Dim's Write Stuff

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...

God love our mums. I know, I know; it’s no longer Mother’s Day. But that’s not quite true is it? Each and every day is a testament, or should be, to the stoic, tireless, selfless, fatigue-hazed, love-filled actions of mothers – everywhere. They walk with their hearts exposed, vulnerable, fierce, at times, uncertain. Always there, which is the crux of this unique picture book on motherhood, A Mother Is a House . Rather like a kangaroo nursing her joey in her pouch, safe, contained and snug, I cherished pregnancy, mourning the day when bub would eventually want out. But how does a baby perceive this perplexing first coming of age? What do they make of their mother? Sustainer of life. Guardian. Advisor. Mountain. House? A Mother Is a House affords readers a baby’s fascinating view point of this relationship from moments before their birth to their first tentative steps some 12 months later. Brief descriptive declarations carry reader and baby through the day to day activities baby’...

ABCs and 1 2 3s are not only the fundamental building blocks for learning and communicating, they establish connections with ourselves, our cultures and humanity as a whole. These next few picture books are perfect for exploring those connections, introducing sounds, letters and numbers to pre-schoolers whilst providing sound material for ever important reading time, during lockdown time or anytime! B is For Baby ABC books come in an infinite number of guises. This one is singularly different because it focuses on just one letter of the alphabet rather than all 26, in this case, the letter B. We begin with the obvious, Baby but as the story evolves, we and baby are introduced to a marvellous collection of other B words: beads, basket for example. But what is in the basket…? Bananas of course! Or is it something more? This spectacularly illustrated non-fiction picture book is really a cyclical visual journey of baby’s unplanned journey from her African village into town where...

One of the most sensible, go-to gift ideas for any new parent is a book. Never mind newborn can’t even focus yet let alone read; the thought of gifting something so rich in inspiration and entertainment to share with baby as they grow and learn about their world softens and warms every heart. Here are a handful of recently released board books that will fill any gift basket, or nursery bookshelf, with sunshine and joy. Kindness Makes Us Strong This sturdy little picture book is robust enough to endure the tug and pull of eager little hands (and mouths) and pretty enough to brighten any bookshelf. It’s part of a series (Love Makes A Family ) by vibrant author illustrator, Sophie Beer featuring simple statements that underpin the quality of kindness; of having it, sharing it and living it. Beer’s trademark bold, bright retro-sque illustrations shout positivity and display strong themes of diversity and duality reminding us kindness is not only how we behave but who we are. ...