Bright Horizons - Growing Readers Books of Excellence

A wonderful list of wonderfully inappropriate responses to a new sibling by an award winning illustrator/author team. Comic, upbeat, offbeat and bursting with child-centred humour. (Mixed race family). Things NOT to do with a baby include pegging them on the washing line, giving them to an octopus, swapping him for the school guinea pig. 'Great illustrations; swapping him for that lovely guinea pig is tempting!!' (Maggie, Former EY Adviser, LL reviewer). 'Funny and engaging do's and don'ts for new sisters and brothers; hints at the frustration older siblings can feel!' (Carey, Childminder, LL reviewer). Age 3-5 Paperback 24pp

A delightful tale about a child who is absolutely bursting and popping with happiness. 'Very positive portrayal of extended family life (mixed race marriage)' (Children's Services Coordinator, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 32pp

Winner Little Rebels Award 2013 A smashing, Amnesty-endorsed, story of a family's escape from war and their journey to a strange new country (probably the UK). Realistic and positive. Told in a super child-friendly, comic-style, format. Age 7-11, Paperback 36pp

A rhyming celebration of toddler transportation! This book opens and ends with the title refrain and follows a visual trajectory from day to night. In between, we see a busy, urban community of adults accompanying their toddlers as they glide, stroll and roll, assisted by a glorious array of toddler transport: buggies, supermarket trolleys, back slings and chariots! The illustrations are bright, contemporary and full of details to point at. Great for introducing some first movement words while also extending some words playfully to relish the sounds "huggled and cuddled and carried along". The illustrations are effortlessly diverse. This is a cohesive multicultural and multifaith neighbourhood. The illustrations also include images of active disabled people and challenges to gender stereotypes. 'Joyous celebration of one day in the lives of a community of families. Superbly positive. This should appear on every bookshelf!' (Kate, Children's Centre Coordinator, LL reviewer). 'Great illustrations showing life's diversity. A big yes' (Meryl, EY Consultant & Trainer, LL reviewer). Age 2-5, Paperback 21pp

A nature-loving child with a special passion for bees, logs and records each and every buzzzz. And then, suddenly one day, with the arrival of rain and frost, all of the bees disappear. Bereft and depsariing he tries all manner of things to encourage them back from dressing up in a bee suit to creaying a specila beehive hotel with free wi-fi. To no avail. And then, just as suddenly, with the coming of Spring, the bees fly back! A n endearing story about losing your bumble and gettint it back! Follows the passing seasons, weather patterns and some excellent bumble bee back notes provide a wider context on the value of bees to our fragile eco system. Age 4-7 Paperback 28pp

Rhyming text, counting activities, speech bubbles and vivid photos introduce simple bath routines with a focus on independent skills. Age 3-5, Large Paperback 16pp

Children let you know about all their favourite mode of transport, ranging from trains to horses and giant fishes to flying bears! But every single one of these is outclassed by... the bus! And so, every few pages, and here is the compulsory joining-in bit, the characters shout out, "But best is the bus. The bus is for us!" This is trademark Michael Rosen: the playfulness of the language is utterly infectious. The simple rhymes really beat along, making this a great read-aloud. The large soft illustrations and format call out for this book to be held up for everyone to see. And bursting with warm, diverse representations, a great many children will spot toddlers like themselves in this book; there are even a pair of twins! 'Wow. What a lovely book. Great rhymes and gentle, fun illustrations' (Rosalind, Workforce Dev. Officer, LL reviewer). Age Birth to3 Paperback 24pp

A new edition of an award-winning picture book. The butterfly effect is turned into a dazzling journey of elements and weather as the beat of a butterfly wing becomes a breeze in Russia, billows across Mongolia and so on and so on until it finally returns as a tornado. Chaos theory and the interconnectedness of things are turned into concepts children can grasp- and be amazed by. "Rather special" (Inclusion Manager & Primary Teacher, LL reviewer); "Beautiful. What's not to like?" (Parent, LL reviewer). Age 5-8, Paperback 30pp

A brilliant, much needed, early years book on internet safety, recently selected by a nursery group we work with for Child Safety Week. This picture book starts out happily enough with a chirpy little chick who stumbles on the farmer's computer. It then sounds a note of caution as chick starts to enjoy a little online shopping. Finally, loud alarm bells ring as chick posts a picture of herself online and arranges to meet a stranger offline- at which point the text ends. Willis has a real knack for exploring tough and challenging subjects with a completely appropriate lightness of touch and a directness which makes her work perfectly suited for an adult/child discussion. 'I liked this. There is wonderful humour in the rhyming text. A good starting point for opening this subject up at school' (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, LL reviewer). Age 3-6, Paperback 23pp

