns on both of them that their friendship is truly a treasure.

Excerpt

“Ahh,” nodded Old Hare. “I have lots of that.”

“Really? Where?” they asked.

Old Hare patted his head. “Here,” he said. “My memories are my treasure. They make me happy.”

Milly, Molly and Different Dads

Text: Gill Pittar

Illustrations: Cris Morrell

Year: 2002

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 4 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 24

Book Type: Picture Book, Life Skills Education

ISBN:  942 1 87729 719 4

Families are different. This book brings home the message in a very powerful way.

Little Sophie comes to class crying. Her dad’s packed his suitcase and gone away. So, Mrs. Blythe gets the children to talk about their dads. Sophie realizes every dad is different.

In the wise words of her teacher, “That’s just the way it is.”

Excerpt

“I’ve got two Dads,” said Elizabeth.

“I’ve only got one Dad,” said Milly.

“My Dad’s away with the Army and I only see him sometimes,” Harry added.

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. 

The Bravest Cat! (The true story of Scarlett) (Puffin Young Readers – Level 2)

Text: Laura Driscoll

Illustrations: DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan, Wikipedia

Year: 1997

Publisher: PuffinYoung Readers, New York

Age: 4 - 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Educational 

ISBN:  978 0 44849 482 1

Another “cat” book but with longer sentences than “That, Bad, Bad Cat”.

This is also a true story based on a cat named Scarlett who stole hearts worldwide for her bravery when she went back and forth from a blazing fire in a garage to rescue her kittens, all five of them!

Excerpt

And the poor mother cat!

Her burns are bad.

Her eyes are hurt.

She cannot even see her kittens.

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.

How to Catch a Star

By Oliver Jeffers, Wikipedia

Year: 2004

Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books, London

Age: 2 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Picture Book, Board Book

ISBN: 978 0 00732 461 3

This is a truly delightful board book guaranteed to set afire many a toddler’s imaginations.   

The book starts with the ubiquitous “Once there was a boy” and then takes us on a fantasy adventure into a little boy’s mind who dreams of catching a star.

At last, after many creative attempts at getting a star, his wish is fulfilled. In a way. :-)

Excerpt

The boy decided he would try to catch a star. E thought that getting up early in the morning would be best, because then the star would be tired from being up in the sky all night. 

10 Trim-the-Tree’ers

Text: Janet Schulman

Illustrations: Linda Davick

Year: 2010

Publisher: Alfred A Knopf, New York 

Age: 0 to 4 years

No. of Pages: 24

Book Type: Board book

ISBN:  978 0 37587 302

This is a simply fantastic Christmas book for the tiniest little ones. Understandably, it is a board book with delightful festive illustrations that make this one a keeper.

Oh and by the way, it also introduces numbers to little ones using all the Christmas elements and a menorah to round out the festive spirit.

The kids loved this book because it's absolutely cheerful and bright! :-)

Excerpt

10 little neighbors about to trim their tree.

They’ll dress for the occasion.

Turn the page and see.

1 shiny golden star at the very tip-top.

2 strings of flashing lights that just won’t stop. 

Easy as Pie

Text: Cari Best

Illustrations: Melissa Sweet

Year: 2010

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux, New York 

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 36

ISBN:  978 0 37439 929 0

This book reminded me a lot of Harvey the Baker in that it introduces children to the delights of baking.

The story takes us through the baking (and cleaning!) routine as Jacob bakes a pie for his parents’ anniversary. He’s also a fan of Chef Monty, who hosts Jacob’s favorite television show.

Chef Monty’s culinary wisdom peeks through the pages every step of the baking process. Sample this: A happy baker bakes a happy pie.

Naturally, who would contradict such delightful insights?

Excerpt

“This pie business is harder than I thought,” he worried out loud.

But only for a second, because Jacob remembered another one of Chef Monty’s rules: Don’t give up even when what you’re making doesn't look the way it’s supposed to.

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. 

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. 

Milli, Jack, and the Dancing Cat

By Stephen Michael King

Year: 2003

Publisher: Philomel Books, New York

Age: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 0 39924 240 6

The world resonates with chance encounters that often end up as radical experiences that transform people into content and fruitful selves. 

Meet Jack and his Cat, wandering minstrels who come into a bustling town expecting to put up just another show and move on.

They bump into Milli, a shoe maker for all practical purposes but, in reality, is a free spirited dreamer who “could take a thing that was a nothing and make it into a something!”

