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Books of the Month - June 2018

It has been rather tricky to choose our top books for June. Not only did we go on a bookshop spending spree, we also borrowed many summer themed picture books from our local library and were lucky enough to be sent several new releases from publishers too! However after very careful consideration, we have made our final decision and these are our picks...



Picture Book of the Month: Picking Pickle

I first came across this book on it's release day on Twitter and was extremely excited. Why?? Well firstly it's a book about dogs and picture books about dogs are ALWAYS well received in our house. This is mainly because the Mini Reviewers are all desperate for a dog. At the moment I am still standing firm but, in all honesty, I'm not sure how long I'll last! Secondly, this book is about a dog called Pickle and Pickle just happens to be the name of my childhood dog. So obviously we just HAD to get a copy! 

Written by Polly Faber, illustrated by Clara Vulliamy and published by Pavilion, Picking Pickle is a book packed full of excitable, doggy characters. It reminds me a little of Hairy McClary in that the dogs each have their own unique personalities. There is bouncy Boo-Boo, howly Wiggins and posh Petunia. There is also Geraldo, Dumpling, Matilda, Harvey and Dibble. Pickle, who tells the story, is of course our favourite but then we may just be a bit biased! The story is about choosing a dog to adopt, it is full of humour yet still tugs gently on your heartstrings and, in our opinion, is a must for little dog lovers.

Buy here.

Chapter Book of the Month: The Princess in Black takes a Holiday

Mini Reviewer, Izzie (6), received a review copy of this book via Toppsta. If you are not already familiar with Toppsta, it is a fantastic website where you can review children's books for the chance to win new titles. We had already heard of The Princess in Black series from a fellow book blogger, who had recommended the stories as an alternative to traditional princess tales so we were delighted to receive a review copy. 

Written by husband and wife duo, Dean and Shannon Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham and published by Walker Books, The Princess in Black takes a Holiday is the fourth book in The Princess in Black series. Although we weren't familiar with the other stories, this did not affect our enjoyment of the story. The short chapters, colourful illustrations and exciting story line really appealed to Izzie and she confidently read this story independently.

The Princess in Black is more superhero than princess, battling monsters night after night. One day she is so tired that her new friend, The Goat Avenger, suggests she takes a holiday and so she does! However, trouble follows her to the beach and soon she finds herself battling a sea monster! Will she ever be able to enjoy her holiday and will the Goat Avenger be able to fill in for her while she is away? Well that would be telling! All we will say is that Izzie is now keen to read the earlier books.

Buy here.

Non-Fiction Book of the Month: I Am A Wonder Woman: Inspiring activities to try. Incredible women to discover.

This is a fantastic non-fiction book by Ellen Bailey, Lauren Farnsworth and Sophie Beer combining inspirational stories about wonderful women with engaging activities. There has been a recent surge of books entering the children's book market designed to promote the value of women in society and empower young girls. What I particularly like about this book is the variety of interesting activities that accompany the stories. There are instructions to build a book with the Bronte sisters; tips to improve your singing with Maria Callas and a page to write a letter of encouragement to yourself inspired by Anna Pavlova. You can also design kites with Pamela Lyndon Travers; write secret messages like Elvira Chaudoir; and even identify fossils with Mary Anning.  The fun activities allow the reader to step into the shoes of some truly incredible women gaining a more in depth understanding of their contributions to society. It is also an ideal book to encourage young readers to explore their own talents and identity. Perfect for the summer holidays! Thank you to publisher, Buster Books, for our copy.

Buy here.

For lots more fabulous books why not take a look at our Amazon Store now? We only share the books we love!

Until next time... HAPPY READING!
Kate & the Mini Reviewers xx

Disclaimer: We received a copy of I am a Wonder Woman from publisher Buster Books for review consideration and won a review copy of The Princess in Black takes a Holiday from Toppsta. All opinions are as always our own. This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more about what this means here.

6 comments:

  1. Looking forward to reading these with you. I am really excited by the activities to do.

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  2. I love the sound of the Princess in Black and no wonder you couldn't resist a book about a dog called Pickle!

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  3. I definitely need to purchase I Am a Wonder Woman, fab selection as always, looking forward to July's already! #readwithme

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  4. We love Picking Pickle too! I've just posted a review on Story Snug.

    #ReadWithMe

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  5. These look a lovely selection of children's reads #readwithme

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  6. Adding the nonfiction Wonder Woman one to my list! #readwithme

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