Early years: first experiences

Book SynopsisA remarkable book ... simple but never over-simplified. ObserverAn invaluable tool for parents struggling to cope with children's changing moods. No home or school should be without this book. Lancashire Evening PostA warm, gentle book for young children who sometimes struggle to express what they''re feeling. Amanda McCardie''s supremely sensitive text explores different emotions through the eyes of two young children. Over the course of the narrative, Sam and Kate experience feeling happy, grumpy, embarrassed, shy, nervous, frightened, sad, angry and jealous Salvatore Rubbino''s beautiful pictures show the children in many different situations at home and at school, while the text explores how emotions can change over time, escalating or fading away. A book full of warmth and reassurance, and a brilliant tool for parents and carers.As a gentle, perceptive and useful examination of feelings, this cannot be bettered. Trade ReviewLovely sensitive text and rich illustrations alive with movement. * Green Parent *It can be very hard to talk about how we feel, so a picture book that sets out to explain that everyone experiences a whole range of feelings and emotions is a great addition to any child’s bookshelf. […] This is a great book for sharing and talking about with children of all ages. * Carousel *This is a great book for sharing and talking about with children of all ages. * Carousel *

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Book SynopsisHello Kitty meets Star Trek under the sea! Dive in for adventure in this exciting picture book, featuring global sensations The Octonauts!Enjoy the original books that inspired the hit animated TV series, broadcast around the world!The Octonauts are a crew of cute animals who love to explore the big blue ocean. From their underwater base, the Octopod, the eight intrepid friends are always ready for fun and excitement!When the Octonauts meet a fish with a giant frown on his face, they begin to feel glum too! The Octonauts try everything they can to cheer him up; making music, field trips, miniature golf, and even a baking marathon. Will their new friend ever smile?

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Book SynopsisOh no, Little Rabbit has hurt his arm. And there's blood! Can you help him? Blow gently three times, try a plaster, a rhyme, but he's still crying... Let's give his ears a stroke and wipe his tears. There, all better! Off you go, Little Rabbit!Trade Review"A wonderful interactive bedtime book for children and little rabbits" Axel Scheffler on Tickle My Ears

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Book SynopsisLet’s play out in the wind! There’s a wealth of sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures to discover and enjoy! In this series of richly illustrated books, Carol Thompson celebrates the immediate and sensory response of children to the natural world – whatever the weather!

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Book SynopsisI Like To Be Helpful is a fun introduction to the benefits of being helpful to others. Young children can lift the flaps, pull the tabs and turn the wheel to explore ways to be helpful and how it can have a positive effect on both themselves and others.With delightful illustrations from Marie Paruit, this is the perfect book for parents and carers to share with young children who are just starting to recognize their feelings and to develop their emotional intelligence. Explanations, hints and tips from Early Years expert Dr Janet Rose provides parents with all the extra guidance they need.The Little Big Feelings series has been endorsed and recommended by Dr Amanda Gummer’s Good Play Guide.Learn more about sharing feelings in the Little Big Feelings series: I Can Say Sorry, I can be Patient and When I am Sad.Trade ReviewA lovely series of books with colourful illustrations and interactive pages that encourage children to explore and share their emotions. The wheels, flaps and sliders provided great discussion points … and are great for reading together as they raise a lot of questions to get the whole family talking about their feelings. -- Dr Amanda Gummer * Dr Gummer's Good Play Guide *

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Book SynopsisLearn over 200 words with The Very Hungry Caterpillar and friends! As your little one is learning to speak, introduce them to the colourful, iconic world of Eric Carle. From food and clothes to animals and feelings, this is the perfect way for little ones to learn the words they need to navigate their busy worlds. With the bright and beautiful artwork from Eric Carle and clear font, this book makes learning lots of fun! There is even a spread at the end so little readers can try to remember all the words they have read.

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Book SynopsisThe Susie & Sam series is a charming collection of illustrated stories about the new events and first experiences that most young children will encounter in everyday life. In Susie & Sam Visit the Doctor the twins go with their mum to the doctor. The story is presented in a helpful, positive and reassuring way with bright pictures. There are 12 early learning books in the Susie & Sam series.

