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Here's a selection of the latest reviews:
Thank you to our reviewers, big and small
Michelle Watts – River (5) and Eli (10), Maria Bates – Milo (5) and Moritz (2) and Arbor (10 months), Hannah Champion – Eleni (3) and Echo (11 months)
The Bear and the Seed
Poonam Mistry, £12.99 Templar
The story follows a bear who lives in a beautiful dense forest full of life with exquisite flowers and plants. He wakes one day to find everything gone. Except one lonely seed. With determination to grow new life he askes for advice from the other animals. What is needed to help it grow? This is a heart warming fable about protecting and preserving our environment. My daughter enjoyed this story often commenting on how pretty every page was, the illustrations are heavily influenced by nature, folklore and traditional Indian art. — Michelle
I See a Star
Saskia Gwinn, £12.99 Nosy Crow
The book explains the life cycle of a star in simple steps. The illustrations and colours are very engaging and we were especially positively surprised to see that one of the two children in the story wears a hearing aid (like our son Milo) without the story mentioning it or making it the main feature. This is a very positive thing for Milo to see. The only thing I would say is that the book doesn't provide detailed explanations and I felt that it led to a lot of questions about stars from Milo that I didn't know how to answer!! So worth doing some prior research before reading. — Maria
Goodnight Sun
Eoin McLaughlin, Morag Hood, £7.99 Faber
We quite liked Goodnight Sun as it balanced being educational and funny whilst also being a bedtime story and the bright colours were eye-catching for our children. You can tell the story is going to be humorous from the get-go with the winky eye on the front cover and the cheeky sun not wanting to go to bed was a fun narrative - although I'm not sure our toddler needs any more ideas about how to delay bedtime with new sneaky strategies! — Hannah
The Wonder of Life on Earth
Henry Gee, Raxenne Maniquiz, £20 Two Hoots
The cover of this book is a real show stopper with bright, bold imagery. It is stunning and really grabs your attention. It condenses 4.6 billion years of evolution into one exquisite and colourful 80 page book. It has 31 bite-sized chapters packed with information covering the theory of evolution, fossils, bacteria, dinosaurs and early Homo sapiens. Keeping each topic to a two page spread which helps to keep the attention of a young reader. This book was visually engaging for my son which is always a plus with non-fiction books. His favourite illustrations were of the Hallucigenia a kind of worm with several pairs of long, fleshy legs and row of huge spines on it's back and a Wiwaxia which was a mollusc relative that looked like a slug covered in cornflakes. He particularly enjoyed reading about how the sun was born and what the future holds for our planet. I would highly recommend this book. There is always space on our bookshelf for a beautifully illustrated non-fiction book. Recommended for ages 9-11. — Michelle
That's How Much I Love You
Julie A. Rudi, Tiphanie Beeke, £7.99 Graffeg
We enjoyed this little book as a simple, sweet bedtime story, introducing new pairs concepts to our older child and having lots of repetition for the little one. We liked the rhyming nature of this book and also enjoyed the soft illustrations and personification of things like spoons and spaghetti and meatballs! I loved that the parent/child racoons were the main characters too, as I think they are an adorable and underrated animal for kids stories! We've read this on a loop for a week or so as our bedtime story with our 11 month old and I can see that he engages with the book, knows it's a signifier of bedtime and enjoys the eye-to-eye contact and connection we have when reading it. — Hannah
A Seed in the Universe
Elyon Liu, £9.99 Post Wave
I really liked the colour-pop illustrations of A Seed in the Universe and the simple idea of perspective was a good one but I think the repeated phraseology of '... which is...' was a little confusing for Eléni as the seed was introduced at the beginning but not mentioned again so it was a little difficult to remember what the book was talking about 4, 5, 6 pages in. We liked the tactile cut-outs and the colour story of A Seed in the Universe and I enjoyed the circular nature of the book ending with the Earth being a seed in the universe. I think this will be a book that will grow with us, enabling the conversation around size, perspective and the universe to develop as our children get older, but for now the simplistic sentences and bold imagery works for us. — Hannah
Pencil's Best Story
Carly Gledhill, £12.99 Post Wave
