Omu is making a wonderfully smelling stew for dinner. When the neighbours and workers around her building smell the stew, they come ask her to have some of her delicious meal. She, of course, shares it but ends up having none for herself. Lo and behold her kindness is repaid when the people who had her meal bring her some of their food to share.

A beautiful picture book about losing a parent and the grief and questions that come when they pass away. A young boy struggles with big questions, and seeks to understand his feelings and how to deal with his sadness and heartbreak. The Gorilla, symbolic of this big loss and big questions, answers many of the young boy's questions and shows him that his mom will always be with him, through his memories and the things they liked to do together.

A young boy and his dad live in a home with creaks and holes and that is slowly falling apart. They love this house and it's home for them full of memories. Their landlord tells them that they are going to demolish the house so they have to move. This is hard on them but they find a new house. The young boy comes to realise they can make their new house a home too, over time.

As a teacher I always make a concerted effort to learn the proper pronunciation and spelling of each of my kids’ names. This book reaffirms the importance of doing that, from a child’s perspective.

I saw this book recommended recently and what a beauty it is. Bear discovers a piano in the forest and over time he figures out how to play it and becomes a popular show to his forest friends. Humans discover his talent and take him to the city where he becomes famous, playing with mega stars, recording his music and being invited to to play around the world. He starts to feel like he is missing something and that is his friends. Beautiful pictures support the themes of fame and friendship in this book.

This sweet book about friendship, taking care of each other, and perseverance is perfect for kids to understand these big ideas.

Bright, bold and fun letters and pictures accompany this brilliant story about being alike, yet also different, but nonetheless connected.

I came across this story at an oddly convenient time. I have started poetry with my grade 9s this week and this will be a story I will share with them tomorrow. A fun and silly competition between the cat and dog about who is the best poet. Full of funny poems, and lots of poetry vocabulary, this is one for older kids to have fun with.

A great picture book that reminds readers that being kind is cool.