Poetry and Rhymes

"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

"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

"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

A culturally diverse group of poets and an award-winner illustrator create 33 poems exploring every sort of feeling, from Argumentative to Zestful. 'A book to return to and from which many favourites will emerge' (Ed. Liaison Officer, LL reviewer). Age 7-12, Paperback 45pp

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

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

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

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

Bright and bold interactive board books with moving parts which bring a world of playtime fun to life! Age Birth-3, Boardbook 8pp

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

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

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

"Full of affirmation and aspiration, this book gently encourages children to have dreams and to aim as high as their dreams will float them! Crucially, gender is no barrier. Dexter is equally thrilled by all the choices on offer in his head -food critic, astronomer, marine biologist, clothes designer. Bold, cartoon illustrations, snappy text and a great sense of play and fun really lift these books out of the usual 'occupations' books for children." "The message that 'I can be anything' in these books is great whether the child is male, female or 'likes pink'! All children will enjoy the humour and excitement that unfolds in these pages and open young children's minds to the view that gender is no barrier to any profession." (Meryl, EY Consultant & Trainer, LL reviewer ) Age 6-8, Paperback 27pp

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

"It's not impossible, and I tell you no lie, / I saw a whole Kentucky fried chicken / flying high up in the sky". An illustrated collection of rhymes from John Lyons, published by Peepal Tree Press, the home of Caribbean and Back British literature. With some of the best poetry headers we've heard -Street-wise Pigeons, De Time Ah Forgot Me Lunch Box Our Cat Rasputin- and a gentle wit which rumbles throughout. Gorgeous read-aloud bursts of rhythm, rhyme... a dash of Creole here and there and lashings of onomatopoeia! Shortlisted for the . Age 7-11, Paperback 71pp

Share a day out with two exuberant children (one wears a splint) collecting noises in a floppy bag. Splosh! Clang! Dong! Kerrump! Bursting with rhythm and rhymes. Age 3-8, Paperback 30pp

"There's a Saltopus strutting, swaying to the beat / Hoping and bopping and taping his feet". With a repeated chorus to join in with- "Come on everybody, shake a claw!"- this will be a real pleasure for dinosaur fans. Strong rhythms and rhymes, bright and swishy illustrations, a CD with animations and dino sing-alongs, a brilliant 'Who's Who' of dinosaurs on the backpages and a detailed, illustrated guide to the ages of the dinosaurs, from the Triassic era right up until the current, Quarternary era. Add to this a representative group of children- including a child with a hearing aid and one with a walking (or should that be boogie?!) frame- who step up to the beat in dino-matching costumes and you have Dino Love as a complete, child-friendly, package. 'Lovely, bright illustrations, lots of movements, CD with roars to dance to, inclusive disability images. Yes!' (Maggie, Former Early Years Adviser, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 30pp

A librarian explains to a small child why dragons don't do well in libraries: their large bottoms take up too much floor space at story time; they risk self-igniting as they get over excited by a good story; they tend to take over the aisles. A rhyming, dragon-filled tribute to libraries. (Multicultural; includes a book-hungry wheelchair user; nice to have-for a change- both female and male dragons!) 'Strong illustration style. Diverse characters and rhyming text add to the appeal' (Darren, Teacher & Higher Ed. Tutor, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 30pp

"Late again! What is it now? Chased by a lion? Kicked by a cow?" Meet Neel, a well-meaning and capricious rule-breaker. Superb rhyming nonsense by India's best-loved children's poet, accompanied by perfectly zany artwork. Age 6-8, Indian Import Hardback 46pp

Twenty contemporary poets introduce some of our pet monsters of legends including Medusa (plus her sisters), the Cheshire bog monster and the Witch from Hansel and Gretel at her home... in the New Forest! Inspired by Greek myths, Norse myths and traditional tales- and covering a range of forms from ballads to sonnets to haiku. Included on the Letterbox Library website as we are suppliers of the Age 9-12, Paperback 115pp

In haunting and lyrical verse, Eugene's Summer and his difficult relationship with a distant, but beloved father is tenderly described. A unique insight into growing up from a favourite Letterbox author, who died in November 2000. Age 12-Adult 113pp Paperback

