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This brilliant new collection of poetry by Valerie Bloom is newly published in January 2021. What a great year for delving into poetry, lots of time at home and lots of time for books! There is a huge variety of poems in all shapes and sizes, from a small cinquain to a four verse poems. One of my favourites describes different forms of poems;

 

 

 

TERMS  which starts..

The SLAM of the Door,

the STAMP on the floor,

is onomatopoeia.

When  school bells CHIME,

right on TIME,

that's rhyme.

If the boy IS AS FREE

AS a bird in a tree.

that's a simile.

There are many more great poems and this is definitely a book to buy right now, whether you are home schooling or online teaching. This one is just the thing.

'Valerie Bloom is a performance poet, originally from Jamaica, and many of her poems are in Jamaican Patois. Her published work includes Hot Like Fire which is a Power of Reading recommended text and the award winning picture book Fruits – a Caribbean Counting Poem. She has considerable experience running writing workshops in schools. Valerie was awarded an MBE for her services to poetry in 2008. Several of her poems feature in the CLiPPA 2015 shortlisted book Give the Ball to the Poet: A New Anthology of Caribbean Poetry. Among her most recent work is Jaws and Claws and Things with Wings ( Harper Collins, 2013).' from Poetry Line on CLPE

Ken Wilson-Max was born in Zimambwe  and living in London. He is an internationally renowned  children's book illustrator, author and designer, plus co director of publishing house, Alanna Max. He wrote and illustrated Astro Girl, winner of the 2020 STEAM award

 

 

 

Otter Barry Books are the publishers, with poetry at their heart and have out together this delightful book with two amazing people. It shows how they live up to their aims of pushing boundaries and publishing books that children will love.

This is on my list to buy for those home schooling sessions, or just to sit and read and dream!

Sue Martin


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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A heartwarming picture book from award-winning author-illustrator Caroline Magerl about a little bear who forges a forever friendship.

Nop is a scruffy kind of bear. He sits on a dusty armchair in Oddmint's Dumporeum surrounded by the beaders, knitters, patchers and stitchers who are much too busy to talk to him. So he watches the litter tumble until, armed with a new bow tie, he has an idea that will change his life forever...

A beautiful book about a bear. A bear that has been left behind and not noticed by those working in the Dumporeum. Maybe that is a good thing as Nop begins an adventure.

Books go Walkabout book shop button image and linkThere is much to be said for a book about bears in this time of stay at home and stay indoors. May be the time to check out those cupboards where bears may be lurking or even trying for adventures.

The illustrations in line and watercolour have a magical feel about them and a real joy to explore bringing the text alive.

 

Caroline Magerl  is an award-winning and internationally distinguished illustrator, cartoonist and painter, who is now recognised as a unique and arresting presence. Her work spans from dark, enigmatic oil paintings, through incisive cartoons, to lively children’s book illustrations.

Walker Books published Nop in Jan 2020 and have a great collection of picture books for young children as well as a host of other genre. Their website has some great links to their teacher notes and videos.

But for now, Nop is definitely a book to add to your list of books to buy in January lockdown of 2021.

Sue Martin


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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Cover image of Where's Baby Elephant?
Bright, bold and engaging...

A beautiful, interactive, picture book searching for a baby elephant, and who could ever lose a baby elephant!

On a journey of discovery, the flaps on the pages bring you to all sorts of animal families,through the first and the second folds per page. There is a lion and his cubs, a hedgehog and her hoglets, an orangutan and her baby and many others. One by one they tell you, 'they haven’t seen Baby Elephant. '"She’s not under the sea” says the shark, “ It’s too cold for her here, “ says the penguin until the bear finally says that she knows where baby Elephant is!

Young children will love turning the flaps, refolding them and seeing an animal on every fold as they work through the book eventually finding the baby elephant.

Where’s Baby Elephant? is a stunning addition to the Tiny Owl list of picture books which are innovative and fun for younger children. The book is beautifully produced in hard back form and is strong enough to survive many, many turning pages by busy hands. Tiny Owl is an independent publishing company committed to producing beautiful, original books for children. Established in 2015, it continues to have  energy and passion which stem from their belief that stories are bridges to new experiences.

Ali Khodai as illustrator and now author, brings a whole new dimension to picture books and his illustrations are bold and engaging. His previous book with Tiny Owl was

Dolphin Book Blog brings you picture books which have something special, or tell a different story with a quality young children love. They are page turners and in the case of Where’s Baby Elephant give you the chance to explore time and time again.

