Our second review of Tiny Owl's fantastic new book range is truly original. Stay a while at "The Orange House"...

Cast your eyes over any "Top booky books of all time" children's book list and I bet you at least 3 of the 'top ten' will be bear books...

Based on a classic fable by Rumi, here's a fabulous picture book version of an old, old story that instantly feels fresh and new...

Here's a question to pose to you as parents - do you think your kids are nice?

"What do you mean, of course my kids are nice!" you'll instantly respond, but would your kids be able to engage with a book that is chock full of 80 ways to expand their horizons and perhaps make them even nicer? Not only nicer but wonderful well-rounded little people who think of others before themselves?

That's the idea behind Bernadette Russell's new book "Be the Change - Make it Happen" which is full to the brim with brilliant ideas and activities that really would make an amazing impact on your little ones, and their community and neighbourhood too if you embrace some of the more large-scale ideas here.

If you've ever seen the movie "Pay it Forward" you'll understand the philosophy. Performing even the smallest act of kindness or putting someone else's wishes or needs ahead of your own CAN make a huge difference. As the book's byline says, big or small, these ideas are thought-provoking and most importantly hugely fun ways to give your kids something else to focus on other than the screen of their tablet or phone, or whatever junk is on telly.

Making a difference starts here, right on the very first page with positive messages of encouragement

One of the things we've always tried to do with Charlotte is instil in her a strong sense of right and wrong, but also a strong sense of caring about others. She also builds on this in school and at Brownies, and I know it probably sounds like some middle class hippy hogwash, but it makes a difference in the person she's becoming. She has tantrums and bad days just like anyone else but there are times when you can see how empathic and caring she can be (particularly in the way she looks after Mum when I'm not around).

A great idea for a treasure hunt and a funny face competitoon, to benefit local charities or good causes!

The book contains a really good mix of stuff that's realistically achievable, and other ideas that could take quite a bit of preparation and planning. Most important though is that it sets you thinking about the sort of person you are as well as the sort of person you'd like your kids to be as they grow up.

Worth the entry fee alone purely for this page. This needs turning into a poster and tacking up around every school!

With mindfulness and well being at the top of many parents' list of things to change about 2016, here's a fantastic book to really get you off to a flying start.

Charlotte's favourite bit: Making a top ten list of her favourite things in the whole world and reading it out.

Daddy's favourite bit: A hugely admirable book full of brilliant ideas and ways to help your local community, and help your child become a bit more caring and empathic. How could we not love a book like that?

(Kindly sent to us for review by Ivy Press)

"Be The Change - Make It Happen"

Written by Bernadette Russell

Illustrated by David Broadbent

Published by Ivy Press

Publication Date (Softcover): 1st February 2016

I have a feeling that once again this year, the awesome "The Phoenix Presents" collections are going to be regulars in our Book of the Week slot...

Welcome back to our Chapter Book Roundups and in 2016 we'll be mixing these articles with some proper chapter book reviews. As Charlotte gets older, we're tending to cover more and more 'proper books' (as she calls them) so look out for our full reviews of titles coming soon.

In the meantime let's take a look at what's been on our reading piles over the last month, starting with a real classic that I've always (secretly) hoped Charlotte would one day read under her own steam.

Frances Hodgson Burnett's "The Secret Garden" is available in a gorgeous leatherbound edition from Barnes and Noble publishing. This new version, edited by Charles Robinson, tells the story of Mary Lennox who is sent away to live with her mysterious and quite grumpy old uncle on a sprawling estate. One day Mary finds a walled off garden and wonders what's behind the tangle of ivy and thorns. Befriending a local boy, the two explore the ruins of the garden together, vowing to restore it to its original beauty - and that's just the start of Mary's adventures!

I wondered if Charlotte would take to this, as it's obviously a lot different to the sort of chapter books she usually likes to read, but she took to it like a duck to water - testament to how gripping the story is and why it's deservedly such a well loved classic that many modern authors list it as one of their favourite books.

"The Secret Garden" is available from Barnes and Noble Publishing, released on 21st October 2015.

Something a little more regal now...

