Do Your Ears Hang Low?

Illustrations: Caroline Jayne Church

Year: 2002

Publisher: The Chicken House and Scholastic Inc., USA

Age: 2 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 43951 840 7

This little book features the beloved, traditional children’s song “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” devoted to their best friends, dogs and now made famous by Barney and Friends.

While the song itself doesn't really seem to mean much, the illustrations in the book add a deeper meaning and an interesting narrative to the song. 

Excerpt

Do your ears hang low?

Do they wobble to and fro?

Can you tie them in a knot?

Can you tie them in a bow?
 

Valentine Friends

Text: April Jones Prince

Illustrations: Elizabeth Schlossberg

Year: 2007

Publisher: Scholastic Inc., USA

Age: 3- 5 years

No. of Pages: 24

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 43979 999 7

It’s Valentine’s Day. All the little friends get together to make cards and bake yummy valentines to share with one another.  

They learn the meaning of love through their giving and sharing. 

This is an easy-to-read book for beginners with short two-word descriptions for each page as you can see from the excerpt below.

Excerpt

Dog draws.

Cat cuts.

Pig pastes.

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.

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.

The Quangle Wangle’s Hat

Text: Edward Lear, Wikipedia

Illustrations: Louise Voce

Year:  2006

Publisher: Walker Books Ltd., London

Age: 4 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 40630 042 0

Kind and gentle Quangle Wangle is lonely on the top of the Crumpetty Tree. He wishes for some 

friends.

His wish comes true when Mr. and Mrs. Canary ask if they can build a nest on his lovely hat. He generously agrees and soon many other friends come his way including a Blue Baboon who plays the flute and the Fimble Fowl with a corkscrew leg.

The fanciful animals illustrated in full color and rhyming text makes for an intriguing reading session. And, oh yes, please be prepared for a lot of “what” and “why” questions. :-)

Excerpt

And at night by the light of the Mulberry moon

They danced to the Flute of the Blue Baboon

On the broad green leaves of the Crumpetty Tree.

Milly, Molly and the Secret Scarves

Text: Gill Pittar

Illustrations: Cris Morrell

Year: 2002

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 5 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Early readers

ISBN:  978 1 87729 717 8

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

In this heart-warming  book, Milly and Molly decide to surprise each other with a colorful scarf for Christmas. They knit and knot fervently until the scarves are done. On Christmas day, the girls are thrilled to discover how alike they are and how much they are loved.   

This book is more than just about sharing and giving gifts, it's about love and true friendship, the kind that overlooks differences, the kind that truly lasts.

Excerpt

She was still knitting on Christmas morning.

“You must love Molly very much,” her mother said.

“I do,” said Milly.

Mole’s Sunrise

Text: Jeanne Willis, Wikipedia

Illustrations: Sarah Fox-Davies

Year: 2011

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 40633 778 5

This kind and generous story of friendship offers little children a tiny peek at the window to the world of the differently-abled.

Vole is in a hurry to catch the sunrise. He stops by Mole’s house and invites him too. Soon, they are joined by Rabbit, Squirrel and Sparrow.

Each of them sees the sunrise with a unique perspective, all of which blend together to create a beautiful image for the nearly blind Mole.

This book is about kindness, friendship, generosity and so much more. The illustrations are breathtakingly detailed.

Excerpt

Vole got up just before dawn.

Mole was having breakfast but Vole didn’t have time.

Dear Father Christmas

Text: Jeanne Willis, Wikipedia

Illustrations: Rosie Reeve

Year: 2008

Publisher: Puffin Books

Age: 4 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, Christmas

ISBN:  978 0 14150 209 0

This warm festive book is essentially a kind little girl’s Christmas letter to the Christmas Father. (Hmmm… The book doesn’t use the name Santa Claus, once!) Her requests are quite nice, refreshingly so.

She doesn’t ask for toys (she has enough, she says) but for genuine and heartfelt wishes. She’d like a little baby brother and for her Grandma to come and stay with her forever and so on.

There’s a little twist at the end, too. :-)

Excerpt

Dear Father Christmas,

I’ve been very, very good ….

I’m writing you this letter

Because Mummy said I should.

Rose’s Garden

By Peter H. Reynolds, Wikipedia

Year: 2010

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 40

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 40633 076 2

Rose, an adventurous free spirit, embarks on a long, long journey to explore the world. She gathers seeds as mementos. Soon, her quaint little teapot, which also happens to be her vessel of choice on her voyage, is filled with seeds. She finds a city to plant her unique garden and sets about working on it.

