A Home for Luna

A Home for Luna has won the Children's Category of the International Rubery Book Awards. The Rubery Prize is a prestigious international book award seeking the best books by indie writers, self-published authors and books published by independent presses, judged by reputable judges.

https://www.ruberybookaward.com/ 

A Home for Luna - written by Stef Gemmill, illustrated by Mel Armstrong, published by New Frontier Publishing

This is everything a picture-book should be. The story is lovely – Luna, a black and white cat, is far from home, washed ashore in a remote place where eventually she’s befriended by a colony of penguins, including Tiny and Yellow-Eye. When a man passing by in a boat attempts to rescue her, Luna doesn’t want to leave, and she and her new friends join forces to drive him away. The illustrations are delightful, particularly the final picture where Luna is nestled at the feet of Tiny and Yellow-Eye like a penguin chick.
The story has universal themes that even young children will be able to recognise. The idea of ‘home’ and feeling safe and having friends are all simple concepts for children to understand, because they’re central to their own lives. For this very reason, however, they do feature a great deal in picture-books, and it takes no little skill to come up with something as original and appealing as this story.  

Kaye's New Books

THE FRIENDLY GAMES

Author: Kaye Baillie

Illustrator: Fiona Burrows

Publisher: MidnightSun

Release Date: 1 June 2020

John Ian Wing couldn't be more excited about the upcoming Melbourne Olympic Games. It's 1956 and from his parents' Bourke Street restaurant, John swells with pride watching the hive of activity as the city prepares to welcome its guests. But when world tensions threaten to overshadow the good nature of the Games, John knows he must do something to remind everyone of the meaning of friendship and peace. Based on a true story, The Friendly Games is a fascinating tale of one boy's role in one of Australia's most significant sporting events.
Published by MidnightSun Publishing, Australia

BOO LOVES BOOKS

Author: Kaye Baillie

Illustrator: Tracie Grimwood

Publisher: New Frontier Publishing

Release Date: 1 May 2020 Australia/UK/New Zealand

US Release Date: 1 October 2020

Some dogs are shy and anxious and so are some children. Can Boo and Phoebe turn their fears into a positive experience? A charming story of friendship between a shy little girl and a huge, gentle rescue dog.

Leaping Lola

Leaping Lola by Tracey Hawkins, illustrated by Anil Tortop, (New Frontier Publishing), HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9781925594591

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This is a rollicking, lively feast of fun with Lola, a brown cow who loves to dance on and on (‘High on back haunches, clip-clopping her hooves, Lola flicked up her tail in fabulous moves’). The pirouetting cow is determined to attend the night’s ball: however, her mother tells her the ball is only for black and white cows. Saving the night is Lola’s best friend Pearl the pig who dresses her ‘just right’ and at the end of the night dances with her, too.

At the ball ‘The twang of the band made (Lola) wriggle and giggle, her neck gave a nod, her bottom a jiggle.’ Lola is having a great time ‘swirling and twirling her large derriere’ but then she missteps and knocks over the milk tower, slashing everyone. The other cows cry out their disgust at the impostor, but once again Lola’s night is saved, this time by the prize-winning bull who asks Lola to dance so all can follow her lead.

This is a great read-aloud book, not just because it’s written in rhyming verse, but because there are so many strong verbs just right for moving (dancing) to. Dedication to one’s passion and help from friends are the two themes which are complemented by joyous, brightly coloured illustrations. This is a book sure to be enjoyed by children from three years and up.

Achievement

Stef Gemmill has signed another picture book contract with New Frontier Publishing.  In My Dreams is confirmed for release in April 2020 and will be illustrated by the talented German artist Tanja Stephani.

Stef has also announced the August release of A Home for Luna, a picture book about finding family in an unexpected place and illustrated by  Mel Armstrong.

https://www.stefgemmill.com/ 

Pugs Don’t Wear Pyjamas: Book Review

Pugs Don’t Wear Pyjamas by Michelle Worthington, illustrated by Cecilia Johansson (New Frontier Publishing) HB RRP $24.99
ISBN 9781925594034

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Tom is told that when he goes to stay with his Aunt Roz there’ll be a new friend for him to play with. Tom is excited, until he actually meets this potential new playmate…. Ellie, his Aunt’s pet pug! Tom is not happy. Does Ellie bite? Does Ellie snore? Does Ellie poop where she’s not supposed to? No, no and no. Ellie receives privileges that most pets don’t. Ellie does things most pets don’t. Ellie wears pyjamas, eats at cafés, wears hats and rides a skateboard. She is beyond spoilt and Tom is far from impressed, especially because Ellie gets all the attention wherever they go. Will they ever be friends?

