Review: Cork on the Ocean

Cork on the Ocean

Written by Mark Sommerset

Illustrated by Rowan Sommerset

Publication date: 2005
Publisher: Dreamboat Books
ISBN: 978-0-9864668-0-9

Summary/Back cover:
Bounce on the ocean, ride over waves,
Voyage out into the blue.
A little brown cork is waiting inside
To Share an adventure with you!

Review:
I have a soft spot for rhyming books, and this one has such a gentle rolling rhyme to it that you can't help but love it!  Simple pictures, using only two colours throughout the book (the green/blue and brown as seen on the cover) make this a very relaxing and easy-to-enjoy book, perfect at bedtime for littlies.

The story is about a little cork bobbing about in the ocean and the creatures he meets along the way - the cork is a bit of a philosopher of the sea, which is quite cute.  My 1 year old is calmed right down when I read him this book, and my 3 year old, being a bit of a 'bloke' is always a bit worried about how the cork is going to get out of the ocean, and looking for a 'solution' (there isn't one - the cork is quite happy throughout the book).

This is a lovely book and one that is a well-loved bedtime story in our house.

My rating: 4 out of 5

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: Miki and the Moon Blossom

Miki and the Moon Blossom

by Stephen Mackey

Publication date: 2010
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
ISBN: 978-0-340-95067-8

Summary/Back cover:
A long time ago and very far away, Miki, Polar bear and Penguin wish for a gentle breeze.  But when their wish comes true they begin a journey to a strange new world full of weird and wonderful creatures.  Will the friends ever make it back home?

Review:
This is such a gentle, sweet wee story, that is perfectly suited as a bedtime book.  At first, the story looks like it's going to take a Jack and the Beanstalk type turn (a plant grows up tall overnight), but then it turns into a gentle story involving blossoms and clouds.

My 3 year old son didn't quite "get" the story, and was looking for a solution of how to get Miki home the entire time (and was quite concerned that she hadn't found her house by the last page of the book), but I think that young girls would certainly appreciate the soft tones of this book.  It's not overly "girly" but is probably more suited to the sensitive souls more than rough-and-tumblers.

I love this book, and it's one that I will continue to read to my rough-and-tumblers, as it's a story that is best-read at the quiet wind-down time just before bedtime.  If you are interested in buying a copy of this book, you can find it here at Wheelers.

My rating: 4 out of 5.

Review written by Bronwyn

Review: It's Heaven Having You

It's Heaven Having You

Written by Giles Andreae

Illustrated by Vanessa Cabban

Publication Date: 2002
Publisher: Orchard Books
ISBN: 1-84121-693-3

Summary/back cover:
From feeding ducks at the duckpond to running a bath full of bubbles, Little Bear discovers that Heaven can be so many things, especially when he’s with Granny and Grandpa Bear.

Review:
This story is by the same team and follows the same central character as Love is a Handful of Honey. Like its predecessor, this story features the same sort of sweet illustrations and loveable rhymes.

It focuses on all the wonderful things about what makes spending time with Little Bear so special. The story is cute and cuddly and sweet and warm. It’s a lovely book to read to the littlies while winding down to bed-time.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review written by team_s

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: Back to Bed, Ed!

 

Back to Bed, Ed!

Written and Illustrated by Sebastien Braun

Publication date: 2009
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books

ISBN: 978-0-00-722560-6

Summary/Back cover:

Ed loves going to bed, but STAYING in bed is another matter!  How will Mum and Dad help him overcome his night fears so that everyone can have a good night's sleep?

Review:

Having trouble getting your little one to stay in bed each night?  So do Ed's Mum and Dad and this lovely book will at the very least be something you can relate to and at it's most, might help with your childs bedtime issues.

The bold and bright illustrations are instantly attractive to little childrens eyes and the injection of onomatopoeia helps hold their attention. There is the opportunity to ham it up as well, with crying, snoring, raised and then quiet voices, all adding interest to the story.  And the story itself will appeal to older children, whether they have trouble staying in bed or not.

4/5

Review written by QTCass