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Book SynopsisThe beautiful sequel to Bears Don't Read! from renowned author/illustrator, Emma Chichester Clark, creator of Blue Kangaroo.The crowd went quiet. Then somebody whispered, Bears don't cry, do they?George is no ordinary bear. He lives with a little girl called Clementine and her mother, who have taught him to read!One day, when George finishes his book early and knows it will be a long time before Clementine and her mother return home, he decides to go the library by himself. At first it's exciting to stroll along the sunny street. But poor George's trip soon ends in disaster and, to make things worse, his library book is ruined. Can anyone help George to feel better when his feelings are hurt?A heart-warming, feel-good story about friendship, with a powerful and highly relevant message that even big bears can cry.Trade ReviewPraise for Come to School Too, Blue Kangaroo!:‘[One of] the best books to deal with your child’s pre-school nerves’ Telegraph Praise for Alice in Wonderland: “This is a real Alice for the present day, but nonetheless one it is easy to image living the extraordinary adventure Lewis Carroll wrote for her” Quentin Blake Praise for Melrose and Croc:'Full of bright detail, this is a picture book young readers could well dream about as being the next best thing to entering its pages' Independent

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Book SynopsisIt''s a sunny afternoon and the Rabbit family are having a picnic.The pond is sparkling in the sunshine and Peter wants to build a raft - all by himself. He soon finds it''s quite tricky without some help. Luckily his sisters are there to lend him a hand.This charming summer tale has a reassuring message about learning to ask for help. Eleanor Taylor''s humorousillustrations of Beatrix Potter''s well-loved characters mirror young children''s early experiences.

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Book SynopsisIntroducing the interactive Little World series from Ladybird that makes our big world little.Little World is designed for curious toddlers, allowing them to explore familiar landscapes and faraway places, from beaches and cities to outer space and ocean depths.The gentle narrative is perfect for reading aloud, guiding children through the busy shopping centre as try on new clothes in the dressing room and pick a snack from the food court. A novelty slide, push or pull on every spread will engage children as they visit the busy and bustling shopping centre.Sam Meredith''s bright artwork and charming characters encourage interaction and play, with lots to spot, see and enjoy on every spread.Introduces the worldBoosts motor skillsRecommended for children aged 2+Look out for other titles in the Ladybird Little World series:On the FarmAt the AirportOn the BeachUnder th

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Book SynopsisJoin in and help the busy teacher in this playful, interactive flap book!Can you help the busy teacher to help the students learn and have fun? Join in and use the flaps to count the blocks, practise writing and read the class a story. With interactive action-flaps, you can do it, too!Each clever flap provides an action or scene-change to encourage children to actively engage and explore. The playful flaps are perfect for little hands to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.Original concept and illustration by Dan Green.The Busy Day series:Introduces the worldBoosts motor skillsRecommended for children aged 2+Also available in the Busy Day series:AstronautAthleteBuilderChefDoctorFarmerFirefighterFootballerMechanicPolice OfficerTrain DriverVet

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Book SynopsisA brand new Easter adventure with The Very Hungry CaterpillarJoin The Very Hungry Caterpillar as he explores the outdoors! Meeting lots of friendly creatures for a delicious Easter picnic.Packed with bright illustrations and easy-to-read sentences, this board book is perfect for little hands.With a sparkly fold-out surprise at the end, young readers will adore this Easter twist on the classic tale.

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Book SynopsisA timeless picture book from the creator of the Red Truck and Friends series about a ship stuck in a canal and the moon that set it free.The silver moon sails through the vast blue sky as a cargo ship down below is stuck in a canal. The tugboat tugs until the line goes taut. The diggers scoop up enough sand for a castle. The dredger glugs all the silt he can. But it''s no use. For seven long days, the moon watches as the ship stays put, becoming fuller, brighter, closer, until she''s finally strong enough to pull the ocean into a mighty tide and save the ship.

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Book SynopsisHelp young children to develop their sense of self and celebrate the things that make them unique with the All About Me series. In this book, Anna explains what she has learned about the parts of the human body from her aunt who is a doctor, and by playing doctor with her kitten, Jasmine.

