Review: Knuffle Bunny

Knuffle Bunny

Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems

Publication date: 2004
Publisher: Hyperion
ISBN: 978-0786818709

Summary/Back cover:
Trixie, Daddy, and Knuffle Bunny take a trip to the neighborhood Laundromat. But the exciting adventure takes a dramatic turn when Trixie realizes somebunny was left behind… Using a combination of muted black-and-white photographs and expressive illustrations, this stunning book tells a brilliantly true-to-life tale about what happens when Daddy's in charge and things go terribly, hilariously wrong.

Review:
This is a very funny book which has been so well written that, even if you have never been in the situation that this child or this father is, you will understand the amazing amount of correct points that this writer has nailed. Even after the first read, the grown up reading it again still gets a kick out of reading this book. The amazing thing about the book is it is so funny and you can relate to it as well as laugh at the father for getting it so wrong.

Rating 4.5 out of 5

Review written by Elise

Review: The Giant Jam Sandwich

The Giant Jam Sandwich

Written and Illustrated by John Vernon Lord

Verses by Janet Burroway

Publication date: 1987
Publisher: Sandpiper
ISBN: 978-0395442371

Summary/Back cover:
One hot summer in Itching Down, Four million wasps flew into town. What are the villagers going to do about this noisy, nasty nuisance of a swarm? Make a giant jam sandwich - that's what.

Review:
This is a great book that I have rediscovered with my children after a few decades of not seeing it. I was very excited when my daughter brought it home one day. Most of the story has faults in it if you are looking at it from a facts side of things but you just don't. You see a wonderfully written story and to quote the back 'Jam packed with jokes and jubilation.' It is nice to read a story about a town getting together for a town meeting and working together to solve the joint issue. Sometimes the old ones really are the best ones.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Review written by Elise

Review: Dimity Duck

Dimity Duck

Written by Jane Yolen

Illustrated by Sebastien Braun

Publication date: 2006
Publisher: Philomel
ISBN: 978-0399246326

Summary/Back cover:
Dimity Duck waddles, she toddles and she sings. Giggle-gaggle goes her tail and whoosh! go her wings. So begins the day for Dimity Duck, a day full of brushing feathers and lots of seek-and-hide playtime with her friend, Frumity Frog. Waddling, dawdling, paddling and splashing, the two wriggle and giggle until Dimity tires and droop goes her tail. Then Dimity Duck waddles and toddles off to bed.

Review:
This book is a delightfully sweet book. There is lots of rhyming and little phrases that are very well. The book is a perfect read again and again book and amazing for bed time as Dimity herself heads off to bed at the end of a busy day. I would recommend this book to all.

Rating 4 out of 5

Review written by Elise

Review: Baa Humbug

Baa Humbug

Written by Mike Jolley

Illustrated by Deborah Allwright

Publication date: 2001
Publisher: Templar Publishing
ISBN: 978-1840110975

Summary/Back cover:
Baa Humbug! A sheep with a mind of its own - to follow Grunter, the pig with a mind of his own.
Don't be a sheep. Be unique! Baa Humbug - the hero herbivore who'll have you flocking for more!

Review:
This book is a very strange book which is not very popular in my family. It uses words in the book that are not very child friendly like stupid and piffle and Rubbish. I know that it might be that someone likes this book, but it is very hard to get your head around the fact that the actual outcome of the story is a positive.

It is a book about being an individual and different, but when you spend the whole book having to explain it even to your almost 5 year old that should tell you that only the negative is sinking through. The only good bit I can say about this book is the illustrations are amazing with the last page having a pop up and moving dancing sheep.

Rating 2 out of 5

Review written by Elise

Review: The Noisy Noisy Farm

The Noisy Noisy Farm

Written by Stephanie Stansbie

Illustrated by Veronica Vasylenko

Publication date: 2011
Publisher: Good Books
ISBN: 978-1561487080

Summary/Back cover:
Wherever can Rooster be? None of the animals has heard his cock-a-doodle-doo, and they've slept late. Now they're all worked up! One by one they call to him Meow! Quack! BAAAAA! Moo! but when they find Rooster, they have a Big Surprise! Children will love pressing the pages to hear the animal noises in this fun farmyard story.

Review:
This is a brilliant touch and hear story – it is my 2 year old’s favourite book and went through the stage where she would have it read 20 times a day. It is fantastic for the little ones who like to hear all the noises and press all the buttons. The buttons are a little hard to press but I think that is good, it makes you need to press the correct circle to get them to go. I love the phrase 'Sun's up Cockerel. Where's your doodle- do?' I love the use of words like 'Magnificent' and lines like 'We've had chicks! beamed Cockerel proudly'. My 2 year old is quite advanced in her language and actually uses these words learnt from this book in her everyday talking.

Rating 4 out of 5

Review written by Elise

Review: Little Bear's Trousers

Little Bear's Trousers

Written and Illustrated by Jane Hissey

Publication date: 1998
Publisher: Red Fox
ISBN: 978-0099265436

Summary/Back cover:
When Little Bear gets up one morning, his trousers are gone. Where could they be? Old Bear doesn't know. Sailor, Camel and Rabbit have seen them and used them in some un-trouserly ways. But no one can tell Little Bear where his trousers are now. When Little Bear finally discovers his trousers, even he is surprised at what he finds.

Review:
We have a copy of this book that is small, like a pocket sized book, so when my youngest daughter brought it to me to read I am pretty sure she was not expecting such a long book, however my 4.5 year old loves it. It has lovely illustrations and a sweet yet exciting story-line. As much as I love the story and all the pictures I can't help as a mother but feel concerned that my kids will try this at home. On the whole, a long but enjoyable book that appeals more to the older children.

Daughter Shannon (4.5 years old)’s review: “I like that story but I hope no one takes my dresses while I am sleeping.”

