These three lovely picture books for young children may all feature creatures of different types but they also convey positive messages about managing emotions, resilience, friendship and kindness.

Again! said Rabbit by Marjoke Henrichs Publisher Scallywag Press

Marjoke Henrichs’ debut, No! Said Rabbit was shortlisted for the BookTrust Storytime Prize and her follow up, Ready! Said Rabbit was an engaging look at familiar family situations involving time. Her latest book in Rabbit’s adventures sees our friend on a trip to the seaside with both his mum and dad. There are lots of great things for him to do when he gets there, building sandcastles, playing football and flying a kite. Rabbit is having so much fun that he demands to be able to do all these things again and again. A refrain probably familiar to many parents! But then things go a little awry when Rabbit is surprised by a rather big wave and his happy mood changes. How will he cope and will his day be ruined? As we approach the summer holidays this would be a useful book to share with very young children as it conveys well the possibility that even the most eagerly anticipated of days may have its ups and downs. Rabbit’s changing emotions are handled kindly by his caring and long suffering parents so the overall tone is positive. The bright and cheerful illustrations contain lots of familiar items to chat about and this would be a great book to share both at home and in Early Years settings. I have a feeling that many will be joining in with the repeated “Again”. Published this month.

Valerie – Australia’s Bravest Sausage Dog by Lucinda Gifford Publisher Allen & Unwin

Perhaps you will recognise Valerie? When I picked up this book I remembered the news item about a pet dachshund who escaped from an Australian campsite on Kangaroo Island and then spent more than a year wandering in the wilderness. She was eventually traced and returned safely to her owners providing the happy ending the public was hoping for. In this delightful picture book Lucinda Gifford imagines what Valerie’s adventures may have been during the period she was missing. Full of humour and told through a jaunty rhyming text the reader accompanies Valerie as she makes friends with dolphins, sneakily helps herself to oysters and ice cream, tries out surfing and plays joyfully on the beach. Eventually she tires of this free and easy life style and wants to return to her caring owners and treks through valleys, hills and rivers to find them. Fortunately, just like in real life, there is a happy ending and the owners and their small determined dog are reunited. This is happy book and lovely for young children in both style and content. The text reads well aloud and the illustrations are appealing ensuring the whole package is a cheerful story to share both in educational and family settings. Published in May.

The Old Man and the Penguin: A True Story of Friendship by Julie Abery illustrated by Pierre Pratt Publisher Pikku Publishing

There is something about penguins that endears them to us and in particular to children and these popular birds feature in many picture books. The Old Man and the Penguin is rather special in that it is inspired by a true story of a remarkable friendship between an oil-soaked penguin who is rescued by a man who finds him on a beach. The man, João, feeds him and nurses him back to health and a special bond is formed. When the penguin is fully recovered, João knows it’s time to return him to the wild where he belongs. But then the penguin does not want to go. Dindim, as João has named the bird, does eventually leave but later returned to the man’s home and stayed for months. He now returns to stay with his friend for a few months each year. The reader is carried along by the rhyming verse which is perfect to read aloud and the gorgeous, gentle illustrations are well suited to the kindly tone of this lovely story. The bond between the elderly man and the penguin is conveyed beautifully in the expressions of both of them. In addition to the thoughtful themes of friendship and empathy The Old Man and the Penguin also teaches children a little about Magellanic penguins and the harmful effects of pollution on wild animals and the environment. The author’s note at the end of the story expands on this aspect. I really like this one and would highly recommend it for Early Years setting upwards. Published this month.