Author Archives: Book Worm

A beautifully illustrated and magical story about a boy called George, who lived in a world where dragons were his very best, albeit quite mischievous friends. In the same way an imaginary friend can be anything you want them to be, George created quite a special existence. There is a sadness when George takes hisContinue reading “The Dragon Machine, by Helen Wood”

A gentle, kind, comforting and innocent story of a Mole who really wants to bring down the moon as he believes it is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen. At one point he believes he has dropped the moon and broken it, as cloud coverage settles over half of it. The most perfectContinue reading “Bringing down the moon, by Jonathan Emmett”

Blue Kangaroo belongs to Lily and everywhere Lily goes, the blue Kangaroo goes too. Lily has lots of trips out and many adventures and sometimes becomes forgetful, causing that awful sinking feeling and lots of retracing her steps to be reunited with her most special friend. Join Lily on her days out and see ifContinue reading “Where are you Blue Kangaroo? by Emma Chichester Clark”

The illustrations in this book blew me away, they stand out, leap out and off the page. The story is such a hoot, a real page turner. Shaggy the dog is a kind, hard working and generous dog who quite simply has an itch he needs some help scratching. The story ends with Shaggy resolvingContinue reading “Shaggy Dog and the Terrible Itch, by David Bedford and Gwyneth Williamson”

A comforting tale of a little boy’s once discarded, floppy eared bunny teddy, who is promoted to a treasured sleeping companion. There is no greater honour than being selected to be bed buddy to a little one.  

This book about a trip for class 2, to the zoo might well leave your child feeling a little uncertain about whether to attend the next school trip to the zoo. It is a fun story about various creatures and animals gobbling up the class and the teacher too! The ending redeems the story somewhatContinue reading “Class 2 at the Zoo by Julia Jarman”

A story which begins with the song Ten fat sausages sizzling in a pan. Instead of going pop…and bang, the sausages have other ideas and hatch a plan to escape from the pan, into the kitchen. The kitchen is full of danger and escape is not guaranteed, how many, if any, will make it outContinue reading “Ten Fat Sausages by Michelle Robinson”

I had not heard of a Quokka before reading this book and even now it feels like a tongue twister which I struggle to say! Adorable animal, which instantly cheers you because it is indeed smiling at you in real life and in the story. There is a reason it is known as the “happiestContinue reading “Can a Quokka Quack? by Jolly Read”

A story about some scientists spotting something frightful heading towards Earth on their satellite! Thankfully the Aliens offer some assistance and raid everyone’s underpants and knickers drawers and washing lines (on Earth) and sew them altogether creating a GIANT pair of pants with a load of elastic that pings the meteorite back to space! Phew.Continue reading “Aliens in underpants Save the World, by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort”

A superb book from the writer of the Charlie and Lola books, about a rat who desperately wants to become a pet for someone, anyone, despite the odds being stacked against him. Until one day, he meets a man called Mr Fortesque, who is visually challenged and believes the rat is a kittycat. The ratContinue reading “That pesky rat by Lauren Child”

Daisy is on a mission, not just any mission, a secret spy mission. Being a child spy involves a whole host of tricks and disguises, invisible ink, the secret baddie zapper aka Mum’s hairdryer, sunglasses, and she even adopts her own spy language, which sadly no one understands. A very inventive, creative and child friendlyContinue reading “OO6 and a Bit by Kes Gray and Nick Sharrat”

Really insightful and interesting book about Elephants and why Grandma is in charge, a story all little ones will understand better after reading this lovely book. “Elephants are the biggest land animals of all. A big male can weigh six tonnes – as much as 100 people”. The back few pages are brimming with factsContinue reading “Grandma Elephant’s in charge by Martin Jenkins”

Another delightful story in the Harry and the dinosaurs collection, although this one references Christmas in the title, it is more about wishes in general, than the festive period. Harry enjoys holding a duckling at his Grandma’s farm, then fixates on that being top of his Christmas wish list. Even a trip to the toyContinue reading “Harry and the dinosaurs make a Christmas wish by Ian Whybrow”

A very short 25 page story designed for first readers. Perry the penguin is desperately trying to keep warm and the story is centred around him enlisting the suggestions of his nearest and dearest to warm up. There is also a spot the difference in the back of the book, for a little extra fun.Continue reading “The Chilly Little Penguin by Russell Punter”

