'Bee and Me' - Alison Jay

'Bee and Me' - Illustrated by Alison Jay

We may be pretty wary of bee stings around here, but knowing and understanding bee business is really important to our family.  While some activities are off-limits (like watching our bee-keeping mates extract honey, *sniff sniff*), we like to educate our kids about all the important work our honey bees do.

'Hello World' - Paul Beavis

Yuss!!!  We've all been hanging out for this instalment.  'Mrs. Mo's Monster' is still very popular around here so the follow-on adventures of this little guy have been highly anticipated.

'Hello World!' - Written and illustrated by Paul Beavis

First of all - that cover.  The colours, the sun rays, the perspective, the itty-bitty details - So perfect! I love that it gives us a cute glimpse into the monster's quirky, inquisitive character (the lean and the outstretched arm - I can see my own little guy reflected), who is every bit as obstinate and prickly-sweet as he was in 'Mrs. Mo's Monster'.

Paul Beavis takes the simple and evocative illustrations of book one to a whole new level in 'Hello World!' We follow the monster on a dream-strange adventure into the wilderness.  When he loses his way, forbearing Mrs. Mo comes to the rescue, and they share a magic little moment before heading home.

I loved the book's message and needed to hear it.  Little peeps (monsters or otherwise) are definitely live-in-the-moment types, and the lure of adventure can be so strong.  My own tendency to focus on a job until it's done (the Mo's want to finish painting their house before they do something fun together) means we sometimes miss out on potentially magic adventures.

Childhood is so short and those moments are so special, for the grown-ups just as much as the little guys.  'Hello World!' serves as a timely reminder to leave the dishes in the sink (well, I don't mind having an excuse), and head outdoors.  Now that the weather is fining up, adventurezzzz...

'Hello World' is available in bookstores, and via the Gecko Press website.  Thank you Gecko Press for supplying us with a review copy of this adorable title :-)

Classroom Book Club

So this week I trialled a classroom Book Club for the first time.  With rainy days abound we are offering lunch time activities for the juniors, and it was pretty easy for me to decide a Book Club was my jam.  Though of course, with school kids you kinda have to work outside the traditional Book Club box.  I thought I'd share my plan here in case you would like to try something similar, and/or want some links to some cute vids.

This was the basic gist of our first meeting:

Since this is still my favourite children's book, I shared this clip to start us off.  It was the perfect lead in.  We talked about the ending, what we could infer etc, and the humour definitely helped the kids feel relaxed and enthusiastic.

I Want My Hat Back from The Vanderbilt Republic on Vimeo.

Some kids brought along their own books, recent ones (or in many cases, one they'd quickly pulled from the classroom library :-P) so we had a little sharing time for those.  Even though I sandwiched this part between cute videos and a hands-on activity, this was the secret heart of the lesson-disguised-as-cute-club.  We talked a lot about what makes a story fun and interesting, what we like to read about, how a story could be made better, beginning/middle/end etc etc.  I tried a different focus question for each book shared.  It was fun!

The next clip was equally great, and we only wished we'd been able to hear the whole story.  Fortunately one of the kids volunteered to bring the actual book to our next meeting, boom!  This book is total genius, and BJ Novak *hearteyes*.

We didn't have a ton of time left after this, so I scrapped a couple of items and we jumped into creating characters.  I just gave them free reign this time, and next week we'll focus on developing their ideas and making their characters more interesting.  I'm gonna try and do something fun with the finished products - I have a couple of ideas, just need to narrow them down now...

Last of all I shared this adorable clip.  Just for fun (and it tied in with the character sketches).  They were in hysterics, and we totally missed the bell.  #suchfun

Next week I plan to bring some snacks.  I also found some downloadable bookmark designs for them to colour in, for lamination.   It was more fun than I anticipated, especially being able to break out of the constraints of formal lessons (I have a short morning block with little/no room for improv). Most importantly the kids loved it, and have been talking about it since.  I'm hoping to inspire a little tribe of book nerds, mwahahahaha!

Hot off the Gecko Press

Here's a cute new release from Gecko Press for ya.