"Yellow is the box we fill on Eid with gifts of zakat for those in need. Green is the Quran I read with pride. Grandma explains the lessons inside". From silver fanoos to golden domes, a young Muslim girl introduces readers to her faith, including Ramadan and Eid, through the medium of rhyme and colours. An original approach, very beautifully illustrated with a useful glossary. By a Muslim author and an illustrator inspired by elements of Islamic art. 'A beautifully produced book that will undoubtedly be of use both in the home and school setting. Informative and engaging with attractive illustrations. Positive, family-orientated portrayal of Islamic faith' (Kate, Children's Centre Coordinator, LL reviewer). Age 3-6, Paperback 24pp

A quirky treat. Every one of Madame Chapeau's customers is different, so each receives a unique, bespoke hat. But while she gives so much of herself, Madame has a lonely life. And then, one night, she loses her precious birthday bonnet. A line of men queue up to offer her their hats but none will do...until a child brings her a special headpiece, knitted by her own small hands and brightly coloured with love. Like every great story book, this one lends itself to multiple interpretations. It's a story about loss and (self-) isolation, but it also ends up as a story about friendship, belonging and finding your own uniqueness. The illustrations are wonderful- a particular delight is that each hat mirrors and reveals the personality of its owner. The text lilts along with bouncing rhymes and it savours funny nonsense words- "Chez Snooty-Patoot" "Rue Tippytap". This illustrator excels in effortless inclusion- the characters are multicultural; the real star is a small, Black child (with natural hair); some of the couple scenes suggest same-sex partners in amongst the mix and indeed one of the story's joyful messages is that love and companionship takes many forms. 'I LOVE this book...a lovely story about finding what is right for you' (Ruth, Events Programmer, Discover Story Centre, LL reviewer). 'How many ways do I love this? I would have bought this for my child- I had to read it to my (nearly 15-year-old) daughter anyway. Wonderful inclusion!' (Patrice, children's author, LL reviewer) Age 4-7, Hardback 29pp

A classic made absolutely contemporary! Age Birth-2, Boardbook 10pp

An A to Z of Poems about People, Pets and Other Creatures Having sold his book at his Bloomsbury Theatre launch earlier this year (2014), we can testify to the popularity and brilliance of Hegley. His poems are also very good (!) From the HamStar who fits in a jam jar to our personal favourite- the Guillemot who uses his bill a lot- children will get tickled all over by these silly verses. Age 6 to adult, Hardback 60pp

An adventure-fuelled girl and boy conjure up fantastic worlds, picturing themselves as dragons, astronauts and more...A magical rhyming celebration of make-believe, soaring imaginations and- being yourself. Includes mask-making tips! Age 3-5, Paperback 24pp

"I know balls can bounce, and kites can fly!" A wonderful, rhythmic and rhyming ode to knowledge. Simple, clever text which, in the words of one of our reviewers, shows 'knowledge as practical and learnt from real life' (Maggie, EY Advisory Teacher). An extremely empowering book for toddlers. Great portrayal of (single?) Dad and daughter relationship too. 'Loved this sturdy book. Great illustrations and language that toddlers will relate to' (Debbie, Senior Lecturer in Education, Letterbox reviewer). Age 2-4, Boardbook 12pp

"It must have been you!" A very bored child creates plenty of chaos and mess through muddy play and an eye for pie! With each new act of mischief, a family member- sister, mum, grandpa- comes in to point the finger, whilst she puts on her most innocent, puppy-eyed face. How very true to life! Attractive contemporary illustrations with mixed up fonts and a typeface which falls, tumbles, whirls and spins across the pages, extending the story's playfulness. Finished off with some fantastic end pages full of child art by two 6-year-olds! Depicts a busy, joyful and loving (Muslim) family. Age 3-6, Paperback 30pp

Bad weather means indoor play with home made props, dollops of spontaneity and plenty of imagination. Rhyming text and a wonderful 'casual' portrayal of a girl with asthma. Age 4-7, Paperback 32pp

A riproaring tale of fabulous nonsense, led by a jolly crew: Jack & Rose & Stu. 'Even before you open it, the Julia Donaldson magic prepares you for a great adventure' (Education Liaison Officer, LL reviewer). Age 3-6, Paperback 29pp

A fun, rhyming romp through the imagination. 'Lots to keep young children engaged- with or without adult input' (Children's Centre Head, LL reviewer). Age 3-6, Paperback 24pp

"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

A young boy struggles to stand up to a bully until his friends show him that 8 loud voices are stronger than one! Brilliantly told through sensational illustrations and rhyming text. Age 4-6, Paperback 32pp

