I recently came across this book – Melvin the luckiest monkey. I checked out the author Claudia Boldt and found that she creates the cutest drawings in soft colours that aren’t just for her range of kids books but they’re also used to create adorable stickers, place mats and other stationery. The stories look like they’re fun to read and often have messages on life lessons like friendship or creating your own luck or beauty being in the eye of the beholder. I especially love the illustrations in Odd Dog which is all about a dog who prefers apples to bones. You can get Claudia’s books on Amazon
I always feel that I don’t share enough books on my blog and this year I would like to change that. I’m a big fan of kids books and can’t stop buying them for my daughter. So every time I come across a book that I think is a must have I will share. This was a book I bought a year ago and we really love it. Originally published in 1963, it made a comeback in 2010 and I’m not surprised. It’s a simple book where you follow a long piece of string that takes you from one wonderful illustration to another all ordered from A to Z. While it’s an alphabet book, it uses illustrations instead of letters to show the alphabet. It’s fun for kids to guess what the drawings are and I love looking at the simple but delightful illustrations. A Long Piece of String by William Wondriska is a must have in any kids library.
I am completely besotted with this kids book called ‘I want my hat back’ by Jon Klassen. It’s a story about a bear looking for his hat and while it sounds simple, there’s a clever message in there reminiscent of children who do something wrong and then try and cover it up with excuses and lies. The story is told in a few words with beautiful illustrations that have humour and wit and there’s a wicked little twist at the end.
I bought this book yesterday with some others and this is definitely my daughters favourite and mine. I think we’ve already read it five times but it’s been a pleasure since I want my hat back is a delight for both adults and children and deserves a place in every little kids library.
Books are one of my favourite things to give and receive. I can’t imagine not giving ebabee no.1 at least a couple of books every Christmas, birthday and many, many times in between. Children’s books are magical and you can never have enough. For this year’s book gift list I’ve picked out many children’s books that we’ve enjoyed and there are a few that I have yet to buy, but they’re on my Christmas list too. All the books offer something special either for their clever stories, beautiful illustrations, creativity or even their quirkiness. Here’s the list of books mainly for 2 year olds to around 6 year olds:
1. ‘The Life of Mr Mustache’ by Studio Violet. Charming and oh so creative is this book from Fine Little Day. (no longer available)
2. ‘My Friends’ by Taro Gomi is a sweet and simple book and is a firm favourite in this home.
3. ‘100 Things’ by Masayuki Sebe is a happy book that gets the little minds counting and observing.
4. ‘The Book with a Hole’ by Herve Tullet – I haven’t got this yet but it looks rather cool and quirky.
5. ‘A Bit Lost’ by Chris Haughton is a cute story with really beautiful illustrations in the most wondeful colours.
6. ‘Beware of the Frog’ by William Bee is an entertaining read with a great twist and some retro-esque illustrations.
7. ‘Not a Box’ by Antoinette Portis. A book about a box that’s not a box… it’s a car, a house or whatever you child’s imagination wants it to be. We all know kids adore boxes and this book captures the magic of the humble box so well.
8. Made to Play!: Handmade Toys and Crafts for Growing Imaginations by Joel Henriques. A book full of fun, simple and beautiful toy making crafts by talented dad Joel. I haven’t got this yet but I know Joel’s work well and he is one super imaginative and talented guy.
9. ‘The Blue Pebble’by Anne-Gaelle Balpe. A sweet story with a little moral that has been drawn out in beautiful pictures that have a bit of a old fashioned feel.
10 ‘Animal Alphabet Circus’ by Tupera Tupera (a couple of Japanese illustrators) – no longer available. The entire alphabet is illustrated through circus animals beautifully drawn. All the words are in Japanese and English. This is a real feast for the eyes and one I can’t wait to get.
My most recent book purchase for ebabee no.1 was ‘Good Little Wolf’ by Nadia Shireen. It turned out to be such a fabby little book, I had to share. The illustrations are just delightful and the story is such a winner. The story goes:
“Once upon a time there was a wolf called Rolf – a good little wolf who liked baking cakes and was always kind to his friends. But real wolves aren’t supposed to be good – they’re supposed to be BIG and BAD. Can a good little wolf still be a real wolf?”
Funny, hugely entertaining and even a twist in the tale… what more could anyone want? This is Nadia Shireens first book for children, and what a book. I’m so hoping (praying even) that there’s more to come and very soon. To get Good Little Wolf head to Amazon where it costs £3.75 with free delivery.
Ebabee Likes is a style guide for babies, kids, teens and their mamas. It’s all about inspiration, ideas and indulging yourself and your brood. It’s written by me ~ Nomita ~ a style loving girl from Mumbai who now live’s in London. Read More...