Pugs Don’t Wear Pyjamas is a cute picture book about a pet being treated like one of the family. It is a brightly illustrated book that includes a combination of single page images, double page spreads and vignettes. The simple lilac end papers beautifully sum up the indulged pooch’s life. This book is suitable for children aged 3-6. It would particularly appeal to dog lovers and any young families who’ve ever referred to their pet as a ‘fur baby’.

Rose’s Red Boots

Rose’s Red Boots by Maura Finn, illustrated by Karen Erasmus (New Frontier), HB RRP ISBN 9780957988446 

Reviewed by Lisa Hoad

One bright autumn day, Rose and her little dog Banjo decide to go on an adventure. Wearing her beloved red boots and with her trusty companion at her side, Rose goes merrily on her way.

Karen Erasmus’s dazzling illustrations really complement the beautiful imagery conjured up by Maura Finn’s delightful prose.  The vividly inky depth of the water colours, barely contained within Erasmus’s soft, sweeping pencil lines show off the day’s blustery autumnal beauty to perfection.  Some illustrations are glorious double page spreads, showing the stunning countryside backdrop and the whipped up fallen leaves dancing about the two friends, whilst others are delicate vignettes, colourful and bold against the large white pages.

As Rose and Banjo journey on to find the perfect place to fly their kite, they discover so many things to explore and experience along the way.  Mischief and muddy puddles become part of their wonderful adventure and when the weather takes an unexpected turn for the worse, Rose and Banjo must change their plans altogether.                                                                                                                          

‘They crossed the stream and meadow where the playful rabbits run,                        And buttercups all turn their heads to greet the morning sun.                                        Beneath the trees the autumn leaves lay scattered on the ground.                                       So…                                                                                                                                   

The little red boots went crunching, crunching, crunching.                                         The little red boots went crunching, crunching                                                                 To hear that crunching sound.’

Just as in Alfred Noyes’ narrative poem ‘The Highwayman’ Finn includes a repetitive refrain within her prose. Cleverly using the activity of Rose’s little red boots, Finn adds a wonderful rhythmical quality to the narrative.  As the little red boots are marching, crunching, chasing, splashing, climbing and dancing; young readers will find confidence in each repetitive chorus and be desperate to join in, both verbally and physically.

Recommended for early and preschool readers, children will delight at the sight of this big square picture book with its eye catching cover art and meandering smudgy paw prints. Teachers and parents could easily use this beautifully written and illustrated text to inspire some poetic word play or as a prompt for some adventurous role playing activities whilst also discussing the title’s integral themes of explorative play, danger and friendship.

I just love the way that this title promotes the idea of free and imaginative play, as an independent and confident little Rose takes off on a journey of endless possibilities with only her dog and her fabulous red boots for company.

First published in Reading Time https://readingtime.com.au/roses-red-boots/

I Love You

I Love You by Xiao Mao, illustrated by Tang Yun (New Frontier Publishing) HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781925059762

Reviewed by Rebecca Newman

Little Badger learns how to say ‘I love you’ in five other languages — Chinese, Italian, French, German and Spanish. She spends the rest of the day practising her new words by calling out to everything she loves in her world (including everyday objects and people).

The cheerful illustrations have an earthy palette and a folk-art feel.

I Love You has a very simple storyline with a dose of positive energy. By the time Little Badger gets a good night kiss from her mother you’ll certainly know how to say ‘I love you’ in five more languages, too!

Preschoolers will love learning a few words in another language. This would make a good addition to a themed picture book collection for Harmony Day.

About the reviewer: Rebecca Newman is a children’s writer and poet. When she’s not writing or reviewing, she is kept busy as the managing editor at Alphabet Soup’s website. rebeccanewman.net.au

How Many Dinosaurs Deep?

