We have refreshed our collection of books for children aged 2+ and 3+! There's a wonderful variety of picture books by authors like Caryl Hart and Julia Jarman. Enjoy!

Scroll through and click on the book's title to find out more about each book.

Books for Children Aged 1+

From tiny ants to enormous elephants, there’s a kiss for everyone in this warm and cozy feel-good book. Find out if worms kiss underground, with the soil all around, or if fish kiss with a splash and a splish. With an irresistible text that begs to be read aloud and adorable illustrations, parents and grandparents will love sharing this collection of affection with the youngest of readers.

Books for Children Aged 2+

1. Stormy Weather by Debi Gliori (Paperback)

Story-time will be eagerly anticipated when you read this wonderful lullaby picture book, populated with a rich cast of animals, from rabbits and bears to owls and seals, as every parent and child prepares for a safe night's sleep. With boundless energy, the text takes a ride through a night-time of possibilities as stormy weather assails the characters. Each fearful moment is calmly laid aside with warm cuddles and sweet caresses of reassurance. Combining soothing text that gently addresses bedtime fears with adorable art that will be familiar to Debi's many fans, this picture book will become a firm family favourite along with hot milk and bedtime kisses.

3. Big Blue Train by Julia Jarman (Paperback)

Toot toot! Hold tight! Ben and Bella are off on another adventure! This time with the Big Blue Train! They set off for the seaside, with various animal friends jumping, leaping and squashing aboard along the way, but will everyone manage to squeeze on, and just why is everyone heading for the seaside? A brilliant second title from Julia and Adrian, the team that brought you the bright and bouncy award-winning Big Red Bath.

In a cave in the woods,

in his deep, dark lair,

through the long, cold winter

sleeps a great brown bear.

7. Gilbert The Hero by Jane Clark (Paperback)

It's great fun having a new baby brother, right? Well, not for Gilbert the Great White Shark. His new baby brother, Finn, is too small to join in with any games and is no fun at all. So when Gilbert's friend Mallett suggests a game of skating, Gilbert decides to leave Finn alone and join in. But what a mistake! Soon an enormous orca appears and it has Finn in its sight. Can Gilbert reach Finn in time to save him from the jaws of the orca. An exciting third book in the Gilbert series where Gilbert discovers that being a big brother can sometimes be fun after all.

8. William and the Night Train by Mij Kelly (Paperback)

William and the Night Train is just the ticket for bedtime reading when you're keen to settle a restless youngster! William is wide awake and far too excited to sleep, he's so looking forward to tomorrow, but Mum has a clever solution up her sleeve...With dreamy illustrations by Alison Jay and a spellbinding story by Mij Kelly, William and the Night Train is a first-class bedtime tale!

Books for Children Aged 3+

1. Big Red Bath by Julia Jarman (Paperback)

Ben and Bella are having such a lovely, splashy time in the big red bath that soon everyone wants to join in the fun! But will there be room for all the animals . . . even Hippopotamus? A riotous story - brought to life by young, bright, friendly illustrations from a bestselling, award-winning artist.

2. I Love You, Little Monkey by Alan Durant (Paperback)

What do you get when a little monkey grows bored? A giant mess of squashed figs, a bounced-on bed...and a very cross Big Monkey! But although Big Monkey doesn't always like Little Monkey's behaviour, one thing is clear: Big Monkey never stops loving Little Monkey. Katharine McEwen's warm, exuberant illustrations bring this delightful story to life, creating a perfect book for parents to share with their own naughty little monkeys.

3. How To Grow A Dinosaur by Caryl Hart (Paperback)

Albie is a normal little boy who has extraordinary adventures. When he helps his mum in the garden by planting some seeds, he can't quite believe his eyes the next morning. The garden has grown beyond all belief and these are not just any old plants - oh, no - Albie's seeds have grown into great big jurassic jungle! He rushes outside to discover what else has grown - a fantastic mix of real live DINOSAURS! A colourful, funny follow-up to Supermarket Zoo.

4. Supermarket Zoo by Caryl Hart (Paperback)

Every little boy knows that going shopping with Mum is the most boring thing in the world. But for little Albie, one trip to the supermarket opens a whole new world of fun! Because this isn't just any supermarket - it's the supermarket zoo - and with a whole trolley full of animals on his list, Albie will never see shopping the same way again.

5. When The Dragons Came by Lynne Moore (Paperback)

When a family-load of boisterous, bumbling dragons burst into peaceful Poppledown Town, there's sure to be trouble! Before long, the whole town is thrown into chaos. The local market is turned upside down, the library is louder than ever and the local playgroup has never experienced such disruptive pupils! Will Poppledown Town EVER be the same again?

6. Dogs Don't Do Ballet by Anna Kemp (Paperback)

Biff is not like ordinary dogs. He doesn't do dog stuff like peeing on lampposts, scratching his fleas or drinking out of toilets. If you throw him a stick, he'll just look at you like you're crazy. No, Biff is no ordinary dog. Biff likes moonlight and music and walking on his tiptoes. You see, Biff doesn't think he's a dog, Biff thinks he's a ballerina, which is all very well ...But dogs don't do ballet - do they? The hilarious story of a small dog with a big personality and even bigger dreams!

7.The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord (Paperback)

One hot summer in Itching Down, Four million wasps flew into town ... and so begins this laugh-out-loud picture-book classic. If you've never come across the bouncy rhyming verses and zany humour of The Giant Jam Sandwich, then now's your chance to catch up! When four million wasps invade Itching Down, the villagers come up with a crazy and imaginative solution to get rid of them. Can they make their ambitious plan work, or will they come to a sticky end? Don't miss this timeless treat!

8. The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr (Paperback)    

A voracious guest makes a surprise visit in this ferociously popular tale, first published more than forty years ago.

ONCE THERE WAS A LITTLE GIRL CALLED SOPHIE,
AND SHE WAS HAVING TEA WITH HER MUMMY IN THE KITCHEN.
SUDDENLY, THERE WAS A RING AT THE DOOR.

When the doorbell rings unexpectedly one afternoon, Sophie and her mummy can’t imagine who might be there. Much to their surprise, a tiger with a very large appetite has come to tea! What will they tell Daddy when he returns home and finds all the cupboards bare? First published in 1968, this classic and whimsical picture book from beloved children’s author and illustrator Judith Kerr is a delightful (and delicious!) story about the best way to entertain an unexpected houseguest, even when that guest just so happens to be a tiger.

9. Stuck by Oliver Jeffers (Paperback)

Chaos ensues when a young boy gets his kite stuck up a tree in this laugh-out-loud new picture book from award-winning, internationally best-selling author-illustrator Oliver Jeffers! Floyd gets his kite stuck up a tree. He throws up his shoe to shift it, but that gets stuck too. So he throws up his other shoe and that got stuck, along with...a ladder, a pot of paint, the kitchen sink, an orang-utan and a whale, amongst other things! Will Floyd ever get his kite back? A hilarious book with a wonderful surprise ending.

