In the Shadow of the Derricks - A Lucky Luke Adventure (5)

By Goscinny and Morris

Year: 2007 (English translation)

Publisher: Cinebook Ltd., Kent

Age: 8 – 10 years

No. of Pages: 46

Book Type: Comic Book

ISBN:  978 1 90546 017 5

Meet Lucky Luke, “the man who shoots faster than his own shadow.” Set in the Wild, Wild West, Lucky Luke, the cool-as-cucumber cowboy is sworn in as sheriff of Titusville, a town that’s just discovered oil and plenty of it.

The town, naturally, attracts con artists and men with dubious intentions. It takes all of Lucky Luke’s wits to finish his mission and get rid of the bad people.  

There’s plenty of humor, wit and hilarious situations to keep young and old engaged. Remember the magic of Asterix comics? It’s all there except set in a different time and place. :-)

Hey Jack! The Crazy Cousins

Text: Sally Rippin

Illustrations: Stephanie Spartels

Year: 2012

Publisher: Griffin Press, Australia

Age: 5 - 9 years

No. of Pages: 44

Book Type: Picture Book (Black and white)

ISBN:  978 1 74297 125 4

This story is invaluable for little children.

Little Jack’s perfect day is interrupted when his dad announces that his cousins are about to arrive. Jack is horrified as he remembers all the annoyances his cousin caused during their last visit. He doesn’t want to be around them.

However, he’s in for a surprise. He realizes he’s being the worst cousin. He has a quick change of heart and soon the house is filled with the laughter of children playing together, happily!

Excerpt

Jack gets a warm honey feeling in his tummy. Now he feels bad for acting so grumpy.

He certainly hasn’t been the best cousin today.

Ghost Town - A Lucky Luke Adventure (2)

By Goscinny and Morris

Year: 2006

Publisher: Cinebook Ltd., UK

Age: 7 - 10 years

No. of Pages: 46

Book Type: Comic Book

ISBN:  978 1 90546 012 0

Meet Lucky Luke, “the man who shoots faster than his own shadow.” Set in the Wild, Wild West, Lucky Luke, a cool-as-cucumber cowboy unravels the mystery of an isolated and inhospitable town out in the arid desert.

There’s plenty of humor, wit and hilarious situations to keep young and old engaged. Remember the magic of Asterix comics? It’s all there except set in a different time and place. :-)

Kipper’s Snowy Day

By Mick Inkpen, Wikipedia

Year: 1996

Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books, London

Age: 3 - 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 34093 210 0

This book is about the delightfully charming duo of playful puppies, Kipper (Wikipedia) and Tiger.

It’s snowing and that makes it just the perfect day for fun and frolic. They roll down the hill and make a giant snowdog dressed up with Tiger’s clothes.

They are thrilled to discover more snow the next day and the next. And so, their work of pristine puppy art stands for almost three whole weeks.

Excerpt

Kipper charged down the hill.

‘Are you all right, Tiger?’ he panted.

Tiger pulled off his silly, woolly hat.

A big grin spread across his face.

‘Again!’ he said.

The Wagon Train - A Lucky Luke Adventure (9)

By Goscinny and Morris

Year: 2007 (English translation)

Publisher: Cinebook Ltd., Kent

Age: 8 – 10 years

No. of Pages: 46

Book Type: Comic Book

ISBN:  978 1 90546 040 3

Meet Lucky Luke, “the man who shoots faster than his own shadow.” Set in the Wild, Wild West, Lucky Luke, a cool-as-cucumber cowboy escorts a wagon train across hostile terrain and through inhospitable towns.

There’s plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor, wit and hilarious situations to keep young and old engaged. Remember the magic of Asterix comics? It’s all there except set in a different time and place. :-)

Me and My Dad

Text: Alison Ritchie

Illustrations: Alison Edgson

Year: 2007

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture book

ISBN:  978 1 84506 465 5

This delightfully illustrated tender expression of love from a cuddly, baby bear to his strong, tall daddy bear is a treasure.

The book traces a day in the life of the cub, from his father’s wake-up kiss to cuddling with his dad at night and packed with all their fun adventures in between.

This is a memorable book especially because of its enchanting illustrations that celebrate the love of a parent and child. 

Excerpt

My dad tells me stories as

As day turns to night.

We cuddle up close

In the twinkling light. 

Dog Fish

Text: Gillian Shields

Illustrations: Dan Taylor

Year: 2008

Publisher: Simon and Schuster, UK

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 41691 043 5

Here’s a humorous look at one of the salient conversations that happen all around the world in almost every home – a child asks for a pet and the parent hmmms and haws. The middle ground that they arrive at is often fascinating.

It’s how the little boy in this story came up with the intriguing title – Dog Fish.

Excerpt

Then she says in her soothing-and-explaining voice, “But, sweetheart, wouldn't the dog be bored all day, when I’m at work and you’re in school?”

So I think a bit more and say, “It could read the paper?”

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.

