Thanks to Pavilion Children’s for sending me copies of these wonderful books. As always, all opinions are my own.

I’m always looking for new books to add to our collection, especially now that our daughter is reading well and independently. Pavilion Children’s recently came out with four new books and our kids absolutely love them! They would make perfect spring gifts and would also fit well in Easter baskets. We couldn’t wait for the holidays so we read them right away; they’ve already become favorites in our house! 

The Last Tree by Emily Haworth-Booth

This story follows a group of friends seeking a place to call home. The desert was too hot, the valley too wet, and the mountain too windy, but the forest was perfect. The friends soon wanted to build shelters, which became large houses. All too soon they wanted to control the environment and built a huge wooden wall around the community, which shut out the wind, but also created problems. And gradually the forest became thinner, until there was only one last tree standing. It was down to the children to find a solution.

I absolutely love this story! It really reminded me that while adults (and humans in general) think they know best, a lot of times we don’t think far enough ahead to consider how detrimental our seemingly small actions can be. I think it also shows children that they can make a necessary difference and solve problems, even though they’re small. The story would be especially perfect for Earth Day, though I’m sure we’ll be reading it often. 

• Buy it: Amazon

Alone! by Barry Falls

One day Billy hears the squeak of a mouse, which destroys his peaceful existence. So he gets a cat to catch the mouse. But the cat and the mouse make friends. So he gets a dog to chase the cat. But they all play together. So then he gets a bear… then a tiger… and on it goes, until Billy’s house is so filled with animals that he has to move out. Will he find that he still craves peace and quiet, or is it better to have company and friends? This a laugh-out-loud story of growing chaos, with a subtle message about how it’s good to have friends.

This book is so incredibly fun to read! I love the rhyming prose and the message at the end of the book (I won’t spoil it for you!). I think it can teach both children and adults about the value of friendship and also about respecting when people want to be alone. Our five year old son especially loves this story! 

• Buy it: Amazon

While You’re Sleeping by Mick Jackson and John Broadley

There’s a whole world of activity out there while we’re asleep in our beds, from bakers preparing bread and cakes and firefighters waiting patiently for a call, to hospitals caring for those who are ill and postal workers sorting our mail. There is also wildlife such as foxes foraging, bats flying, and owls hunting for prey. And around the world there are children who are playing, learning, eating, and reading while we’re tucked up asleep.

My husband works overnights so our kids do realize that the world continues on while they sleep, but I don’t think they really grasped how many people are active while they are resting! This story helps children understand that there are different time zones and all the work that goes on ‘behind the scenes’ overnight. It’s visually stunning and our kids really enjoy the book.

• Buy it: Amazon

The Greatest Showpenguin by Lucy Freegard

Poppy the Penguin comes from a long line of circus performers. Many skills have been passed down from penguin to penguin. Poppy soon decides that performing in the family circus is not for her, as she prefers to feel calm and in control. But the hardest thing is not juggling, or riding a unicycle–it’s telling her mum that she doesn’t want to perform any more. Her bravery is worth it when Poppy discovers a better role–organizing and coordinating the whole show. And what a show it turns out to be! This tale of overcoming shyness and lack of confidence is both a funny and sensitive parody of the record-breaking movie The Greatest Showman, and a celebration of girl power!

As huge fans of the movie The Greatest Showman, I knew this book would be a hit with our kids. And I was right! We love this book because our daughter is a performer and our son prefers to only show off on his own terms. While he can be a ‘class clown’, he has more stage fright and is more like Poppy the Penguin. This book shows that it’s okay to figure out where you fit in the world, and that everyone is different. 

• Buy it: Amazon

These books are all very cute and open up conversations between us and our kids which I think is so important. They would make wonderful gifts; and don’t forget, Easter is right around the corner too! 

Amber

Hi there! I’m Amber, a 34 year old wife and mom of two from central Minnesota. I love to be outside with my family anywhere the weather is warm (which means I spend half the year freezing). We’re a homeschooling family that loves to travel as often as possible! When I have a spare free moment, I love to read, take photos, and scrapbook. I’m interested in anything that makes life more fun; I also love socializing and sharing about my favorite products!

www.emilyreviews.com/