Children’s picture books

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen Little Fox gets lost, he knows exactly what to do. Little Fox’s paw prints make such beautiful pictures in the newly fallen snow. Left here, right there, around that fallen branch—he scatters them throughout the forest until, too late, he finds he can’t retrace his steps back home. Lost and afraid, Little Fox wants to agree when a kind, old owl offers to fly ahead and guide him. But Mama Fox has warned him often: “If ever you are lost, my child, / don’t let a stranger guide you. / Be still and I will search the wild / until I am beside you.” In gentle, expressive text, Nicole Snitselaar spins a tale that goes far beyond a simple “stranger danger” warning. Her Little Fox, equipped with his own ingenuity as well as his mother’s wisdom, cleverly finds a way for the other animals to attract Mama Fox’s attention while keeping himself safe. Alicia Padrón renders this resilient Little Fox and his forest companions in soft watercolors, their rounded shapes and endearing features easing any anxiety that little listeners might feel about being lost. "...Padrón's cute animals and soft scenes of winter woods, done in muted grays, blues, and earth tones, pair well with the gentle words of this story to reach a satisfying conclusion and a gentle lesson for the very young...."—Kirkus ReviewsTrade Review...Padrón's cute animals and soft scenes of winter woods, done in muted grays, blues, and earth tones, pair well with the gentle words of this story to reach a satisfying conclusion and a gentle lesson for the very young.... * Kirkus Reviews *"Snitselaar has written a pleasant, if not highly original, story that will reassure young listeners about parental love. Soft sepia-toned illustrations show simple animal figures on a white background that imparts a chill winter feeling." * CM Magazine *Padrón uses elegant and simple shapes and earth tones. She creates lost scenes that are just scary enough, and as the tale lightens, the addition of other young animals to the backgrounds brightens the mood….A sweet and simple cautionary tale perfect for lapsits and one-on-one sharing. * School Library Journal *...[T]his nonthreatening story acts as an important conversation starter for children about strangers and getting lost. Snitselaar’s text explores negative emotions like fear, anxiety and uncertainty that children may associate with being separated from a caregiver....Most significantly, children are reminded that they should not automatically trust strangers, but that seeking help can be a positive thing. The story also champions ingenuity, emphasizing that it is important to be creative when faced with a problem. * Resource Links *Everything about Little Fox, Lost is sublime, from the lyrical text and its message, to the artwork, the cover, the framing of the words on the page, and the endpapers. Little Fox, Lost is lovely, through and through, and deserving of appreciative readings, over and over. * CanLit for LittleCanadians *The translation from the original French version Petit renard se perd was well done. If the reader doesn't know it's translated, one can't tell that it is. The flow is good and the text appropriate for the age range. This book is an excellent addition to both a school and home library... * Library of Clean Reads *We loved the snowy winter setting and the cute forest animals...the illustrations by Alicia Padron are calming, they have a huge part in talking about a difficult topic without being frightening. Mother fox's rhyme 'If you ever are lost my child' is easy to remember for children every age. This little ear worm can give them confidence if they should ever get lost for real. * The Reading Castle *Told in a non-frightening way, this story addresses the situation of what to do if a child becomes separated from his mother....Without making children anxious about the situation, it teaches them a strategy. * Youth Services Book Review *Little Fox, Lost is not only an endearing bedtime storybook; it’s also a good starting point for a parent-child discussion about safety. Highly recommended. * Midwest Book Review *In gentle, expressive text, Nicola Snitselaar spins a tale that goes far beyond a simple stranger danger warning....Alicia Padron renders this resilient Little Fox and his forest companions in soft watercolors, their rounded shapes and endearing features easing any anxiety that little listeners might feel about being lost. * Crossroad Reviews *Known for her imaginative use of animals in storytelling, Belgian-born Nicole Snitselaar has created a charming tale...This book is beautifully illustrated by Venezuelan artist Alicia Padrón. There are no scary creatures or dark threatening corners in these woods, just soft fluffy snow and the most adorable animals you can imagine.... * Life in Québec Magazine *

Read more less

Book SynopsisCome on a magical journey through the world of imagination in this wonderful storybook

