an exploration of what it means to be a friend—for good or ill

an exploration of what it means to be a friend—for good or ill

ages 4 to 12 years
Friendships are seldom perfect, especially when the friends are new to forming and maintaining relationships outside their immediate family. Purdy (the cat) and Barker (the dog) have a solid but anguished sort of friendship. It’s the sort of friendship that will be instantly recognisable to many kids and their parents (or teachers)...

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turning grumpiness around and helping friends feel better too

turning grumpiness around and helping friends feel better too

Grumpy feelings don't need to last all day - a cheerful gift, a bit of sharing, and giving to a friend help the animals in this story to get over their grumpy starts to the day.
ages 0 to about 6 years

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friends, luck and work help when life’s storms become rough

friends, luck and work help when life’s storms become rough

The story of Milo, a dog with 'few complaints', whose life and perspective changes when he's tossed about in a gale. Luckily, he has friends and good luck on his side. A lovely way to begin a discussion about mental health issues - and more.

ages 2 to 8 years 

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the absurdity of war laid bare in a pro-peace story for nations and families

the absurdity of war laid bare in a pro-peace story for nations and families

A brilliant tale of a duck who calls a halt to war, and the warriors who are led to peace. It's great for entrenching a desire for peace and for overcoming fear of unknown.
ages 2 to 12 years / emotional resilience

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integrity, kindness and creativity can change the world

integrity, kindness and creativity can change the world

ages baby to 8 years
I lent this book to my children’s school and it disappeared for a week or two. I shouldn’t have worried – it came back to me with a new plastic cover, making it one of our most carefully preserved books! Here's how it goes:

Annabelle lives in a cold and colourless little town, but one day she finds a box of yarn of all sorts of colours. So she knits herself a sweater. Then, since there is ‘extra yarn’, she knits her dog a sweater.

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a quirky tale about doing what needs to be done

a quirky tale about doing what needs to be done

If you have a secret menagerie of mythical animals living in your bedroom, you might find the mammoth sneaking into the family fridge - what to do next?  The little girl in this story bides her time and rescues her mammoth.
ages 2 to 10 years / funnyimagination

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have you ever felt lost? out of place? in need of a home? This Book!

have you ever felt lost? out of place? in need of a home? This Book!

ages 2 up to 12 years
Have you ever felt LOST or perhaps just out of place, in need of home? Ahh, but have you ever felt FOUND, in the perfect place, completely at home? In this thoroughly appealing story, a boy and a penguin move from being lost to being found. 

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