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Chris Haughton

Kind by Alison Green (& 38 Kind Illustrators)

Every parent hopes that their child will grow up to be kind, and for that reason I think this book should be on bookshelves everywhere. It teaches children the value of kindness and the difference it can make to the world.

The tiniest little things can turn someone’s whole day around and they cost you absolutely nothing – a smile, a hug, a hand to hold. The book asks children to think about what they can do to help those around them. This could be something as simple as carrying a bag, being a little bit patient or sharing your toys.

It also encourages kids to think about how others might be feeling. If there is a new person in their class then they might be nervous or scared, so how can they make it easier for them?

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Ivy’s Guest Book: Charlotte Khan, Owner, Moo Like A Monkey

Moo Like A MonkeyHello! Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family

I’m Charlotte and I live by the sea in Folkestone with my husband and two children Mabel (3) and Luna (1.5).   I’ve recently opened a Children’s Boutique in Folkestone’s Creative Quarter called Moo Like a Monkey.  We stock clothes, books and toys that are a unique, colourful unisex, eco-friendly and generally very cool. I quit my job in London earlier this year to run the shop full time. I work in the shop most days with my youngest, Luna.  I spend my days in the shop cleaning up crumbs and changing nappies. In the evenings once the girls are in bed, I stay up looking for new stock and trying to figure out my accounts.

What are your children’s favourite books?

Mabel’s bedtime favourite at the moment is ‘A Bit Lost’ by Chris Haughton.  She finds it hilarious that the baby owl falls out of the nest at the start of the book.  The illustrations make me smile and with so few words the squirrel’s character comes across really clearly. You can’t help but put on a silly voice for the over-eager Squirrel who tries to help the owl find it’s Mummy.  Such a sweet book that still makes me giggle. Mabel picks up on the fact it amuses me too, so reading it at bedtime it always nice as we have a laugh together. Hmmm maybe this is my favourite book, not hers… Another Favourite is ‘Press Here’ by Hervé Tullet, perfect for some quality one on one time with Mabel. Luna isn’t into that one yet, she’d rather chew it.

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Ivy’s Guest Book: Maria Bateson, Owner & Maker, Maria Made It

Maria Made ItTell us a little bit about yourself and your family

Hi, I’m Maria, owner and maker at Maria Made It.  I make silver handprint and fingerprint jewellery and keepsakes. Everything is made to order, by hand, by me.

I have 3 children: a boy and two girls aged 8, 6 and 3 and we love reading, we also have a lot of books!  We are currently living in Belgium, but we are from South East London. We will be heading back there next year.

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Ivy’s Guest Book: Holly Dabbs, Founder, Foxglove Forest School

Holly DabbsTell us a little bit about yourself and your family

My name is Holly and live in South London with my husband, 11-month-old daughter and our two moody cats! I run creative workshops for children in museums, gardens and bookshops! I collect children’s picture books and finally have a child in the house who can enjoy them too although she is currently trying to eat most of them! I run Foxglove Forest School, a family forest school session for under5s in Forest Hill London. I love to use books and storytelling in my sessions.

What is your daughter’s favourite book?

At the moment my daughter loves ‘the Noisy Book’ by Soledad Bravi. Its great example of onomatopoeia and has bright, simple illustrations that she is hooked by. I am passionate about her enjoying books as much as I do! She also loves Spot books! We are lucky to live in Southwark which is part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. It’s a free reading scheme for children under five, she sends you a new book for free each month. Thank you Dolly!

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A Bit Lost by Chris Haughton

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

On No, George! By Chris Haughton

Oh No, George!George the Dog is every toddler. He really, really wants to be good and he promises he will be but sometimes being good is just so hard! The loveable dog gets himself into a number of scrapes, causing the reader to shout ‘Oh No, George!’ each time.

The illustrations are gorgeous and Ivy is always reduced to fits of giggles as she yells ‘Oh No!’ at the extremely cute puppy protagonist.

Buy it now: http://amzn.to/2jhujWb