Sue Martin

 

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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A really beautiful book...

Such a beautiful book and packed with all you would ever need to know about witches and sorcerers, an essential guide for anyone interested from 9 upwards.

Since ancient times, magic and witchcraft have inspired both fear and fascination. In this book you will uncover the meaning and history behind magical tools and symbols, cauldrons and pentagrams. Magic is often to be feared and there are times when it has been eradicated with stories of capture and harshness.

Many stories today have a base in magic, Harry Potter of course, Northern Lights, Merlin and many others. This book is part history and part spell book with some amazing insights into the loves of witches throughout time and all over the world.

Written by Julie Leger and Elsa Whyte and published by Wide Eyed Editions.

 

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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‘The astronaut's cat is an inside cat. And she likes it like that.’

Good reason, too as she lives on the moon. So I guess no mice?

This is a great story and I would love to share with young children as the whole concept of inside and outside are in every page. Why would cat want to go outside if there is no air? Why would she want to go outside when it is so hot in the day and so cold at night? Definitely best to stay inside.

Then Cat dreams and in her dreams, she is outside on the Moon leaping and pouncing and looking at a blue planet in the sky from time to time. On that planet she dreams that she could go outside and meet with other creatures too. But this is only a dream and she curls up next to her astronaut at the end of the day.

A wonderfully whimsical, funny and surprising story of a very unusual 'inside cat' - by one of Australia's finest picture-book creators. Perfect for readers who are intrigued or inspired by the landscapes of the Moon and the Earth - or fascinated by the inner life of cats.

Tohby Riddle is the author and  is an international award-winning author, illustrator, and cartoonist, living in Katoomba, NSW, Australia. He has a number of well-loved picture books and Illustrated books to his name including Nobody Owns the Moon and Unforgotten.

Allen and Unwin are the publishers, based in Australia, you can buy their books all over the world.

 

Books Go Walkabout are great supporters of Allen and Unwin as they deliver stories across the world and make good books available globally.  They are worth checking out for their range and quality of books, especially Picture Books for young children and for older children too.

As a good start to our Summer Hols in the UK, try The Astronaut’s Cat and whilst some of us are still locked down inside it’s a great reminder of being thankful for what we have.

Sue Martin

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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Howler Monkey was one of the best climbers in the whole jungle.

He could swing, he could climb. He could impress his family and he show his friends just how to do amazing tricks in the trees.

And then one day, he fell. He damaged his tail which helped him to climb and swing so well.

He finds himself in despair and as the picture turn to a sepia tone, a older monkey talks with Howler Monkey about all the things he enjoyed about climbing and swinging, and do you know what he could still do some of those.

“ What a smart little monkey you are. Keep on being the best you can be. “says the older monkey.

Monkey’s Tail is the  third inspiring story from Alex Rance,the Tiger & Friends picture book series. This is a celebration of self-belief, family and caring for others by AFL Premiership player, Alex Rance, and talented children's book illustrator, Shane McG.

Howler Monkey was one of the best climbers in the whole jungle - until the day he landed on his tail with a big thump. He kept smiling and playing with his friends, but on the inside, he was very sad... What if he could never climb again? Can Howler Monkey get his confidence back and reset his sense of self? A gorgeous picture book about resilience and change, sharing worries and staying positive.

Alex Rance has played 200 games for the Richmond Tigers. The last three years have seen him experience the highs of a drought-breaking AFL premiership in 2017 and the lows of a season-ending knee injury in 2019. These experiences have inspired him to write his picture books Tiger's Roar (2018) and Rabbit's Hop (2019) and Monkey's Tail (2020). Using his passion for education and storytelling he hopes to inspire the next generation to realise their dream.

 Shane McG is an award-winning picture book illustrator. He has also exhibited in London and Melbourne.

Allen and Unwin are the Australian publishers making a big difference to children’s books through style, content and just choosing some great titles.

Monkey’s Tail is a book for sharing and reading alone at home and at school. I love it and it's great to be able to buy in the UK.

Sue Martin


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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Felix hides all of his sorrows inside a large black suitcase that he carries with him wherever he goes. One day a small boy opens the suitcase and Felix wakes with all the tears he has been hiding inside for so long. Free from his tears and worries Felix journeys back into the world which is waiting for him with open arms.