Her plans turn awry but the kindness of the people around her result in a spectacular garden that is a source of joy for everyone else in the city.

Excerpt

Rose was a dreamer.

An adventurer.

She explored the world in her fantastic teapot.

Little Rabbit’s Christmas

By Harry Horse, Wikipedia

Year: 2007

Publisher: Puffin Books, UK

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN: 978 0 14056 963 6

Little Rabbit has spotted the perfect gift that he’d like for Christmas. He is ecstatic when his wish is fulfilled but finds it hard to share his gift with friends. A twist of events causes Little Rabbit to have a change of heart when his friends show him exemplary kindness. They share their precious Christmas gifts with Little Rabbit so that he can enjoy his.

This book starts out like another story about a spoiled brat and his tantrums over a Christmas gift but it ends up surprising readers and puts a smile on everyone’s faces.

Excerpt

Little Rabbit went to look under the Christmas tree to see if the sledge was there.

Then he looked up the chimney to see if it had got stuck.

Also in this series:

• Little Rabbit goes to School
• Little Rabbit Lost
• Little Rabbit’s New Baby
• Little Rabbit Runaway

Pooh’s Best Friend

Text: Isabel Gaines

Illustrations: Tim Jones

Year: 1998

Publisher: Disney Press, USA

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 40

Book Type: Picture Book, Reading for beginners

ISBN:  978 0 78684 265 2

This book belongs to the Winnie the Pooh First Reader series designed to encourage and engage young readers to learn to read through the adventures of beloved Pooh.

Pooh has a perplexing question on his mind: “… who was his best friend?”

He decides to ask his friends in the Hundred-Acre Wood. Each one gives him a different explanation. 

Owl thinks that a best friend is one you can talk while Rabbit believes he should be unselfish. Or someone who remembers birthdays or is patient and kind. Pooh could only think of one person who had all these virtues – Piglet!

He now has the answer and wants to be Piglet’s best friend too.

Excerpt

As Pooh turned to go, Roo squeaked, “I know what a best friend is! A best friend is someone who asks you to play!

“You’re right, Roo,” said Pooh.

“Thank you!”

Pooh’s Sled Ride

Text: Isabel Gaines

Illustrations: Studio Orlando

Year: 2000

Publisher: Random House Children's Books, USA

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 38

Book Type: Picture Book, Reading for beginners

ISBN:  978 0 73641 159 3

This book belongs to the Winnie the Pooh First Reader series designed to encourage and engage young readers to learn to read through the adventures of beloved Pooh.

It’s a beautiful winter morning. So Pooh, Christopher Robin and the rest of the friends decide to go sledding.

They have a wonderful time going down the big hill except for Piglet. He falls off. Not once but three times. They try placing him in different places but fail to keep him. Finally, Christopher asks him to sit in the middle. So they hold on tightly and he has a gleeful ride down the hill.

Excerpt

They all piled onto Christopher Robin’s sled.

Piglet hung on to Tigger’s tail at the very back.

Down, down they went.

“Wee!” They laughed and giggled.

Little Penguin Lost

Text: Tracey Corderoy

Illustrations: Gavin Scott

Year: 2011

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84895 244 7

Tracey Corderoy spins magic again with a beautiful tale set in the magical frozen land of the penguins.

Little Plip loves his sock toy. At the end of a very playful day, he’s devastated to discover that he’s lost his beloved Sockybug. He’s determined to find it even though his older siblings caution him against wandering away in the fading light.

Their worst fears come true when Plip bumps into Wal-the-Wump, a walrus but they’re all in for a terrific surprise that ushers in a delightful new friendship.

The illustrations are absolutely wonderful and the attention to detail is breathtaking. 

The kids loved the book.

Excerpt

Everyone searched for Plip’s little sock toy.

They checked under the water …then inside all the caves.

“Where can he be?” sighed Plip. “He’ll be wanting a cuddle.”

Four Friends in the Garden

By Sue Heap

Year: 2005

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84428 554 5

Four friends - Florentina the bear, Rachel the rabbit, Seymour the sheep and Mary Clare are in the garden. They are ecstatic when a butterfly joins them.

This picture book celebrates the simple joys of life and childhood innocence with its unique story on friendship and camaraderie.

Excerpt

“Ooof!” says Florentina. “I am hot.”

She kicks off her slippers. A butterfly lands on her foot.

It’s Snowing!

