Tag

Courage

Princess Scallywag And The Brave, Brave Knight By Mark Sperring & Claire Powell

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I naturally gravitate towards stories with strong female characters and this quirky book turns the usual princess/knight dynamic upside down.

The kingdom is plagued by dragons and appears to be in need of a brave knight to solve the problem.

An enterprising young knight appears and the queen tells him that if he can get rid of the dragons then he may have her daughter’s hand in marriage.

The knight is horrified saying he’s heard disgusting things about how stinky and mean the princess is and he wouldn’t marry her in a million years.

The queen is angered and tells the nearest dragon that he will just have to marry her instead. Terrified at the prospect of marrying this horrible-sounding princess the dragon quickly flies far away.

The dragon problem is solved but what about a husband for the princess? Hmm. Hang on. Let’s take another look at that knight. Is it possible he’s a she? And is it possible she’s not a knight at all?

A fab, funny story about a very smart mother/daughter duo. Recommended!

Buy it now: http://amzn.to/2I8H11I

Be Brave Little One By Marianne Richmond

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Be Brave Little OneThis beautiful little book about courage is perfect in every way.

It shows your tiny reader all the ways in which you can be brave – from the loudest actions to the tiniest little steps.

Whether it’s exploring unknown places and situations or simply plucking up the courage to talk to another child, being brave (and being brave enough to show your feelings and follow your heart) is always to be commended.

The gentle illustrations and lovely message make this ideal for a toddler who is beginning to learn about emotions.

It would also be a beautiful gift for a new mum and baby.

Buy it now: http://amzn.to/2FZ8SRe

We’re All Wonders By R.J. Palacio

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We're All WondersAnyone who has read Wonder by R.J. Palacio or seen the recent movie adaptation will be familiar with the story of Auggie – a small boy with a facial disfigurement who enters a mainstream school. If you haven’t read it then it’s highly recommended!

This version of the book is suitable for little children and let’s them see what life is like when you don’t look like everyone else.

Auggie explains how he likes to do all the same things that other children do but because he looks different then people stare and sometimes they are mean to him. He shows you how this makes him feel and how he deals with it.

He knows he can’t change the way he looks but he wants to try and change the way people see because he thinks it will make the world a better place.

We love this one and it’s an excellent book to start a conversation with a pre-schooler about empathy and how we should treat those around us.

Buy it now: http://amzn.to/2COJJ8v

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

Little People Big Dreams: Rosa Parks by Lisbeth Kaiser & Marta Antelo

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Little People Big Dreams: Rosa ParksWhen I spotted the ‘Little People, Big Dreams’ series of books I knew I had to get them for Ivy. I bought 6 of them, each highlighting the life of an inspirational woman from history, with the intention of putting them away until she’s a tiny bit older. However she spotted them and was fascinated straight away. She’s too young to understand the stories and their significance yet but she seems drawn to the beautiful illustrations. Her favourite seems to be this one, which runs through the amazing life of Rosa Parks.

It shows all of the injustices and inequalities she had to deal with as a child and the inspiring way in which she stood up and made a massive difference.I definitely recommend checking it out (along with the rest of the series).

Buy it now: http://amzn.to/2E1dQ2c

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

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 Bear Who Stared By Duncan Beedie

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The Bear Who StaredThis gorgeous book by Duncan Beedie is about a big old bear who can’t help but stare.

The animals who live near his cave all dislike him because they think he is really rude. However what they don’t realise is that poor Bear is just a little shy and socially awkward. He wants to get to know his forest friends but he clams up and doesn’t know what to say – hence the stares. A chance encounter with a little frog gives him the confidence to try something new.

Is it possible that a simple smile could help him make friends?

The illustrations in this one are gorgeous (and as a fairly socially awkward grown up I absolutely love the story and message behind it).

Buy it now: http://amzn.to/2Detljk

Perfectly Norman By Tom Percival

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Perfectly NormanNorman is a normal little boy – but then one day he grows a pair of wings.

He tests them out and enjoys them enormously but as he’s never seen any other little boys with wings he is worried about what other people will think. He hides them under a big coat so that no one can see them – but constantly wearing the coat means he can’t enjoy all of the fun things he did before, like swimming and playing in the sunshine.

He grows to hate his wings but then realises that the wings aren’t the problem, the coat is. Having to pretend that he’s someone he’s not  is making him miserable. Is he brave enough to set his wings free and show his true self to his friends and family?

This is a fantastic book for any child who is worried about being a little bit different to their peers. It shows how having the courage to just be yourself can open up a whole new world .

Buy it now: http://amzn.to/2m0Y4Iu

The Lion Who Wanted To Love By Giles Andreae & David Wojtowycz

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The Lion Who Wanted To LoveLeo is not like other lions. He doesn’t feel compelled to hunt other animals, he just wants to cuddle them and shower them with love. As he is a little unusual and isn’t bringing any food to the pride, he is forced to leave his family and go it alone.

Will his loving approach help or hinder him as the little lion tries to survive on the plains alone?

This is such a sweet book with a lovely message about the importance of kindness.

Buy it now: http://amzn.to/2CuWHtn