The very nature of myths mean that their re-tellings are varied and ever-changing, with tens or hundreds of variations on the same story. Myth Atlas introduces its readers to some of the most fascinating cultures on the planet with beliefs about human existence which are now part of history or still held sacred to this … Continue reading ‘Myth Atlas,’ by Thiago de Moraes.
Book Boy is an absolute fiend for a big chunky non-fiction book. There is nothing he likes better than settling down with a pack of sticky tabs in one hand and a pen in the other, ready to mark the important pages. ‘Timelines of Everything’ is a little different to other books in its category … Continue reading ‘Timelines of Everything,’ from the team at DK
It’s often said that books are actually portals to other worlds and also to other places in our world. These two fascinating books highlight some of our greatest wonders. Wonders of the World’s Museums (Wren & Rook) by Molly Oldfield, illustrated by Harriet Taylor Seed and Peter Malone An absolute treasure trove of some of … Continue reading A World Of Wonders
Following on from the success of their first picture book collaboration, ‘You’re Safe With Me,’ Soundar and Mistry have created another beautiful title in the series. The story begins at the start of winter when two polar bear cubs are born in their icy den. Their mama bear promises to keep them warm and snug … Continue reading ‘You’re Snug With Me,’ by Chitra Soundar and Poonam Mistry.
Mermaids have had a real surge of popularity recently but most titles have been for younger readers or overly sugary and sweet. ‘The Girl with the Shark’s Teeth’ is definitely neither of those things... Minnow had always known she was different from the other children in her town - her powerful affinity with the water, … Continue reading Festive Read #3 ‘The Girl With The Shark’s Teeth,’ by Cerrie Burnell, illustrations by Sandra Dieckmann.
Now I had been saving this book to read whilst snuggled up in the Christmas holidays as I knew Millwood Hargrave’s writing was going to whisk me away to an enchanted, frozen landscape and I wanted to savour it. Going to the in-laws’ to sit by their log fire was the perfect opportunity. Mila lives … Continue reading Festive read #2 ‘The Way Past Winter,’ by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, cover by Helen Crawford-White.
“They must have come from under beds, out of mirrors, up from caves, and down from attics; all out of the darkness and into the moonlight. They were the Night Folk, and this was their world.” When out-spoken Emily’s parents both mysteriously disappear, it soon becomes clear that she is going to have to be … Continue reading Festive read #1 ‘The Midnight Hour,’ by Benjamin Read and Laura Trinder, cover by Hannah Peck.
“Sometimes, when you’re a kid, but especially when you’re a girl, people want you to be quiet and well-behaved.......but changing things is important.” When Effie Kostas starts part-way through the term at Highworth Grange secondary school, she spends her lunch breaks sitting by herself. If that’s not bad enough, a fellow pupil (super-popular junior class … Continue reading ‘Vote For Effie,’ by Laura Wood, cover by Emma Trithart, illustrations by Mirelle Ortega.
You know when Nicola Davies releases a new book that it’s going to be something a little bit special. ‘The Dog That Saved Christmas’ looks at Christmas from an entirely different perspective and certainly made me stop and think. For Jake, Christmas is a terrible time of year. The lights are too bright, the decorations … Continue reading ‘The Dog That Saved Christmas,’ by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Mike Byrne.
Three sisters, three magical objects, one family curse. Need I say more? I knew from the off that I was going to love this book, and I wasn’t disappponted! The Widdershins sisters live in The Poacher’s Pocket In on the marshy isle of Crowstone with their granny - the formidable Bunny. The story begins on … Continue reading ‘A Pinch Of Magic,’ by Michelle Harrison, cover by Melissa Castrillon
The Snow Sisters series is sure to be a hit with fans of the Disney hit, Frozen. It features three sisters with special magical powers. They live in a castle on the island of Nordovia where their family has the important role of Keepers of the Light. The Silver Secret (Book 1) In the first … Continue reading The ‘Snow Sisters’ series by Astrid Foss, cover by Sharon Tancredi, illustrated by Monique Dong.
Watching The Nutcracker is a Christmas tradition from my childhood. Imagine my delight when this beautiful search and find book was delivered. One in a series of gorgeous, foiled hardback books bringing to life classic stories in a new and interactive way. When people think of ‘The Nutcracker,’ they often think of the ballet, but … Continue reading ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,’ retold by Hannah Pang, illustrated by Federica Frenna.
Introducing a new frosty instalment to the ever-popular Unicorn Academy series. A huge hit in the school library and a perfect stocking-filler for all unicorn fans. Olivia loves being at Unicorn Academy, but can’t help but worry that her unicorn, Snowflake, won’t discover her magic before graduation day. The academy is buzzing with excitement as … Continue reading ‘Olivia and Snowflake,’ by Julie Sykes, illustrated by Lucy Truman.
Those cheeky gremlins are back in a flap-filled Christmas adventure. “It’s getting close to Christmas and there’s magic in the air... But beware of cheeky gremlins, who are hiding everywhere!” Christmas is coming and the gremlins are back and up to their usual mischievous tricks. Hiding in the Christmas tree, eating the turkey and blocking … Continue reading ‘Christmas Gremlins,’ by Adam & Charlotte Guillain, by Chris Chatterton
Everybody loves a Disney classic and nobody can resist singing along to a Disney soundtrack. If you know someone who sounds like this, I’ve got three books for you which might just make the perfect gift. The Castle Collection (Studio Press) This is the book for anyone who has ever fantasized about being a princess … Continue reading Disney Dreams
The dream team of children’s picture books are back with a suitably wintery Christmas book, ‘Snowball.’ Book Boy Jr. had been desperate to read this since spotting an advert for it at the train station! A lonely little snowball stands on top of a mountain and gazed down at the town below. It seems to … Continue reading ‘Snowball,’ by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet.
A brand new wintry instalment in the sublimely fantastical Magic Forest series. Winter has fallen in the Magic Forest and its inhabitants are not happy - all the snow is ruining their prize-winning gardens. It is decided (following advice from Gnomedalf) that a team of five brave heroes (consisting of a unicorn, a fairy, a … Continue reading ‘Super Frozen Magic Forest,’ by Matty Long.
This bright and beautiful cloth book is going to make a perfect gift for a very special friend of mine who has just had a gorgeous baby girl. This is the fourth in a series of bright and stylish cloth books produced for Nosy Crow by Lisa and Edward. It comes in a handy gift … Continue reading ‘A Tiny Little Story – Christmas,’ by Lisa Jones and Edward Underwood.
Now I have a bit of a soft spot for Junior Catch-A-Doggy-Bone as he sent me my very first Christmas card of the year. Naturally I am very pleased to tell you all about his latest book: ‘Happy Howlidays,’ part of the Dog Diaries series. In his second book, Junior explains to his readers all … Continue reading ‘Happy Howlidays,’ by Steven Butler and James Patterson, illustrated Richard Watson.
Library Girl and Book Boy 