Small treats

What's new and cool in children's books & toys

Issue14Playtime

Charlie the Knitted Monkey, $22, for stockists email info@childsplay.co.nz
He's small in stature, but big on cuteness. Charlie is one of the stars of the Penny Scallan Toy Collection. Made of 100% soft navy and white striped cotton, he'll be the perfect companion for your own little monkey.

A Bit Lost, Chris Haughton, Walker Books, RRP$18.99
For younger children and older babies, this is a very cute tale about a little owl who falls off his perch ("Uh-oh!") and tries to find his mummy. This book is all about the collage-style illustrations in bold oranges, mustard or purples. Look closely and you'll see Mummy Owl searching for her little one.

Haba Cordoba, $124.90, www.bebabo.co.nz
These German-made wooden blocks are a great first building and stacking toy for your budding architect. The 16 pieces include a rattle, bell and mirror. All are made of beech with a non-toxic finish. Bright, cheerful and a stack of fun!

Limelight Larry, Leigh Hodgkinson, Orchard Books, RRP$19.99
Larry the peacock wants to be the star of this book and he is not happy about the appearance of mouse, bird and other creatures on the pages. Welcome to a post-modern story from the world of deconstructed novels. It includes a wolf wearing Red Ridinghood's cloak and a bear looking for a tea party in the woods. Larry is fun and feisty but, of course, he must learn the value of sharing.

Harry's Hair, Jane Buxton/Jenny Cooper, Puffin Paperbacks, RRP$19.99
Does your child spurn the hairbrush? Try this one. Harry's messy hair houses birds, chinchillas, frogs and worms. Unwelcome at school, Harry hangs out at the mall where he's picked up by a talent scout and publicity-seeking hairdresser. But is this what Harry wants? Clever rhyming and fantastic illustrations.

Press Here, Hervé Tullet, Chronicle Books, RRP$24.99
The cover says it all. Press the yellow dot and set your imagination to "go". On each page the reader is presented with an instruction - tip the book to the left, touch all the yellow dots - and the simple dots on the page perform a merry dance. This is a really engaging book that breaks away from the norm. We're dotty over it!