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.

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

Can You Say It Too? Brrr! Brrr!

Can You Say It Too? Brrr! Brrr!

By Sebastien Braun

Published by Nosy Crow

Part of the 'Can You Say It Too?' series, Brrr! Brrr! is another great edition to this series of board books for young children and great for this chilly time of year.

Filled with artic animals and lift and see flaps, this is a great board book for little people to get their hands on. I adore Sebastien's illustrations in this series of books, he fills the spreads with beautiful illustrations of all kinds of animals that children may not be familiar with. In Brrr! Brrr! we are introduced to seals. penguins, killer whales, artic foxes, walruses and wolves. My two year old throughly enjoyed lifting the flaps to discover each hiding animal and read it several times afterwards. A great addition to anyones 'Can You Say It Too?' collection and for adding it to your child's educational bookshelf. 

Can You Say It Too? Brrr! Brrr! is available to buy now from all good booksellers and from the Nosy Crow website here.

Pip and Posy - The Snowy Day

Pip and Posy - The Snowy Day

By Axel Scheffler
Published by Nosy Crow

 

The Snowy Day, is part of the Pip and Posy range by the well known illustrator Axel Scheffler. If you have little ones under 5, then these are a great range of colourful books filled with comfort and humour. ­ There’s even a website dedicated to the World of Pip and Posy which has lots of games, news and activities for fans to get stuck into. In The Snowy Day, Pip and Posy can’t wait to go outside to enjoy the snow, but first they have to dress warmly. They put on their scarves, hats, mittens and waterproof boots and then they’re ready to head outside. They catch snow flakes on their tongues, make snow angels, and sledge down a steep hill. 

 

 

But the fun doesn't last. Posy announces that she wants to build a snowmouse, but Pip wants to build a snowrabbit. As they can’t agree it soon turns into a fight with Posy throwing the snowmouse’s head at Pip who then in turn pushes Posy facedown into the snow. Oh dear! However, they soon make up and head back indoors to warm up and play playdough making lots of different animals. 

 

The Snowy Day is a great book for the mini people in your life who have yet to see their first snow fall, or for reading at a winter theme at nursery/play group. ­ It shows young children what clothing you need to wear before going out into cold, snowy weather and also shows what fun can be had in the snow; making snow angels, having snow fights and building snowmen. And even showing how little ones can resolve their differences after arguments. 

 

 

Axel became a household name for illustrating the Gruffalo, the Gruffalo’s Child and many of Julia Donaldson’s stories. His style is distinctive and recognisable for his bright, colourful illustrations and cute characters. The Snowy Day is no exception and with the hard back it has a lovely soft cushiony feel, great for little hands to hold. There are seven books in the Pip and Posy range by Axel Scheffler, which are aimed at 2 years and above.

 

The Snowy Day is available at all good bookshops and direct from Nosy Crow. ­

Hubble Bubble series

Hubble Bubble series

By Tracey Corderoy and Illustrated by Joe Berger
Published by Nosy Crow

 

It’s been spookily fun but we’re ending the Halloween week on this Hubble Bubble series by Tracey Corderoy and illustrated by Joe Berger. If you like a little bit of magic in your life, you and your little ones will love this series (ages 3+). Meet the Granny who’s a witch! 

 

Hubble Bubble, Granny Trouble! 

 

Meet the Granny who’s kind of different, wears funny hats and has a huge menagerie of cats, frogs and bats who follow her everywhere. 

 

 

She likes to eat icky gloopy soup and make things disappear, but if you had a Granny like this, would you want to change her? Would you like her to be like normal Grannies?

This Hubble Bubble tale is about loving people just the way they are.

 

 

 Whizz Pop, Granny Stop!

 

Her Granny is quite different but sometimes her Grand-daughter wishes her Granny was just a little more like her. When her Granny tries to help brush her hair, Whizz! Pop! It goes all pink. Or when Granny tries to help clear out the rabbit cage, Whizz! Pop! Her rabbit disappears.