Rating 3.5 out of 5

Review written by Elise

Review: Dear Zoo

Dear Zoo

Written and Illustrated by Rod Campbell

Publication date: 1997
Publisher: Campbell Books
ISBN: 978-0333712788

Summary/Back cover:
A child writes to the zoo for a pet. The zoo sends a series of unsuitable pets, revealed behind flaps in the form of crates and packing cases. These animals are all sent back for different reasons, except the last one, which is perfect!

Review:
Lovely little book that your child will love. There is a sweet story-line behind it making it a nice simple book to read anytime your munchkin chooses. Even as an adult who has read it a few too many times to small children, I can understand the wonder of getting so many pets and being able to send them back, after opening the flaps 20 odd times. Good book and, like the Very Hungry Caterpillar, a must for a small child’s home library.

Rating 4 out of 5

Review written by Elise

Review: You Choose

You Choose

Written by Pippa Goodhart

Illustrated by Nick Sharratt

Publication date: 2009
Publisher: Corgi Childrens
ISBN: 9780552560351

Summary/Back cover:
If you could do anything, what would you choose? A book with a different ending every time!
Imagine you could go anywhere, with anyone and do anything. Where would you live? Where would you sleep? Who would be your friends? What games would you play? Go on… You choose! A whole range of scenarios is presented, making choosing – and reading – so much fun.

Review:
This book is fantastic! We got it in the UK but you can get it in NZ. My girls love it, I love it - it is like entering a dream world where at the start of everything you choose it. “Where shall we live today girls?” is what I say. Some days I live in a castle in the middle of a forest with a pet dragon.

It is a lovely book that does not get old, as it is never the same. I like it even more when I see my girls happily reading it together - my 4.5 year old says “Which would you choose today?” to my 2 year old, the whole way through the book. It is getting the very well-used love look in my family.

We all recommend this is read and shared.

Rating 5 out of 5.

Review written by Elise

Review: The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear

The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, 

and the Big Hungry Bear

Written by Don and Audrey Wood

Illustrated by Don Wood

Publication date: 1984
Publisher: Childs Play Intl
ISBN: 978-0859530125

Summary/Back cover:
Who likes strawberries? The mouse does. The bear does, too, but the reader plays the key role!

Review:
This book is a lovely book written to be read aloud and the reader of the story makes the story come to life. No matter how many times I read it, my two girls both worry the mouse will get got by the Big Hungry Bear, but they have to have some of the strawberry at the end. You can really make this story come to life, and in return the story will make you smile. Very well written and should be read by all.

Rating 4.5 out of 5

Review written by Elise

Review: Goosebumps #37 – The Headless Ghost

Goosebumps #37 – The Headless Ghost

Written by R.L. Stine

Publication date: 1995
Publisher: Scholastic
ISBN: 978-0590568746

Summary/Back cover:
Loving Hill House, an enormous tourist attraction that is reputed to be haunted by the ghost of a thirteen-year-old headless boy, Duane and Stephanie decide to search for the ghost's head and get the biggest scare of their lives.

Review:
My 8 year old son has just finished this book. What a fabulous book and one that my son just couldn't put down and we had to force him to close the book. He had to read this book out loud so my husband and I were privy to it as well. I can safely say we all love this book.

This story is about two friends who terrorise the neighbourhood with scary antics. They would dress up in scary costumes and go around the neighbour scaring people at night. They were both obsessed with ghosts and love going up to Hill House. Hill house sits on a big hill and it was old and was a tourist attraction showing people around and telling ghost stories at night. The story surrounds the Hill house having a 13 year old ghost without a head. Both characters decided to see for themselves if there really is a headless ghost and go late at night to the Hill house and come head to head with their ghost.

It is a fabulous story and is really scary. All chapters end with an intriguing storyline where you just couldn't put the book down.

Great story – 4 out of 5

Review written by Belinda

100-Likers Giveaway - Winners

Thank you to everyone that took the time to enter my giveaway - I have some wonderful titles from Scholastic, which I am very sorry to be parting with. However, random.org has helped me choose some lucky winners, who will be receiving these books.

Down in the Meadows will be heading to Jopukeko!

Giraffe Attack! will be heading to team_s!

The Little Tractor will be heading to Ruth!

The Fidgety Itch will be heading to Zaylah!

and There's a Hole in my Bucket will be heading to Sally!

Huge thanks to Scholastic for the books - if you haven't had a look at what other titles they have available, I suggest you do!  There's so many books there that I want!

Congratulations to all the winners (you each have an email awaiting you)- and thank you to all my wonderful reviewers! Plans are afoot already for the next giveaway, at 500 reviews. Watch on here and on my Facebook page to see when that's coming up (in approximately 172 reviews' time, I'd say...)

Meanwhile, don't shy off, and please do keep sending me reviews - that's what this site is all about, after all! Writing reviews, reading reviews, and finding amazing books to read our kids!

Review: Giraffe Attack

Giraffe Attack!

Written by Chris Gurney

Illustrated by Aki Fukuoka

Publication date: 2011
Publisher: Scholastic New Zealand
ISBN: 978-1-86943-957-6

Summary/Back cover:
Jack is fearful of the dreadful 'giraffe' that everyone talks about, thumping and bumping around the house, trying to get in.

His imagination knows no bounds...

So why does Mum laugh and tell him he's being silly?

Review:
Have you ever had children mishear or misunderstand what you've said? If so, this is the book for you. Giraffe Attack! will amuse the parents reading it as much as it will the children - it took me until halfway through the book to work out what the 'giraffe' was that Jack was scared of - then I felt quite silly that it took me that long!

My 3.5 year old enjoyed the book, but may be a little bit too young to full appreciate it - however, that just means it's a book that will last a long time. Great as a read-aloud book to preschoolers, and great for school children to be able to read themselves - it's not a "baby-ish" themed book, as many other picture books perhaps are.

