Animals and nature

Being a newcomer can be tough, especially at a new school. Here, we explore the difficult emotions that accompany that first day, in a compassionate and supportive way. Without minimising the fear and apprehension a child may feel, pastel shades, simple design and a gentle rhythm in the text provide a comforting exploration of what to expect. Emphasis is placed on the faces and body language of a diverse cast of characters throughout. Each character is expertly illustrated to convey the emotional tone, making the shifts understandable to younger audiences.

One of the most beautifully designed books this reviewer has ever come across, Nature’s Dance combines design, artwork, and scientific research to celebrate ‘movement, cooperation, and the profound intelligence of the natural world.’

Welcome to the world of dinosaurs!

As part of the bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS series, this inspiring biography introduces young readers to the remarkable life of Beatrix Potter. From her childhood in South Kensington sketching nature to self-publishing the timeless The Tale of Peter Rabbit, the book beautifully captures her journey of self-belief, perseverance, and boundless creativity.

From our very first glimpse of Bear, readers are instantly amused as he searches for his glasses, which we can see perched upon his head. On his way to track them down, Bear mistakes objects like trees and shrubs for other animals such as deer, a flamingo and even a crocodile.

This is an atmospheric and informative picturebook that explores the history, technology and human ingenuity behind the world’s lighthouses. Koomen’s lively prose propels her readers to sail the seven seas and encounter these marvellous beacons of light, from the fist century’s Roman Tower of Hercules to the twenty-first century’s automated lighthouses.

Más breá le do léitheoir óg an ruaille buaille, an greann rancáis, agus leabhar chomh greannmhar sin go mbeidh siad ag pléascadh amach ag gáire, bainfidh siad an-sult go deo as Lúiscín. Tá cat Jamie Smart (a tháinig ó ghreannán The Phoenix ar dtús) le feicéail anois ina imleabhar bailithe féin agus tá sé chomh fiáin agus a gheallann an teideal!

Should you require a comprehensive guide to mythical and magical creatures, Believe’s knowledgeable narrator, Sage Brightwing, is here to help! Doyle’s obvious affection for fantasy characters in combination with Hartas’s vivid, colourful illustrations results in a book with an absorbing level of detail.

Myths of Japan is a beautiful addition to DK’s Ancient Myths series, a series that introduces young readers to customs, stories and traditions from around the world. Celebrating Japanese mythology, this stunning anthology invites readers to step into a world of adventure and wonder.

From the very first page, the narrator insists, ‘I am NOT a dog!’ As the story unfolds, comparisons with different dog breeds reveal why this scruffy little character feels he could never measure up. Strong, fast, clever or elegant – every dog seems to possess a quality that he believes he lacks.