Review: Hester's Blister

Hester's Blister

Written by Chris Gurney

Illustrated by Sarah Nelisiwe Anderson

Publication date: 2010
Publisher: Scholastic
ISBN: 978-1-86943-930-0

Summary/Back cover:
"OUCH!" said Hester Lister,
for she had a nasty blister,
right on the tippy of her tongue...


Hester asks everyone to help her find a remedy for her pesky blister problem, but her journey has an unexpected result!

Review:

Wow what a fantastic story about a common blister of all things!  Hester is in search of a remedy for a blister which takes her on a journey to seek a variety of advice which she graciously accepts, great rhyming with a neat twist at the end.

To my surprise my 3 year old son chose this book to read before a book about dragons and he said "read it again mum" which I did because I loved it too!   A great endorsement from a 3 year old who can quickly lose interest but he was into the story 100%.

Recommended age from 3 to 100.

Review written by Teresa

Review: Have You Seen My Potty?

Have You Seen My Potty?

Written by Mij Kelly

Illustrated by Mary McQuillan

Publication date: 2007

Publisher: Hodder Children's Books

ISBN: 978-0-340-91152-5

Summary/Back cover:

This is the story of Suzy Sue, who has something very important to do!  

The truth is she needs to do a poo... Will she find her bright red potty in time?

Review:

This is the toilet training book that I've been looking for for months!  I was so pleased to stumble upon this wee gem - it's about a young girl who needs to do a poo in her potty, but it's gone missing.  In fact, the farm animals have taken it, and are using the "poo-pot" and raving about how wonderful it is, whilst not knowing what this "potty" is that Suzy Sue is looking for.

Eventually, she gets the job done... and, as an added bonus, my 2.5 year old actually got a poo in the toilet after a read-throughs of this book. So thank you to Mij and Mary for creating the perfect toilet training book!!

A definite must-have for parents of toddlers - we've only got this book out of the library, and I'm reluctant to return it, as it's become a very well-read book here.  I think I'll have to find a copy to have permanently in our bookshelf here, especially as the 10 month old will no doubt go through the toilet training stage in a wee while, too!

It's funny, it's clever, the illustrations are gorgeous (I love the look of concern on Suzy Sue's face, getting more and more anxious as the book goes on), and it's rhyming as well, which always makes for a winning children's book in my eyes.

My rating: 5 out of 5.

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Animal 123

Animal 123

Written and Illustrated by David Wojtowycz

Publication date: 2000
Publisher: David & Charles Children's Books
ISBN: 1-86233-152-9

Summary/Back cover: 
Check into the Animal 123 hotel where behind each of the ten doors the zany animal guests are involved in crazy goings-on!
Look in on the two tangoing toucans or sneak a peek at the six sleep-walking skunks.  Oh, and don't forget to look out for the mice... This is the fun way of learning to count to ten!

Review:
I grabbed this book from the library, purely because it's by David Wojtowycz (illustrator of Commotion in the Ocean, The Lion Who Wanted to Love, and Farmyard Hullabaloo, amongst others) - and the illustrations don't disappoint at all.  Beautiful bright pictures of some funny animals (although my 2.5 year old didn't believe us that the sheep were actually sheep, as they were all dressed up in lounge-singer costumes!). The text of the book is not a story as such, but a title for the animals on each page:  "Three thirsty flamingos" for example, is all the text on the page with three thirsty flamingos (funnily enough...).

In saying that, it's a great book for your learner counter.  We spent a lot of time counting how many animals were on each page, and then read the book backwards as well (we're just learning how to count from ten down to one).  It's not a bedtime story, but it is a good learning tool.

My rating: 3.5 out of 5.

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Tremendous Tractors

Tremendous Tractors

Written by Tony Mitton

Illustrated by Ant Parker

Publication date: 2003
Publisher: Kingfisher
ISBN: 0-7534-0831-7

Summary/Back cover:
Tremendous, chuggy tractors,
so sturdy and so strong,
connecting up to farm machines
and pulling them along.
Climb aboard a tractor with a trio of friendly farmers in this playful picture book.  Zippy wordplay, zappy art, plus a picture dictionary make learning about tractors fun!

