Parenting Without Tears

THE Slightly ANNOYING ELEPHANT by David Walliams

David Walliams has had huge success as a children's author. THE Slightly ANNOYING ELEPHANT is his first picture book, illustrated by Tony Ross. Anne Coates shared the story with Harriet.

Demon Dentist by David Walliams

A great new children's book, perfect for those who have just started enjoying "chapter books", Demon Dentist by David Walliams was a huge hit in Alex Bell's household.

Free Animated Snowman e-book

A gift to all Parenting Without Tears readers – a free personalised Animated Snowman e-story book from Itsyourstory when you order between now and Christmas.

Go: A Kidd's Guide to Graphic Design by Chip Kidd

From Workman Publishing another great book – Go: A Kidd's Guide to Graphic Design by Chip Kidd. Alex Bell reviews with the aid of son Toby.

The Story of Prince George

From Ladybird, another joyful story from Peppa Pig's family and this time it's her brother who stars in The Story of Peppa Pig. Harriet Coates, a serious Peppa Pig fan, loves it.

Based on the characters created by Raymond Briggs, The Snowman and the Snowdog written by Hilary Audus and Joanna Harrison and read by Benedict Cumberbatch, is the perfect Christmas book for pre-schoolers.

A Little Bit Of Oomph by Barney Salzberg

Workman Publsihing's A Little Bit Of Oomph is another triumph for Barney Salzberg. Annd Coates loves his creativity and Harriet adores all the flaps, pop-ups and peepholes. Perfect gift for pre-school children.

Watermelon by Kate Hanney

A powerful novel for young adults (YA) that should be read by parents and professionals who work with teens, Watermelon by Kate Hanney tackles the themes of drugs, gangs, truancy and teenage pregnancy, love and loss with immense sensitivity, writes Anne Coates.

New Eyewitness: Inventions

There are four new editions in the DK Eyewitness series: Astronomy, Earth, Electricity and Invention. Alex Bell was delighted to help son Toby review Invention.

X by Jack Croxall

The latest work of fiction from YA author Jack Croxall in an intriguing diary written by X after some calamatous event has befallen the UK (maybe the world). Anne Coates was gripped from the first till last sentence.

The Animal Book from DK

New from DK, The Animal Book – A visual encyclopedia of life on Earth the perfect reference book for children and adults too as Anne Coates discovered.

The Memory Game by Sharon Shant

A new Young Adult novel from Sharon Shant, author of the Sky Song Trilogy, is great for her fans. Anne Coates was impressed by the treatment of sensitive subjects as well as the great story-telling.

The Further Adventures of The Owl and the Pussy-cat

The Gruffalo author, Julia Donaldson, takes the Edward Lear classic on The Further Adventures of the Owl and the Pussy-cat, illustrated by Charlotte Voake. Harriet and Anne Coates loved it.

My Friend the Enemy by Dan Smith

The Germans are the enemy, their planes fly over dropping bombs on English cities but when one crash lands near to Peter Dixon's home he is brought face to face with death and friendship.

The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

YA author Jack Croxall reviews The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson, perfect for those who like to listen to a book being read to them.

Reaper's Rhythm by Clare Davidson

Reaper's Rhythm by Clare Davidson is a great Young Adult fantasy novel which tackles difficult subjects like divorce, grief, death and bullying with confidence and assurance. It's a real page-turner, that grips the reader from beginning to end, as Anne Coates discovered.

The Skeleton Tower by Summer Hopkiss

The first day at a new school can be daunting and it certainly is for the heroine of Skeleton Tower by Summer Hopkiss, here reviewed by Tethers author, Jack Croxall.

LEGO® Minifigures Character Enclyclopedia

LEGO® Minifigures Character Encyclopedia delighted Lego fan Toby Bell – the perfect present, writes Alex Bell who suggests it as a Father's Day gift as well.

Books: children & YA