This is a great story that will have the kids guessing right to the end - but it's probably best not to read it on a blustery night (are you getting what the 'giraffe' is yet?!), just in case it causes a few fears right on bedtime (although, everything is explained by the end of the story anyway!)

My rating: 4 out of 5

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: The Fidgety Itch

The Fidgety Itch

Written by Lucy Davey

Illustrated by Katz Cowley

Publcation date: 2010
Publisher: Scholastic New Zealand
ISBN: 978-1-86943-967-5

Summary/Back cover:
‘Twas only a niggle… the teensiest titch… but that fidgety feeling grew to an ITCH!

When you have an itch that you just can’t scratch, it’s great to have somebody to do it for you. But what do you do when you’re the last in the scratching queue?

Review:
This book appealed to me immediately because of the illustrator - Katz Cowley has done the illustrations for The Wonky Donkey and Willbee the Bumblebee, both of which are well-loved books in this house.

And this book is just as appealing - with a gorgeous rhyming storyline from Lucy Davey, this tale about a mouse that gets an itch is a great book for teaching children how to help other people out with their problems - for they might need help with their own problem soon enough!

My 3.5 year old was highly amused to see what was causing the itch on each page (a little mosquito, although he is never mentioned in the story itself), and wondered whether the animals getting the itch knew what was causing it. The story gets more and more complicated by the end, as more and more animals need a scratch, but it was easy for the kids to follow along to, and 'guess' who was joining the queue next.

A lovely funny story, with the added bonus of that 'team-work' or 'help out others' tale threaded through it.

My rating: 4.2 out of 5

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Snore!

Snore!

Written by Michael Rosen

Illustrated by Jonathan Langley

Publication Date: 1998
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books
ISBN: 978-0007160310

Summary/Back cover:
All is quiet on the farm - until Dog starts to SNORE! While he snores noisily through the night, the other animals can get no sleep. Whatever can they do about Dog?

Review:
'Snore! - A noisy night for dozy dog' is about a farmyard of animals all trying to get a nice quiet nights sleep, however the snoring dog is keeping them all awake. They try all sorts of things to get him to stop snoring, without any luck. Filled with snoring and animal sounds, it's a fun book to both read and listen too.

Our family absolutely loves this book. My girls have had fun giggling at the snoring noise as well as trying to imitate all the sounds from just over 12months, even Dad gets in on the fun of making the sounds with this book. The illustrator does a great job with the expressions of the various animals, such delightful illustrations. You can't help but smile with this great read and is guaranteed to put your little ones in an upbeat mood. Written with such energy and humour we've had to keep this as an afternoon rather than bedtime book, otherwise they would practise animal and snoring sounds all night and not sleep!

My rating: 5 out of 5. Definitely one of our all-time favourites!

Review written by Zaylah

Review: Baa Baa Smart Sheep

Baa Baa Smart Sheep

Written by Mark Sommerset

Illustrated by Rowan Sommerset

Publication date: 2010
Publisher: Dreamboat Books
ISBN: 978-0-9864668-1-6

Summary/Back cover:
Little Baa Baa is bored. When Quirky Turkey arrives on the scene, the opportunity to make some mischief proves too hard to resist. With snappy dialogue and hilarious illustrations, Baa Baa Smart Sheep is a laugh-out-loud story that will leave you thinking sheep aren't as stupid as we might think.

Review:
Baa Baa Smart Sheep is a fantastic book for any mischievous children - and adults too.

The story follows Little Baa Baa, a young sheep who is bored. Along comes Quirky Turkey and, to relieve the boredom, Little Baa Baa decides to have some fun. Over the course of the book, Little Baa Baa persuades Quirky Turkey to try some Smarty Tablets…but they’re not really tablets at all.

The book follows the characters’ conversation so it’s a good story to read using different voices for each character. The illustrations are subtle but convey a lot through the characters’ expressions. My 4 year old son adores this book and it’s one he regularly trots out for visitors to read to him – resulting in lots of laughter.

Review written by Rebecca

Review: Melu

Melu

Written by Kyle Mewburn

Illustrated by Ali Teo and John O'Reilly

Publication date: 2012
Publisher: Scholastic
ISBN: 978-1-7754302-027-8

Summary/Back cover:
Melu decides to follow his dream, instead of the herd ... The mules had been clip-clopping around the sun-baked hills for generations. They always clip-clopped in the same direction: west towards the setting sun. And they never ventured down to the glittering green sea. But Melu was different. He was always out of step. When the herd clipped, Melu clopped. When the others clopped, Melu clipped. And one day, he decided he wanted to go down to the glittering green sea ...

Review:
The illustrations are very colourful, simple and unique. The front cover is so simple that it catches the eye easily, and looks really good. I really like this book and my children really enjoy it as well. It's one that keeps working its way onto my lap before bed.

The typeset is lovely and the layout of the text makes it very easy to read and follow. I loved the various, gorgeous shades of yellow and green.

This is a book that you will enjoy reading to your children but as they get older they will be able to start reading it themselves as the spacing of the words is perfect for beginning readers.

The story itself is just delightful. I love it! Melu is different from the other donkeys and one day, ignoring their warnings, he heads off to do something no other donkey has done. Melu discovers the power of friendship and perseverance and that what you dream of can become a reality if you just keep believing and striving.

It's a great example of how working together can get you to your common goal not only easier but quicker too.

10 out of 10 from me.

Review written by sup3rmum

Review: The Best Nest

The Best Nest

Written and Illustrated by P.D. Eastman

Publication date: 1968
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 978-0394800516

Summary/Back cover:
Illustrated in full colour, Mr. and Mrs. Bird's search for a "better" nest leads them to some peculiar spots.

Review:
This is an "I can read it all by myself" beginner book that my daughter has loved from the age of two. The story of two birds making decisions, encountering danger and learning the joy of being satisfied with what they have, are some of the lessons learnt. Repetition, humour and rhyme, combined with beautiful pictures, and Mr and Mrs Bird's songs are sure to make this a family favourite!