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Book SynopsisDuggee and the Squirrels are getting ready for Halloween!The clubhouse is decorated, the Squirrels are in Halloween costumes, but they''ve forgotten to make Halloween treats for trick-or-treaters!Join Duggee and the Squirrels and get baking to earn your Halloween Badge. What spooktacular treats will Duggee and the Squirrels make for their friends? Want more Duggee? Also available:Hey Duggee: Duggee''s HalloweenHey Duggee: Spooky Fun: A Lift-the-Flap BookHey Duggee: The Best Scarecrow Ever

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Book SynopsisThis “sublime picture book” (Kirkus STARRED Review) offers a hilarious and insightful guide to making new friends at your own pace. For kids aged 4 to 7, Ways to Make Friends will bolster compassion and make kids laugh on their way back to school.What’s the best way to make friends? Toad has the most magnificent ideas! Sometimes they don’t go according to plan… but that’s okay. Eventually Toad tires of making new friends, but comes to a marvelous conclusion: sometimes being with yourself is a good way to pass the time too.A hilarious and heartfelt read for kids who are starting school or experiencing other unfamiliar social situations, Ways to Make Friends will give them the courage to stand on their own—and maybe try one of Toad’s unconventional methods to make a friend for themselves.Trade Review"Every creatively interpreted spread... is chock-full of friendly-looking, personality-filled creatures of many different species—potential pals, all. And introverts, rejoice. The best and most self-empowering advice for those who find themselves depleted after a long day of socializing appears at the end: But if by late afternoon you get tired of making friends, just be by yourself and forget everything that this book has told you."—Horn Book Review“This sublime picture book offers gentle guidance to all readers, from reluctant youngsters in prickly social situations to more experienced friendship seekers needing a refresher. Peppered among moments of pure hilarity and suggested creative outlets are nuggets of encouragement meant to bolster compassion.”—STARRED Kirkus Review"This whimsical playbook for making friends explores a universal theme in a humorous and appealing way.”—Booklist“Certain to spark ­lively debate at story hours."—School Library Journal"The art reminds me of the friendly animal world of Richard Scarry….A fun and silly way to think about friendship and self sufficiency for the very young."—Youth Services Book Review"Sweet and funny with helpful but quirky advice, you will love this book's gentle message about kindness toward others as well as learning how to be your own best friend….I adore this book!”—Imagination Soup"First grade books about friendship are essential for starting the school year. Toad has lots of quirky ideas for making friends that are great for class discussion. We appreciate that this book also acknowledges that working on making friends can be tiring sometimes; time alone can feel good too."—We Are TeachersPraise for The Lion and the Mouse written by Jairo Buitrago, illustrated by Rafael Yockteng"An intelligent glimpse at how a friendship between unlikely candidates might be possible. A stellar addition for all collections."—School Library Journal, STARRED Review"Jairo Buitrago's retelling of the classic fable "The Lion and the Mouse" is likely to have early readers giggling with glee… . The entertaining text and superb illustrations combine to spark new life in this old tale of kindness, compassion and friendship."—Shelf Awareness, STARRED Review"A grand, morally opulent retelling with a message for our age."—Kirkus ReviewsPraise for Two White Rabbits by Jairo Buitrago, illustrated by Rafael YocktengA Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the YearA School Library Journal Best Picture Book of the YearA USBBY Outstanding International Book"...it's a masterpiece of understatement. In leaving readers with much to wonder about, the book packs the most powerful of punches."—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review

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Book SynopsisJude and Di, creators of award winning potty training product, Dry Like Me, bring all their experience and expertise together in this essential toolkit for potty training. This book is the definitive potty training guide, uniquely aimed at both parents and children. How to Potty Train offers parents helpful advice, tips and resources to guide them through each stage of potty training, from identifying the signs that their child is ready to begin training, through to the final stage of night time potty training. The colourful 'read together' sections help introduce potty training to young children in a fun way with beautiful illustrations to capture their attention and motivate them to make the leap into grown up pants. How to Potty Train makes potty training simple and enjoyable for parents and children and promotes success at this key milestone.

