Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories

Book SynopsisWhen two kids visit Grandma's house for their usual visit, they can't help but think she's stuffy and no fun at all. Even the dinner she makes is predictable. But when Grandma goes missing and wild animals start popping up around the house, they realise she has a secret... A gorgeously illustrated picture book about not judging people based on appearances, and the how families can work together to help save the planet, author/illustrator Martin Stanev's debut book will make a beautiful, and fun, addition to any child's bookshelf.Trade ReviewA beautiful, original picture-book about cherishing our world and each other. * Metro *A visit to Grandma's house has surprising consequences in this original, magical debut, which celebrates family bonds and how we can work together to save the planet. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *Sumptuously illustrated and wildly imaginative. Truly beautiful! * Fiona Lumbers, creator of Grandpa's Gift *

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Book SynopsisIn this heart-warming, poetic story, a father and child share the last few moments of quiet before the school year begins. They take the time to notice each detail as they spend their special day together - from making a special pancake breakfast to noticing each spider's web and falling feather. A moving story for parents to share with their little ones as they take their first steps into school or nursery.Trade ReviewA stunning book that reminds us to slow down and appreciate the precious time we have together. One to read over and over again. -- Hellen Kellock, author of Out to SeaPoignant story about the wonder of small things and the emotions of sending a child to school. -- The BooksellerIdeal for a child about to start school (or indeed an emotional parent experiencing the same), the poetic prose and illustrations reflect a true love story of parent and child. It's refreshing to see a father depicted as primary carer in this book. -- Children's Books Ireland

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Book SynopsisDid you know Wrestlers have feelings? And Knights. Even superheroes feel sad sometimes. In fact everyone has feelings – even Dads who love their children!Children will love to recognise the feelings in Keith Negley’s bold illustrations which accompany a fun-to-read aloud narrative. Parents can enjoy and engage with children in a light-hearted discussion about emotions and how they affect us all.

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Book SynopsisAdoette lived to be 100 years old. Just imagine all the things she saw! She lived on the same street all her life, but one day, people decided it would be best if she would go... Award-winning and best-selling author-illustrator Lydia Monks, illustrator of franchise What the Ladybird Heard, beautifully tells the tale of the life of one tree, from a young sapling to a mighty oak, becoming the beating heart of the community she lived in, right up until the day they cut her down. But there's hope, when one little girl takes one of her acorns to plant in the community garden.Trade Review"Lydia Monks’s beautiful illustrations celebrate the importance of caring for nature and for each other by making time to look out for one another. A powerful message inspired by Lydia Monks own experience" -- Julia Eccleshare * LoveReading4Kids *

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Book SynopsisWhen Maya and her family move to the countryside, strange things start to happen at night. Who is it that keeps tidying the house after everyone has gone to bed? While her parents don’t believe her, Maya knows that there is a mysterious creature living in their new home. This unwanted resident gets very upset when it realizes it won’t be getting the bowl of porridge it expects to receive in exchange for doing the housekeeping. As the furious creature wreaks havoc on the household, will Maya and her family find a way to resolve this situation, or will they have to leave their new home? A delightful story of magic and fantasy, Che Golden’s The Porridge Plot is also a touching portrayal of family life, which emphasizes the importance of love and togetherness.Trade ReviewThe Porridge Plot goes beyond the usual magical fairy story as it deals with themes of family relationships, which I found very touching. -- Elisabetta Minervini, Publisher

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Book SynopsisGrowing up in a poor New York neighbourhood, Cedric Errol appears to be a normal American boy. However, as he discovers when he meets his grandfather, the Earl of Dorincourt, he is actually Lord Fauntleroy, and is expected to become an English gentleman. Whisked away from his mother and his friends, Cedric must find a way to convince his grandfather to send him home and show him that there is more to nobility than titles and wealth. First published in 1886, Little Lord Fauntleroy was Frances Hodgson Burnett's first children's novel, and was hugely popular in its day. It contains many of the themes that would recur in her masterpiece The Secret Garden, and remains a witty and charming tale of a transatlantic clash of cultures.

