Margaret Mahy & David Elliot
Penguin Random House
Farmer McPhee is so caught up in his work he can't see what's right in front of him - a moon so round it looks as if ''moon mice have nibbled a hole in the sky and light is flowing in from the other side of night''.
While the animals are frisking, he's trudging, until finally he figures out what's important.
Wonderfully expressive illustrations from David Elliot. Ages 2+.
EMILY BROWN AND THE THING
Cressida Cowell & Neal Layton
Hachette
Cool as a cucumber Emily Brown and her rabbit Stanley are back, and this time they're having a problem with some Thing.
The Thing can't sleep and they won't either 'til they figure out what's really bothering him.
Packed with creative quests and characters (I love Emily Brown) and addressing bedtime fears, this is another winner from Cressida Cowell (How to Train Your Dragon). Brilliant! Ages 3+.
Juliette MacIver & Nina Rycroft
Scholastic
This a beautiful book to read aloud, with Juliette MacIver departing from her usual style to bring us a lyrical journey through the seasons.
From the summer bunny drummer through to the sing for the spring kingfisher king, the story is full of adventurous animals and, of course, dancing grasshoppers.
With every read I find something new to love in Nina Rycroft's playful illustrations. Ages 1+.
TEDDY TOOK THE TRAIN
Nicki Greenberg
Allen & Unwin
Dot is out with Mum and her beloved Teddy, when a moment of distraction sees Teddy left on the train. Or did he take the train?
A shift in perspective has Dot imagining Teddy's adventures - a picnic at Bear Bend, crowd surfing in the city, driving the train - until he finally turns up back home. A tale of bravery, resilience and imagination. Ages 3+.
DRAGON KNIGHT: RATS!
Kyle Mewburn & Donovan Bixley
Scholastic
Rats! is the second book in the Dragon Knight series, continuing the saga of Merek the shapeshifting dragon and his quest to become a knight.
Those who read Fire! will know what to expect: irreverent humour, gruesome fact boxes about life in medieval times, fantastic illustrations and lots of adventure, this time with rats and copious amounts of poo.
Top marks for creativity. Ages 7-10.
DON'T THINK ABOUT PURPLE ELEPHANTS
Susan Whelan & Gwynneth Jones
EK Books/Exisle
This is a story looking at bedtime anxiety. Sophie is happy during the day but when bedtime comes, her worries emerge.
Her family tries numerous strategies to help, until Mum comes up with a winner.
I was initially concerned it might encourage anxiety but its sensitive, humorous approach provides a convenient opening for children to discuss their own worries. Ages 3+.
LILY THE ELF
Anna Branford & Lisa Coutts
Walker Books
Emergent readers looking for a new character to love should try Lily the Elf.
She features in two new books, The Precious Ring, in which she finds a ring lost by a human child and must decide what is the right thing to do, and The Midnight Owl, in which she overcomes her fear of owls with help from her very cool grandmother. Simple sentences and illustrations. Ages 5+.
RUSTLE UP A RHYTHM
Rosalind Malam & Sarah Nelisiwe Anderson
Scholastic
''Cheeka, cheeka, cheek, I can hear cicadas shriek, and the horns at the corner blaring Toot! Honk! Beep!''
Rustle up a Rhythm is a welcome reminder to listen out for the sounds that are all around us: from the familiar sounds of a family breakfast, through to rain on the roof at bedtime. It's impossible not to feel upbeat after this. Ages 1+.
SQUISHY SQUASHY BIRDS
Alicia Munday & Carl van Wijk
Potton & Burton
The endangered New Zealand birds who live in Sammy's favourite book don't like it being closed. Beaks and wings and heads and things are unbearably squished.
And then it's Show and Tell and the birds burst out ''like a rainbow feathered sea''.
The illustrations of the birds (especially when squished) are very cool and there is a fact page at the back for raising awareness. Ages 2+.
DUCKS TO WATER
Brett Avison & Janine Dawson
Five Mile Press
Bryn and Oscar (A Bigger Digger, Pigs Might Fly) are back in a new farm adventure.
This time the duck pond has dried up and they need to figure out what the problem is and how to fix it. (Of course, a crane is involved!)
Fun rhymes and illustrations and some happy ducks make this a welcome addition to the series. Ages 2+.
Laura Hewson is an ODT subeditor and mother.
