Best books for story time

Ralf, Jean Jullien, RRP$27.99, Frances Lincoln Children’s Books.
Ralf is a very long dog that is always getting in the way and driving his family mad. When a fire threatens their safety, however, Ralf stretches himself to the limit to save them in an act of selfless bravery. A story of redemption with plenty of warm fuzzies. Created by French graphic designer, Jean Jullien, Ralf sparked a bidding war between publishing houses in the UK and USA.

The Pencil, Paula Bossio, RRP$14.99, Gecko Press.
A simple, captivating tale told through pictures. A little girl finds a pencil-drawn line and follows it through the pages, discovering fun, delight and a threat that is overcome by a friend and some defiant tongue-poking. “The book doesn’t tell you to put away your iPad, but it shows you why you don’t need it: a child’s wonder is far more interesting.” – Washington Post

How To Be Famous, Michal Shalev, RRP$19.99 (paperback), Gecko Press.
An irrepressible pigeon with a big ego (and generations of ‘famous’ relatives, including Noah’s dove and a war-time pigeon post hero) takes readers on a tour of ‘her’ zoo – an environment she is sure revolves around herself. Combining brilliant illustrations with a satirical tale rather pertinent to the ‘selfi e’ generation, this book is hugely entertaining and a new family favourite on our shelf.

Baxter’s Book, Hrefna Bragadottir, RRP$27.99, Nosy Crow.
Baxter just loves books and he would love even more to star in his very own book. Alas, his audition doesn’t go all that well and it would appear on the surface that Baxter doesn’t have any of the qualities typical of storybook heroes. As it turns out though, being himself is actually all he ever needed to do and a very sweet surprise rewards his individuality.

Bear Make Den, Jane Godwin and Michael Wagner, RRP$27.99, Allen & Unwin.
Bear, a DIY expert, makes himself a den. With fl air and initiative, he fills his den with everything a bear could possibly need; yet there is still something missing. Kids will love following the bright and fun illustrations of industrious Bear as his den develops, and the moral of the tale – what truly makes a house a home – will have everyone drawing close for a group ‘bear’ hug.

The Last Book Before Bedtime, Nicola O’Byrne, RRP$32.99, Nosy Crow.
A recognisable contention in many homes: the promise of one last book, but how to decide just what that story will be? What about a mash-up of some of the classics: the three little pigs, Cinderella, a wolf and girl in a red coat. Big, bold and totally engaging, we love interactive picture books like this one – especially when they are so laugh-out-loud funny.