Shady Bay Buddies created by Emma Brown

Today I would like to introduce my younger blog readers to the Shady Bay Buddies who have been created by Emma Brown.

Emma Brown in an expert in crochet, who has created a cast of adorable crocheted characters. Originally created for her daughters, they spent many a happy time making up stories together about them. The animals live together on a far-away island called Shady Bay. Emma began thinking up designs for the characters and wrote her own patterns to bring them to life.  Emma's patterns for a number of her animals can be found in 'Crocheted Bears and Other Animals'.

A picture book designed to inform and reassure children who are worried about going to the doctor.

Archie and his big sister Amber are two of the Shady Bay Buddies who live in the close-knit community of Shady Bay Island. They love playing outside together, but one day Archie falls from the garden swing and hurts his arm. He's very worried when it's made clear he'll need to see the doctor. With his mum and Amber by his side, Archie goes off to the doctor and is pleasantly surprised to find it's not that bad after all. There are fun things to do there and the doctor is very kind. This delightful picture book, with adorable crocheted characters designed and made by Emma Brown, will become a firm favourite with young children who are fearful of doctors and hospitals.

Publisher: Ryland, Peters & Small Ltd
ISBN: 9781782495444

A picture book designed to inform and reassure children who are starting school.

Archie and his big sister Amber are two of the Shady Bay Buddies who live in the close-knit community of Shady Bay Island. Archie is starting school and wondering what to expect. Amber reassures him that it will be fun. We join Archie as he gets ready for school, meets his teacher, Miss Whimsie, and enjoys lots of fun activities on his first day. He even makes a new friend called Woolie. This delightful picture book, with adorable crocheted characters designed and made by Emma Brown, will become a firm favourite with young children as they embark on that all-important first day at school.

Publisher: Ryland, Peters & Small Ltd
ISBN: 9781782495451

I really enjoyed both of these books. They are beautifully photographed, each double page spread being a great photograph with Emma's crocheted characters taking central stage, and including Archie's felt bunny which has been cleverly placed in each scene for young readers to spot. 

Each title is a great story, helping children to understand what will happen at a visit to the doctors or on their first day at school.  The stories are told in simple text, short sentences which are accompanied by the brilliant photographs. The crocheted characters are adorable and are joined by lots of their friends. Children of all ages will enjoy meeting them and the scenes tell their own story, lots of look at on each page and to discuss.

I really do like this new series of books. Parents will love the clean and non fussy scenes, the stories are short and easy to understand, but the illustrations can be used as the start of conversations. I really like that the characters are crocheted - perfect for craft lovers - and as Emma's patterns are available in 'Crocheted Bears and Other Animals' children can own their own Archie and Amber, allowing children's to recreate scenes and make up their own stories with their favourite characters.

Thank you to the publishers, Cico Books, for sending me the books to review in return for an honest review.