Fox Outfoxed (Puffin Young Readers – Level 3)

By James Marshall, Wikipedia

Year: 1992

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, New York

Age: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 48

ISBN:  978 0 44846 337 7

This book leaves you with memorable moments that will raise a snicker several days later too!

Meet Fox, a bossy and aspiring-to-be-wily, well, fox. The book features three stories, where Fox thinks he’s outmaneuvered his victim but his elaborate efforts come crumbling down on him. His Mom is terrific too as she matches him, prank for prank. The tales are hilarious and yes, it’s a Level 3 book too!

This is the kind of book that ought to get children hooked on to reading. 

Excerpt

Fox had lots and lots of comic books.

“Are you sure you have enough?” said Mom.

“I could always use more,” said Fox.

“I wasn't serious,” said Mom. 

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?

A Walk in the Park

By Anthony Browne, Wikipedia 

Year: 2013 (this edition), First published in 1977

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 1 40634 164 5

This is a sweet tale of budding friendship set amid the starkly different social backgrounds of their families. The illustrations are intriguing with quirky little elements that pop up at odd places and  waiting to be discovered like little Easter eggs. What would you make of a stone chimney that casts the shadow of a man in a bowler hat? Or a fountain pool with a, presumably resident, hippopotamus?

Anyway, the story is about Mr. Smith and his little girl Smudge out on a walk with their dog Albert. As are, a Mrs. Smythe and her son Charles with their dog Victoria. Their mannerisms and clothes suggest starkly differences but the children and their dogs get acquainted pretty quickly.

Excerpt

While the dogs played, Smudge and Charles edged nearer and nearer to each other.

Mr Smith and Mrs Smythe looked the other way.

Smudge went on the swings, swinging higher and higher, as high as she dared. Charles was not so sure. 

Anna Hibiscus’ Song

Author: Atinuke

Illustrator: Lauren Tobia

Year: 2011

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 40

ISBN: 978 1 40633 841 6

This is the first time I've read a children’s book by an author of Nigerian origin and I am enthralled by the joie de vivre that sparkles through the pages. 

Anna Hibiscus is the quintessential happy child who feels happy for no particular reason. Just like any other child.

She shares her happiness with the people of her homestead (it feels like a joint-family) and they all, in turn, try to help her find ways to let out all that happiness bursting inside her.

When Grandma is happy, she squeezes Grandpa’s hand, when her cousins are happy, they cartwheel, somersault or walk on their hands.

Anna’s mother, finally, helps her find the answer.  

I loved the amazing illustrations and the text, well, it just jumps out at you with happiness!

Excerpt

“Papa! Papa! What can I do?” laughs Anna Hibiscus.

“I am SO happy, soon I will pop like a balloon.”

“When I am happy,” Papa smiles, “I go to Mama and tell her how much I love her.”

Wanda and the Alien

By Sue Hendra

Year: 2011

Publisher: Red Fox, London

Age: 3 – 7 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84941 018 2

Wanda, a happy little rabbit befriends an alien. Her friends, however, don’t have the same reaction - they are scared. Once they get to know him, they become such good friends that they beg the alien to stay on for Christmas. :-)

This book sends out a great message to little ones  – “friends come in all shapes and sizes.” One just has to take the time and effort to get to know them.

Excerpt

The alien’s rocket had crash landed and needed to be mended. Wanda fetched her tools.

Wanda and the alien didn’t speak the same language, but they made each other laugh a lot. 

Noisy Neighbours (I am Reading)

Text: Nicola Moon

Illustrations: Liz Million

Year: 2003

Publisher: Kingfisher Publications, London

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 48

Book Type: Chapter book for new readers, Paperback

ISBN:  978 0 75341 143 1

The I am Reading series is the perfect stepping stone for young readers as they move on from picture books to chapter books. 

This book has two stories. Noisy Neighbors is about accommodating and adjusting with neighbors while Just in Time is about helping one another.

By the way, the neighbors in question are quite the odd combination – George the panda, Louis the rhinoceros who also plays the trumpet and Harriet, a dog, I think, who loves to go Vroom-Vroom-Whirr on her motorbike.

Excerpt from Just in Time

The next few days seemed very long. Louis couldn't concentrate on playing his trumpet.

Harriet couldn't concentrate on fixing her bike.

George couldn't concentrate on anything at all. He thought he would burst with waiting. 

What does Daddy do?

By Rachel Bright

Year: 2009

Publisher: Puffin Books, UK

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 0 14150 264 9

Daisy, a precocious little kindergartner is quite stumped when she realizes she doesn't quite know what her dad does for a living. Dexter’s dad is a fireman, Evie's a doctor and the others also seem to know their dads’ professions.

Daisy, then industriously puts together all the snippets of information that she has about her dad and it is soon concluded that he is an “Explorersuperknight”!

This is a heart-warming perspective into a kindergartner’s way of thinking and analyzing facts. The illustrations are hilarious, too. 