How Many Dinosaurs Deep? by Ben Kitchin, illustrated by Vicky Fieldhouse (New Frontier Publishing) HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781925059731

Reviewed by Rebecca Newman

Jim is ready to go swimming and has just graduated from the baby pool. He’s anxious about the depth of the middle-sized pool and asks his mother about it. His mum reassures him by explaining that the water would only be up to a Stegosaurus’s knee. While he watches other children in the pool (and works up the courage to go swimming himself) they chat about the depth of various bodies of water — the bath, the big pool, the water near a familiar jetty, the deepest water in all the world — compared to the different dinosaurs he knows. All this dinosaur talks puts Jim at ease and as he jumps into the pool he calls out, ‘It’s just Stegosaurus-knee-deep!’

Children who love dinosaurs will enjoy the bright illustrations showing the obliging dinosaurs stacked up in various water depths. This picture book is a wonderful springboard for discussions with young children about measurement, space, and resilience. And dinosaurs!

At the end of the book there’s an illustrated glossary with interesting facts about the dinosaurs shown in the book.

About the reviewer: Rebecca Newman is a children’s writer and poet. She is the editor of Alphabet Soup’s website and former editor of Alphabet Soup’s print magazine. rebeccanewman.net.au

Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast retold by Alex Field, illustrated by Helene Magisson (New Frontier Publishing) HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781925059809

Reviewed by Rebecca Newman

This is a retelling of the well-known fairytale in a picture book format. The text of the story is in large clear type with lots of white space. The pared back narrative occasionally feels more like a story summary than storytelling — however, this simpler format might enable younger readers to have a go at reading the story for themselves.

I’m already a fan of Helene Magisson’s work as an illustrator and her illustrations glow with fairytale magic. The use of birdcages and butterflies in the background to symbolise imprisonment and then freedom will delight the observant child reader. The end papers give an extra twist to this element.

Beauty and the Beast is just one title in the Happily Ever After series and will be in bookshops from 1 March 2017. This is a beautifully presented hardcover book.

About the reviewer: Rebecca Newman is a children’s writer and poet. She is the editor of Alphabet Soup’s website and former editor of Alphabet Soup’s print magazine. rebeccanewman.net.au

All I Want for Christmas is Rain

All I Want for Christmas is Rain by Cori Brooke, illustrated by Megan Forward.  (New Frontier Publishing) PB RRP: $24.99 ISBN 9781925059717

Reviewed by Rebecca Newman

In this picture book for young readers, drought threatens a family’s outback farm and Jane decides to travel by train to town to ask Santa to bring rain for Christmas.

The story is told through rhyming text and the rhythm has occasional hiccups, but the story itself is simple and enjoyable.

Megan Forward’s illustrations are the highlight of the book — starting with the endpapers at the opening of the book where we have a hint of the drought with swirling brown. The artwork greatly assists in the storytelling, echoing the heat of an outback summer and drawing the reader through to the end of the book with the arrival of Christmas rain (thank you, Santa!). The  endpapers at the end of the book have a greenish tinge as a hint to what will come.

All I want for Christmas is rain would be a great book as a starting point when discussing children’s experiences of Christmas in urban and outback Australia, and in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Night before Christmas

The Night before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore, illustrated by Helene Magisson,  (New Frontier Publishing) PB RRP: $24.99 ISBN 9781925059700

Reviewed by Rebecca Newman

This picture book features the text of the famous poem with illustrations by Helen Magisson. The text will be familiar to many adults and is easy and satisfying to read aloud.

Magisson’s illustrations have that special Christmas glow, with the colours of a traditional northern-hemisphere winter — candy cane reds, aqua-white snow, and a liberal sprinkling of snowflake dots over everything outdoors. There are illustrative details in the bottom corners of many of the pages to reward the attentive young reader. (I like the wind-up ballerina, and the household cat chasing a wind-up mouse.)

The Night Before Christmas evokes all the excitement of an old-fashioned childhood Christmas and would be a lovely addition to a child’s Christmas picture book collection.

Sage Cookson’s Ring of Truth

Sage Cookson’s Ring of Truth by Sally Murphy, illustrated by Celeste Hulme (New Frontier Publishing) PB RRP $9.99

ISBN 9781925059748

Reviewed by Rebecca Newman

Sage Cookson is an ordinary girl. However, her parents are television chefs and their TV show takes the family all over Australia. Sage has a knack for finding adventures while her parents are busy with their TV commitments.