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Book SynopsisAll the most important moments in your child's life to be immortalised and treasured forever. A box containing 30 cards to celebrate each new discovery and a small diary to record the date of each new milestone.

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Book SynopsisLet’s play out in the rain! There’s a wealth of sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures to discover and enjoy! In this series of richly illustrated books, Carol Thompson celebrates the immediate and sensory response of children to the natural world – whatever the weather!

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Book SynopsisI Like To Be Kind is a fun introduction to the benefits of being kind to others. Young children can lift the flaps, slide the tabs and turn the wheel as they explore what kindness is, the emotional effect of being kind and ways in which they can show kindness.With delightful illustrations from Marie Paruit on every page, this is the perfect book for parents and carers to share with young children to develop their emotional intelligence. Explanations, hints and tips from Early Years expert Dr Janet Rose will provide parents with all the extra guidance they need.The Little Big Feelings series has been endorsed and recommended by Dr Amanda Gummer’s Good Play Guide.Learn more about sharing emotions in the Little Big Feelings series: Sometimes I Am WorriedTrade ReviewAimed at tiny readers, this fun interactive book about encouraging conversation about feelings, positive emotions, kindness and friendship * Little London *A lovely series of books with colourful illustrations and interactive pages that encourage children to explore and share their emotions. The wheels, flaps and sliders provided great discussion points … and are great for reading together as they raise a lot of questions to get the whole family talking about their feelings. -- Dr Amanda Gummer * Dr Gummer's Good Play Guide *

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Book SynopsisWhat can we recycle? Who can sort the waste? What can we re-use? Helping with real tasks is a natural progression from pretend play, and is a crucial stage in a child’s development. Achieving a shared goal encourages a sense of responsibility, and develops many skills useful in later life. Simple conversational text and lively illustrations are carefully designed to encourage further dialogue between reader and child.

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Book SynopsisWhy are we going? Will it hurt? Do I need medicine? Reading Doctor with your child is the perfect opportunity to talk about these questions, and many more! Young children’s lives are full of new experiences and these books help make them less scary. The simple conversational text and lively illustrations are carefully designed to encourage further dialogue between reader and child. Use these books as a starting point to talk to your child and help them to understand and prepare for these events, and to share any worries they may have.Trade ReviewFirst Time series “Each book addresses an issue relevant to preschoolers' lives. Children in the illustrations are shown engaging in new experiences, always smiling, while surrounded by loving adults and friends. The pleasant cartoon art features uncluttered, brightly colored scenes.” * School Library Journal *

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How will they help? Will it hurt them? How will they carry him? Reading Vet with your child is the perfect opportunity to talk about these questions, and many more! Young children’s lives are full of new experiences and these books help make them less scary. The simple conversational text and lively illustrations are carefully designed to encourage further dialogue between reader and child. Use these books as a starting point to talk to your child and help them to understand and prepare for these events, and to share any worries they may have.

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Book SynopsisThe Susie & Sam series is a charming collection of illustrated stories about the new events and first experiences that most young children will encounter in everyday life. In Susie & Sam At the Hospital, Susie falls and hurts her arm. The family goes to the casualty department where they find out that Susie needs an X-ray. The doctors and nurses are kind to both twins. The story is presented in a helpful, positive and reassuring way with bright, fun pictures.

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Book SynopsisLittle Movers Run, climb, crawl or jump – everybody loves to move! Fast or slow, up or down, alone or with our friends! Carol Thompson’s exquisite illustrations allow us to share and explore the struggles, achievements and sheer delight of children learning to manage and explore early movement challenges. These books are perfect aids to help build confidence and control. Ready? One, two, three...let’s move!

