It's cold, wet and rainy but look forward to the sunnier weather with two bright and dazzling new titles releasing as paperbacks this winter.

First out of the gate is a reprint of Sharon King-Chai's gorgeously colourful "Lucy Ladybird", published by Templar Publishing. 

Lucy is a carefree and happy little insect, but when she loses her spots, it's time for an epic quest through the seasons meeting lots of friendly folk on her travels who all contribute colourful spots of their own for Lucy's collection.

She does look different to other ladybirds, but different is cool - and soon all the other ladybirds want their own fantastic colourful spots too!

A lovely little read, absolutely perfect for younger children and packed with amazing colour and design.

"Lucy Ladybird" is re-released now, with this latest edition published on 12th January by Templar (and kindly sent for review). 

You can find our original review here. 

There's also a timely reprinting of an amazing and dazzling book, this time it's "Lionheart" by Richard Collingridge, published by David Fickling Books...

The story starts with a little boy named Richard who is playing in his room, cuddling his favourite cuddly Lion toy. But something is there and Richard is scared, so he runs ...through streets, fields, forests, over hills and into a magical jungle.

Is there really anything there? And is he brave enough to face his fears? Can be become a true Lionheart?

Find out in this exciting and uplifting adventure that will make you want to ROAR out loud along with the story.

This one was a well deserved "Book of the Week" back in 2016 and it's now released in paperback with an utterly fantastic new cover.

One for animal fans, "Lionheart" by Richard Collingridge is out in paperback on 2nd February 2017, published by David Fickling Books (and kindly sent for review).

You can find our original review here. 

We're celebrating today's release of "Lucy Ladybird" by Sharon King-Chai with a peek inside the book and a look at this explosion of colour, with a rather beautiful story at its heart.

Lucy the Ladybird is born without spots, and at first the other ladybirds don't like her at all. Feeling like she doesn't fit in or belong, Lucy embarks on a journey to visit other 'spotty' animals, who are all kind and caring and happily share their own spots with Lucy to cheer her up.

But will Lucy ever be able to fit in with the other ladybirds? You'll have to dive into this beautiful book to find out!

Celebrating sharing and acceptance, and that being different is not a bad thing - this is a superb little book with a fantastic fold-out that younger readers will gasp in awe at (Charlotte actually couldn't wait for that bit in the story and rather naughtily skipped straight to it, but I made sure we read the story properly too, of course).

The great thing about Sharon's art is that we felt we could make our own Lucy Ladybirds up, and try lots of different ways of dabbing spots on her (paint, stickers, cut out card or wrapping paper) to come up with our own colourful ladybirds - so it's a great jump-off point for making and crafty activities too.

It's released today, May 1st 2013, so nip into your local friendly indie bookseller and grab a slice of ladybird-shaped loveliness.

Charlotte's best bit: The riot of colour and charm on the huge fold-out page at the end of the book.

Daddy's favourite bit: Lots of charm and a touching little story. Great for younger bookworms but also a fantastic craft and making inspiration too!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Templar Books)