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After the Fall
Humpty loved watching the birds from up high on the wall but after the accident things changed. Bandages and glue are able to mend bones (or in this case egg shells) but broken minds are a bit more complicated to fix. Can Humpty find it within himself to overcome his fears and anxieties and climb to new heights...
Page Count: 40
Genre: Humour
Themes: Fairy-tale, fear, risk-taking, resilience, mental health
'a word about books' says…"Dan Santat tells a great story for children who struggle with overcoming fears and anxieties. You don’t need to be remembered for getting knocked down, be remembered as the one who got back up."
Anisa's Alphabet
Anisa was like any child, she lived in a happy home and enjoyed spending time with her family. But then the bombs came and that changed everything. Forced to flee with only the things that she and her family could carry, they began a journey. A journey to where, they did they not know. A journey they did not want to make but had no choice but to make. This is Anisa’s story…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Everyday life
Themes: Immigration, refugees, asylum, war
'a word about books' says…"Anisa’s Alphabet is a superb book that explores the plight of refugees and raises the issues that they face in a very unique approach. Essential reading."
Armstrong
When a little mouse’s fascination about the moon isn’t shared by his mouse buddies he sets out to prove to them that moon is made of rock, and not, as they believe, made out of cheese. With the assistance of a wise, old mouse at the Smithsonian Institute, can this little mouse take to the skies just like his mouse-flying ancestors had before...
Page Count: 128
Genre: Adventure
Themes: STEM, space, historical
'a word about books' says…"Readers will be captivated by this gloriously illustrated tale of one little mouse and his tenacity and determination to achieve his dreams. This is one small step for mouse, one big non-cheese truth for mouse-kind.”
Azzi In Between
Despite the war moving closer to Azzi’s home, her life is very much going on as normal. Her father goes to work as a doctor, her mother makes clothes, her grandma weaves blankets and Azzi goes to school. The war doesn’t bother Azzi until and one terrible evening when the phone rings and her life changes forever…
Page Count: 40
Genre: Everyday life
Themes: Immigration, refugees, international, family, friendship, moving home
'a word about books' says…“Azzi In Between tells a very real story and for many the stories will not have happy endings. But in the case of Azzi’s family it is a wonderfully uplifting read full of hope and new possibilities and shows the strength and courage of the human spirit."
The Book of Bok
When Neil Armstrong was presented with a piece of rock that he had brought back from the Moon he decided to name it Bok. Born billions of years ago, Bok had witnessed a lot from its vantage point in outer space. And then one morning it found itself being picked up, put into a dark box and being taken to the place that it had spent billions of years observing…
Page Count: 40
Genre: Historical, non-fiction narrative
Themes: Space
'a word about books' says…”A brilliantly imaginative and a unique way for exploring the changes upon the Earth and in space through the eyes of a very well-travelled rock."
The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World's Coral Reefs
As a child, Ken Nedimyer loved the ocean. So when he noticed his favourite reef was changing; the coral was less colourful and the fish were fewer in number - he was greatly concerned. After a stroke of good fortune, Ken began a project. Something that had never been done before...
Page Count: 48
Genre: Non-fiction narrative
Themes: Life lesson, ocean, environment, nature, animals, life story
'a word about books' says…"A wonderful celebration of the ingenuity and problem-solving of one man whose passion and  ideas have saved, and will continue to save, many a coral reef. Beautiful and inspiring, particularly for any future marine biologists."
Brownstone's Mythical Collection: Arthur & the Golden Rope
Arthur loved exploring; seeking out new creatures and collecting strange objects. When a savage beast attacks Arthur’s town and extinguishes the great fire the townsfolk blame him. Can Arthur, with the help of the gods, defeat the beast and save the town from dying an icy death...
Page Count: 56
Genre: Adventure
Themes: Myths, legends, magic, historical
'a word about books' says…“Packed with more Norse mythology than you could shake Thor’s hammer at. Savage beasts, a brave hero, gods, cursed objects and ancient maps. This is Norse mythology at its best.”
Brownstone's Mythical Collection: Leo & the Gorgon's Curse
Leo is thrilled when his parents send him to Athens to study Greek Mythology. He is less thrilled that his parents have banned him from doing the one class that he really wants to do…hero training; Leo’s duty is to protect mythical creatures and not defeat them like Athena has her heroes do. How can Leo ever become a hero if he cannot fight mythical beasts...
