I’m lucky enough to have been sent lots of lovely Christmas books to review this Winter. The Snow Rabbit’s glittery cover really caught my eye. Bear is always so grumpy. Will anybody ever manage to make him smile? When snowfall covers the woods, rabbit thinks he knows just the thing to cheer him up. Surely … Continue reading ‘The Snow Rabbit,’ by Georgiana Deutsch, illustrated by Alison Edgson.
Maya is Keeper of the Book for the amazing Kingdom Of Birds. She’s already had one adventure in the magical realm but now she needs to go back and help Princess Willow regain her kingdom. As Maya opened the pages of the special book, an illustration of an icy tower on a frozen lake appeared. … Continue reading ‘Magical Kingdom Of Birds: The Ice Swans,’ by Anne Booth, illustrated by Rosie Butcher.
Sometimes, the simple pleasures of Christmas can get lost amongst the flashing lights and tinsel of a modern Christmas. This joyful feel-good book helps readers pause and look around them. Bear is just settling down in front of a warm fire to read his book when he hears a loud tooting from outside. Upon opening … Continue reading ‘The Christmas Extravaganza Hotel,’ by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tony Neal.
I am always on the look out for classic stories retold in a simplified style and I’ve got two gorgeous ones plus a classic song for you to enjoy in picture book form. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, retold by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Sarah Warburton (Nosy Crow) This is an absolutely stunning re-telling of … Continue reading Picture a Classic…
I cannot explain to you my level of excitement when a beautiful festive package from Macmillan Children’s Books was delivered through my letterbox by, I presume, elves. When I opened it, I squeaked with excitement as a gorgeous, twinkly (personalised!) copy of illustrative-wizard, Alex T. Smith’s new festive title was revealed! The book takes place … Continue reading ‘How Winston Delivered Christmas,’ by Alex T. Smith
Another brilliant title in the ‘Archie’ series which tackles concepts that little children find difficult to understand (No!, Why?, Now!, and More! being previous instalments). This time, it’s Christmas, and Archie the rhinoceros can barely contain his excitement. Archie absolutely loves Christmas and has big plans to make this one the best Christmas ever! From … Continue reading ‘It’s Christmas!’ By Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tim Warnes.
I am very pleased to part of the ‘blog avalanche’ for the latest title by genius best-selling writer, Lisa Williamson. ‘Paper Avalanche’ is no exception as we follow the tale of Ro, the teenage daughter of a compulsive hoarder. On the outside, Ro Snow is a perfectly normal teenaged girl. Slightly anti-social perhaps, but otherwise … Continue reading ‘Paper Avalanche,’ by Lisa Williamson, cover designed by Alice Todd.
I have recently been sent an excellent series of board books from Caterpillar Books which are designed to teach babies and toddlers key vocabulary and concepts in various scientific topics. Children always love to learn a tricky scientific word - they’re never too young to start! Babies can learn about the world’s greatest buildings, learn … Continue reading Baby 101: Welcome, class! from Caterpillar Books
Having loved Lucy’s first book, I was very excited to see that she had written a new title set on the Kent coast during the Second World War. I couldn’t wait to dive in... ‘Our Castle by the Sea’ is about a family being torn apart amid rumours of espionage whilst enemy planes fly overhead. … Continue reading ‘Our Castle by the Sea,’ by Lucy Strange, design by Helen Crawford-White.
‘Eye Spy’ by Guillaume Duprat (What On Earth Books) This is an absolutely fantastic book which gives its readers an animal-eye view of the world. If you thought that all animals saw the same, you were wrong! Snakes see in infrared, cats are super-sensitive to movement and a chameleon’s eyes allow it to look two … Continue reading Eye-Opening Animal Fact Books
Today is my stop on the ‘Frostfire’ blog tour and I have a special post by Jamie Smith about Programming vs. Writing. Sabira is honoured to have been chosen to travel high up the dangerous mountain trail to bond with a frostsliver (a sentient fragment of the living glacier which looms over her home.) … Continue reading ‘Frostfire,’ by Jamie Smith, cover by Karl James Mountford.
If the stories in the news are to be believed, it would seem that people are more divided and more at odds with each other than ever. Authors, illustrators and publishers are trying to counteract this by producing beautiful books which show actually just how similar we all are. ‘Under the Same Sky’ by Britta … Continue reading We Are All the Same…
Today I’m helping The Federation Of Children’s Book Groups (FCBG) celebrate National Non-Fiction November (#NNFN) with two fantastic titles from Laurence King Publishing. Both very different, but both will help you travel around the globe without leaving your house! ‘Around the World With the Ingreedies: A Taste Adventure’ by Zoë Bather & Joe Sharpe, illustrated … Continue reading National Non-Fiction November – the FCBG Blog Tour
Did you know that rather plump flying ponies once soared free over the moors of Dartmoor? Or that in some instances their favourite food was the custard cream biscuit (excellent taste!)? No? Then you simply must read the next hilarious adventure from dream duo, Reeve and McIntyre. The legendary Kevin of the book’s title is … Continue reading ‘The Legend Of Kevin,’ by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre.
The vastness of Outer Space has been a source of fascination for humans beings for millennia. Astronomers have pondered over what wonders and mysteries the universe might hold. Although I can’t promise you all the secrets of the universe, I can offer you five out of this world non-fiction books which may help shed a … Continue reading To infinity and beyond….
I finished this poignant title just in time for Remembrance Sunday so wanted to share it beforehand incase any of you were looking for some books set in the time of the First World War. As Evie’s parents struggle to come to terms with the death of their youngest son, Alecky, his older (but underage) … Continue reading ‘Evie’s War,’ by Holly Webb.
Teaching the water cycle at school can be rather a dry subject (excuse the bad joke), but these two gorgeous picture books should help make the whole experience a little more enjoyable! Once Upon a Raindrop - The Story Of Water by James Carter, illustrated by Nomoco (Little Tiger Group) Where does water come from? … Continue reading Water, water everywhere…
Bones and ancient beasts have always been a source of fascination for adults and children alike. If you’re looking for armadillos as big as cars, monster sharks or peek inside a gorilla’s skeleton, then I have the book or three for you! Mega Meltdown by Jack Tite (Big Picture Press) An absolutely stunning book which introduces its … Continue reading Beasts and Bones
With the impending American mid-terms looming large on the horizon, it must surly have been serendipity which saw ‘Dear Donald Trump’ pop through my letterbox. Sam is sick of sharing a bedroom with his brother. He plays on his phone all night, keeping Sam awake and he has had enough! After seeing Donald Trump on … Continue reading ‘Dear Donald Trump,’ by Sophie Siers, illustrated by Anne Villeneuve.
Library Girl and Book Boy 