Review:
Another book from the Amazing Machines collection (see other reviews here, here and here), and as much loved by my 2.5 year old as Terrific Trains.  The rhyming in the book is made to sound like a tractor chugging along, which makes it as much fun for the adults to read, as it is for the kids to listen to!

This book, along with all the other ones in this collection, is great for Mums of little boys, as it teaches us about the different parts and uses of tractors, so that we can actually sound all knowledgeable when we get the inevitable questions like "What's that tractor pulling?" "How does that machine work?" etc. that inquisitive boys are known for!

Definitely a winner here - I rate this book 4.5 out of 5.

Review written by Bronwyn

Another Blog!

Hi there, to all my fellow readers (how many of you are there? I'd love for you to pop in and say "Hi", so I know there is someone out there in cyberspace!!)

Just thought I'd let you know about another kids' book review site that I've come upon - it's called Kids Book Review, run by a couple of ladies in Canberra, Australia.  They've got heaps of reviews there (773 just now, when I looked!), so it's definitely worth a look.

If you find any other review sites, or other sites that might be of interest to us here, please do let me know - either leave a comment here (or on any post), or flick me an email to 1001bookreviews@gmail.com

I hope you're enjoying the reviews we're doing here - and thank you so much to my fellow reviewers.  If anyone has a book that they'd like to have a review done on, please do let me know a title, or if you have some books that you'd like to review yourself, please do so - I'm always on the lookout for new reviewers.  I don't think I'll get to 1001 reviews by myself, so am depending on you Mums and Dads to help me out!!

Watch out in the next few months for a new section I'm going to start - Parenting Book Reviews. I won't count these as part of our 1001, but will place them in a separate page at the top of the main page.  Any special requests for which parenting books we should review?  I've got 4 or 5 here, which I will write up about.

Bronwyn xx

Review: Emergency!

Emergency!

Written by Margaret Mayo

Illustrated by Alex Ayliffe

Publication date: 2002
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books
ISBN: 0-87614-922-0

Summary/Back cover:
Fire! Fire - emergency!
Fire engines race all the way.
Hoses rushing, water gushing,
Help is coming.  It's on the way!
Fire engines, police cars, ambulances, lifeboats, and tow trucks race to the rescue in this noisy, busy book bursting with action.  Emergency? Don't worry - help is on the way!

Review:
This is a real boys' book - my 2.5 year old loves it, what with all the rescue vehicles in it!  The fact that we get to yell 'Emergency!' on each page helps a lot, too!  As with other Mayo/Ayliffe books (such as Dig Dig Digging and Snap), the text is rhyming, and the illustrations are lovely and bright.  This one is my son's favourite Mayo book so far!

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Hairy Maclary and Zachary Quack

Hairy Maclary and Zachary Quack

Written and Illustrated by Lynley Dodd

Publication date: 1999

Publisher: Mallison Rendel Publishers

ISBN: 978-0-908783-80-9

Summary/Back cover:

A board book edition of this best selling Hairy Maclary story. Hairy Maclary is looking for some peace and quiet for his afternoon doze. But everywhere he goes he's followed by an irrepressible yellow duckling, Zachary Quack, who wants to footle and frolic and play. Hairy Maclary keeps trying to skedaddle away only to be followed by the pittery pattery duck! Eventually Hairy Maclary realises that he can't shake off Zachary Quack and they curl up together for a doze in the sun!

Review: 

I'm a huge fan of Lynley Dodd's work, especially the Hairy Maclary series - but what Kiwi Kid isn't?!  This story is a beautiful wee tale of eventual friendship, and has the trademark rhyming nature that we're used to with Lynley Dodd, and the repeated lines (in this book:  Pittery pattery, skittery scattery, ZIP round the corner came Zachary Quack) that draw young children into reading along with their parents.

My 2.5 year old has requested this book over and over - sometimes asking for it 5 or 6 times in a row, before we're allowed to move on to the next book!  My 10 month old, who has trouble sitting through a whole book, enjoys this one too.

My rating: 4.8 out of 5

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Munch

Munch

Written and Illustrated by Emma McCann

Publication date: 2005

Publisher: Meadowside Children's Books

ISBN: 1-84539-045-8

Summary/Back cover:

There's a huge hungry monster on the loose eating everything in its path.  Munch the little monster stays at home to guard his house.  But will the massive muncher munch Munch?