Page Count: 64
Genre: Adventure
Themes: Myths, legends, historical
'a word about books' says…“Greek mythology is brought to life in a stunning picture book that is crammed full of incredible, mythical creatures, legendary heroes, a powerful and wise goddess and a wannna-be hero who will write himself into the history books in an unforgettable way."
The Curiosities
When the Curiosities choose Miro they awaken him to the things in the world that others miss, those ‘wonders and possibles’. Sometimes the creatures make Miro feel invisible and alone in the dark. But Miro isn't as alone as he thinks and the thread of knowing can show him others...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Everyday life, life lesson
Themes: Disability, diversity, neurodiversity
'a word about books' says…“If we really want children to understand neurodiversity and disability, and to know and accept that we are not all the same, then we need books like this that help readers young and old better understand those that experience a different normal."
The Day War Came
The day war came was like any other. Breakfast, school...then everything went dark. Forced to flee, leaving everything behind, a young girl escapes the immediate dangers but the war has left it’s mark and is everywhere. Then the most ordinary of gifts brings the extraordinary…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Everyday life
Themes: War, human rights, refugees, asylum, school
'a word about books' says…”Even in the darkest of times children provide hope, kindness and possibilities for a better future. War may have defined their past but it does not have to define their future.”
Du Iz Tak?
From underground a seed slowly hatches and the first shoot appears above the ground. “Du Iz Tak?” ask the rather suave and dapper looking insects that spot the green shoot. Could it be a gladdenboot…
Page Count: 48
Genre: Humour
Themes: Animals, nature
'a word about books' says…”This book is so much fun! What is actually happening is anyone’s guess and herein lies all the joy and wonder that can be found in this book. Readers are left to make up their own stories and let their imaginations run wild as they add meaning to the cracking pictures."
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore
Morris Lessmore loved words, stories and books. Every morning he would open the pages of a very special book, the one he was writing, the story of his life. When a big storm turned Morris’ life upside-down he was at a loss until he met the most remarkable lady. Her precious gift - a book - directed Morris to a most marvellous library where a new life with books was waiting…
Page Count: 56
Genre: Fantasy
Themes: Books, love, loss
'a word about books' says…”A celebration of all things brilliant about books. This joyous love letter to stories and words is possibly the perfect tale to encourage a passion for reading ."
The Fate of Fausto
A man who believes he owns everything sets out to see what he has. Not content with claiming mountains, lakes, forest, sheep and flowers he sets off to claim more. When he meets the sea, the sea refuses to bow to Fausto’s demands and Fausto finds himself in a rather perilous situation...
Page Count: 96
Genre: Adventure
Themes: Natural history
'a word about books' says…"The book is a reminder to ultimately be satisfied with what you have. If you are never enough without something, you’ll never be enough with it. Fausto is proof that no amount of demanding, screaming or foot-stamping can get you what you want."
Flotsam
During a day at the beach an inquisitive boy is exploring flotsam that has been cast upon the sand. He discovers an old and unusual underwater camera washed-up on the shore. The camera holds secrets to a fascinating underwater world, the like of which you will never believe...
Page Count: 40
Genre: Fantasy
Themes: Seaside, nature
'a word about books' says…”A visual treat from the first page to the last. I spot something new to look at on every read and it always fills me with excitement of what adventures might await on a trip to the beach.”
Greenling
Mrs. Barleycorn is concerned when her husband returns home holding something he has found in the wild. And when the wild takes over their home she and the community are determined that the green baby must go. Can Greenling’s special gifts change the minds of a community...
Page Count: 40
Genre: Fantasy
Themes: Prejudice, fear, environment, nature
'a word about books' says…”Happiness, hope, and a lot of fruit and vegetables. A read that challenges perceptions of nature and the connections we have with it.”
Hortense and the Shadow
Hortense lives in a house that lies deep within the dark woods. She is filled with sadness all because of her shadow that she absolutely hates. It will just not leave her alone despite her best efforts. She could not hide from it, she could not outrun it, she could not fool it. It was always with her. Until one day she got her wish. And then the bandits came...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Fairy-tale
Themes: Family, nature
'a word about books' says…"The debut picture book from sister-duo Natalia and Lauren O’Hara is truly excellent. A little dark and a little creepy and with definite Neil Gaiman vibes. This is the perfect book to snuggle up with on a cold winter’s night."