Review written by Bonni

Review: The Story of Trains

The Story of Trains

Written by Jane Bingham

Illustrated by Colin King

Publication date: 2007
Publisher: Usborne Publishing
ISBN: 978074608079-5

Summary/Back cover:
Today, rail tracks cover most of the world, yet only two hundred years ago, they didn’t exist. Every day trains take people to work and on holiday. They can carry cars, crates or crocodiles and even travel under the sea.

This book tells the incredible story of trains and how it all began – with a small steam engine and a wagon full of people.

Review:
This is the first ‘chapter’ book we’ve tried reading with our children, but we still read the entire book in one sitting. It is a non-fiction book about the history of trains, and is written in such a way as to appeal to the little train enthusiast. Lots of illustrations help to explain the text, and the language is simple but not baby-ish.

If your children like trains, I definitely recommend tracking down a copy of this book.

4.2 out of 5

Review written by Ruth

Review: Wheelbarrow Wilbur

Wheelbarrow Wilbur

Written by Narine Groome

Illustrated by Bevan Fidler

Publication date: 2010
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 978-0-14-350350-7

Summary/Back cover:
Wilbur the terrier was cuddly not fat,
a dog twice as big as your average cat.
Will owned the Abbots,
as the Abbots owned him -
Mum, Dad and Lucy, and the best of all Tim.

Review:
This is a fun rhyming picture book about a bouncy and active dog who develops a love of ice cream. It's fairly long so is probably aimed at children from kindergarten age and up, but is enjoyable to read and has bright and fun illustrations. The story has an important message about eating too much junk food and the impact this has on Wilbur's health and happiness. It manages to get this information across without being in any way preachy, and certainly doesn't say that eating ice cream as a treat is bad, just that eating ice cream and other bad foods every day is not healthy. In summary this is a fun, bright and attractive book that we would recommend!

Review written by Sally

Review: Mother… Loves Her Little One

Mother… Loves Her Little One

Written by Anna Casalis

Illustrated by Marco Campanella

Publication Date: 2007
Publisher: Funtastic Limited
ISBN: 978-174167805-5

Summary/Back cover:
Four mothers, four little ones… and lots of love and hugs!
Staying close to Mummy makes every fear, every sorrow, and every difficulty disappear. At the end of every story, the little bear, the little squirrel, the little koala, and the little goose all sigh: ‘I love you, Mummy!’

Review:
I won this book in one of Bronwyn’s giveaways on this website. This is a very sweet board book with four separate but similar stories within it. It has a padded cover and ties together with ribbon – I believe that it would be a beautiful and appreciated gift for expectant parents or as a Christening or first birthday present.

Each story explores the relationship between a young animal and it’s mother. Each animal is faced with a situation that involves them learning that they will eventually have to grow up and not always their mother there to help and protect them. In these stories, however, the mothers are there and pass on wisdom before cuddling their young and snuggling down for sleep.

My rating: 4 out of 5

Review written by team_s

Review: Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are

Written and illustrated by Maurice Sendak

Publication Date: First published 1963, this edition published 2000
Publisher: Red Fox
ISBN: 978-0-099-40839-0

Summary/Back cover:
The story of Max’s adventures when he sails away to the land where the Wild Things are has become an acknowledged classic of children’s books.

Caldecott Medal Winner for the Most Distinguished Picture Book of the Year 1964.

Review:
So, roughly once a month I drag my family over the Auckland Harbour Bridge to my favourite book shop in the whole wide world – The Dorothy Butler Bookshop in Ponsonby. It is linked with The Children’s Bookshop in Christchurch, which I used to buy the children’s books from when we lived in Canterbury. What I really want to buy is Wee Little Bunny, but I never find it. (I really ought to ask the bookshop to order it in for me, which I have no doubt they would do). So, instead, last time we were there we came home with The Gruffalo’s Child and Where The Wild Things Are. I knew The Gruffalo’s Child had already been reviewed and I felt sure that Where The Wild Things Are would have been, too. Come on! This book has been around how long? I know my sister had a copy when we were kids, ordered through The Scholastic Bookclub at school, undoubtedly. I distinctly recall looking through it and being confused as to why there were two pages with illustrations only and no words. I’m all about the words, you see. And yet, no, this book has not yet been reviewed. Even though it is so well-known there is even a movie about it. Unbelievable!! I hope you are not all avoiding the book and just watching the film are you? Okay, so here’s the gist: Max is a boy, let’s guess around 8 years old. He wears a monster suit and gets up to mischief. So Mum sends him to bed without supper, because it’s 1963 and people didn’t call the Police on you for such things back then, and in defiance he decides to head off on an adventure to where the wild things are so he can live amongst his own kind, presumably. There is a lot of scope for interpretation in this story. It’s a quick, easy read (seriously, the story is over before you know it), and the protagonist is likeable despite being, or perhaps because he is, an obstinate mischief-making scamp. The illustrations are wonderful and have made their way into pop culture so often that you’ll feel you’ve known them forever even if you’re picking up the book for the first time… presuming there are still adults out there who have never picked up this book, before. I have to say that when I was a kid and my sister had this book, and when I read the story to my children the other day, I wasn’t sure the hype surrounding this book was justified. But, I must admit, it has grown on me. I’m glad there is a copy on our family bookshelf, ready for any time we want to follow Max on his journey to the wild side.

My rating: 5 out of 5

Review written by team_s

Book Reviews: New Ones on Impulse Control

The Busy Beaver
Author/Illustrator: Nicholas Oldland
Interest Level: Ages 3-7 

From the Book Jacket: There once was a beaver who was so busy that he didn't always think things through. After finding himself on the wrong side of a falling tree one day, the beaver begins to see the error of his careless ways. He's eager to set things right, but will his friends and neighbors believe he's truly changed behavior?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: When working with the littles, I don't know how many times I have heard myself say, "Whoa. I need another book on self-control." The kiddos can never get enough coaching in this area. We've got high standards for students and if you have kids who are challenged with impulse control - it's so important to build positive language with them. This one introduced the words "think things through." We had fun figuring out what that means and how it applies to a kid's life. Just like the old saying 'think before you speak' - we also need to Think Before We Act!