English Assoc. 4-11 Book Awards Shortlist 2011 & Kate Greenaway Shortlist 2011 A super-attractive book based on an ancient Himalayan tale of tea-picking monkeys. 'Beautiful text, beautiful illustrations- we could do several weeks around tea, fair-trade, workers' rights etc.' (Primary Inclusion Manager, LL reviewer). Age 7-10, Paperback 44pp

Isabel's best friend, Simon, moves away very suddenly leaving her feeling angry and then lonely. Having decided to enjoy her isolation, she shuns company, excepting...the parrot on her head. But then Chester moves in next door and convinces her that it might be a time for a new playmate. A charmingly off-the-wall picture book which captures the zaniness of children's playtime and the worlds they create together. The narrative moves along through Isabel's changing emotions which are themselves carried by a familiar passage of the seasons from Autumn- marking Simon's departure- to Spring- announcing Chester's arrival. For more confident readers there are some real depths of emotions to explore here with Isabel literally externalising her feelings through a complex system of boxes and storage. 'Totally loved this innovative text with its superb illustrations. Very tactile paper and a great palette. Brilliant, humorous, quirky- immense!' (Kate, Children's Centre Coordinator, LL reviewer) Age 4-8, Paperback 31pp

From India to Iraq to Rwanda to Spain, meet babies from 17 cultures around the world. Dazzling photographs and a simple text create a joyful global celebration. Age 0-2 American Import Boardbook 16pp

SLA Information Book Award Under 7s 2011 Winner The most joyful and inclusive book of the year! A glorious, multicultural celebration of contemporary family life. Includes lesbian/gay parents, single parents, adopted/fostered children and people from different economic backgrounds. All wrapped up in delightful illustrations and great dollops of humour! Age 4-8, Paperback 32pp Themes: Lesbian and Gay

"But I must hug my pup!" "And I must tuck you up!" Mum says it's time for bed. But her daughter is far too busy kissing kangaroos, cuddling hippos, flying with geese and nuzzling whale tails. A fantastically lulling bedtime story full of all sorts of bed-delaying tactics while cleverly soothing any child to sleep with wonderfully warm illustrations and rhymes which hug like the softest blankie. "Reassuringly cosy" (Maggie, Former Early Years Adviser, Letterbox Library reviewer). (Asian family) Age 2-5, Hardback 24pp

Whether it's a train or a taxi, little drivers can get their hands on these transport vehicles. Use both sides of the durable cut out doll to place either a girl or a boy in the driving seat. Age 1-4, Boardbook 12pp

"Wake up, wake up, sleepyheads!" Samia's dad, Yaba, has the biggest job in town: he is the Dawn Waker-Upper during the month of Ramadan. But this Ramadan, Yaba is struck down by a tummy bug and his daughter, Samia, needs to take on his mantle. Armed with a drum, Barkie the yappy pup and a lovely bright lamp, Samia happily takes to her new role....and is soon joined by Ahmad, Ada, Arya, Omar, Adnana...and a tambourine, flute, lute, saucepans and spoons! Based on a real story from Lifta, a 1930s Palestinian village. An early independent reader book Age 6-8 , Paperback 62pp

"Lulu, Lulu, extraordinary / How does your garden grow?" Lulu never fails to delight, enchant and tickle our Letterbox Library reviewers. Here, inspired by Mary Mary, Lulu decides she wants her own flower garden. As ever, everything she needs to know can be found in a book- from planting the flower seeds to nurturing them, to making the necessary accompanying cupcakes for the flower garden party she holds! 'Lovely colourful illustrations telling the story of Lulu and her garden' (Carey, Childminder, LL reviewer).'Engaging and positive characters...Great storyline linking to outdoor play, poems & rhymes & reading, healthy eating, creativity and sharing. I like the links to the website for extension resources. Delightful illustrations and a proper story!' (Kate, Children's Centre Coordinator, LL reviewer). Age 3-6 Paperback 24pp