A story about an old man who has a hole in his roof which he does not realise until he is in bed. All the puddles in Puddle Lane are full and the weather outside is wicked and wet. This book features a clock on almost every page to test your child’s ability to tellContinue reading “Old Mr Gotobed by Shelia McCullagh”

Harry is going to the dentist and he is feeling quite scared as his big Sister shows him her filling and tells him all about the drilling! Harry decides he will take his entire collection of toy dinosaurs to support him and maybe even bite the dentist, should the dentist decide Harry needs a filling,Continue reading “Harry and the dinosaurs say “Raahh!” by Ian Whybrow”

A collection of bright and light hearted stories in this 42 page Ladybird book. One of the stories (A circus tale) features a Polar bear called Trevor, who travels all the way from the North Pole and tries to establish where his talents lie for a job in the circus? He has a go atContinue reading “Storytime for 6 year olds by Joan Stimson”

A super short and hugely relatable story for those with a baby in the family. When the baby cries, the entertainment show begins, each of the family members attempt to turn babies frown upside down, will it work? You will have to read it to find out….  

Lively Disney pictures of the kidnapping of a family of Dalmatian puppies. Their parents are devastated when they are stolen by Cruella De Vil, who wants their fur for a fur coat. Enlisting the help of dogs, cats, cows and horses the parents set out to find and rescue the puppies.An ideal book to readContinue reading “101 Dalmatians
Disney”

If, like me, you have problems with performing animals, you may have difficulty with this book.Dumbo is mocked for his enormous ears and gets into all sort of trouble at the circus. However, Timothy the mouse believes in him and encourages Dumbo to believe in himself and to use his ears to fly. He becomesContinue reading “Dumbo
Disney”

Ideal for young Disney Princess fans. Cinderella’s mice friends help her find a missing sapphire ring, given to her by the Prince on their anniversary. She wants to find it in time for the grand ball. At the end, this simple tale urges children to be kind, polite and to keep on learning new things.Continue reading “Cinderella and the Sapphire Ring
Disney”

A simplified, quirky book. The illustrations are amazing, especially the grinning cat and add to the story.This is a perfect version of Alice for smaller children. They can follow the story by pictures only and as they progress, start to read the words.  

This book is a joy! Norman the bear wants to be a bee because he loves honey, so he makes a bee costume and enrols in bee school.The little bees grow to love him until Amelia bee discovers the truth.However, Norman saves the day and the bees.The illustrations are bold and the book is fullContinue reading “The Bumblebear
By Nadia Shireen”

Can Dog’s friends teach him to be less of a show-off? He really loves his friends but thinks he is the best.This book leaves you feeling warm inside.  

Four realistic stories about the activities of some of the children and families living in a multi-cultural, cohesive urban street. It’s a friendly,  connected neighbourhood with a kind of wealth rich people can’t necessarily buy – affection and a shared need.  

The delicately coloured illustrations match the theme of the story.Fairies, Magic, Princesses and a Magic Pony who whisks Princess Evie away on a magical adventure to a faraway land. A delight for little girls.  

Preston the pig and his family go to the seaside where he makes a new friend, Maxine. They have fun all week but are unaware there is someone sinister lurking in the background in search of sunshine, sea, sand and sausages!  

This book is delightfully potty! It’s a witty take on a well known fairy tale.At night, there’s a terrifying noise in the palace. The source is the King and Queen’s daughter. She is snoring and will not be woken. The palace is in chaos. The only solution- a Prince to kiss her awake. Who willContinue reading “Snoring Beauty
By Rachael Mortimer and Amanda Hellberg”

This book is for children feeling unwell and who will feel comforted and better for reading it.Illustrator Marina Batrak’s  hand-painted watercolour illustrations are delightful.Full of optimism Koala  and Bunny do everything together but when Bunny gets sick they imagine all the fun things they can do when Bunny gets better.A great way to spend inspirationalContinue reading “When You Feel Better : A Get Well Soon Gift
By Misty Black”

There are eight  animal stories but many different animals in this book. They live in jungle, woods and houses and each story has a hidden message. Zebra whose pride comes before a possible fall, Elsie the elephant who wants to be useful but doesn’t know where her talent lies and the near sighted giraffe whoContinue reading “The Big Book of Animal Stories”

This book reminded me of my excitement as a small child when winter’s first major snow began to fall. Why do snowmen always have to melt? The book is a charming fantasy with stunning illustrations by Adrian Reynolds.  