 

 

But with her birthday coming up, she bans her Granny from using magic to help, its time to make things by hand, like bake a cake, sew a birthday dress and even when all the children arrive, Granny helps paint their faces - its just like parties aught to be! But with such a mess left afterwards, its Granny’s magic to the rescue to help tidy up!

 

 

Spells-A-Popping! Granny’s Shopping!

 

Sometimes having a Granny who’s a witch can be quite embarrassing, as her Grand-daughter already knows, but when at the supermarket, things can get quite out of hand, when magic fills the air. Biscuits will dance, popcorn will pop, runner beans will race and monkeys may even appear from bunches of bananas. 

 

But when her Grand-daughter spots two robbers stealing, it’s her Granny to the rescue, with a giant POP and a chocolate bear, will they stop the robbers from escaping in time?


I really enjoyed this series of magical mishaps, with the fast and fun rhyming text and the magical illustrated pictures. And Joe Berger's illustrations across all the titles are perfectly matched to Tracey's words. Adults and children alike will love these books, especially the underlying message that though her Granny is different her Grand-daughter wouldn’t have her any other way!

 

If you like this series, the creators have just released the following titles, aimed at ages 6+: Hubble Bubble: The Glorious Granny Bake Off!, Hubble Bubble: The Pesky Pirate Prank! and Hubble Bubble: The Super-Spooky Fright Night!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Mouse’s First Night in Moonlight School

Mouse’s First Night in Moonlight School

By Simon Puttock and Illustrated by Ali Pye
Published by Nosy Crow

 

 

With Halloween just a few days away, this is another little picture book for the very little ones, recommended for age 2+. Mouse’s First Night in Moonlight School, written by Simon Puttock and illustrated by Ali Pye, is a warming and reassuring tale that would be good for very young children who are about to start school or about to try something new.

Moonlight school is run by Miss Moon, for all wee small creatures of the night. There’s Owl, Cat and Bat, but it’s Mouse’s first night at school and Mouse is very, very shy. Mouse is so nervous, that she gets to school extra early to hide behind the curtains. At registration, no one has seen Mouse and Miss Moon begins looking for her. As Mouse’s mother told her to be good, Mouse gathers the courage to call out and come out from behind the curtains. The other animals congratulate Mouse for hiding very well which gives Miss Moon the idea to suggest a game of hide-and-seek. After Miss Moon finds Owl, Cat and Bat very easily, they all try to find Mouse but where is Mouse hiding? It’s a very good hiding place!

Though this book isn’t scary, this is a night school run by a friendly witch, and you’ll be able to spot the broomstick, spell books and pumpkins in the backgrounds. With very cute animals, there's no chance that your young child will be scared by this sweet reassuring story, but instead be introduced to what may be making those sounds at night.

 Mouse’s First Night in Moonlight School is available to buy in all good bookshops and online at the Nosy Crow shop.

Guinea Pig Party

Guinea Pig Party

By Holly Surplice
Published by Nosy Crow

"Count from ten and back again!"

I’m quite familiar with Holly Surplice’s illustrations and I especially adore her drawings of guinea pigs!

The Guinea Pig Party is no exception; a counting down hard back filled with such adorable cute little guinea pigs taking part in birthday party fun, though not everything goes to plan (as is often the case)! And as with all birthday parties the guinea pigs are a naughty bunch and even play pin the tail on the guinea pig!

This lovely pre-schooler book is a great way to introduce numbers and counting down from 10 to 1. It includes simple rhyming with each page spread ending with..and then there were… allowing children to know there is to be a new number or to guess themselves. I can also imagine children will have fun recognising the party antics within this cute little book.

Holly's illustrations are beautifully rendered in ink and watercolour, making the guinea pigs antics stand out on the plain white backgrounds. The typography flows on every page, with the number standing out in it's own stripey colour so a child can easily spot it.



This would even make a great gift for little ones who have their own guinea pigs… though hopefully Aoife won’t want a guinea pig of her own any time soon, we already have mischief from our two naughty little rabbits!

Guinea Pig Party is available to buy in bookshops and on the Nosy Crow website.