Review:

We chose this book because the bite mark out of the bottom corner appealed to my 2.5 year old (the picture above doesn't show it, but it looks like this - sorry I can't find a bigger picture!)

The story itself is quite a cute wee story, about a monster who finds his toaster and jam have been eaten by a bigger monster, and ends with a relatively predictable (for parents) twist, which my boy loved! The illustrations are bright and uncluttered, which I enjoy for my children - if you have a little boy that loves monsters and food, then do check this book out.

My rating: 3.8 out of 5.

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: The Magic Faraway Tree

The Magic Faraway Tree

Written and Illustrated by Enid Blyton

Publication date: 2002 (first published 1943)
Publisher: Egmont Books
ISBN: 978-0-7497-4801-2


Summary/Back cover:
Jo, Bessie and Fanny take their cousin Rick on an adventure he'll never forget to the magic Faraway Tree, where he meets Moon-Face, Silky the fairy and Saucepan Man, and visits all the different lands at the top of the Faraway Tree. Like the Land of Spells, the crazy Land of Topsy-Turvy, and the land of Do-As-You-Please, where the children ride a runaway train!


Review:
This is a great book, was mine when I was a child so a bit of an old one but still a good one. There are friends who have a magic tree in the woods by their house, there are strange people living in the tree but even more amazing is the lands above the cloud at the top of the tree. Who knows how long they will stay or what the next one will be?

I try and read this one to the kids, Dylan loves it as he gets to make up his own lands and people ... tiggers bouncing on pink marshmallow clouds was a favourite! and use his imagination to see what else he can think of next.


Review written by Michelle

Review: Just For You

Just For You

Written and Illustrated by Mercer Mayer

Publication date: 1998
Publisher: Western Publishing Company 
ISBN: 0-30763542-7


This is the very first Little Critter book (first published in 1975, that's older than I am!) and our favourite. Both boys enjoy the books and I enjoy the underlying humour they have in them. Little Critter wants to do something special for his mum but his attempts keep falling short. He wants to mow the lawn but he is too little. He picks her an apple on the way home, but he got hungry. He wanted to take a nap, but the bed was too bouncy. In the end he does do something just for her - a big hug and a kiss. This book is too adorable and I love to use it as a way to get my own hug and kiss. 

Now that I know how old it is, it's going to be relegated to the "special book" pile and be treated with a little bit more care. It already holds significance for us as it started the Little Critter collection for our eldest and has been handed down to our little fella along with a number of other books in the series.
5/5


Review written by QTCass

Review: Sizzles is Completely Not Here

Sizzles is Completely Not Here

A Charlie and Lola book

Written by Lauren Child

Publication date: 2007
Publisher: Puffin
ISBN: 978-0-1413-8337-8


Summary/Back cover:
Charlie has this little sister Lola. Lola is supposed to be looking after Marv's dog. Sizzles. But he seems to have disappeared...Lola says, "Sizzles is completely not here." Join Charlie and Lola on their search for Sizzles the dog. Lift the flaps and see if you can spot where Sizzles is hiding. 


Review:
I love this book. And so does my 3 year old. A large board book with heaps of flaps. Open the door, open the book, open the window, open the fridge. Each page is a different part of Charlie and Lola's house, and we travel round with them as they look for Sizzles. 
I give this book a 4/5


Review written by WellyMel

Review: Kisses for Daddy

Kisses for Daddy

Written by Frances Watts

Illustrated by David Legge

Publication date: 2005
Publisher: Little Hare
ISBN: 978-1-921049-47-7


Summary/Back cover:
When a grumbly Baby Bear refuses to give his father a goodnight kiss, their bedtime routine is transformed into a delightful game, as Daddy imagines all the different sorts of kisses that other animal babies give their dads: "'Now what about a big bear kiss for me?' said Dad. 'No!' said Baby Bear. 'No kiss for Daddy.' 'Oh dear,' said Daddy, carrying Baby Bear up the stairs. 'How about a koala kiss instead? Baby koalas give their daddies cuddly, clingy kisses, like this...'" This warm, affectionate story is perfect for children and their daddies to share!


