Written & illustrated by Kerri Cunningham
A Book Review by Erin the Literary Cat©, International Book Reviewer.
Hello, and welcome to my latest Book Review featuring this week a gentle tale for 5-8 year olds.
Without further ado, and with my trusty housekeeper, Mrs H, currently spending time appreciating the small things in the gardens (not mice or spiders), lets go on with our review of Baxter's View.
AUTHOR: Kerri Cunningham Click HERE for their web page
Illustrations by: Kerri Cunningham
Published by: Fox & Ink Books. Click HERE for their web page
Publication date Paperback: 6 Nov 2025
Paperback 13 digit ISBN: 978-1916747715
UK Cover price for Paperback: £7.99
Amazon KINDLE price: N/A
Pages: 32
Age range: 5 - 8
SPOILER ALERT
Some as to plot direction and characters.
Thank you to...
We are exceedingly grateful to Graeme Williams and Fox and Ink Publishers for offering us a chance to Read & Review this story.
As ever, our views are our own, and we only share reviews of books we have bought, received as gifts, or received in exchange for an impartial review.
First and foremost, the books we review are those we select to read, like, and feel our global readers deserve to know about and that we hope they, their family, friends and students will enjoy.
The plot
Rory, the slightly elder brother to Baxter, is at the age where he just wants to run everywhere to get to the fun stuff. Baxter, however, likes to hum, bounce and flap his hands. He wants to enjoy all the sensory things he finds as they head to the park with their mother. Unfortunately this means even a short walk can take ages.
For Rory this means having to wait as Baxter explores the textures sights and sounds found on route, be they in a shop window or lush grass in the park or jumping in puddles. This makes Rory huff a lot and ask his mum to push on to the slides in the play area, not letting Baxter enjoy what he wants to do.
Rather than acquiesce to Rory, she suggest he try some of the things his brother likes. For instance she suggests he joins Baxter in lying under a tree and seeing what it is that fascinates him so.
Will Rory get to change his mind and discover a new world at his feat and feast for his eyes? The answer is, of course, yes he will, and the next time they venture out as a family the time is so much more fun.
So, what did we think?
Seeing things through Baxters eyes means Rory can learn to slow down and appreciate the amazing things around. Baxter has his sensory needs, but he sees and feels things others can too, if they take the time.
This gentle yet compelling story allows the Rory's of this world, and lets face it many kids and adults are this way these days, to get extra value from life. Aided by fantastic artwork that speaks as much as the words, this tale is bound to enthral and gently educate on a few levels, not least respect for others.
So, Crunch time.
We can't applaud this short but captivating tale enough. The authors artwork is perfectly suited, bright and cheery. It even makes the (older) reader slow down, think and reset. Perfect for the young reader and for shared reading at home or in the school.
And given that the festive season is almost upon us, this would make a perfect (early) present too.
And as it's time for the Sunday Selfies, here's something equal full of nature and soft and gentle – me!
Here is yours truly caught showing that I can balance with both paws off the duvet whilst napping! ;)
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed that adventure review, and will take time this week to slow down and explore the nature all around us that so often goes unnoticed....
Till laters!
ERin
