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The Hare-Shaped Hole is a beautiful, touching, and poignant picture book which gently explores themes of grief and loss.
Immediately touched by the gentle rhyming and expressive illustrations in this beautiful picture book.

'Hertle and Bertle were always a pair, though one was a turtle and one was a hare. They were utterly buddies, and best friends forever and whenever you looked, you would find them together... until quite unexpectedly... the end came.'

When Hertle disappears for good, Bertle can only see a Hertle-shaped hole where his friend should be. He pleads with it, get angry with it, but the hole still won't bring his Hertle back.
It seems like hope is lost... until Gerda the kindly bear finds him. She explains that he must fill the hole with his memories of Hertle. And slowly... Bertle begins to feel a little bit better.

Powerful and moving text from children's author and poet John Dougherty is paired perfectly with warm illustrations from the wonderfully talented Thomas Docherty in a thoughtful and sensitive approach to this difficult topic.

This moving picture book can be used as part of a gentle conversation about death and grief with children.

"A beautiful, gentle, rhyming exploration of grief and mourning." - Joe Coelho, Waterstones Children's Laureate.

Stunningly clever at dealing with grief in the same way as a child can do, by looking all around, getting cross and then by doing something about it, the memory lives and the grief can find its own way out.

Sue Martin - Children's Literacy Specialist


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


 

A fantastic, full-colour, read-aloud poetry collection for young children.         All aboard for Kalamazoo!

One ticket will let you… ride on an elephant, stay in a bug hotel, travel by train boat and plane, mingle with bears and minibeasts – and even meet an alien! All this and more, in 19 zippy poems to read aloud.

This is a fantastic and eagerly awaited poetry collection for young children, from the author of bestselling Zim Zam Zoom!, which was shortlisted for the CLiPPA Award and long-listed for the UKLA Award

I love poems to read out loud, poems which can be right for any time of the day and can be shared with  just one or many little people. What fun!  I loved the poems in  A Ticket to Kalamazoo ( such a good word!) and one of my favourites is  ‘Hug Day’.

'Is today a hug day?

A going on and on day?

An everything’s all wrong day?

You   need   a   hug!....'

Or maybe my favourite is Ginger-Pincher?

James Carter, the author, is a prize-winning poet, guitarist and educational writer. He travels all over the UK to give poetry performances and workshops and is the author of many best-selling poetry books including Hey Little Bug! and I'm a Little Alien. James lives in Wallingford, Oxfordshire.

Neal Layton is an author and illustrator whose images are prized for their spontaneity and inventiveness. His picture books include The Tree, The Story of Stars, and Oscar and Arabella. Born in Chichester, he was going to be a scientist but instead studied Graphic Design, gaining a BA at Newcastle and an MA in Illustration at Central St Martins. He lives with his family in Portsmouth, Hampshire.

Otter-Barry Books are unique, small independent publishers based in Herefordshire with a focus on culturally diverse and inclusive illustrated books, as well as a strong collection of poetry titles. They just produce such irresistible books of high quality.  They have been shortlisted for the British Book Awards Small Press of the Year, 2020, 2021 & 2022.

Sue Martin - Children's Literacy Specialist

Part of Books Go Walkabout, Stories across the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


I took this book to my favourite three-year-old who lives on a farm in Norfolk. The dark winter evening had already settled in. As I walked in the dogs barked and the ponies neighed.

‘Come in, come in,’ said a little voice. And at the sight of the book Santa’s Christmas Countdown in my arm…  ‘Can I read that book now, can I find out about Santa?’

And we sat down and read the book together, with fun and enjoyment, and an understanding that at times we all need some help. Santa certainly did with his elves. The book written by Kath Jewitt and illustrated by Sebastien Braun is a beautiful book with all that you would ever need about how Santa gets ready for Christmas.

Because Santa has lost his list of jobs to do! This large format board book tells a fun rhyming tale of Santa who is getting ready to deliver presents around the world. Children from 18 months to five will love this book. It has some wonderful touch and feel parts, especially his curly beard and velvet hat.

Congratulations to Townhouse Publishing for a wonderful book at Christmas time.

Sue Martin Children's Literacy Specialist

PS I had to leave Santa's Christmas Countdown in the farmhouse, by the fire, so it's ready for a special person who may just come down the chimney one day soon.

Part of Books Go Walkabout, Stories across the world.

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


A beautiful book...

 

Flooded is the funny and beautifully illustrated tale of animals who live in a city that is ever so slowly flooding.

The flood comes gradually at first. There is a sense of poignancy as many of us live in a place where we are slowly watching water levels increase.