'When Dad Showed Me the Universe' - Written by Ulf Stark, illustrated by Eva Eriksson

This story has a really dreamy quality, further emphasised by the soft illustrations (making it the perfect bedtime story, right?!).  A father & son stroll through the evening streets, with gentle conversation and some poetic observations about life (and a measure of offbeat humour too).  Perfect.

I love the idea of a one-on-one evening walk with parent and child.  You know that feeling at the end of a long day, after the scramble to get baths run and meals on plates and teeth brushed, when you finally make it to bed yourself, and you kind of wonder where the day went and whether you spent enough real time with your babies today?  I get that sometimes and it feels a little chest-constricting.

Well, This story serves as a simple reminder that a simple activity such as a strolling through the evening to look at the universe, provides the opportunity for real quality time with your kiddos.  I love that.  Inspiring.

As usually, I am in love with Eva Eriksson's endearing illustrations, both atmospheric and quirky.  Ulf Stark, a new to me author, has an impressive pedigree, including over 30 books and a bunch of awards.  This is one to check out, for sure.

Thank you to Gecko Press for providing this review copy, you're our very favourite :-)

Book Wolves...

I have to admit that when I saw this book on the Gecko 2015 release list, I was desperately hoping we'd be sent a copy...  HUZZAH!  

'Help! The Wolf is Coming!' - Ramadier & Bourgeau

I read 'Help! The Wolf is Coming' aloud at my mum's house, and one page in, the entire house was giggling.  Such a fun concept!  Each page contains a new instruction to help you escape the approaching wolf - quickly escalating until you are forced to slam the book closed.   I was talked into reading this a bunch of times in a row, and then Zan had to have five turns too.  It's pretty fun!

I love a quirky book, and this (board) book fits our collection perfectly.  The illustrations are bold and fun, perfectly suited to a book that is as much a game as a story.  I think there is so much room for books such as this, those that turn storybook conventions (literally) on their head.

This isn't the first book wolf that Gecko Press has sent our way, and both are the most delightful of additions to our bookshelf.  I recommend checking them out asap.  Thank you, Gecko Press!

Best till last - Gecko Press

So Gecko Press has been gooooood to us this year.  It's felt like Christmas, all year round because these are not your average children's books!  Each and every one is so delicious/funny/original/beautiful...  We really can't give praise enough, and the books we've received through Gecko Press have been insta-fave turned insta-classic (read and re-read and so on and so forth).

But, if I had to pick a favourite (and that's hard, because I think I claim that every text received is actually my favourite - and plus whenever I think about this one, Imma swooning), it would be this one.... andthisonetoo.  Soz.  They are just both, too good.

Let's start with....  'The Day No One Was Angry' - Written by Toon Tellegen, illustration by Marc Boutavant.  This is a collection of stories - funny, bittersweet and a little sad at times, exploring different types of anger through the eyes a collection of hilarious and sweet animals.  The illustrations... are pretty much the best thing since French Press coffee. #mindblown.

The stories have an almost zen thing going on, powerful and poignant - posing opportunity for reflection both for children and grown ups.  Anger is def the black sheep of the emotionz family, and I love that this breathtaking book has been claimed by our book collection, allowing our family to share some new thoughts about how we process anger.

And frankly, Boutavant's illustrations alone make for perfect discussion points, just look at that little face...

'I am the Wolf... and Here I Come!'  - Benedicte Guettier.  Seriously, cracked me up.  I don't know if this is just quite indicative of my weird sense of humour, but I'm thinking I'm not alone, because I showed it to two other adults who thought it was funny too.  Much lolz.

This is a board book, with little text, so there isn't much I can really say without giving away the punchline, or building up the joke so much for you.  I really really love this one.  I think (but shhhhh) it really is my favouritest of them all...

Here's a wee snapshot of the Gecko Press 2014 releases - so many beautiful books!

Go check them out, and take advantage of their free shipping till Dec 31!  Thank you Gecko Press for making Christmas last through 2014 x

'Line Up, Please!' - Tomoko Ohmura

"Standing in line can be dull, but not when you mix tigers and frogs, sheep and skunks.  But what could be worth waiting for...?" - Gecko Press blurb.

Get ready for the cuuuuuutest kiddo book!!!  Winning points: sweet illustrations, a counting/identifying game, animals (lots of), humour, A FUN SURPRISE!!!  So.  Everything, then.  Seriously, the surprise is waaaay cute!  And also cute, is watching out for favourite animal characters in the pages subsequent to the surprise.

