10 Things I Can Do to Help My World

Ref: 10141

A bright and lively book highlighting some crucial but simple environmental actions we can take to help improve the world we live in. Oodles of child-appeal! Age 3-6, Paperback 37pp

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15 Things Not to Do With a Baby

by Margaret McAllister
illustrated by Holly Sterling

Ref: 13922

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

More Info 15 Things Not to Do With a Baby

Ada Twist, Scientist

by Andrea Beaty
illustrated by David Roberts

Ref: 14325

"Why does it tick and why does it tock? Why don't we call it a granddaughter's clock?" The day she turns three, Ada begins a lifetime of asking, "WHY?" . For Ada, everything is a potential quiz, riddle and puzzle to be unravelled. Her parents are frazzled. Her teachers are frazzled. But, in the end, everyone recognises that at the core of all this chaos and testing and answering is a budding and brilliant scientist. A book guaranteed to pique children's interest in STEM subjects. Fantastic rhythms and rhymes, scrummy illustrations with fantastic detailing; this is what people mean when they talk about a perfect picture books- a flweless dialogue between text and illustration. From the creators of the much-loved Rosie Revere, Engineer and Iggy Peck, Architect. But, inspired by the stories of Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, this is perhaps our favouritest so far... You can see 2 of our teen reviewers sharing their own views on Ada Twist here. Age 4-7, Hardback 30pp

A Farmer's Life + music/animation CD

by Jan Dobbins
illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith, sung by The Flannery Brothers

Ref: 13156

"1, 2, 3, it's a farmer's life for me!" A group of children muck out on a farm collecting eggs, counting lambs, picking cherries and raking hay. "Upbeat, jovial text" (EY Adviser, LL reviewer); "great to see girls and women farming & male farmer baking" (LL staff). Great outdoors rhyming fun, backnotes on working farms and a watch and sing along CD. Age 3-6, Paperback + CD 22pp

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A Great Big Cuddle

by Michael Rosen
illustrated by Chris Riddell

Ref: 14607

"Nippy-nappy / Nippy-nappy / Nap, nap, nap...Ippy-uppy / Ippy-uppy / Up, up, up". With such a dream team, the current and a former Children's Laureate, this was always going to be a bit of a treasure. A big bold collection of what Rosen and Riddell do best- rhymes which drum, drip and tiptoe; rhythms which lull, bounce and startle; words which rush out to tumble and play; accompanied by illustrations which fill and trip over the pages with their sweeps and strokes. A collection which deserves all those set-to-be-a-classic predictions. We could say lots about its suitability for extending vocabulary, early explorations of rhymes, patterned phrases but, for now, we just want to tell you about the lickingly lovely glorious FUN of it: "Bendy Man, Bendy Man / He's a long leggy man. / Bendy Man, Bendy Man / In a baked-bean can." "I went to Lapland / I saw a reindeer on the loose / I went to Canada / I saw a chocolate mousse." (cue Riddell's standing upright, chocolate-munching, golden, smug moose...). Joint winner (with Crossan's One) of the . Age 3-7, Hardback 73pp

Alphabet Fun: Making Letters with Your Body

Ref: 13903

A rich photographic resource which shows children making alphabet shapes with their bodies from A right through to Z, in capitalised and non-capitalised forms. With teachers' notes, suggested activities, a picture body glossary and clear photos of children stretching, curving and working in pairs, this book encourages literacy aerobics! Written by a Reading Recovery tutor. See also Number Fun in the same series. Age 3-5, Paperback 30pp

More Info Alphabet Fun: Making Letters with Your Body

Anansi the Banana Thief

told by Anne Adeney
illustrated by Yannick Robert

Ref: 12432

A belly-full of humour and vitality packed into this short narrative featuring that hugely naughty African-Caribbean trickster, Anansi! Age 4-6, Paperback 28pp

An Australian 1,2, 3 of Animals

Ref: 13569

This beautiful and unusual counting resource introduces the animals of Australia with dazzling illustrations by an aboriginal artist. Age 3-6. Australian Import 28pp

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A Rule Is To Break: A Child's Guide To Anarchy

Ref: 13115

Simply celebrating joy, the wonder of discovery, spontaneity, and deep emotions, Wild Child learns about just being herself and how that translates into happiness. Through creative ideas challenging societal expectations in positive terms that are funny and thought-provoking, A Rule Is To Break is for children of all ages. Fantastically colourful and lively illustrations. Age 4-8, Hardback 40pp.