Pencil's Best Story was the first book that jumped out at Eléni when we opened the box so that's always a good start! I think she loved the bright colours, the multi-coloured spine and also the cute big-eyed character of Pencil in the centre of the cover. We loved that Pencil, themselves, introduced the book and that there was some 'rewriting' of the narrative as we went through the book when things didn't quite go to plan. There were moments when I thought that our sensitive 3 year old would be worried by the 'danger' elements of the story but as the narrative was continually moving forward and unfolding, with funny asides along the way, it meant that the mild peril never lasted too long! She also thought it was hilarious when pencil was asking 'Guys?' 'Guys?' at the end, with noone responding to the request of a follow-up story. We read this time and again and really enjoyed the details of the illustrations, especially little touches like matching tents to the characters style. I actually gave Eléni Pencil's Best Story to flick through herself to begin with and she read it almost as a comic book, just looking at the pictures, which also worked really well so it's good to know that it works both read aloud and as a child-only story. — Hannah
I'll Love You Till the Crocodiles Smile
Kathryn Cristaldi, Kristyna Litten, £12.99 Harper Collins
We weren't hugely excited by this one. The illustrations are quite nice but them rhymes don't always work. It says for ages 4-8 but I am not sure 6, 7 or 8 year olds would get very much from this. I got the impression it should be read as a lullaby before bed in which case it could work for you get children. — Maria
Tree For Everyone
Kathy Urban, Rosie Butcher, £8.99 Little Steps
I do love a book that is visually exciting and this book is definitely one to add to the bookshelf. With adorable illustrations that are colourful and packed with so much detail on each page. This is a heart warming story about three friends who find an old oak tree and work together to create a special place just for them. They have so many adventures. One day it's a pirate ship sailing the wild seas, the next they are mighty kings in their castle. When another group of children come along and want to join in the children have to learn to navigate new friendships, feelings and learn the power of a meaningful apology. My daughter enjoyed all the fun adventures they had and it has good talking points on how to be inclusive and show kindness to others. As well as what feelings may arise when making new friendships. I would recommend this book to friends. Recommended for ages 3-6. Although I would say the engaging illustrations and message of the story would also be suited for older children. — Michelle
Kind Little Hands
Kathy Urban, Sally Garland, £8.99 Little Steps Publishing
This story follows a little boy called Noah who one day finds a tired bee in the streets of the city. He takes it home to care for, whilst learning how important bees are for our environment. The illustrations in this book are warm and engaging. With a section in the back providing information on how important bees are for our environment and ideas on how we can help them. Including planting a flower patch for our little pollinators and providing a shallow dish of water with pebbles in for them to rest whilst they drink. Although she did comment on some of the illustrations my daughter didn't show much interest in this story. I think this story is suited for younger children. Recommended for ages 3-6. — Michelle
Tree Thing
Piers Torday, Matthew Taylor Wilson, £14.99 Hachette
Marlo lives in a valley where nothing grows. When his squirrel Rinti finds an acorn it brings him hope as he plants it and it grows into a miraculous Tree Thing. Bringing to life all of the shrivelled crops and plants in the village. When a caped rider arrives with an axe, Marlo does all that he can to protect the tree. The story is quite slow paced and has an unexpected ending and although my son enjoyed the story it isn't one he would select himself. The covers deep coloured tones are very eye catching and the monochrome illustrations are timeless and create a dramatic atmosphere whilst reading the story. Recommended for ages 9-12. — Michelle
Bug (Little Life Cycles)
Maggie Li, £6.99 Templar
Both of our children loved the bright colours and tactile nature of this lovely little book. It was great that it was both educational - to engage our older one - and a board book with touch-feely features for the little one to enjoy. The journey of the story was simple enough while also introducing topics that could open up discussion such as the circle of life, the natural world, metamorphosis etc. This book got picked up time and time again by both children which goes to show how engaging it was for them. Running your fingers along the bumpy, ridged edges of the caterpillar was very satisfying so I can see why! — Hannah
TGP Reviewers – Book of the Month
Some Days I'm the Wind
Rebecca Gardyn Levington, Dinara Mirtalipova, Teresa Gallagher, £12.99 Barefoot Books