Did you know this book is part of a series? I don't own the other two but they look pretty darn cute with good messages for children.

Making the Moose Out of Life 
A story about learning to live life to the fullest.

Big Bear Hug

A story about the awesome power of a hug!

OH, No, George!
Author/Illustrator: Chris Haughton
Interest Level:  Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: George is a dog with all the best intentions. But when George spies a delicious cake sitting on the kitchen table, his resolve starts to waver. You see, George loves cake...What will George do? Chris Haughton's fetchingly funny story and vibrant, retro illustrations are sure to lure dog lovers of all ages - and anyone who has ever met a temptation too good to resist.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book is seriously cute. I haven't developed a huge lesson out of it yet but I've been reading it to K-2 grades. I've brought along my impulsive puppy puppet for discussion. He is a fan favorite. George has some serious self-control issues when his owner leaves the house. It's a fun story and the students got a kick out of it. We also talked about what an, "Oh No" moment is in our lives and how we can be in control of our behavior especially when adults are not looking! So it's also a story about doing the right thing. Love.

A Link to These Books and Others You Might Find Helpful: 

Book Review: Happy

Happy
Author/Illustrator: Mies van Hout
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

A Note From the Publisher: Clear, strong lines and radiant colors that seem to smile at the reader characterize Mies van Hout's drawings. In Happy, Mies shows all the emotions a young child encounters. Each double page spread is devoted to one fish, showing a particular emotion with its name in lettering that expresses the same feeling. Swim into Happy where the dazzling fish sparkle against the dark background and let the images spark laughter and empathy.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: There is a hefty stack of feelings books on my shelf. I'm obsessed with them. Like obsessed. Let me tell you something - it's so much more fun to read a book about emotions when you have a sweet activity to go with it. But you need the right kind of book to make it happen. Get ready to love this new one as much as I do. Happy is such a cool addition to my collection. I read it to third graders today and they were so into the fish illustrations. Love it when I have 100% engagement from my student audience...all thanks to the cool looking fish on each page. 

I love this illustration below from Happy for SHOCKED.

Activity: Help connect students to the emotions through art. We used black construction paper with different colored chalk to draw our own feelings fish. You could also run a small group called 'Feelings Fish' using the book as the theme to help students explore emotions.

Click here for a sneak preview of the book. 

Feelings Covered: curious, nervous, brave, shy, surprised, sad, furious, proud, jealous, loving, angry, glad, confused, content, afraid, sure, shocked, astonished, bored, delighted


A Link to These Books and Others You Might Find Helpful: 

Review: Down in the Forest

Down in the Forest

Written by Yvonne Morrison

Illustrated by Jenny Cooper

Publication date: 2004
Publisher: Scholastic New Zealand
ISBN: 978-1-86943-596-7

Summary/Back cover:
Down in the forest,
seeking shelter from the sun,
lived a brown mother kiwi
and her little kiwi one...

By the author of A Kiwi Night Before Christmas, this charming New Zealand version of the much-loved traditional story, Over in the Meadow, is brought to life by the beautiful, vivid illustrations of Jenny Cooper.

Review:
I'm not familiar with the story that this is based on, so will be hunting it out in the near future - however, to me, the original will always be based on this book now, since I've read this one first!

Down in the Forest is a gorgeous counting story, based on the native flora and fauna of New Zealand bush - kiwi, tui, weta and tuatara feature, among other animals and plants. Written in a rhyming style and featuring increasing numbers of babies on each page, this book has beautiful pencil and water colour illustrations well-suited to showing children what New Zealand bush is like.

A lovely poetic story, that will appeal to all children who are interested in animals (is there any children who aren't into animals?!)

My rating: 4 out of 5

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: I Went Walking

I Went Walking

Written by Sue Williams

Illustrated by Julie Vivas

Publication date: 1989
Publisher: Omnibus Books
ISBN: 1-86291-320-x

Summary/Back cover:
I went walking.
What did you see?

A child’s farmyard stroll reveals all sorts of animal friends – a black cat, a brown horse, a red cow ...

Julie Vivas’s joyous illustrations give warmth and colour to this simple rhyming story.

Review:
This is a simple story for young pre-schoolers. The text is predictable as it is the same throughout. The only difference on each page is the new animal that is discovered. Each page holds a clue (partial picture of an animal) as to which animal comes next. Both my children loved guessing which animal comes next. It could also be used to help reinforce colours. After it has been read a few times children can ‘read’ the book to themselves.

3.5/5

Review written by Judith

Review: The Little Yellow Digger

The Little Yellow Digger

Written by Betty Gilderdale

Illustrated by Alan Gilderdale

Publication date: 1993
Publisher: Ashton Scholastic
ISBN: 978-1-86943-212-6

Summary/Back cover:
When digging a drain, the little yellow digger gets stuck in the mud. So they bring in a bigger digger...

Review:
Somehow I have been a mother of boys for almost 3.5 years, and have never met the Little Yellow Digger before - that's almost a crime, surely!

Scholastic sent me a copy of this book, and my boys are ever so grateful for it! It has a little yellow digger. It has a bigger digger. It has a bigger bigger digger. And it has a truck. It also has mud. What more could a boy ask for?!

The story itself is about diggers of increasingly larger size all getting stuck in the mud, and how they all work together to eventually be free - a story that shows that sometimes size doesn't matter! The back cover of the book tells me that this book was written after a similar incident of stuck diggers occurred at the Gilderdales' daughter's home - it almost makes me wish there were photos of the actual incident, instead of Alan's beautiful illustrations!