Review:
Little bear is getting ready for bed but doesn't want to give Daddy bear a kiss, they try all different sorts of kisses until he is finally in bed and decides that he really does want a big bear kiss AND a big bear hug from Dad. Lovely playful bedtime story


Review written by Laugan

Review: Good Night, Me

Good Night, Me

Written by Andrew Daddo

Illustrated by Emma Quay

Publication date: 2005
Publisher: Hachette Australia
ISBN: 978-0-7336-1906-9


Summary/Back cover:
Someone's ready for bed, but it's going to take a long, long time to say goodnight!

Echoing the loving goodnight rituals that will be familiar to many a parent and child, Andrew Daddo's gentle text, with softly hued illustrations by Emma Quay, is just the thing for coaxing an active toddler to sleep.


Review:
A lovely bedtime story about a chimp going to bed and saying goodnight to all the parts of his body, a good way to teach a young child to relax and go to sleep. Beautiful pictures and story.


Review written by Laugan

Review: Bums

Bums

Written by David Bedford

Illustrated by Leonie Worthington

Publication date: 2008
Publisher: Little Hare Books
ISBN: 978-1-9212-7234-9


Summary/Back cover:
Bums uses flaps to hilarious effect—Leopard has a spotty bum! Monkey has a bright red bum!


Review:
A fold out the flap book about the different types of bums that animals have, a definite favourite in this house!


Review written by Laugan

Review: Toby Counts His Marbles

Toby Counts His Marbles

Written and Illustrated by Cyndy Szekeres

Publication date: 2000
Publisher: Little Simon
ISBN: 978-0-6898-2650-4


Summary/Back cover:
Meet Toby, a mouse who likes to sing and romp, read, and play. Every day is a new adventure as Toby discovers the many wonderful things about being a preschooler. Toby is curious, kind, and extra special -- just like you!


Review:
Book five of eight that follow Toby mouse. This one teaches counting in a fun way while also teaching about cleaning up your toys! Aimed at 1-4 year olds


Review written by Laugan

Review: Mog the Forgetful Cat

Mog the Forgetful Cat

Written and Illustrated by Judith Kerr

Publication date: 2005
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 978-0-0071-7134-7


Summary/Back cover:
"Bother that cat!"
Mog always seems to be in trouble. She forgets that she has a cat flap and she forgets that she has already eaten her supper. But, one night, Mog's forgetfulness come in very handy

Review:
This book is fun! It's one of those books where you can change your voice and tone often to really tell the story with a smile... The line "Bother that Cat!" is repeated several times throughout the book which is cool for letting small kids join in with the reading. The illustrations are very cute.

This book gets a 2 thumbs up from my family


Review written by Leesh

Review: Toby's Flying Lesson

Toby's Flying Lesson

Written and Illustrated by Cyndy Szekeres

Publication date: 2000
Publisher: Little Simon
ISBN: 978-0-6898-2649-8


Summary/Back cover:
Meet Toby, a mouse who likes to sing and romp, read, and play. Every day is a new adventure as Toby discovers the many wonderful things about being a preschooler. Toby is curious, kind, and extra special -- just like you!


Review:
Book seven of eight that follow Toby mouse, all of the books have a moral to them, this one is that everyone has something that they can do well even if they can't do what others can. Lovely book aimed at 1-4 year olds


Review written by Laugan

Review: The Great Big Mystery Book

The Great Big Mystery Book

Written and Illustrated by Richard Scarry

Publication date: 2008 (original stories from 1973)
Publisher: HarperCollins
ISBN: 978-0-0072-7427-7


Summary/Back cover:
Follow two of Richard Scarry's most loved creations, Sam and Dudley on a fun mystery! Sam Cat and Dudley Pig are on the trail of a thief! The perfect gift for any child or Scarry collector, The Great Big Mystery book is a collection of Richard Scarry's mystery stories starring the loveable Sam and Duddley. Packed full with all the original artwork, this beautiful book will be treasured for years to come.


Review:
This book actually has two stories in it, "The Supermarket Mystery" and "The Great Pie Robbery". It is aimed at slightly older children, I would say 4+, the illustrations are very 70's but that doesn't detract from the book. Both stories follow a pair of bumbling police officers who always seem to stumble upon the solution to the crime they're investigating. An enjoyable book to read, we get asked to read it reasonably often.