In Sage Cookson’s Ring of Truth the Cookson family travels to a bakery on Harmon Island, off Tasmania, to film the latest episode of the TV show. After meeting the bakery’s owners — sisters Babette and Bettina — Sage enjoys sampling the pastries and breads.

Then disaster strikes. Bettina’s emerald ring goes missing and she thinks Sage is the thief. Sage decides to find the ring and clear her name. While her mum and dad are in front of the cameras, Sage searches everywhere inside and outside the bakery. Eventually the ring turns up in the last place anyone expects …

This is the second book in the Sage Cookson series and these quick-paced early chapter books will appeal to readers aged 7+. Chapters are short and each features a black and white illustration as a hint about what will happen next.

Extras: There’s a recipe for beef and mushroom pies at the end of the book. The series also has its own website www.sagecookson.com.au featuring sample chapters from the books, more of Sage Cookson’s recipes, and activities related to the books.

I Spy Dad!

I Spy Dad! by Janeen Brian, illustrated by Chantal Stewart.  (New Frontier Publishing) PB RRP: $14.99 ISBN 9781925059649

Reviewed by Rebecca Newman

A little girl spies all kinds of dads playing with their children:

“A rowing dad

a mowing dad

a snip-snap sewing dad.”

None of these dads belongs to our narrator — where could her dad be? She keeps looking and the list of dads grows longer until she spies her own dad at the end of the book.

Stewart’s artwork is a great match for the rollicking rhythm and rhyming text. Lively illustrations show families from a variety of cultural backgrounds having fun together.

This is a new paperback edition of a picture book favourite, and the companion to I Spy Mum! by the same creative partnership. Perfect for three to six year olds and a joy to read aloud.

The Dreaming Tree

The Dreaming Tree by Jo Oliver (New Frontier Publishing)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978-1-92505-948-9

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

The Dreaming Tree is a beautiful book. It is filled with wonderfully rhythmic free verse poetry, accompanied by soft dreamlike illustrations and a strong feeling of the Australian landscape.

The opening poem - from the title The Dreaming Tree – sets the tone of memories, childhood and nature which the rest of the poems in the book go on to explore. They are not all soft and dreamy. Some are rollicking like The Wind, and Children Playing. Some are informative - such as Rock, some are meditative like The River, while others such as Picking Peas recall times past. This diversity of theme sits well alongside the wonderful mix of metaphors and similes with more straight forward images. There is just enough subtlety to get young children thinking without being too obscure or talking down to this audience.

This is a poetry book that the reader can become totally immersed in. The muted, soft colours of the illustrations and their earthy watermarked backgrounds enhance the feeling of the Australian setting. The paintings are beautiful and evoke an emotional response in the same way that the poetry does. They also still allow the reader to create their own imagery in response to the words.

At the end, in the author’s reflection, Oliver writes, ‘Poetry is feeling and thought playing together in words.’ This is very successfully done within these pages.

A hardback book, with thick, glossy pages and accessible poetry, this is a beautiful package for all ages to enjoy.

Keeper of the Crystals: Eve and the Runaway Unicorn

Keeper of the Crystals: Eve and the Runaway Unicorn by Jess Black (New Frontier Publishing)

PB RRP $ 14.99

ISBN 9780957988415

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Eve is staying at her Granny’s place in a town full of old people, with the exception of Oscar, who lives next door. ‘You are never to go into the attic!’ is Granny’s rule. Tell children not to do something and they will go straight and do it. Eve is bored and she and Oscar decide to explore the forbidden attic.

Eve takes the keys while Granny is sleeping and it’s in a locked metal trunk that she finds the crystal unicorn. The bright light generated by the unicorn is a portal into a strange and mysterious land. Eve and Oscar land on sand in the desert of Panthor near the Borderlands, and embark on the adventure of their life. Panthor is a land where animals and people live in harmony, and communicate through their thoughts.

 Eve discovers that the imprint of the crystal unicorn stays on her palm. This has a significance that is revealed later in the story.

Greeted by Callie, one of the outliers, Eve is surprised to learn that her arrival was foretold in a prophecy. Her coming means the return of the unicorn, and freedom for the people from the king who has enslaved them.

The children go to the Lakes of Trapor in the heart of the Borderlands and into forbidden territory, to find the unicorn and overthrow the king. Will they succeed in their quest? Can they find a way to return home?

