The Kids' Bookstore

The fifth Harry Potter book by J.K. Rowling - 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' is certainly the longest yet and we think the best! A lot comes out about Harry's past and present circumstances that weve all wondered about. There are some marvelous new characters and some old favourites (like Ginny and Neville) really seem to come into their own. Teenage hormones run amock here amid governmental cover-ups in the continuing fight of good against evil.

Herb the Vegetarian Dragon by Jules Bass and Debbie Harter. The story of Herb who stands out from his fellow carnivorous dragons by being a vegetarian! He also brings peace to the forest of Nogard where dragons and people now live together in harmony! Colourful book with a real medieval, castles, knights and dungeons feel to it. It does get a bit gruesome at a point where you think that Herb is about to be beheaded so is not perfect for very small children. Reading ages 8-12 or read aloud.

'I Eat Vegetables' by Hannah Tofts. A very simple book for small children with large colour photos of different vegetables.

'Under the Stairs' by Mary Brady. A vegan novel for teenagers which deals with the subject of abuse - both to children and animals. The book starts with Peter, a fourteen year old boy who is beaten by his stepfather, meeting a family of animal rights activists. The author is graphic in her descriptions of violence and hopes that this book may help young people speak out about their own problems. A little romance and vegan chocolate cheesecake lighten the mood!

'Birdie Halleluyah!' by Judith Kerr, the author of the much loved 'Mog' books. This is a very comical but loving look at the relationship between a small boy and his guardian angel. Simple text and gentle, detailed pictures make it suitable for very small children upwards.

'The Pumpkin Patch - a Traditional Buddhist Tale' retold by Sybil Taylor and illustrated by June Atkin. A simple yet profound tale which teaches children about meditation and the interconnectedness of all life. Charlotte (age 8) was most impressed with the illustrations which are beautiful.

'Brother Eagle, Sister Sky' by Susan Jeffers. In the 1850s Chief Seattle delivered a message to the American government, who wanted to buy his peoples' land. This book is an interpretation of that message for children. Beautiful illustrations accompany the words of love and respect for the Earth.

'The Little Driver' by Martin Wagner. A thought provoking anti-car book for kids. Eight year old Joe wants nothing more than to have his own shiny, red car. When the dream comes true he discovers the perils of petrol, car salesmen, accidents, congestion and a host of social issues involving driving. The book leaves you thinking about our car mad culture - how did we get here, where will we go? - reading age 7 and up.

'Billywise' by Judith Nicholls and Jason Cockcroft - an incredibly beautiful book in both text and illustration. It tells the tale of a baby owl from hatching to daring to learn to fly with the gentle encouragement of his mother - quite breathtaking pictures.

'The Pop-Up Potty Book' by Marianne Bogardt and Maxie Chambliss. We loved this book when our children were at the learning about potties stage - the humour is appreciated by all ages and it really does seem to make little ones think about this issue!

'The Winter Solstice' - a wonderful look at the different traditions of the solstice from a variety of cultures. The author has good ideas for explaining the tilt of the earth in relation to the sun to children. The book finishes with a Cherokee creation tale.

One for adults looking to create great food - 'Vegetarian Christmas' by Rose Elliot. Not exclusively vegan but there is a plethora of vegan delights included and most of the lacto-ovo recipes are easily 'veganisable'. Our favourite Christmas dinner of Chestnut and Red wine pate en croute is one of many included here along with lots of advice on taking the work out of Christmas catering. This book is full of ideas for lots of special touches which can be prepared early and frozen - a firm favourite with lots to please everyone.

'Do Animals have Feelings Too?' by David L. Rice. True stories of animals exhibiting behaviour showing joy, loyalty and great intelligence.

'Spirit - Stallion of the Cimarron' - a beautiful and moving film about a wild stallion who would not be 'broken' though he does develop a strong friendship with a native American boy. Great soundtrack by Bryan Adams too.

'Minty - a story of young Harriet Tubman' - here is a 'fiction mixed with facts' telling of the childhood of Harriet Tubman, who is famous for leading hundreds of slaves to freedom through the underground railroad. A very inspiring book, and also a good introduction to the subject of slavery for children.

'Princess Smartypants' - here is a fairy story with a feminist slant! Princess Smartypants does not want to get married - she wants to stay a Ms. and live happily ever after. She has to outwit Prince Swashbuckle first though - very funny book.

'The Lorax' - a strong environmental message here about deforestation and pollution from Dr. Seuss's lorax 'who speaks for the trees' and the greedy onceler who cuts down truffula trees to knit thneads (which everyone needs)

'Vegan Planet - 400 Irresistible Recipes with Fantastic Flavors from Home and Around the World' by Robin Robertson. With a forward by Neal Barnard of PCRM this newly published (February 2003) cookbook is like several books rolled into one. If you only want to buy one vegan cookbook maybe this should be the one - with recipes for breakfasts, sandwiches, sauces, mains, burgers, puds and lots more, a large diversity of cuisine styles and additional facts on the sidebars this is a jewel of a book!

'Northern Lights' ('The Golden Compass' in the US) by Philip Pullman. A novel full of magic - armoured bears, witches, daemons - set in a dimension close to our own. Brave heroine Lyra sets out on a journey to the far North to rescue her uncle and her friend from horrific danger - suitable for both adults and children from about 10.