Best Books

Top Five Best Books for Children, Ages 8-12

The Secret Garden

1. The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett 

This book is a secret delight. The imperious orphaned Mary joins her sickly cousin Colin, in a moldering house in North Yorkshire. It is wonderful to see young readers slip into a long ago, slower paced world, but one that is so rich in detail. The children marvel at the discovery of the secret garden. As the plants blossom Mary and Colin do too, shedding off old skins of grief and isolation.

2. The Harry Potter Series, by J.K. Rowling 

The seven books in this series need no introduction. Harry Potter and his adventures at Hogwarts – the school for witchcraft and wizardry- are now a firm part of the landscape of children’s literature.  J.K. Rowling is a gifted storyteller with an incredible imagination. The memorable characters, page turning adventures, epic themes of good versus evil and above all a lightness of touch, all make this series a compulsive read.

3. Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series, by Rick Riordan 

Another incredible series that take the amazing stories of Greek Mythology, set and update them in the modern world.   Also, fantastic for young children to learn about the rich world of Greek mythology. This source of knowledge will be later greatly appreciated as they study English literature and poetry (riddled as it is with mythological allusions). Young Percy discovers he’s the son of the Greek god Poseidon. This discovery initiates a series of electric paced adventures that culminate in young Percy aiding the Gods of Olympus in the defeat of an ancient enemy.

4. Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll

The delightful tale of a curious Alice, a talking rabbit and the fall into a surreal wonderland continues to enchant. We are introduced to fanciful talking creatures, a disappearing cat with an alarming grin and a bloodthirsty, temperamental Queen. Alice encounters many frustrations in wonderland. Her size constantly changes, based on what she eats or drinks. Logical responses to situations are met with ridiculous replies. In this most symbolic dream Alice explores the challenges and frustrations of an opening world, as she prepares to leave her childhood behind.

5. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl 

Roald Dahl introduces us to a marvelous cast of characters. There is the wacky Mr. Willy Wonky, the tiny Oompa Loompas and the winners of the golden ticket! Mr. Wonka has a hidden goal in allowing the children to tour his magical chocolate factory for the first time. But readers will have to wait until the end of the book to find out why. A wonderful cast of eccentric and obnoxious characters, all the candy you could imagine and many adventures along the way. This is every child’s daydream!

Evonne Blanchard is the author of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace,’ and ‘Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage.’ These are the first two books in, ‘Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures,’ an exciting series of ten books set in outer space, (for children ages 5-9).

Ever wondered if aliens exist?  What if one needed your help?  Would you travel into outer space?  For the adventures…of a lifetime!

New – Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

Amelia the Venutons cover with text

Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace

Amelia the Moochins 8-15

When is a present not a present?  When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto!  Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon.  Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help.  Should Amelia venture into outer Space?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

For a limited period read the book for FREE on KINDLE. Click here for more information

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2G13LQ

“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children

You can read the first few chapters, FOR FREE, of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace.’  Simply click on the link below:

https://ameliasamazingspaceadventures.com/the-stories/

Top Five Best Books for Kids, Ages 5-8

make-way-for-ducklings

1. Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey 

The story is so famous in Boston where it’s set, that it was immortalized by the casting of bronze statues – of the whole mallard family- on Boston Common.

An oldie but a goodie! A heartwarming tale of Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and their quest to find a home for themselves and their seven ducklings. The tale is set in Boston and is a particular favorite of my daughters.

 2. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson 

A modern classic. It begins with a mouse, taking a stroll through the deep dark wood…The clever little mouse knows he’s a tasty treat to many an animal. But with the terrible Gruffalo for protection, who is going to risk it?

But what the other animals don’t realize, is that there is no such thing as a Gruffalo. Or is there?

3. Splat the Cat by Rob Scotton 

There are many books in this series and we have many in our home…My daughter are unabashed kitty fanatics! So far favorites include Scaredy Cat, Splat; Secret Agent Splat and Splish, Splash Splat.

The illustrations are fantastic, both funny and charming. The stories are short but bursting with character and engaging. Different books introduce you to various friends, family members and Splat’s pet, which is strangely enough a mouse called Seymour. Is Splat a secret vegetarian?

4. Heidi by Johanna Spyri 

Heidi is a strong and engaging heroine. Her struggles as an orphan – first living with her fierce grandfather – then as a companion to an invalid, pull children into her world and keep them listening as Heidi finally finds happiness.

