The two books below are my featured books, writes Margaret Hamilton, because they deserve special attention but the others I received from publishers coming out in March— all special in themselves. The Tree Of Ecstasy And Unbearable Sadness by Matt Ottley. RRP $39.99 (Dirt Lane Press). Words...

  The First Book of Bush Sounds by Fred Van Gessel, New Holland Publishers h/b RRP $24.99 Ages3+. (Other board books by this author feature wild and backyard birds) Twelve Australian bush animals have been selected by Fred Van Gessel to engage young kids in this interactive board book....

These books all have unusual and compelling illustrations to accompany their text. Although they are aimed at young kids, one book is definitely for adults as well! Look What We Can Do! (Archie & Reddie, #3) written and illustrated by Candy James, pub. HarperCollins Childrens Books (ABC...

There are lots of great rhyming books for the under 8 years. This selection of new books will make great bed-time reads.  A Pair of Pears and an Orange written and illus. by Anna McGregor, pub. Scribble, a Scribe Publications imprint. h/b RRP$24.99 Ages 3+ This delightful book...

Board books are designed to take some tough treatment from babies and toddlers. Even chewing them is fun, but cuddling up and reading a board book to this age group is the best fun of all! Ribbit Rabbit by Candace Ryan illus by Mike Lowery, pub. Bloomsbury...

During lockdown and school closures reading has been the one thing that parents can do with littlies to encourage their creativity, spark their curiosity, and let their imagination run wild!  Just like Me by Tess Osborne and illus. by Zoe Osborne, pub. Little Steps Publishing. RRP$14.98...

Books for tweens and teens become harder to select as they grow older. Some will give books and reading away for other interests but all of these books below will take them to the other-worlds of dark arts, fantasy and magic. Much like the digital...

Why First-Borns Rule the World and Later-borns want to change it by Michael Grose, published by Penguin Life, p/b RRP$34.99 (pub. June 1, 2021) Originally published as Why First-Borns Rule the World and Last-borns want to change it, 2003 this is fully revised and republished and updated...

Some fun books this month for the littlies with plenty of favourites to choose from. What Do You Call Your Grandma? by Ashleigh Barton and Martina Heiduczek (HarperCollins publishers H/b RRP $19.99) Every Grandma has a special name and that’s part of the fun when you become a...

Often it's hard for young children's to express their feelings and they resort to temper tantrums or just keeping silent. These recently published books illustrate ways to use the stories to discuss emotions. It’s OK to cry by Molly Potter, illustrated by Sarah Jennings (pub Featherstone, imprint...