If your babies are anything like mine, they are probably obsessed with animals and the identification of.  This is just the kind of book for animal lovers - as you can see the (deliciously illustrated) animals are identified by name along the bottom of the page, so once you've finished reading the story, you can go back for a second round, ticking off the animals you know, and adding to your collection.  The characterisations are fun too!  Just fun, and sweet, all round.  I think you should check this one out, stat.

'Line Up, Please!'  by Tomoko Ohmura is available through Gecko Press, who kindly sent us a copy of the book to review.  They are offering free Christmas shipping, so check 'em out!

'You Can Do It, Bert!' - Ole Konnecke

'You Can Do It, Bert!' - Ole Konnecke

"Bert has been preparing for this for a long time.  He is ready.  Mentally and physically.  But before he takes the plunge, he might need a bit of encouragement from his friends.  You can do it, Bert!" - Gecko Press

Oh man, this one is soooo cuuuute!  I easily fall into the over-writing category, so I am particularly impressed when authors can convey such an emphatic and meaningful message across, with such restrained use of text (and in this case, illustration too).  The illustrations are stinking cute.  Bert is adorable in every action (and his methods of procrastination?  Very relatable), and I love the use of negative space (so underrated in kid's books).

Konnecke cleverly sets up for a few possible outcomes, each equally viable until the truth is eventually revealed (I was surprised).  There is subtle humour, and a general message of warmth and encouragement (his friends, oh what friends!  The best kind).  This would make a most perfect gift for a child (or even adult) preparing for change of some kind.

I should probably also mention that short texts like this are always very welcome at the end of a long day, ya hearing me?  I have some go-to favourite short reads (all Gecko, I might add) for those nights.

'You Can Do It, Bert!' by Ole Konnecke - is available for pre-order now, and will be released by Gecko Press in October. Yay for Gecko Press!  Thank you for this charming ARC x

'I don't want to go to school' - Stephanie Blake

'I don't want to go to school!' - Stephanie Blake

"Once upon a time, there was a mischievous little rabbit.  Maybe you know him.  When his mother said: "Tomorrow is your first day of school, little rabbit."  He replied: "I'm not going!" - Gecko Press

Simon is back!  We were all v. excited about this one!  Simon is def our favourite cheeky little bunny, and this Simon-story is an insta-classic in our household.  The school-years are edging in on us, so this was a timely addition to our shelves, though of course, the story itself is applicable to all sorts of situations.  Generally speaking, little ones tend to find it difficult to adapt to big changes, and sometimes it can be so helpful to have the support of just the right text, for those: "remember when Simon didn't want to go to school?" conversations.

Do you reckon Simon liked school once he got there?  Well, no, not immediately, but that's half the charm (and hilarity) of this book. Of course, humorous children's books are always the most fun to read, and Gecko Press seem to hold the market for funny, quirky, adorable kid's books.  Stephanie Blake has a very sweet sense of humour, making this a treat of a read.  And we've tested this book on various visiting adults - verdict?  Funny.

If you want to get your hands on 'I don't want to go to school' by Stephanie Blake, check out your local bookstore or purchase via the Gecko Press website.  There are three other 'little rabbit' books to collect (we neeeeed the first two), so keep an eye out for those, too.  Thanks again, Gecko Press, for this super adorb review copy x

'Where is Rusty?' - Sieb Posthuma

Some beautiful books recently arrived from Gecko Press.  Oh happy day!  We felt like Christmas had come early (yes, all of us - we are the Gecko-Press-Appreciation-Society 'round here).  First up (and released this month!):

'Where is Rusty?' - Sieb Posthuma

"A Sweet picture book about a curious young dog who gets lost in a big department store." - Gecko Press.

Rusty is inquisitive, and when he suddenly realises he's in a tight spot, he panics and does the very worst thing.  This was so me when I was little!  Oh, sweet little Rusty, I would've been afraid of those watchdogs too!   The tale is relatable (for me, certainly) and the illustrations are humorous and fun.  There are loads of little details to pick out in this dog-centric word of Posthuma's creating.  The story is playful, and supplies an opportunity to discuss the importance of personal safety (and how we maintain that).  Very useful for our little bunnies, who visit the mall very rarely, and when they do...