Books for Children Aged 4+

1. The Trouble With Dragons by Debi Gliori (Paperback)

The world is populated by some beastly dragons who care nothing for how much they pollute the oceans, chop down the trees, gobble up all the food and use everything up without stopping to think. Those dragons need to wake up to what they are doing to their world before it is too late ...An energy-filled picture book that addresses concerns about the environment in the most child-centric and delightful way possible.

2. Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman (Paperback)

It's a totally zany story with some of the silliest illustrations to appear in many seasons--which is to say that Aliens Love Underpants will be a surefire hit among toddlers and beginning readers. When little aliens fly down to Earth, they don't come to visit because they want to meet the Earthlings. They simply want to steal everybody's underpants! They like them large or small, they like them red or green--and they like them in all other sizes and colors, too. They think that Mom's pink, frilly panties are a perfect place to hide. And Grandpa's woolly long johns make a super-whizzy slide! The text is in verse, the illustrations are big and bright, and kids who open this book will giggle from first page to last.

3. What The Ladybird Heard by Julia Donaldson (Paperback)

From the creator of The Gruffalo comes a witty and noisy picture book that is perfect for parents who love practising their farmyard impressions. What the Ladybird Heard by Julia Donaldson has a bouncy, rhyming text and tiny glittering ladybirds to spot on each page. The noisy animals give plenty of opportunities for parents and toddlers to moo, baa and cluck to their hearts' content.

4. The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters by Allan Ahlberg (Hardback) 

Best-selling author and illustrator team Janet and Allan Ahlberg will capture your child's imagination with The Jolly Postman's familiar faces and intriguing back stories! There's a letter of apology for the three bears from Goldilocks, a postcard from Jack for the giant, a solicitor's letter on behalf of Little Red Riding-Hood for the wolf who ate grandma, and more! Fans of the Ahlberg's Each Peach Pear Plum will love this.

Books for Children Aged 5+

1. Noah's Ark and other Bible Stories by Marcia Williams (Paperback)

Eleven favourite tales from the Old Testament brought to life in Marcia Williams' vivid comic-strip style.

In the beginning there was only God … then he started creating! The last and most troublesome of all his creations were men and women. God was forever having to give them a helping hand, as these brilliant stories reveal. Read all about the adventures of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Noah and his ark, Joseph and his fabulous robe, David and Goliath, and many more.

Books for Children Aged 6+

1. Greek Myths by Marcia Williams (Paperback)

"Even reluctant readers (let alone closet classicists) will be drawn to pore over these entrancing pages. -School Library Journal

Greek myths are among the most exciting stories ever told. In this collection, Marcia Williams offers a fun but faithful retelling of eight myths using simple language and her signature comic-strip format. Panels and spreads brimming with color, decorative detail, and nonstop action make each tale a pleasure to look at, and speech bubbles add modern humor. This indispensable collection is the perfect way to introduce young readers to the power of myth.

Finding the right books for a child can sometimes be a challenge. And not just because we're trying to find books suitable for him or her at their age. But also because we want to make sure that the book would be something that he or she enjoys. Maybe there's a particular theme or type of books they're fascinated with (Disney princesses anyone?) or there's a specific kind of storyline or plot that really engages them. Whichever the case, with the selection of books available in bookstores, libraries and online, it can be mind-boggling for a parent.

Fear not! As with all things today, technology often has a solution for us. Goodreads, is a social reading site that has just the answer you'll need. The site's core purpose is to help book lovers recommend and share their favourite reads with others like themselves. Not only are you bound to find a review for any book you're interested in, you'll also be able to receive customised recommendations for books that you might enjoy based on your ratings of other books you have read. 

Now, you must be wondering to yourself, how does that help me? I don't want recommendations for the paranormal romance novels that I'm into at the moment (although we're sure you'll be happy to know that you could find recommendations for the paranormal romance novels you're into at the moment on the site as well). I'm looking for recommendations for my 5-year-old Sarah or my 3-year-old Aaron. 

The answer is simple. Instead of setting up an account for yourself, create an account for each of your children. Then select a specific genre, in this case "Children's" for them. The first thing you'll be prompted to do, is to start by rating the books that Sarah or Aaron have already read. The key is of course, to rate the books that they like. The more ratings you provide, the easier it would be for goodreads to provide you with a list of recommendations that might fit their tastes. 

And to help goodreads refine their recommendations further, you can choose to remove recommended books from the list by simply clicking "Not Interested". The overall logic is simple, the more information you can provide to goodreads based on the books that Sarah or Aaron have already read, the better goodreads will become in predicting what other books they might also enjoy. 

To top it all off, since goodreads is a social reading site to begin with, you can get your friends and family to join in the fun as well! Once you're connected to them on goodreads, you'll also be able to find the books that they (or their children) have rated or recommended. So what are you waiting for? Go knock yourselves out!

We have been out of action for a while but we're back with some wonderful treats! And we've finally rounded up our collection with books for children aged 10-12! 

Scroll through and click on the book's title to find out more about each book.

Books for Children Aged 1+

Books for Children Aged 2+

Books for Children Aged 3+

1. It's Ok To Be Different by Todd Parr (Paperback)

It's okay to need some help.
It's okay to be a different color.
It's okay to talk about your feelings.
It's okay to make a wish...

It's Okay to Be Different cleverly delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and confidence in an accessible, child-friendly format featuring Todd Parr's trademark bold, bright colors and silly scenes. Targeted to young children first beginning to read, this book will inspire kids to celebrate their individuality through acceptance of others and self-confidence.

Books for Children Aged 4+

1. Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs by Judi Barrett (Paperback)

If food dropped like rain from the sky, wouldn't it be marvelous! Or would it? It could, after all, be messy. And you'd have no choice. What if you didn't like what fell? Or what if too much came? Have you ever thought of what it might be like to be squashed flat by a pancake?

2. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell (Hardback)

Molly Lou Melon may be tiny, clumsy, buck-toothed, and with a voice "like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor," but she doesn't mind. Her grandmother has utmost confidence in her, and tells her at every turn to believe in herself. "Sing out clear and strong and the world will cry tears of joy," Grandma says. But Molly Lou's self-assurance is put to the test when she moves to a new town, away from her friends and beloved grandmother. During her first week of school, Ronald Durkin taunts Molly Lou Melon in the dull-witted but sharp-edged manner of career bullies, calling her "shrimpo" and "bucky-toothed beaver." Our heroine barely flinches as she systematically sets out to prove herself, and Ronald Durkin ends up feeling pretty foolish.

3. I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont (Hardback)

High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves--inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters.

At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful--and straight from the heart. 