This fantasy adventure for the 7+ age groups is the beginning of a series where animals, people and other living things, live in harmony. Eve for some unrevealed reason is chosen as the Keeper of the Crystals. Each story has a new and challenging quest. It has mystery and intrigue, secrets and revelations. This book ends with a dangling teaser alluding to Granny and why the unicorn crystal was discovered in her attic. The next book, Keeper of the Crystals: Eve and the Fiery Phoenix, is also out now.

The Red Feather

The Red Feather by Ben Kitchin, illustrated by Owen Swan (New Frontier Publishing)

HC RRP $ 24.99

ISBN 9780957988439

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Owen Swan is a gifted illustrator and here is further proof of his talent. The child characters in this story are utterly delightful; so beautifully presented and perfect. Swan captures the expressions and attitudes so well it makes you believe you are watching real people in real life scenes.

The pivotal point of the story is a red feather found by Claude at the seaside. It magnetises him and its ownership gives him tremendous joy.

That is until Shelby sees the feather and feels the same as Claude about it. The feather is swapped for food when Claude becomes hungry.

Then William is mesmerised by the brilliant red feather. A reluctant swap for an umbrella when it rains sees him in possession.  The longing moves to Maya she sees the magical feather that is bewitching everyone.  It changes hands again, this time for a blanket. Maya leaves the group to enjoy this unique object alone.

But loneliness is no substitute for friends, even when a beautiful and coveted red feather is the prize. What will Maya decide to do?

The story with its simple text speaks of friendship, togetherness, and sharing. This delightful picture book with its stunning illustrations in pen, watercolour and coloured pencil is a stand out. It’s something special for the 3-6 age groups.

Fearless with Dad

Fearless with Dad by Cori Brooke, illustrated by Giuseppe Poli (New Frontier Publishing)

HC RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781925059403

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

This inspiring story of a relationship between father and son gives flight to the imagination. The boy believes that with his dad he can be and do anything. He can build sandcastles and be a pirate. He can build bridges, fly like an eagle, travel to the moon, and build a racing car. With his dad everything is possible. He is fearless and his possibilities are limitless.

This excellent book shows how children can be empowered by adults to become what they want to be. It’s about self-esteem and confidence, and that is mainly generated by the people they love the most in life. It’s about being loved and supported no matter how silly things seem. Life is there to be tasted.

I loved this book in its entirety because of the positive messages it contains. Their morphing depends on the reader’s interpretation of the underlying themes discovered in the text.

The illustrations in watercolour and black pencil are genuinely endearing while very casual, as are the characters. The book is full of joy, with a magical connection existing between the boy and his dad.

There is a visible assurance about what can be done or accomplished throughout the story. The confidence of the child is a tangible thing.

This book for the 3-6 age groups (but also for adults) has so much potential for use as a teaching tool. It should be found in schools, libraries, and homes, for although it is a boy and his dad, the message is clear. All we need is encouragement and someone to believe that we can, so we can also believe it ourselves.

Keeper of the Crystals: Eve and the Fiery Phoenix

Keeper of the Crystals: Eve and the Fiery Phoenix by Jess Black (New Frontier Publishing)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 9781925059441

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Eve and Oscar have become friends and constant companions, after sharing the experience in the desert of Panthor after Eve had summoned the power of the unicorn.

In the second book of the Keeper of the Crystals series Eve finds a tiny crystal phoenix in an Odditorium which once again, leaves an imprint on her palm.

A powered illuminated light appears just before a torrent of water sweeps Eve and Oscar away.

Everything is dark around them. Eve, who loses sight of Oscar, allows herself to be helplessly taken along by the water. Suddenly, she connects with something solid and clings to it.

The force of the water sends her down a river surrounded by jungle on either side. A log with Oscar clinging to it brings them together, and they manage to haul themselves to the bank by grabbing onto overhanging branches.

A tiger confronts them, with the boy Slate close by. The children must find his people’s sacred fire spirit. Its song is what brings the sun up to warm the land of Griffid, the tiger jungle. Eve knows that her magic power has brought her to this place where tigers and people live in harmony together for that purpose.

But where is the phoenix? Eve and Oscar’s quest is to bring the magical bird back to them as soon as possible. It is losing its feathers and each feather dropped starts a fire that destroys more of the landscape.

