Angelina at the Palace

Text: Katherine Holabird

Illustrations: Helen Craig

Year: 2005

Publisher: Puffin Books, London

Age: 6 – 10 years

No. of Pages: 28

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 14138 126 4

Website: Angelina Ballerina

Miss Lilly has been assigned to teach a special dance for the three princesses of Mouseland. Angelina is thrilled when Miss Lilly asks for her help.

Things, however, don’t go as planned when a flu knocks out the tutor and Angelina has to step up to teach instead. And she does.

The princesses dance elegantly and put on a beautiful show.

The Angelina Ballerina series are a wonderful means to teach children significant life values like self-confidence, self-esteem, empathy, creative expression. Our girls love Angelina. :-)

Excerpt

Angelina could hardly believe her furry ears when Miss Lilly invited her on a special visit to the Royal Palace of Mouseland.

The Crunching Munching Caterpillar

Text: Sheridan Cain

Illustrations: Jack Tickle

Year: 2002

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 85430 641 3

The kids loved this book. There were lots of primary colors, an adorable smiley-faced caterpillar and plenty of “noise” words where they got to ‘buzz’ with a bumble bee and more.

It’s the quintessential tale of transformation where a caterpillar dreams of flying and is given that magical touch by nature (metamorphosis, of course!) to make his dreams come true.

By the way, the corner of the book looks like it's been chomped off... a nice touch, me thinks! :-)

Excerpt

Caterpillar was always hungry.

For weeks he crunched and munched his way through the fresh, juicy leaves of a blackberry bush.

Why Leopard has Spots (Tinga Tinga Tales)

By Claudia Lloyd

Year: 2012

Publisher: Puffin Books, UK

Age: 4 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type:  Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 14134 216 0

This was our very first Tinga-Tinga tale and we were thrilled by it!

According to the book, Tinga-Tinga Tales are ‘inspired by traditional animal stories from Africa and the Tingatinga artwork of Tanzania.’

The tale of how the leopard got her spots is a story of courage and kindness. It’s also a story of self-acceptance and confidence.

Puff Adder has been squished by Elephant. Leopard comes to Puff Adder's aid who in turn, gratefully, shares his spots with Leopard, turning her into a beautiful and unique animal.

A beautiful book.

Excerpt

”Oh, I wish I could have a new skin and pretty colors like you,” said Leopard. “My coat is as plain as plain can be.”

“Well, maybe I can help you,” said Puff Adder.

Makeup Mess

Text: Robert Munsch

Illustrations: Michael Martchenko

Year: 2001

Publisher: Scholastic, Canada

Age: 5 - 9 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN: 978 0 43998 896 4

Julie, an industrious (and prospective investment banker!) is excited because she has finally saved up one hundred dollars. She spends the lot on make-up!

After a few disastrous trials which result in her parents falling over in astonishment, she realizes that she doesn’t need make-up to feel or be pretty.

She sells all of her stuff to her friends and earns a windfall. Now, you know why I predicted her career. :-)

This rib-tickling book is yet another gem from the Munsch-Martchenko duo. :-) A big thumbs up!

Excerpt

So Julie took some purple stuff and stuck it on her eyes.

She took some green stuff and put it on her cheeks.

She took some black stuff and put it on her lips, and she colored her hair purple.

Pig’s curly wurly tail – A Goosefeather Farm Story

Text: Jillian Harker

Illustrations: Simon Abbott

Year: 2002

Publisher: Bright Sparks, UK

Age: 3 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84250 535 9

This Goosefeather Farm story is from Bright Sparks who donate one book to less fortunate children for every two sold.

This delightful tale is about self-acceptance, even if some of our attributes don’t seem to have any purpose. Like poor little Pig. He’s under the weather about his tail.

His tail doesn’t seem to be able to flick off flies like Cow’s or be of any use to him. Soon, he’s flooded with advice and help from Goose, Lamb and Horse. Eventually, they realize that Pig’s tail is unique and what's more, he has won the competition for the best tail on the farm. :-)

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

Pig stood up.

“Why?” he asked. “I can’t flick it. It doesn’t waggle. It won’t swing and it’s not sleek or straight. It’s a … useless tail! How could it possibly be the best tail on the farm?”

Other Goosefeather Farm titles are

• Cow's ding dong bell
• Frog's flicky licky tongue
• Duck's scoopy doopy beak

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.

Aladdin and his Magical Lamp (Usborne Young Reading)

Retold by Katie Daynes

Illustrations: Paddy Mounter 

Year: 2003

Publisher: Usborne Publishing, London

Age: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 60

Book Type: Chapter book

ISBN: 978 0 74605 770 4

Website: Usborne Young Reading

Alladin and his Magical Lamp is one among the many classics from One Thousand and One Nights, a collection of Arabian stories.

The Usborne Young Reading re-telling in easy-to-read text makes the story relevant to modern young children.

Aladdin finds a magic lamp which comes with a resident genie. The magical genie is obliged to fulfill the wishes of whoever possesses the lamp. The genie helps Aladdin become rich and marry the princess.

Of course, nothing worthwhile in life comes easy - Aladdin has to fight a wicked magician to keep the lamp and prove he is worthy.

Excerpt

The Sultan lived in a grand palace. 

On her first visit, the Sultan didn't even look at Aladdin's mother. But she went back, again and again until, finally, he spoke to her.   

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. 

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.

