Picture storybooks
Gecko Press Gus's Garage
Book SynopsisLeo Timmers at his best: effortlessly simple text, intricately detailed illustrations, and vehicles galore Gus's workshop is chockful of useless odds and ends. But when his friend Rico comes over with a problem-his scooter seat is way too small for a rhino-Gus finds just the thing to solve it. One by one his friends come to Gus's Garage and he solves their troubles with ingenious solutions-a cooling system made with a fridge that doubles as ice-cream machine, a burst of speed from a rocket blaster trombone. Soon the workshop is almost empty. Is anything left to solve Gus's own problem at the end of a long day?Trade ReviewGus the pig, the good-natured star of Leo Timmers's Gus's Garage (Gecko, $16.99; ages 3 to 8) also knows his cars and, as his ever-present smile attests, delights in inventing new ones. When a penguin overheats or a hare needs a turb charge they turn to Gus, who customizes their vehicles using the pile of 'bits and bobs' heaped alongside his shop. Each page spread presents the garage from the same vantage point, and this well-crafted stage set allows the reader to track the refuse pile's dwindling inventory. By the end of the book only a little tree stands where the pile once stood. The tree provides a home for an odd assortment of birds, proving once again that everything can be made useful. This is an amusing book to reread, since even the smallest details are assigned a narrative purpose. Clearly, one animal's clutter is another pig's livelihood in this buoyant, rhyming tale.--The New York Times Book Review -- "Newspaper" (5/12/2017 12:00:00 AM) Returning to the vehicular focus of Bang and Who's Driving? Timmers introduces a string of animals who drive quirky cars and a good-natured pig mechanic who makes them even quirkier. Gus has a one-pump garage in the middle of nowhere and a stash of greasy, worn-out parts. "Whatever will he use them for?" Timmers wonders. A rhino in biker gear drives up on a too-small scooter:: "Gus, this seat--I'm overflowing." Gus always says the same thing: "Let's see. I have some bits and bobs. / This goes with that. There. Just the job!" A patched-up armchair, an extra rear wheel, and the rhino has a comfy new seat. To warm Gina, a giraffe, in her convertible, Gus combines a wood-burning stove with a stack of metal drums to make a towering heating system. A walrus gets hydration from a rooftop bathtub, and a penguin's roadster gains a pink refrigerator to keep her cool. Amid all the fun, the emphasis is on imaginative tweaking, reusing things, and cheerful help, selflessly given. Mechanically minded readers will want to do what Gus does; other will wish he lived next door. -- "Journal" (1/9/2017 12:00:00 AM) The author of Franky (2016) now offers another tale for young tinkerers and gadget-lovers. Each item in the pile of discarded junk that Gus--portrayed as an increasingly grimy pig in mechanics' overalls--keeps out behind his service station comes in handy as one motorist after another wheels in needing a fix: Rico the rhino, for example, is too big for his Vespa ('Gus, this seat--I'm overflowing'). Gina the giraffe is too cold in her roofless Volkswagen, Walter the walrus and Miss P. the penguin are too hot, and Henry the hare's delivery truck needs a power boost. Whatever the problem, Gus has a patterned response ('Let's see. I have some bits and bobs. / This goes with that. There. Just the job!') and a clever solution. Come nightfall, Gus simultaneously washes and wheels himself home on a bicycle-shower that incorporates a last few 'bits and bobs.' Recycling with flair: just the job!--Booklist -- "Journal" (1/1/2017 12:00:00 AM)
£17.26
Gecko Press The Kiosk
Book SynopsisAn unexpected and original picture book about being stuck and finding a way to get free For years, the kiosk has been Olga's life. She spends her days inside reading travel magazines and dreaming of distant places. One day a chance occurrence turns her upside down-literally-and sets her off on an unexpected journey. The Kiosk is a warm and curious story about someone who is stuck finding a way to be free. The story was originally produced as a short animation which gained international recognition and was selected for over 100 festivals around the world.Trade ReviewApple-cheeked Olga, an adult, has worked and lived in her street corner kiosk for a long, long time. Maybe too long as she has grown too large to exit her workplace. As the busy city swirls around her, she sells magazines, water, and more to her regulars whose habits she knows well. At night she shutters her kiosk and settles into her comfy purple chair to wistfully read about faraway places. One day through a series of mishaps, Olga discovers she can lift the kiosk and walk around with it as though it were a dress. While wandering the city, her feet get tangled in the dog leash of one of her regulars, and she falls into the river. Luckily the kiosk keeps Olga afloat as the river carries her out to sea, where she peacefully floats for three days before washing ashore. Now she happily sells ice cream from her kiosk on the seashore and watches splendid sunsets every evening. Olga is pink-skinned, as is nearly everyone depicted. Melece's text works seamlessly with her colorful, light-hearted, cartoony illustrations. Her use of various perspectives, panel types, and white space creates a dynamic flow to the story which keeps it moving along. It is no surprise that this story and illustrations are taken almost directly from the Latvian author's 2013 animated short film. A QR code and link to it can be found on the title page.VERDICT Educators may have to decide whether this is a charming story of accidentally following your dreams, or a problematic take on a woman eating her emotions. Purchase as needed.