
During my time as a teacher and English manager (and most recently as an advisory teacher for the Primary Behaviour Service) I have come to realise that good books and a love of reading are cornerstones of raising attainment in literacy across a school. Books are also vital tools in allowing children to broaden their horizons, explore their emotions, find themselves, and develop empathy for others.
Through my blog I aim to introduce children, their families, teachers and book-lovers to books they may not have come across before but would enjoy reading or using in their school curriculums.
Gradually I have a curated a collection of reviews and ideas using a diverse and varied range of new titles. I hope that these will give teachers the confidence to try using some new texts (alongside tried and tested favourites), and help children find new authors to enjoy.
My passion for books has given me the opportunity to work with Scholastic and Michael Rosen on the Laugh Out Loud Book Awards (or the Lollies) , previously as a judge and in subsequent years as a long-lister of titles for the judges to select from. I’ve also been lucky enough to be invited to short-list for the Blue Peter Children’s Book Awards and The Alligator’s Mouth Book Award.
My previous consultancy work with Just Imagine (the award winning creators of the Reading Gladiator programme) on their HaHa Boing Book Club has helped me develop the tools to work closely with primary schools in a consultancy role. I have a range of workshops which have been delivered at national conferences, as well as the capacity to work with schools to deliver more bespoke CPD, to develop reading spines and to audit library stock. Further information about my workshops is available on the ‘Workshops’ page of this website.
I also work as a resource creator for various publishers and companies, creating bespoke lessons sequences and resources for some fantastic titles, alongside video content and virtual workshops on topics such as using graphic novels to develop reading skills or creating threads to run through a school’s reading spine.
If your school is looking to do work with students on developing the tools they need for good lifelong mental health, may I direct you to the website of my joint venture, Mind Superheroes. We have regularly been invited to present workshops at the Tes SEN Show on themes such as helping children manage big emotions or find their inner superpowers and would love to support your setting.
Jo Cummins, 2023.
Hello LG and BB. I think you might enjoy Oy Yew. It’s MG/crossover fantasy and was longlisted for the
Times/Chicken House prize. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Yew-Waifs-Duldred-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B011S51DAG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1452724531&sr=1-1&keywords=oy+yew
If you would like a review copy let me know.
Ana
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Great blog. Keep up the good work. More good books shared means more good times for everyone.
http://Www.takethecoins.com.
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Just wondering if you would like to review our books. We are an independent Sussex based children’s publisher of picture books, early readers and junior fiction. Our website is http://www.maverickbooks.co.uk
Please let me know if you would like to review.
With best wishes
Valerie Hall
Maverick Arts Publishing
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We’d love to be able to send you copies of our books to review or comment on. Troika, Alanna Books, New Frontier Publishing, Tiny Owl, Ragged Bears, Five Quills, and Za za Kids.
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Hello, please feel free to email me at librarygirlandbookboy@gmail.com if you feel you have anything suitable.
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Hi Jo
Hope you are keeping safe and well through these difficult times. Not sure if you work with any particular book supplier. Thought I would tell you a little about me. I work from home independently and have supplied schools, author visits and run book fairs for over 25 years. I offer schools very competitive discounts and a great service. Where possible delivery is next day. Like you I offer schools lists of books and recommendations. There are many testimonials on my website: rosemaryhillbooks.co.uk. Do let me know if you think there are anyways that we maybe able to work together. Best wishes Rosie
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This is such a great website/blog. I hope it goes from strength to strength.
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