Aby King's awesome new book series has a poochy superstar as its main character, the mischievous royal dog Lupo is now the star of "Lupo and the Thief at the Tower of London" by Aby King with illustrations by Sam Usher.

Lupo may be a bit of a scamp but when there's a right royal mystery afoot, and the crown jewels are in danger of being nabbed, Lupo and his best friend Kitty can't wait to solve the mystery.

Perfect for younger readers who love exciting mystery stories (and also can't resist a waggy dog tail), "Lupo and the Thief at the Tower of London" is released on 14th January 2016, the third book in the series published by Hodder Children's Books and joining "Lupo and the Curse at Buckingham Palace" and "Lupo and the Secret of Windsor Castle" which were published in 2015.

Time for another sequel, and this time with a distinctly darker tinge...

Tatum Flynn's awesome series "The D'Evil Diaries" continues with book two, "Hell's Belles" featuring the story of Jinx who is joined by a new best friend, Tommy - who erroneously ends up on the wrong side of the mortal coil after trying to feed her evil stepfather to a circus lion (hey, it's an easy mistake to make, right?)

Jinx and Tommy might have taken on more than they bargained with as their adventures in the underworld unfold. A perfect middle grade book for children who love books by Eoin Colfer and Rick Riordan and are on the hunt for something exciting, new and original to add to their reading stacks.

"The D'Evil Diaries Book 2 - Hell's Bells" is released on 14th January 2016.

More? You want more. Oh you lot, you're insatiable. So what else is on our chapter book stack this month....?

How about a preview of an upcoming book that's likely to make you sigh "Awwww!" and "Dawwww!" an awful lot.

"Poppy's Place - The Home Made Cat Cafe" by Katrina Charman hits on the trend of 'Cat Cafes' - a concept that practically blew Charlotte's mind. "You mean there are cafes in Japan where you can go and cuddle kittens? WHY DON'T WE HAVE THOSE HERE?"

It's a good question and we were given the chance to read the first couple of chapters of Katrina's new book which Charlotte practically hugged the print off. You'll have to wait until 10th March for the full version but if the preview pages are anything to go by, with awesome illustrations by Lucy Truman to compliment Katrina's engaging story - you're going to be in moggy heaven in the spring.

A totally adorable tale in the making, we can't wait to read a proper copy. Coming in March from Stripes Publishing.

Hmmm I think we can squeeze a couple more books in, what do you think?

The "SuperFairies" stories from Janey Louise Jones and Jennie Poh have just been released by Curious Fox, perfect for your dainty little fairies at home who are beginning to demand a bit more substance from their stories. Perfectly formatted for younger readers able to handle more text-heavy stuff (such as Charlotte), they're a sheer delight as we see the fairies of Peaseblossom Wood take care of animals, and keep them out of danger.

Shown is "Basil the Bear Cub" who is a rather mischievous little fellow who needs some help and guidance, and to be steered away from danger by the Superfairies when he plays a little too close to the river one day.

"Dancer the Wild Pony" is also now available, the story of Dancer - a skittish pony preparing for the Summer Fair. Don't run away Dancer!

It's a great little range, voraciously consumed by Charlotte in one delicious sitting so watch out for them, available now from Curious Fox.

We feel like spoiling you this month as it's our first chapter book roundup of the year, so more please!

A boy detective with an eye for spooky goings on, meet Jonny Jakes - star of Malcolm Judge's new children's book "The Hamburgers of Doom".

Young Jonny is as sharp as a tack and in this hugely funny story tinged with mystery and suspense, Jonny wonders why his teachers are acting so suspiciously under the direction of the new school head teacher. Dishing out free sweets to children? Stuffing them full of delicious hamburgers? Jonny smells a rat (hopefully not in the burgers) and thus uncovers a huge school-wide conspiracy that threatens to drag everyone in. What the hootin' heck is going on?

Fans of Frank Cotterell Boyce and Tom McLaughlin are sure to love Malcolm Judge's humorous take on schoo life as our subversive hero digs in and solves this most peculiar case. "Jonny Jakes Investigates: The Hamburgers of Doom" is out now from Curious Fox.

Last one, but it's a real doozy...!

