Theme:

Animals and nature

Book Cover – Animalopedia

Animalopedia

Award-winning father and daughter team, John and Kathi Burke, make a welcome return with this stunning oversized non-fiction book. Showcasing the fascinating and varied wildlife of Ireland, this book is a celebration of the diverse habitats across our island, from bogs to beaches, forests to farmland, and from the most rural hedgerows to busy towns.

Book Cover – Shibu's Tail

Shibu's Tail

This polymorphous picturebook focuses on a cat and its very special tail. The furry protagonist, who expresses himself through said appendage, finds that suppressing his emotions is a bad strategy. Ultimately though, he lights the way for others to be as flamboyant as him.

Book Cover – Dogs With Jobs

Dogs With Jobs

As the saying goes; A dog is a man’s best friend. In this wonderfully heartening and captivating book it is easy to see why. From the opening pages Hamilton allows the reader to see our canine companions in completely new and thought-provoking roles. Dogs are not just our furry friends at home, but many have complex and interesting side-hustles that would put us homo sapiens to shame! From penguin protectors to beekeepers, whale poo sniffers (yes really!) to actual movie stars the dogs in this picturebook do much more than play fetch and lie down!

Book Cover – All Around A Year

All Around A Year

A funny and engaging picture book that celebrates everyday changes both big and small. This story follows a family of mice throughout the seasons and demonstrates how their daily activities are shaped by them. From the intriguing opening line ‘when this story ends, it will begin again,’ to the first cosy illustrated winter scene, the story immediately establishes a warm and inviting atmosphere that encourages curiosity and engagement. What follows is a series of humorous, sweet and small everyday moments that capture how the family’s routines are shaped by seasonal rhythms.

Book Cover – A Place Just For Me

A Place Just For Me

This is a charming story about a little mouse called Silver who wants to find a quiet spot all to himself. There is too much activity in his burrow, which is packed with three generations of his family, so he sets off to find a safe hideaway where he can do absolutely nothing. It’s a timely reminder to parents, as well as children, that we all need a space where we can just sit and think. As Silver asks, how can you ever know what you really want to do if you can’t do a little bit of nothing?

Book Cover – Naughty

Naughty

Young Nigel isn’t the only one in the house who has overstepped the mark – donkey, tiger, mole, firefly and others are also facing the consequences of being a little bit naughty. Frog is on the Naughty Pad, shark is in the Naughty Cave and poor beetle finds himself somewhere particularly whiffy! But even Dad agrees that it’s hard to be good all the time …

Book Cover – Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert is Scared of Frogs

Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert is Scared of Frogs

Frank and Bert take a toy boat to a local pond in the hope of sailing it there. On this occasion the duo successfully gets their boat sailing, but alas – a frog gets on board! This story focuses on fears and coming to terms with them, as Bert is afraid of frogs and their movement and noise unsettle him. Facing the fear, a plan is concocted to get the boat back by making frog sounds to draw the frog away.

Book Cover – The Hidden Wisdom of Animals

The Hidden Wisdom of Animals: Surprising Things We Can Learn From Nature

This beautiful book provides stirring lessons on animals and nature that are enhanced by its stunning design and captivating illustrations. Within its colourful pages, readers explore how: penguins are devoted, bees find their unique place in the world, dolphins play and elephants care for others and much more. The author connects 40 animals to a recognisable quality that makes it seem understandable and accessible for children.

Book Cover – Fox and the Mystery Letter

Fox and the Mystery Letter

In the deep, dark woods, there’s a small, lonely cottage. And in that cottage lives Fox. Alone. Which is perfectly fine, thank you very much. Fox doesn’t need anyone else to entertain him, or to look after him. There used to be someone … but Fox doesn’t talk about them.

Book Cover – Breathe Deep

Breathe Deep

Three active families head to the countryside to enjoy fun bike rides, paddles on the lake, boisterous dog walks and more. What fun! But soon it’s time to slow things down, so little ones and their grown-ups find a place to settle and engage in some calming meditation alongside nature.