Some fab new books this Spring!

It's been a LONG time since we put a new review up on here.  Our excuse is that we've been too busy selling and reading books to write about them (poor excuse, we know!)

Firstly, friend of the shop and author/illustrator extraordinaire Frann Preston-Gannon has followed up her wonderful The Journey Home with the equally lovely Dinosaur Farm. Frann was a recipient of the Sendak Fellowship, and the reason for this honour is clear when you see her characterful and original illlustrations.

 Dinosaur Farm tells the story of a regular day's work for a farmer - rising early, working hard and caring for the the animals.  This is a farm with a difference though, and the livestock may not be quite what you expect!  This is a really lovely little tale, told with gentle humour and warm illustrations. Great for dinosaur mad little ones aged 3+

Weasels by Elys Dolan is one of our absolute favourites this year. If you're anything like us, you are probably unaware that the main pasttime of the common weasel is plotting world domination.  Told mainly through the brilliant pictures, we are shown a group of Bond-style weasels attempting to take over the world.

There is so much detail in the illustrations, and they are set off perfectly by hilarious little comments from the slightly haphazard weasels.  A deliciously funny book, with possibly our favourite line ever, "I'm entirely confident this huge drill will fix everything." How can you not love that?

Next time we'll be reviewing some of the titles for older children that we're loving at the moment, including the new Department 19 book by Will Hill and the hilarious new Timmy Failure by Stephan Pastis!

A trio of thunderous picture books!

 

 Crunchy Croc!
Coco the crocodile is a croc who chomps on the wrong things. With the puppet finger attached you can show her the food she should be munching and crunching. The combination of Sam Lloyd's new paper collage artwork style and the toothy felt animal puppet mouth which can be rotated to chomp any part of the page create an irresistibly interactive reading experience.We recommend this book for children aged 2+ and is currently on sale for £12.99

Daisy's Big Dig!
The people who live in Daisy's street never ever talk to each other. But Daisy has a big plan to bring everyone together- a Digging party... move over David Cameron and the Big Society, Daisy is here to help instead! This lovely story of community spirit is an educational tool whilst incorporating a truly funny tale. Follow Daisy on her quest to host the biggest and best tea party with all her neighbourhood. Perfect for a gift for any children aged 5 or over and currently on sale for £11.99.

Starting School!
A classic tale which is sure to ease any youngsters nerves about to start school this coming September! This picture book, from the awesome Ahlberg pair, follows several children as they start reception class through the first term up until Christmas. Whilst written as a childrens story book it is excellently thought out and very perceptive.We recommend this book for children aged 4 and over, and is currently on sale for £6.99

Thyme Running Out!

Thyme Running Out, by Panama Oxbridge

Justin Thyme is a self-made billionaire living in a castle overlooking Loch Ness. The day he turns thirteen, he receives an anonymous gift: a fabulous watch with a puzzling message hidden on it. When he tells his father of his plans to build a time machine, the Laird of Thyme reveals tantalising fragments of past espionage and warns his son of a ruthless enemy keeping him under constant surveillance? At first, Justin fails to take Sir Willoughby seriously, but when a stranger arrives claiming to be his long-lost grandfather, Justin is wary - especially after his beloved Nanny insists the old man is an impostor. Suddenly, the race against time is on. Can Justin convert his vintage motorbike into a time machine, rescue his mum and discover the identity of their resident spy in less than a week ...or will the dreaded Thyme Curse claim another life?
This is exciting read is ideal for long haul journeys this summer, a book you won't be able to put down, with real suspense and high pace action!

Age Range: 9-12, £6.99, Paperback

Olivia's Fourth Installment!

Olivia's Enchanted Summer, by Lyn Gardner

Olivia's dreams of performing at Edinburgh Fringe Festival are about to be realised, where every summer performers put on plays, dance and tell jokes with this year being the turn of the magnificent Swan Circus. But Olivia's dream is about to turn into a nightmare as the circus ends up homeless, there's torrential rain and a theif in their midst who's dead set on stealing the spotlight! Can anything salvage Olivia's soggy summer into a truly enchanted one?
Another fab installment from Gardner, this fourth novel does not dissappoint! Full of the usual drama, both on stage and off, this summer sizzler is ideal for budding superstars!

Age Range: 9-12, £5.99, Paperback

Loyal to the End

Soldier Dog, by Sam Angus

Stanley feels invisible to his Dad, who hasn't been the same since the tragic passing of his wife and the emotional farewell to his eldest son, sent off to war. His only real companion is his Dad's prized Rocket. Determined not to be stuck at home with tensions rising between father and son, Stanley runs off to war, enlisting in the army to train as a messenger dog handler, and despite being far too young he's soon heading to France with a great Dane called Bones by his side. As the fighting escalates and Stanley experiences the horrors of war, he comes to realise that the loyalty of his dog is the one thing he can rely on. But his father hasn't given up on him, and extraordinary circumstances will bring them together once more ...
Similar to Morpurgo's 'War Horse', though heartwarming in its own right, this is certainly not one to be missed. A moving tale of loyalty and friendship that can be found in all shapes and sizes.

Age Range: 9-12, £5.99, Paperback

Granny Grabbers: Whizz Bang World

Granny Grabbers: Whizz Bang World, by Charlotte Haptie

Imagine being told you can't eat ice-cream? Or that you can only play with toys that teach? How about having parents that make you revise all day long for the Worldwide Junior Extreme General Knowledge Competition? Sounds awful to me, but thats exactly what Delilah Smart has to do, every day of the week! And with parents far too busy to look after her, she's placed under the care of a childcare robot! Although, this could be exactly what she needs to save her from a life of boredom! Granny Grabbers is determined to teach her all about FUN! But when Happy Home Robotics send in Nanny Deluxe it looks like Delilah's days of eating chocolate cake for breakfast, playing on trampolines and ordering pets of the internet are about to be over....But not without a battle!
This new title from Charlotte Haptie is fun and fearless for boys and girls, bringing together the perfect amount of mischief and mayhem, ideal for a summer read and cetainly one for the school bookbag!

Age Range: 5-8, £5.99, Paperback

The Disasterous Little Dragon!

The Disasterous Little Dragon, by Gillian Johnson

Ever heard of a dragon that can't breathe fire? No, me either....But let me introduce you to Bartholomew! He's been rushed to Monster Hospital by his fierce Aunt Madge as he's got a terrible case of smoke inhalation as he just can't seem to master the art of fire breathing! Can four naughty children - Sylvie, Dylan, Carolyn and Tom - help him, without getting cooked to a crisp by terrifying Aunty Madge? Maybe they can, if there's a princess involved ...
Filled with quirky illustrations, this fun new title from the first in the Monster Hospital Series is remeniscent of Dahl's early novels for young readers! I strongly recommend for tiny tearaways that are just begginning their love of reading, as this will surely keep them glued throughout!

Age Range: 5-8, £4.99, Paperback