Our Junior reviewers love books as much as the adults here at Hot Brands and this collection has brought great delight to them.

Silly old thing, didn’t you know?
It’s the 10th Birthday of the Gruffalo!

The scariest creature in the wood will be celebrating his birthday with three brand-new books, his very own film and a range of stunning Gruffalo products!

THE GRUFFALO is a publishing phenomenon with over 4 million copies sold worldwide. 2009 sees the tenth anniversary of this extraordinary picture book marked with a celebratory publishing programme, the broadcast of a much-anticipated film and the release of an imaginative range of Gruffalo merchandising. For the book’s global army of fans, 2009 looks set to be a new chapter in the life of The Gruffalo.

Since its publication in March 1999, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s creation has won over a legion of fans young and old as well as numerous awards. Macmillan Children’s Books is thrilled to be publishing a LIMITED ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF THE GRUFFALO, with brand-new, previously unseen content - including an exclusive insight into the characters’ development, with letters from their creators - and a gorgeous golden cover. This will be followed by THE GRUFFALO PARTY PACK publishing in June and a glorious MAGNET BOOK in the autumn.

Like any wild animal, the Gruffalo doesn’t like to be caged, and will be taking a big leap off the page, on to our small screens. Magic Light Pictures is producing a half hour animated film, which is scheduled for a prestigious TV premiere at Christmas 2009.

But the story doesn’t end there, Magic Light and major licensing company TLC are currently developing an enchanting and imaginative range of Gruffalo-branded merchandise that will hit the high streets in the summer of 2009.

Hot Brands Verdict
Our junior reviewers want to wish The Gruffalo a very Happy 10th Anniversary. It is one of their favourite stories and Charlotte has been known to astound family audiences with her ability to recite the whole story before she could read, she loved it so much. This is a book that should be on every child’s bookshelf.

http://www.panmacmillan.com/Titles/displayPage.asp?PageTitle=Individual%20Title&BookID=416965

Dogs Emily Gravett
Synopsis Big dogs, small dogs, stroppy dogs and soppy dogs . . .

Gorgeous canines of every shape, size and colour are bounding through this irresistible book. Can you choose one dog to love best of all?

With playful pencil and watercolour illustrations to delight children and adults alike, everyone will long to bark along with the Chihuahua and tickle the Dalmatian's tummy. A wonderfully satisfying book with a twist in the tail.

Hot Brands Verdict
This is a delightful book, the illustrations are beautiful, with a lovely identification chart at the back, it’s easy to read and perfect for children who are perhaps a little unsure about dogs, as the illustrations make them adorable, and particularly the twist at the end of the story.

http://www.panmacmillan.com/titles/displayPage.asp?PageTitle=Individual%20Title&BookID=406735

Honey Hill: Wipe-Clean Counting - Dubravka Kolanovic

Synopsis - Write-on and wipe-clean fun with the Honey Hill friends!

An amazing interactive book with write-on, wipe-clean pages, which comes complete with a set of four chalks. Children will love to learn to count to five with the Honey Hill friends in these activity-packed books. There are two counting-themed drawing tasks on every spread, and when the fun is done, the pages can be simply wiped clean and the chalks can be stored in the handy box! There are four in the series so far, Colours, Opposites, Counting and Shapes.

Hot Brands Verdict
Our junior reviewers loved this collection, they really liked the novelty of the ‘blackboard’ within the book. It was easy to use and the chalks worked well on the pages. They happily rubbed them out and started again, which meant that they could share the books between them and re-use over again. As with all chalk play it’s a little messy, but containable as table-top play.

http://www.panmacmillan.com/titles/displayPage.asp?PageTitle=Individual%20Title&BookID=408389

One Small Step-Jerry Stone, illustrated by various artists
Synopsis - Celebrating the fortieth anniversary of man's landing on the moon, One Small Step is the ultimate gift book for all space enthusiasts. Packed with facts and photographs, the book recounts the events of the momentous landing, including descriptions of the Apollo craft, and details on daily life for the crew on board. Full of informative novelties, such as booklets, acetate cutaways, and even a lenticular of the first steps on the mon's surface, this is a collectable and comprehensive guide to one of man's greatest achievements.

Hot Brands Verdict
This is a stunning book, not just for children, but adults too will love its nostalgic look at the Moon Landing, the construction of the book is inspired.
It is as real as any personal collection, absolutely jam-packed with mementos, souvenirs, fascinating facts and photographs. We all loved it here at Hot Brands. Highly Recommended !

http://www.templarco.co.uk/novelty/historical_notebooks.html

Miaow Said the Cow - Emma Dodd
Synopsis - When the farm cat decides to cast a spell to shut up noisy Cockerel, it has a few unforeseen side-effects...mice mooing, hens oinking, even the sheep barking at Sheepdog!