Brown Bear gets in Shape (I am Reading)

Text: Alan Durant

Illustrations: Annabel Hudson

Year: 2003

Publisher: Kingfisher Publications, London

Age: 4 to 8 years

No. of Pages: 48

Book Type: Chapter book for new readers

ISBN:  978 0 75341 138 5

One gets to see hundreds of bears when reading children’s books – it’s a favorite with most authors.

The adorable little Brown Bear here is no exception. This book from the I am Reading series is ideal for young readers who are ready to graduate from picture books to the next level.

Brown Bear in the Dark is about tackling imaginary fears. Brown is startled awake by a crash and a thump! He soon imagines the worst, from a bear-eating-monster to theorizing that the sun has fallen out of the sky.

Brown Bear gets in Shape chronicles Brown Bear's futile attempts to get his tubby tummy in shape. Soon, he gets talking to his friends and each one has a suggestion for him. He goes on different diets and sees no change. His kindly friends, then, help him realize that bears are meant to have tubby tummies.

Excerpt

“My tummy is still round and tubby. I’ll never be able to change my shape.”

Bunny looked at Brown Bear. “Brown Bear,” she said, “I like your shape. It’s, well, bear-shaped.”

Just Mabel: I am Reading

Text: Frieda Wishinsky

Illustrations: Sue Heap

Year: 2001

Publisher: Kingfisher Publications, London 

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 48

ISBN:  978 0 75341 035 4

This humorous book from the I am Reading series encourages children to believe in themselves and not succumb to peer pressure. And I don’t miss a chance to let kids know early in life that their unique selves are to be celebrated.

Just Mabel uses two stories to send home a powerful message of self-acceptance. There are plenty of opinions out there in the world but children need to be comfortable with themselves and not feel miserable every time an adverse opinion is offered. 

Mabel loves singing and when she shares with a classmate her dream to become a singer, he opines that her name is far too plain. Mabel adopts several names to suit her future stardom but she doesn't find happiness. That is until she discovers that Mabel is a beautiful name and accepts it wholeheartedly.

The other story features Mabel off to school in her favorite red dress when some of her classmates begin to tease her. She goes through a miserable time until she finds the strength within to brush off all the negative opinions.

This book is a must-read for all, children and parents alike.

Excerpt

“You’re not Holly. You’re Mabel,” said Mrs. Hill.

“Not any more,” said Mabel. “I've changed my name.”

“But Mabel is a beautiful name,” said Mrs. Hill.

“Not to me,” said Mabel.

Your Emotions: I feel Jealous

Text: Brian Moses, Wikipedia

Illustrator: Mike Gordon

Year: 1993

Publisher: Hodder Wayland, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 0 75021 405 8

Here’s another lovely book on emotions from the “I feel …” series. 

The Your Emotions series is a fantastic idea to help not just children but also parents and teachers to navigate this tricky zone in little ones' lives. 

The easy-to-understand text is elegantly complimented by witty illustrations and handles the complex emotion of jealousy without sounding mean or unkind. The book uses plenty of illustrations to help a child understand jealousy and how to cope with it when it rears it's ugly, green head. 

Fantastic book. :-)

Other titles in this series:

• I feel angry
• I feel frightened, Review here
• I feel sad

Excerpt

When I find myself feeling jealous, it helps if I remember all the good things that I have.

It helps if I can be happy for my friends and enjoy what they have. 

Milly, Molly and Special Friends

Text: Gill Pittar

Illustrator: Cris Morrell

Year: 2003

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN: 978 1 87733 673 4

Some friends are very special and this book featuring Milly and Molly is devoted to those special people in our lives.

These special people bring love and warmth into our lives. Our days become brighter and happier because of them. They are our parents, our grandparents and our loved ones.

The book encourages children to recognize and appreciate all the special people and moments in their lives.

Excerpt

“I like Gran’s powdery smell when she reads me stories,” said Elizabeth.

“I like it when Dad lets me reel in his fish,” said Tom.

“And I like it on Monday when my sheets smell like sunshine,” said Milly. 

Freckleface Strawberry

Author: Julianne Moore

Illustrator: LeUyen Pham

Year: 2007

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 38

ISBN: 978-0-74759-362-1

This humorous story about freckles offers an important lesson in self-acceptance that every child ought to learn.

Freckleface Strawberry is just like any other little girl who tries hard to get rid of her freckles and finally, resorts to wearing a ski mask. It works. Well, almost. Until, accidentally, she discovers that “feeling different” and “being different” are not always the same thing.

Oh, and, by the way, the story is penned by Julianne Moore. Yes. Yes.

The illustrations paired with speech bubbles make the story engaging for little ones.

Excerpt

Freckleface Strawberry felt really bad. She needed to get rid of her freckles fast.

She tried scrubbing them off.

She tried lemon juice.

She even tried marker pens, but her mum got mad.

Nothing worked.

Milly, Molly and Henry

Author: Gill Pittar

Illustrator: Cris Morrell

Year: 2003

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN:  978-1-87733-657-2

The more Milly and Molly books I read, I am impressed.

This book is about Milly and Molly’s true-to-self friend and classmate, Henry.

He’s just an ideal child – polite, unafraid, confident and not shy to express himself.

In a world that increasingly seeks to conform our children into a mold, this book breaks free of the traditional mindset and celebrates a child for who he is. Kudos Gill Pittar, for this path-breaking book.

I would like to read this book to my kids a few more times.

Excerpt

He laughs loudly at the funny parts and cries openly through the sad bits.

Reading to the class is a breeze and making mistakes not a problem.

Henry takes math in his stride and plays patter ball one handed.