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Book SynopsisWho’s home for dinner? What shall we cook? What do we need to buy? And don’t forget the washing-up! Helping with real tasks is a natural progression from pretend play, and is a crucial stage in a child’s development. Achieving a shared goal encourages a sense of responsibility, and develops many skills useful in later life. Simple conversational text and lively illustrations are carefully designed to encourage further dialogue between reader and child.Trade ReviewHelping Hands series “Birkett's bright, line and color illustrations focus on the child and her contributions, evoking Aliki in line and mood. The narration’s rapid fire enthusiasm is appealing.” * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book SynopsisWho’s going to mend these broken toys? Which tools will we need? And when they’re fixed, where shall we keep them? Helping with real tasks is a natural progression from pretend play, and is a crucial stage in a child’s development. Achieving a shared goal encourages a sense of responsibility, and develops many skills useful in later life. Simple conversational text and lively illustrations are carefully designed to encourage further dialogue between reader and child.Trade ReviewHelping Hands series “Birkett's bright, line and color illustrations focus on the child and her contributions, evoking Aliki in line and mood. The narration’s rapid fire enthusiasm is appealing.” * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book SynopsisThis fourth book in the "empowerment series" celebrates toddlers as they overcome their fears.Trade Review**STARRED REVIEW** "Gillingham's distinctive graphics, with their weathered retro aesthetic, and consistent positive reinforcement throughout make this outing another winner." * Publishers Weekly, starred review ***STARRED REVIEW** "A comforting celebration of everyday courage with lots of charm to boot." * Kirkus Reviews, starred review *Cheery and empowering, this simple story should resonate with tots everywhere. * Booklist *

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Book SynopsisHello Kitty meets Star Trek under the sea! Dive in for adventure in this exciting picture book, featuring global sensations The Octonauts!Enjoy the original books that inspired the hit animated TV series, broadcast around the world!The Octonauts are a crew of cute animals who love to explore the big blue ocean. From their underwater base, the Octopod, the eight intrepid friends are always ready for fun and excitement!It was a sunny day under the South Pacific Ocean when ALERT! ALERT! ALERT!The Octonauts meet Dunkie, a goldfish who can't stop growing. Finding an ocean big enough for him seems to be an impossible mission for the intrepid crew until they discover a prehistoric, deep sea world. Is Dunkie really a goldfish after all?An action-packed underwater adventure to delight Octonauts fans!The Ugly Duckling meets Journey to the Centre of the Earth in this hugely exciting nautical adventure!

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Book SynopsisSpot isn''t feeling well and that makes him sad. But with a little help from Mum and his friends, Spot discovers that being poorly has its perks.

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Book SynopsisJoin Father Christmas on his busiest night of the year in this playful, interactive flap book!Ho, ho, ho! Can you help Father Christmas to deliver all the presents? Join in and use the flaps to wrap the presents, fly the sleigh, slide down the chimney and much, much more. With interactive action-flaps, you can do it, too!Each clever flap provides an action or scene-change to encourage children to actively engage and explore. The playful flaps are perfect for little hands to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.Original concept and illustration by Dan Green.The Busy Day series:Introduces the worldBoosts motor skillsRecommended for children aged 2+Also available in the Busy Day series: Builder Vet ChefAstronautFarmerFirefighterTrain DriverAthlete

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Book SynopsisPress the sound button to sing along and hear the ghost shout ''BOO!''Sing along to the tune of If You''re Happy and You know It with this halloween sound book.This catchy sound book will have children clapping their claws and stamping their paws as they sing along and have fun pressing the sound button.The perfect halloween gift for little monsters everywhere!

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Book SynopsisLearn from home and explore the world with these fun and easy board books!Hello, World! is a series designed to introduce first nonfiction concepts to babies and toddlers. Told in clear and easy terms (“Peck, peck, peck! This noisy woodpecker is looking for food inside a tree trunk”) and featuring bright, cheerful illustrations, Hello, World! makes learning fun for young children. And each sturdy page offers helpful prompts for engaging with your child. It’s a perfect way to bring science and nature into the busy world of a toddler, where learning never stops.Look for all the books in the Hello, World! series: • Solar System• Weather• Backyard Bugs• Birds• Dinosaurs• My Body• How Do Apples Grow?• Ocean Life• Moon Landing• Pets• Arctic Animals• Construction Site• Rainforest Animals

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Book SynopsisMeet cute Pokémon in a whole new way! This original illustrated storybookis perfect for mums and dads who want to introduce theirlittle ones to the most beloved Pokémon of all time.