Can the children negotiate the maze of caves at Merden by following the imprint on Eve’s hand? Will the bird, like its legend, rise from the ashes reborn, to bring the sun back to its people?

This fantasy adventure with magical powers at play is now moving at a faster pace. The question of what Gran has to do with the magic crystals was born in the reader’s mind at the end of the last book, and fed in this one. It has generated an interest that expands beyond the story and a longing to find out what secret Gran is hiding.

Eve and the Mermaid’s Tears is due in October. Full of mystery and adventure, this exciting series is proving to be an addictive read. It is highly suited to the 7+ age groups. It carries subtle environmental themes, addressing the importance of nature and its survival through people, plants and animals living together harmoniously.

Oliver and George

Oliver and George written and illustrated by Peter Carnavas (New Frontier Publishing)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781925059083

Reviewed By Rose Davies

The two main characters of this very simply illustrated book are extremely cute. There is young Oliver, who always manages to be wearing at least one roller skate as well as fancy dress, and there’s the gorgeous chubby, rather intellectual looking George, a huge teddy bear. George has a small ‘pince nez’ on his nose and always seems to be reading!

Oliver wants attention. He wants to play, but George is too engrossed in his reading. Whatever ways George chooses to try and distract George does not work. Oliver throws a paper plane at George, he pushes him and breaks the stool George is sitting on, but George reads on, totally absorbed in his book. Oliver even tips porridge on George.  That does not even work for Oliver to distract George and he does not even get mad.

Oliver tries a new tactic. Oliver pulls George’s ears, he tickles George’s nose with a feather, still nothing happens, so he snatches George’s book from him and scoots off.

Suddenly he is hit on the head with a paper plane, and then there is an almighty ROAR from George. Oliver apologises for making George mad. Suddenly the tide turns.  Now George is ready to play but the book Oliver snatched away seems extremely interesting to Oliver now. “Shall we play now?” asks George. “Okay”, “In a minute” replies Oliver, as he walks away with his nose in a book.

This is a cheerful storyline with an unexpected ending. Not only is the story a good read, perhaps subtly it also shows early readers and pre-readers that books can be really exciting and interesting.

Writing now for over six years Peter Carnavas is an established author/ illustrator, with his first book Jessica’s Box shortlisted for the Queensland Premier’s Literary Award and with this book he won the Speech Pathology Book of the Year in 2008. Peter also received the Notable book award by the CBCA and was shortlisted for the Crichton Award.  When Peter is not writing he is teaching, reading books with his daughters, drawing and trying to play the mandolin.

Rose Davies is an established non-fiction author of environment and nature books for adults. She also writes freelance for several publications, runs a consultancy business focussed on community nature and environment education. She has been writing reviews for a variety of publications for over 25 years. 

Jonathan

Jonathan by Peter Carnavas, illustrated by Amanda Francey (New Frontier Publishing)
HB RRP A$24.95
ISBN 97811921928611
Reviewed by Rose Davies

Jonathon is a beautifully illustrated, full colour picture book for the 3- 5 year old age group. This is one of those books that is a pleasure to read to younger children as it has plenty of opportunity for sound effects  as we move through the story.

Jonathan disguises himself as various creatures.  ROAR! calls Jonathan the lion.  SNAP!  he calls when he’s dressed up as a crocodile.  GROWL! calls Jonathan when he is dressed in a blanket like make believe bear. Jonathan tries to scare Dad, his sister and Mum, but no one is interested.

Jonathan goes for a walk, he meets to his surprise a friendly dinosaur, so they team up to go to Jonathan’s house to see if they can scare anyone there this time. BOO! says the dinosaur when the front door is opened by Dad, Mum and his sister. The family scream, then flee the house. Jonathan thanks the Dinosaur and tells him he can go now when suddenly the dinosaur says BOO! The dinosaur takes off what turns out to be a costume and reveals…it’s Jonathan’s grandad!

He didn’t scare Jonathan!!

A simple story, a happy ending, this is a lovely book for parents, grandparents and early readers to read and enjoy.

Rose Davies is an established non-fiction author of environment and nature books for adults. She also writes freelance for several publications, runs a consultancy business focussed on community nature and environment education. She’s also been writing reviews for a variety of publications for over 25 years.