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Happy new month! I cannot believe it is November already, how fast is this year going? I hope everyone has had a lovely half term break and the rain didn’t spoil too many plans! I have some great books to share with you this month – let me know which one is your favourite in the comments below!

Animal Tales from India*

Ten Stories from the Panchatantra

by Nikita Gill, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

The Blurb

From international poetry sensation Nikita Gill comes her highly anticipated children’s book debut, a stunning picture book reimagining of the wild and wonderful fables of the Panchatantra.

First written in Sanskrit, the fables of the Panchatantra have been shared by families and handed down to new generations for thousands of years. In these beautiful retellings, you’ll meet cunning crocodiles and clever monkeys, talkative tortoises and little lapwing birds, discovering a luscious world of wonder and friendship.

Writing with warmth and wisdom, Nikita Gill beautifully preserves the spirit that has kept these stories alive across the millennia, while infusing them with a new accessibility. Paired with vibrant, irresistible artwork from Chaaya Prabhat on every page, this is a timeless gift – a book that will transport the whole family.

Join Nikita as she transports readers back to when the whole world was fresh and new in this collection of stories for 3+ readers.

What I Thought

This book is amazingly vibrant and beautifully illustrated and all children will enjoy looking at the wonderful pictures.

The ten stories are short, sweet re-tellings of Panchatantra fables, mostly highlighting the importance and value of family and friends. They would make perfect bedtime stories for younger children and parents will enjoy reading them too.

Buy ‘Animal Tales From India’

Size Wise*

From Colossal Squids to Snowflakes, a Life-Sized Look at Nature

by Camilla de la Bedoyere

The Blurb

Discover some of the BIGGEST and smallest things in the natural world!

This book explores the wonders of nature with awe-inspiring, realistic illustrations at life-size. Across each fascinating spread, beautiful artwork shows breathtakingly large or unbelievably small natural wonders, including eyes, wings, tentacles, sand, snowflakes, flowers and much more, all at real-life size, or zoomed in for extra interest. Marvel at the dinner-plate-sized eye of the colossal squid, the rainforest flowers you can sit inside, the fingernail-width dwarf blue butterfly and what sand really looks like when magnified.

Paired with captivating information about these incredible things, size comparisons and extra fun facts, this book will have you absorbed with the littlest and largest things on our astonishing planet.

What I Thought

This is another beautiful book – the realistic illustrations are amazing!

This book is perfect for those children who love to learn and enjoy a bit of non-fiction. It explores some of the biggest and very smallest things in the natural world in an easy to read and interesting way.

I really love the illustrations in this one and I am sure it will be a big hit – highly recommend for those little inquisitive ones out there!

Buy ‘Size Wise’

Mya McLure, The Brave Science Girl*

The Toad Cave

by Douglas Haddad – Illustrated by Jennifer Ball-Cordero

The Blurb

A family of toads, threatened by land development, is re-homed by an innovative and courageous second grader, Mya McLure. In this dazzling adventure, Mya McLure not only has to figure out a way to save the toads, but also how to help her teacher in a moment of unanticipated crisis.

What I Thought

This is a great book, telling the story of Mya and her quest to save the toads, who’s habitat is being destroyed.

It is a fun read with a nice rhyming pattern and cute illustrations. A great way of encouraging an interest in science, showing how fun it can be and what a difference you can make! Would work at home or in the classroom well.

Buy ‘Mya McLure, The Brave Science Girl’

Bentley’s Fantabulous Idea*

by Miki Taylor

The Blurb

Bentley’s Fantabulous Idea” is the inaugural adventure of the funtastic trio Bentley, Betty and Mr. Bee trying to solve Betty’s school assignment dilemma. During this super de duper crazy cool adventure they introduce us to twenty-one members of “The Crew” who may or may not help solve Betty’s problem AND, someone sings “it’s easy peasy, just pose and grin a little cheesy” A LOT!!!  

This fun filled adventure is sure to enlighten and entertain with life lessons and education disguised as fun with added activities for children to enjoy and engage with to set their imaginations soaring.

What I Thought

This is a sweet story of friendship and would be a good one for younger children. The text is simple and repetitive and young children will enjoy joining in with the repeated phrases.

There are some cute illustrations throughout the book and it is fun to spot the different animals throughout. A lovely little lesson about working together runs through the story.

Buy ‘Bentley’s Fantabulous Idea’

Olea the Magical Sleep Fairy*

by Amy Wiebe

The Blurb

Does your child find it challenging to sleep consistently through the night?

Olea the Magical Sleep Fairy offers an effective solution to this familiar challenge.

You’re not alone in the quest for restful nights. As children grow, developmental fears can disrupt their sleep. And while their midnight visits to your bed might be endearing, they can disturb everyone’s rest “Olea the Magical Sleep Fairy” beautifully depicts a mother and her two sons, Max and Jack, navigating bedtime struggles. Through Olea’s compassionate guidance, they discover a balance between nighttime comfort and independent sleep.

With a gentle approach to children’s feelings, Olea guides the two boys and their mother on path toward peaceful nights. The children quickly learn to stay in their own beds and easily follow along with the carefully crafted and beautifully narrated rules for healthy sleep. Beyond being a delightful story, this book is a reassuring ally in your family’s sleep journey. Embrace the magic of Olea and find the tranquility your family needs at night

What I Thought

A great story for parents and children to share. This book combines a lovely story with helpful advice, to get children sleeping consistently through the night.

I know this is a problem for many parents and I went through this stage when the boys were both younger. This enchanting story is both charming and helpful, sharing tips to encourage good sleep habits alongside a magical bedtime tale. Will be super helpful to many I am sure!

Buy ‘Olea the Magical Sleep Fairy’

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Some lovely books this month which will make great gifts – so many beautifully illustrated!

Happy reading,

Natalie