All the animals ignore the obvious and go about their busy lives, disjointed from one another and preoccupied by their own problems.
Eventually, the flood water reaches a height that they can no longer ignore and they have to work together to save their city.
All the animals join together in a line and pull out the plug that is drowning the city.

This is an exceptionally illustrated story that teaches a message not to let problems fester and with a little team work and community spirit, no problem is insurmountable. 

Mariajo Ilustrajo is a highly talented Spanish author and illustrator, who lives in London and graduated in 2021 with an MA in Children's Book Illustration at Anglia Ruskin, Cambridge.

Flooded is part of an amazing portfolio of children's books Frances Lincoln part of Quarto Knows.

Sue Martin - Children's Literacy Specialist

Part of Books Go Walkabout, Stories across the world.

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


 

Two new books for the Zeki series from Anna MacQuinn & Ruth Hearson.

Inclusive picture books which celebrate every day routines and shared time in early childhood. The illustrations are perfect for young children who will easily see the connections with their own daily lives. The text is just right for reading short sections and can easily lead to talking about the pictures.  A real delight in picture book series for home and nursery.

Zeki Rise and Shine

After a big sleep, it’s time for Zeki to wake up! His eyes, ears, mouth & nose, head, shoulders, knees & toes shimmy, shake and bounce into action. By the last spread, he’s ready for anything! An energetic companion to Zeki Sleep Tight, this is a perfect way to start the day.

After a busy day, it’s time for Zeki to slow down… One by one, his senses get ready to sleep. The room is hushed, the lights low – and after a dozy story, he’s already beginning to nod off.
A gentle companion to Zeki Rise & Shine, this is a perfect way to end the day.

Perfect gift for baby and parent. Celebrates all that is good about life as a baby.

Sue Martin - Children's Literacy Specialist

Part of Books Go Walkabout, Stories across the world.

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


In partnership with their sponsors, Hachette Children's Book Group (HCG), and Peters, who support the award, the School Library Association are pleased to announce the 2022 winners of their Information Book Award (IBA).

Now in its twelfth year, the IBA aims to emphasise the importance of non-fiction by highlighting and celebrating the high standard of children's information books. This year's shortlist was made up of ten terrific titles, covering themes of science, art and diversity.

The awards are divided into three age categories, judged by a panel of educators against a criteria that assesses the quality of the text and illustrations, accuracy, bias and currency, alongside areas such as indexes, glossaries, content and whether it is likely to fire the enthusiasm of young readers.

In the 0-7 category, the judges have crowned Meet the Microbes, written by Dr Emily Grossman and illustrated by Maggie Li (Wren & Rook), as the winner. With illustrations that help readers to visualise concepts that can be hard to understand, this title is a colourful exploration of how these tiny living things play a crucial role in our existence.

The judges' winner of the 8-12 age category is Making a Baby: An Inclusive Guide to How Every Family Begins by Rachel Greener, illustrated by Clare Owen (Nosy Crow). Praised by judges as being "interesting, factually correct, and insightful", this book crucially celebrates the diversity of many different types of family.

The winner of the 13-16 age category - and taking the title of the overall judges' winner - is Black Artists Shaping the World by Sharna Jackson & Dr Zoé Whitley (Thames and Hudson).

The judges hail this title as "a stunning beginners' guide to the best of contemporary Black art". Populated with "dynamic black and white portraits", the "thoughtfully presented examples of a wide range of types of art [with] clear, concise text and exceptional design" creates a "classic" for any school library.

As well as the judges' choices, children have also had the opportunity to vote for their favourite book from the shortlist in order to determine an additional Children's Choice winner in each age category, and one overall. Generously funded by the Foyle Foundation, this year schools were invited to take part in the IBA Book Club, through which 24 lucky schools received a bundle of free books from a relevant age category in exchange for sharing their experiences of using the shortlist in their school library or classroom and taking part in the 2022 Children's Choice voting.

Students showed their agreement with the judges by giving Black Artists Shaping the World its third win as the Children's Choice Winner of the 13-16 age category. An eye-popping celebration of Black history, Black and British: An Illustrated History by David Olusoga, illustrated by Jake Alexander and Melleny Taylor (Macmillan Children's Books) was named the Children's Choice Winner of the 8-12 age category, as well as the Children's Choice Overall Winner. And finally, Katie Daynes and Jordan Akpojaro's gentle and sensitive lift-the-flap book, What is Racism?, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat (Usborne), was crowned the Children's Choice Winner of the 0-7 age category.