31 poems celebrating festivals from around the world, beautifully illustrated and including fascinating information about each festivity. Wonderful school resource or gift book. Age 7-10, Paperback 56pp

Four joyful children go about everyday activities in familiar outdoor and indoor environments. Rhyming, bouncing, rhythmic text. Bright, fresh watercolours full of charming details. Perfect for 'Understanding the World' topics - toddlers will see their lives reflected and will be thoroughly tickled by the energy and smiles of Mimi, Max, Ete and Renai. There is something very snug and comforting about this series." "A wonderful series of 4 books featuring 2 girls and 2 boys as these lovely children go about their everyday activities. Simple often rhyming language and beautiful illustrations throughout that all children will identify with. Beautiful books that young children will enjoy repeatedly as they become more familiar with each retelling." (Meryl, EY Consultant & Trainer, LL reviewer). Ages 0-3, 14pp Board book.

Four joyful children go about everyday activities in familiar outdoor and indoor environments. Rhyming, bouncing, rhythmic text. Bright, fresh watercolours full of charming details. Perfect for 'Understanding the World' topics - toddlers will see their lives reflected and will be thoroughly tickled by the energy and smiles of Mimi, Max, Ete and Renai. There is something very snug and comforting about this series." "A wonderful series of 4 books featuring 2 girls and 2 boys as these lovely children go about their everyday activities. Simple often rhyming language and beautiful illustrations throughout that all children will identify with. Beautiful books that young children will enjoy repeatedly as they become more familiar with each retelling." (Meryl, EY Consultant & Trainer, LL reviewer). Ages 0-3, 14pp Board book.

Four joyful children go about everyday activities in familiar outdoor and indoor environments. Rhyming, bouncing, rhythmic text. Bright, fresh watercolours full of charming details. Perfect for 'Understanding the World' topics - toddlers will see their lives reflected and will be thoroughly tickled by the energy and smiles of Mimi, Max, Ete and Renai. There is something very snug and comforting about this series." "A wonderful series of 4 books featuring 2 girls and 2 boys as these lovely children go about their everyday activities. Simple often rhyming language and beautiful illustrations throughout that all children will identify with. Beautiful books that young children will enjoy repeatedly as they become more familiar with each retelling." (Meryl, EY Consultant & Trainer, LL reviewer). Ages 0-3, 14pp Board book.

Four joyful children go about everyday activities in familiar outdoor and indoor environments. Rhyming, bouncing, rhythmic text. Bright, fresh watercolours full of charming details. Perfect for 'Understanding the World' topics - toddlers will see their lives reflected and will be thoroughly tickled by the energy and smiles of Mimi, Max, Ete and Renai. There is something very snug and comforting about this series." "A wonderful series of 4 books featuring 2 girls and 2 boys as these lovely children go about their everyday activities. Simple often rhyming language and beautiful illustrations throughout that all children will identify with. Beautiful books that young children will enjoy repeatedly as they become more familiar with each retelling." (Meryl, EY Consultant & Trainer, LL reviewer). Ages 0-3, 14pp Board book.

A day in the life of a toddler and their parent, jam-packed with the special charm that only Magic Mum can conjure up. Gentle rhymes. "Lovely illustrations that depict mixed ethnicity…simple, charming story." (Parent, LL reviewer) (Mixed race family). Age 3-5, Boardbook 16pp

"Because a T-Rex is ferocious And his manners are atrocious". One child's bedtime routine, elaborated through leaping rhymes and sensible advice on dealing with sharks, bisons and dinosaurs. Absolutely delightful! Age 3-6, Paperback 30pp

"Here is the bus off to market today, Shiny and bright as it starts on its way, With Joe, the young driver, smiling with pride, When everyone stops him to get on and ride." Joe's bus is full of people going to market- too full! How can they lighten the load? Warm and humorous rhyming text and gorgeous, colourful artwork make this story a joy. Age 4-7, Paperback 24pp

The most imaginative, multi-sensory and tactile of adventures! A real shoelace to tie, an almost real (!) ice cream cone to sniff and a playground of bumpy, rough, rubbery, slippery, shiny textures. Finished off with Braille numbering and a bright, rhyming, rhythmic, clamorous text! The price reflects the depth of thought and creativity which has gone into the production. A truly novel enterprise for all children, developed in consultation with children, families and organisations (notably Booktrust) working with blind and partially sighted children. 'A super resource for all children' (Kate, Children's Centre Coordinator, LL reviewer). Age Birth to 5, Boardbook 10pp