Review written by Laugan

Review: Big Fish Little Fish

Big Fish Little Fish

Written and Illustrated by Ed Heck

Publication date: 2007
Publisher: Price Stern Sloan
ISBN: 978-0-8431-2681-5


Summary/Back cover:

Big Fish is big, and Little Fish is little. Big Fish wants to catch Little Fish, but Little Fish is very crafty. Big Fish had better watch out! With simple text, the use of opposites (above/below, inside/outside), and the beautiful, bold illustrations of pop artist Ed Heck, this book is sure to swim its way into the hands of kids everywhere!

Review:

This book is a firm favourite in our house, whether we are reading it to Cammy, or he is reading it to us. It's a book all about opposites, with a cute finish. The pictures are bright, and the words are nice and big... It's a simple book, which is great for little ones to memorise and "read" back to you.

9/10 for me with this book.


Review written by Leesh

Review: Millie Moo

Millie Moo 

Written by Camilla Moody

Publication date: 2005
Publisher: Priddy Books
ISBN: 978-1-84915-301-0


Summary/Back cover:
Help Millie Moo find her farmyard friends in this wacky touch and feel picture book, packed with crazy characters, funny rhymes and lots to find and do!


Review:
Lucy got this book for her first birthday - it is the perfect size for her to turn the pages and hold.
It is filled with bright illustrations, learning about animals, colours. Not a story just two lines about what's happening on each page - perfect for short attention spans.

I give it a 10/10 because I love the illustration so bright (I often choose a book by its cover!)


Review written by Pineapple

Review: Vroom! (Noisy Noisy)

Vroom! (Noisy Noisy)

Written and Illustrated by Ladybird

Publication date: 2007
Publisher: Ladybird
ISBN: 978-1846467264


Summary/Back cover:
Vroom! What's that noise? The town is buzzing with the sound of vehicles zooming around. Find and press the button on every page to hear a new vehicle sound each time.


Review:
Both my boys LOVE this book. It has fantastic illustrations, easy to identify what the story is about and there is a sound button on each page that relates to the story. My 10 month old loves pushing the buttons and my 2.5 year old now knows the story of by heart due to it's wonderful rhyming.  
It's a board book, so can take a bit of a hammering and the battery can be replaced.
There is also interesting text as the words such as "Whoooooosh" are in bold and curve around the page.
Great purchase and recommended to all, especially if you have boys. 


Review written by Nicola

Review: If Big can... I can

If Big can... I can

Written by Beth Shoshan

Illustrated by Petra Brown

Publication date: 2007

Publisher: Little Bee
ISBN: 978-1-84539-308-3

If Big can run...
then I can run.
If Big can jump...
then I can jump.

A delightful celebration of friendship from the author of 'That's When I'm Happy.'

A gorgeous book of a little koala who attempts everything his big bear friend does and is not always successful. He goes and does things that he can with his little stature but realises that Big can't join him. In the end, he comes to the conclusion that it is the most fun when they do things that they can both do together.

Cute illustrations and a simple writing style combine to make this book enjoyable to read. But in this household with a little brother who shadows his big brother's every move, it takes on a special meaning. Big has now been renamed for the big kid in our household and is often top of the pile of the ones big bro will happily read to his little buddy, a sight that always makes this mama happy.

5/5


Review written by QTCass

Review: That's Not My Bear

That's Not My Bear

Written by Fiona Watts

Illustrated by Rachel Wells

Publication date: 2003
Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd
ISBN: 978074605159-7

This delightful series of board books is aimed at very young children. The bright pictures with their patches of different textures, are designed to develop sensory and language awareness. Babies and toddlers will love turning the pages and touching the feely patches.

Great little board book that is a nice small size, so easy for your baby/toddler to handle. The illustrations are big, simple and therefore easily identifiable. The patches are great and are an added interest for the littlies. The story actually starts on the cover (something I had to point out as it actually took me a while to figure it out). Fun, short read and as stated above, part of a series so if your child really likes it, you can grab more for them. 

4/5


Review written by QTCass

Review: The Cake That Little Bear Made

The Cake That Little Bear Made

Written by Mike Berry

Illustrated by Kate Leake

Publication date: 2009
Publisher: Caterpillar Books Ltd
ISBN: 978-1-84857-11-2


Summary/Back cover:
Little Bear made a wonderful cake-scrumptious and sweet with sprinkles on the top!
"Please can I have some?" chirped the bird.
Little bear shares his cake with the bird, the cat, the dog and the horse, but will he share it with greedy Big Bear?
A funny book about sharing with a sparkly, disappearing cake and a pop up surprise!