I loved this book as a child and thankfully both my daughters loved it too. It’s a gentle old fashioned story that also gives children a sense of geography and the past. Beautiful descriptions of the Alps abound. The pristine air and the scent of the pine trees seem to blow through the pages.

5. The Magical Faraway Tree Collection by Enid Blyton (The Enchanted Wood, The Magic Faraway Tree and the Folk of the Faraway Tree)

This famous English author will not be as familiar to American audiences. But in her lifetime she wrote over 700 books. Yes, an incredible amount! Many of her books remain in print and are still very popular. Some readers might find the books a little dated. But the three above in particular are much loved by every child who reads them.

Frannie, Beth and Joe are three children who move to a cottage in the country. Next to the cottage is a magical wood and within that magical wood a magical tree. The children discover the magical tree and its’ eccentric inhabitants. They become friends with Moon-Face, Silky the Fairy and the strange Saucepan Man. Together they discover the rotating lands at the top of the tree, where they have endless adventures. All three books are highly imaginative page turners that will get your child hooked on reading.

Evonne Blanchard is the author of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace,’ and ‘Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage.’ These are the first two books in, ‘Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures,’ an exciting series of ten books set in outer space, (for children ages 5-9).

Ever wondered if aliens exist?  What if one needed your help?  Would you travel into outer space?  For the adventures…of a lifetime!

New – Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

Amelia the Venutons cover with text

Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace

Amelia the Moochins 8-15

When is a present not a present?  When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto!  Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon.  Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help.  Should Amelia venture into outer Space?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

For a limited period read the book for FREE on KINDLE. Click here for more information

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2G13LQ

“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children

You can read the first few chapters, FOR FREE, of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace.’  Simply click on the link below:

https://ameliasamazingspaceadventures.com/the-stories

Top Five Best Books for Children, Ages 2-5

Goodnight Moon Cropped 4-15

1. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. Pictures by Clement Hurd

What all children and their exhausted parents need – a soothing good night story. The story is sweet, moving and the prose elegant.

It’s the ultimate good night book to get your baby or child ready for sleep.   So much so, that you’ll want a nap afterwards too!

2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

This book – also very much a classic – has everything going for it. Metamorphosis, colors, foods, counting, days of the weeks. I’m surprised the author didn’t sneak in the ABCs’ as well!

It’s also a short book, so perfect for a younger child’s often limited attention span. Kids are generally fascinated by caterpillars and butterflies. Warning, they also like poking their fingers through the caterpillar holes! Buy the sturdiest version of this book you can find!

3. Five Minutes’ Peace by Jill Murphy

This book is for one of those days. All parents have them. Mrs. Large the elephant is having one of those days. Her three elephant children are leaving a trail of chaos wherever they go. An exhausted Mrs. Large is determined is ignore the mess and have her five minutes peace. A whole five minutes peace? Is that realistic I ask you?

Kids adore the noisy, messy, elephant children and their colorful and messy house. Parents empathize very much with Mrs. Large. Aha, we realize in our bleary eyed state. Every parent has one…or indeed many of those days!

4. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss 

An absolute classic. Dr. Seuss’s quirky rhymes are instantly recognizable. Kids are entertained by both the language and the humorous illustrations. Clever parents will take it as an opportunity to encourage fussy offspring to try some green eggs and ham or…broccoli, green beans, asparagus or any other greens, to which they have taken an instant aversion.

5. Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton

This is a book to burn off that last energy rush before bedtime. Kids can’t resist dancing to the addictive rhymes; it makes for some fun family videos! And as the title suggests it’s all about animals. Always popular with my daughters! It’s a very creative, fun-filled little book that will become a family favorite.

Evonne Blanchard is the author of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace,’ and ‘Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage.’ These are the first two books in, ‘Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures,’ an exciting series of ten books set in outer space, (for children ages 5-9).

Ever wondered if aliens exist?  What if one needed your help?  Would you travel into outer space?  For the adventures…of a lifetime!

New – Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

Amelia the Venutons cover with text

Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace

Amelia the Moochins 8-15

When is a present not a present?  When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto!  Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon.  Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help.  Should Amelia venture into outer Space?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

For a limited period read the book for FREE on KINDLE. Click here for more information

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2G13LQ

“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children

You can read the first few chapters, FOR FREE, of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace.’  Simply click on the link below:

https://ameliasamazingspaceadventures.com/the-stories/

Top Five Best ABC Books for Children, Ages 2-5

Dr Suess

1.  Dr. Seuss’s ABC by Dr. Seuss

Hands down, this is the most imaginative, zany and entertaining ABC book ever written. My daughters adored it and I never tired of reading it to them.  Who else but Dr. Seuss could conjure up the phrase, ‘an ostrich oiling an orange owl,’ to describe the letter O. Marvelous stuff!

 2.  A to Z by Sandra Boynton

Another creative book by the talented Ms. Boynton.   Sandra  writes perfectly for the pre-school age group. Her silly whimsical style will have the whole family in fits. The above A –Z book is hilarious, fast paced and very engaging. Most importantly of all, it makes learning the ABC’s fun!

3.  Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill North Jr. and John Archambault. Illustrated by Lois Ehlert 

This is a delightful rhyming book with the bold rainbow letters of the alphabet in a race to the top of the coconut tree. But oh-oh, once all the letters have scrambled to the top, the tree begins to buckle under their weight. Soon the alphabet letters come tumbling down! Children love the bright colors and the infectious singsong chant of the prose.

4.  The Alphabet Book by P.D. Eastman 

This is more of a classic alphabet book, but it still manages to have fun with the ABC menu. The illustrations are quirky and colorful. The silly text has great fun with alliteration; ‘elephant on eggs,’ and ‘zebra with a zither.’ This is a quick read that also serves to keep kids entertained.

5.  Happy Baby ABC by Roger Priddy 

One thing I’ve noticed about children, is how much they love looking at photographs, almost as much as illustrations. In this book, colorful photographs accompany each letter. Photographs of animals, other babies, fruit, and objects of everyday life abound. Children are particularly drawn to the animal and baby photographs. But this book is also great in that it helps kids to practice and increase their everyday vocabulary.

Evonne Blanchard is the author of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace,’ and ‘Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage.’ These are the first two books in, ‘Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures,’ an exciting series of ten books set in outer space, (for children ages 5-9).

Ever wondered if aliens exist?  What if one needed your help?  Would you travel into outer space?  For the adventures…of a lifetime!

New – Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

Amelia the Venutons cover with text

Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace

Amelia the Moochins 8-15

When is a present not a present?  When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto!  Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon.  Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help.  Should Amelia venture into outer Space?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

For a limited period read the book for FREE on KINDLE. Click here for more information

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2G13LQ

“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children

You can read the first few chapters, FOR FREE, of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace.’  Simply click on the link below:

https://ameliasamazingspaceadventures.com/the-stories/

Top Five Best Counting Books for Children, Ages 2-5

Ten Apples

1. Ten Apples up on Top by Dr. Seuss. Illustrated by Roy Mckie

This fun book introduces a lion, a tiger and a dog as they begin to challenge each other to a game of balancing and counting apples.  “You can do three but I can do more.”  Kids love the animals, the silliness of the prose and the competitive fun.  Which animal can balance the most apples, whilst engaging in the most outrageous stunt?

2. Ten Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth. Illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith

This sturdy board-book is an instant visual attraction with its bright plastic lady bugs and beautiful illustrations.  The tactile nature of the ladybugs was always a hit with my daughters, when they were pre-schoolers.  The story commences with ten ladybugs and its melodic prose invites readers to keep turning the pages.   The countdown begins!

3.  Miss Spider’s Tea Party by David Kirk

Our family loved this beautiful rhyming story of the sociable Miss Spider’s desire to have fellow insects over for tea and cakes.  A simple counting theme (1-12) introduces the wary bugs.   Aware of the spider’s predatory nature, they shun her, until her amiable florivore personality is revealed.  Gorgeous illustrations and a sweet ending make this a very enjoyable book.

4. Chicka, Chika, 123 by Bill Martin and Michael Sampson. Illustrated by Lois Ehlert

This is another rhyming book in the same style as, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom; the winning ABC book.  The rainbow colors and bright illustrations are also present here.  But this time it is numbers, instead of letters in a race to the top of an apple tree. A swarm of bumblebees threaten the newly arrived numbers.  There is also an additional subplot with the sad zero, who becomes a hero when he leads the letters back up the tree.  Counting is by 1-20, then in 10’s, until 100 is finally reached.  The maths is a little confusing at times for this age group.  But this book, like its alphabet companion, is still great fun!

