There are so many books out there that round up impressive historical and contemporary figures who provide such a huge inspiration to our youngsters.

It's about time there were books that stepped outside our own rather narrow view of figures that we consider inspirational, to examine those who are doing the most amazing things right across the world.

In "Amazing Women of the Middle East", Wafa Tarnowska has gathered together 25 stories of Middle Eastern women who have become famous for being the embodiment of "Girl Power" from the dawn of history right up to the present day.

It's such an unusual book, but a very welcome one where you'll learn all about amazing women from history such as Nefertiti, the Egyptian Queens, and of course Cleopatra - but also lesser-known historical figures such as Sheherezade and Zenobia.

Stepping forward in time, contemporary figures who have fought for human rights causes such as Amal Clooney and Nadia Murad give their voices to fascinating mini-biographies of their important work and what drives them to support these vitally important causes.

You'll find a broad range of incredible talent and achievements in the book, from the sciences to the arts and beyond.

The book contains gorgeous illustrations by a talented team of middle-eastern artists too, giving youngters tons of fascinating information and a great place to begin learning more about these impressive women, their lives and their amazing journeys.

Sum this book up in a sentence: One of the most impressive biography books we've seen in ages, a truly fabulous collection of amazing women gathered together in one mighty tome.

"Amazing Women of the Middle East" by Wafa Tarnowska is out on 20th September 2020, published by Pikku Publishing (kindly supplied for review)

A classic christmas story for Day 7 of our Booky Advent Calendar, brought to stunning life with new illustrations in this new print from Pikku Publishing.

Elizabeth Clark's timeless "Father Christmas and the Donkey" with illustrations by Ari Jokinen is the melancholy tale of a folorn donkey who seems destined to spend another Christmas all alone.

But there's Christmas magic in the air, and this year the sad donkey is befriended by Father Christmas on a cold crisp Christmas Eve and is given the unexpected Christmas Eve gift of a new home.

Imagine the possibilities that open out before you in life, if you turn a "No" into a "Yes".

"Making the Moose Out of Life" is the latest in Nicholas Oldland's fun series of 'message' books, this time describing the joy of living your best life, even if (like us) you're a bit of a shy retiring type, quite often anxious and reluctant to join in.

Moose is such a creature, worried that he'll look daft and silly if he tries to join in with the other animals in their games - but secretly wishing for acceptance.

With an observational eye as sharp as a needle, Nicholas makes great use of humour to bring the core message to life - that you only live once, so try everything - what's the worst that can happen?

Sum this book up in a sentence: Absolutely brill for younger readers, a fab animal-based moral tale with a great pay-off at the end.

"Making the Moose out of Life" by Nicholas Oldland is out now, published by Pikku Publishing (kindly supplied for review). 

A snowman book? In summer? Are you crazy?

Well look, if Olaf from Frozen can do it, why not nudge that carrot-nosed pretender aside and read all about a far more awesome fellow.

In "Albi Learns to Swim" by Mikko Kunnas and Markus Majaluoma, we reacquaint ourselves with a brilliant character who proves that snowmen aren't just for Christmas.

We utterly adored "Albi Visits the Dentist" back in December last year, and we're super-excited about this sunny summery follow-up.

Albi and his friends are off to the beach for their holidays, packing everything they can think of for an amazing day out.

Albi isn't just any ordinary everyday snowman though, and despite the hot sunshine and warm seas, he manages not to melt (finding a rather novel place to cool down!) but also helps lots of other folk at the beach to have the very best day possible. He's lovely like that, is Albi.

As with "Albi Visits the Dentist" this book once again combines a brilliantly entertaining (and beautifully translated) story with the most gorgeous painterly illustrations (and a great little cameo moment from the previous book. See if you can spot Albi's black-bristled toothbrush in one particular scene).

It's Albi's love of life that shines forth from every page like the brightest ray of sunshine. Littlies will adore it so don't save this one for Christmas, enjoy a snowy sunny summery time right now instead!

Sum this book up in a sentence: Another brilliant tale from Mikko and Markus, and more awesomeness from Albi.

"Albi Learns to Swim" by Mikko Kunnass and Markus Majaluoma is out now, published by Pikku Publishing (very kindly supplied for review). 

Day 20 of our Booky Advent Calendar and a really brilliant little book that once again shows just how amazing Pikku's catalogue of titles really are.

"Albi visits the Dentist" by Mikko Kunnas and Markus Majaluoma is the hugely original story of a snowman who has the most amazing coal-black smile.

He's such a happy chap that everyone in his home town smiles at Albi whenever they see him

Albi is off to the dentist. He always brushes his teeth and is pretty sure he's going to get a clean bill of health. But the dentist takes a dim view of Albi's black toothy-pegs - and decides to swap them out for bright gleaming white ones.

But poor Albi doesn't quite feel the same. No one smiles at Albi any more. Can you guess why?

This is such a lovely little book, so brilliantly illustrated and though the story sounds pretty simple, it's so wonderfully written that kids will demand this again and again, and Albi is such a great character (though in some scenes his supporting cast of adorable little characters steal the show a bit!)

"Albi visits the Dentist" by Mikko Kunnas and Markus Majaluoma is out now, published by Pikku Publishing (kindly supplied for review). 

We do love an achingly cool book with a real retro 60s spy vibe. So how could we possibly resist the uber-cool "Spy Dad" by Jukka Laajarinne and Timo Manttari...

Here's a real "WOW" book, beautifully written and illustrated, so let's catch up with "Tasso" by William Papas...

We do love fun "Dad and Daughter" books and this one reminds me of the trials and tribulations of trying to get healthy green veg into Charlotte at an early age...

There's a real surge of interest in relatively unknown but still classic children's books...and Pikku Publishing has picked up the rights to reprint some real corkers...