Bookish - Beautiful Board Books

Heya,

We've had the joy of reading some superb board books at our place recently. For those of you who love the Hairy McLary books you may be familiar with some others of Lynley Dodd's work. These board book versions means they can be enjoyed by an even younger audience.

The Smallest Turtle is one I have loved for many years.

The poetic nature of the writing is an absolute joy. The smallest turtle has hatched and he's trying to make his was to the sea but it's so hot and the seagulls are circling. The writing is accompanied by Dodd's gorgeous illustrations. This is such a special story and perfect for families who love nature and animals.

Details - Penguin Random House, January 2018 RRP $15.99 BB

The Nickle Nackle Tree also by Dodd is a real contrast to the other.

Packed with colourful quirky illustrations and nonsense words this is a counting book like no other. As usual Dodd's rhyme scheme is excellent and really contributes to the whole. I hadn't actually read this one before but I absolutely loved it and know my little number lover would have loved it as a little one, as would have my colourful artist.

Details - Penguin Random House, January 2018 RRP $15.99 BB

These two books show the contrast of what Lynley Dodd is capable of. Both would make a wonderful gift for any little person and their parents. I'll be sending some to a special new arrival in our lives.

Highly recommended.

love you more than a book where the pages don't scrunch up xxx

Bookish - The Truth and Lies of Ella Black

Hey Readers,

So I have really enjoyed reading this past year and The Truth and Lies of Ella Black by Emily Barr was a perfect YA accompaniment to my pile.

Ella is leading a fairly average teenage life on the surface - somewhat misleading her parents in certain areas and with a couple of great friends. Truth is though she's hiding something very dark, something she can't talk about and something she fears she'll lose control over.

Then all of a sudden her whole world is turned upside down, and it's her parents who are hiding something - but what is it and why the trip to Rio?

Ella's life is going to get strange and difficult and she'll need all her wits and her own dark secret to help her survive what will unfold.

A pacy drama with some unexpected twists and turns along the way and some bright shining moments as well.

A very enjoyable read.

Details - Penguin Random House, January 2018 RRP $23.00

love you more than a passionate kiss in an elevator xxx

Bookish - Catch Me When You Fall

Kia ora readers,

I always like to have a nice stack of things to read in the summer holidays. Recently I finished reading Catch Me When You Fall by Eileen Merriman. It's YA genre.

The book follows Alex Byrd who has just discovered that her leukaemia has returned, and Jamie Orange whom she meets in the waiting room. Jamie and Alex's paths begin to intersect and their burgeoning relationship is a bright light on the dark horizon of Alex's life.

How do you live life when you really might be running out of time and how will Jamie's own life and struggles cope with Alex's issues? How will her parents cope with the competition for Alex's heart and will Jamie really like her when she's sick and her hair is gone?

and... why was Jamie in the waiting room that day?

This very readable novel is set in Christchurch post earthquake which makes it instantly appealing to me. Merriman has created dynamic, believable characters who are faced with the harsh realities of medical issues largely outside their control. The joy and tenderness between Alex and Jamie is a real joy. There are some beautiful and horrific scenes where the full weight of the thinness of the space between life and death are explored.

A book to be emotionally involved with this summer.

Content triggers - teenage mortality, sex scenes, leukaemia, chemotherapy and bipolar.

I would be very happy to read other titles by this author.

Details - Penguin Random House, January 2018. RRP $19.99

Love you more than a compulsive knitting session xxx