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I'm Elly. I'm an elephant and I love to read. Every so often I'll
be reviewing a children's book or two that other small elephants
and their parents might enjoy. Stay tuned.
Hi . . .
The House Full of Stuff
I love this story about characters Mo and Mr McDuff who hate to let anything go to waste. Simply illustrated in just three tones, but...
Jul 19, 2023
Granny McFlitter's Eggcellent Easter
Another stunning Granny McFlitter story from author Heather Haylock accompanied by bright, gorgeous watercolours by Lael Chisholm. This...
Mar 26, 2023
A Little Blue
Set on the wild west coast of the South Island of New Zealand - a poignant book of letters from a child missing their mum. Soft coloured...
Nov 10, 2021
The Song of the Trees
In the style of a folk tale with gorgeous paintings full of tiny details. Really lovely colour palette. A very relevant story about...
Nov 10, 2021
The Wolf's Secret
Cannot express how much I love this book. It is sooooo beautifully produced. Fabulous linen feel cover, divine colour palette and...
May 26, 2021
Anzac Day - The New Zealand Story
Anzac Day 2021 has just passed a month ago (April 25th). This book is an important addition to any primary school Anzac collection. ...
May 26, 2021
Who's Going to Bed?
Such a lovely bed time book. There are so many on the market, but I like this one as the approach is a bit different. Perspective...
Mar 28, 2021
Bumblebees Have Smelly Feet
Fun facts about bumblebees. Non-fiction for children jam packed with information, photographs and super cute bee illustrations. ...
Feb 24, 2021
ABIGAIL and the restless raindrop
Another 'Curious girl explores BIG ideas' book. Lovely visuals accompany a gentle story about a raindrop, whilst also explaining larger...
Feb 10, 2021
Hollybee Hope wants a Prickly Coat
You will have guessed by now I am a big fan of New Zealand author and illustrator Deborah Hinde. This picture book was her writing debut...
Jan 22, 2021
LUCY goes to market
There are a ton of alphabet books out there. This is one I'm fond of because it has a simple premise and the language is both varied and...
Jan 22, 2021
ABIGAIL and the birth of the sun
Cannot say enough wonderful things about this book. I love it all - the finish, the colours, the inspired layout and the divinely modern...
Nov 30, 2020
My cat likes to hide in boxes
Such an old favourite - I recently purchased a new copy to replace the one that got dropped in the bath by a small child a few years ago!...
Nov 30, 2020
Waata The Weta
This book has been on my shelf for a wee while. It's a cute adventure story about a fearless Weta finding his way in the world and...
Nov 25, 2020
1.2.3 with New Zealand Rugby
A little book with everything. A numbers book in rhyme & Te Reo Maori about rugby, with a hidden kiwi on every spread. It really ticks...
Nov 24, 2020
The Chimpanzees of Happytown
The absolute favourite book of the youngest boy in the house when he was small. Positively popping with colour, this is a book about joy...
Oct 28, 2020
John Joe's Tune
Brilliantly illustrated by Christine Ross (the fine pencil detail and colour palette are gorgeous), this book is a must have for New...
Oct 28, 2020
Macca the Alpaca
The first of quite a series by Matt Cosgrove, I do love Macca the Alpaca. A great story about beating a bully once and for all. The...
Sep 27, 2020
The Perfect Hug
One from the bookshelf. From 2011, a lovely book for toddlers. Bright simple illustrations and easy text - there really is a hug on...
Sep 27, 2020
The Little Mermaid
I am a huge fan of English illustrator Ian Beck. I've had this edition on my shelf for quite a while as it was published in 2005. It is...
Aug 27, 2020
Sleep, Little Kiwi, Sleep
A gorgeous tale about Kiwi's nocturnal adventures, beautifully written and illustrated by Deborah Hinde. The colours perfectly capture...
Aug 23, 2020
Scary Tales
Another beautifully put together book by illustrator and designer Deborah Hinde. Scary Tales, Rhymes for Brave Children is Judi...
Jun 20, 2020
In the Blink of an Eye
This book is really for parents, as every child innately knows this truth. A cautionary tale of a family so pushed for time that what...
Jun 16, 2020
Fuzzy Doodle
An engaging story of the power of imagination and the journey of transformation. Beautifully told and lovingly illustrated.
Jun 13, 2020
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