Picture Books
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Three Bears by Cliff Wright
 When Brown Bear's house is smashed in a bad storm, Brown Bear is badly hurt and Black Bear and White Bear look after him. But soon Brown Bear is left alone and suspects the other bears are making a new boat built for two, not including him, but what are they really up to? A beautiful story of friendship and cooperation marvellously illustrated with lusciously real bears. Tania
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George Save the World by Lunchtime by Jo Readman, illustrated by Ley Honor Roberts
 Eco-warrior George and his Grandpa have decided to save the world by lunchtime. Starting with the four Rs: Reduce, re-use, repair and recycle; George, Grandpa and George's sister Flora, explore all the ways they can save the world starting with their own house and neighbourhood. A great story, coupled with interesting facts and playful pictures, George Saves the World by Lunchtime is a must read for every young eco-warrior! For more information on this and other books produced by the Eden Project go to: www.edenproject.com Tania
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Mangrove by Glenda Kane & Lisa Allen
 A most beautiful picture book depicting the beauty of mangroves and the habitat they create for creatures and plants. A beautiful but sad book detailing how mangroves are being destroyed around New Zealand to make way for development. Tania
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Say Hello by Michael Foreman
 A simple, moving story from much acclaimed author/illustrator Michael Foreman. A boy and a dog who have both been 'left out' become friends. Their friendship teaches all the other children that there is no need to be 'left out', or alone, it doesn't take much to say "Hello!" Tania
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 Leonardo the Terrible Monster by Mo Willems
Leonardo is a terrible monster- he's really bad at it, he can't scare anyone! Picture book maestro Mo Willems of 'Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus' and 'Knuffle Bunny' has succeeded yet again in causing us to laugh our pants off. This book is a fantastic read aloud and will tickle the fancy of any reader young and old. Tania
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 Spells by Emily Gravett
I love Emily Gravett's books. I do believe she is a genius and it makes me exceedingly jealous how she can create such delicious phrases. Stories about small green frogs usually mean there will be a play on a fairy tale, usually the Frog Prince, does this frog turn into a prince? You'll have to read the story and find out! - Reviewed by Tania |
 I Don't Like Gloria by Kaye Umansky & Margaret Chamberlain
A very cute little dog becomes extremely jealous of the new pet in the household, fluffy cat, Gloria. But try as he might he is unable to get rid of her. A very funny story about friendships, jealousy and the devil you know being better than the devil you don't! - Reviewed by Tania |
 The Great Paper Caper by Oliver Jeffers
Oliver Jeffers was responsible for The Incredible Book-eating Boy, a masterpiece featuring librarians and book monsters! This mystery story is illustrated in Jeffers' truly distinctive style. Strange things are happening in the forest and branches are disappearing from the trees. The animals all start blaming one another, but they all have alibis. Will the mystery be solved? - Reviewed by Tania |
 Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
Ever since Iggy was a baby he has shown architectural potential. He built a leaning tower of nappies and sculpts a great sphinx in his sandpit. Yes, Ignacious, really likes designing and creating buildings, much to the delight (and chagrin) of his parents. Unfortunately when he goes to school his teacher has great distaste for architecture. What will Iggy do? A very funny rhyming story which is also a great introduction to architecture for children. - Reviewed by Tania |
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Children's Fiction
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Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
 When Stephanie's uncle, a famous writer, dies, she inherits his fortune and an unlikely friendship with a skeleton. The skeleton happens to be called Skulduggery Pleasant and he rescues Stephanie from some nasty thugs. The pair embark on a perilous mission to find the identity of her uncle's murderers which sees them come close to death many times. But Skulduggery can't die, he's already a skeleton, or can he? A fantastically funny, adventurous read which I highly recommend. I look forward to reading the sequel Playing With Fire which has just been released. Tania
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Lucy Willow by Sally Gardner
 Lucy Willow lives with her family and pet snail on a railway carriage that has been turned into a comfortable family home. Lucy (and her green fingers) grow the biggest sunflower in the school, provide the most beautiful roses for a wedding and thwart the evil plans of garden centre owner, Ricky Sparks, and his meaner than mean headmistress wife. This is of the most entertaining books I have read this year. Tania
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 The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner
The first in a series set during the French Revolution. Yann, an orphan, is part of a magic troupe who perform for the rich and famous. Tragedy befalls the leader of the troupe and Yann is thrust into danger bringing him together with Sido, the crippled daughter of a selfish and vain Marquis. Together they confront the upheaval and turmoil of the French Revolution. Tania |
 The Silver Blade by Sally Gardner
The Silver Blade is the sequel to The Red Necklace, set during the French Revolution. Yann and Sido are back in the thick of mystery and adventure trailing the evil man who seems to evade their grasp at every turn. Sally Gardner is my new favourite children's fiction author. She is a fantastic storyteller who weaves an intriguing historical yarn that nudges the boundaries of magic and fantasy. - Reviewed by Tania |
 Savvy by Ingrid Law
Mibs Beaumont is to receive her 'savvy' on her 13th birthday. Savvy, in Mibs' family is her extra special talent and know-how that no-one else possesses. Mibs' brother, Fish, can send electric shocks that get them all into trouble and lands her Poppa in a life-threatening coma. With her mother caring for her father, Mibs doubts she'll get her savvy now.
A remarkably original and entertainingly fun read that has a bit of a serious side too. - Reviewed by Tania |
Treskellion by Will Peterson
After their parents divorce, Rachel and Adam are sent to live with their grandmother in a small English village. But not is all so peaceful and picturesque in Triskellion. Buried within the earth are secrets untold and when Rachel and Adam start to uncover them they are flung into a dangerous and paranormal reality. A fast-paced and thrilling read for older children - quite literally un-put-downable! - Reviewed by Tania |
 The Birthday Book, edited by Michael Morpurgo and Quentin Blake
Award winning author Michael Morpurgo, who has written hundreds of children's books and renowned illustrator, Quentin Blake have combined to bring us this illustrated treasury of stories and poems in aid of the Prince's Foundation for children and the arts. The book brings together stories from various authors such as Roald Dahl, Frank Cottrell Boyce, J. K Rowling and Jacqueline Wilson. - Reviewed by Tania |
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Non-fiction
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The Gadget Book and How Really Cool Stuff Works by Chris Woofford and Jon Woodcock C608
 This book will keep you busy for hours poring over all the cool stuff. From space-age vehicles to hi-tech toilets, find out all about the functionality of today's inventions. With full-page colour spreads, this book is accessible and enjoyable for every member of your family. Tania
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You can Save the Planet; 101 Ways You Can Make a Difference by Jacquie Wines C363
 This book is a big cry for help from Planet Earth, containing statistics and ideas on how to save the earth including: planting trees, composting, food miles and more. This inspiring book tells how and why it's important to save our environment. All in a very accessible fiction paperback format. Tania
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Dahlmanac 2: Fun, Facts and Jokes with Roald Dahl illustrated by Quentin Blake C823.914
T his book has fun facts on subjects which author, Roald Dahl, or one of his many characters would have enjoyed- such as the man who broke into a bank 21 times, horrible illnesses and diseases with wonderful names, and lists of the names of hurricanes. If you're a Roald Dahl fan-atic like me, then this book will certainly tickle your fancy. Tania |
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