Simply adorable! :-)

Excerpt

And then Bob said, “Well, my daddy is a teacher! He makes children very clever and he knows everything about everything, especially volcanoes.”  

I Love the Rain

Author: Margaret Park Bridges

Illustrator: Christine Davenier

Year: 2005

Publisher: Chronicle Books, USA 

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 26

ISBN: 978 1 58717 208 3

Read this book and you’ll remember everything that is beautiful and exciting about rain. :-)

I loved it for the highly imaginative narrative and the joie-de-vivre that shines through Molly and Sophie. As they get home from school on a rainy day, they imagine all sorts of happy images for all that a rain means – the drops, the wet street, the puddles.

Of course, my kids wanted to jump into the very next rain that came along. It’s the book. Its happiness is infectious.

Excerpt

“What’s that sound on the roof?” asks Sophie.

“Tap dancers!” I jump in. “A whole chorus line on stage above us.”

We tap our toes all the way to our stop.

I Love You Always and Forever

Author: Jonathan Emmett

Illustrator: Daniel Howarth

Year: 2007

Publisher: Gullane Children’s Books, London

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN: 978 1 86233 621 6

This is a tender story of a parent’s love for his little one, captured elegantly in sensitive prose and poignant illustrations.  

Granted, the protagonists here are mice but any dad would relate to this charming book.:-)

It’s a beautiful day in the woodland. Littletail and her dad, Longtail are playing all her favorite little games.  As they play, Longtail realizes that soon things will not be the same. His little one will grow up and be faster and cleverer than him. Yet, one thing will not change - his love for Littletail is forever.

Excerpt

It was getting late, but Littletail wanted to play one last game.

“Follow the leader!” she said.

Longtail was small – but Littletail was smaller. And she could squeeze through where Longtail could 

not.

“I always get through,” said Littletail proudly.

“Do you always?” laughed Longtail, “Well it won’t be forever, one day you will be just as big as me!” 

Dick and Jane, Go, Go, Go: Puffin Young Readers (Level 1)

Year: 1956 (This edition in 2003)

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, USA

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 0 44845 788 8

Meet Dick, Jane and their little baby sister, Sally as they have loads of fun and adventure during their playtime.

This is one of those truly easy-to-read books for early readers featuring the much-loved duo and their delightful family.

Excerpt

Oh, Jane.

Look and see.

See Sally go.

See Tim go.

See Spot and Puff go. 

Horse up a Tree

Author: Martin Waddell

Illustrator: Jonathan Allen

Year: 2006

Publisher: Big Cat Collins, London

Age: 2 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 0 00723 596 4

Now this was a great “sounds” book for our toddler from the Collins Big Cat Phonics Series (Yellow Band 3). The children got to say “Quack-quack! Cluck-cluck! Baa-baa!” with every turn of a page and they wanted to read it over and over again.

A horse has got stuck up a tree. The farmer and his animals try to help the stranded horse down. They use a ladder, then a rope and so on. When all attempts fail, gravity comes to the rescue.

Excerpt

Farmer got some hay.

“Jump on the hay!” Farmer said to Horse.

They all jumped on the hay to show Horse what to do.

Quack-quack! Cluck-cluck! Baa-baa!

Horse looked at the ground far below.

Horse shook his mane and said nay!

Other books in this series include:

• Cat and dog in a mess
• Frog or toad?
• Hansel and Gretel
• How to grow a beanstalk
• Muck it up!
• Puff the pup
• Sam and the nut

The Cow in the House – Puffin Young Readers – Level 2

Retold by Harriet Ziefert

Illustrator: Emily Bolam

Year: 1997

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, USA

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages:

ISBN: 978 0 44846 298 1

This is one of those books that make you laugh aloud. :-)

It starts with the ubiquitous ‘once upon a time’ and ends with the harried man finding peace and quiet but in an unexpected manner.

A man lives in a noisy house and seeks the help of a wise man. The wise man suggests a series of measures that begin with getting a cow and then some more animals into the house until it’s a menagerie. Or, perhaps a cacophony? :-)

Excerpt

The sheep said, Baa, baa!

The donkey said, Hee-haw!

The cow said, Moo, moo!

The bed creaked.

The chair squeaked.

The roof leaked.

“I can’t live in my house!” said the man.

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 Garden that we grew  
• Level - 2: The very lonely firefly, Review here
• 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?

The Bobbsey Twins: Freddie and Flossie

Author: Laura Lee Hope

Illustrator: Chuck Pyle

Year: 2005

Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks, New York

Age: 4 and above                                                

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 1 41690 270 8

Website: Ready to Read

I guess, this is the introductory book to the Bobbsey twins. The book employs a witty tone and friendly words to describe the twins and their fun times.  

Again, it’s from the Ready-to-Read Pre-Level 1 series. The sentences are small and there are plenty of repetitive words and phrases.

The illustrations liven up the text to make this book appealing to young readers. 

Excerpt

Freddie is loud.

Flossie is not.

Freddie plays firefighter.

CLANG! CLANG!