Reviewed by Damyanti, Freya (3) and Bryn (6)
Freya gave this book two thumbs up and a smile, well deserved praise for this lovely book, which had us both feeling happy, a little worried & finally happy again. A bear finds a lost toy bunny and sets out to find its owner covering the forest in 'Found' posters. As they become friends Bear soon discovers what he will lose once the bunny is found. I really liked the black bold outlines of the illustrations and we were both swept away with the mood of the story depending on the expression on the bear's face. The double page spread of 'Lost' posters provided plenty of humour for an older reader; Bryn especially liked the one with Peter Pan's shadow. This is a book we are very happy to have found. Photograph: Guardian
Reviewed by Gaya and Maia (23 months)
This book reads like a beautiful love poem to your child; its lyrical, lilting prose is almost like a lullaby. But Maia is both too young and too old for this book. Too old to simply enjoy the sound of its rhythmic prose – it must have a compelling storyline now to truly appeal – but too young to appreciate its sentiments or its poetry. She greets the end of most books with "again please"; this one was met with a rather stern "next book!" But perhaps the audience for this book is as much parents as it is children, and I suspect most parents would love it. Photograph: Guardian
Reviewed by Kirsten, Isaac (4) and Hazel (4).
This is a beautiful book and an ideal read before bed as it tells the gentle story of a bird who wants to join the dawn chorus, but it turns out he's better suited to bedtime songs. The colours are all warm peaches and cream, and Isaac and Hazel like tweeting along as we read. Sweet and lovely! Photograph: Guardian
Reviewed by Teri and Mya (aged 4)
This book has it all! Wonderful pictures, excellent story and even better there are crafts and recipes at the back! What a great idea. The story is about a girl called Florentine and her friend Pig. One night they hear a strange noise and go off into the forest (with a tent and all they might need) to investigate. Florentine thinks that the noise is the 'growling, prowling Bog Mog!' The growling, prowling Bog Mog is repeated often enough that Mya was shrieking "BOG MOG!" at the top of her voice. This was brilliant fun. The story is great and Mya has been laughing at Bog Mog for a few days now. We haven't got round to trying any of the crafts or recipes yet but we definitely will! Mya said, "I liked shouting BOG MOG and it [the book] shows us how to make things!" Photograph: Guardian
Reviewed by Sarah, Jed (5), Lucy (7) and Josh (8)
What's not to love about another Usbourne classic? This book is a sure fire winner. With pages that fold out to reveal more fun facts and fabulous illustrations, this kept my young astrologers happy for ages. Photograph: Guardian
Reviewed by Teri and Mya (4)
The first thing we fell in love with were the vibrant illustrations of the adorable Rex. The story is about Rex, a pre-school lion, who needs to wear new glasses. Rex isn't so sure about wearing them though and goes to great lengths to disguise them. The story is funny and of course Rex saves the day with the help of his new glasses. We have read this book over and over and Mya has not got bored of it at all! There is so much to look at and talk about on every page. Mya says "I like it when Rex paints his face and glasses. That's very silly!" Photograph: Guardian
Reviewed by Gaya and Maia (23 months)
Mighty Mo is bored, bored, bored, and wants to find something amazing to do. But nothing this raccoon does seems to turn out right. His many comic mini-misadventures would probably appeal to a slightly older demographic. The comedy of power-puffing, balloon blowing Mo, and Mo the hairdo hero who gives all his animal friends spectacular hairstyles went over Maia’s head. But she enjoyed the pictures and the general storyline. It’s hard not to like the self-appointed “king of sprinkles” who eventually dons a red cape and finds true magnificence. Photograph: Guardian
Reviewed by Teri and Mya (aged 4)
This is a lovely book about a boy called Elliott. Elliott likes to find things and one day he finds a machine (a typewriter): a story machine. He struggles with letters and getting them in the correct order, but one day notices he can make pictures using the letters. Once Elliott discovers this there is no stopping his storytelling. Or is there? A brilliant book which is beautifully written and illustrated and is especially encouraging to children who struggle to read and write. Mya said "I like the story machine pictures. They're very clever." Photograph: Guardian
Reviewed by Sarah, Jed (5), Lucy (7) and Josh (8)
Devoured in just two sittings, our 7 year old loved the unfolding events between Dad getting the milk and making it home with said milk. The gloom monster, made of snot, was a particular favourite. As my 7 year old put it, "that was the longest time to get the milk but the most fun!" Photograph: Guardian