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Book SynopsisThis easy-to-read book is designed to teach children, especially those between 4 and 10, how to identify problems, brainstorm options, think through the possible outcome of each option and finally, to select and implement a solution. With these problem-solving skills, kids are better prepared to cope with every kind of concern. Frustration and disappointment won't go away, but research shows that children will be less likely to respond with angry outbursts. They will be more confident and better prepared to handle the variety of problems they will face as they mature. Written in the "you-choose-what-happens-next" format. In this title, a little boy is tired when he returns from school and the noisy ride on the school bus, but his pre-schooler sister wants to play as soon as he walks in the door.

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Book SynopsisBased on a true story, this book shows a child seeking, and finally obtaining, help in a domestic violence situation. Formatted so that the same book can be used with toddlers through school-age children, this book provides simple text under illustrations on each of the two-page spreads, with more detailed text on the facing page.

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Book SynopsisA deliciously biting comic tale of one super-sized teenager's heroic transformation into a cool young guy with a future to die for. George, aged 13, weighs 17 stone and is still growing in all directions. When a TV chef brings healthy food to the school dinner menu, George demands his right to chips, chips and more chips. But his teachers won't budge and they set George thinking...perhaps his family's devotion to fast food is the reason they are all so big and getting bigger? Following a nightmarish encounter with himself as a grown-up, George embarks on a journey of discovery where he takes the giant leap from living to eat to eating to live.Trade Review“George is a likeable character, representing a group often portrayed negatively in children's literature. This book is short enough to be read as a class story, and can be linked to a number of different topics. It should lead to some good discussion.” Learning Support “Like George, many teens today are blind to the dangers of eating junk food... help is at hand in this briskly paced tale that entertains from beginning to end.” Metro “...a wonderful, compelling read that entertains and informs in equal measure. Parents...should insist that for every hour your children spend on their Playstations or Xboxes this week, they devote an equal amount of time to reading Junk Food Hero. It could just change - perhaps even save - their lives.” Poppy Watt, Women Talking “...taps into a national psyche. It examines teenage issues that are both contemporary and cross-cultural through a strong story that will challenge the reader to explore their own pre-conceived ideas and habits.” Louise Ellis-Barrett, The School Librarian “Told with a lot of wit, in the vein of Roald Dahl, this book made my 12 year old start thinking about what effect all those crisps and chocolate were having on his body... and he even went out and kicked a ball round the park... Result!” Customer review, Amazon.co.uk

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Book SynopsisMy Dad is a cowboy. He says it is time for my first rodeo. A sweet story about a little one''s first rodeo with an unexpected twist!

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Book SynopsisHaving fled the dreadful blitz in London and landed in sunny Santa Fe, New Mexico, Beatrice Agatha Sims has learned to appreciate a radically different culture and landscape. Her world is rocked again with news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. First, she must contend with losing her American host, the sensible Clem - a public health nurse called to Washington to train other nurses. Then the 13-year-old girl must draw on her own experience of being a stranger in a strange land to battle local fears and prejudice when a Japanese Internment Camp is constructed on the edge of town. Will Beatrice have the gumption required to face the challenges the war is bringing to everyone? A stand-alone novel and sequel to the very popular, award-winning True Brit about an English girl fleeing the Blitz and landing in America, based on true accounts.Trade Review"This wonderful, uplifting novel will delight young readers and their parents." Anne Hillerman, author of Joe Leaphorn, Jim Chee, Bernadette Manuelito mystery series."Four young teens from different backgrounds are thrown together in their small, seemingly sheltered corner of the world­Santa Fe, New Mexicoin this fine coming of age story." Randall Platt, author of The Likes of Me and Honor Bright"Beatrice Sims has done her best to adjust. After shipping out from London to escape the Blitz, she finds herself in New Mexico due to a child resettlement program, slowly making friends and finding her way in the U.S. When the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, her guardian, Clem, is called to Washington, D.C., to help train military nurses. At just 13 years old, Beatrice must move again. Beatrice on Her Own lets this fish-out-of-water heroine adapt to constant change while keeping her wits about her. Author Rosemary Zibart's sequel to True Brit balances some heavy realities, like the internment of Japanese people (many of them American citizens), with lighter fare that is also historically accurate. A subplot about a program recruiting dogs for military service leads Beatrice to befriend a boy who is shy but talented, as she asks for his help designing a poster for the program. An afterword explains how much of the story is drawn from real history and can open a discussion with readers about current events on the U.S. southern border. The episodic, interwoven threads of Beatrice on Her Own will appeal to younger YA readers, who will find much to delight in despite the wartime theme. Young readers will cheer for this plucky main character as she struggles to do the right thing." Heather Seggel , Bookpage