Cat finds it all very funny until he realizes that he is stuck with Cockerel's crow. Wise old Cow sets everything straight, and the farmyard returns to normal, except for naughty Cat. He is left with a cock-a-doodle-do and given a new job waking up the farmyard each morning.

Hot Brands Verdict
This is a huge favourite here at Hot Brands, since the day it arrived, it has been read at bedtime almost every night. The children love it and Annabelle the youngest, loves saying ‘Cacophony” every time we reach it in the story. It’s her biggest word! Highly recommended!

http://www.templarco.co.uk/picture_books/emma_dodd/emma_dodd.html

The Princess Handbook
Synopsis :Written by Madam Twinklestern, The Fairy Godmother, this is a lighthearted yet practical guide to bringing out the inner princess in every girl, with sections on dress; jewellery and self-adornment; deportment and etiquette; health, hair and beauty; exercise; transport; banquets and princess food; Prince Charmings and preparing for your first ball.

Packed with novelties and paper effects, gorgeously girly and illustrated by four fabulous artists, every page is a treasure trove fit for royalty.



The Ballerina’s Handbook
Synopsis:Written by former prima ballerina Flora Twinkletoes, this handbook is a gold mine of insider information – letters, postcards, programmes, tickets and booklets – gathered from a lifelong love of ballet. From tips for your very first lesson to taking a curtain call as a principal dancer, this is a fact-filled journey through the world of ballet, picking up the language, movements, costumes and stories along the way, perfect for keeping any aspiring ballerina’s toes tapping!

Hot Brands Verdict
These two books are absolutely beautiful, full of little secrets, and paper effects which any little girl will treasure, as well as really useful information about ballet in the case of the Ballerina Handbook and Beauty and Fashion and etiquette in the Princess Handbook. Our junior reviewers were fascinated by them and loved them. A perfect special present.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ballerinas-Handbook-Sophie-Allsopp

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Princess-Handbook-Stella-Gurney

Welcome to the Zoo - Alison Jay
Synopsis - Take a tour through a zoo like no other, filled with mischievous monkeys, perky penguins and greedy goats! It's a true menagerie of tales from visual storyteller Alison Jay! A Wordless picture book that will encourage imagination and observation skills.

Hot Brands Verdict
This book is beautifully illustrated, and it is the illustrations that encourage discussions in this wordless picture book. Our junior reviewers found it fascinating and really used their powers of observation in finding the unexpected. It prompted lots of discussion, and encouraged them to make up their own stories about the Zoo.

http://www.templarco.co.uk/picture_books/alison_jay/alison_jay_gifts.html

The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper's Feast
William Plummer, with nature notes by Richard Fitter
Illustrated by Alan Aldridge


Synopsis - Previous winner of the Whitbread Children's Book Award, this latest edition introduces the fantastical world of the insect's ball to a whole new generation.

With illustrations by renowned '60s artist, Alan Aldridge (famous for his work with The Beatles and Andy Warhol) and William Plummer's lyrical retelling of William Roscoe's poem, this is a unique and breathtaking classic.

Hot Brands Verdict
This was a little old for our junior reviewers, but it is a beautiful book, the illustrations are stunning, and with detailed nature notes and a new essay on Alan Aldridge and the history of The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper’s Feast it is fabulous collector’s item.

http://www.templarco.co.uk/classics_collectors/index.html

The Secret Histories: Mermaids - Ari Berk, illustrated by Gary Chalk, Virginia Lee, Matt Dangler and Wayne Anderson

Synopsis - This beautiful book reveals the magic, customs, culture and language of mermaids and merfolk, gathered together by a mysterious organisation – the order of the oceanic council from their fortress by the sea.

From the watery artefacts of the Mermaids Cave of Curiosities, the language of mermaid tails and records of encounters with seafolk, mermaids gifts, creatures of the deep, weapons and mer-charms and jewellery, this book is an amazing record of these creatures who have fascinated and intrigued human beings for thousands of years. By sharing these secret histories with us, Professor Ari Berk and the order of the oceanic council are endeavouring to instill a new understanding of the deep creatures and a mutual respect between humans and the secret folk.

Hot Brands Verdict
Beautifully produced with additional little lift-ups and secrets this book was too old and a little scary for our junior reviewers, but full of fascinating legends, and histories of mermaids and merfolk which will fascinate older children and adults.

http://www.templarco.co.uk/novelty/secret_histories.html
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mermaids-Secret-Histories-Ari-Berk/dp/1840113383

3rd & Bird – Bird’s the Word!

Synopsis 3rd & Bird is a new, animated preschool series about a community of birds that live, learn and play in the branches of a beautiful old tree. 3rd & Bird was created by Josh Selig, creator of The Wonder Pets, and uses Photo-puppetry animation.

The vibrant community of 3rd & Bird is always alive with songs, dances, and whistling galore. In each episode we follow Samuel Lovebird, an adorable young bird, as he explores his world and learns all about his community. 3rd & Bird teaches children the value of being an active member of their community. As Samuel and his friends participate in community activities, they develop social skills that are integral to the functioning of a healthy community. Along the way they learn important life lessons about diversity, tolerance and perseverance.

