Sunday, 10 August 2025

Book Review: Exploring Español by Sonia Daptardar

Exploring Español is a gorgeous first reader book that teaches your child some Spanish words. 
 
Sonia Daptardar has written a simple, yet fun educational book that can be expanded on, adding more words with each new addition making it a wonderful resource for parents and schools.
 

 Publisher: Self Published
Publication date: 12th March 2025
Series: The Language Adventures #1 
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Pages: 25
RRP: AU$12.24 (softcover @AmazonAU)
Source: eCopy courtesy of the author
 
Soham is having trouble learning his Spanish words when a talking parrot lands on his window. The parrot, Pablo, says he will help Soham learn Spanish words.
They go on a magical adventure and along the way Soham learns Spanish for flowers, white rabbit, blue butterfly, horse, fishes and stone.
 
 

This lively and fun picture book is both educational and engaging. Vibrant pictures pair with simple three line text, with the object in the picture shown in both English and Spanish.
 
 
Pablo and Soham then play a guessing game with each word. This reinforces the words through a fun game.
 
When Soham goes home he practices his new words and hopes he will see Pablo again.
 
I love that this is a series with the opportunity to have new words added with each edition. I can see Pablo and Soham going on many more adventures.
 
Exploring Espanol is perfect as an early reader for ages 4 years onward and would be excellent as a read-to-me from the age of 12 months. As we know babies can learn and absorb new things from a very young age and this little series would be perfect to learn both English and Spanish words in a fun way.
 
The Language Adventures series is aimed at making learning a new language fun and engaging for young minds.
Bright visuals expand on the text as children put pictures to words.
 
My rating 4 / 5 🦜🦜🦜🦜
Publisher recommended age 3 - 9 years 
My recommended age 1+ years (the younger they start the more they learn) 
 
 
 

Saturday, 9 August 2025

Book Review: Vesper Jones and Marshmallow by Karen Hendriks

 Meet Vesper Jones and Marshmallow - dream controllers.
 

illustrated by Francesca Corso
 
Publisher: Starfish Bay Children's Books 
Publication date: 5th August 2025
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Pages: 40
RRP: AU$24.99 (hardcover)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher via Books on Tour PR
 
Vesper Jones has been having bad dreams so, along with her side-kick Marshmallow, she devises a plan and comes up with a device called a dream controller - like a remote control for dreams.
 

 When the scary things come, all Vesper has to do is click her controller and change her dreams to friendly things. It takes her a little while to get the scary things under control but through courage and tenacity Vesper's dreams are now filled with unicorns and twinkling lights.
 

 Vesper Jones and Marshmallow is a quirky and fun story that gives children the resources to find the power to take control of scary dreams. This fun and dynamic storybook will help children overcome bedtime anxieties by using their imagination to generate positive outcomes.
 
Francesca Corso's coloured-pencil style illustrations are whimsical and filled with colourful energy to deliver a visual masterpiece that moves from dark snapping fiends to swirls, sparkles and happiness.
 
Vesper's friend Marshmallow can be imagined as a real cat or a favourite soft toy who is always nearby to give comfort and support.
 
Vesper Jones and Marshmallow will help children turn bedtime uneasiness into pleasurable, fun moments for a peaceful night's sleep. 
 
My rating 5 / 5 🛏🛏🛏🛏🛏 
Recommended age 4+ years 
#vesperjonesandmarshmallow #bedtimeanxiety #booksontour #blogtour #picturebook
 
 
Other books by Karen Hendriks I have reviewed: 


Book Review: Exploring Español by Sonia Daptardar

Exploring Español is a gorgeous first reader book that teaches your child some Spanish words.     Sonia Daptardar has written a simple, yet...