Review:
This is currently a favorite in the house-so much so Lara can recite the book.
There is many things I love about the book. There is rhyming (which makes for lots of fun), a cut out cake-that gets smaller through out the story, fun animals, and a huge pop out on the last page. 
Little Bear has baked a cake, but before he gets to eat it he shares with the cat, the bird, the dog, the horse and Big Bear. The story covers sharing, and very importantly-manners. 
I highly recommend this book :)


Review written by WellyMel

Review: On Your Potty!

On Your Potty!

Written and Illstrated by Virginia Miller

Publication date: 2008
Publisher: Walker Books
ISBN: 978-1-4063-1185-3

Summary/Back cover:
Does Bartholomew need his potty? "Nah!" he says.  George tries to persuade him, but Bartholomew knows when he is ready!

Perfect for parents and children alike, this delightful series (On Your Potty, Be Gentle, Eat Your Dinner, Get Into Bed) deals humorously and sympathetically with four important stages in a toddler's development.

Review:
We found this book at the right time for our toilet training toddler, and it's such a simple wee book, that it becomes quite effective - basically it's about a bear (Bartholomew) who doesn't want to sit on his potty, then when he does, he doesn't manage to do anything.  After he runs off to play, he realises he needs to go, and runs back to his potty (he gets there in time, in case you were wondering!)

My major criticism of this book is the name given to the bear -a shorter name than Bartholomew for a children's book would have been more suitable, I thought, but I don't know if the author has/had a toddler named Bartholomew that the book was originally written for, perhaps?

My rating: As a toilet training book - 4 out of 5.  As a regular reading book - 3 out of 5.  Cute, but really only any good at toilet training season!

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Snap!

Snap!

Written by Margaret Mayo

Illustrated by Alex Ayliffe

Publication date: 2009
Publisher: Orchard Books
ISBN: 978-1-84616-710-2

Summary/Back cover:
Sharks are good at snap, snap, snapping
Whoosh! - dashing, tails lashing,
Spiky teeth ready for snap, snapping.
So snap, sharks, snap!

This brilliant book is packed with all your favourite sea creatures - dolphins, octopuses, turtles, penguins and lots more!

Review:
This beautiful book, by the same team as Dig Dig Digging, is a lovely wee book with little rhymes about a variety of sea creatures, but it didn't hit the mark with my 2.5 year old as much as Commotion in the Ocean did.  However, it is a sweet wee book that has been read many times, and will be read many more time yet, no doubt!

My rating: 3.7 out of 5

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Tough Trucks

Tough Trucks

Written by Tony Mitton

Illustrated by Ant Parker

Publication date: 2003
Publisher: Kingfisher Publications
ISBN: 0-7534-0834-1

Summary/Back cover:
Trucks are tough and sturdy.
They take on heavy loads,
then thunder on their giant tyres
down long and busy roads.

Rumble down the road with a team of chirpy animal truckers in this lively picture book.  Zippy wordplay, zappy art, plus a picture dictionary make learning about trucks fun!

Review:
Another book from the Amazing Machines collection (of which I'm keen to collect the whole lot!) - Tough Trucks has been well received by my 2.5 year old.  I would have to say that, although very well written and beautifully illustrated, it doesn't seem to hit the mark quite as well as Terrific Trains, but I can't quite put my finger on a specific complaint - maybe it's just that my son is far more into trains than he is trucks at the moment!

As with other books by Tony Mitton, the rhyming is fantastic to read aloud to children, so it's the sort of book that I don't mind reading many times to a small machine-enthusiast!

My rating: 4.3 out of 5 - a definite boys' book, and perfect for your little trucker!

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: My Grandson is a Genius

My Grandson is a Genius

Written by Giles Andreae

Illustrated by Sue Hellard

Publication date: 2003
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 0-7475-6479-5

Summary/Back cover:
My grandson is a genius!
It's plain for all to see,
I'm sure it won't be long
Before he sits for a degree.

His paintings are so masterful
You couldn't fail to tell
That my grandson and Picasso
Would have got on very well.