3rd & Bird is an irreverent, joyful series filled with humour, whistling, dancing and an eclectic cast of flying characters. Though the series takes on important social issues, it never loses sight of the importance of a clever turn of phrase or the timeless fun of physical comedy.

Contains the following eight episodes:

Fly Muffin!

Muffin really wants to learn to fly.

Bird Theatre!

Rudy and Samuel are rehearsing for Mr. Beakman’s play

The Muffin Express!

Mr. Beakman is building a train set, The Sunset Express. Samuel, Rudy and Muffin offer to help him finish the tracks but Muffin’s tracks are a disaster.

To Play or not to Play!

Samuel and Rudy are playing together, but they can’t agree on a game they both like!

A Chorus for Us!

Samuel, Muffin and Rudy each make up a silly song.

Meet Elliott!

Samuel and Rudy invite Muffin along for a picnic with their friend, Elliot. Muffin is shocked to find out that Elliot is a worm!

Hot Brands Verdict
Our junior reviewers really liked this, as they were new characters , the DVD is fast moving with lots of action, but we also liked the way that there was a moral to every story and important lessons were being learned in a very natural way.

http://www.bbcshop.com/Childrens/3rd+Bird-Birds-The-Word/invt/bbcdvd2701

Charlie and Lola: I Can't Stop Hiccupping and Other Stories

Synopsis Another most absolutely amazing DVD from Charlie and Lola. Charlie and his little sister Lola return to DVD with I can't stop hiccuping and other stories. Containing nine completely fantastic episodes from Series 3 of the imaginative and endearing show. Charlie and Lola are up to their usual fun and games with hiccups that won't go away and a shop that sells everything. Lola thinks she's a very good listener, until a bad listening day causes all sorts of problems and leaves both Charlie and Lola not so sure. Other stories include a hunt foa na ancient fossil and a race to invent a usefullish invention for a school project. Contains the following nine episodes:

I can't stop hiccupping

I am completely hearing and also listening

Our shop sells completely everything

I've got nobody to play with

Thunder completely does not scare me

I really absolutely must have glasses

It is very special and extremely ancient

But Marv is absolutely Charlie's best friend

I am inventing a usefullish investion.

Hot Brands Verdict
Charlie and Lola are always great favourites with the Hot Brands Junior reviewers and they loved this collection. The brother and sister adventures always link to real life situations that children experience and our reviewers are always transfixed. They love Lola and the way Charlie always tries to look after her. As they recently went fossil hunting, they really enjoyed this episode. All the different situations have a real life application which is what makes them so much fun !

http://www.amazon.co.uk

Finally as we mentioned in the News last week it is also the 40th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

CELEBRATE THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING, 20TH MARCH 2009, WITH THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S BESTSELLING PICTURE BOOKS

The official launch day of The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s 40th anniversary has been appropriately chosen as the first day of Spring, 20th March 2009.

Recently voted the nation’s favourite bedtime story, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which sells one copy every 30 seconds somewhere in the world, day and night, has eaten its way into the hearts of literally millions of children all over the world. This beloved picture book has been translated into more than 45 languages and has sold over 29 million copies.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is also at No. 2 in Nielsen BookScan's 'Evergreen list' (second only to Sebastian Faulks' Birdsong). This is a list of 12 titles which have continually appeared in Nielsen’s charts since records first began 13 years ago, and gives booksellers guidelines as to titles such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which due to the longevity of outstanding sales, they cannot afford not to stock.

The Caterpillar’s 40th anniversary also coincides with Eric Carle’s own 80th birthday on 25th June 2009.

Throughout 2009, Puffin books and The World of Eric Carle will celebrate with activities at all major festivals and a variety of bookshops will be receiving a visit from the Very Hungry Caterpillar himself. Nurseries, schools and libraries throughout the UK can get involved with downloadable activities on puffin.co.uk. To commemorate the occasion there will be an assortment of new The World of Eric Carle product introductions including toys, games, apparel, bedding, bath accessories and party goods.

Also in March, Puffin Books will be launching a whole range of exciting new The Very Hungry Caterpillar publishing, including a new stationery range and The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Buggy Book, Count with The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the Little Learning Library and the very wonderful The Very Hungry Caterpillar Pop-Up Book.

Hot Brands Verdict
Congratulations to Eric Carle and Puffin Books from everyone at Hot Brands, successive generations of Hot Brands children have all received a copy of The Very Hungry Caterpillar as their very first book, and we love the latest collection from Puffin Books particularly The Very Hungry Caterpillar Pop-Up Book which is absolutely beautiful and an heirloom to treasure. Loved by parents and children alike, this is a book that should be on every child’s bookshelf.

www.puffin.co.uk/