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Book SynopsisBeloved author and illustrator MARIANNE RICHMOND has touched the lives of millions for nearly two decades through her award winning books, greeting cards, and other gift products that offer people the most heartfelt way to connect with each other. She lives in the Nashville area. Visit www.mariannerichmond.com.

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Book Synopsis“Hey, Pirate. What are you doing in my sandbox?” “I'm not a pirate. I'm the captain of a ship.” What is Captain doing in Dragon's sandbox? He is moping. Because he’s lost his ship. “Oh, no! I'll help you find it! Come on!” “Where are we going?” “To my cave! I know I have a map somewhere.”Armed with a (toy watch) compass, a (paper-towel tube) telescope, and a (hand-drawn) map, Dragon and Captain set off on a great adventure. Dragon is a boy in pajamas and a dragon robe. Captain is a boy with a three-sided hat. But as the boys' imaginations take over, we see them as they see themselves and the backyard as the boys see it: a dark forest, a craggy cliff, and the immense sea. Illustrated like a comic book, this book is a fantasy-filled graphic novel for the picture book set. Young readers will be enchanted with—and parents will appreciate—the creative backyard play, in which the boys use the simplest found items and the backyard features to create an elaborate adventure. Can Dragon and Captain find the lost ship before lunch?Trade Review"The characters appeal to young children and the setting and plot will inspire children to use their imaginations to dream up their own tales. This first picture book by P.R. Allabach will make readers hope for more Dragon and Captain books." Nancy Garhan Attebury, Children's Literature"Like Bill Watterson's 'Calvin and Hobbes' comic strips, Dragon and Captain (Flashlight Press) is a graphic novel that moves between illustrations of real life and the active imaginations of the two boys who transform into the dragon and captain." Lisa J. Curtis, NY Parenting"Large, bright, colorful, engaging illustrations make this a title that will be picked up." Sharon Turpin, pscreviews.org"...this tale of creativity will keep your kids turning those pages until the very last word. The illustrations by Lucas Turnbloom are bld, brilliant, and engrossingthey tell their own tale that your kids will love! Flashlight Press has turned another story into a must-read for every kid-lit fan!" Sandie Lee, https://smartypantsmagazineforkids.com