5. Richard Scarry’s Best Counting Book Ever by Richard Scarry

Willy Bunny is encouraged to practice counting by his father.  So begins this long book, full with the fun and detailed illustrations that we have come to associate with Richard Scarry.  On every page there is something different to count.  Mr.  Scarry also introduces basic adding concepts, in addition to the basic counting menu.  I find that children are drawn to his comforting pictures and enjoy discovering the different objects to count on each page.

Evonne Blanchard is the author of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace,’ and ‘Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage.’ These are the first two books in, ‘Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures,’ an exciting series of ten books set in outer space, (for children ages 5-9).

Ever wondered if aliens exist?  What if one needed your help?  Would you travel into outer space?  For the adventures…of a lifetime!

New – Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

Amelia the Venutons cover with text

Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace

Amelia the Moochins 8-15

When is a present not a present?  When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto!  Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon.  Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help.  Should Amelia venture into outer Space?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

For a limited period read the book for FREE on KINDLE. Click here for more information

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2G13LQ

“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children

Top Five Best Books to Teach Children their Colors, Ages 2-5

Is your child ready to learn their colors?  Here’s my pick of the most entertaining books, leading them into the wonderful world of color.

 Princess-and-the-Wizard

  1. The Princess and the Wizard by Julia Donaldson. Illustrated by Lydia Monks.

This is a glittery colorful book that pulls children in with its vibrant pictures. The use of a wicked wizard, and an engaging princess heroine appeals to young readers.   The princess’s escape from the powerful warlock involves the use of many colors, each beautifully illustrated by Lydia Monks with collage style, color themed pages; filled with objects, insects and animals.  In addition to colors, the book also teaches the days of the week; to a lesser extent.   This is a fun educational book that children will reach for again and again.

 Frogs Cropped

  1. Rainbow Frogs by Melissa Tyrell. Illustrated by Becky Wallis.

It’s raining in the jungle and everything is gray.  So begins this book about colors.  One by one the rainbow frogs make their appearance.  “Red Frog looked up at the gray sky.  He jumped.  The berries and the ladybugs caught the shiny color of his skin and turned a rosy red.”  The beautiful prose appeals to the adults, whilst Becky Wallis’s colorful illustrations pull young kids into her vibrant world.  Vivid plastic frogs adorn the edge of this book in a clever lily pond shape, designed to encourage tactile exploration.  Page by page kids learn the colors, until the books finishes…in a beautiful rainbow!

Dr Suess color cropped

3. My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss.  Paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher

This elegant book comes from an unpublished manuscript by Dr Seuss.  Paintings were later commissioned from Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher to illustrate it.  The book lacks the quirks and craziness of classic Seuss, but it’s still an original and fun way for children to learn their colors.  In this book the author matches colors to moods and animals.  “On a happy pink day, he’s a flamingo.”  “Red is a horse kicking up its heels.”  This is an added twist, as children learn to recognize and manage their emerging emotions, as they also name and recognize the world they are discovering.

 Crayons cropped

  1. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt. Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

This book takes on a zany creative approach to colors.  Duncan, upon arriving at school. tries to open his crayon box.  Instead of crayons, he finds letters.  The crayons are on strike!  And their letters are full of complaints!  Beige does not want to compete with brown.  Blue is tired of coloring in water.  Peach is naked!  The whimsical illustrations and talking crayons will appeal to the very young readers, whilst older readers will enjoy the witty banter.  This is a highly entertaining book, guaranteed to have the whole family in fits.

Brown Bear Cropped

  1. Brown Bear, Brown Bear. What do you see? By Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle

Gentle rhymes and distinctive paper collage illustrations make this book an appealing introduction to colors.

“Blue horse, blue horse, what do you see.  I see a green frog looking at me.”

The title popped into Bill Martin Jr.’s head on a train ride in 1966.  He later called on his friend Eric Carle to illustrate the story.  The simple repetitive text encourages young children to join in the reading. Along the way kids learn colors, adjectives and animal names.  Another plus, this book has many bilingual versions.  So, if you want your child to start learning their first few words in Spanish and French, this is a good place to start!

Evonne Blanchard is the author of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace,’ and ‘Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage.’ These are the first two books in, ‘Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures,’ an exciting series of ten books set in outer space, (for children ages 5-9).