Read about this book in our article in Write4Children Journal (June 2013)

More Info A Rule Is To Break: A Child's Guide To Anarchy

And Tango Makes Three

by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
illustrated by Henry Cole

Ref: 10152

'Tango was the very first penguin in the zoo to have two daddies.' A gentle book which effortlessly normalises a same-sex family unit. 'Our children enjoyed it very much' (Pre-School Supervisor, Letterbox reviewer). Age 3-7, Paperback 31pp Themes: Lesbian and Gay, Families, Fostering and Adoption

The Animal Boogie + Music CD

Ref: 10153

Swing along with the creatures of the Indian jungle as they shake, flap and slither to the sound of the Animal Boogie! An active and musical read, now with a music CD. Age 2-6, 22pp Paperback.

Anna Hibiscus' Song

by Atinuke
illustrated by Lauren Tobia

Ref: 12162

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

The Ant and the Big Bad Bully Goat

by Andrew Fusek Peters
illustrated by Anna Wadham

Ref: 10154

Badger is happy living in his neat and tidy burrow, until Big Bad Bully Goat decides to move in! A witty Iberian story with a twist. Large format, high quality production and packed with fun. Age 4-7, Paperback 31pp

More Info The Ant and the Big Bad Bully Goat

Baba's Gift

by Beverly & Maya Naidoo
illustrated by Karin Littlewood

Ref: 14950

Set in South Africa this story evokes the heat, sand and excitement of a trip to the sea. Written by a Carnegie Medal winner and her daughter and brought to life by beautiful illustrations. Not to be missed. Age 5-8, 30pp Paperback

Babies Don't Walk They Ride!

by Kathy Henderson
illustrated by Lauren Tobia

Ref: 13789

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

Baby Ruby Bawled

by Malaika Rose Stanley
illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max

Ref: 10159

Baby Ruby bawls and bawls. Dad, Mum, Nan, Grandad, Uncle Clyde all pitch in...but only brother Theo has the magic touch! A super-rhythmic, endearing story of mutual support and love within a mixed race family. Age 3-6, Paperback 20pp

Ballet Cat

Ref: 13967

"No alley cat can ever be a ballet cat!" A band of funky, groovy alley cats are untied in their all night, every night, partying until one of them, Arthur, discovers a love for ballet. The other cats are scandalised. But when Arthur slinks off quietly to find his own path, will the other cats' stomping and romping be as much fun? An upbeat and gentle challenge to gender stereotypes. 'I like this books. Themes around friendship and differences- and fun, colourful language' (Carey, Childminder, Letterbox reviewer). Age 3-6, Paperback 32pp

The Barefoot Book of Children

by Tessa Strickland & Kate DePalma
illustrated by David Dean

Ref: 14627

"Every morning, millions of children open their eyes and start another day" ...And so begins this encyclopaedic, panoramic introduction to children from around the world: their homes, their diverse families (including same-sex parented and foster families), their different languages (including sign language), clothing and costumes, favourite games, special days, different faiths. A UNICEF-endorsed celebration of our global diversity, commonality and interconnectedness, nicely summed up in the text, "Every life is a story. It's easier to understand someone when you know their story." It is impossible here to summarise all the areas of diversity covered, so do please take our word for this being one of the most inclusive books we know! For example, simply the range of disabilities 'casually' shown (eye patches, shortened limbs, children with Down's syndrome) is unusual for picture books. Fantastic back notes extend out from each double page spread with a wealth of factual information. Younger children will be engaged by the simplicity of the core text while older children can think around each topic with the detailed extra notes. 'Barefoot books are always so amazing. Very inclusive, lots to talk about' (Rosalind, Workforce Dev. Officer, LL reviewer). 'Something of interest for everyone' (Maggie, EY Advisory Teacher, LL reviewer). Age 3-8, Hardback 65pp