Bizzy Bear: Happy Holiday

Bizzy Bear: Happy Holiday

By Benji Davies
 Published by Nosy Crow

There’s a total of 11 books within the Bizzy Bear series, published by Nosy Crow, and this little fun slider book, Bizzy Bear Happy Holiday is definitely for the vehicle mad toddlers.

Bizzy Bear is going on holiday and to do that Bizzy Bear has to travel by taxi, train and a plane. Along the way, there’s lots of other types of transport to spot within the bright and colourful illustrations. Benji Davies doesn't disappoint with his cute animal illustrations and his attention to detail on all modes of transportation - making each vehicle recognisable and even cute to look at!

Even if there weren’t any moving sliders, there’s so many things to look for within the pictures. Of course, the sliding and push and pull parts offer little ones more fun and enjoyment in making Bizzy Bear move. A great sturdy little book which could easily accompany any little one on their own travels.

Bizzy Bear: Happy Holiday is available to buy in bookshops and on the Nosy Crow website.

 

Noodle Loves to Eat

Noodle Loves to Eat

By Marion Billet
 Published by Nosy Crow

This little touch and feel book is very cute! Noodle Loves to Eat is for babies and young toddlers, and has little areas of different textures for little fingers to explore. 

What I like most about this book is that its a lovely way of trying to encourage children to identify food and objects they may find about the house but maybe a way to help little fussy eaters. 

Noodle is a baby panda who loves to eat and with each page we see Noodle enjoying a new food but I love how it ends; with a reflective mirror surface to reflect the child’s face, it reads; '...and just like Noodle, you love to eat!' This is a great way to start talking about food, asking what the child likes to eat and a nice way of introducing a new food to try.

There are 8 books within the Noodle touch and feel series by Marion Billet, all with lovely little topics, they would make great first time books for little ones.

Noodle Loves to Eat is available in bookshops and to buy on the Nosy Crow website.

Roar! Roar!

Roar! Roar!

By Sebastien Braun
 Published by Nosy Crow

 

Before I had even opened this hard back book, I loved the cover, with such bold and bright colours, it definitely would make any child want to pick it up.

As stated on the front and back cover, Roar! Roar! has sturdy big flaps to lift and asks the question 'Can You Say It Too?' - Its been specially designed for children who are just starting to talk and for any little one who enjoys making animal noises! Its part of the Can You Say It Too? range, all of which Sebastien Braun has illustrated for Nosy Crow.

Each page spread asks 'Who’s that…' and the child is encouraged to pull down the flap to reveal the animal hiding, with words on the back of each flap introducing the animal and what sound it makes. I think this book, and the whole range, makes a lovely way of encouraging children to try to talk, introducing what each animal looks like, their name and learning about the sounds they can make. A lovely first book for the very young, recommended age 9 months+.

Roar! Roar! is available to pre-order in bookshops and from the Nosy Crow website.

Books Always Everywhere

Books Always Everywhere

Text by Jane Blatt, Illustrations by Sarah Massini
 Published by Nosy Crow

 

Wow, isn’t time flying by, with less than a week to go until my due date, our baby could come any day now and we’re getting excited to finally meet him or her.

I can’t wait to encourage a love of books and especially with this book, Books Always Everywhere, published by Nosy Crow certainly made me day dream about reading to my little one.  And as written on the back…'it’s never too soon to share a good book with your little ones'.

This hardback book introduces to young children, that books can be anything - from a chair, or a tower to a hat - but the best thing they can be is a book. With such lovely delightful illustrations by Sarah Massini, each page holds lovely engaging illustrations that would allow you to talk and ask the child about whats happening on the pages from building a house out of books to reading in bed with books and easy to mimic what is happening. 

The words are few and very simple; Book big, book small, book tall etc. Though fewer words than your typical picture book, the words used are all first words that children are taught when they start school. This lovely little book makes a great way of introducing these simple, descriptive words and with such pretty illustrations, it will make it a delight to read to any young child.

Books Always Everywhere is available to buy in bookshops and from the Nosy Crow website.