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    Beep beep Alfie Atkins

    Beep beep Alfie Atkins

    Education and Games

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    Beep beep! Welcome to the wonderful world of Alfie Atkins & friends. In this city builder game you...

    Grimm's Sleeping Beauty

    Grimm's Sleeping Beauty

    Book and Games

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    * Winner of the Editor's Choice Award, Children's Technology Review * Escape to a magical fantasy...

Big Wishes for Little Feat
Big Wishes for Little Feat
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I love children’s picture books, but I loved them with substance, <i>Big Wishes for Little Feet </i> gives me that and so much more!

Cheryl Olsten brought to life a vivid story of finding happiness right where you are planted, of never giving up even when things do not go your way, and that there is joy in the midst of sadness. I LOVED Lafitte and his story of perseverance. The narration was done beautifully (emphasized by the fantastic illustrations) and I enjoyed getting to watch him grow up. I also liked Ella’s story and how they intertwined together. I think there are a lot of kids who can relate to Ella and her family situation. I especially liked how Cheryl Olsten explained the phonics to say Ella’s nickname from her father <i>Brilliant étoile</i>. It was a fun interactive part of the story; plus, it reinforces dual language learning.

<b>“Little Feet, thought the horse. That is who I am­—a horse of great courage, strength, and skill.”</b>

Paolo D’Altan’s work in this book is phenomenal. He truly conveyed the wonder and curiosity displayed by Ella and Lafitte and told their story in a colorful and eye-catching way. I want some of the pictures to hang in my home! As I look back over the story, I am again amazed by all the detailed work that went into this book and I am looking forward to showing my niece this book over Christmas to see which picture is her favorite. Well done Paolo D’Altan!

A definite 5 out of 5 stars for me! Some great themes combined with a good flowing storyline and some great imaginative art.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
The Inner Palette
The Inner Palette
Daniel Sotero | 2019 | Children
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Careful and considered approach to aid in children’s mental health
We are constantly being told that mental health is a common occurrence for school age children and worryingly this is becoming an increasing issue for those at Primary age.

When Daniel approached me and asked if I would review his book, I was all ready to say no, not because I wasn’t interested, but more because I would not usually review books for Primary ages as my children are now adults and thankfully haven’t made me a grandmother yet! I am really not ready to be called Grandma, Nan or Nanna!

However, out of consideration to Daniel, I took a look at the synopsis and realised that the subject matter of his book resonated with me as one of my children has had and continues to have mental health issues of varying degrees although thankfully not to a detrimental effect.

This was honestly a beautiful little story and an equally beautifully illustrated book. Daniel takes a very careful and considered approach to explaining to children how to cope when our minds are drowned out by bad thoughts and feelings.
One could argue that this same approach could be used in equal measures for adults too, as lets face it we all struggle mentally at some point.

My only criticism is that I thought there were some lengthy words for the very young but that is counterbalanced by the illustrations and it is a book that you would read together as a family to aid in opening honest discussions so if necessary, a parent, guardian or carer could use easier words in place of, to avoid having to explain the meaning.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone with children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews and to anyone who works with children.
  
Medusa: The Girl Behind The Myth
Medusa: The Girl Behind The Myth
Jessie Burton, Olivia Lomenech Gill (illustrator) | 2021 | Children, Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Now THIS is the side of the story I have always wanted to hear about! Medusa’s OWN story from her OWN mouth. In mythology, she is always portrayed as ugly, dangerous and unpredictable - lethal. In this story, we see a young girl, afraid and alone, forced to live away from others in case she hurts them - or they harm her. Her only companions, a dog and her sisters, the Gorgons, who fly out to hunt during the day, returning to their sister at night with food.

One day, a boy lands his boat on the island - it’s Perseus.

We see the side of Medusa that the original myth writers would never have imagined: a young girl who is taken advantage of, vulnerable, used by men for their own pleasure, and then blamed for something that she has no control over.

In the original stories, she gets her just desserts. Medusa is ugly and not to be trusted. It gives an insight into how men regarded women at this time. Be subservient. Be a virgin. Don’t get raped, and if you do, it’s your own fault - you brought it on yourself (I can feel my blood pressure rising just thinking about this). Women don’t come out of myth and legend terribly well.

I absolutely loved this. Medusa isn’t a meek, mild victim, but neither is she evil. She knows, or has some idea anyway, her glance can cause a lot of damage - so she hides herself away.

And in this story, not a single head is lost.

The illustrations are gorgeous as well.

I wonder if Jessie Burton will write more Greek myths in this way? Because I’m all in!
Many thanks to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for my copy of this gorgeous book through NetGalley.
  
    Wubbzy&#039;s Pirate Treasure

    Wubbzy's Pirate Treasure

    Book and Education

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    *** Featured App on iTunes for Education - Preschool & Kindergarten Category for Books – Literacy...