By Olivier Dunrea

Year: 2010

Publisher: Square Fish, New York

Age: 6 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 31260 216 1

The first snowfall is often a magical and momentous time for most of us. This book is a tender narrative of a mother’s delight at introducing her baby to her first snowfall. The text and illustrations are enchanting.

Excerpt

“Baby, taste the snow!”

Baby opens his mouth.

“Baby, touch the snow!”

Baby flies into the air.

Grandad

Text: Rachel Elliot

Illustrations: Katie Pamment

Year: 2005

Publisher: Meadowside Children’s Books, London

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 24

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84539 055 6

This charming story of a little girl and her granddad (obviously from the Flower Power era) who lives in her backyard in a gypsy caravan ought to put a broad smile in your day.

The granddad is bursting with joie de vivre and his little grand-daughter soaks it all in. Their day is filled with music, laughter, treats and happiness.

The illustrations are very cheery and lively. :-)

Excerpt

We watch the waves splashing and feed the seagulls.

I have two ice creams.

Grandad has three.

“Life’s for living!” says Grandad. 

A Christmas Wish

Text: Julia Hubery

Illustrations: Sophy Williams

Year: 2007

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 3 – 7 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Novelty Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84506 529 4  

The ethereal and warm Christmas-y illustrations centered around a happy family makes for a delightful addition to your children’s library.

Gemma and Ty are excited as they decorate the Christmas tree. As Gemma picks up her favorite ornament, a snow deer, Ty accidentally breaks it. Gemma is very upset with him and stomps away.

A little later, though, she realizes it was an accident. As she steps out of her room to make up with Ty, she finds a peace offering from him at her bedroom door.

Gemma glues the snow deer back to one piece and takes it to her little brother.

Oh yes, all those little fans of everything shiny will not be disappointed – the snow deer is all glittery and sparkly everywhere it appears, cover included.:-)

Excerpt

It was very quiet. She opened the door, and nearly fell over something. On the floor was a badly-wrapped parcel, and a little card with a big wobbly “sorry”.

It was a pot of glue. 

Manners at the Park

Text: Arianna Candell

Illustrations: Rosa M. Curto

Year: 2012

Publisher: Salariya Book Company, UK

Age: 4 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 36

Book Type: Picture Book, Educational

ISBN:  978 1 90817 710 0

It’s never too early to introduce children to rules and manners. The earlier the exposure, the sooner they’ll understand that following rules helps keep everyone safe and happy which is what this book attempts to impart to little ones.

The book takes us into Lily’s neighborhood. As each good manner is explained, we meet Lily’s friends. The book covers most manners and rules while playing at the park – taking turns, litter, involving others, new toys, holding grown-ups’ hands when crossing the road and more.

Excerpt

Rosie loves the swings so much that she could spend the whole day there! She doesn’t see the other kids waiting for a turn, so the queue is getting longer and longer. 

Humphrey’s Corner

By Sally Hunter

Year: 1999

Publisher: Puffin Books

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 14056 585 0

An adorable baby elephant is about to start his day. He gathers his Mooey (blanket), a little stool and his beloved Mop, a bunny rabbit. He puts them into a box and looks around for a cozy corner to play in.

Humphrey's Corner is saturated with innocence. The text and story is endearing. The illustrations are suffused with the tender glow of morning sunlight. The font is perfect – handwritten in neat , loving pencil strokes.

A fabulous package. :-)

Excerpt

So Humphrey put his Mooey, the little stool, the bottle with the pretty colours and Mummy’s sparkly necklace into the box with Mop on top …

Just Right for Christmas

Text: Birdie Black

Illustrations: Rosalind Beardshow

Year: 2011

Publisher: Nosy Crow, London  

Age: 3 – 7 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Picture book, Paperback

ISBN: 978 0 85763 136 7

This is a cheery Christmas story of love and sacrifice. Christmas is also one of those times when miracles of kindness and friendship are born. And this book is about just that – an act of love sets off a chain reaction of selflessness and sharing.

On Christmas Eve, the king spots a roll of beautiful red cloth to make a cloak for his daughter. The maids leave the scraps outside which Jenny, the kitchen maid sews into a smart jacket for her mother. 

Bertie Badger finds her scraps and makes a hat for his father and leaves the cloth scraps outside his house. Samuel Squirrel finds them and makes a pair of gloves for his wife. His scraps are picked up by Milly Mouse who turns it into a scarf for her son Billy.

Everyone’s present feels just right…

We loved this book for its simple message of giving and sharing at Christmas time.

Excerpt

She snipped and she sewed and she snipped and she sewed and, by the time the candle had burnt down low, she’d made a cosy scarf for Billy.