Raffi is a shy boy who doesn’t like noisy games and is often teased at school. But when he gets the idea of making a scarf for his dad’s birthday he is full of enthusiasm, even though the other children think it is girly to knit. Then the day draws near for the school pageant, and there is one big problem - no costume for the prince. And that’s when Raffi has his most brilliant idea of all - to make a prince’s cape. On the day of the pageant, Raffi’s cape is the star of the show. Age 4-7, Paperback 40pp

A story from Russia: a fearless girl full of strategy manoeuvres her way out of a tricky situation with a bear and a big dark cave. Straightforward vocabulary and a delightfully light and comic tone make this a perfect independent read. "Fabulous story. My five and nine year olds loved it" (Education Safeguarding Consultant, LL reviewer). Age 6-9, Paperback 42pp

It's a great day for sport-loving Max as his school wins the fun tournament. Expressive, multicultural illustrations enhance this effortlessly inclusive book. Age 3-7, Paperback 24pp

A gift edition of a much loved ballet story set during the magic of Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve, the Ernst family open their doors wide for all of their friends and family. Clara is super-excited. Most of all, she looks forward to the arrival of her godfather, Herr Drosselmeyr, a toymaker who wears a gorgeous cloak of gifts. This year, Clara is given a curious wooden nutcracker, a toy which is magicked to life that very night in a story set in a crystallised winter garden of sweets! Stars a Mouse King, Madame Bon Bon, Chinese acrobats and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy. Ray's fantastic storytelling is accompanied, as always, by her exquisite gold-gilded artwork. Ray is passionate about 'casual' inclusion- her cast of characters is often multicultural and here there is a character with an eye patch. A beautiful, satisfyingly heavy (to hold) book with an equally satisfyingly rich story. Age 5-8, Paperback 29pp

Every day, Birt and Etho take their cardboard boxes all the way up Sudden Hill to play for hours and hours, enjoying their special, "two-by-two rhythm". But then, one Monday, a small child called Shu appears with his own box, wanting to join in...Can their friendship take a new addition? A new, three-by-three rhythm? A superb celebration of imaginative and creative outdoor play. It is also a gentle story which will resonate with lots of children as a group of boys negotiate a new friendship group with thought, empathy, mutual respect, care and real kindness. How good to see a bunch of boys allowed to express emotional intelligence. Age 4-7, Paperback 30pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2014 A street thief in a "mean and hard and ugly city" nearly snatches a woman's handbag...the woman tells the child she can have the bag if she makes a promise in return. It's a promise she keeps and its consequences bring about her own and her environment's transformation. A picture book which explores our relationship with nature and offers a vision of a new harmony. Little Rebels Judge, Kim Reynolds, said: 'This gorgeous picture book features a young urban thief who becomes a guerrilla gardener of mythic proportions. The poetic prose underscores the vital connection between humans and nature and encourages young readers to believe that, despite the gloomy news about climate change, they can make a difference through small actions. Laura Carlin's atmospheric illustrations movingly follow the change from grey, grim cityscapes to vibrant cities in bloom'. Ages 5-8, Paperback 38pp

Posy has just moved home and is bursting with anxieties. But a magical red boat at the bottom of the garden becomes a vehicle for some fantastic imaginative role play which soon soothes Posy's fears...A super book for exploring first time nerves and transitions as well as being, quite simply, a good story. 'Warm and humorous, this book explores a child's fears of the new and unknown' (Kate, Children's Centre Coordinator, LL reviewer); 'charming and humorous' (Primary Inclusion Manager, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 29pp

A group of children (multicultural) blast off into space in a multicoloured rocket , discovering the solar system, shooting stars and meteors along the way. A celebration of space travel with a cumulative text and a jolly chorus for children to join in on. Comes with a watch and sing along CD and plenty of fascinating backnotes on astronauts and space explorations. Age 3-6 Paperback + Video CD 27pp

One of our reviewers' favourite (mixed race) characters -the always buoyant Anna- takes to the seaside with her extended family. The waves want to splash with someone. Anna wants to splash with someone. But Anna's aunties and grandparents and cousins are simply too busy braiding, texting, chatting and snoring. In the end, the waves and Anna decide to get on with splashing each other...before long, everyone rushes down to the beach to joins Anna in her splashy fun. Age 4-7, Paperback 34pp