Sieb Posthuma is a Dutch author/illustrator, who based this cute character on his own pup, Rintje, super cute!   'Where is Rusty' is published by Gecko Press, and is available now at $19.99NZD.  

My thanks to Gecko Press for the review copy of this sweet tail < har har.

'The Lazy Friend' - Ronan Badel (AKA best, best, best book!)

'The Lazy Friend' by Ronan Badel.  Oh, my, my.  Have you had the pleasure of reading this book? I don't even know if there are words enough to describe how much we love it.

As Eleanor told her papa, "there's no words in this book, you just see what's happening in the pictures." Already we have had so many retellings, and only the first few were given by Zan or myself. The story is sooooo delicious! An adventure, yes!  Filled with twists and turns and unexpected outcomes. But so, so much more. A story of friendship, so darn touching, I actually teared up a little bit the first time we read it.

The illustrations in 'The Lazy Friend' are perfection, with foreshadowing, gorgeous expressions, and little details that make these kinds of books so fun. I for one, fell head over heals for this adorable little group of friends. The snake, oh the brave snake *sniff sniff*, what an emblem for loyal friendship. Such tender moments, especially that pivotal point where the parrot and frog watch their friends disappear into the jungle.  Waaaaaah!  Tears.  And this picture below?  Makes me want to dive into this book world and join their gang.  FOR REALS!

Sometimes you find a children's book that fits every criteria for instant-classic-never-to-be-parted-with-I-will-read-this-to-my-grandbabies, and for me, this is it.  There are only a handful of kid's books that I love this much, that thank you, Mr Badel, your inspiration equals our delight.

And from another Gecko favourite, we have discovered an artist model:

Thank you Gecko Press for providing us with a review copies of these delicious books!

Hot off the Gecko Press

It feels a lot like Christmas when a parcel arrives from Gecko Books.  Oh my.  These two books have been insta-hits with my two, and we have read them every single night since their arrival.  Like most kids, Eleanor and Garland are mad about animals (I'd even venture to say they like animals a little more than they like humans, just quietly...). For this reason, both of these books had massive appeal straightaway.  Actually if truth be told, these were insta-hits with me, too.

The Cake - Dorothee de Monfreid

"Tiger wants to bake a cake. A chocolate cake. But rabbit has a weakness for carrot cake. Monkey wants a banana cake. Dog is licking his chops thinking about a bone cake. And little Bear really wants a fish cake. Is there a way to satisfy everyone?" - Gecko Press website

I first heard of this book when I read Ange's review, and knew immediately that I would like it.  Quirky illustrations?  Tick.  Sense of humour?  Tick.  I was completely right, I do love the book!  And better yet, my children adore it.  Can these four critters agree on a cake flavour?  Well... You'll find out.

This is a nice short read, and definitely packs a punch. There is a charming naivety to both text and illustrations that I think really resonates with children.  In fact the entire situation is oh so familiar, right down to the double twist at the end, it couldn't be anything but a favourite.  And personally I can't help but smile whenever I read the line, "flour makes me sad."  Haha!  Genius.

Bonus - because this story is told in speech bubbles, in encourages you to dust off your drama skillz.  Bonus bonus - this encourages your kiddos to do the same!  We've had re-enactments of this book on a daily basis, and as this is something I've been a quite intentional about lately (learning texts by heart, reciting them, dramatizing them), I am definitely pleased to add this book to our collection/repertoire.

Ko Wai e Huna Ana? - Satoru Onishi (Te Reo Maori translation by Paora Tibble)

"Who’s hiding? Who’s crying? Who’s backwards? Look carefully! Is it dog, tiger, hippo, zebra, bear, reindeer, kangaroo, lion, rabbit, giraffe, monkey, bull, rhino, pig, sheep, hen, elephant, or cat?" - Gecko Press Website

The initial, instant appeal of this book lay in the 'find the...' game, and I don't know which of my babies was most enthusiastic about finding each animal.  There *may* have been a few scraps about this, to be honest.  But that was only the beginning!  They quickly took to the challenge identifying their favourite animals by new-to-them names, and I'm well-pleased that they are bringing some Te Reo into their everyday vocab.  In fact, it makes me feel pretty ashamed that I haven't taught them much up until now (we're changing this, stat).