A traditional rhyme, extended out and with some counting (1-7) to boot! Lovely little die-cut holes, subtle disability images, multicultural and with a mixed race protagonist. Age 2-5, Boardbook 15pp

Beautifully presented, joyful, rhyming celebration of lesbian 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

Enter this celebrated poet's weird, witty and bespectacled world and meet the dog who is a carrot, a speaking leek and many other crazy characters. Great fun! Age 6+, 63pp Paperback

There is so much for a busy, busy baby to do and yet so many people creating obstacles: "No, baby, no"! A celebrated author and Taylor's beautifully warm illustrations present a funny little baby caper within an extended, mixed race family. Age 3-5, Paperback + CD 28pp

Joe's bus is full of people going to market- too full! How can they lighten the load? Warm and humorous rhyming text and gorgeous, colourful artwork make this story a joy. Age 4-7, Paperback 24pp

"But here is my story. / The story of how it is to be Two. / The story of how it is to be One. / The Story of Us. / And it is an epitaph. / An epitaph to love." Winner of the CILIP Carnegie medal 2016, the YA Book Prize 2016 as well as CBI Book of the Year (the leading Irish children's book award). Once tells the story of teenage conjoined twines, Grace and Tippi, as they leave the sanctuary of home schooling and enter a world which will ask so much, too much, of them. A long flow of verse perfectly suited to the teaching of free verse composition- which is also easily broken down into powerful, stand alone, poems. Offered here in the original, beautiful hardback edition. Included on the Letterbox Library website as we are suppliers of the ; Crossan's One was the 2016 joint winner (with A Great Big Cuddle) Age 11+, Hardback 434pp

Beautifully adapted by Bob Marley's daughter, the lyrics of One Love are transposed very fittingly into a story of love and community as one child enlists her local (and very diverse) neighbourhood in clearing up a piece of urban wasteland, planting it up and launching it as a community park, One Love Park. Colourfully illustrated, this is an environmentalist's vision as squirrels, birds and a rainbow of butterflies begin to populate this new green space. Age Birth-3, Boardbook 24pp

This beautiful and wide-ranging nursery treasury is for all ages to enjoy, with rhymes from countries across the English-speaking world - England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, Ghana, India, South Africa and the Caribbean. The 77 featured artists are a roll-call of international award-winners and world-class bestselling illustrators, as well as young emerging talent. The best-loved nursery rhymes are here, along with new rhymes to discover, and vibrant verses from African, Native American, First Nation, Inuit, Latino and Maori cultures. Age 4 to Adult, Hardback 160pp

Pearl has had to move house because her mum has been promoted to 'The Boss'. Pearl's new big school works out fine until she encounters Sebastian, a little boy who is keen to suggest that Pearl goes about everything 'like a girl'. A book about a brave little girl who challenges sexist stereotyping head on. Ages 4-7 , Paperback 34pp

Pearl Power is back and this time, she and her new bestie, Sebastian, take on the marketing forces which target toys to children according to their gender. Provoked by newcomer, Jerome, who tells Pearl she can't play with his dinosaur because, "THIS is a dinosaur, YOU are a girl!", the children decide to challenge the advertising industry who spread those pernicious messages about boys' toys and girls' toys in the first place. And so, they pen a letter to the "TV Boss" in their very neatest handwriting, prompting a surprising and welcome reply. 'I enjoyed reading this book that clearly shows that girls are the same as boys. Many people don't realise that there is no written rules to say that girls can't play with boys' toys and boys can't play with girls' toys' (Nicole, aged 11, LL reviewer). A clear, uncompromising message in a good, strong, rhyming story. 'Would lead to a lot of discussion and talking' (Deborah, Ed. Lecturer, LL review). And if the gendered marketing of toys or books raises your hackles, get yourself over to the brilliant, joy-filled, campaigning group, Let Toys be Toys (http://lettoysbetoys.org.uk/) Age 4-7, Paperback 34pp

"Sausages though tasty / Are difficult to rhyme / Unlike pies." Rhyming sausages, besotted otters, hedgehog soup and heroic window cleaners -Lord of the Rungs- all feature in this bouncy, funny collection of rhymes. Ideal for exploring a range of poetic forms, from rigorous structures to free verse. Also ideal for giggles. Included on the Letterbox Library website as we are suppliers of the Age 7-10, Paperback 110pp