A beautiful book, a wonderful story of how a child fills his world with sorrow and can not find a way back to being happy. Until somehow a boy manages to find a way in to opening the suitcase.

This story can be used  when children are feeling sad and can't deal with their emotions. A powerful way to delve right in to their thoughts without causing too much hurt.

Felix After the Rain from Tiny Owl Publishers, is  written and illustrated by Dunja Jogan and translated by Olivia Hellewell  from Slovenian into English and funded through a PEN Translates Award to Tiny Owl to bring this book to an English-speaking audience.

I had to write about this book as it is just right for a very special young girl I know , who is suffering from carrying too much hard stuff in her suitcase.

Publication date is February 24th. Definitely a book to have in school, at home and in libraries.

Sue Martin

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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Take a ride through 26 fully illustrated search and find spreads, each one themed on a number. Count the animals going into Noah's Ark, two by two, spot 13 scary skeletons at the haunted house and 16 different things at the fun fair.

This is an amazing book to spend hours searching & spotting. Be warned children are  better than adults at this task!

You can learn numbers from 1-100, sharpen your visual skills, develop vocabulary and be an expert in search and find!

The two authors, Amanda Wood and Mike Jolley, plus illustrator Allan Sanders have come together with the publisher Wide Eyed Editions to create this beautifully produced book following on from Search and Find the Alphabet, which is a huge success.

Amanda Wood started her career in illustration at the Natural History Museum and then was the founding Editor and Publisher of Templar with many Greenaway winners.

Mike Jolley has worked in children's publishing for  25 years and is the author of several wonderfully illustrated books, such as Curiositree.

Allan Sanders has worked on animations for the FIFA world cup website and many books such as Little Explorers and How Machines Work.

Wide Eyed Editions have a high profile book list of top quality and intriguing books for children with attention to detail and the production of stunning books.

We love this book and I am about to take away with me to spend the evening searching for the 18 crazy golf objects!

Sue Martin


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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Dance. Dolphin, Dance - cover image and web link
Buy this beautiful book here...

The adventure of a bottle-nose dolphin living in the underwater kelp forest of the coast of California. The dolphin dances in the swirling waters of the kelp forest, but the waters become rougher and stronger and dolphin finds herself among other sea creatures who are escaping the stormy seas.

Tuna, a Big Blue Whale, a Great White Shark and a Killer Whale all are hiding within the kelp. Our dolphin has to be quick and escapes to the deepest part of the dark kelp forest.

A beautiful picture book written and illustrated by Patricia MacCarthy and with fascinating images using photo shop techniques  showing the dolphin swimming with other creatures in the kelp forest. Published by Otter-Barry, Dance.Dolphin, Dance is a  unique edition to their list of excellently published picture books.

Book image and web link   Buy this impressive book here...

I really enjoyed this book, and especially as we had just returned from the beach in North Norfolk and seen jellyfish on the sands at low tide. No dolphins though! And we are especially keen on dolphins!!

Sue Martin

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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Jasper Space Dog - image and web link
Buy this book - free delivery

Jasper Space Dog is the first in series of stories about a lovable hound with big ideas. Jasper travels and crosses time boundaries as he explores time and place. A great first chapter book which will be a good read for eager readers and for those who just love to find out more.

This first book (Moon Landing 50th Anniversary Edition) is about space and about traveling to the moon, with many references to just what it was like on those first journeys to the moon and the moon landing. Jasper just needs to know how a dog would survive.

"Would the astronauts have eaten hot dogs and how did they cook the sausages", he asks a Rocket Scientist who has all the answers to his questions.

A great addition to the story is the last section of the book which is about Apollo 11 and the crew who made the first journey to the moon and celebrated this with the first moon walk.

Book image and web link - buy this book here...   Buy this great book here....

Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the moon, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin were the crew. Great timing to write about this book as Toy Story 4 hits the cinemas and my favourite character Buzz Light Year works with Woody and others to solve problems.

The author is Hilary Robinson, author, radio producer, broadcaster and feature writer. She was born in Devon and brought up in Nigeria and England.Author of over forty books for children.   The illustrator  is Lewis James, with some really appealing images, just right for an adventurous dog! It is published by Strauss Production

Recommenced in homes and schools as a great book for children around 6- 7 who are keen to read more. Look forward to the next books in the series of Jasper Dog.

Sue Martin

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.