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Book SynopsisFive easy-to-use sliders, a rhyming story and lots to spot and say in this series of bright, interactive board books for toddlers!An engaging little story with loads of details to spot and chat about.This story needs YOU! By pushing, pulling and turning the mechanisms, little hands can move the story onto the next scene and bring the rhyming text to life! The high level of interaction builds confidence and engagement with books, which is a key stepping-stone to reading for toddlers. Illustrated by multi-award-winning Benji Davies, illustrator of The Storm Whale, and Grandad's Island Collect the whole series; other title available include: Bizzy Bear: Farmyard Fun, Bizzy Bear: Fire Rescue, Bizzy Bear: Breakdown Truck and lots, lots more!

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Book SynopsisRobust, busy board books to entertain babies and toddlersFive easy-to-use sliders, a rhyming story and lots to spot and say in this series of bright, interactive board books for toddlers!This story needs YOU! By pushing, pulling and turning the mechanisms, little hands can move the story onto the next scene and bring the rhyming text to life! The high level of interaction builds confidence and engagement with books, which is a key stepping-stone to reading for toddlers. Illustrated by multi-award-winning Benji Davies, illustrator of The Storm Whale, and Grandad's Island Collect the whole series; other title available include: Bizzy Bear: Breakdown Truck, Bizzy Bear: Fire Rescue, Bizzy Bear: Racing Driver and lots, lots more!

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Book SynopsisFrom the rain in the sky to the grass at their feet, help your child understand the world around them with the guidance of this fun and exciting introduction to science!My First Brain Quest: First Words: Science Around Us introduces babies and toddlers to more than 100 STEM-related vocabulary words in their world—in the backyard, at the doctor's office, at the beach. Each scene features labeled illustrated objects as well as brief captions that help to introduce STEM concepts and help put into context, alongside questions that encourage conversation between reader and child. Children have fun naming, counting, and comparing.

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Book SynopsisStarting school can be a great adventure, but it can make you feel a bit nervous too. This is the perfect book to reassure any new school-starter.What will school be like? What will we do there? What if I miss Mummy? Do I have to go?Jane Porter answers all of these questions and more in this warm, witty and reassuring book for young children that explores everything they'll need to know before starting school. Marley, Maya, Theo, Akiko, Ella and Zakir are all getting ready to start school. Why not come along with them and see what it’s like? Illustrated with charming characters by Carolina Rabei, this is the perfect introduction to joining a new class.Trade Reviewa warm and accessible practical guide to help prepare children for their first day * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisAn extra-special First Experiences book to celebrate 30 years of Maisy!Today is Maisy''s birthday, hip-hip-hooray! She dresses up in her favourite outfit and eats a yummy breakfast ... but there are no cards from any of her friends. Have they all forgotten about her birthday?Of course not! Her friends are throwing her a very special surprise party. Join the birthday mouse as she plays party games, eats a scrumptious feast, opens her cards and presents and makes a special wish as she blows out the candles on her cake!The perfect book for teaching little ones all about birthday traditions, from party games to blowing out candles, this is an extra-special addition to the bestselling First Experiences range, celebrating 30 years of Maisy!

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Book SynopsisHide! The dog hides when it's time for his bath. We hide from mum's friends because we are shy. The tortoise has a shell so it can hide. Quick, hide! This small book explores the different ways we can hide objects and hide ourselves. The First Steps series has 12 books. Each book is engagingly illustrated and explores pre-school early-learning topics.

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Book SynopsisFelicity has worked for Usborne for over 30 years and has written and edited hundreds of titles, from books on tractors to genetics, from Shakespeare to mental health, and plenty of sparkly unicorns. Felicity is an expert in making tricky topics friendly and accessible to young children and recently has been writing books that celebrate feelings, friendship, empathy, families, and diversity. When she's not writing or researching very specific details on dinosaurs, Felicity can be found tramping through fields and forests foraging for food or just curled up with a bag of Twiglets, a couple of cats and a crossword.Trade Review'Everything your tot could need for those first days at nursery or school' - Practical Parenting Magazine; 'A great way to introduce children to going to school, by finding stickers and then sticking them, featuring fun school activities and daily routines' - Angels and Urchins

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