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Santa’s Early Christmas by Lily Lawson

Nov5

Delightful

Santa’s Early Christmas by Lily Lawson is a delightful book for the under sevens. It is perfect to read to young children or for early readers to read themselves.

The main body of the book has rhyming couplets to accompany each illustration. These enable the poem to bounce along in a rhythm. After your children have heard it a few times, they will soon be joining in.

At the end of the book are a few longer poems. All equally delightful.

The whole book is simply illustrated by Gustyawan. Each page can be a starting point for a discussion with our children as we see all the traditional food associated with Christmas.

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Charlotte’s Snowman by Lainey Dee

Oct12

Simply Beautiful

Charlotte’s Snowman by Lainey Dee is an absolutely charming tale for the under fives.

It is simply written, enabling young children to easily follow along.

We see the excitement that a snowfall brings and are shown how to build a snowman. But this is no ordinary snowman – read the book to find out why. Capture the wonder on a young child’s face.

It is important to share what we have, care for others and to also look after ourselves.

We learn that sometimes things fade away but we are left with memories as they live on in our hearts.

Charlotte’s Snowman is beautifully and simply illustrated by Sarah-Leigh Wills. The pictures appeal to all with big, open smiling faces.

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Christian Princess Diary Of Confessions by Iletha M Dodds Riggins

Oct5

You Are Loved

Christian Princess Diary Of Confessions by Iletha M Dodds Riggins is a beautiful little book for girls aged eight years and under. It is a timely reminder for us all, no matter what our age – Jesus loves us and our goal is to become more and more like Jesus daily. As we look in a mirror we should reflect Jesus to the world.

Each double page asks “Mirror, mirror on the wall who is the most…?” The final word changes each time. There is a Biblical scripture to back up the answer, and there are questions for our girls to look inside themselves and space to write the answer.

This is a book to be read with our children so that we can discuss the answers with them.

The repetitive formula helps to re-enforce the message that we are loved and we are to love.

All the book is beautifully and simply illustrated. I did have a favourite illustration – as the girl looked into the mirror, Jesus looked back.

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Operation Happy by Jenni L Walsh

Sep30

Inspiring – Pre-Order Today, due out 2nd April 2024

Operation Happy by Jenni L Walsh is an inspiring historical children’s novel that I read in just one sitting. It is perfect for ages eight to twelve years, although anyone who loves history would enjoy this book.

The book begins in 1938 but it’s main focus is the terrible events of Pearl Harbour in December 1941. The whole book revolves around this date. The action is seen through the eyes of marine dog Happy, and the daughter of a marine, Jody, whose father is posted to Pearl Harbour in 1940.

This is a powerful read as the war is presented through the eyes of a child. It is written in a way that young readers can understand without absolutely terrifying them. There is just enough detail without being too graphic.

Happy is retired from active marine life when he is given to Jody one Christmas. Happy is losing his 20 20 vision and growing older. His name is very apt. “It’s … near impossible not to look at you [Happy] and smile.” He is a loyal dog whose nature is happy. “It feels like an eternity has passed between saying goodbye to Gordon and hello to Jody.”

Happy takes his responsibilities very seriously. Jenni Walsh has the skill to put herself in Happy’s shoes as we see some events through his eyes. We learn how he is guided by his nose. He can smell fear and he can smell happiness. He also has the ability to instinctively know when something is wrong.

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