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Showing posts from September, 2024

Double Dipping: Dinos and Dragons

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We're doubling down on reptilians today, both of which continue to create rapturous wonder in young hearts and minds. Dinosaur In My Pocket by Ashleigh Barton & Blithe Fielden In a clever incongruous coincidence, James loves two things beyond all else: dinosaurs and miniatures. His collection of both is vast and impressive but lacking a Triceratops. So, when on his school excursion to the museum the perfect Triceratops is spotted, James is besotted. Except, he can’t afford it. After a little light-fingered acquisitioning, the wee dinosaur is escorted back to school in James’ pocket, then home then into his bedroom. Only, dino is not so wee after all. With each passing moment, the dinosaur grows as does James’ shame and guilt. The beautiful thing about this tale is how the crime is uncovered simply because it can no longer be concealed or confined. Lies, guilt, misdemeanours; all have a way of amplifying if left unchecked. When James’ parents discover his dinosaur, they d...

Review: The Cheeky Toddler Alphabet

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A is for aeroplane, all-gone and ant And the apple you bit and then dropped in a plant B is for bubbles and bee-buzz in blossoms For bruises and bottles and bare bathtime bottoms Toddler days are gone all too quickly, although as noted in S is for ...  sometimes-it-feels-like-this-day-goes-forever  ... the reality of tearing through toddlerhood is often testing beyond measure - for both parties at times! This picture book is a beautiful reminder of what was past, for some of us and what is present for many still in the first few rounds of parenting.  Spectacularly illustrated with warmth, whimsy and wit, this beautifully curated and crafted collection of ABCs is a standout when it comes to alphabet books. Keen observation entwined with first hand experience add to the heart melting authenticity of the lilting narrative. There is an eye and earful of wonderfulness, cheek and delight on every single page.  Rhyme is never forced and often accommodated across back to ba...

Review: Suddenly One

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If you follow Sam Mac on his socials, you'd understand his motivation for wanting to express the poignant joys of parenthood. Her name is Margot. This picture book chronicles the birth of his daughter in a holistic inclusive way, featuring a number of parenting combinations, their bubs and their babies' milestones. It begins with a statement: time is a treasure .  So true. Precious, unrepeatable firsts are scattered throughout which may seem pedestrian to the non-parent but resonates with the same incredulous quality a child experiences when witnessing, mastering or performing a new life wonder for the very first time. It's pure magic. Human firsts are never so abundant than in the first year of life as revealed in each page turn. Baby's firsts are beautifully showcased with gently hued illustrations surrounded by plenty of white space that allows eyes and hearts to fully focus on each milestone baby makes. Honestly, it has a Baby Book kind of vibe; it's for baby, s...