When I read that Tania Unsworth was inspired to write this by the hidden, forgotten corners that no one ever noticed, I was intrigued. As a child, I spent a lot of time imagining what it would be like to set up camp in a secluded spot and live there. Luckily, I never had to … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Nowhere Island,’ by Tania Unsworth, cover by Kimberley Walker.
There is a slowly increasing range of scary books for middle grade readers to enjoy - supply is finally catching up with demand! In my experience, it has always been tricky to find a ‘horror’ title which is scary but not too scary. ‘Shiver Point’ fits the bill nicely as it’s just the right balance … Continue reading Holiday read #1: ‘Shiver Point: It Came From the Woods,’ by Gabriel Dylan.
Recently, the children I work with have become fascinated by a couple of old magic sets we have available for break times. Watching them try and master the ‘cup and ball’ trick or to guess my card has really brought home to me the power of magic to inspire awe and wonder. And those are … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Wonder Brothers,’ by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steven Lenton.
I am sure that lots of you will already have read, and loved, Kelly’s ‘Front Desk’ series. If you’re wanting more of her poignant, prejudice-confronting, and heart-warming writing, you need to take a look at ‘Finally Seen.’ Luckily for you, I have an extract of the second chapter for you enjoy! (Scroll down) “A gripping … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Finally Seen,’ by Kelly Yang.
This book immediately jumped to the top of my to-be-read pile when it arrived. Due the nature of the children I work with, and the anxiety my son suffers from, I was intrigued to read a middle grade title which primarily focusses on that theme and is drawn, partly, from the author’s own experiences. ‘Josh … Continue reading ‘Worrybot’ by Simon Packham, illustrated by Lucy Mulligan.
I love Dan Smith’s historical fiction; it always has such depth and emotion, alongside thrilling storylines. I would recommend taking a look at She Wolf (Vikings) and Nisha’s War (Second World War) once you’ve finished ‘The Wall Between Us’ as I know you’ll be wanting more! “Anja and Monika live opposite each other. They play … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Wall Between Us,’ by Dan Smith, cover by Matthew Land.
The CLiPPA award (Centre for Literacy in Primary Poetry Award) has reached the grand old age of 20 and is the only award to celebrate children’s poetry published in the U.K. Each year, there is a stellar shortlist which forms a great starting point for anyone looking to enhance their setting’s poetry collection. This year … Continue reading CLiPPA blog tour: ‘Choose Love,’ by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Petr Horáček.
Lindsay Galvin is quickly becoming one of those writers where I know that, whatever she writes, I’m going to enjoy it. Her meticulous mix of history, heart, and courageous creatures always hits the mark. Safe to say then that I had high hopes when I received a copy of ‘Call of the Titanic’ to review. … Continue reading Blog post: ‘Call of the Titanic,’ by Lindsay Galvin, cover by Gordy Wright.
You may have heard lots of schools proudly stating that they’re ‘Rights Respecting’ schools, but have you ever wondered what that actually means? Well, it means that children's rights are promoted and realised, adults and children work towards this goal together. There are four key areas of impact for children at a Rights Respecting school; … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘I have the Right,’ by Reza Dalvand.
A baby wearing blue - must be a boy? A child with long hair - definitely a girl, right?! Gender norms are still ingrained in some people’s minds, but what if you don’t want to confirm to those unspoken rules and would prefer to express yourself however you prefer? That’s the question this picture book … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘My Brother George,’ by Kelly & Zoey Allen, illustrated by Tara O’Brien.
Get ready to be whisked away to whole other world which hides, just out of sight, behind flowered curtains and mossy bowers… ‘Daisy Thistledown has escaped from boarding school and has a mystery to solve. Her search for her missing mother will lead her across London and through a hidden doorway to another world, filled … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Greenwild: The World Behind the Door,’ by Pari Thomson, cover by Elisa Paganelli.
If you’re looking for an explosive combination of mythical beasts, Welsh legend, and magical powers, look no further than this brand new title from Lizzie Huxley-Jones. “The lake has been calling to twelve-year-old Vivi Conway. On the day she and her Mams will move from Wales to London, she sneaks out to investigate what is … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Vivi Conway and the Sword of Legend,’ by Lizzie Huxley-Jones, illustrated by Harry Woodgate.
Too often, adults are guilty of categorising vocal children as bold and confident, and quieter children as shy or insecure. But if we think about the children we know, being loud could be a cover-up for insecurities and those who are quieter could just be deep thinkers - not shy at all. I am pleased … Continue reading Shyness is Okay!
When you open a book written by Ian, you know that you are going to go on an emotional journey. But also, that you are in a safe pair of hands. This remains the case in his latest collaboration with inclusive publisher Owlet Press, where we meet a young boy torn between his two families … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Rory’s Room of Rectangles,’ by Ian Eagleton, illustrated by Jessica Knight.
Fans of Dooley’s first Frankie adventure, ‘Frankie’s World,’ will be pleased to know that they can catch up with Frankie again and see how things are going at senior school following her diagnosis of autism. I had the chance to ask the creator of this graphic novel series, Aoife Dooley, some questions about the creation … Continue reading ‘Finding My Voice,’ by Aoife Dooley.
Whether you’ve read ‘Bigfoot Mountain’ or not, you will definitely want to visit ‘Bigfoot Island,’ its sequel. But do Bigfoot’s really exist, you ask? Well, perhaps reading author Roderick O’Grady’s special piece on that very topic might help you make up your mind… ‘When Minnie spots a white boat bringing strangers to the cove below … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Bigfoot Island,’ by Roderick O’Grady, cover by Jess Mason.
A new title from Ele Fountain is always a reason for celebration. Her writing is guaranteed to draw you in and take you on a journey- in the case of ‘Wild,’ literal and metaphorical! ‘Jack craves adventure, even if it means getting into trouble at school. He thinks he can get away with it as … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Wild,’ by Ele Fountain.
If you want fantastic writing with a strong environmental theme, look no further than Nicola Davies’ epic new novel: Nominated for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing. “When animals talk, it's time humans listened: Harlon has been raised to protect her younger siblings, twins Ash and Xeno, and their outlawed power of communicating with animals. … Continue reading COVER REVEAL: ‘The Song That Sings Us,’ by Nicola Davies, cover by Jane Matthews.
This is a gorgeously-illustrated book about the importance of looking for the positives when things don’t go as you’d hoped. Pip and Parker highlight the value of friendship when the going gets tough. Make sure you read creator Fiona Woodcock’s piece about how she had the initial idea for this title about two friends with … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Silver Linings,’ by Fiona Woodcock.
I have always been a fan of Jess’s writing. I love how it is rooted in the natural world and takes the reader alongside the main protagonist on a wonderful journey, often to a faraway place. ‘Lost on Gibbon Island,’ is no exception. As soon as I started reading, I was swept away to a … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Lost on Gibbon Island,’ by Jess Butterworth, cover by Rob Biddulph.
Library Girl and Book Boy 