If you have boys, you definitely need to get your hands on this book. My 3.5 year old has been taking this book to bed with him, and I can hear him 'reading' it to himself: "Oh! Here comes the bigger BIGGER digger! Uh-oh... he's stuck too!" My 18 month old is just learning colours, so was enjoying pointing out the different colour diggers on each page.

There are a number of other books in the Little Yellow Digger series, which we will be collecting - great books to read to smaller boys, and then for slightly bigger boys to learn to read to themselves.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: No, David!

No, David!

Written and Illustrated by David Shannon

Publication date: 1998
Publisher: Blue Sky Press
ISBN: 978-0590930024

Summary/Back cover:
David's mom always said no! No,no,no. No,David! is Shannon's delightfully illustrated book of all the naughty things he used to get told off for as a child. Follow David as he jumps on his bed, walks mud through the house and breaks plant pots.

Review:
This is my 2 year old's favourite book this week. She knows most of it off by heart. It was also a big hit in my class of five year olds. It has been so popular that our copy is so tatty that I need to replace it.

It is a very simple text where David is getting growled for doing naughty things. The illustrations (also by David Shannon) are very appropriate and the kids take pleasure in pointing out what he is doing wrong: e.g. running down the road naked, walking mud through the house or raiding the cookie tin.

I think the children can relate to David when they do naughty things, especially when it is accidental.

As a parent I love reading it when I am stressed because I can use my growly voice with David to let off steam rather than snapping at my children.

We also have David Gets in Trouble and David Goes to School and they are very popular too.

I give it 5/5

Review written by Jopukeko

Review: Hairy Maclary's Rumpus at the Vet

Hairy Maclary's Rumpus at the Vet

Written and Illustrated by Lynley Dodd

Publication date: 1991
Publisher: Penguin Books
ISBN: 9780140542400

Summary/Back cover:
Sniffles and snuffles and doses of flu,
itches and stitches and tummy ache too...

Hairy Maclary is waiting to see the vet with lost of other pets. Then something happens to turn the waiting room into a kerfuffling scramble of paws, a tangle of bodies and a jumble of jaws...

Review:
This is a fun, easy story to read. It is another tale about Hairy Maclary and the antics that he and his friends get up to.

My daughter loves this story, as it contained lots of different animals and the story is easy for her to follow. We read this book at least twice a week and, like the rest of the Hairy Maclary stories, we never tire of it!

My rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review written by Liz

Review: Haere - Farewell, Jack, Farewell

Haere - Farewell, Jack, Farewell

Written by Tim Tipene

Illustrated by Huhana Smith

Publication date: 2005
Publisher: Huia Publishers
ISBN: 1-86969-104-0

Summary/Back cover:
A death is mourned, a birth is celebrated, and a little girl sees that life comes full circle.

A poetic and moving tale by Tim Tipene with evocative illustrations by Huhana Smoth.

Review:
This follows the theme of death in childrens' books, as I've already reviewed in Duck, Death and the Tulip, and The Bear and the Wildcat. I haven't read this book to my children either, but this book was worthy of being reviewed due to the Maori culture that it is based on (for those readers from outside New Zealand, Maori are the indigenous people of our country, and the culture is an important part of New Zealand).

Haere- Farewell, Jack, Farewell is the story of Koro Jack (Grandad) dying, being taken to the marae, manuhiri (visitors) coming to pay their respects, and taking him to the urupa (cemetery). It then goes on to nephew Jack being born, and being introduced to Koro Jack at the urupa.

It is a gentle tale that quietly explains the process from death to burial of a loved one in the Maori culture. There are a few important Maori words scattered throughout the story, but no glossary to explain them, if you don't know what they mean. However, a quick Google search found me www.maoridictionary.co.nz which helped me out with the couple of words I was unfamiliar with.

For Maori children who lose a loved one, I definitely recommend this book. For non-Maori, I recommend this as a great book to understand a wee bit of Maori culture. Well written, from a child's point of view, and makes good use of Maori language and other kiwi slang ("cuzzies", for example).

My rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Why I Love My Mummy / Daddy

Why I Love My Mummy

Why I Love My Daddy

Illustrated by Daniel Howarth

Publication date: 2006
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 978-0007205998 / 978-0007206001

Summary/Back cover:
Featuring children’s own words and heart-warming pictures, these are little books which can be given by boys or girls to their mummy and daddy on Mother’s Day, Father's Day, or any time at all!

Lovely gift books, created by asking real children why they love their Mummy and Daddy, and combining their words with illustrations of gorgeous baby animals.

Review:
It is children saying why they love their mummy/daddy. On each page there is the format of "I love my mummy/daddy because... " which children can join in with. There is a different animal on each page, parent and baby. The illustrations are very uncluttered, mainly the animals and very little background. The expressions on the animals is very caring and loving.

It is a lovely story to snuggle up with your child and read. It allows your child to express their love for you and you in turn express your love for them.

We own both of these books and they are my 2 year old daughter's favourites. She has to have one of them every night (often both). My daughter loves to name all the animals. Her sister (3 1/2) is learning the names of the baby animals now from our discussions about the book. When we read it we will often act out the page, giving hugs, showing our strong muscles, tickling each other.

I have given this pair of books as a baby shower gift and everyone has commented about them.

My rating: 4.8 out of 5

Review written by Jopukeko

Review: The Little Tractor

The Little Tractor

Written by Joy Cowley

Illustrated by Gavin Bishop

Publication date: 2004
Publisher: Scholastic New Zealand
ISBN: 978-1-86943-599-8

Summary/Back cover:
"It's a nice little tractor,
a strong little tractor,
a chug-chug, can't-go-wrong little tractor."

Now that the family farm has been sold, a new owner is needed for this special little tractor. But it will need a very special home.

Review:
This is a very sweet tale of a little tractor that gets abandoned, sold and resold a number of times, and then ends up going back where it first came from, and being loved all over again. A true circle-of-life story, which is gentle enough for a quiet bedtime story, but blokey enough to keep boisterous boys involved.