These votes from children across the UK show an overwhelming affinity to books that focus on race, with the winners in each age category being titles that celebrate the history and contributions of Black people and thoughtfully explore race for even the youngest of readers.

For further information  visit  SLA  

Sue Martin - Children's Literacy Specialist

Part of Books Go Walkabout, Stories across the world.

Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


Furry tails, shiny tails, and tails which are bouncy!

A wonderfully tactile book with lemur and seahorse, busy beaver and blue whale the mighty swimmer. A real sensory experience on every page. To be published on November 8th 2022.

The beautiful illustrations are from Suryia Sajnani and capture the mood of the animal perfectly. Little faces will be enchanted by each of the animals as tiny fingers trace their different tails.

The board book size is just perfect for tiny fingers and hands and will develop their sensory and motor skills.

Happy Yak the publishers are an imprint of Quarto Kids and their books are an absolute delight in style, content and sheer enjoyment as an introduction to books.

They are a  loveable new imprint that publishes preschool board books, playful picture books, and accessible nonfiction for kids ages zero to seven. Books are bright and accessible, with eye-catching design, contemporary illustration, and engaging, entertaining text. With a focus on the latest trends and a strong seasonal offering, our books are perfect for small children with big personalities.

Sue Martin - Children's Literacy Specialist

Part of Books Go Walkabout
Part of Books Go Walkabout

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


Taming the lion that roars deep within you! This is a picture book with a difference. In Timmy’s room, they could be just what they wanted to be, dress in sparkly costumes and sing until their heart soared. But when asked to perform at the school Timmy became withdrawn and that lion roared and roared.  A friend, called Nia came to the rescue and supported Timmy in all the shyness and fear. The lion’s roar is quelled, and Timmy realises that the lion is frightened too.

Beautifully descriptive with wonderful illustrations, a truly imaginative and engaging book about starting new ventures and being a small person with a big heart. A roaring lion can prevent anyone from being filled with adventure and good ideas.

Written and illustrated by Harry Woodgate, Timid joins other brilliant titles from Harry, such as Grandad’s Pride and Grandad’s Camper which won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Best Illustrated Book 2022

Published on Oct 13th 2022, by Little Tiger Press. Timid joins a wonderfully imaginative and engaging portfolio of books from Board Books to Chapter books.

Timid is perfect for home, school and nursery. With its vibrancy and uplifting story centred on a non binary main character. I shall definitely be taking this book to schools with me!

Sue Martin Children’s Literacy Specialist

Part of Books Go Walkabout, Stories across the world.

Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


Who jumped, slithered, and stretched into the bed last night? That’s what Dad wants to know in this wiggly, giggly bedtime book! Written in catchy, sing-song verse, this adorably illustrated book will be a bedtime favourite. Children will love seeing who jumps into the bed next, and parents will appreciate the dad who, after a sleepless night, still gets up and saves the day!

A peaceful night was changed when different animals find their way into the bed. The cat who wandered, the dog who bounded and the giraffe who stretched...

A great book for sharing in a nursery or at home. You can explore how different words reflect the actions of the animals and it can become a learning experience!

Pictures are fun and quirky and very descriptive on mood and actions. I really enjoyed this delightful book and recommend for any Early Years setting and at home.

Written by Joe Rhatigan    who has a great Facebook page with other great books too.

Illustrator is Julia Seal who is hugely talented with colourful and lively pictures.

Sunbird Books are a great new publishers we are pleased to work with. They have some amazing books for early years and beyond, books with a difference.

Sue Martin - Children's Literacy Specialist

Part of Books Go Walkabout, Stories across the world.

Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


There’s more than one way to say “bark!”. Comedy ensues in this not-quite-wordless picture book as different dogs, each with a different bark, learn to communicate with each other… and a cat.

Intriguing and, delightful pages with dogs of all shapes and sizes and all kinds of ways of saying ‘Bark!’

In fact you will learn how to say Bark in eight different European languages. And even more interestingly you will find ways of making yourself understood with common ground and a greater understanding.

Love the images and the intrigue of exploring the ways dogs can be soooo expressive!

'Sunbird Books is the home for innovative and original books for children. From board books to picture books to graphic novels, our titles represent strong, lively, and diverse voices that reflect children’s realities and feed their imaginations while nurturing up-and-coming writers and illustrators from around the world.'

These aims are very close to our hearts at Books Go Walkabout. The joy and importance of books in pictures and words is precious! Sunbird Books have a range of resources to accompany the books too.

Bork is a great book for all nurseries and early years.

Sue Martin Children's Literacy Specialist

Part of Books Go Walkabout, stories across the world...

Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.