During our first reading of "Ko Wai e Huna Ana?" I offered the english translation as well, but dropped this as soon as they had the meaning.  Now we read it in Maori (there isn't too much text, an absolute beginner could handle this with ease), and we have been encouraging them to answer in Te Reo too, with sentences as full as they can manage.  They are totally getting the hang of it, far quicker than I expected, and just in time for Maori Language Week - 21st July, yuss!

I love, love a kid's book that is both entertaining and educational too, but in a gentle, unassuming way.  This book is a big hit in our household, and by the sound of it Ange's too - read her review here.

Boom!  Thank you Gecko Press for providing these review copies for our family :-)  Keep an eye out for their release next month x

Mrs. Mo's Monster (Gecko Press)

Mrs. Mo' Monster - Paul Beavis

Here's a fun little piece of children's lit. for ya!  Mrs. Mo's Monster details a fuzzy little terror who is hellbent on destruction.  Okay, I'll stop right there.  I have one of those, only mine has blond hair and significantly less monster drool.  But he does in fact, love to crunch, munch and chew ev.er.y.thing (and that, is just the start of it...).  As I've found with almost every Gecko Press title sent to me so far, there's an important message to take from this seemingly innocuous story.  If Mrs. Mo's Monster can be convinced to stop eating all the things and find a fun and non-destructive hobby, so too can my little fuzzy haired friend.

The cute wee tale has vivid illustrations, including a beautiful depiction of a birthday surprise (built towards in the previous illustrations), and plenty of opportunity to practice your best monster voice (mine is a cross between the Cookie Monster and Yoda).  My kiddos love it, and I do enjoy reading it to them.  Find out more/purchase Mrs. Mo's Monster here, or check it out in your nearest bookstore or library...

Gecko Press sent me this copy for review, but all opinions expressed are my own xx

Glorious books from Gecko Press

These two delicious books felt like they'd been custom picked for my babes.  Two very different tales, each in their way perfectly suited to my children.

Pom & Pim - by Lena Landstrom & illustrated by Olof Landstrom

At two, Garland is slowly increasing his concentration span for longer stories, but it's the shorter ones that he likes best.  Those stories that offer him the opportunity to contribute his thoughts and discussion points (I'm talking '2yo' discussion points here: 'Booon, pop.' and so on).  Pom & Pim was just. perfect.  The story is so simple, a sweet little character experiencing a series of good and bad luck.  On a surface level, this concept is already great.  Little ones can easily identify which events might be considered 'good' or 'bad', and can probably relate to the trauma of falling on one's face, or getting a bellyache.  This concept is layered with a 'good out of bad' message, with sweet little Pom finding ways to overcome his misery and turn his luck.  Underlying this is the thought that maybe it's not luck after all, but merely how we react to adverse moments.

Whew!  That's a lot to fit into a children's book with so few words!  I was super, super impressed.  I also couldn't leave this review without mentioning the illustrations.  I have yet to come across a Gecko Press title with illustrations that I didn't love, and Pom & Pim is no exception.  Quirky, simple and yet subtly sophisticated too, just like the story.  All in all, a very appealing book.

Watch Out for the Crocodile - by Lisa Moroni & illustrated by Eva Eriksson

Eleanor is cuckoo for this book, and it's not hard to explain why.  The main character, Tora, could be any imaginative, nature-loving 4-5 year old, and is therefore instantly relatable.   Like Eleanor, Tora has a fascination with scary animals, and is desperate to arrive at the forest (where she and her father are to camp) in order to begin animal spotting.  When nature doesn't quite provide (do ants count?), Tora uses her imagination to depict exciting beasts and mystical creatures, and the trick now is to get her dad to see them too.

This story says so much about the distinctly different worlds adults and children inhabit.  We already know this, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded on a nightly basis.  If a kid tells you that a gigantic rock is really a bunch of sunbathing hippos, well, Kid is correct y'all (also, a good reminder put our electronic devices away more often, eeek).  I love love looooooved that this story features a father/daughter adventure, of the very best kind!  I felt super inspired to plan some one on one overnight camping trips for later in the year.