My boys, aged 3 and 1.5, both enjoy this story, and my 3 year old didn't take long to understand that the tractor stopped working with it's new owners because it was sad, and that he (the tractor) missed his Daddy. A great story for little boys, and the illustrations of the tractor's expressions are simply heart-melting!

My rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: The Life Cycle of the Monarch Butterfly

The Life Cycle of the Monarch Butterfly

Written by Betty Brownlie

Publication date: 1992
Publisher: Ashton Scholastic
ISBN: 978-1-86943-983-5

Summary/Back cover:
Did you know that the monarch butterfly can fly only adter the sun has warmed its wings? Or that monarch butterflies can fly great distances - covering 2000 kilometres in two to four days?

Illustrated with magnificent full-colour photographs.

Review:
I was lucky enough to receive this book from Scholastic, and it has been pored over for so many hours. We've been raising our own monarch butterflies for the first time this year, and my 3 year old son's kindy has been raising some as well, so he has learnt a lot about monarchs this summer.

There are so many things to like about this book that it's hard to know where to start - the, quite frankly, beautiful photos show incredible detail of every stage of a monarch's life, from egg to caterpillar, shedding it's skin, becoming a chrysalis, and becoming a butterfly. There's even a photo showing the end of a butterfly's life, when it's eaten by a praying mantis.

The books is not written as a story book (it's non-fiction), but more in what I call an encyclopaedia-style, but aimed at children. The language used is simple but accurate, and difficult terms are well explained. There is an explanation about why a swan plant has that name, along with a picture of the swan (how many adults don't know what that looks like?)

This is also a New Zealand book, which I particularly like, as most books on monarchs I have found are US-based and talk about butterflies migrating to Mexico for the winter - most of our butterflies stay in NZ (some go to Australia), and apparently there are a few swarms of butterflies in our own neighbourhood over winter, so we'll be watching out for those.

As a result of this book, and from raising our own butterflies, my 3 year old can tell me every stage of the monarch's life, knows the difference between a male and female butterfly, and understands all the different body parts of a caterpillar and butterfly.

We took this book to kindy, as my son wanted to show his head teacher - she certainly gave it the teacher-approval rating, and I think she's planning on getting a copy for the kindy. It's definitely a book that is useful to school children doing a project on monarchs, as it has pretty much all the information they would need. And, although it's not a reading book, it's become bedtime reading in our house - most 3 year old boys are into dinosaurs, but mine's well and truly into monarch butterflies, and is very eagerly looking after the 7 caterpillars we currently have on our windowsill in the lounge.

My rating: A very enthusiastic 5 out of 5 - this is the best book I've seen on monarchs, and I'm very keen to get my hands on the rest of the 'Life Cycle' series - frog, kiwi, pukeko, royal albatross and tuatara.

Review written by Bronwyn

100-Likers Giveaway

Those of you that have been following my newly-created Facebook page, will see that I've been promising a giveaway when we reach 100 likers. Well... we've now reached and surpassed that number!

Welcome to all my new followers - please do jump in and comment on your favourite books, and send me reviews for books that haven't been reviewed yet. We're after 1001 book reviews, which is too many for me to do alone!!

And now... the giveaway!

Scholastic New Zealand have very kindly sent me some of their best books, and I am very reluctantly passing them on to you, my readers and reviewers. I wish I could keep them all for myself, but that would be greedy!

The titles up for grabs are:

Down in the Forest - this picture book for ages 3 - 6 takes the traditional tale 'Over in the Meadow' and retells it featuring New Zealand native flora and fauna. My children have both really enjoyed this rhyming story, and we've spent a lot of time discussing the different New Zealand forest creatures, some of which my 3 year old didn't know existed! (we're urban dwellers, so don't always get the chance to see forest animals!)

Giraffe Attack - Jack is fearful of the dreadful ‘giraffe’ that everyone talks about thumping and bumping around the house, trying to get in. His imagination knows no
bounds. So why does Mum laugh and tell him he’s being silly? It took me until half-way through this book to realise what the upcoming punchline was going to be, and my 3 year old was still a bit confused by it at the end - but slightly older children will certainly catch on pretty quickly. A fantastic book that had us all laughing out loud.

The Little Tractor - now the family farm has been sold, a new owner is needed for this special little tractor. Read about its long search for the right home. You can't go wrong with a Joy Cowley book, and this one is no exception. A very sweet, circle of life story.

The Fidgety Itch - when you have an itch that you just can't scratch, it's great to have somebody else to do it for you. But what do you do when you're last in the scratching queue? Join Tiny Timpkin, Fuzzy O'Hare and friends, as they try to solve this terribly tickly, naggly-niggly, itchy-twitchy problem! This story had us laughing out loud as each creature tried to solve their itchy problem - my 3 year old was shouting at the book, trying to tell each animal who was itching them!

There's a Hole in my Bucket - when Henry the goat discovers a hole in his bucket, Liza the duck offers a series of solutions. Traditional words to a well-known song, and the book comes with a CD featuring the iconic Kiwi duo, the Topp Twins, singing the song.

And so... how do you enter to have a chance to win one of these fantastic books? With 3 simple steps.

Step 1: Tell me which famous children's book each of the quotes below is from - I've chosen well-known books, so hopefully there won't be too many head-scratchers! Email your answers to 1001bookreviews@gmail.com with the subject line "100-likers giveaway"

Step 2: Share our Facebook page with your friends and invite them to 'like' the page as well. Yes, I can see if you've done this or not!

Step 3: Find one of your favourite children's books, write a little review on it, and email it through to me at 1001bookreviews@gmail.com with the subject line "Review: (book name)" If you really want to review a book that's already been done, that's OK - we put double-up reviews in the comment section, so your review still counts!