Because Amelia Smiled

Ref: 12747

One child's infectious smile ignites a global smile which lights up the faces of all kinds of people from across the world. A visual stunner! Age 4-7, Hardback 37pp

A Beginner's Guide to Bearspotting

by Michelle Robinson
illustrated by David Roberts

Ref: 14855

Balaclava. Check. Tin cup., Check. Woollen mitts. Check. Field notebook. Check. And now for your guide...An intrepid bear discoverer is guided through the behaviour and tendencies of the black bear, a.k.a Ursus Americanus, and the brown bear, a.k.a Ursus Horiblis. Includes advice on playing dead. A chatty voiceover with a text which expands and shrinks and skews and bellows with exclamations. Roberts' beautiful, trademark design-led illustrations- big grizzlies are carefully etched out on graph paper and an autumn palette of browns and oranges is suddenly splattered with the fuchsia pink of exploding bubble gum!. 'This book is so so so good. Every aspect has been well thought out. The plot is so developed and funny and simple yet complicated. Love the illustrations' (Sonia, Deputy Primary Head, LL reviewer). Age 3-6, Paperback 29pp

More Info A Beginner's Guide to Bearspotting

Big Bob, Little Bob

by James Howe
illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson

Ref: 14648

Big Bob moves in next door to Little Bob. It could be the start of a bright new friendship....except for their very divergent tastes in play. Big Bob is more of a trucks, fire engines and flying saucers sort of Bob, whilst Little Bob is more of a dolls, unicorns and fancy dresses and hats sort of Bob. Still, they learn to rub along, playing together but differently. That is, until new girl, Blossom, moves into their neighbourhood and points out that Little Bob's play is not at all boy-appropriate. Will they learn to get along as a three? A heads-on and yet curiously gentle and warm challenge to those restrictive notions of gendered play and gendered toys. We loved the opening dedication from the author too: "To my parents, who got who I was, and got me the dolls I asked for." 'Interesting little story. Challenging gender stereotypes in a gentle way' (Maggie, EY Advisory Teacher, LL reviewer). 'I like the story and challenging gender stereotypes of play' (Hannah, Social Worker, LL reviewer). Age 3-6, Hardback 29pp

Blankies

Ref: 12412

Mini-ode to feeling cosy and snug. Adorable boardbook with swinging rhymes and chubby toddlers who jump off the page ('casual' disability images). Age Birth-2, Boardbook 22pp

Boo Boo Baby and the Giraffe

by Eileen Browne
illustrated by Emily Bolam

Ref: 12266

It's bedtime, but Boo Boo Baby and her giraffe are setting off on a dreamy journey together! 'Lovely illustrations and a super text that encourages rhythm and rhyme' (Children's Centre Head, LL reviewer). Age Birth-3, Card Pages 22pp

The Boy Who Lost His Bumble

Ref: 13820

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

Bubbles, Tub, Have a Scrub!

Ref: 11724

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

The Bus is For Us!

by Michael Rosen
illustrated by Gillian Tyler

Ref: 13825

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

Busy Airport

by Rebecca Finn

Ref: 12267

Rhyming action books with bits to push, pull, swing and turn! The perfect way for little hands to bring familiar environments to life. 'All the children enjoyed this in the book corner!' (Nursery Worker, LL reviewer). Age Birth-3 Boardbook 8pp

Busy Bookshop

by Rebecca Finn

Ref: 13892

"Cloth books, bath books, books with wheels. Pop-up books that make you squeal!" A rhyming celebration of a child-friendly bookshop which even stages a Three Little Piggies book reading. A lovely addition to this popular, interactive series- in this one, sturdy tabs can be pushed, pulled and spun! (Multicultural). 'Love the attention to detail. It's about BOOKS, so YES!' (Maggie, EY Advisory Teacher, Letterbox reviewer). See Busy Builders in the same series. Age 1-3, Boardbook 8pp