Books for Children Aged 5+

1. The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton (Paperback)

Virginia Lee Burton won the Caldecott Medal in 1943 for her memorable picture book The Little House, a poignant story of a cute country cottage that becomes engulfed by the city that grows up around it. The house has an expressive face of windows and doors, and even the feelings of a person, so she’s sad when she’s surrounded by the dirty, noisy city’s hustle and bustle: “She missed the field of daisies / and the apple trees dancing in the moonlight.” Fortunately, there’s a happy ending, as the house is taken back to the country where she belongs. A classic!

2. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes (Paperback)

She was a perfect baby, and she had a perfect name. Chrysanthemum. When she was old enough to appreciate it, Chrysanthemum loved her name. And then she started school. "I'm named after my grandmother," said Victoria. "You're named after a flower." Chrysanthemum wilted. Life at school didn't improve. In fact, it got worse. Then the students were introduced to their music teacher, Mrs. Twinkle. Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle. And suddenly, Chrysanthemum blossomed....

Books for Children Aged 6+

1. Alexander and the Horrible, Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst (Paperback)

Alexander knew it was going to be a terrible day when he woke up with gum in this hair.

And it got worse...

His best friend deserted him. There was no dessert in his lunch bag. And, on top of all that, there were lima beans for dinner and kissing on TV!

This handsome new edition of Judith Viorst's classic picture book is sure to charm readers of all ages.

2. The Amazing Bone by William Steig (Paperback) Winner of 1977 Caldecott Honor

Can Pearl, a pig, and her new friend, a small talking bone, outwit a band of robbers and a hungry fox?

The Amazing Bone is a 1976 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year, a 1977 Caldecott Honor Book, and a 1977 Boston Globe - Horn Book Awards Honor Book for Picture Books.

 

Books for Children Aged 7+

1. The Eleventh Hour: A Curious Mystery by Graeme Base (Paperback)

When Horace the elephant turns eleven, he celebrates in style by inviting his exotic friends to a splendid costume party. But a mystery is afoot, for in the midst of the games, music, and revelry, someone has eaten the birthday feast. The rhyming text and lavish, detailed illustrations each provide clues, and it's up to the reader to piece them together and decide whodunit! "The fun of poring over the pictures is matched by the enjoyment derived from the textwitty, ingenious verses.

Books for Children Aged 8-9

1. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster (Paperback)

Illustrated in black-and-white. This ingenious fantasy centers around Milo, a bored ten-year-old who comes home to find a large toy tollbooth sitting in his room. Joining forces with a watchdog named Tock, Milo drives through the tollbooth's gates and begins a memorable journey. He meets such characters as the foolish, yet lovable Humbug, the Mathemagician, and the not-so-wicked "Which," Faintly Macabre, who gives Milo the "impossible" mission of returning two princesses to the Kingdom of Wisdom.

2. The Children of Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren (Paperback)

A charming story about the everyday life of six children living on the three neighboring farms that everybody calls "noisy village" because of its "high spirits."

Books for Children Aged 10-12

1. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart (Paperback) Book 1

"Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?"

When this peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious, mind-bending tests. (And you, dear reader, can test your wits right alongside them.) But in the end just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.

As our heroes face physical and mental trials beyond their wildest imaginations, they have no choice but to turn to each other for support. But with their newfound friendship at stake, will they be able to pass the most important test of all?

Welcome to the Mysterious Benedict Society.

2. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart (Paperback) Book 2

The Mysterious Benedict Society is back with a new mission, significantly closer to home. After reuniting for a celebratory scavenger hunt, Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance are forced to go on an unexpected search--a search to find Mr. Benedict. It seems that while he was preparing the kids' adventure, he stepped right into a trap orchestrated by his evil twin Mr. Curtain. 

With only one week to find a captured Mr. Benedict, the gifted foursome faces their greatest challenge of all--a challenge that will reinforce the reasons they were brought together in the first place and will require them to fight for the very namesake that united them.

3. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma by Trenton Lee Stewart (Paperback) Book 3

Reynie, Kate,Sticky and Constance are back - but so is Mr Curtain, with another devious scheme! Can the Mysterious Benedict Society thwart Mr Curtain's plans, even whilst held prisoner? Join them on their adventure as they face all sorts of dilemmas, in a bid to save Stonetown. The third book in the New York Times bestselling series.

4. The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1) by Rick Riordan (Paperback)

After getting expelled from yet another school for yet another clash with mythological monsters only he can see, twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is taken to Camp Half-Blood, where he finally learns the truth about his unique abilities: He is a demigod, half human, half immortal. Even more stunning: His father is the Greek god Poseidon, ruler of the sea, making Percy one of the most powerful demigods alive. There's little time to process this news. All too soon, a cryptic prophecy from the Oracle sends Percy on his first quest, a mission to the Underworld to prevent a war among the gods of Olympus.

This first installment of Rick Riordan's best-selling series is a non-stop thrill-ride and a classic of mythic proportions.

5. The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 2) by Rick Riordan (Paperback)

After a summer spent trying to prevent a catastrophic war among the Greek gods, Percy Jackson finds his seventh-grade school year unnervingly quiet. His biggest problem is dealing with his new friend, Tyson—a six-foot-three, mentally challenged homeless kid who follows Percy everywhere, making it hard for Percy to have any “normal” friends.

But things don’t stay quiet for long. Percy soon discovers there is trouble at Camp Half-Blood: the magical borders which protect Half-Blood Hill have been poisoned by a mysterious enemy, and the only safe haven for demigods is on the verge of being overrun by mythological monsters. To save the camp, Percy needs the help of his best friend, Grover, who has been taken prisoner by the Cyclops Polyphemus on an island somewhere in the Sea of Monsters, the dangerous waters Greek heroes have sailed for millennia—only today, the Sea of Monsters goes by a new name…the Bermuda Triangle.

Now Percy and his friends—Grover, Annabeth, and Tyson—must retrieve the Golden Fleece from the Island of the Cyclopes by the end of the summer or Camp Half-Blood will be destroyed. But first, Percy will learn a stunning new secret about his family—one that makes him question whether being claimed as Poseidon’s son is an honor or simply a cruel joke.

6. The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 3) by Rick Riordan (Paperback)

When the goddess Artemis goes missing, she is believed to have been kidnapped. And now it’s up to Percy and his friends to find out what happened. Who is powerful enough to kidnap a goddess?  They must find Artemis before the winter solstice, when her influence on the Olympian Council could swing an important vote on the war with the titans. Not only that, but first Percy will have to solve the mystery of a rare monster that Artemis was hunting when she disappeared—a monster rumored to be so powerful it could destroy Olympus forever.

Chinese New Year is coming! We have brought in a special selection of Chinese New Year-related books so you can share with your children the stories behind this traditional holiday!