Simple?! Of course it is! A bit of work? Sure, but there's no such thing as a free lunch, right?! Nearly everyone that's sent me reviews so far has said that, actually, the thought of writing a review is a little daunting at first, but it turned out to be quite a lot of fun putting thoughts onto paper (or screen, in this case)!

Right - hop to it, then! Entries for the giveaway will close at 5pm Friday 23 March, and I will announce winners shortly thereafter. If you're a 'liker' after #100, you're still welcome to enter :)

The Quiz - tell me which famous children's books these quotes are from:

1. A person’s a person, no matter how small.
2. I love you all the way to the moon and back
3. “I am dancing! Yes, I’m dancing! I AM DANCING!” Gerald cried.
4. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast
5. “And now,” cried Max, “let the wild rumpus start!”
6. If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.
7. We have so much time and so little to do. Strike that, reverse it.
8. Who is this creature with terrible claws and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws?
9. It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.
10. You know that place between sleep and awake, the place where you can still remember dreaming? That’s where I’ll always love you. That’s where I’ll be waiting.

Answers to 1001bookreviews@gmail.com

Review: Tiddler the Story-Telling Fish

Tiddler the Story-Telling Fish

Written by Julia Donaldson

Illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Publication date: 2007
Publisher: Scholastic Children's Books
ISBN: 978-0-439943-77-2

Summary/Back cover:
The smallest fish can tell the tallest tales...
"Sorry I'm late, Miss. I set off really early
But on the way to school I was captured by a squid.
I wriggled and I struggled till a turtle came and rescued me."
"Oh, no, he didn't." OH, YES, HE DID."

Review:
I'm not overly familiar with Julia Donaldson, but as a fan of this blog, have seen how hugely popular she is. When I saw this available at the library, I snatched it up. Obviously well loved (repairs on nearly every second page), I was not disappointed. The illustrations are gorgeous; bright and colourful. The story itself is a take on The Boy Who Cried Wolf - Tiddler tells big stories to justify his tardiness, but the one story that really is true and amazing isn't believed.

I do have a gripe. The rhyming scheme is great but as the book moved on, the lines were spread out differently and sometimes over a number of pages so the flow of the rhyme was lost (for this reader at least). To be honest, it made me feel like a numpty. This is just a small gripe though, as it pales in comparison to all the great things this book offers. 3.5/5

Review written by QTCass

Review: Snog the Frog

Snog the Frog

Written by Tony Bonning

Illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Publication date: 2004
Publisher: Gullane Children's Books
ISBN: 1-86233-548-6

Summary/Back cover:
Today is St Valentine's Day and in order to feel like a prince, Snog the Frog needs a kiss. But no one will doe the honours - not Cow, Sheep, or even Snake! And if Snog actually does find a willing princess, what on earth will happen then? A fun-filled fairytale, featuring the cheekiest frog in the kingdom!

Review:
With bright, cheerful illustrations, this book is a fun and cheeky read. With my son's current obsession with anything frog related, this was an obvious choice for us but we were pleasantly surprised by the humour in it. It's always nice to find something that appeals to the adult readers, especially when your young one grabs a pile of 7 or 8 to read at a time.

A bit boisterous for a bed time read (unless you follow it up with a quieter read), we give this a 3.8/5.

Review written by QTCass

Review: Willy and Hugh

Willy and Hugh

Written and Illustrated by Anthony Browne

Publication date: 2008
Publisher: Picture Corgi
ISBN: 978-0-552-55965-2

Summary/Back cover:
Willy hasn't got any friends and no-one ever lets him join in with their games. He is lonely...until the day he bumps into Hugh Jape in the park. Willy and Hugh are very different but they make a great team!

Review:
We are great fans of Browne's Willy series. Willy the Wizard was an early favourite for our youngest, coming at a time when his father and brother's football obsession was at an all time high and coupled with the fact that Willy is one of those characters you just root for.

Being already familiar with Willy, our chimp champ who lives in an ape world seemingly overpopulated with gorillas, my little one was immediately sympathetic on the opening page of this book; Willy was lonely, accompanied by the most heart-breaking picture. But this soon comes to an end when Willy meets Hugh, who stands up to the bully, Buster Nose, and continues to hang out with Willy and share a few laughs. At the end of the book, Hugh asks to meet up the next day and the last page sees Hugh and Willy looking at each other, arms spread wide, wearing identical outfits.

Browne has become one of our favourite authors and although we are huge fans of Willy, we will be looking at some of his other books from outside of the Willy series too. Cannot recommend this book enough, particularly for those who might be a little smaller, quieter and shyer than those in their age bracket. A strong 4.8/5.

Review written by QTCass

Review: Otis

Otis

Written and Illustrated by Loren Long

Publication date: 2009
Publisher: The Penguin Group
ISBN: 978-0-399-25248-8

Summary/Back cover:
When a big new yellow tractor replaces Otis, the friendly little tractor, he is cast away behind the barn. But it is only Otis who can come to the rescue when trouble happens.

Review:
This book was our prize in the 250 Review giveaway - thanks Bronwyn!

And what a beautiful book it is. Hardbound with gorgeous illustrations, this is one that will be kept out of reach of little hands and put with the other "special" keepsake books that we have. That isn't to say that it won't be read often though!

There is a lovely vintage feel to the illustrations in this book which adds to the gentle, sweet story. When the new calf is put in the barn with Otis, it is lulled to sleep by Otis's putt putt puttedy chuff, and they soon become firm friends. When the new tractor comes, Otis is put behind the barn and we have the sad sight of weeds growing up and over his wheels. But when Calf gets in trouble, none of the other tractors can help. The book ends up celebrating not only Otis, but the friendship between Otis and Calf as well.

Adorably gorgeous with the sweet message of friendship, this is highly recommended by both the parents and the kids in our house. DP's only complaint is that it is a little long, but I find it the perfect length if my little one feels he isn't quite ready for bed yet. 4.5/5

Review written by QTCass