Run by children's author, Rachael Davis
For my final feature of 2021, I want to look back at my top picks of the year. There have been so many incredible children’s books published in 2021.
I have reviewed lots of wonderful, inclusive books and I want to finish off the year by recommending 12 more outstanding picture books featuring characters of colour and/or about racism
New Christmas picture books for 2021: Squirrel's Snowman by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler; Santa’s New Sleigh by Caroline Crowe and Jess Pauwels; Santa's Stolen Sleigh by Tracey Corderoy and Steven Lenton; The Toys’ Christmas by Claire Clément and Genevieve Godbout
Three wonderful, illustrated books celebrate difference, overcoming adversity and perseverance.
Alex T Smith has created ingenious, creative advent calendars in the form of exquisite, illustrated books that will become a part of the family Christmas traditions for years to come.
It’s National Non-Fiction November! There is so much diversity in non-fiction in format, subject and style, creating books to suit all childrens’ interests and reading levels. Here are ten 2021 non-fiction books we love. From the glowing ocean to inventions by animals and facts about every day of the year!
This five-part epic picture book contains Jon Klassen’s iconic illustrations and deadpan humour.
Scissorella is one of the most spectacular re-imagined fairy tales we’ve ever read, blending the magical world of Cinderella with a real-life female inspiration: German film director Lotte Reiniger. It is one of my top picks for 2021.
Frog isn’t like other frogs, he wants to see the world and sets off on a holiday adventure. Perfect for 1-2 year olds
The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky by the genius picture book duo Jory John and Pete Oswald. Their wicked sense of humour makes every book a joy, but a Halloween-themed book based on The Bad Seed was too good to miss!
This stunning picture book is about the power of community spirit. Told in first person, through the eyes of a little girl of colour, this is the story of a woman who lives on a street corner with her dog. My daughter was hooked from the very first spread where we first meet the little girl walking along with her mum. She is the only one who can see the woman who lives on an abandoned plot for who she really is… A warrior queen!
I am a huge fan of Alok. Their podcasts, talks and Instagram are full of joy, inspiration and powerful messages on mental health and LGBTQ+ issues. In Beyond the Gender Binary, Alok gives an honest and heartfelt insight into life as a gender-nonconforming transfeminine person of colour. They eloquently explain what the gender binary is and what it means to be gender fluid.
This gorgeous rhyming picture book features a book-loving bear who sets off to see the world. I have some of Sophia’s absolutely incredible early sketches to share with you.
When Violet is chosen to play Ariel from The Tempest in the school play, she is overcome with worry. But it isn’t about remembering her words that’s troubling her, it’s having to say them out loud. This beautifully illustrated picture book shines the spotlight on shyness and finding your voice.
This beautiful hardback collection of amazing idioms from around the world would make a perfect gift. For each idiom the book gives us the phrase in the native language, the literal and figurative meanings and the origins of the phrase. But what makes this book stand out is that it also describes the phrase’s cultural, scientific and historical context.
From oceans to mountains, deserts to grasslands, What a Wonderful World gives you the world’s best illustrated tour of our planet through the eyes of 35 Earth Shakers. Interviewed by author, Leisa, these inspirational scientists, eco-warriors and activists share their remarkable stories.
I am excited to be sharing a new picture book by Julia Donaldson and Yuval Zommer that really captivated my daughter’s attention. The Woolly Bear Caterpillar is a cross between The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Ugly Duckling with a fabulous non-fiction bonus!
This September my daughter is starting school. It’s a big step and I’ve been on the hunt for the best books to help prepare her for the transition to school. Here are my top ten fiction and non-fiction books with emotional wellbeing and educational themes that will help children starting school. Plus a bonus bingo game!
on the blog tour for How to Track a Sabre-Toothed Tiger by Caryl Hart & Ed Eaves. This is the latest adventure in the unstoppable picture book duo’s Albie series.
It's my stop on the blog tour for The Viking Who Liked Icing by Lu Fraser and Mark McKinley and I’m delighted to have a guest post from Lu about her favourite spreads in the book. His skills don’t lie with a sword… but a whisk!
Picture Book Perfect 