“Why are crocodiles only boys?”

Today I went to read to the children from the Rainbow Library. I took What is a Crocodile's Favourite Thing and Open Very Carefully hoping that they would entice some reluctant listeners in from the corners. To some extent it worked. Open Very Carefully was an absolute hit and caught and held the attention of...

Apple Pie ABC by Alison Murray

Apple Pie ABC is no ordinary alphabet book. Oh no! It looks 'ordinary' in the face and laughs. This book is far too smart and stylish to ever be called ordinary. Alison Murray has taken the usual alphabet book format and mixed it with a traditional verse. And that is just where the story begins,...

What is a Crocodile’s Favourite Thing? By Ben Hawkes

So what is a crocodile's favourite thing? Perhaps it is driving a car made out of a sausage? Or could it be doing ballet while dressed as a princess? Or eating a dirty pants sandwich? Of course not, silly! But you'll have to read the book yourself to find out what it is. This book...

Playing the gender game through the Rainbow Library

Over on the ReaditDaddy blog they have spent the last week examining the gender gap in picture books and reading. The discussion on Nosy Crow's blog about the gendering of children's books was part of the inspiration for this blog, so I was interested to read the ReaditDaddy posts and the discussions they inspired. The...

Playing the gender game through the Rainbow Library

Over on the ReaditDaddy blog they have spent the last week examining the gender gap in picture books and reading. The discussion on Nosy Crow's blog about the gendering of children's books was part of the inspiration for this blog, so I was interested to read the ReaditDaddy posts and the discussions they inspired. The...

Lion and Mouse by Catalina Echeverri

Rhino's and lions aren't always the best of friends but I shall make an exception for this dapper one. A mighty lion and a tiny mouse live next to each other and are best friends. The only trouble is Lion thinks he is better than Mouse in every way. And he shows it. Until one...

Primrose by Alex T. Smith

Quick! Look out the window! Do you see that? Do you? It's 'sunshine'. I know!! Take a photo of it, quick, the clouds will be back any second. In celebration of the sun making a very overdue appearance I have a new and deliciously sunshiny book to hug to my chest today. I give you...