We absolutely loved this book! Both the narrative and the illustrations were wonderful, allowing us to explore the idea of being multi-faceted beings who have a whole range of emotions, even during the course of just one day. We loved that the book encouraged seeing the elements and the corresponding emotions as both fierce and gentle, chaotic and organised etc, reminding us that it's not about emotions being good/bad but that it's a spectrum that we move along and that some parts can be beneficial and others not so much! The artistic illustrations were fantastic in this book and we especially loved the use of everyday items as creative, adventurous props. I imagine as we read this more and more we'll see different things every time and that it will perhaps lead to us using household items in new ways in our play too! I liked that the back of the book had more info about the author and illustrators backgrounds and bios as it helped me get to know them more and their reasons behind creating the book. And I feel the additional section on emotions will also grow with us as we are discussing feelings more when the children are a little older. — Hannah
We Grew a Dragon
Emma Chinnery, £7.99 Bloomsbury
Emma Chinnery author and illustrator of We Grew A Dragon combines water colour and digital art to create breath taking and such detailed illustrations that are so magical they really draw you into the story. This story is about a little girl named Tina and her mum who move in with Tom and his dad in the countryside. Tom shares a secret with Tina that he has a dragon egg under his bed. As the dragon grows so does their friendship and they learn to take care of it giving it lots of exercise, climbing trees and having midnight feasts. Although the story is focused on Tina and Tom raising their dragon, I like the subtlety of mum and dads relationship in the background. My daughter loves playing dress up and commented how fun it was that Tina and her mum would dress up as fairies together. She enjoyed this story and the colourful illustrations. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes a cosy read at bedtime with a hint of magic. Recommended for ages 5-7. — Michelle
I'm Going to Be a Princess
Stephanie Taylor, Jade Orlando, £7.99 Nosy Crow
This is an inspiring story about a little girl named Maya who wants to be a princess when she grows up. Her mum explains to her that she can be anything she wants to be and tells her about many inspirational black women. From Misty Copeland who danced for the American Ballet Theatre to Annie Easley a computer scientist, rocket scientist and mathematician who worked for NASA. The illustrations are bold and colourful and the cover of this book would appeal to any small child who loves princesses. My daughter enjoyed this book mostly because it was about a little girl wanting to be a princess. But books about inspiring women are always a win for me when reading to my daughter. Recommended for ages 4-8. — Michelle
A Believer's Guide to Unicorns
Jenni Desmond, £7.99 Hachette Childrens
This book is a lovely guide that shows us how to look for signs of unicorns living in the sky. From galloping in groups causing a thunder storm to renewing their magic via the lightning and rainbows producing rainbow puffs their favourite fruity food. This book is enchanting with its colourful and whimsical illustrations. Along side easy to understand information naming the clouds and causes of weather. My daughter really enjoyed this book pointing out her favourite unicorns shooting through the sky like shooting stars and reading the fun flavours of the rainbow puffs. We will be spending more time looking up at the sky for all the clues that unicorns have been by. Recommended for ages 3-6. — Michelle
Baxter's View
Kerri Cunningham, £7.99 Fox and Ink books
This story is about two brothers Rory and Baxter. Rory is often in a rush. Baxter his younger brother takes his times and likes to bounce, hum and flap. Although Rory can't wait to get to the park his mother encourages him to try and see the world through his brothers eyes. Splashing through puddles, feeling the tickling grass on his skin and listening to the ducks quack. As Rory joins in he learns that Baxter has a wonderful view of the world and that if he slows down a little the journey can be just as enjoyable as the destination. This story teaches us to have patience for others and their differences and it's a gentle reminder that we all need to slow down and live in the moment and enjoy natures littles treasures. — Michelle
2 Board Books
Egg, Egg, Egg!
Sarah Finan, £7.99 Post Wave
This was very cute (especially if you love eggs!). Lovely cut outs and nice rhymes. Moritz enjoyed it but even his older brother liked it as he was able to read out some of the words. It's got bold colours but it's not at all garish and it is really good quality. The pages feel very sturdy so I think it will last well. Even in the hands of a two year old!! — Maria
Rose Signs Good Night!
Rose Ayling-Ellis, £7.99 DK
Eleni, our older child enjoyed signing to her younger brother things that she had learnt in the book and it reminded us to add more signs into our day-to-day. Maybe it will be something we do more and more as we see other books from the Rose Signs series. I'm glad it's brought signing back onto our radar. — Hannah
