A review by Saffia Farr of Tara and and her Talking Kitten meet her Guardian Angel and Other Stories and Tara and her Talking Kitten meet the Naughty Dragon and Other Stories by Diana Cooper, Findhorn Press

The children and I are really enjoying these cds. We listen to them in the car. Each cd contains six stories with a running time of approximately one hour.

While the stories are fantastical, about imps, elves, pixies, dragons and of course Ash-Ting, the talking kitten, the issues dealt with are very real. Through Ash-Ting’s voice, Cooper helps children to think about how other people may be feeling, such as Skye who can’t eat her breakfast because she’s made anxious by the tension from her tired parents.

My children listen enthralled. They think they are “good stories” and love the tales of elves and imps. I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect on how important it is to really listen to what is wrong with others and validate their feelings.

The stories are read by Diana Cooper in soothing tones, interspersed by wonderful oriental music.

www.findhorpress.com

SPECIAL OFFER – Order either or both of the Tara and Her Talking Kitten CDs from www.findhornpress.com and buy them for £6.39 including  P&P. RRP £6.85

This is a very restful reflection on the cycles of days. In short verses of rhyme, we see a family of rabbits as they come inside from playing, eat, tidy up, prepare for bed and read stories. The book has a lovely feel with matt pages and homely illustrations. But my favourite aspect is the continuity; the book does not end with the sleeping rabbits sprawled in bed, but with the sun rising on a new day:

“Always lovely,
Always new,
Tomorrow’s waiting –
Just for you.”

When the World is Ready for Bed by Gillian Shields, illustrated by Anna Currey, Bloomsbury
Review by Saffia Farr

Super Magic Lightning Boy is the fun story of Jake and his cat Dixie exploring their garden, including fabuloulsy imagined encounters with Evil Angus Apple Tree and the enormous spider in the shed. Author Scott McIntyre took the inspiration for Jake and Dixie from his own family, collaborating with illustrator Laura Raine. The story is written in rhyme with the repeated refrain:

“I’m Super Magic Lightning Boy

the fastest kid in town

and this is Dixie thuder paws

the meanest cat around.”

JUNO has two signed copies to give away. For the chance to win a copy please email competitions@junomagazine.com with you name and address with the subject line ‘Lightning Boy’ before 10am on 4th July 2011. Draw will take place at noon on same day.

Competition Rules can be found at here.

Review & Special offer for Juno Readers

This is the first in a series of Tara books, written to help children understand particular issues they may face. They are not picture books, although there are plenty of black-and-white illustrations, but I think they can be enjoyed by children of all ages – to have read to them or to read themselves as they become more confident. Tara is often cross with everyone and frustrated until she is given a kitten called Ash-ting. Ash-ting ‘talks’ to Tara, helping her understand why her behaviour might be upsetting and how she can be more positive. It’s a great way for children and adults to listen to their inner voice and think about the reasoning behind behaviour, as well as the consequences of what we say and do.

Special Offer for Juno readers: buy The Magical Adventures of Tara & The Talking Kitten and/or Tara & The Talking Kitten Meet Angels and Fairies at £4.79 each (rrp £5.99) including P & P. Just enter the coupon code TARA/JUNO in the box on the second screen of the checkout. www.findhornpress.com