Book Review :: Penguin Problems - Jory John and Lane Smith

Penguin Problems - Written by Jory John and illustrated by Lane Smith

"Little Penguin has problems: his beak is cold; there s snow everywhere; the water smells salty; he waddles; he looks the same as everybody else. No it s not easy being a Penguin!"

Clever and cute, Penguin Problems is also super relevant.  It's the children's book equivalent to #firstworldproblems, with little penguin guy complaining about literally everything.  He's the modern day equivalent of Eeyore, but somebody is about to set him straight!  Because Penguin Dude, life is so good!

Book Review :: The Hamster Book by Silvia Borando

The Hamster Book - Silvia Borando

"If you have always wanted a pet, but your parents have never let you ... this is the book for you. Because, inside the pages of this book, your new hamster awaits. Isn’t she cute?" 

What an adorable little book this is!  I think interactive books are so much fun (Help, The Wolf is Coming is another fave), and The Hampster Book is especially cute.

Book Review :: Pandora by Victoria Turnbull

Pandora - Written and illustrated by Victoria Turnbull

"A great picture story book with an environmental message.  This is a stunning fable of hope and regeneration from critically acclaimed artist Victoria Turnbull."

Pandora is a beautiful, sad and ultimately hopeful story.  The title character lives alone, surrounded by broken things with which she builds her little life.  When an injured bird appears, Pandora finally has a friend, and a purpose.  Eventually the bird leaves, but the gifts of seeds and hope left behind, transform Pandora's grey world into one that is beautiful.

Book Review :: Angel Star

Angel Star - by Chris Sanders and illustrated by Kat Merewether

"Angel Star written by Chris Sanders symbolises a new era of Children’s storybook writing using adult contemporary music inter-twined with simple beautiful lyrics that will resonate in the heart of every child.Modern day nursery rhymes that all the family will enjoy singing and reading today and for generations to come."

Book Review :: When We Go Camping by Sally Sutton and Cat Chapman

When We Go Camping - Written by Sally Sutton and illustrated by Cat Chapman

"From two of New Zealand's favourites - Sally Sutton and Cat Chapman - a rollicking romp through a day on a family camping trip!"

Book Review :: A Child of Books - Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston

A Child of Books - by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston

"An inspiring and lyrical picture book about a little girl who sails her raft 'across a sea of words' to arrive at the house of a small boy. There she invites him to come away with her on an adventure where they can journey through 'forests of fairy tales', 'across mountains of make-believe' and 'sleep in clouds of song'. Guided by his new friend, the boy unlocks his imagination and a lifetime of magic lies ahead of him... But who will be next?"

Book Review :: Neffy and the Feathered Dinosaurs - Joe Lillington

Neffy and the Feathered Dinosaurs - Joe Lillington 

"It was a very special day for Neffy the Microraptor - she would be taking her first flight.

But when Neffy spread her wings she didn't know what she was supposed to do! Will she learn in time to join her sisters and escape the predators on the ground?"

This is the ideal book for fact-collecting kiddos (age 4+), with a sweet little story that makes for perfect bedtime reading. 

'Goodnight Everyone' - Chris Haughton

'Goodnight Everyone' - Chris Haughton

Big Bear and the other animals are sleepy and ready for bed, but Little Bear isn't tired yet.  Basically. A simple premise and a very cute little book.  The kind you would read in a really nice slow voice to make everyone feel suitably sleepy.

'Shapes at Play' and 'Shapes, Reshape!' - Sylvia Borando

'Shapes at Play' and 'Shapes, Reshape!' by Sylvia Borando

'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 :-)

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!

Quite a lot of cute...

Fresh from the Gecko Press, some, um, quite delicious books for toddlers.   

'Where is Pim?' - Lena and Olof Landstrom

The gorgeous illustrations and simple-sweet storyline we found in 'Pom & Pim'? are back in this second instalment.  I've said it before and I'll say it again - I am utterly impressed with the way this husband + wife team manage to convey so much with such sparing use of words.  These are also visually oh so appealing to me.  A sweet colour palette and beautiful composition.  Such a winning combination.

And we can relate to this story, big time.  You wouldn't even believe how often the phrase 'where's Baby Seal?' is repeated.  It's practically our family motto.  The tears, the anguish, the endless hunting and hoping, it's all very real (and daily) for us, so this story struck a particular chord.  

Garland isn't yet so bookish as his sis, but he is very attached to both Pom & Pim stories, and will take these to bed with him most nights.  Just these two.  Meanwhile, Eleanor sleeps under a blanket of books...

'Max's Bath', 'Max's Bear' and 'Max's Wagon' - Barbro Lindgren & Eva Eriksson

Well I'm officially in love with Max.  If those spindly little legs don't steal your heart, I don't know what on earth will.  What a beautiful series of baby books!  I love board books (side note - read here about the importance of board books), and we have quite a collection that I just don't mind adding to (despite having no tiny ones at present).  These are prized though.  These are the ones you kinda don't want your baby drooling all over.  These are the ones that you almost want as coffee table books because they are just. so. cute.

And while they are 'technically' toddler board books, I challenge any grown person to read these and not become smitten.  It's impossible.   

All cuteness aside, these would make the most perfect baby shower gifts.  I already gave one to my almost-due sister, but being the selfish kinda girl that I am, I kept the other two for myself  my maybe-one-day-baby.  

Check him out in his leopard print toga!  I mean, I can't even...

Gecko Press titles such as these can be purchased direct from the Gecko Press website, or you can find them in any good bookstore.  We were privileged enough to receive review copies, for which we are so grateful.

For more Gecko Press lovelies - take a look at some of my other reviews x