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Tue
06 ^th

Out of This World
by Pat-a-Cake & Kat Uno

It’s World Space Week so I thought I would share this gorgeous little board book which is perfect for babies and toddlers.

Featuring bold illustrations and lots of eye-catching shiny sections, it introduces small children to some very big ideas. The pages are folded like a concertina and they are designed to be stretched out to create a frieze. You can use it to keep a baby entertained during tummy time by standing it up in front of them, and toddlers will enjoy sitting in the middle of it and interacting with the pages.

On one side of he frieze we see all of the planets laid out in order. Each of them has a very expressive face (which can be used to talk about emotions) and a descriptive name which tells us something about that specific planet – Little Mercury, Red Mars, Cold Neptune etc. As someone who was born in the seventies I love that there is also a little nod to Pluto as I refuse to accept that he’s been downgraded!

Mon
05 ^th

Seasons
by Hannah Pang & Clover Robin

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“Wow! Wow Mummy, wow!” – and that’s pretty much all Ivy said the first time we flicked through this stunning book together! I have to admit she’s right. It’s an absolute joy to behold and is jam-packed with amazing facts about nature.

This non-fiction book takes you on a mesmerising journey around the world as we learn the effects the seasons have on different environments.

First up is the European Oak Tree which should be very familiar to your child if you live in the UK. The clever laser cut pages show us the tree at different stages throughout the year and the text introduce us to the variety of tiny creatures which call it their home.

Mon
05 ^th

Everybody’s Welcome
by Patricia Hegarty & Greg Abbott

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In the middle of the forest stands a tiny little Mouse, daydreaming of her very first home. Her thoughts are disturbed by a Frog who explains that his pond has dried up so he has no place to go. Mouse takes this to be a sign and she suggests that they build a house together.

As construction begins, more animals appear and each has a sad tale to tell. There are rabbits who have been chased from their home by an eagle, birds who have had their tree chopped down and a big brown bear who feels isolated because his size scares people.

Mouse comforts each displaced creature in turn and invites them to be a part of her project. Soon they are all working together to build the perfect home, where they can all reside safely together.

Sat
03 ^rd

Our Favourite Picture Books About Families

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I’ve had quite a few messages recently from parents and teachers looking for books about different types of families, so I have created a list of our favourites.

There are 24 books in total and they cover a really wide range of family groups and family members. There are books about mums, dads, grandparents, siblings and new babies. There are books with two parents, books with single parents and books with same sex parents. There are also books about adoption and foster care, IVF and surrogacy.

Hopefully every child will see themselves represented within the pages of these stories and they will learn a little about other families too.

Fri
02 ^nd

Billy And The Balloons
by Elizabeth Dale & Patrick Corrigan

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Is it too early to mention Christmas? I’m writing this wearing a big jumper and woolly socks whilst rain hammers at the window so I am declaring it almost winter. 2020 has been utterly rubbish and I think we are all in need of some cheering up, so welcome to my first festive review of the year!

It’s Christmas Eve and Billy is watching his dad sell balloons as the last of the shoppers grab gifts for their loved ones. He really wants to help but Billy is quite small and his dad thinks he is far too tiny to hold on to the big bunch of colourful shapes.

Suddenly a powerful gust of wind bounces the balloons up in to the air and out of his dad’s hand. Billy jumps and grabs hold of the strings but he is so small that he is lifted off his feet. His dad grabs on to his ankles but he is lifted up in the air too!

Thu
01 ^st

Later by Curtis Ackie & Constanza Goeppinger

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This beautiful #ownvoices book shows us an ordinary day in the life of one afro-caribbean household.

Mummy is at work but her two children are missing her very much. They trail their father around the house as he does the chores and continuously ask him when she will be back (Later!”).

As the day passes many people knock at the door and each time the kids run excitedly to open it, hoping it will be their mother. Instead they are greeted with Postman Jerry, Old Mr Longfoot, Nana and a whole host of other characters from the community. Each visitor uses a different style of greeting and speech, including some Jamaican Patois. They are all met with enthusiasm from the two children – but when will Mummy be home?

Wed
30 ^th

Noah And The Starbird
by Barry Timms & Faye Hsu

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You’ll need to get your tissues ready for this heartwarming and truly uplifting book about showing courage and kindness during difficult times.

When Noah’s Daddy is rushed to hospital the little boy is sent to stay with his grandmother. Naturally he is scared and confused but he finds comfort in an old lamp which has been placed in his bedroom. Shaped like a baby bird, the lamp emits a warm and soothing light and Granny lets slip that she thinks it might have magical properties.

Later that night Noah finds himself unable to sleep. He tosses and turns, worrying about his Dad, until something wonderful happens. The glowing bird leaps from its perch and flutters over to the bed. She introduces herself as the Starbird and gently talks to him until he feels calmer. She offers up a glowing feather to help him feel brave and Noah starts to feel a little better.

Tue
29 ^th

There’s A Mouse In My House
by Ross Collins

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Have you read ‘There’s A Bear On My Chair‘ by Ross Collins? It’s been a firm favourite in our house for years and was one of the books I reviewed way back in the early days of Ivy’s Library.

Now the cheeky duo are back and the tables have been turned. In the first book, Mouse was extremely annoyed at Bear for sitting in his chair and refusing to move. This time it’s Bear’s turn to feel the frustration because Mouse has taken up residence in his house and is driving him crazy!

Poor Bear. All he wants to do is relax in his own home but Mouse just won’t go away and his hobbies are a little extreme. From practising Taekwondo and pretending to be a pirate through to blasting out soft rock and eating the contents of the fridge, Mouse is not a good house guest at all.

Tue
29 ^th

Songs For Our Sons
by Ruth Doyle & Ashling Lindsay

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“So get ready for life, planet earth has been waiting, For the gift that is you and the hope you’re creating.”

Oh my goodness. Where do I start? Reading this book made my heart soar! Written in beautiful rhyme, it explores the joy a boy’s life can hold and encourages them to look to the future and the difference they can make to the world.

Will they be a showman, a sculptor, a nature explorer, a scientist? It doesn’t matter as long as they are always true to their own unique selves.

The message is loud and clear on every page – Embrace your emotions. Honour your heart. Never try to change yourself to suit others. Use words and ideas to solve life’s problems. Be kind. Don’t judge. Breathe.

Wed
23 ^rd

Clap Hands for Key Workers by Pat-A-Cake & Kat Uno

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The events of 2020 have definitely highlighted the critical role which keys workers play in our society. This gorgeous little touch-and-feel board book celebrates the part they play in keeping us safe and well.

Each double page spread introduces us to a different key worker and encourages your child to talk about what they are doing. Harriet the doctor is bandaging a child’s leg. Jay the shop worker is working the tills at the supermarket. Ruby the postal worker is delivering parcels. Logan the bus driver is helping people get around the town. Once you’ve talked about the role each worker plays, your child is invited to clap for them and say thank you for their hard work.

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