Ever wondered if aliens exist?  What if one needed your help?  Would you travel into outer space?  For the adventures…of a lifetime!

New – Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

Amelia the Venutons cover with text

Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace

Amelia the Moochins 8-15

When is a present not a present?  When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto!  Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon.  Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help.  Should Amelia venture into outer Space?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

 

“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children

Best Classic Books for Children, Ages 8-12: The Animals of Farthing Wood, by Colin Dann

Animals of Farthing Wood

I read this book when it first came out in 1979.  Yes, I am that old!  My daughter was skeptical when I handed her a copy to read, but soon became completely engrossed.

An early environmental tale, The Animals of Farthing Wood, is the story of a group of woodland animals whose home is threatened with destruction by bulldozers.  Led by Badger, the animals plan their escape.  Many trials and near misses mark their way to a new home.  The plot is engaging, the animal characters heartwarming and you bond with them, as they do with each other on their perilous journey to a new home.

Evonne Blanchard is the author of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace,’ and ‘Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage.’ These are the first two books in, ‘Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures,’ an exciting series of ten books set in outer space, (for children ages 5-9).

Ever wondered if aliens exist?  What if one needed your help?  Would you travel into outer space?  For the adventures…of a lifetime!

New – Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

Amelia the Venutons cover with text

Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace

Amelia the Moochins 8-15

When is a present not a present?  When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto!  Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon.  Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help.  Should Amelia venture into outer Space?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

For a limited period read the book for FREE on KINDLE. Click here for more information

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2G13LQ

“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children

You can read the first few chapters, FOR FREE, of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace.’  Simply click on the link below:

https://ameliasamazingspaceadventures.com/the-stories/

Best Classic Books for Children, Ages 5-8:  Amelia Jane by Enid Blyton

Amelia Jane Series

Ready for some nostalgic childhood memories?  The Amelia Jane series by Enid Blyton is a good place to start.  These simply written books have delighted children for generations.  My daughters adored all the books in the series, as did I as a child.  Children love the mischievous ways of Amelia, a very naughty doll in a nursery full of other toys, all far better behaved.  These books transitioned my youngest daughter – with many mischievous tendencies of her own- into reading chapter books by herself; with a lot of giggling at Amelia’s antics along the way!

Evonne Blanchard is the author of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace,’ and ‘Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage.’ These are the first two books in, ‘Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures,’ an exciting series of ten books set in outer space, (for children ages 5-9).

Ever wondered if aliens exist?  What if one needed your help?  Would you travel into outer space?  For the adventures…of a lifetime!

New – Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

Amelia the Venutons cover with text

Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace

Amelia the Moochins 8-15

When is a present not a present?  When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto!  Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon.  Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help.  Should Amelia venture into outer Space?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

For a limited period read the book for FREE on KINDLE. Click here for more information

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2G13LQ

“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children

 Best Classic Books for Children  Ages 4-8: Koala Lou by Mem Fox.  Illustrated by Pamela Loft

Koala Lou

This is THE absolute best book for sibling dethronement!  When my eldest daughter had to contend with a baby sister sopping up all the exclusive attention that used to be all hers, this was the book that she turned too…frequently!

Koala Lou tells the story of the firstborn, missing the care of her mother whose time is now occupied by many other baby koalas.  Fearing that her mother no longer loves her, she decides to enter the gum tree climbing competition in the bush tree Olympics, in order to gain back her mother’s attention.  Pamela Lofts delicate and beautiful illustrations wonderfully depict the exotic wildlife and scenery of the Australia outback.

Koala Lou trains and trains…but it is not enough to win the competition.  After coming in second, she runs off crying.  But her mother finds her and hugs her for the longest time while telling her, “Koala Lou, I DO love you!  I always have, and I always will.”  It’s a beautiful message from a parent to a child.  That no matter what they are loved, always and unconditionally.

Evonne Blanchard is the author of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace,’ and ‘Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage.’ These are the first two books in, ‘Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures,’ an exciting series of ten books set in outer space, (for children ages 5-9).

Ever wondered if aliens exist?  What if one needed your help?  Would you travel into outer space?  For the adventures…of a lifetime!

New – Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

Amelia the Venutons cover with text

Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace

Amelia the Moochins 8-15

When is a present not a present?  When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto!  Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon.  Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help.  Should Amelia venture into outer Space?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

For a limited period read the book for FREE on KINDLE. Click here for more information

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2G13LQ

“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children

 

 

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