Pom Pom Gets the Grumps by Sophy Henn

You know those days...the ones where you tumble in an undignified fashion, bottom first out of the wrong side of bed and get the grumps! (It's usually a Monday) well in true troublesome toddler fashion otherwise adorable Pom Pom panda is having just one of those days.

This pocket sized panda does grumpy like Kim Kardashian does diva. Nothing is going Pom Poms way, bad hair, bad breakfast, too much noise, siblings, embarrassing parents, even the sun is too shiny! Things only go from bad to worse at nursery where Pom Poms concerned chums try to cheer him up. 

With a bright uber stylish colour pallet clever World Book Day illustrator Sophy Henn has created a cool pre-school character with bucket loads of charm and heaps of cool attitude who will appeal to parents and little ones alike. 

We can't wait for more Pom Pom! Peeved or otherwise. 

Lemur Dreamer by Courtney Dicmas

When you are a lemur named Louis and you live on the very top floor of a critter filled tenement block there are several challenges you might face... Being eaten by a crocodile perhaps. This is the least of Louis problems... Louis is a sleepwalker. 

Each night as the animals settle down for the night, chaos ensues as Louis embarks on his regular and entirely unintentional nocturnal adventure. His friends try as best they can to help Louis avoid mortal danger without waking him but as his escapades become increasing perilous the animals are forced to take (hilarious) drastic action. 

Courtney is absolutely one of my favourite new illustrative talents and this is without doubt a unique and highly entertaining addition to her growing portfolio. 

Special props to the pigeons who's dramatic delivery of one liners is worthy of a spot on Corrie. 

Lemur Dreamer is published by Templar Publishing

The Best Birthday Present Ever by Ben Mantle

Put up the bunting and get those fondant fancies out, it's time to celebrate, clever debut picture book creator Ben Mantle has come up trumps with this bright and vibrant celebration of imagination and friendship. A gloriously garish pallet is a feast for the eyes and the woodland characters go about their daily woody business with great charm. 

Squirrel finds himself in a pickle as he tries desperately to compete with his chums to buy beloved bubble bath loving bear the best birthday present. 

The message of this story is simple and universal. The best things in life are not always the things which come in the biggest boxes and sometimes special moments shared with friends are the best gift of all. 

An absolute beauty! Well done Ben. 

The Best Birthday Present Ever is published by Macmillan Children's Books 

Whoops! By Suzi Moore and Russell Ayto

A ribbity, croaky, round and roundy rip roaring cracker of a picture book. Clever Suzi Moore who's not at all witchy has written a marvellous rhyme with extrodinary humour and charm. Russell has complimented this witty story with his trademark scratchy doodling  perfectly captureing the confused and anarchic threesome as they embark on a magical madcap adventure to find their voices. A fabulous future classic. 

 (Dare I say it... Move over Donaldson) 

Published by Templar Publishing.