The king is puzzled. Why aren't his 12 daughters dreaming of princes? Subversive (and rhyming) high jinks by sporty princesses with attitude! Age 6-10, American Import Paperback 29pp

A traditional rhyme, made bright and dashing. We loved the bespectacled queen! Age Birth-2, Boardbook 10pp

"Run in your slippers, Run in your vest, Run in your onesie, Run and get dressed". An ode to running- dressed any old how, anywhere, anytime, any place…expect perhaps not in class! Rhyming text and poppingly bright pages full of children sprinting about the place, led by Little Mo and with a universal MOBOT on the final double page spread. We defy any child not to want to get active after reading this! 'Fab book that made me smile on every single page. Great rhyming, great illustrations, great ideas to get children running/exercising and enjoying books!' (Meryl, Early Years Consultant, LL reviewer). Age 3-5, Paperback 28pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2014 "This is the story of Rosie Revere, who dreamed of becoming a great engineer". A gender-role-busting picture book about an inventive girl and an inspirational aunt who shows her that failure isn’t to be feared. Inspired by the fictional World War II character, Rosie the Riveter, a symbol of women’s work during the war. Age 4-7, Hardback 30pp

Dad and his livewire daughter do the weekly supermarket trip- but which aisle are the bucket of worms and the dangerjam in? 'Fun, colourful illustrations; great rhythm and rhyme' (Preschool Supervisor, LL reviewer). Dual heritage family. Age 4-7, Paperback 30pp

'As snug as a bug in a very old rug...' A delightful celebration of the many ways we can feel cosy, warm and loved. Multicultural, casual images of disability, bouncy rhyming text and durable! Age Birth-2, Card Pages 30pp

'As snug as a bug in a very old rug...' A delightful celebration of the many ways we can feel cosy, warm and loved. Multicultural, casual images of disability, bouncy rhyming text and durable! Age Birth-2, Boardbook 22pp

Happy, sad and plenty of in between feelings in this lovely, child-friendly 1st picture book. 'Offers a wide vocabulary for expressing feelings' (Former EY Advisory Teacher, LL reviewer). Age 1-5, Card Pages 22pp

'Sometimes I'm an angel - helpful, sweet and kind... But sometimes I'm a MONSTER, with mischief on my mind!' This sweet, witty look at good and bad manners shows that even the most angelic child isn't always perfect... Age 1-5, Card Pages 22pp

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

A clever cross-cultural collection, bringing together two of Nicholl's earlier poetry anthologies: Come on into my tropical garden, set in Guyana where the poet was born and Give Yourself a Hug, set in the UK where she moved to as a child. With this combination, Nicholls says she wants to "embrace both worlds with a new name". Age 8-adult, Paperback 89pp

"Turkeys jus wanna hip-hop". Exciting, provocative and funny, this poetry collection by the superb Zephaniah will delight and tickle children and adults alike. Age 8-adult, Paperback 83pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2015 Shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2017 "Deep in the forest lived a badger called Pete / Who tidied and cleaned and kept everything neat". Pete is very particular and pernickety. He polishes the forest rocks, hoovers up the leaves, brushes the birds' beaks...a fastidiousness which eventually leads to Pete pulling up all those irritating, leaf-dropping trees and entirely concreting over the forest floor-with disastrous consequences! An attractive, rhyming, picture books with a very gentle message about preserving our natural world. Age 3-6, Paperback 40pp

Sunday Times UK Children's Book of the Week "Tutti tutti tutti I'm a fruity kind of dish. Thumping Thumping Thumping I'm a jumping kind of fish". An exuberant tribute to the vibrancy of an Indian market by an author described as a pioneer of the nonsense rhyme genre. Word repetition, rhythm and rhyme- along with some of the finest illustrations around. A feast for the eyes and ears! Perfect for holding up. Age 4-8, Indian Import Paperback 22pp

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

"Dads, Daddies, Papas, Pops. Or fathers if you'd rather (but I think that sounds quite posh!" An adopted boy muses on all of the benefits of having two Dads- from double the sets of shoulders to rest on to double the fun at bath, or rather water pistols, time...not to mention the doubling up of snuggles and cuddles! A charming ode to diverse (and mixed race) families. (n.b.: The author and her partner are adoptive Mums). Age 3-6, Paperback 20pp