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Book SynopsisIf you build a perfect castle, a dragon will move in – and that’s exactly what happens to one very lucky boy when his family gears up for some changes. The boy and his dragon bounce in their castle, duel with delight, and have an amazing time together…until they find out that their castle is a crib for a new baby. Huh? As soon as they get used to the news, the boy and dragon are back in roaring form, entertaining the infant with marching music, aerial acrobatics, and baby-bottle bowling. But merriment turns to mischief and mischief leads to consequences. Can a dragon friend – real or not – help smooth the transition to big brotherhood? Find out…When a Dragon Moves In Again.Trade Review"McWilliam makes adept use of varied visual perspectives, and his artwork has a sculptural depth and emotional vividness that, when combined with Moore's second-person narration, will make readers feel like they are right there with this growing family, through all of its messy, noisy, and tender moments." Publishers Weekly"McWilliam's pencil and digitally painted illustrations are wonderfully raucous and tongue-in-cheek, and his facial expressions are spot-on. It doesn't matter whether or not they can be seen; there's a little bit of dragon inside each of us. Here's to dragon-taming." Kirkus Reviews"This must-read is recommended for families with an infant on the way - especially readers ages 4-7 - who are gearing up for their responsibilities as a big brother or sister . . . . reading this story aloud offers a wonderful opportunity for your child to open up about worries that could be weighing on his mind about the impending special delivery." Lisa J. Curtis, NY Parenting"The fun-loving, jubilant imaginary friend from When a Dragon Moves In is back in this stand-alone picture book . . . . when a young boy and his father build a castle, which . . . is actually a crib . . . . The . . . illustrations are expressive and relatable. VERDICT Readers will hope that this dragon keeps coming back." Laura Hunter, School Library Journal"This is a warmly-written and lavishly illustrated book that addresses a common issue. It would make a good read-aloud and would be welcomed by families dealing with sibling rivalry, when a new baby arrives." Teresa Bateman, pscreviews.org" When a Dragon Moves In Again has equally gorgeous illustrations from corner to corner and captures the human characters expressions/emotions so magically that readers will find something new to look at with each read." Larissa Juliano, http://midwestbookreview.com"[T]he author's powerful words paired with the illustrator's brilliant visuals will reach down into the depths of your emotional reserves to endear you to this heartwarming treasure... the perfect addition to your collection and a really fun gift for that mommy-to-be in your circle." Barbara Gruener, https://corneroncharacter.blogspot.com

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Book SynopsisWinner:Mom's Choice AwardWhile Dad tucks her in, a little girl named Grace calmly recounts her day—which was anything but calm. She had a tantrum (because of some injustices involving a purple shirt and breakfast cereal) and was banished to her bedroom before deciding to run away. Understanding that kids have ups and downs, Grace's mom wisely gave her daughter the space and time she needed to reach her own decision to return home—to open arms.The Day I Ran Away amusingly captures Grace’s mutable moods and childlike logic. Warm, humorous digital paintings offer fun details to keep little listeners busy. Kids can compare the bedtime and daytime scenes and try to figure out how Grace got that purple paw-print on her cheek—and when it got washed away. They can mimic Grace’s facial expressions or copy her poses for some soothing bedtime yoga. And of course, they can create a safe place to run away to when the injustices of Pre-K existence become too much to bear. A pop-up tent in the yard and the haven beneath the dining room table are excellent run-away destinations, as long as you come home for dinner.Trade Review"A sweet story where running away leads Grace right where she needs to be." Kirby Larson, Newbery Award-Winning author"Alternating voices and fonts in adult orange and youthful purple relate Grace's experiences with dramatic humor, and fun, colorful illustrations . . . convey the wide range of emotions that allow Grace's day to go from better to best with a little help from Mom and Dad." Foreword Reviews"Niner's tale, told entirely in dialogue at bedtime, will be familiar to most toddlers, though not every set of parents is so indulgent and understanding. The typeface and color are different for each speaker (Grace's is, of course, purple). Ongaro's illustrations, drawn by hand but colored electronically, alternate between the evening bedroom and the events of the day, depicting Grace and her parents as white. The bright and cheery images add needed detail to the spare tale." Kirkus Reviews"Her patient mother comes up with a solution that respects Grace's need for a little space and independence . . . cheery scenes of domestic life . . . successfully establish the family's closeness." Publishers Weekly" The Day I Ran Away will be sure to keep kids engaged and will teach them the importance of following rules and listening to parents. And, hopefully, they will also learn that there really is no place like home." Edwards Book Club"Look out Alexander and the Terrible Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day , there's a new book in town and it's earned a very special place in our hearts and on our book shelf." CLC Reviews"Youngsters will enjoy this tale because Grace's kid-sized sass does not erode their family's underlying strengths. Actually, caregiver trainers or parenting instructors can use this title to launch discussion on how active listening and flexible parameters underscore accountability in a kid-friendly way." Katie Engen"This fun little story pulls at big heart strings, and creates a wistful desire to return to a time when my very courageous little boy determined he too, needed broader living conditions." Darleen Wohlfeil, storymonsters.com