--School Library Journal -- "Journal" The most captivating and original book here, and my favorite, is the Latvian artist Anete Melece's The Kiosk. It began life as a six-minute animated short, which won prizes at film festivals around the world. Olga, the main character, is a large, likable woman who lives, works, eats and sleeps in her kiosk. Unable to leave it when her workday ends because she can't squeeze through the narrow door, she spends her evenings eating, reading travel magazines and dreaming of 'distant seas with splendid sunsets.' In a further absurdist twist, Olga's world is literally turned upside down when her kiosk tips over. Righting herself, she realizes she doesn't have to stay in the city; she can go anywhere. It's an Alice-in-Wonderland moment, with a giant Olga carrying the kiosk on her shoulders through the city's busy streets. Eventually Olga and kiosk arrive at the seashore, where she goes into business selling ice cream and watching the sunset every night. The pictures of Olga are wonderfully inventive and strange, done in bright colors reminiscent of Matisse paintings. A parable for our time, 'The Kiosk' is about escaping a confining routine and finding something better, about being 'stuck, ' as Melece herself has described it, and figuring out a way to 'start a journey to your happy place exactly as you are.'--The New York Times -- "Newspaper"
£999.99
Flying Start Books Tin Man
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£10.85
Flying Start Books Dancing
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£10.85
Flying Start Books Out and about
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£10.85
Flying Start Books Fill a Balloon
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£10.85
Flying Start Books Earths Solar System
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£10.85
Flying Start Books Healthy Oceans
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£10.85
Flying Start Books Swim Time
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£11.14
Flying Start Books Plant Life
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£10.85
Flying Start Books Trees Are Great
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£10.85
Flying Start Books Earths Future
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£11.14
Flying Start Books More Butterflies
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£11.14
HarperCollins Publishers Boing Boing
Book SynopsisNational treasure Alexander McCall Smith joins up-and-coming illustrator Zoe Persico in this utterly adorable story of family, acceptance and difference. Part of Barrington Stoke's picture book range for all the family, with easy-read font. Jane has always been just a little bit different – she has springs in her knees! She bounce, bounce, bounces all over town and they call her Springy Jane. She wins all the high jump competitions and can reach the top book shelf, and if anyone stares too hard she just bounces right over them! But a terrible flood and a trapped old lady mean Springy Jane is called on for help – will her springs save the day? Part of Barrington Stoke's picture book range for all the family, with easy-read font.
£10.23
Columba Books The Halloween House: Thirty-one Putrid Poems and
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£17.09
Barefoot Books Lets Celebrate
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£16.96
ReadZone Books Limited Fred and Finn
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£8.94
ReadZone Books Limited Hoppy Ever After
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£8.94
Andersen Press Ltd Belinda Brown
Book SynopsisDavid McKee has created a new modern classic with the story of Belinda, a banana-obsessed young girl. Her whole family thinks it's a phase, except for Grandma Brown: she worries, and worry is hard to keep down. She asks Belinda to give up her favourite fruit before she gets a banana-shaped body, but Belinda has other ideas... 'What a joy; a new rhyming book from the Elmer and Mr Benn creator, David McKee... Fantastic illustrations' THE TIMESTrade Review"What a joy; a new rhyming book from the Elmer and Mr Benn creator, David McKee... Fantastic illustrations" -- Alex O'Connell * The Times *"This totally daft tale is documented in David McKee's zany inimitable illustrative style and accompanying bouncy rhyming text" * Books for Keeps *"David McKee serves up a visual treat and a masterclass in humour and subtle messages." * The School Librarian *"Everyone loves a bit of silliness ... children will find much to enjoy here." * Early Years Educator *"Rhyming nonsense from McKee to tickle the taste buds and bring on the giggles." * Red Reading Hub *
£9.70
Andersen Press Ltd Marry Me, Mole?