Their friendship grows and like all good friends, they help each other excel and find their destiny. 

This is a tender story of friendship but comes power-packed with the perks of having a good friend – finding courage and confidence to follow your dream and live a full life.

Excerpt

Then one morning, two vagabond minstrels from faraway places trudged into town … Jack and the Dancing Cat.

People rushed and bustled here and there, never stopping long enough to notice anything even a little different.

“Just another town,” said Cat. Jack nodded his head.

Papa Bear goes on Diet

By Maggie Wee-Ha

Year: 2003

Publisher: System Publishing, Malaysia

Age: 4 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture book

Papa Bear has been cautioned by his doctor about being overweight. So Mama Bear is enthusiastic in her efforts to help him lose weight. Papa Bear is cut-off from his honey drink, honey chicken and chocolate milk.

He’s a good sport though and perseveres with his goal to become healthy. 

Excerpt

Papa Bear ate his breakfast silently.

His family ate their breakfast happily.

“You always make a delicious breakfast on Sundays, Mama,” said Little Bessy

Papa Bear sighed. 

Five-Minute Puppy Tales

Text: Gaby Goldsack

Illustrations: Daniel Howarth

Year: 2003

Publisher: Parragon Books, UK

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 44

Book Type: Chapter book, hardback

ISBN:  978 0 75257 000 5

This little gem from Parragon ought to be a collector’s item. :-)

The book offers gentle stories of friendship, love and understanding among the much-loved furry little ones.  As much as these tales are devoted to puppies, all of them are related to their human friends and therefore, one gets to read well-rounded stories that convey the power of love and friendship and caution against greed and disobedience.  

Excerpt from A Perfect Puppy

“That one’s too big,” said Polly, pointing to a Great Dane.

“And that one’s too small.” She pointed to a Chihuahua.

“How about this one?” Said Mummy, stroking an Afghan Hound.

“Too hairy.”

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!

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.

Hooray for Harry

By Kim Lewis

Year: 2006

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age: 2 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 40630 377 3

We picked this book essentially because the cover was simply adorable. The book, certainly, did not disappoint. Three fuzzy-wuzzy friends are on a quest to find a much-loved blanket.

Harry wants to cuddle in his blanket for a nap but he can't seem to find it anywhere. Ted and Lulu help him retrace his steps through the day to find the blanket. 

The impressive detailing in the illustrations make you want to reach out and touch the blanket and the animals. This could have been a lovely touch-and-feel book. 

Excerpt

Harry thought of his blanket, so fluffy and soft. He thought very hard. He thought and thought.

My blanket was a tent, then a swing and a sail. Our picnic made it all sticky. We washed it and washed it and then …

Wild Things: Elephant in the attic

Author: Lisa Regan

Illustrator: Kelly Caswell

Year: 2013

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN:  978 1 40817 937 3

I loved this wildlife series for little children. Friendly illustrations, uncluttered text in an engaging font, neat little chapters each with a quirky "You will need” section are some of the reasons why you might want this book for your little one or for your school library.

Besides, this book is a fund-raising initiative from the Zoological Society of London, a charity that provides help for animals while also running the ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

Other books in this series include

•     Emu on the loose
•     Giraffe on a sleepover
•     Hippo in the house
•     Lion who came to lunch
•     Monkey in the garden
•     Penguin in the post
•     Tiger at the door

Excerpt

Elephants love to take a shower.

They use their trunks to suck up water. Then they spray it over their bodies.

Elephants then cover themselves in dust!

Get Well, Good Knight (Puffin Young Readers – Level 3)

Text: Shelley Moore Thomas

Illustrations: Jennifer Plecas

Year: 2002

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, New York

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 48

ISBN:  978 0 44849 489 0

This is a tale of a Good Knight and three little dragons, quite unlike anything we’ve read before. The gallant knight is always on the lookout for poor souls to help.

One night, he finds three sick dragons and comes to their aid. After a couple of yucky concoctions from the Wizard, he turns to his mother (after all, mothers know best!) who makes chicken soup that is eagerly slurped down by the dragons.

Excerpt

He galloped through the forest.

He stirred the soup round and round and round again.

“Give this to your dragons,” said the wizard.

“It is scaly, snail-y soup. This will make them well.”

“Thank you. I will,” said the Good Knight. 

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?