ReadingZone: best new books published in October

Baby

Noisy Machines Slipcase (Bright Baby Noisy Machines)

By Roger Priddy

Published by Priddy Books
ISBN 9781849152884

RRP £10.99

All the classic nursery rhymes that we remember from our own childhoods are beautifully presented in this book which makes a wonderful gift for young children as well as babies.

In the introduction, Mary Ann Hoberman tells us, ‘Handed down through the generations from parent to child, [these] are the infant’s first introduction to poetry and to the powers and pleasures of language.”

Indeed, an early introduction to verse is one of the greatest gifts you can give to a very young child as they start to develop their own language skills. But nursery rhymes are also fun – and these illustrations remind us of that.

The other joy of nursery rhymes is how interactive many are – tickle toes along to ‘This Little Piggy’ and cuddle up to ‘Five Little Ducks’.

Toddler

Maisy’s Show

By Lucy Cousins

Published by Walker Books
ISBN 9781406323856

RRP £12.99

Young children love the bright, bold colours of the Maisy books and her everyday activities such as baking or going to nursery. Here, they get to see Maisy doing something a little special – putting on a show with music, magic tricks and dancing.

There are lots of tabs to pull and flaps to open to keep readers entertained as Maisy and her friends practice the show and then put on a sparkling performance. Watch Eddie the elephant tossing a ball and Charley flipping over, and there is a surprise on the final page.

Sparkly, colourful and interactive pages will make this an instant favourite with young readers.

3 - 5 years

Winnie the Witch in Space

By Valerie Thomas & Korky Paul

Published by OUP
ISBN 9780192732187

Winnie the Witch is back in this gloriously colourful adventure in space.

After looking at the stars and moon one night, Winnie decides she wants to explore space and, with a whoosh of her wand, makes a rocket. With another wave of her wand, she’s off.

It’s quite trip and, after avoiding satellites and shooting starts, she and her long-suffering cat Wilbur find a planet that is perfect for their picnic – or so Winnie thinks.

Wilbur is not so sure and soon enough, he’s proved right as hundreds of space rabbits come to join them. Instead of eating the picnic, though, they tuck into the spaceship! How on Earth will Winnie and Wilbur get home?

A fun story that rewards exploration – the detail in the drawings is staggering and full of humour. Children will love the cheeky space robots – and look out for the extra little rascal they bring home with them.