And February arrivals are here! Scroll through and click on the book's title to find out more about each book.

Chinese New Year Books

3. Bringing In The New Year by Grace Lin (Paperback)

This exuberant story follows a Chinese American family as they prepare for the Lunar New Year. Each member of the family lends a hand as they sweep out the dust of the old year, hang decorations, and make dumplings. Then it’s time to put on new clothes and celebrate with family and friends. There will be fireworks and lion dancers, shining lanterns, and a great, long dragon parade to help bring in the Lunar New Year. And the dragon parade in our book is extra long–on a surprise fold-out page at the end of the story. Grace Lin’s artwork is a bright and gloriously patterned celebration in itself! And her story is tailor-made for reading aloud.

4. Chelsea's Chinese New Year by Lisa Bullard (Paperback)

Chelsea's family is celebrating Chinese New Year! Chelsea gets to stay up late. She watches fireworks and a parade with a dragon! She and her family have a big feast. Find out the different ways people celebrate this special day! 

Learn the history behind the days people celebrate in the Holidays and Special Days series, part of the Cloverleaf Books™ collection. These nonfiction picture books feature kid-friendly text and illustrations to make learning fun!

Books for 0+

1. Row, Row, Row Your Boat by Annie Kubler (Board Book)

This award winning series has been specifically designed for babies. A great introduction to books through well-known nursery rhymes and interactive text. Singing songs and rhymes is the perfect way to bond with your baby and share quality time. It also aids language development by introducing them to the natural sounds and patterns of speech. Combining these with actions also stimulates the brain and helps muscle development.

2. Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes by Annie Kubler (Board Book)

This award winning series has been specifically designed for babies. A great introduction to books through well-known nursery rhymes and interactive text. Singing songs and rhymes is the perfect way to bond with your baby and share quality time. It also aids language development by introducing them to the natural sounds and patterns of speech. Combining these with actions also stimulates the brain and helps muscle development.

3. Look, Look! by Peter Linenthal (Board Book)

Look, look! Children run, fish swim, stars shine . . . all for baby's eyes to see. This sturdy board book, full of high-contrast black-and-white cut-paper art perfect for staring at, is just the thing for the eyes of the youngest babies. A few words in curving red type on each spread describe the scenes -- a car races, a cat stretches, flowers bloom-- and extend the book's age appeal so that it will be fascinating to older babies, too. Striking and stylish, Look Look! is the ideal first board book for babies just beginning to look and learn. Peter Linenthal is an illustrator who has taught art in elementary schools for twenty years.

Books for 1+

1. Waiting for Baby by Rachel Fuller (Board Book)

The arrival of a new sibling can be a confusing and frustrating time for a toddler. This book offers help to prepare them for the downfalls and delights of having a younger brother or sister.

2. My New Baby by Rachel Fuller (Board Book)

There is so much to find out when a baby is born! What does it smell like, and when will it walk? When does it sleep, and what does it like to eat? A new addition to any family is exciting, but the experience can alsobe worrying and confusing for siblings. Coping with the new situations and emotions that arise can be very challenging. This series of four board books deals with the anticipation of waiting for the new baby, the excitement of the arrival itself, and the beginnings of the special relationship that develops between siblings. The simple conversational text and lively illustrations are carefully designed to encourage further dialogue between reader and child.

3. Blue Hat, Green Hat by Sandra Boynton (Board Book)

Serious silliness for all ages. Artist Sandra Boynton is back and better than ever with completely redrawn versions of her multi-million selling board books. These whimsical and hilarious books, featuring nontraditional texts and her famous animal characters, have been printed on thick board pages, and are sure to educate and entertain children of all ages.

4. Happy Hippo, Angry Duck: A Book Of Moods by Sandra Boynton (Board Book)

Are you HAPPY AS A HIPPO?

Or ANGRY AS A DUCK?

Maybe SAD AS A CHICKEN?

(Can you sadly say "CLUCK CLUCK"?) 

Bestselling author Sandra Boynton is back in this all-new board book about moods. Boynton's clever animals exemplify a wide range of emotions in this hilarious story about different feelings. Young readers are sure to giggle as interactive text asks them if they are "grumpy as a moose or excited as a dog?" Maybe they're "worried as a rabbit or contented as a frog?"

This new Boynton board book covers the first concept of moods with her charming, trademark sense of humor.

Books for 2+

1. I'm a Big Sister by Joanna Cole (Hardback)

First published in 1997, this clearly written, reassuring picture-book text has been newly illustrated with paper-collage artwork that is a bit cluttered but cheerful. A girl with a new baby in the house contrasts what babies do with what she can do, then talks about how special she is to her parents. An appended note advises parents on encouraging good sibling relationships. 

2. Excuse Me! A Little Book of Manners by Karen Katz (Hardback)

"Please" and "thank you" are fun and easy to remember with Excuse Me!. Simple and repetitive, it's the perfect way to introduce those magic words that all little ones should know. From burping to breaking a sibling's toy, toddlers will love seeing these appealing babies in situations they know all about, and they'll have fun lifting the flaps to discover the right words to say-"Excuse me!" and "I'm sorry!"

Books for 4+

1. Miss Nelson is Missing! by Harry Allard (Paperback)

The kids in Room 207 were misbehaving again. Spitballs stuck to the ceiling.  Paper planes whizzing through the air. They were the worst-behaved class in the whole school.

So begins this quirky classic, first published in 1977 and still relevant today as a lighthearted reminder to show our appreciation to those we value. The students don’t proffer a shred of respect for their good-natured teacher Miss Nelson, but when the witchy substitute Miss Viola Swamp appears on the scene, they start to regret their own wicked ways. James Marshall’s scritchy, cartoonish full-color ink and wash illustrations are hilarious. A back-to-school perennial!

2. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch (Paperback)

The Princess Elizabeth is slated to marry Prince Ronald when a dragon attacks the castle and kidnaps Ronald. In resourceful and humorous fashion, Elizabeth finds the dragon, outsmarts him, and rescues Ronald --- who is less than pleased at her un-princess-like appearance. Full color throughout.

Books for 5+

1. The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka (Paperback)

A spoof on the three little pigs story, this time told from the wolf's point of view. Lane Smith also illustrated Hallowe'en ABC which was one of The New York Times Best Illustrated Books of the Year.

Books for 7+

1. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume (Paperback)

Celebrating 40 years of a Judy Blume classic!

Millions of fans young and old have been entertained by the quick wit of Peter Hatcher, the hilarious antics of mischevious Fudge, and the unbreakable confidence of know-it-all Sheila Tubman in Judy Blume's five Fudge books. And now, Puffin Books honors forty years of the book that started it all, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, with a special edition--featuring a new introduction from Judy--to celebrate this perennial favorite.

Books for 8-9

1. Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary (Paperback)

What's Ramona up to?