Book SynopsisFrom award-winning author and illustrator Jeanne Willis and Susan Varley comes this brave look at why being in love doesn't always mean choosing to be together. "Mole, why won't you marry me?" sang a lonely bird in the maple tree. Bird and Mole are in love. Mole lives underground and loves to be in the dark under his hill, but Bird lives in the trees and loves to be high up in the sky... so when Bird asks Mole to marry him, will they be able to make it work? Will love be enough?Trade Review"Perfectly-pitched and a joy to read aloud" -- Joanne Owen * LoveReading4Kids *
£9.67
Greenhill Books Workitu’s Passover
Book SynopsisIt is another day at Workitu’s village. As usual, she is awoken by the morning sounds of the village. However, for Workitu, something doesn’t feel right. She knows that today, ahead of the Passover celebrations, she will have to break all of the crockery she had become so used to, including her favourite cup, the one she made all by herself. She can’t help but feel that she will be losing something valuable and meaningful to her. Then, an incident makes her drop the cup she was holding on to the ground, breaking it into pieces. Workitu begins to cry, but then her auntie shares a secret she learned a long time ago, and Workitu is finally able to see this tradition in a new light: “It’s good to break things sometimes. To let go of old things . . . I break, and then I make. All with the same hands.” With beautiful illustrations throughout, this is a meaningful tale about the importance of letting go of the old to make space for the new, and how family traditions are passed on through generations.
£29.65
Greenhill Books Just one more thing… and then bedtime
Book SynopsisEvery night, Dora’s dad puts her to bed, but tonight Dora doesn’t want to go to sleep yet, so instead she decides to ask her dad a question. "Just one more thing . . . and then bedtime!” What Dora and her dad didn’t know is that once you start wondering about the universe and the reasons why things are the way they are in the world, you will find yourself asking one question after the other. Dora’s dad answers every question she has, but as the clock ticks and time goes by, will Dora continue asking questions or will sleep finally allow them both to continue dreaming? A heart-warming tale about how children will do anything to delay their bedtime and how we will never run out of things to be curious and grateful for.
£9.49
The Good Book Company The Littlest Watchman: Watching and Waiting for
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£14.59
The Good Book Company The Big Wide Welcome Storybook: A True Story
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£16.13
The Good Book Company Deborah and the Very Big Battle
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£13.06
The Good Book Company Esther and the Very Brave Plan
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£12.86
The Good Book Company The Little Man Whose Heart Grew Big
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£7.73
The Good Book Company The Awesome Super Fantastic Forever Party
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£999.99
The Good Book Company The Christmas Surprise
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£7.63
The Good Book Company God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook
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£15.29
Good Book Co Your Amazing Hands
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£999.99
Quarto Publishing PLC Apple Cake: A Gratitude
Book SynopsisThank you, hedge, / Thank you, tree. / Thank you, flower, / Thank you, bee. / Thank you, rain, / Thank you, sun. / Thank you, farmers, / every one. In this simple rhyming story from the author of Held in Love, a child says thank you for the gifts nature provides, from hazelnuts in the hedge to apples from the tree, eggs from the hens to milk from the cow. Eventually, the family has enough ingredients to make something special… a delicious apple cake! With captivating illustrations that brim with emotion, this sweet picture book encourages children to be grateful for the world around them – the perfect read for Thanksgiving. A recipe for apple cake at the end allows you and your child to share in the joyful gratitude.
£13.07
Child's Play International Ltd Max and Xam
Book SynopsisMax and Xam are the very best of friends - until they fall out over who is more popular! Determined to prove the other wrong, their exploits bring new meaning to the phrase ‘making friends’. A hilarious and delightfully far-fetched story about the meaning and value of real friendship.
£11.14
Child's Play International Ltd She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain
Book SynopsisShe’ll be coming round the mountain, when she comes. Toot, Toot! How will she arrive next? Featuring a range of vehicles, activities and sounds, this catchy song is a delightful way to learn new words. Bouncy illustrations, innovative die cutting and popular rhymes make Books with Holes a must for every child.
£8.99
Child's Play International Ltd Nipper and the Lunchbox
Book SynopsisNipper hates being left alone all day while his best friend Richard is at work. But when he realizes one morning that Richard has left his lunchbox behind, Nipper sets off on a difficult journey to deliver it. Will Nipper find Richard in time? Will he survive the many dangers along the way? And what will happen when he gets there? A touching story from a new talent about the power of determination and the strength of true friendship.
£18.99
Child's Play International Ltd Cat's Colors
Book SynopsisWhat better thing to do on a grey day than collect some colors? Cat decides to do just that, but where will she find them? A charming, deceptively simple story about making the most of the world around us, and giving something back in return.