A House That Once Was
Deep in the woods on the top of a hill is a house, it is ‘a house that once was’. A house that has long been left but is just begging to be explored. To get to the house you creep up the winding path that is overgrown with weeds and arrive at ‘a door that is closed but not quite’ before slipping in through ‘a window that once opened wide’. Who could have lived here...
Page Count: 48
Genre: Everyday life, adventure
Themes: Home, imagination, nature
'a word about books' says…”This is all the best bits of being a child; discovering new places, having adventures and dreaming up the possibles. A timeless tale of imagination that brings to life the memories of a previously occupied home."
How to Make a Bird
Making a bird is a very delicate process. You will need bones that are impossibly small and feathers that feel almost weightless. You need a powerful heart for those endless miles of flight, sharp eyes and a strong beak and claws. And then it it is time for your creation to fly free…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Fantasy
Themes: Creativity, imagination, animals
'a word about books' says…”A truly stunning picture book with a poetic narrative and sumptuous illustrations that is an ode to the power of imagination, the joy found in doing and then finally seeing your creation soar."
I'll Take You to Mrs. Cole
When a young boy doesn’t do as he is told he is threatened with a visit to Mrs. Cole. The Mrs. Cole who lives in the crowded, noisy, dirty house down the street. When the boy grows tired of his mother’s demands he runs away to Mrs. Cole’s, and finds she is nothing like he imagined...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Everyday life
Themes: Family, behaviour, prejudice, discrimination
'a word about books' says…”Never judge a person until you really get to know them. I’ll take you to Mrs Cole expertly breaks down stereotypes and social norms and is just as relevant today as it was in 1985.”
It's a No-Money Day
Despite mum’s best efforts, the money has run out and the cupboards are bare. Today is a no-money day. Maybe one day things will be different but for now fun can be found in visiting the foodbank, the charity shops and reading and drawing…
Page Count: 32
Genre: Everyday life
Themes: Family, food, personal & social issues
'a word about books' says…"A powerful and poignant story that beautifully and sensitively portrays the hardships that mother and daughter face with limited income.”
Journey #1: Journey
In a busy household a young girl finds a mother occupied in the kitchen, a father hard at work on his computer, and a sister distracted by her game. Alone in her room she draws a door on a wall and opens the door to her own adventure…
Page Count: 40
Genre: Adventure, fantasy
Themes: Magic, friendship
'a word about books' says…”This wordless picture book, the first in a trilogy, is a stunning piece of art and storytelling. Magical in every possible way.”
Journey #2: Quest
Two friends are thrust into a world of magic and adventure after the King appears in the city park and hands them a map before he is kidnapped. With the map and their coloured pens to guide them, they embark on a daring mission to free the King and stop darkness taking over the land…
Page Count: 40
Genre: Adventure, fantasy
Themes: Friendship, magic
'a word about books' says…”Filled with ancient cities, forgotten relics and fraught with danger, this is adventuring and imagination of the very best kind.”
Journey #3: Return
A young girl heads back to the land of adventure and magic and has left the door open for her father to walk through. With the King and his son kidnapped again and the captors determined to take away the magic and colour from the world, can the girl and her father save the day…
Page Count: 40
Genre: Adventure, fantasy
Themes: Family, friendship, magic
'a word about books' says…”Mesmerising. A brilliant ending to the magnificent ‘Journey’ trilogy of books. Another captivating and spellbinding read from a master storyteller.”
Jumanji
With their parents out at the opera, Peter and Judy head to the park and find a board game under a tree. With the roll of a dice and the move of a counter, the children find themselves thrust into the jungle-world of Jumanji. The only way to escape, survive and reach the Golden City...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Fantasy
Themes: Mystery, animals, family, home
'a word about books' says…"Magic, adventure and mystery combine in this thrilling tale. If only all board games were this much fun!"
The Last Alchemist
For many years, alchemists have tried and failed to make gold but all have failed. As the turn of the millennium nears the King is becoming desperate. Can the 19th alchemist, Spinifex, be the one to unlock the secret of gold-making...
Page Count: 32
Genre: Fantasy
Themes: Greed, life lesson
'a word about books' says…”A dazzlingly illustrated read that is a cautionary tale of greed. Whilst gold may give you riches and wealth, things don’t need to be made of gold to be priceless.”