Review: Adam and His Tuba - Ziga X Gombac - February 2023 This was one of those beautifully illustrated sophisticated picture books, the ones where the artwork illustrations are just top-notch. The story itself was also gorgeous and strangely enough as I was reading it, I couldn't help but think of Batman and Robin - the movie where Chris O'Donnell played Robin. The connection was how before Robin's family was slaughtered by the villain - his family was a troupe of circus performers and they all lived for the circus life. Robin being too young ended up becoming Batman's sidekick after he managed to escape and survive the situation. The other movie I thought about was the Sound of Music as this family is called the Von Trapeze and in the movie Sound of Music, it is the Von Trapp family. All of Adam's family are circus performers and have been for generations, however, Adam doesn't seem to fit the circus life and during the book - his family tries to push him in...

Review: Elephants Remember - Jennifer O'Connell - November 2022 Based on a true story, Elephants Remember is not only one of the most beautifully illustrated animal stories I have seen but it is also such a heart-warming, ugly crying, sweet read. It is one of the best animal books around and if you love stories like Katherine Applegate's The One and Only Ivan or the various Michael Morpurgo titles, then you will love Jennifer O'Connell's book Elephants Remember. This book starts with a guy named Lawrence who owns a haven for animals in South Africa. He has been asked to look after a herd of elephants, at first, he is reluctant as he doesn't have the equipment needed e.g. fencing and the space for them. Lawrence eventually is persuaded as he realizes if he doesn't save them, then they will be sadly hunted and killed by poachers which animal lover Lawrence won't let happen. It's not an easy task, as the elephants start to escape but each time Lawrence bri...

Review: When We Went Wild - Isabella Tree / Allira Tee - June 2021 Call it nostalgia, call it withdrawals - lately I have felt a strong desire to read children's books and get back to reviewing them.  Inspired by a true story, When We Went Wild is a book about two farmers Nancy and Jake who decide that they are missing nature and the "real world" as their farm became taken over with chemicals, machinery, and fancy new tools. On a whim, the couple decides to get rid of it all and return their farm to its natural habitat. Of course, they are met with resistance from the locals but soon the townspeople come to realize the benefits of a wild and natural farm. This story was inspired by a couple who in 2000 in the smalltown of Knepp, West Sussex UK decided to rewild their farm. Complete with beautiful illustrations that are Safari meets Farm Life, this sophisticated picture book is perfect for ages 6-9 years old. Amazon : https://amzn.to/3fNNphn

Review: Kind Words ; The Glue that Helps Keep us Together - Jeni D. Davenport - May 2019 Sometimes, I get sent children's picture books to read and review. These are great when you are wanting something quick to read when you are sitting in front of the TV, or want to read something but can't feel the concentration of sitting for an hour or so. I have also wanted to go in the direction of sharing positive children's books on my site, ones that hold a good message. I liked this one as it shows readers which are the children that the power of a kind word can go a long way and that it can help make someone's day and stop the power of bullying. A kind word can be something as simple as please and thank you, or a compliment like 'you look pretty today" or even a sentence like "you can play with us". Kind words are the glue that holds people together and when we all share kind words, the world is a happier place. This book is perfect for ages 6-8 years ol...