Like every proud grandparent, Grandpa can't help believing that his little grandson has an extraordinary talent for, well... absolutely everything!

Written by Giles Andreae, the creator of Purple Ronnie and the best-selling author of Rumble in the Jungle, and illustrated with great warmth and zest by Sue Hellard.

Review:
My boys' Nanna found this book - and what a wee delight it is!  Written by Giles Andreae, who is a firm favourite in this house, I had great expectations of it, and it didn't fail to delight!  As the summary indicates, it's about a grandfather who believes knows his grandson is a genius, and my parents (my boys' grandparents) know this to be true of their two grandsons!

Written in the lovely flowing rhyme that I've come to know and love from Giles Andreae, the book is a pleasure to read aloud, and is one that an adult is happy to read again and again.  My 2.5 year old thought that the boy in the book was called "My Grandson", as he is not actually given a name in the story as well, but that worked well, as it gave us a conversation starter about names versus titles ('Nanna', versus 'my nanna' etc).

If you come upon this book, I definitely recommend it as one for grandparents to have - the kids love it, the grandparents believe it to be completely true, and the parents enjoy it too.

My rating: 4.8 out of 5

Review written by Bronwyn

Book Review: Big Wolf and LIttle Wolf: Such A Beautiful Orange

Author: Nadine Brun-Cosme
Illustrator: Olivier Tallec
Interest Level: Ages 4-8
Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books

From the Book Jacket: Visually stunning, this third Big Wolf and Little Wolf title involves an orange, a disappearing Little Wolf, and a Big Wolf who wants nothing more than to find his buddy. 

The final title in the acclaimed Big Wolf and Little Wolf series, Big Wolf and Little Wolf, Such A Beautiful Orange! brings the wolves full circle, and then some. Here, as in the first book, Little Wolf disappears, but this time big Wolf doesn't swallow his sorrow and simply hope for him to return. Rather, he sets out to look for Little Wolf and in the process Big Wolf journeys through an alien jungle and comes to realize just how much he loves HIS Little Wolf. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This series is all heart. Here are a few beautiful lines from the book....

As he went on, Big Wolf felt as though he was plunging further into darkness. Gathering up all his strength he howled as no wolf had ever howled before, because no wolf had ever loved a little wolf as much.  

Some friendships are just meant to be. So take care of that friendship, cherish it, and hold it dear. This was my message to the students through the eyes and hearts of these two wolves. The whole series reminds me of the test of friendship and how important it is to do our best for each other. These sweet friends are very endearing and HIGHLY loved by kids. I can't talk enough about friendship as a school counselor - the kids just soak these lessons up thanks to the perfect book. Kinda hoping there is a fourth one!


A Link To This Series:

Book Reviews: Two New Ones on Sharing

Little Mouse's BIG Secret

Author/Illustrator: Eric Battut

Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Publisher: Sterling Publishing

From the Book Jacket: When Little Mouse finds a delicious apple, he knows, exactly what to do. He decides to keep it a secret from all of his friends and buries the apple safely in the ground. But by the end of this charming story, Eric Battut's endearingly selfish mouse realizes it's better to share a secret than to keep it all to on one's self.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: We giggled our way through this story. Mouse is being a real stinker...a sneaky and selfish stinker. He's doing the classic "I'm not gonna share with no one!" behavior. He tries to hide the apple. Know any kids who try and hide toys etc? Little Mouse's Big Secret is clever and the illustrations tell the real story. When you make the decision to be generous over being selfish - you will reap so many inner rewards. Love those kind of kid conversations.

That's Mine
Author/Illustrator: Jennifer Northway
Interest Level: Ages 4-8
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Publishers  

From the Book Jacket: William thinks it's no fun having a little sister. Not only does Emma take up all Mom's time, but she wants to play with William's toys - especially his favorite, Spotty Cat. But when Emma is ill and nothing can make her stop crying, William has a brilliant idea.....


Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a validating story for the older sibling. They can get easily annoyed with a younger sister or brother who steps onto their turf. It's actually a bit complex. What you may see as mean behavior towards the younger sibling may really be a form of communication. No longer getting all the attention and having to share everything can be rough business at first. The ending to this story is sweet. It's about finding the soft spot in a child's heart (love) so they can figure out their new family role.


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