As the weeks go rushing past and in no time it will be time to hang the stockings we all seem to go into a kind of frenzy of ‘what to get for..?’.

There are some very cute new books for little people which would make great stocking stuffers:

Peppa’s Christmas Jumper Day

Penguin

Imprint: Ladybird

November 2019

ISBN: 9780241371589

RRP: $9.99

Yep, we’ve all been there – when the kid says ‘I need this (outfit) for tomorrow.’ I’ve had to make rush Virgin Mary costumes and Captain Cook complete with tricorn so I feel the pain.

When Peppa announces that the next day is Christmas jumper day at playgroup there’s a scramble for the box in the attic to retrieve last year’s jumpers. The problem is that Peppa and George have grown through the year and their jumpers no longer fit them. George can wear Peppa’s but what will Peppa wear?

Luckily Daddy Pig is one inventive and creative papa and saves the day with flair…and glitter!

Tiny tots would love this colourful board book with its familiar characters and not only does it make it a great gift for your child but 10% of the RRP will be donated to Save the Children – win win! Highly recommended for babies to preschool age.

 

The Lonely Christmas Tree – Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

Bloomsbury

November 2019-11-16

Imprint: Bloomsbury Children’s Books

ISBN:	9781408892923

RRP: $16.99

What an exquisite little jewel of a book! Inspired by ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas children will love the story of the last lonely tree on the hillside who finds happiness at Christmas and finally is surrounded by love.

The illustrations are just truly beautiful and many children will recognise the ‘rhythm’ of this text if they have heard the original inspiration.

The underlying message about loneliness and the joy of being together with friends is very timely for the festive season and I believe that young readers will rejoice that the little tree is no longer alone.

Highly recommended for reader from around 5 years upwards.

I’m Ready for Christmas – Jedda Robaard

Penguin

Imprint: Puffin

ISBN: 9781760891619

October 2019

This is the introduction to a gorgeous new series of colourful board books especially for Australian children and celebrating the special events in a little person’s life.  I love the idea behind this series which is to bridge the gap between early concept books (ABC, numbers etc) and standard picture books. What is even more attractive is the truly Australian flavour throughout.

The days are getting warmer and longer.

Cicadas are buzzing in the trees.

Like all of us little Miss Wombat knows that this means that Christmas is close and the preparations including making 3 x great-grandmother’s pudding and wrapping gifts combine with reflection on all that has happened throughout the year.

Naturally the book concludes with a beautiful family feast.

Just delightful!

I’m Ready for Preschool – Jedda Robaard

Penguin

Imprint: Puffin

October 2019-11-16

RRP: $12.99

And following hard on the heels of Christmas hundreds of little ones will be getting ready for preschool/prep/kindy which is both exciting and a little anxiety-making at the same time.

I’m trying something new soon. Something new and exciting . . .

Little Koala is a little bit nervous about starting preschool but like so many others is having quite a bit of fun testing out his backpack, water bottle and hat. And once he’s taken that first big step into the room and starts playing with new friends all his worries disappear.

Once again so many littlies will readily identify with this simple but effective story and they will see themselves as they too prepare for their first big leap into the wider world.

Stay posted for the next two in the series, coming in March 2020 – Easter and New Baby.

The perfect double for a little pre-preschooler of your acquaintance or if your school has an early childhood centre attached – a great addition to the shelves.

Highly recommended for 2-5 year olds.