Busy Builders

by Rebecca Finn

Ref: 13889

"Up the ladder, bring some bricks! Time to paint and lift and fix!" A rhyming introduction to a bright and busy building site, complete with wrecking ball. Brilliantly sturdy tabs which push, pull and slide, animate this lively workplace. Women and men are both involved in heavy lifting; multicultural. 'Love this series of books' (Maggie, EY Advisory Teacher, Letterbox reviewer). See Busy Bookshop in the same series. Age 1-3, Boardbook 8pp

Busy Playtime

Ref: 13430

Rhyming action books with bits to push, pull, swing and turn! The perfect way for little hands to bring familiar environments to life. 'All the children enjoyed this in the book corner!' (Nursery Worker, LL reviewer). Age Birth-3 Boardbook 8pp

Busy Town

by Rebecca Finn

Ref: 12269

Rhyming action books with bits to push, pull, swing and turn! The perfect way for little hands to bring familiar environments to life. 'All the children enjoyed this in the book corner!' (Nursery Worker, LL reviewer). Age Birth-3 Boardbook 8pp

Celebration Food

Ref: 11865

Special foods for special multi-faith celebrations. Tasty photos, activities for every festival- and a charoset recipe! 'Bright pictures with lots going on to start conversations about different festivals' (Nursery Worker, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 20pp

Celebrations and Special Days

Ref: 14757

An original, photographic, around-the-world book of religious festivals and special days which includes the familiar -Chinese New Year, Holi, Eid-ul-Fitr- alongside some more unusual celebrations: the Shetland Islands' Up Helly Aa (a Viking festival), the Mongolian sports festival of Naadam, the Fulani cattle herders' river crossing in Mali (a UN-recognised world cultural heritage event recognised by the UN). Comes with a helpful glossary and a world map showing the location of each photograph. 'very informative resource for children. Lovely photographs' (Nike, Social Worker, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 23pp

Chicken Clicking

by Jeanne Willis
illustrated by Tony Ross

Ref: 14701

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

Chicken in the Kitchen

by Nnedi Okorafor
illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

Ref: 13926

An adventure story set around the New Yam Festival which introduces West African masquerade culture, a wise Wood Wit, an enormous chicken and...the language of Chickenese! Fantastic to see urban Nigeria evoked as modern and vibrant. 'Amazing illustrations. It's educated me about wood wit and new yam' (Maggie, EY Advisory Teacher, Letterbox reviewer) 'Children will love this- a giant chicken...embodied in wonderful illustrations' (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, Letterbox reviewer). See the publisher's website for free educational resources associated with this text: www.lantanapublishing.com (nb: author born in the US to Nigerian parents). Age 4-7, Paperback 29pp

Holiday & Festivals: Christmas

Ref: 11870

Simple repetitive text, mini picture glossary and lively photos make this perfect for the very young. Age 4-6, Paperback 20pp

More Info Holiday & Festivals: Christmas

Clean It!

Ref: 11692

A chatty, interactive text and merry illustrations encourage children to engage in their first 'real' tasks. Boys do housework too! Age 2-5, Paperback 23pp

Clive and His Art

by Jessica Spanyol

Ref: 14294

Clive loves everything about art: reading about it, visiting galleries, making his own creations. And, he really is an all-round artist with his leaf pictures, sponge prints, bead-threading, card-glittering and googly-eyed paper bag constructs. 'Sturdy book illustrating a range of art techniques' (Maggie, Former EY Adviser, LL reviewer). Part of a series about a refreshingly non-stereotyped boy and his diverse band of friends (Asif, Mina and Jeffrey). Wonderfully childlike illustrations by Spanyol, mixing up collage with pen. Clear, accessible text introducing lots of first words and prompting the odd chortle...or two! Age 1-3 Boardbook 12pp

