Nibbles: The Dinosaur Guide

Nibbles: The Dinosaur Guide

Written and Illustrated by Emma Yarlett

Published by Little Tiger Press

This is currently one of my daughter's favourite books at the moment which we like to read during the day and will often end up re-reading its predecessor, Nibbles: The Book Monster alongside it - we'll often re-read it a few times in one sitting! We enjoy lifting flaps and looking through holes, on the look out for Nibbles who is a very naughty monster who likes to chew through books and is always getting himself into a lot of trouble...

This time we find that Nibbles has nibbled, or should I say chomped, his way into a dinosaur guide book and readers must try and prevent Nibbles from falling prey to a set of ferocious jaws. There's hot-headed Triceratops, greedy Diplodocus' and scary Velociraptors among a few others. Filled with nibbled peep holes, lift-the-flaps, funny jokes and dinosaur facts, this book can be enjoyed by children ages 3 - 6 years.

This book is very funny and one that can be explored and enjoyed over and over again. Jam packed with entertaining illustrations, has Nibbles met his match when he ends up meeting the most terrible dinosaur of all - the T-Rex? Well I won't ruin the ending for you, you'll just have to catch up with this little monster yourself!

For more information on Nibbles, check out the link here. 

And below, Aoife pretending to be Nibbles - my cheeky little monster!

Petunia Paris's Parrot

Petunia Paris's Parrot

By Katie Haworth (Author), Jo Williamson (Illustrator)

Published by Templar Publishing

This is the debut picture book from Katie Haworth and Jo Williamson. Petunia Paris is one of those children you'd usually find in a Roald Dahl book, but here, instead of her meeting a grizzly end she finds that a parrot given as a birthday present is about to teach her a very valuable lesson. 

Petunia has everything she could ever wish for, from a swimming pool to a bicycle with its very own chauffeur! So when Petunia's birthday comes around and she asks for a talking parrot she doesn't quite get the present she was hoping for. She wants the parrot to talk, sing, but the parrot refuses to. So Petunia goes at all lengths to find out why her parrot is too stubborn to say a single word.

This is a hilarious story about not always getting what you want. Petunia meets her match in the parrot and the parrot helps turn Petunia from a spoilt child into a more understanding and caring child. She gives up her new friend so he can be happy, a valuable lesson for any child that will help ensue sharing and kindness.

Katie brings charming illustrations to life with an interesting colour themes which really give the last fold out spread really pop. The story will certainly charm younger children, and there's plenty here for them to come back to again and again. 

Petunia Paris's Parrot is available now from all good bookshops and from the Templar website.

Little Why

Little Why

By Jonny Lambert

Published by Little Tiger Press

Little Why is written and illustrated by the talented Jonny Lambert, who illustrated the recently reviewed I Love You More and More. Little Why just can't stay in line, and no wonder, there's so much to see!

Little Why is meant to be walking in line in-between the Elders but he spots a Wildebeest and wants some special horns as well, so that he would look super scary but when he asks, he is told "No" and to "Keep in line!" He soon spots a tall Giraffe and wants long-lofty legs like the giraffe so he can be super tall, but is once again told to "Keep in line!"After spotting a few more animals and not being back in line, Little Why spots a Crocodile, with a snippy-snappy snout...SNAP! It's a close call for this little Elephant and he is once again told to stay in line. Soon he is told to stop, why? Because they have finally reached the watering hole, where all the other animals are. Little Why is told that he had big flappy ears and a super-squirty trunk, great for splashing with, and he is special just the way he is. 

I enjoyed this little story, Little Why is just like an inquisitive toddler, excitable to discover the interesting animal found in the African savannah. This book could also be used to introduce themes of positive body image and the dangers of little ones running away.

I like Jonny Lambert's style, his illustrations are stylish and striking with the white backgrounds, making the textures stand out. The animals are very cute and easily recognisable for children. Recommended for ages 3-6.