Really excited about this one because I've really hoped a children's author would come up with a dazzling and immersive time travel tale like this. Bea Davenport's stunning "The Serpent House" is the story of Annie, a servant girl at the spooky Hexer Hall.

By accident, Annie discovers that she can travel back in time, back to when the house was a leper hospital run by a nefarious doctor. Annie isn't keen on her new 'gift' but Lady Hexer, her mistress, demands that Annie makes the journey back in time again to steal the doctor's journal, the key to unlocking alchemical secrets that could truly change the world.

Right from the start the book is hugely atmospheric, deliciously dark and involving. It's probably best suited to children slightly older than Charlotte (9 upwards) but it's intelligently written and truly stunning stuff.

"The Serpent House" is out now from Curious Fox Books.

Phew, that's about all we've got time for - tune in next month, and we'll bring you even more gorgeous chapter books in February!

Nelly and Nora are the busy and delightful little stars of their own CBeebies TV show, chronicling the adventures of two little girls with an eye for adventure!

Nelly and Nora are exploring on the beach on a very blustery day (and we rather loved the fact that the beach in this book reminded us of one of our favourite beaches in Pembrokeshire!)

It's actually so windy that both Nelly and Nora struggle to keep their feet. How on earth are they going to get home in time for tea.

The two girls stop to feed some inquisitive sheep, and that's where they get a great idea to stop themselves being literally blown away by the wind.

Watching the sheep follow them through the field, Nelly and Nora realise that if they huddle close and stick together, they'll be able to make their way through the breezy conditions with no problem at all!

It's a delightful and whimsical little story. Charlotte's a bit 'old' for CBeebies but rather enjoyed this one, and I'm sure fans of the show are going to love this story, based on one of the most popular episodes.

Charlotte's favourite bit: Feeding hungry sheep!

Daddy's favourite bit: A charming and whimsical little book, perfect for fans of the CBeebies show.

(Kindly sent to us for review by Walker Books)

"Nelly and Nora - The Windy Way Home"

Written and Illustrated by Emma Hogan

Published by Walker Books

Based on the CBeebies show by Geronimo Productions

Release date: 1st February 2016

Here's a book with a difference, that will test your observational powers to the max! Clea Diedonne's fabulous "Megalopolis and the Visitor From Outer Space" stars out an astonishing adventure by a diminutive little alien, popping to earth for a visit in his nifty little flying saucer. It's his first visit and as you can imagine, he can't wait to see all the wonders of the world as he lands just outside the huge sprawling city of Megalopolis.

This book isn't your ordinary everyday lap book, in fact to review this one we needed to streeeeeeeetch the book out on the longest landing in the house (which, conveniently meant the book stretched all the way from Charlotte's room, right out into the landing and beyond!)

This book is a whopping 3 metres long, and unfolds into one of the most detailed scenes you can imagine. If you're a fan of "Where's Wally" books or love anything featuring gloriously detailed cityscapes you are in for one heck of a treat as Megalopolis is a bustling urban paradse. The book's back cover gives you plenty of hints on what to look for in the vast scene, and you'll have fun spotting the visiting alien as he encounters all the denizens of Megalopolis itself, including a busy zoo and a joyful wedding celebration.

Like any city there are some ne'er do-wells to spot as well, so look out for burglars who sneak around looking for things to pinch.

By the end of your fantastic journey, you'll have enjoyed a real feast for the eyes. Your only problem will be finding a wall big enough to display this glorious book if you choose to use it as one huge long poster!

Charlotte's favourite bit: The big friendly looking monster who dwells in the vast underground underneath Megalopolis

Daddy's favourite bit: A gorgeous take on the observational activity book, absolutely packed with amazing little details. Quite an astonishing (and huge!) piece of work indeed!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Thames and Hudson)

"Megalopolis - And the Visitor from Outer Space"

Written and Illustrated by Clea Dieudonne

Published by Thames and Hudson

Publication Date (Hardcover): 7th March 2016

Nope it's not the story of three reptilian dancers eating Bruce Forsyth, it's the hilarious tale of three crocs who'll do anything to get into Zebra's party....

When a book features an endorsement by none other than Neil Gaiman on its cover, you know you're in for a treat. Meet Rabbit and Bear in their first adventure, and a corking book of the week to boot!