A Little Bookshelf

The Ivy Press, Lewes, 2015

Paperback, 36 pages

ISBN: 978-1-7824-0183-4

Suggested reading age: 3+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: ****

Another story in the Shine a Light Series of books.  Secrets of the Rainforest takes the reader on a journey through the rainforest where we meet the various animals and insects that call it home.  At the end of the book there is more information about the different levels of the forest and the plants that also call it home.

Other Titles in this series: Secrets of the Apple Tree, Secrets of the Sea Shore

Frances Lincoln Publishers, London, 2008

Hardback, 40 pages

ISBN: 978-1-8450-7588-0

Suggested reading age: 4+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: *****

"Its good.  A bit funny." - Phoebe Perera, aged 5

In this charming book, Eddie's grandad is coming to dinner for his birthday.  Eddie, his mum and sister Lily have to hustle to get all the food cooked in time for the party.  While they are busy trying to cook, Mum has lots of interruptions.  First their neighbour with the new baby comes visiting, then the cat brings a mouse into the kitchen, next Mrs Beamish needs a band aid and finally Martin calls and needs to be cheered up. Luckily, Eddie knows just what to do and with some help from Lily they manage to get ready for the party just in time.

This is an inspiring read for kids who love to mess about in the kitchen.  The back of the book has recipes for all the food that Eddie makes as well as some tips for cooking with toddlers.

Other titles in this series: Eddie's Toolbox: And How To Make and Mend Things, Eddie's Garden: How To Make Things Grow

HarperCollins Publishers, Place, 1999

Hardback, 32 pages

ISBN: 978-0-0602-3710-3

Suggested reading age: 9+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: ****

In this lavishly illustrated book, Ms Lattimore tells the story of three Irish brothers who worked on illustrating the Book Of Kells. The brothers lived in a time invasion from Viking lords and Irish kings. Beautiful Celtic knot work and sensitive illustrations compliment the story of an artist finding his voice. 

Other books in this series: The Flame of Peace: A Tale of the Aztecs; The Prince and the Golden Axe: A Minoan Tale; Why There is No Arguing in Heaven: A Mayan Myth

Frances Linclon Publishers, London, 2011

Hardcover, 40 pages

ISBN: 978-1-8478-0053-4

Suggested reading age: 4+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: *****

When Eddie's new neighbour, Tom, moves in next door, he asks Eddie to help him fix some things. Soon Eddie is learning how to use a measuring tape, hammer and saw.   Before long he has made a boat for his little sister, has fixed his Mum's glasses and made a bird feeder. 

This book is wonderful. It shows young children that they can make and mend. The things Eddie makes are simple and inspiring.  There are notes at the end of the book about basic tools for a budding young maker and about attracting birds to your garden. 

Other titles in this series: Eddie's Kitchen: And How to Make Good Things To Eat and Eddie's Garden: How To Make Things Grow.

Walker Books, London, 2004

Paperback, 35 pages

ISBN: 978-1-8442-8513-6

Suggested reading age: 3+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: *****

The Pigeon Drive the Bus is one of a very funny series of books by award winning author, Mo Willems.  The books are about a cheeky pigeon who gets up to all sorts of mischief.

I know I said I hate books where animals dress up as people.  And I do.  Draw people if you want to tell a story about people and if you are doing a story about animals, make them animals, doing animal things.  The pigeon in this book acts like a person but thankfully, isn't wearing a cute little dress.  It is stretching things a bit to include these books on the site but that darn pigeon captured all our hearts.  He is cheeky, irreverent and just more than a little bit like a small child.  He is also funny enough that all the family like him - kids and parents alike.  But whatever, you do, don't let the pigeon drive the bus!

Other titles in this series: The Duckling gets a Cookie?!, The Pigeon Needs a Bath, Don't Let the Pigeon Stay up Late, The Pigeon Finds a Hotdog and The Pigeon Has Feelings Too.

Random House Australia, Milsons Point, 2013

Hardcover, 32 pages

ISBN: 978-0-8579-8017-5

Suggested reading age: 8+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: ***

This book is one in a great new series featuring famous Australians who helped create Australia.  I'm really excited that there are such fabulous books available for young Australians to learn about their history.  As a kid I can remember being frustrated by the emphasis in books on the northern hemisphere experience.

In Meet Captain Cook, we learn about the famous explorer's life as well as his epic voyage to discover and map the east coast of New Holland.  Did you know that 58 animals went on the trip along with the rest of the crew and their supplies?

Amicus, Mankato MN, 2013

Hardback, 36 pages

ISBN: 9781607533511

Suggested reading age: 5+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: ****

Another gorgeous book about the natural world from the fabulous duo of Dianna Aston and Sylvia Long.

The front end papers of this book have beautiful illustrations of all different types of eggs. The back endpapers show the creatures that hatch out of the eggs. In between we learn all about the different characteristics of eggs. Their size, shape and texture. How they are colourful shapely and clever.  Where they are kept until their owners hatch– on feet, in nests or balanced precariously on rocky ledges.  We even get to peep inside the egg and see just what os going on.

Other books in this series: A Seed is Sleepy, A Rock is Lively, A Butterfly is Patient

Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, 2013

Hardcover, 68 pages

ISBN: 978-1-7433-1843-0

Suggested reading age: 3+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: *****

In this gorgeous book, Karina Shaapman has created a whole miniature world out of cardboard orange boxes to tell the story of Sam and Julia at the Theatre.  As she says, Mouse Mansion is "...a little bit wonky, with a retro, shabby-chic look about it."  It is the best dollhouse you will ever see and it fills both children and adults alike with a sense of wonder.  I cannot do it justice in this review - this is one book you really have to see for yourself.

Other titles in this series- Mouse Mansion: Sam and Julia, Mouse Mansion: Sam and Julia at the Circus.

The Ivy Press, Lewes, 2013

Hardback, 36 pages

ISBN: 978-1-7824-0068-4

Suggested reading age:  3+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: ****

This clever book by Carron Brown and Alyssa Nassner is a shine-a-light book.  When you shine a light behind the right hand side pages, more of the picture is revealed, making it the perfect bed time story for young readers.

Secrets of the Apple Tree is all about an apple tree and the creatures that live in and around it.  We follow the apple tree through the changing seasons and get to know it and its inhabitants.  At the end of the book is more in depth information about the tree and inhabitants, making it great for older readers who want to know a bit more.

Other Titles in this series: Secrets of the Rainforest, Secrets of the Sea Shore