Little Concepts: ABC Shapes

Little Concepts: ABC Shapes

Illustrated by Ingela P Arrhenius

Published by Walter Foster Jr.

An ABC board book that goes beyond squares and circles and reminds us that there are so many other shapes out there; from cubes to ellipse, helix to isosceles and quite a few more that I had forgotten about or didn’t even know of! 

Children (and I imagine adults too) will learn about unusual shapes along with the alphabet. Throw in some retro and distinctive stylish illustrations by Ingela Arrhenius and you’ve got yourself a winner! 

Each page spread highlights two letters, unconventional shapes and an engaging illustration which incorporates the two shapes that children can try and spot.

This is a fun and colourful, educational book that takes a different angle on learning the ABC!

Age 3+

A short break away...

A short break away...

...and some great Nosy Crow baby board books!

I hope everyone enjoyed the glorious summer we just had and made the most of the beautiful sunshine. Autumn is showing it's colours, this is my favourite time of year where I can start to wear jumpers and layer up, make stews and soup, and enjoy walks kicking leaves and collecting conkers and pine cones.

I've been rather quiet on this blog for a while as there's been a lot going on in my life these last few months and I've struggled to make time to review the lovely books that I've received. Aoife has just started school (how quick was that?), and now Erin is nearing her first birthday and is into everything. I also had a health scare and had a lot of hospital appointments throughout summer which are still on going but hopefully I'm reaching the end and can put it all behind me (fingers crossed).

Erin has reached a great age now where she is really showing a strong interest in the board books we have; she especially enjoys textures and large flaps. She hasn't quite got the hang of finger holes yet but I don't think it will be long. It's great to be able to pull out Aoife's old favourites and funny to see Aoife being quite protective of the books and will remove them if Erin is being a bit too rough with them.

Over the summer I was lucky to receive some more great board books from Nosy Crow. 

We received Animal and First Words which are part of The British Museum range; they are a great idea and a different take on first word books for little ones, aimed at ages 0-2. They feature interesting photographic imagery of items that can be found in the British Museum collection. An index at the back offers more information on the objects shown as well as a QR code to explore more. Though aimed at little ones, I think children from 3-4 could benefit by exploring and discussing objects you can find in a museum.

The Can you say it too? range have been a huge hit for both my little ones and Stomp Stomp is no different. The flaps are definitely big and easy for little fingers to lift. The illustrations are bright, colourful and fun and grabs the child's attention. The concept of the book is a hit and seems to work; aimed at children who are just talking, children will like the repetition and will rush to find who's hiding behind the next flap.

Look, there's a Helicopter/Tractor are from a range of books that uses finger holes to follow the story. With lots of items to point out and spot, these are great little adventures, perfect for sharing with little ones. Aimed at ages 0-2, with cute and colourful illustrations, these are sturdy little board books and a hit for any little boy or girl!

All books featured are available now, for more information click here.

My Illustrated Encyclopedia

My Illustrated Encyclopedia

Illustrated by Alain Grée
Published by Button Books

My Illustrated Encyclopedia is a beautiful collection of illustrations from the archives of Alain Grée; Child friendly and engaging page spreads, this makes a lovely first encyclopedia for young children. It offers simple but interesting facts, and covers a broad range of subjects, for example, flowers, woodlands, animals, wildlife, seasons, weather and landscapes, food, space and transport etc.

With labels, names, and an offering of facts, there's just enough information for young minds to take in. I believe there's enough information to hold a child's attention and be a starting point for further discussion. With a retro feel, the illustrations are engaging and sweet. It would make a beautiful gift for any inquisitive young child and to be honest I quite looking through it to admire Alain Grée's illustrations. Available soon.

 

Why it has been so long...

Why it has been so long...

I have already announced the following news through my Instagram account, but we welcomed another little girl into this world, last October; meet Erin, the newest member and little sister to Aoife. It feels like Erin has always been apart of our little family and Aoife adores her (I hope it lasts!). 

Adjusting to being a new mum of two has been hard work and I have struggled to get back into the swing of things when it comes to reviewing but now that I've sort of got the hang of things (it's all about routines), I'm hoping to crack on with this reviewing lark. I've been receiving some gems and can't wait to show you. 

Erin gives her seal of approval to another lovely addition to the range Can You Say It Too?  Stomp! Stomp! is by Sebastien Braun and published by Nosy Crow. A board back book with large flaps to lift which reveal a range of dinosaurs. Bright, colourful, and bold, it would be great for any little dinosaur fan. The Can You Say It Too? range, is ideal for children who are just starting to talk. 

I love seeing children reading and enjoying books!! But I especially love how Aoife is now enjoying revisiting her baby books and pointing out things to her little sister. Sister love x