Big sister Beezus Quimby tries to be patient with her four-year-old little sister, Ramona, but it isn't easy, not when Ramona powders her nose with marshmallows and invites her nursery school class to a party without telling her family. Sometimes Beezus doesn't like Ramona, but the girls are sisters and that means they will always love each other—just not every single minute.

2. Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary (Paperback)

Trouble in the Quimby house

When her father loses his job, Ramona decides to help out. Maybe she could earn a million dollars making a TV commercial, or get her father to stop smoking to save money (and his lungs)—she is full of ideas. Some work, some don't. But when her father says he wouldn't trade her for a million dollars, Ramona knows all is right in her world.

Books for 10-12

1. Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters by Lesley M. M. Blume (Paperback)

Eleven-year-old Cornelia is the daughter of two world-famous pianists—a legacy that should feel fabulous, but instead feels just plain lonely. She surrounds herself with dictionaries and other books to isolate herself from the outside world. But when a glamorous neighbor named Virginia Somerset moves next door with her servant Patel and a mischievous French bulldog named Mister Kinyatta, Cornelia discovers that the world is a much more exciting place than she had originally thought.

An unforgettable story of friendship and adventure that takes readers around the world and back again, Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters is a dazzling first novel by Lesley M. M. Blume.

Here are our new arrivals sorted according to age groups! (To read the reviews and get more information about each book, just click on the title of the book below)

Books for 1+

1. Dr Seuss's ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book! by Dr Seuss! (Board Book)

BIG R, little r,
what begins with R?
Rosy's red rhinoceros.
R...r...R

From Aunt Annie's Alligator to Rosy's red rhinoceros to a Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz, learning the alphabet is bound to be fun with Dr. Seuss. And with this small, sturdy board-book version of his classic ABC book (Dr. Seuss's ABC), even the tiniest tots can indulge in a little alphabetical education. Each letter is featured with Dr. Seuss's unmistakably nonsensical illustrations and text: "Lion with a lollipop," "Camel on the ceiling," "Uncle Ubb's umbrella and his underwear, too." The youngest readers-to-be will get lots of letter practice with the repetitive use of each letter and the easy-to-memorize rhythmic rhymes. Soon your favorite preschooler will be reading this book aloud to you! (Baby to preschool) --Emilie Coulter

2. Elmer by David McKee (Paperback)

Elmer the colourful patchwork elephant has been a nursery favourite since this first book was published in 1989. A modern classic, this picture book is known to millions, and continues to be the strongest seller of the whole series, having sold over 2 million copies around the world. The subtle message is that it is OK to be different, and combined with the vibrant colour and cheeky humour of the main character, this large format edition is a celebration of its continued popularity.

3. The Potty Book: For Boys by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (Hardback)

Every little boy's graduation from diapers to the potty is always a very important moment--and one to make both parents and toddlers proud! In The Potty Book, Henry needs to have his diapers changed so he can go out and play. Then mom and dad bring home a big box, and Henry is anxious to open it up and see what's inside. Is it a rocking chair? A bed for Teddy? No, it's a potty--which means that it's time for Henry to graduate from his diapers. This gentle and humorous little story is charmingly illustrated and told in verse. Little boys will enjoy looking at the pictures and having the story read to them. Meanwhile, they'll start getting the idea that it's time for them to grow up, exactly like Henry. So that at last, they'll be able to say--"I'm off the potty!"

4. The Potty Book: For Girls by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (Hardback)

Every little girl's graduation from diapers to the potty is always a very important moment--and one to make both parents and toddlers proud! In The Potty Book, Hannah needs to have her diapers changed so she can go out and play. Then mom and dad bring home a big box, and Hannah is anxious to open it up and see what's inside. Is it a rocking chair? A bed for Teddy? No, it's a potty--which means that it's time for Hannah to graduate from her diapers. This gentle and humorous little story is charmingly illustrated and told in verse. Little girls will enjoy looking at the pictures and having the story read to them. Meanwhile, they'll start getting the idea that it's time for them to grow up, exactly like Hannah. So that at last, they'll be able to say--"I'm off the potty!"

5. The Wheels on The Bus by Annie Kubler (Board Book)

Bouncy illustrations, innovative die cutting and popular rhymes make Books with Holes a must for every child. Suitable for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and the nursery or classroom.

6. A Book Of Sleep by Il Sung Na (Board Book)

When the sky grows dark
and the moon glows bright,
everyone goes to sleep . . .
except for the watchful owl!

With a spare, soothing text and beautifully rich and textured illustrations of a starry night, this is the perfect “book of sleep.” Join the owl on his moonlit journey as he watches all the other animals settle in for the night: some sleep standing up, while some sleep on the move! Some sleep peacefully alone, while others sleep all together, huddled close.

Il Sung Na makes his American debut with this gorgeous bedtime offering. While each animal rests in its own special way, little ones will also drift off to a cozy sleep.

Books for 2+

1. Each Peach Pear Plum by Allan Ahlberg (Paperback)

"Each Peach Pear Plum. I spy Tom Thumb!" In this engaging, interactive book for the very young, familiar nursery-rhyme characters such as Mother Hubbard and Baby Bunting sneak their way into the gentle drawings. Even young children who might not know all the fairy-tale stars can find them lurking in the cupboard, on the stairs, or deep in the woods. In the happy finale, the whole cast meets up for plum pie in the sun, where the little one on your lap will gleefully find everyone. An American Library Association Notable Book. (Baby to preschooler)

2. There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly by Pam Adams (Paperback + CD)

An old favorite as you've never seen it before!

 

Everyone knows the song about the old lady who swallowed a fly, a spider, a bird, and even worse, but who's ever seen what's going on inside the old lady's stomach? 

Books for 3+

1. Maisy Goes To Nursery by Lucy Cousins (Paperback)

Maisy loves going to nursery. There's so much fun to be had, with all her friends and their teacher – singing at Music Time, a nap a Quiet Time, listening at Book Time and then Play Time in the Garden. What a day!

2. Maisy Goes To The Library by Lucy Cousins (Paperback)

Maisy's plan to have a quiet read is put to the challenge by her giggling friends in this picture book ode to the pleasures of the local library.

Maisy likes going to the library. She loves to read a book in a nice, quiet place.

Today, Maisy wants to read a book about fish, but she can only find books about birds or tigers. So she explores some of the other things to do in the library, like using the computer, making copies, listening to music, or looking at fish in the aquarium. Aha! finally Maisy finds a sparkly book all abut fish. But just as she settles into a corner to read, along came Cyril, Tallulah, Eddie, and Ostrich - and they all have noisier activities on their minds!

3. Maisy, Charley and the Wobbly Tooth by Lucy Cousins (Paperback)

On his first trip to the dentist, Charley gets lots of moral support from Maisy and friends in a full-length story readers will be eager to sink their teeth into.