Clive and His Babies

by Jessica Spanyol

Ref: 14295

Clive is a dab hand with his baby dolls. He shows his babies how to use the potty; he shows them to Moshi the cat; he tucks them in at night and he reads to them. Part of a series about a refreshingly non-stereotyped boy and his diverse band of friends (Asif, Mina and Jeffrey). Wonderfully childlike illustrations by Spanyol, mixing up collage with pen. Clear, accessible text introducing lots of first words and prompting the odd chortle...or two! Age 1-3 Boardbook 12pp

Clive and His Bags

by Jessica Spanyol

Ref: 14296

Clive has a very fine array of bags- and he knows how to use them! He has his book bag, of course. But then, there is also his fully equipped nurse's bag, his brilliantly pink snacked-up picnic bag and his art bag with the clever pencil pocket. 'Really good simple language and pictures. Challenges gender serotypes gently but clearly' (Meryl, EY Consultant, LL reviewer). 'Way to go Clive! What a fun book!' (Rosalind, Workforce Dev. Officer, LL reviewer). Part of a series about a refreshingly non-stereotyped boy and his diverse band of friends (Asif, Mina and Jeffrey). Wonderfully childlike illustrations by Spanyol, mixing up collage with pen. Clear, accessible text introducing lots of first words and prompting the odd chortle...or two! Age 1-3 Boardbook 12pp

Clive and His Hats

by Jessica Spanyol

Ref: 14297

Clive has a most excellent collection of hats, from his practical sunhat to his special dressing up big purple flowery hat; some, like his art hat, have a home-made look to them and some are shared hats such as his and Asif's special pink bunny hats! Part of a series about a refreshingly non-stereotyped boy and his diverse band of friends (Asif, Mina and Jeffrey). Wonderfully childlike illustrations by Spanyol, mixing up collage with pen. Clear, accessible text introducing lots of first words and prompting the odd chortle...or two! Age 1-3, Boardbook 12pp

The Cloud

Ref: 10177

Art Class is no fun for one quiet child, sat on her own, with a fuzzy black cloud hovering over her...but a patient and fun-filled little girl resolves to find a way through the fog...Multicultural, casual images of disability, a winning text and exceptionally imaginative illustrations. Age 4-8, Paperback 27pp

Cook It!

Ref: 11695

'What's for dinner. Will you help me choose?' A chatty, interactive text and merry illustrations encourage children to engage in their first 'real' tasks. Age 2-5, Paperback 23pp

The Copper Tree

by Hilary Robinson
illustrated by Mandy Stanley

Ref: 14822

When Mr Banks tells the children that Miss Evans is unwell, they all get together to make her a giant Get Well card. She, in turn, manages to attend their school play, even though she is quite weak, turning up in a wheelchair and with her head covered by a sparkly scarf (suggesting chemotherapy). When Mr Banks finally tells the class that Miss Evans has died, we see the children encouraged to explore their deferent feelings and to share their very best memories of Miss Evans- ultimately immortalised in a home made copper tree, installed by the caretaker in the entrance hall, with leaves for memories made by the children. A difficult subject treated with a great lightness of touch. Both the illustrations and text are full of warmth, comfort and even, a gentle humour. 'This book made me cry and chuckle. Moving and caring. Opens the door to questions and discussion in a sensitive and thoughtful way' (Rosalind, Workforce Dev. Officer, LL reviewer). 'What a wonderfully sensitive book. It was also so practical and contained a wonderful idea which could be copied. It feels warm and safe' (Elaine, Foster Care Associates Liaison Officer, LL reviewer). 'A very powerful and moving book which shows the value and importance of good teachers in children's lives. Very gentle and inspiring' (Cariad, Theatre Lecturer, LL reviewer) (n.b.: one of the children, Barnie, wears a hearing aid). Age 4-7, Paperback 26pp

Daddy, Papa, and Me

by Lesléa Newman
illustrated by Carol Thompson

Ref: 10096

Beautifully presented, joyful, rhyming celebration of gay parents...and their bundles of joy! 'At last! Same sex families- enjoying family life together' (Early Years Adviser, LL reviewer). Age 1-3, American Import Boardbooks 18pp Themes: Lesbian and Gay, Families