"They played and they worked, they sang and they danced. They loved and they laughed and giggled and pranked." A household grows in chaos and love and messiness as two mums adopt one child, then two, then a cat, a dog, a hedgehog, two field mice and more. As the house bursts with chicken feed and bin bags of poo, there can only be one solution...they pack up and move the entire menagerie to the countryside. A very special (mixed race) family bursting with warmth. Great rhymes and hilarious illustrations - the dopey-looking guinea pigs get extra marks! (n.b.: The author and her partner are adoptive Mums). Age 3-6, Paperback 20pp

A stunning collection of verse which embraces a range of ideas and feelings so relevant to children's lives- the Year 6 Disco, first love, bullies, geometry lessons and... vowel movements! Accompanied by Asquith's trademark, hilarious, cartoon illustrations. Wise, tender, comic and always very contemporary. On one page a tidy slice of structured verse will encourage the reader to be gently contemplative; on the next, a mini-storm of rhyme will deliver a punch of laughter. Special mention for the brilliant 'Mohammed and the Whale': "Mohammed, of number 42 Cranmore Gardens, outside Crewe had a wish he knew would make him glad, and every night he told his dad: 'Dad, I've GOT to learn to sail.' 'Why?' 'I've got to meet a whale'". Great for schools with its engaging themes and explorations of different poetic forms. Perfect for home- Asquith excels at spotting all of the things which tickle as well as worry children and then soothing them, bolstering them and, most of all, laughing with them. Age 7-10, Paperback 103pp

Two intrepid sisters set out on their adventure. Told in simple repeating text with plenty of sound words (squish, squelch, squish, squelch) a fun retelling of a traditional tale. Age 3-6, 28pp Paperback

Debut by performance poet, Jo Coelho (featured on CBeebies!) Strut your poetic stuff with class hamsters, puppies on dates doing puppy love, sausage dogs and hot dogs- and hardvarking aardvarks. Side-splitting silliness. Age 7+ Paperback 91pp

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

The Coretta Scott King Award-winning author thought up the title while travelling through a hilly, African landscape. The result is a simple, gentle, rhyming Nativity tale about a shepherd boy, apprenticed as a carpenter, and the stable he built... Age 3-6, American Import Hardback 32pp

The Whole World is in our hands- and it's ours to take care of. A fantastic little eco-song, complete with music CD and tips on how to keep the earth smiling! Age 3-5, Paperback + CD 29pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2013 Dedicated to wild children everywhere. A glorious hymn to the wonders of the natural world, to toadstools and snails- and to every spirited child! 'Stunning pictures and lovely rhymes' (Childminder, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 24pp

Rhyming, mathematical puzzles from 0 to 5, fetauring hatching chickens and a greedy, chops-licking wolf. Set in Korea. "An unusual way of looking at adding and subtraction...a fun way of approaching it" (Former Primary Teacher, LL reviewer). Ps: no chicks are harmed! Age 3-6, Paperback 27pp

"Full of affirmation and aspiration, this book gently encourages children to have dreams and to aim as high as their dreams will float them! Crucially, gender is no barrier. Tyra can picture herself as a midwife just as easily as a pilot, fire-fighter, pest controller(!) or an electrician lighting up the city. Bold, cartoon illustrations, snappy text and a great sense of play and fun really lift these books out of the usual 'occupations' books for children." "The message that 'I can be anything' in these books is great whether the child is male, female or 'likes pink'! All children will enjoy the humour and excitement that unfolds in these pages and open young children's minds to the view that gender is no barrier to any profession." (Meryl, EY Consultant & Trainer, LL reviewer ). Age 6-8, Paperback 27pp

For the tool-obsessed toddlers in your life, this satisfyingly chunky boardbook shows a house being built from scratch with every conceivable tool used along the way: a float and chisel for making a smooth cement foundation; saws and levellers to construct the frames; pipe wrenches and cutters for the plumbing system; roller trays and brushes for the final interior décor etc. As the house is built, different professions are introduced, such as carpenters/ roofers/ electricians, with an even representation of women in the roles. A brilliantly interactive book with a rhyming text, chatty questions, board flaps to open out, speech bubbles, highlighted words and a back cover listing all of the 24 tools used! Smashing fun. 'Great story of house being built, introducing appropriate vocabulary. Especially great to see women in active roles' (Maggie, Former EY Adviser, LL reviewer). Age 2-5, Boardbook 16pp

Forget about pretty dresses, fairytale weddings and grand balls; Princess Sue is all about adventure, mischief, and making unusual friends. Great stuff! Age 4-7, Paperback 29pp