Maisy's friend Charley has a wobbly tooth! He's going to the dentist for the first time, and he’s a little nervous. Luckily, Maisy, Tallulah, Eddie, and Cyril are happy to accompany their toothy friend to the dentist’s office, where they make some fun discoveries: a twirly chair that goes up and down, a special cup to spit in, and a proper tooth-brushing demonstration. Charley gets an x-ray, a smiley button, and a book to take home, but what will happen with his wobbly tooth?

4. The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing (Paperback)

'Twas the night before kindergarten,
and as they prepared,
kids were excited,
and a little bit scared.

It's the first day of school! Join the kids as they prepare for kindergarten, packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and the hardest part of all—saying goodbye to Mom and Dad. But maybe it won't be so hard once they discover just how much fun kindergarten really is! Colorful illustrations illuminate this uplifting takeoff on the classic Clement C. Moore Christmas poem.

5. Mog the Forgetful Cat by Judith Kerr (Paperback)

‘Bother that cat!’
Mog always seems to be in trouble. She forgets that she has a cat flap and she forgets that she has already eaten her supper. But, one night, Mog’s forgetfulness comes in very handy… 

6. The Tickle Tree by Parragon Books (Hardback)

A phantasmagorical flight of fantasy is at your fingertips in this vibrant book with clever, intricate illustrations and fun rhymes! Ideal for beginning readers and perfect for the whole family, this read-along book is an imaginative tale that will soon become a family favorite.

7. The Rhyming Rabbit by Julia Donaldson (Paperback)

Poor old Rhyming Rabbit is feeling lonely and left out. None of his fellow rabbits appreciate his carefully thought-out poems. And as for the other animals he meets? They just tell him to be quiet! Then one starry night he meets someone who shares his enthusiasm for poetry . . .

8. Richard Scarry's Please and Thank You Book by Richard Scarry (Paperback)

The animal residents of Busytown learn useful lessons about manners, thoughtfulness, and caring in this perky, funny paperback.

Books for 4+

1. Doctor de Soto by William Steig (Paperback)

“Doctor De Soto, the dentist, did very good work.” With the aid of his able assistant, Mrs. De Soto, he copes with the toothaches of animals large and small. His expertise is so great that his fortunate patients never feel any pain.

Since he’s a mouse, Doctor De Soto refuses to treat “dangerous” animals—that is, animals who have a taste for mice. But one day a fox shows up and begs for relief from the tooth that's killing him. How can the kindhearted De Sotos turn him away? But how can they make sure that the fox doesn’t give in to his baser instincts once his tooth is fixed? Those clever De Sotos will find a way.

 

Doctor De Soto is a 1982 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and Outstanding Book of the Year, a 1983 Boston Globe - Horn Book Awards Honor Book for Picture Books, and a 1983 Newbery Honor Book.

2. Jack and the Flumflum Tree by Julia Donaldson (Paperback)

Jack’s Granny is sick with a bad case of the moozles! And the only cure is the fruit of the fantastic flumflum tree which grows on the faraway Isle of Blowyernose. It’s a perilous journey, but Jack bravely sets sail, with a motley crew of only three -- and a large patchwork sack that Granny has filled with an odd assortment of items from chewing-gum to tent pegs. But what use will they be against hungry sharks, a leaky boat and a thieving monkey? Follow Jack across the ocean in this irresistible story from the creators of TYRANNOSAURUS DRIP and THE TROLL.

Books for 5+

1. Where's Wally? by Martin Handford (Paperback)

An activity book that features Wally, who along with his friends, are fiendishly hidden in every intricately-detailed scene. It features hours of fun and games.

2. Where's Wally? The Incredible Paper Chase by Martin Handford (Paperback)

The search for Wally and his friends continues through more astounding scenes in this new classic title in the Where's Wally? series. Featuring a fold-out Muddy Swampy Jungle Game, with press out counters and tongue-twister forfeit cards, and a press-out circus for Wally fans to put on their very own show. This is the most interactive Where's Wally? title ever.

3. Where's Wally? The Fantastic Journey by Martin Handford (Paperback)

Wow! Face the most fiendish and fantastical Wally challenge yet! Join Wally on his quest through magical and bizarre fantasy lands. Hidden in every intricately-detailed scene are Wally and his friends - so let the hunt begin! Full of eye-boggling extras and hours of fun, this third classic Wally adventure comes with a striking new cover. Amazing!

4. This is the House That Jack Built by Simms Taback (Paperback)

What happened in the house that Jack built? It all started with the cheese that lay in the house that Jack built. And then came the rat that ate the cheese and the cat who killed the rat. Caldecott Medal winning author and illustrator Simms Taback brings his distinctive humor and creativity to the beloved story of Jack and the house that he built. 

Books for 6+

1. Amos & Boris by William Steig (Paperback)

Amos the mouse and Boris the whale: a devoted pair of friends with nothing at all in common, except good hearts and a willingness to help their fellow mammal. They meet after Amos sets out to sail the sea and finds himself in extreme need of rescue. And there will come a day, long after Boris has gone back to a life at sea and Amos has gone back to life on dry land, when the tiny mouse must find a way to rescue the great whale.

 

Amos & Boris is a 1971 New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book of the Year, Notable Children's Book of the Year, and Outstanding Book of the Year.

2. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig (Paperback) Winner of the 1970 Caldecott Medal

On a rainy day, Sylvester finds a magic pebble that can make wishes come true. But when a lion frightens him on his way home, Sylvester makes a wish that brings unexpected results.

How Sylvester is eventually reunited with his loving family and restored to his true self makes a story that is beautifully tender and filled with magic. Illustrated with William Steig's glowing pictures, this is a modern classic beloved by children everywhere.

Selected as one of the 100 Best Books of the Century by the National Education Association.

 

Books for 7+

1. Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl (Paperback)

Nobody outfoxes Fantastic Mr. Fox!

Someone's been stealing from the three meanest farmers around, and they know the identity of the thief—it's Fantastic Mr. Fox! Working alone they could never catch him; but now fat Boggis, squat Bunce, and skinny Bean have joined forces, and they have Mr. Fox and his family surrounded. What they don't know is that they're not dealing with just any fox—Mr. Fox would rather die than surrender. Only the most fantastic plan can save him now.

2. The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy (Paperback)

The Worst Witch is a classic children's story by Jill Murphy

Jill Murphy's classic, much-loved The Worst Witch series is the original story of life at a magical boarding school, perfect for 5-9 readers. Loveable but accident-prone Mildred Hubble is possibly the worst witch ever to go to Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches . . .

'Oh no . . . You've done it now Mildred!'

Mildred Hubble is a trainee at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches, but she's making an awful mess of it. She keeps getting her spells wrong and crashing her broomstick. And when she turns Ethel, the teacher's pet into her worst enemy, chaos ensues...