And the illustrations?  LOVE 'EM!!  Of course.

Two absolute favourites, thank you so much to Gecko Press for sending review copies!  Check out the Gecko Press website for even more delicious picture books.

Sweet, lovely Gecko Press

Back again with two delicious book reviews for Gecko Press.  At first glance, I decided I would stash both of these books to give to my children as gifts, but on closer inspection, I realised that one of them was definitely for me.  Selfish, yes, but if you've seen this book (and if you know anything at all about me, which you do, because here you are), you will completely understand.  So...

A Book is a Book - Written by Jenny Bornholdt and illustrated by Sarah Wilkins.

This beautiful little treasure of a book made my chest constrict with joy.  Yes, really.  I was mesmerized by the beautiful illustrations and the quirky descriptions describing what a book really is.  Oh oh oh.  So sweet.  It's the kind of book you can open at any page to find a lovely quote, and would make a great discussion starter for older kids.  Talk about imagination captured.

A Book is a Book makes for a fun read for children, the whimsy and humour appealed to mine, and is an equally enjoyable read for older humans too, which makes it a pretty good standby gift for literature enthusiasts of any age.

Read another review of A Book is a Book over at Tall, Short, Tiny & a Pickle

A Deal's a Deal - Written and illustrated by Stephanie Blake.

On initial glance I wasn't sure if this was going to be my type of book.  I liked the illustrations, which reminded me a lot of these Andy Riley cartoons that I had a bit of an obsession with in my uni days.  But generally speaking, I don't go for the gross humour type kids books.  I've been been recommended plenty, but I've never felt any urge to try them.  Having this book sent to my door forced the issue, and....

...I was pleasantly surprised!  I really loved it!  The main part of the story is quite straightforward, and very relatable.  Two little bunnies are playing with their toys and both are desirous of what the other has.  Oh yeah, we've all been there.  What follows is a figurative tug of war, as each tries to navigate whether or not they've come out worse for the little deal they've struck.  One bunny has, and so exacts revenge, in quite an unexpected way.  Contrary to my pre-conception of gross humour books, I found it very funny, and immediately read it to the kids.

Not at all too gross for me, and I cackled like a hyena when I read it.  Maybe I have been initiated into the 'gross humour kids books club', because I now feel quite optimistic about trying others. Eleanor thinks it's hilarious too, so there's your biggest stamp of approval.

Read another review of A Deal's a Deal over at Tall, Short, Tiny & a Pickle

Bubba Book Club: The Little Tree

Guys, stop the press yo.  The lovely Faery Sarah has self-published her beautiful children's book, The Little Tree - yaaaaaaaay-paaaaaaaaants!!!!!  We were lucky enough to test drive the e-version of this book and it was a huge hit with Eleanor!  She requested that I read it to her over and over again, and now asks about it on a regular basis.  Lucky for her I snapped up one of these as soon as they were released - and even nabbed a hand-crocheted Little Tree!  It will be a happy Christmas round here...

Because I have read this story (multiple times) I can confidently recommend it to you all.  Love the story (simple and sweet), LOVE the illustrations, and it's so nice to have a new kiwi classic (my prediction) to read to our babies.  

There are one or two first editions still available in Sarah's felt store, and you can also buy a PDF of her Little Tree amigurumi pattern too!  Coolnessssss!   And though really I feel no need to say this, because I'm pretty fussy about products I review anyway - this is not a sponsored post.  Just love this book and couldn't wait to purchase-slash-share it with y'all.

All photos via Sarah

Bubba Book Club

This week for Bubba Book Club I thought it would be perfect to share these two sweet books via Gecko Press.  If you haven't come across Gecko Press yet, they are a beautiful publishing house that have the. best kids books.

Toucan Can! by Juliette MacIver & Sarah Davis, seriously, what a gem!  I immediately fell for the cover of this book, and loved it more and more with every page turned.  The text has such a great rhythm which means it's truly fun to read aloud (even the tongue-twisting bits).  There's something a little unexpected about the rhyming, which I LOVE.  I wish more children's books surprised me in such a delightful way.

