READ ALL ABOUT IT

It's the school holidays so I'm going to start with the children in this week's Read All About It.

First, I have two brilliant books that will keep children occupied, teach them something and wow them. Then I have something for the young set and finally something for mums to relax and enjoy once the children are tucked up in bed.

First up is The Universe Rocks, The Complete Guide to Space by Raman Prinja.

This book is the perfect tool to get your children interested in astronomy and with our lovely clear, crisp nights there's plenty to see at the moment in Hawke's Bay skies.

There are fascinating facts and great step-by-step activities, including an erupting volcano and making a rainbow. Children are taken on a tour of the solar system with bright, interesting pages that will captivate young minds.

I really like this book. Anything that gets children reading and learning always gets my vote. Aimed at 7 years and above The Universe Rocks retails for $21 (hardcover) and is published by New Holland.

Next is another book sure to bring ohhs and ahhs from the kids. Top 50 Deadly Creatures by Camilla De La Bedoyere will take children on an adventure around the world.

They will meet sharks, spiders, wolves and reptiles. All of them have scare factor ratings and fact boxes with information about behaviour, habitat and lifestyle.

But wait there's more with this book. There are four life-sized gatefolds that show readers the exact size of the creature. Excellent.

Aimed at readers 7 and over Top 50 Deadly Creatures is published by New Holland and retails for $21 (hardcover)

Now for the younger readers. The Best Singer is the World by Ulf Nilsson is a cute story about a little boy who is the best singer in the world when he's at home singing to his little brother.

But when it comes time to get up on the stage for a school play he losses his nerve, has nightmares and can't eat.

On the night it's his little brother that makes him brave enough to do what he must.

With lively illustrations by Eva Eriksson this is a funny tale of courage and positive relationships. Lovely.

Aimed at 5 years plus The Best Singer in the World is published by Gecko Press and retails for $19.99 or $34.99 hardcover.

Now it's time for mums: relax with this easy to read, funny and romantic tale.

Dinner at Rose's by New Zealand author Danielle Hawkins is the story of Jo Donnelly, her family and friends.

After catching her boyfriend and best friend in a very compromising position Jo leaves everything behind in Australia and returns to her small rural home town in New Zealand.

There she takes up a temporary job at a physiotherapy clinic while her friend is off on maternity leave.

She spends time with her aunt Rose on the farm and meets up with her childhood friend and sweetheart.

She also spends a bit of time on Facebook as she tortures herself looking at her ex-best friend's posts about how happy she is and the wonderful parties she's having in Jo's house. Very funny stuff.

When Rose is diagnosed with breast cancer everyone rallies round to support her. Well almost everyone.

There are some great characters that readers will easily relate to in this entertaining read that will have you laughing out loud. Perfect read after a hectic day.

Dinner at Rose's is published by Allen and Unwin and retails for $35.