Out today is this very timely book about being kind to others, and instilling in them an unparalleled feeling of joy when you're around. Surely something we can all aspire to in these troubled times.

"Hello! A Counting Book of Kindnesses" by Hollis Kurman and Barroux is perfect for tinies who are just learning to count for the first time, and who could also do with a huge dose of kindness in their lives - whether they're still in lockdown at home with their parents, or back at school dealing with the difficulties of social distancing and the curious situation we all still find ourselves in.

Hollis' wonderful sentiments coupled with Barroux's brilliant illustrations make this one a mini wow for early years.

Let's take a look inside this lovely book:

"Hello! A Counting Book of Kindnesses" by Hollis Kurman and Barroux is out today, published by Otter-Barry Books (kindly supplied for review). 

What makes the perfect bedtime picture book? Shhh, and we'll tell you...!

A powerful and topical message is dealt with in a sensitive child-friendly way. Here's Barroux's "Welcome"...

Sometimes the simplest ideas can work so beautifully in children's books if all the elements that make a fab read are in place. In "It's Time to Say Goodnight" we meet a happy little chap who wanders around the farm where he lives, greeting all the animals and characters he meets along the way. Out in the urban jungle he even finds time to say good morning to all the trucks, cars, buses, trash men and other things he sees on his travels.

Being such a busy little chap does mean that once he's finished, it's actually starting to get dark - so it's time to say goodnight instead of good morning!

We love Harriet's rhymes and Barroux's simple but beautiful artwork and wonderfully drawn characters.

A fabulous little book full of discoveries, that is destined to become a favourite book for younger readers...

...And with that, we'll bid you a very good night!


Charlotte's best bit: Goodnight to the chickens! Goodnight to the Ducks!

Daddy's Favourite bit: A simple idea, some lovely rhymes and beautifully simple but nicely put together.

(Kindly sent to us for review by Mat at PGUK / Blue Apple Books)

So who is the mysterious Barroux behind Blue Apple Books' new groovy little doodling book? We did a bit of research and found out that Barroux is a very talented illustrator from France who shuttles to and from the US to create his fantastic mix of cartoon artwork and genius designs.

In collaboration with Blue Apple, Barroux is imparting some of his knowledge to you, dear scribbler, so you can become a pattern and mark-making genius too!

On those rare occasions where Charlotte is allowed to draw on books, she loves stuff like this - where the flow of the book takes you from simple pattern forms like drawing triangles and squares, to filling in the next colour or shape in a sequence before finally letting your imagination loose on a variety of pages that let you add patterns to crazy animals, or plants, or even the wonky tie of a smartly dressed guy.

Once children gain more and more pattern and mark-making confidence, it will definitely have an effect on their own drawings or illustrations they do from scratch. Far from being a stale and boring art lesson, Barroux aims to make art fun and accessible to all - and this book does precisely that so even adults can have a go and have a lot of fun too!

Crack out your best colouring pencils and pens, and draw patterns with Barroux - and watch the hours fly by!

Charlotte's best bit: Finishing off the Fox's groovy scarf

Daddy's favourite bit: It's very difficult not to sneakily draw in this book when Charlotte's asleep! Very difficult!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Blue Apple / PGA)