PERSEVERANCE

THE DODO WHO DREAMED SHE COULD FLY (Catherine Emmett, Claire Powell)
 
He smiled. “Sometimes others aren’t able to see, the things we might do and the things we might be.

And that’s why you mustn’t go measuring YOU, by what others think and by what others do.”

Delilah is on a mission to be the first dodo to take flight – and with her Dad’s help, she won’t let what any of the other dodos say stand in her way. This vibrant and heart-warming story of perseverance has been brought to life with exceptional rhyme from Catherine Emmett and fabulously bright and beautiful characters from Claire Powell. The Dodo Who Dreamed She Could Fly (Simon and Schuster, 2023) is an empowering story about the incredible things that can happen when you’re brave enough to give something a try, showing readers that with determination and hard work, dreams can take flight!

READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT (Jaime Kim)

Ready for the Spotlight (Walker, 2023) is a cheerful, relatable picture book about sibling rivalry, ballet, and finding your free-form self.
Tessie has taken ballet for a whole month and thinks she has it down. If it weren’t for her big sister, Maya, who seems to own the spotlight, Tessie would dazzle the whole class. But when Maya lands the lead – and the coveted princess crown – in the upcoming show, not even freestyle dancing can fully rescue Tessie’s spirits. But maybe the spotlight is big enough for two?
Jaime’s characters are full of warmth and charm, brought together with bright colours, movement and all the ups and downs of sisterhood. Tessie knows that practice and confidence go a long way when it comes to learning something new, but she learns that the support of a loving family matters too.

SAMMY STRIKER AND THE FOOTBALL CUP (Catherine Emmett, Joe Berger)

Sammy Striker is never found without a football at her feet, and one day at the park, she's spotted by Melissa McDream who coaches the Under 8s National Team! Sammy is a dribbler-extraordinaire, headed straight for the top. But, as the Football Cup gets closer, Sammy's shots on goal go a bit . . . wonky. Will Sammy work out that it's what makes her different that makes her special, in time to help them win the final?

In Sammy Striker and the Football Cup (Macmillan, 2023) bouncy rhyme and vivid illustrations make for an empowering story for young footie fans about finding and celebrating what makes you unique, and having the courage to believe in yourself.

TWO WHEELS (David Gibb. Brizida Magro)

Two Wheels (Walker, 2023), is a warm and heartfelt story of a little boy with a bicycle-obsessed dad learning to ride a bike of his very own.
Training bikes have four wheels, a tricycle has three wheels, but what this little boy really wants is a bike with two wheels! It isn't easy, but with practice, patience, determination and Dad's unwavering support, the dream of achieving this milestone moment might just become a reality.

This picture book explores all the joy and some of the frustrations a child can have when learning to ride a bike, including the freedom as the stabilisers come off. Warm illustrations and a sun-drenched palette lovingly depict a gentle and reassuring story about the importance of learning new things. It also portrays the loving bond between the father and son, which also makes this book extra special.