£9.99
Child's Play International Five Enormous Dinosaurs
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£9.70
Child's Play International Hey Diddle Diddle
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£9.26
Child's Play International Ltd Up and Down Mom
Book SynopsisLiving with Mom is a bit like a roller coaster ride. At times, she is excited and full of energy, but at others, she is tired and withdrawn. But she’s always my mom, and we’re sharing the ride. For children who grow up in the care of a parent who has bipolar disorder, life can be filled with anxiety and uncertainty. With the aid of a clear and simple information spread, this story helps us to understand the causes of bipolar disorder and how we can learn to live with someone who has it. Developed in close consultation with families who have a parent with bipolar disorder, and created in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust.
£18.99
Child's Play International Ltd The Cloud 8x8
Book SynopsisEveryone has bad days, and children are no exception. When a black cloud descends on a little girl at school, support from a classmate with a great deal of imagination helps to brighten up everyone’s lives. The atmospheric illustrations really tell the story in this delightful picture book.Trade ReviewThe illustrations in this picture book are superb. The story is simple – a little girl in art class is always by herself and never draws a picture. She also has a black cloud of scribbles over her head. Another child tries to make friends, but the little girl doesn’t respond. The second child comes up with the solution that they should draw a picture together, which they do, although the first little girl can draw nothing but black scribbles just like her black cloud. When the rest of the class become involved, they all draw a giant picture together, and the little girl’s black cloud finally disappears. The early pages are backed with grey, surely the colour of the little girl’s mood, and it is raining outside. By the end, the background colour has become yellow, and the sun is shining. The little chubby children are simply drawn, but there is lots of detail consisting of pencils and pens and pictures the children have painted. As a parable of the value of persistence and the need for friends, it could hardly be bettered. There are subtle references to the inter-racial nature of the class, and one child uses a walking frame. Ms Cumming is a talent to watch. * Books for Keeps *
£8.33
Child's Play International Ltd Rabbityness
Book SynopsisRabbit enjoys doing rabbity things, but he also loves un-rabbity things! When Rabbit suddenly disappears, no one knows where he has gone. His friends are desolate. But, as it turns out, Rabbit has left behind some very special gifts for them, to help them discover their own unrabbity talents! This is a stunning debut picture book by author/illustrator Jo Empson. Rabbityness celebrates individuality, encourages the creativity in everyone and positively introduces children to dealing with loss of any kind.
£9.99
Child's Play International Ltd Nieve en la Jungla/Snow in the Jungle
Book SynopsisWhen Snow’s mother tells her that they’re going to move to an exciting new place, Snow isn’t so sure. She likes her home and her friends, and the fun they have together. The journey takes forever, and their new home is very strange. Everything is different – the weather, the food, the people and the language. Snow tries to make friends, but everyone seems too busy and preoccupied to care. Will anything happen to help Snow feel more at home? A charming debut picture book about the anxieties and hardships of moving, with a heart-warming, positive ending.
£8.61
Child's Play International Friendship and Community Book Set of 4
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£35.96
Child's Play International Ltd The Roller Coaster Ride
Book SynopsisVincent and Grandma are on their way to the beach. As they get nearer to their destination, his excitement grows as he imagines riding on the roller coaster and other attractions! Will the day out meet his expectations? With thanks to Reach Charity and their members for helping us to ensure authentic representation of a child with an upper limb difference.
£10.99
Child's Play International Ltd Best Friends, Busy Friends 8x8 edition
Book SynopsisThis read-aloud storybook celebrates all types of friendship - at home, at school, and at play. Friends who share in the fun of everyday life, and who are there when we need them. With rhyming text, lively illustrations, and an inclusive collection of diverse characters, this book reminds us how important it is to have friends.
£8.91
Child's Play International Ltd Mejores amigos, contigo y conmigo/Best Friends,
Book SynopsisBilingual edition. This read-aloud storybook celebrates all types of friendship - at home, at school, and at play. Friends who share in the fun of everyday life, and who are there when we need them. With rhyming text, lively illustrations, and an inclusive collection of diverse characters, this book reminds us how important it is to have friends.
£8.66
Child's Play International Ltd My Tail’s NOT Tired! 8x8 edition
Book SynopsisHow can any little monster possibly go to bed when their tail isn’t even tired? And when their knees still have plenty of bounce in them? And when their arms still want to fly like a jet plane? Bedtime is surely a long way off! Luckily, Big Monster has a strategy to outwit Little Monster, with the inevitable result! A humorous and charming bedtime story that adults and children will love to read – and play out – again and again.
£8.72
Child's Play (International) Ltd Best Friends Busy Friends Simplified Chinese Bilingual Edition
Book SynopsisSimplified Chinese bilingual edition. This read-aloud storybook celebrates all types of friendship - at home, at school, and at play. Friends who share in the fun of everyday life, and who are there when we need them. With rhyming text, lively illustrations, and an inclusive collection of diverse characters.
£9.06