The last page spread is my favourite as I love the below image of Little Why and his parent and the last few words "... you're special just the way you are!" A lovely ending for this sweet picture book.

Little Why will be available from the 11th February in all good bookshops and online here.

Festive reads from Little Tiger Press, Part 2

Festive reads from 
Little Tiger Press

Part 2

Here with the final two festive reads and to start it of, something for the very little ones..

Is It Christmas Yet?

By Jane Chapman

Little Tiger Press have just released this lovely board book edition of this fun and favourite Christmas story. Any parent or Grandparent will know how excited little ones get in the lead up to Christmas and may ask a few times (or every waking hour), "Is it Christmas yet?" That's the case for poor Ted, he is just so excited and cannot wait for Christmas. As Big Bear tries to hang the decorations and wrap the presents, little Ted seems to be getting in the way a lot. Then it's off to find a Christmas tree, which is so big, Big Bear can't get it through the door and ends up snapping it. Big Bear and an upset Ted share a big hug and together they fix the tree, just in time for Christmas.

Recommended for ages 1-3, this little board book comes with sturdy pages, suitable for little hands.

This is a lovely little story that parents will be able to relate to and bring back memories of those stressful but funny times. With lovely illustrations and funny text, this is the perfect festive gift. Available in all good book shops or online here. 

Waiting for Santa

Written by Steve Metzler
Illustrated by Alison Edgson

A story of belief and friendship and reassuring little ones - This festive tale is about Bear wanting everything to be ready for Santa Claus but his friends are unsure if Santa will find them. Bear reassures them that Santa will be there. They make signs and snacks for the reindeer, and they decorate a huge Christmas tree. Bear's friends are still worried Santa won't be able to find them but Bear has an idea and comes back with a huge, bright star to go on the top of the tree. They have to help each other to place the star on the top and when everything is ready, the friends all huddle together to wait for Santa but when they are just about to give up, who should appear....

This is an adorable, sweet little picture book about working together and never stop believing. Every child needs a little magic in their life and this would make a lovely, magical gift. With it's foiled cover, cute illustrations and heart warming tale. Recommended for ages 3-6 and available in all good book shops and online here.

I Want My Daddy!

I Want My Daddy!

Written by Tracey Corderoy and Illustrated by Alison Edgson  
Published by Little Tiger Press

Some days we just need our daddies, and that’s especially the case for Arthur in I Want My Daddy!. If you liked Tracey Corderoy’s I Want My Mummy, then you will enjoy this sweet tale of Arthur and his special Daddy.

Arthur is having a very bad day, his castle keeps falling down, and he can’t be a knight without a castle. He needs his daddy! His Daddy believes it’s a job for more than one knight, and together they cement (with glue) and paint, making the turrets nice and straight. Arthur can finally enjoy playing knights, marching and swishing his sword but it isn’t long, when charging after baddies, he crashes into a broom, “Ouch!” Daddy is there with a hug and offers to take Arthur to visit his favourite castle at the park, where there are turrets, ladders and a great big slide. 

While fishing for monsters in the moat, something soon tugs on Arthurs line… Arthur starts to worry; what if its big and hairy and scary! It’s Daddy to the rescue, and after lots of pulling, a huge boot is pulled from the water. Daddy calls it a Boot-a-saurus which they find very funny. Later in the day Arthur decides to make a crown, as every castle needs a king, a special someone and that’s Arthur’s Daddy. The story is very sweet and children will be able to relate to when things don’t go to plan. This sweet picture book will cheer up any little knights having a bad day.

As always, illustrator Alison Edgson creates warm and reassuring illustrations alongside Tracey's playful text. Alison was also the illustrator of Mummy’s Little Sunflowers which I reviewed back in March. I Want My Daddy! is the perfect picture book for Father's Day and for those times when only Daddy will do! Available to buy at all good bookshops and on the Little Tiger Press website.