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Book SynopsisThe world is new, so many faces,Sounds, smells, feelings, places. This simple sharing book unites child and parent by conveying important safe parenting and health practices in a gentle, rhythmic way. Written by a pediatrician and child literacy expert, the soft, rhyming story aims to helps parents during the fussy, colicky stages. A perfect gift for new families, this book also reinforces the value of shared reading.

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Book SynopsisA touching board book that shows the importance of building strong bonds between child and parent From the bestselling Love Baby Healthy series by pediatrician Dr. John Hutton and illustrator Leah Busch, this simple, rhyming book captures the joy and importance of this special time together. Key developmental milestones are shown in a dreamy, joyous way, highlighting this critical stage of development when children need loving, engaged grownups the most, reinforcing recommendations and encouraging parent-child bonding through reading and play.

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Book SynopsisThis simple sharing book unites child and parent by conveying important safe parenting and health practices in a gentle, rhythmic way. Written by a pediatrician and child literacy expert, the soft, rhyming story aims to helps parents during the fussy, colicky stages. A perfect gift for new families, this book also reinforces the value of shared reading.

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Book SynopsisWritten by a pediatrician, this soft, rhyming story from a baby’s point of view with dreamy watercolor illustrations celebrates the beloved, healthy ritual of parent-child reading. It also reinforces recent American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations to begin daily reading with children at birth, to promote bonding, language, attention, and other aspects of development. Lee Bebe, Diariamente promotes shared reading and togetherness and is perfect in every parent’s early library to inspire the next generation of readers.

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Book SynopsisWe share good things for nine months long, so I meet you healthy and strong. Feed me after I am born, skin to skin, safe and warm . . . Written by a pediatrician, Come bebÉ, sanamente is a soft, rhyming story from a baby’s point of view that celebrates the health and emotional benefits of prenatal nutrition and breastfeeding. This is the third book in a groundbreaking series, including the bestselling Sleep Baby, Safe and Snug and Calm Baby, Gently, dedicated to sharing health guidance for parents of infants through children’s books, while promoting shared reading and togetherness.

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Book Synopsis“As far back as I can recall (starting when I was very small) I’ve daydreamed, gazing into space, climbed and jumped all over the place...” Written by a pediatrician and health literacy expert, ADH-Me! is an empathetic journey from the perspective of a child learning to live and succeed with ADHD. An accessible, rhyming narrative and inviting illustrations help families know what to expect from diagnosis through stages of treatment, while reminding all readers that love and support are the surest means to a happy ending.

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Book SynopsisWhat’s the best way to read to children? Developed by a pediatrician, the research-backed SHARE STEP method helps babies and their grownups get the most out of every reading opportunity, beginning at birth. S is for Snuggle. H is for Hands On. A is for Affection. R is for Respond (In this phase, try to STEP: Stretch, Talk, Explore, Patience). And E is for Enjoy! Simple text and high-contrast illustrations, perfect for developing eyes and brains, show how it works.

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Book SynopsisCuddle up with Dad for this sweet book about a father as seen through his daughter’s eyes. When Papa braids her hair, he’s a hairdresser; when he hangs her drawings on the wall, he’s an art collector. But no matter what happens, he is always her papa, and that’s the most important thing of all!

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Book SynopsisSnuggle with Mom for this sweet book about a mother as seen through her son's eyes. To him, she is a surgeon when she repairs his favorite stuffed animal, a chemist when in the kitchen, and an architect when they play with toy blocks. But no matter what happens, she is always his mama, and that's the most important thing of all!

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