Read more less

Book SynopsisEver feel like you need a hug, a really big hug from someone? That's how Felipe the young cactus feels, but his family just isn't the touchy-feely kind. Cactuses can be quite prickly sometimes you know . . . and so can Felipe. But he'll be darned if this one pointy issue will hold him back, so one day Felipe sets off on his own to find a friend and just maybe, that long awaited hug.In her debut picture book, Simona Ciraola creates an endearing tale of friendship, beautifully illustrated with buoyant wit and the perfect story to share.Trade ReviewBest Children's Book of 2014, Brain Pickings"There is, of course, a deeper allegorical undertone to the tale, beyond the surface interpretation of celebrating one’s inner softness in a culture that encourages a prickly exterior. A subtle undercurrent celebrates the spiritual homecoming of finding one’s tribe, the expansive embrace found in a kinship of souls. The story is also a celebration of free will, reminding us ever so gently that whatever our circumstances, we always have choices — and that our inability to see this is perhaps our gravest self-imposed limitation."—Brain Pickings"Unlikely friends come together in "Hug Me," by the Italian author Simona Ciraolo. She uses whimsical, jagged colored-pencil drawings to portray Felipe, a young cactus who just wants someone to wrap his arms around."—The New York Times"There’s a coy relationship between the text and artwork in Italian-born author/illustrator Ciraolo’s U.S. debut […] Ciraolo’s softly drawn cartoon cacti radiate charm."—Publisher’s Weekly"Ciraola tells her story with wry understatement, allowing her expressive illustrations to carry the narrative. … Though Felipe’s not the first prickly children’s-book character ever to want a hug, he certainly is a charmer."—Kirkus Reviews"One of the things I like about this picture book—aside from its adorableness!—is that it’s honest. […] Hug Me is a book about being yourself, getting your needs met, and finding a kindred soul. All in a super cute package. Well done!"—This Picture Book Life"Hug Me is a remarkable book that tells a complex tale in charming drawings and poetic prose. […] It’s the story of the universal need for affection and friendship, even if we are somewhat prickly."—Joy CorcoranYoung readers may identify with Felipe’s journey of finding friends in a challenging environment. His struggle is relatable and empathetic, and his delightfully illustrated character is welcoming and warm, despite his prickly exterior.—Portland Book Review"Simply written, the tale offers moments of comedic delight… Ciraolo’s use of coloured pencils and felt tips gives a rawness to the artwork, making it all the more organic and delectable."—The Illustrated Forest

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Larry dashed through the Desolate Desert. He meandered through the Meanacing Maze. He flashed through the Flowering Forest. And squelched through the Stinky Smelly Swamp.' Eddie the dinosaur finds himself in trouble when he goes out for a walk. It is up to Larry the Lion to find the Magic Healing Stone and save his dad before it's too late. For ages 3-7. This book is intended to tell the story of Eddie and Larry by touching on the concept of sickness in a parent. Even if both parents are perfectly healthy then hopefully your little one can still enjoy this story.

Read more less

Book Synopsis"Bobbin the Elf goes off to explore, when he visits Folkland through the fireplace door. One day, with his friend, Pigeon Beak, in a hot air balloon, they fly up for a treat." ...... This, the second wonderful picture book following the adventures of Bobbin and Beak, continues the tale of what they can see whilst floating high up in the sky. A perfect gift for young readers wondering what surprises they may find throughout the book. They can join in the magical fantasy of dragons and elves and a picturesque countryside view. A charming bedtime story and perfect for children aged from 3-7. Parents and grandparents alike will enjoy reading this story to their little explorers, and will have fun helping them find all the different sights and objects Bobbin and Beak come across in the countryside. The beautiful and life-like illustrations, created by the author, follow the tale and match perfectly with the rhymes on each page. It's easy to follow and understand, even for children who have yet to learn to read. Once again, buckle up, ready to go on an exploration with Bobbin and learn about different characters and creatures, how they sound and what they do in their everyday lives out there in the beautiful countryside. At the end of the book, children of all ages can play a game of 'spot the detail' in the countryside scene and then, copying the earlier illustrations, they can colour it in if they wish. We know that nursery rhymes are important for language acquisition and help with speech development. They also help children develop auditory skills such as discriminating between sounds and developing the ear for the music of words. Grab this book, the second in a series of fantasy adventures! - It's easy to understand and told in clever rhyme. - With full colour, detailed illustrations demonstrating the various sites of the countryside. - A thought-provoking theme, linking fantasy with reality. What the reviewers have said: - An easy to follow rhyming book for youngsters of all ages. - My kids loved it, especially all the dragons. - Interesting book with beautiful illustrations that children can look at and follow the story easily. - The idea of a 'spot the detail' game kept my kids quiet for ages and it was great to recognise a few local landmarks in Hertfordshire. - My children played games of how many balloons they could find and count in the book. - Children can learn a lot from this book.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less