The illustrations are joyful and sweet, with a wonderful use of negative space.  The characterizations are bang on, and there's such a sense of wild abandonment and fun throughout the book.  This escalates as the story reaches a close, until the pages become a riot of colour and cuteness.  Those birds, oh oh. 

I have to admit, I'm sneakily saving this book to give to Eleanor on her birthday, so the kids haven't seen it yet, but judging by their current list of criteria (rhyming story, amaze illustrations, animal characters) this is going to be such an instant hit with both of them.  Read another review of this beautiful book over at Create Hope Inspire.

Gecko Press also sent me a review copy of 100 People by Masayuki Sebe.  Yuss!!!  This book is a total find!  I don't know about you, but we are a tad obsessed with these 'Find The...' type books.  Is there a genre for this?  If there is, it's our favourite.  Eleanor is super duper obsessed with finding all the hidden items, and she's actually pretty great at it.  Better than me anyway.

100 People has a lot of appeal for us.  I'm totally digging the quirky illustrations for a start.  They open up heaps of room for discussion about a wealth of different things, and make it super easy to create new 'Find The...' games.  Each page has a little box with ten characters you need to find as a starting point.  The speech bubbles then extend the game, and you can spend a great deal of time on each page discussing all sorts of additional observations.

I was pretty thrilled to reach the Christmas page as I am rather a fan of Christmas, and look forward to including this book in our Christmas Book Advent.

Overall, two fun and beautiful books that have been added to our book collection with so much pleasure.  Check out the Gecko website for other new releases as these guys only print the very best of the best, including a new Joy Cowley title - eeee! x

These books were sent to me as review copies, but all opinions expressed are my own x

Bubba Book Club

Two old faves this week, which may very well already be yours too...

Bread & Jam For Frances

A.Dore this story.  It was a favourite, growing up, and it's a favourite now.  The descriptions of food are mouth-watering, and Frances has got to be the cutest animal protag. everrrrr.

Old Bear

More than anything else, I love Jane Hissey's illustrations.  The stories themselves are fairly uncomplicated, and I may be just a tad sick of them thanks to a couple of Old Bear videos that Eleanor sometimes watches, but they are sometimes quite humorous too.  There is a bedtime board book that I particularly like too.  Very simple, but rather sweet.

Pop your recommendations in the comments - or better yet, write your own post and I will link it up next week... Last week Becky of Whimsy joined in with these recommendations - lots on that list that we haven't come across yet, sweet!

Bubba Book Club

Thought I'd start a book club for bubbas, so that we can share some of our favourite titles with each other.  Sound fun?  Hope so.  No rules, just share some faves, and leave a link in the comments if you do.  I'm always on the lookout for good recommendations, and more than happy to share some of our faves.

This weeks books:

My Farm by Alison Lester - We were gifted this gem by my MIL and I read it to Eleanor last night.  Oh my.  This kind of book would have had me swooning when I was little.  The country life, the games, the adventures.  I get the feeling this book is based on Lester's own childhood, but I'm too lazy to research that.  Very sweet anyway, and I look forward to reading it more slowly with Eleanor next time, and having a good close look at the cute illustrations.

Elmer's Opposites by David McKee - or any Elmer story really.  Sometime at the end of the day, I find myself excessively grateful for a short bedtime story.  Enter: Elmer.  Short, simple, and I personally love the illustrations.  Patchwork elephant?  What isn't there to love about that?

My Book of Little House Paper Dolls  - Cutest paper dolls ever.  We had this in our collection when we were younger, and now Eleanor plays with these dolls when we visit my mum.  I really love Garth William's illustrations, so soft and sweet and innocent.

Usborne Children's Cookbook - I have this on my wishlist for Eleanor's birthday/Christmas.  It has sweet illustrated recipes aimed at young 'uns.  Such a fun way to encourage a love of cooking.  Pretty sure Rosa had this book when we were little.

The Family From One End Street by Eve Garnett - Not really a bubba book, but oh man, I LOOOOOVED these books when I was little, and super can't wait to read them to my guys one day.  A big sprawling noisy dirty family with absolutely no money, but lots of love.  And adventures in the countryside.  There was much for me to relate to as a child, and from memory these are humorous too (but maybe kiddo humour, just fyi).

Got some faves?  Share them!