'Millions of young readers have fallen under the spell of Jill Murphy's Worst Witch' - Sunday Express

 

Books for 8-9

1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (Paperback)

Willy Wonka's famous chocolate factory is opening at last!

But only five lucky children will be allowed inside. And the winners are: Augustus Gloop, an enormously fat boy whose hobby is eating; Veruca Salt, a spoiled-rotten brat whose parents are wrapped around her little finger; Violet Beauregarde, a dim-witted gum-chewer with the fastest jaws around; Mike Teavee, a toy pistol-toting gangster-in-training who is obsessed with television; and Charlie Bucket, Our Hero, a boy who is honest and kind, brave and true, and good and ready for the wildest time of his life!

2. Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective by Donald J. Sobol (Paperback)

Leroy Brown, aka Encyclopedia Brown, is Idaville neighborhood’s ten-year-old star detective. With an uncanny knack for trivia, he solves mysteries for the neighborhood kids through his own detective agency. But his dad also happens to be the chief of the Idaville police department, and every night around the dinner table, Encyclopedia helps him solve his most baffling crimes. And with ten confounding mysteries in each book, not only does Encyclopedia have a chance to solve them, but the reader is given all the clues as well. Interactive and chock full of interesting bits of information—it’s classic Encyclopedia Brown!

3. Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Secret Pitch by Donald J. Sobol (Paperback)

4. The Doll People by Ann M. Martin (Paperback)

Annabelle Doll is 8 years old--and has been for over 100 years. Nothing much has changed in the dollhouse during that time, except for the fact that 45 years ago, Annabelle's Auntie Sarah disappeared from the dollhouse without a trace. After all this time, restless Annabelle is becoming more and more curious about her aunt's fate. And when she discovers Auntie Sarah's old diary, she becomes positively driven. Her cautious family tries to discourage her, but Annabelle won't be stopped, even though she risks Permanent Doll State, in which she could turn into a regular, nonliving doll. And when the "Real Pink Plastic" Funcraft family moves in next door, the Doll family's world is turned upside down--in more ways than one!

Recently, we have seen a significant rise in the popularity of character books for children. Books from the Disney Princesses, Thomas The Train, Dora The Explorer, Barbie...You name a well-known children's TV show/movie or toy series and you're likely to find its equivalent in a book format. Whether it's activity books, sticker books, story books or even music/sound books. 

At My Imagination Kingdom, we're huge fans of Walt Disney. He has, after all built a legacy by creating well-loved stories that draw on people's imagination. But yet, we wonder what he might say if he realises that the home libraries of children today are filled with "book adaptations" (from Disney no less) like the examples we have listed above. 

"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates' loot on Treasure Island. And best of all, you can enjoy these riches every day of your life." - Walt Disney

Walt Disney said this, at a time when "book adaptations" were not even invented. As a book lover, he believed that the knowledge and inspiration that books can bring, far exceeds the tangible monetary rewards you could ever receive from other sources. But to fully extricate this value from books, we need to remind ourselves that not all books can serve the same purpose.

Character books, while they're easy to consume for children who have already been exposed to them on TV, are unlikely to do much in helping to widen children's horizons. They merely leverage on the content that has already been written for TV or the big screen. From these content providers' point-of-view, the "book adaptations" are to extend the shelf life of the characters that they have developed in order to ensure that they can continue to reap profits from the original format (e.g. the TV series or toy merchandise). They were not written with the foremost objective of helping children gain literacy, stretch their imagination or be inspired to read more. 

So while it's great to stimulate children who may be uninterested in books or reading with these character books at the beginning, it's important that we slowly wean children off these "book adaptations" as time passes. If not, children may never learn to appreciate books in their simplest and purest form. Books that were not based on anything else except the author's passion to tell a story. 

Many of us (including us at My Imagination Kingdom!) are so used to doing a book search on Amazon and reading the reviews by buyers there that when we chance upon a really new book which has yet to be reviewed, we're at a loss. 

Today, we're going to talk a little about Kirkus Book Reviews, an extremely well-regarded review specialist that has been churning out book reviews, twice a month, for over 70 years. 

Kirkus Reviews was launched in 1933, by Virginia Kirkus, once the head of the children's-book department of Harper & Bros. What is special about Kirkus Reviews, is that it focuses on pre-publication reviews. That means, they review the book even before it goes into publication, sometimes up to two to three months before. And you must wonder, why in the world would they want to do that? Well, Kirkus Reviews used to do that because it was a bi-monthly publication targeted at booksellers primarily and librarians to a certain extent. 

While the publication ceased to exist in 2009, the digital version of it is still very much alive and kicking. 24 times a year, on the 1st and 15th of every month, the website continues to publish close to 200 articles every month. A wide range of fiction books (and some nonfiction) are covered and within this, includes reviews on both children's and young adult books. 

What we really like about the children's and young adult book review section, is that the reviews are categorised by age! Just like how we have built this website as well. This makes it a lot easier and quicker to find the age-appropriate books suitable for your child. While the section highlights some of the critics' picks, you can also do a search for any book you're interested in using the search tool at the top right hand corner. 

The other great reason to use Kirkus Reviews is the fact that for many of us who may not be industry experts or experienced publishers in the children's book field, Kirkus Reviews is a great way to discover new authors and their titles. While stocking up on every title of Eric Carle and Julia Donaldson is all right, sometimes it's also great to fall in love with an entirely different style of writing or illustration. 

So what are you waiting for? Go click away at Kirkus Reviews! 

This is not a paid-for article. Everything written here was researched, typed and edited by My Imagination Kingdom solely. 

We recently chanced upon Mr Printables, a great website that provides beautifully-designed printable resources to parents for free! Whether it is learning about alphabets or counting, Mr Printables has a wonderful range of printouts you can pick from. 

The printouts are perfect for homeschooling parents who may find it challenging to design their own learning material. Not only are these printouts lovely and engaging for children, they're easily portable so learning can happen anytime, anywhere on-the-go!

Books for 0+

1. Look At The Animals by Peter Linenthal (Board Book)

Birds sing, zebras run, and whales spout in this delightful follow-up to Look Look!, which has sold nearly 50,000 copies. Bold, black-and-white illustrations offer the clean shapes and strong contrasts best suited to young babies’ developing minds.The warm, simple text makes this a perfect first book for sharing with a little one who’s just beginning to look and learn. An ideal shower gift that’s sure to become a favorite with baby.

2.  Black on White by Tana Hoban (Board Book)

Tana Hoban has created an elegant solution for those who want to initiate children into the infinite wonders of reading. This picture book compels parents to talk to their babies as they share the wordless pages with their little ones. Black illustrations on a white background provide high contrast for infants' underdeveloped eyes. Soothingly familiar, silhouetted shapes--a leaf, a key ring, a bib, an elephant--will be recognized by the very young, and through these simple pictures, aspiring readers will begin to identify the link between the objects they see and the words their caregivers say.

