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What are the best books for children learning to read?
Picture books are great for children - of all ages - who are early readers, still learning to read or having some difficulties mastering the skill. Picture books have a low overall word count of between 500 to 1000 words, spread over 26-32 pages. This makes it possible for even beginners to work their way through the entire book in one sitting, which great for boosting their confidence in reading. Willow the Wonderer picture books are especially helpful for learning to read

Reeta Dhar
Sep 18, 20256 min read


How to read aloud rhyming books? Tips from the author of Willow the Wonderer, bestselling rhyming picture books
Don't just read out loud - Perform! One of the most wonderful things about picture books is that, more often than not, these books are read out loud by adults to their little ones, be it grandkids, kids or students. So, I wanted to share some insights on the creative choices I have made when writing these books that will touch upon a topic that we often forget to discuss: Poetry is meant to be performed. Hopefully it inspires our adult readers to perhaps become a bit more the

Reeta Dhar
Apr 27, 20256 min read


Bestselling children's books: Why readers rate our picture books five-stars
We've received over 450 reviews from genuine customers for our Willow the Wonderer children's books series and each time we read them, it fills our heart. We share some beautiful stories that customers have shared with us below. Reading these keeps us going. Willow the Wonderer storybooks have struck a chord with kids and grown-ups alike Since the release of the first book in the series, Willow the Wonderer has consistently garnered perfect five-star rating from readers and

Reeta Dhar
Mar 5, 202411 min read


The Patch Primary School stages Willow the Wonderer: Inspirational storybooks for schools
The Patch Primary School's production of Willow the Wonderer (Photo Credit: The Patch Primary School) A story too good not to share It's not everyday that a lifelong educator - and her entire school - gets behind your storybooks . So , I thought I'd share this wonderful story with our community. Writing this reminded me, like I hope it does you, of 'that teacher': The one who went the extra mile and made all the difference to your life. Enter Stage Left : Debra Herrmann

Reeta Dhar
Feb 14, 20247 min read


Discover educational books for kids with a wide array of learning guides and teaching resources
Willow the Wonderer now comes with its own 'Early Childhood Learning Hub' The wonderful world of Willow the Wonderer just became even brighter today with the launch of our " Early Childhood Learning Hub ". First Reading of Willow the Wonderer at the Crescent Head Playgroup. Photo credit: Susan Snape The Early Childhood Learning Hub contains a wide array of learning guides and teaching resources to accompany our Willow the Wonderer picture books, which not only impart seeds o

Reeta Dhar
Nov 3, 202310 min read


Discover the perfect early years learning books
An early childhood educator, Reshmi Gosai, recently came across our Willow the Wonderer picture book series. Excited by the possibilities that the book presented in engaging the little ones in her childcare centre (one of whom is aptly named Willow) in learning, she immediately snapped up one of our premium giftsets featuring the two picture books and a gorgeous plush toy of little Willow. They were the perfect early years learning books! Reshmi shared her report on how she

Reeta Dhar
Feb 20, 20232 min read


Early Childhood Learning Hub: Explore Creative Writing
Teachers and early childhood educators who have recently bought our Willow the Wonderer picture books are telling us they love using it in class! Encouraged by their feedback we are developing a series of teaching guides to accompany the books. These will cover the basics like developing literacy and numeracy skills to more advanced subjects such as creative writing, art, folk literature, poetic rhythm and meter, and of course explore the philosophy and wisdom of happiness.

Reeta Dhar
Apr 6, 20223 min read


Early Childhood Learning: Teach kids to count and read effortlessly
Teachers and early childhood educators who have recently bought our Willow the Wonderer picture books are telling us they love using it in class! Encouraged by their feedback we are developing a series of teaching guides to accompany the books. These will cover the basics like developing literacy and numeracy skills to more advanced subjects such as creative writing, art, folk literature, poetic rhythm and meter, and of course explore the philosophy and wisdom of happiness.

Reeta Dhar
Mar 27, 20222 min read


Why have rhymes fallen out of favour with children's book publishers
When we first decided to started working on Willow the Wonderer, it felt utterly natural to us to write it in verse. In fact the premise of the whole story had come into Darren's mind decades ago in the form of a rhyme: Willow the wonderer Woke up one day Wondering about happiness And where it lay. But to bring this to the world, we soon realised we'd need to start our own children's publishing company. Here's the backstory. When we first began to write our first picture book

Reeta Dhar
Apr 15, 20214 min read
Blog: Quote
“Light a campfire and everyone's a storyteller"
John J Geddes
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