The New Small Person by Lauren Child – Book Review

My children and I are long-term fans of Lauren Child, and we have a great number of her books on our bookshelves. This particular title is full of her trademark style – collages of pattern and texture combined with bold, colourful drawings that are deceptively simple in style but convey…

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Pet Show! by Ezra Jack Keats – Book Review

Ezra Jack Keats (1916-1983) is one of the giants of children’s picture book publishing. If you’ve never come across his work before, you are in for a real treat. And if you have read one or two of his books before, go find some more because he was both varied…

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Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall – Book Review

Page from Jabari Jumps. SPLASH! Jabari hits the water with a smile.

Gaia Cornwall’s charming picture book, Jabari Jumps, tells the story of a young boy on a trip to the pool. But, like all the best picture books, it’s the story behind the words that really moves you. Beautifully illustrated, and full of gentle warmth and wit, Jabari Jumps is so…

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Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love – Book Review

Julian and his Nanna joining in the joyful and colourful Mermaid Parade

Jessica Love’s groundbreaking and utterly beautiful picture book, Julien is a Mermaid, is the simple story of a boy who decides to dress up as a mermaid. Celebrating being who you are, this is a book that encourages children to find joy in self-expression. At the same time, it also…

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Grapat Free-Play Box Review

Playing in a Grapat Free-Play Box Focus. Do you ever wish your kids had more of it? That they would concentrate more fully on the activity in front of them, rather than being constantly distracted by a million other little things? One answer is a play frame, and there is…

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Hazel Village soft toys – review

A Hazel Village friend Woodland animals and children go together like jam on toast – and never more so than when the animals in question are the charming, quirky, soft and cuddly organic cotton toys from Brooklyn company, Hazel Village. So when the equally charming Yoyo & Flo asked if…

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