Books for 1+

1. 

But Not The Hippopotamus by Sandra Boynton (Board Book)

"A frog and a hog cavort in the bog. But not the hippopotamus. A cat and two rats are trying on hats. But not the hippopotamus." A shy hippopotamus is hesitant to join in the fun that the other animals are having. But little by little, the hippo finds her courage. A fine and funny classic, with over two million copies in print, But Not the Hippopotamus is a favorite anytime book for little kids and their parents. 

2. Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell (Board Book)

Now in a Classic Board Book edition, "Dear Zoo" long has been a lap-time favorite. The story starts with a letter to the zoo requesting a pet. But as the colorful flaps reveal, most of the animals are inappropriate--until the perfect one arrives. 

3. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (Board Book)

In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. "Goodnight room, goodnight moon." And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room--to the picture of the three little bears sitting in chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, to everything one by one--he says goodnight.

In this classic of modern children's literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day.

4. Horns To Toes and In Between by Sandra Boynton (Board Book)

Serious silliness for all ages. Artist Sandra Boynton is back and better than ever with completely redrawn versions of her multi-million selling board books. These whimsical and hilarious books, featuring nontraditional texts and her famous animal characters, have been printed on thick board pages, and are sure to educate and entertain children of all ages.

5. Moo, Baa, La, La, La! by Sandra Boynton (Board Book)

 

A cow says MOO.

A sheep says BAA.

Three singing pigs say LA LA LA!

“No, no!” you say, “that isn’t right.

The pigs say OINK all day and night.”

The original Moo, Baa, La La La! sold more than 3 million copies when it was first published, and thirty years later this delightful board book remains a favorite among children and parents. Complete with silly rhymes and containing redrawn art that retains all the humor and charm of the original illustrations, this book introduces children to animal sounds like only Sandra Boynton can!

6. Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter (Hardback)

When Mrs. Rabbit begs her four furry children to stay away from Mr. McGregor's garden, the impish Peter Rabbit naturally takes this as an open invitation to create mischief. But when he is spotted by the farmer himself, the chase is on! A century after it was first published, Beatrix Potter's beloved tale of a certain naughty bunny with a taste for radishes continues to enchant readers. 

7. The Going To Bed Book by Sandra Boynton (Board Book)

No child likes going to bed and as every parent knows, their little treasures will try and delay it for as long as possible! Discover all the antics children get up to before going to bed, in this hilarious board book, written and illustrated in Boynton's own unique humourous style. The perfect way to read kids to sleep!

8. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson (Board Book)

No child likes going to bed and as every parent knows, their little treasures will try and delay it for as long as possible! Discover all the antics children get up to before going to bed, in this hilarious board book, written and illustrated in Boynton's own unique humourous style. The perfect way to read kids to sleep!

9. Where's Spot? by Eric Hill (Board Book)

Eric Hill's best-loved cuddly dog has massive toddler appeal and with this sturdy board book searching under the flaps for Spot is guaranteed to be a fun game. Youngsters love the repetition of "Is he in the clock? Is he in the box? Is he under the rug?" and your child will enjoy predicting what's going to happen next at each stage. Babies and toddlers from 1+ will want to return to this again and again.

10. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (Board Book)

"The very hungry caterpillar literally eats his way through the pages of the book—and right into your child's heart..."
—Mother's Manual

"Gorgeously illustrated, brilliantly innovative..."
—The New York Times Book Review

11. Where is Baby's Belly Button by Karen Katz (Board Book)

Karen Katz's adorable babies play peekaboo in this delightful interactive book. The sturdy format and easy-to-lift flaps are perfect for parents and children to share.

"Where are Baby's hands? Under the bubbles!"

"Where are baby's eyes? Under her hat!"

Books for 2+

1.  

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney (Board Book)

"Guess how much I love you," says Little Nutbrown Hare. Little Nutbrown Hare shows his daddy how much he loves him: as wide as he can reach and as far as he can hop. But Big Nutbrown Hare, who can reach farther and hop higher, loves him back just as much. Well then Little Nutbrown Hare loves him right up to the moon, but that's just halfway to Big Nutbrown Hare's love for him.

2.

Goodnight, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann (Board Book)

"Good night, Gorilla," says the zookeeper. But mischievous Gorilla isn't quite ready to go to sleep. He'd rather follow the zookeeper on his rounds and let all of the other animals out of their cages. Little night owls can sneak along with Gorilla and see who gets the last laugh in this riotous goodnight romp. Practically wordless yet full of expressive art and hilarious, adorable detail, this book is sure to become a beloved part of children's own bedtime rituals. "In a book economical in text and simple in illustrations, the many amusing, small details, as well as the tranquil tome of the story, make this an outstanding picture book." --The Horn Book 

"A clever, comforting bedtime story." --School Library Journal

Books for 3+

1. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss (Paperback)

This timeless Dr. Seuss classic was first published in 1960, and has been delighting readers ever since. Sam-I-am is as persistent as a telemarketer, changing as many variables as possible in the hopes of convincing the nameless skeptic that green eggs and ham are a delicacy to be savored. He tries every manner of presentation with this "nouveau cuisine"--in a house, with a mouse, in a box, with a fox, with a goat, on a boat--to no avail. Then finally, finally the doubter caves under the tremendous pressure exerted by the tireless Sam-I-am. And guess what? Well, you probably know what happens, but even after reading Green Eggs and Ham the thousandth time, the climactic realization that green eggs and ham are "so good, so good, you see" is still a rush. As usual, kids will love Dr. Seuss's wacky rhymes and whimsical illustrations--and this time, they might even be so moved as to finally take a taste of their broccoli.

Books for 4+

1. Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (Hardback)

Where the Wild Things Are is one of those truly rare books that can be enjoyed equally by a child and a grown-up. If you disagree, then it's been too long since you've attended a wild rumpus. Max dons his wolf suit in pursuit of some mischief and gets sent to bed without supper. Fortuitously, a forest grows in his room, allowing his wild rampage to continue unimpaired. Sendak's color illustrations (perhaps his finest) are beautiful, and each turn of the page brings the discovery of a new wonder.

The wild things--with their mismatched parts and giant eyes--manage somehow to be scary-looking without ever really being scary; at times they're downright hilarious. Sendak's defiantly run-on sentences--one of his trademarks--lend the perfect touch of stream of consciousness to the tale, which floats between the land of dreams and a child's imagination.

This Sendak classic is more fun than you've ever had in a wolf suit, and it manages to reaffirm the notion that there's no place like home.

Books for 5+

1.  The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (Hardback)

'Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy.'

So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein.

Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave.

This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.