This book is all about two mice who fell in love over a piece of cheese. The illustrations are beautiful, although there is quite a lot of detail inside which I feel is pitched at the slightly older child. Might be one of those where you have to skip the odd sentence, in order toContinue reading “Milly’s Wedding by Kate Summers”

A Biff and Chip adventure aimed at Children being able to read it for themselves. This adventure takes them into the jungle, using a magic key and to the Lost City.  

The story of twins Charlie and Ellie being transported to London by their Grandad’s Robot invention, named Glober. Once there, they do a whistlestop tour of all the sights. Children will likely recognise some if they have visited before. Of course, Grandpa does not believe the twins later when they explain their London adventure, thankfullyContinue reading “Ellie and Charlie travel to London, by Nic Hudson”

Let me begin by saying even before reading this story, Tuesday is my least favourite day of the week. The title therefore, did strike a cord with me. Terry the little boy in this story, overhears his Mum saying “Tuesday is going to be TERRIBLE!” and his imagination goes into overdrive. It is action packedContinue reading “Terrible Tuesday by Hazel Townson”

I love this book. It is funny, dangerously close to reality in our house and makes me feel very silly for fearing spiders. All the spider in this story wants is to be part of a family. Fantastic fun and the illustrator captures the reality of discovering a surprise eight legged friend coming to stay!Continue reading “Aaaaarrgghh Spider! by Lydia Monks”

This book tells the tale of a bedtime routine we should all aspire to! Wonderfully cosy and with a Mother who is up there on a pedestal with Mary Poppins. Admittedly, you find yourself yawning as you reach the end of the book. Good night.  

A 23 page book, with expressive and perfectly pitched illustrations which are sure to have your little darlings believing they have just what it takes to become a Vet. This book features Rufus the dog, Tab the cat and Pinky the hamster. It even has a recipe for making your own dog treats at home.Continue reading “When I grow up I’ll be a Veterinarian by Connie Colwell Miller”

There’s a whole world out there and nothing quite demonstrates that to a child like first hand experiences, or learning how another little person in another country lives and what they do differently. This book is an eye opener into the life of a little boy from Kenya, who shows you around his village andContinue reading “For You are a Kenyan Child by Kelly Cunnane”

Bright, colourful and fun book centred around a rabbit, Ralfy who loves to read. This book really sells reading to your child, in a very playful and clever way. Illustrations are smashing too, the characters almost leap off the pages and invite you to jump in.  

Truly fantastic book on the many different types of sharks in the ocean, illustrated beautifully and bursting with facts and information that may surprise us all, as the title suggests. “Every Year people kill 100 million sharks” And for what? Machine grease, Shark tooth necklace, cattle feed, fertilizer, aftershave, shark-fin soup, sharkskin wallet/shoes, skin creamContinue reading “Suprising Sharks by Nicola Davies”

A short and simple story reminding us all there is no place like home. This book shows children sometimes the solution to their problem might be right before their very eyes, however it does also demonstrate there is merit in exploring your options. Moral of the story? Sticking with what you know, is no badContinue reading “A New House for Mouse by Petr Horacek”

A charming, funny story about the responsibilities of looking after a dog. Featuring Charlie and Lola from the Cbeebies series. You will fall in love with Sizzles the sausage dog. The pictures are hilarious.  

A comforting and perfectly formed short story about a rocket, not just any rocket, a toy rocket that was not quite as easy to put together as first hoped. After some alterations at home, with the addition of a sock (the missing component) it makes it’s first mission to the moon and is back inContinue reading “Rocket by Mick Inkpen”

A beautifully illustrated book featuring “Charlie and Lola” from the Cbeebies series. All children catch colds and this story tells it beautifully from a child`s point of view. Brother and sister (Charlie and Lola) do their best to support each other through their illness, coming up with distractions and ideas to prevent them dwelling onContinue reading “I`m Really Ever So Not Well by Lauren Child”

A lovely little book full of the sounds children, like Kipper the dog, love to make in the rain. Words which sound like the noise they describe.  

This factual book shows real photographs of animals alongside drawings. It introduces just the right amount of interesting facts, some funny, some serious but always educational in a compelling way. What animals do at night when we are tucked under the covers is a revelation. A terrific little book.  

This book familiarises children with their school bus and how we can all try to be helpful to each other, whatever we are doing. There are many different types of buses that children encounter each day. This little book opens their eyes to all the different components of a bus.