Set in ancient Japan, when wrestlers were celebrities and little boys wanted to be just like them. Skinny little Kaito dreams of being a famous Sumo wrestler and decides to try his luck at the famous wrestling tournament in Kyoto. On the road, he meets Hana, a girl with great physical strength and wisdom who declares Kaito far too 'weedy' to compete and then offers to train him up herself. Several bowls of fish stews and several boot camp sessions later, a small but tough wrestler is fit and ready for competition! Lovely humorous storytelling- and the real star is, of course, Hana , based on the legendary strong women of Japanese myth. "'A very welcome strong woman portrayal" (Jane, Inclusion Manager, Letterbox reviewer). Age 5-8, Paperback 27pp

A group of toddlers greet the sun, grab their sunhats and lotion, play in the sun's rays and later its shadows and then, finally, say goodbye. A wonderful tribute to outdoor imaginative play and paddling pools. A delightful, multicultural series which also has images of disability (in this case we see a child with Down syndrome, children wearing a protective helmet and eyepatch and a child signing). See also Rain, Snow and Wind in the same series. Age 1-3, Boardbook 10pp

Charming, rhyming text and glorious illustrations celebrate the diversity of babies from around the world. Age Birth-3, Boardbook, 36pp

A sign and singalong book. A group of confident, rotund, toddlers in a lovely array of comfy pyjamas demonstrate the familiar nursery rhyme, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, through simple sign language. (BSL) Watch out for the little mice slippers! [Practical Pre-School Awards; Silver] Age 0-2, Boardbook 10pp

First published in 1967 by a (now) big name author, back as a brand new edition- and it hasn't dated at all! Two giants live in an idyllic world with a beautiful landscape and beautiful climate. And then one day, they both spot a pink shell- and both want to own it. An argument becomes a fight becomes rock-throwing...with consequences for their once perfect world. A seemingly uncomplicated tale which can be used to explore lots of very big themes connected with transitions and change: friendships broken and reformed, peace & conflict and even, very simply, the changing weather and seasons. Age 4-7, Paperback 29pp

The epic journey of one tiny bird transfigures itself into an epic discovery for a single toddler. A sparrow flits around a takeaway puri stand at a truck stop in India. It starts pecking at the rice bags on a truck which then drives off across paddy fields and into town to offload onto a liner which journeys south to a nameless, Western, city... where the bird flies out to dart around a toddler called Edie in a pram in a café, which causes a dog to leap up which causes an ice cream cone to fly into Edie's lap who then makes the most momentous of discoveries: the taste of vanilla! The story ends with a gleeful portrait of a toddler covered in ice cream. This is trademark Bob Graham. There are minimal words and some pages are entirely wordless. A huge journey and a life changing moment are evoked primarily through a sequence of soft, watercolour illustrations, sometimes in full page spreads, sometimes following a comic book sequence of several boxed images to a page. The bird's eye views of shifting vistas are lovely. A fantastic read for children who enjoy big ideas but are hesitant around text-heavy books, preferring comic strips or graphic books. Ample opportunity to discuss cause and effect, unusual connections and the attention we should pay to the smallest of moments. Endorsed by Amnesty" because it reminds us that we should all enjoy life, freedom and safety". Age 4-7, Paprback 36pp

From the jungle to the mountains, desert and sea, vibrant and colourful pictures are joined with rhyming and rhythmic text to make a truly fantastical journey for young children. The thrilling singalong features an enhanced CD with audio and video animation of the story. Age 3-7, 30pp Paperback + CD.

A lively jackdaw swoops over different landscapes-sea, woodland, fields and town- inviting all sorts of related animals-octopi, piglets and ferrets- to his party...but no one seems to understand him! What's going on? A clever rhyming, rhythmic book about friendship, with some BSL signs to learn along the way! Written by a former Children's Laureate (who herself has a hearing impairment) and with deaf children via the charity Life & Deaf. Comes with a CD which has the story read aloud alongside a British Sign Language video. Age 2-5, Paperback + CD/BSL Video 26pp

Zeki is back...and this time, Dad has taken him to the pool! Swim nappy on, this little fish is all ready for the toddler/parent swim class with its kicking, splishy splashy sing-along and water piggybacks!. 'I loved this book! Lovely topic, lovely families, lovely images, just lovely! Rich diversity on every page' (Meryl, EY Consultant, LL reviewer). 'A feel good book. Very multicultural with bold bright coloured illustrations' (Ann Marie, EY Safeguarding Consultant, LL reviewer). Also, lovely to see that one of Zeki's little friends has a shortened arm. Age 2-5, Card Pages 23pp