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Animals

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet by Anna Kemp & Sara Ogilvie

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Dogs Don't Do BalletBiff isn’t like other dogs. He doesn’t like playing fetch and he doesn’t do dog stuff like scratch himself or drink from the loo. Instead he dreams of becoming a ballerina!

He follows his owner to her ballet classes and watches intently – but whenever he tries to dance everyone says ‘dogs don’t do ballet!’.

For her birthday, his owner receives tickets to the royal ballet but Biff isn’t allowed to go. He’s so desperate to see the show that he sneaks after her.

Disaster strikes when the prima ballerina trips and falls – who could possibly take her place and save the show?

This is a great book which shows you should always follow your dreams and be true to yourself, even when others doubt you.

Buy it now: http://amzn.to/2EFDG8L

Animal Music by Julia Donaldson & Nick Sharratt

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Animal MusicIvy is partial to a boogie so we are big fans of this musical number by Julia Donaldson and Nick Sharratt.

The raucous rhyme runs through a whole orchestra of animals, each playing a different musical instrument. It’s really fun to read and has also been a great way for Ivy to learn the names of animals that don’t often show up in kids books.

She particularly likes the crooning crayfish and the bison who plays the cello!

Buy it now: http://amzn.to/2DXbPE0

A Bit Lost by Chris Haughton

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A Bit LostOne day little owl is sleeping in his tree next to his Mummy when he accidentally falls out and bounces in to the forest. Alone and scared, he meets a squirrel who tries to help him find his Mummy.

Using the little owl’s limited descriptions (Big, Pointy Ears, Big Eyes) the squirrel leads him to lots of animals that he he thinks could be the mum but he can’t quite get it right. Will the little owl manage to make it home safely?

The minimalist illustrations by Chris Haughton are adorable and the story is great for sparking a conversation with your little one about how to describe what someone looks like and what to do if you get lost.

Buy it now: http://amzn.to/2GvZPqE

The Storm Whale in Winter by Benji Davies

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The Storm Whale in WinterWe loved The Storm Whale by Benji Davies and recently purchased this sequel – The Storm Whale in Winter. It does not disappoint!

In the original story a little boy called Noi saves a young whale who washes up in the beach during a storm – however in this book it is the whale who comes to the rescue.

Winter is setting in and Noi’s dad (a fisherman) decides to take his boat out on one last trip, but he doesn’t come back. Noi heads out over the frozen sea to find him but soon finds himself lost and stuck.

Enter the little Storm Whale who appears with his whole family to rescue poor Noi. Together they work to find Noi’s dad – but where could he be?

A gorgeous tale of friendship and bravery

Buy it now: http://amzn.to/2npHQJQ

A Book of Sleep by Il Sung Na

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A Book Of SleepBedtime has become a bit of a challenge at our house this week as Ivy has started chatting rather than sleeping when she gets in to bed.

This evening we have read this lovely little book about how different animals sleep. It’s a short and calm read with beautiful illustrations showing koalas, elephants, giraffes, penguins and more having a snooze.

She went to sleep a little quicker than last night so who knows? It may actually have helped! What are your favourite books to encourage sleep? I would love to hear your recommendations.

Buy it now: http://amzn.to/2nda2An

Be Brave Little Penguin by Giles Andreae & Guy Parker-Rees

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Be Brave Little PenguinThis sparkly book is very popular in our house at the moment.

The story is about Pip Pip, a tiny penguin who is scared of the sea. All of his penguin peers laugh at his fears and soon he becomes lonely and sad.He plays by himself on land so that he doesn’t have to go near the water.

One day, following some gentle encouragement from his mum, he tip toes to the edge and leans forward. Can he overcome his fears and jump?

An inspiring little story about courage, with lovely illustrations and some extra sparkle.

Buy it now: http://amzn.to/2n2Oczz

The Little Book of Duggee Hugs

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The Little Book Of Duggee HugsAs it’s National Hugging Day we have been reading The Little Book Of Duggee Hugs.

I’m not usually a fan of tv/movie tie-ins as I find they’re often sloppily written but this is a really cute little book that feels like a natural extension of the Hey Duggee brand.

If you’ve been living under a rock (or you’re not from the UK) then it’s possible that you won’t have heard of Duggee. He’s essentially a scout master with a small band of animal charges (The Squirrels) and in every episode he teaches them a valuable life lesson so that they can earn a badge. Each episode ends with the Squirrels giving him a hug before their parents come to take them home.

It’s Ivy’s favourite show and I’m also a big fan as it’s educational, teaches some great lessons on friendship and it’s both funny and smart.

The book is about the Duggee Hug and outlines all the scenarios when a hug might make you feel better. It’s like a tiny self help book for toddlers!

Buy it now: http://amzn.to/2rrCOli

There’s A Bear On My Chair By Ross Collins

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There's A Bear On My ChairWe love this hilarious book by Ross Collins.

A little mouse in an adorable little jumper is absolutely furious to discover a polar bear sitting in his favourite chair. He tries everything he can think of to get the bear to move but he just keeps on sitting on that chair without a care in the world.

Finally the little mouse loses his patience and flips out. Will the bear pay attention?

The illustrations here are fantastic. I love the various stages of annoyance on the little mouse’s face and the nonchalance of the bear.

Ivy thinks it’s funny to press her hands against the pages and try to push the bear off the chair herself!

Buy it now: http://amzn.to/2FVBWIF

The Flying Bath By Julia Donaldson & David Roberts

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The Flying BathThe Flying Bath by Julia Donaldson has an extremely random story but the rhyme and illustrations never fail to make Ivy giggle.

3 little bath toys (a duck, a frog and a turtle) operate their own little emergency service for animals in urgent need of water. When they receive a call they jump in their magic flying bath and set off to the rescue.

On their adventures they help a thirsty kangaroo, a bee with droopy flowers, a pig who needs a wash and many more. But will they make it home for bathtime?

Buy it now: http://amzn.to/2mWKoQn

Side By Side By Rachel Bright & Debo Gliori

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Side By SideSide by Side is a really sweet book about finding your best friend.

Little Mouseling is the smallest mouse in a large family of mice. She desperately wants a friend of her own but all of her brothers and sisters are so busy running and playing that they forget all about her.

She sets out to find a friend but although she has plenty of offers of friendship she just can’t find someone who is the right match. Toad is lovely but she can’t swim so can’t join in with his games. Squirrel is great fun but Little Mouseling is too scared to climb his big tree.

But just as she thinks she won’t ever find a friend a shy little vole appears. Could this be the little buddy she’s been searching for?

Buy it now: http://amzn.to/2B8y6Z7