Introducing ‘Absolutely Everything! A History Of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots and Other Things too Numerous to Mention,’ a book of true wonderment which has been long-listed for the Blue Peter Book Awards 2019, in the ‘Best Book With Facts’ category along with some other stunning titles. Devised after a camping trip where Lloyd released that, … Continue reading ‘Absolutely Everything!’ by Christopher Lloyd, cover illustration by Justin Poulter.
I recently had the pleasure (!?) of a five-hour train journey with my family and thought that the second novel from Australian author Matilda Woods, would be the perfect story to escape into. Was I right, you ask? Yes! Oona Britt is the very much unwanted seventh of seven daughters. A fortune-teller had foretold that … Continue reading ‘The Girl, The Cat and The Navigator,’ by Matilda Woods, illustrated by Anuska Allepuz.
We are blessed in this country to have many talented illustrators and authors from across Europe, working to produce gorgeous books for our children (and us) to enjoy. With the threat of Brexit looming large on the horizon, how much of this talent will be lost? Forty-five artists from across Europe come together to share … Continue reading ‘Drawing Europe Together: Forty-five Illustrators, One Europe,’ with foreword by Axel Scheffler.
What better way to kick off National Non-Fiction November than with this gorgeous little collection of biographies about some of the world’s most famous faces. Frida Kahlo by Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Marianna Madriz. This volume explores why Frida Kahlo is a twentieth century art icon. It looks at how she used her bold painting … Continue reading Little Guides to Great Lives
Everyone’s favourite vampire is back in another wickedly funny installment of Laura Ellen Anderson’s brilliant series. Amelia is busily planning for her big birthnight party at the Pumpkin Patch (one of Amelia’s favourite places as she wants to be a pumpkinologist when she’s older.) Her pet pumpkin, Squashy, has a swanky new outfit to wear … Continue reading ‘Amelia Fang and the Memory Thief,’ by Laura Ellen Anderson.
Today I am bringing you another brilliant collaboration between author-extraordinaire, Tom Palmer and dyslexia-friendly publisher Barrington Stoke. Ahead of the First World War armistice centenary, ‘Armistace Runner’ pays tribute to some of the war’s forgotten heroes. This beautiful story focusses on the lives of two runners whose lives are connected across time through memories. Lily … Continue reading ‘Armistice Runner,’ by Tom Palmer, cover illustration by Tom Clohosy Cole.
You all know the story of the race to the North Pole, right? Wrong! I bet you’ve never heard the remarkable tale of Matthew Henson, part of a team of men who reached the North Pole on a dog sled AHEAD of Dr. Cook! This new super-readable title from Barrington Stoke tells the unbelievable bit … Continue reading ‘Race to the Frozen North: The Matthew Henson Story,’ by Catherine Johnson, illustrated by Katie Hickey.
If you’re searching for a read packed with just the right balance of laughs and scares, look no further than ‘Witch Girl.’ Twelve-year-old Evangeline and her gran form a witchy ghost-busting duo (although Evangeline is still just an apprentice.) Together, they hunt down all manner of creatures that go bump in the night, magically ridding … Continue reading ‘Witch Girl,’ by Jan Eldredge with an exclusive post about why we like being scared! Illustrations by Risa Rodil.
I love picture books for readers of all ages so am delighted to be able to share with you Jo’s newest picture book and a special post about who it went from a being a few rough character sketches to a finished book. I also have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader. Papa … Continue reading ‘What’s For Lunch, Papa Penguin?’ By Jo Williamson with special post about the making of a picture book.
Book Boy and I are huge fans of this highly engaging series of books which look at the weird and wonderful side of football, so we thrilled to be sent the latest title to review and to be able to host a special blog post by the writers about girls and football. AND we have … Continue reading ‘Football School Season 3: Where Football Tackles the World,’ with guest post on girls and football by Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton, illustrated by Spike Gerrell.
Nowadays, it is all too easy for children to stay tucked up inside their houses looking at the big wide world on a screen rather than going outside and experiencing it for themselves. This inspirational month-by-month journey through the seasons is crammed full of activities and ideas designed to get children out into the fresh … Continue reading ‘2019 Nature Month-by-Month: A Children’s Almanac,’ by Anna Wilson with special guest post, illustrated by Elly Jahnz.
Having previously met Fiona several times at the Picture Book Club she runs, and listened to talks with her about other authors’ experiences of getting published, I am absolutely delighted to be hosting her very own picture book and special post on my blog today. There is nothing Danny wants more than a real live … Continue reading ‘Danny and The Dream Dog,’ by Fiona Barker, illustrated by Howard Gray.
Have you ever imagined what it might be like if you could only tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? No? Well spare a thought for the Truth Pixie who can only do just that. One of the fantastic characters from the ‘A Boy Called Christmas’ trilogy by Maths Haig, the … Continue reading ‘The Truth Pixie,’ by Matt Haig, illustrated by Chris Mould.
If you’re looking for a suitably spooky Halloween read, take a peek at one of these. If you dare.... Vlad The World’s Worst Vampire: Midnight Fright by Anna Wilson, illustrated by Kathryn Durst (Stripes Books) Vlad’s back in another adventure and this time his very annoying cousin Lupus is visiting. Poor old Vlad has never … Continue reading Halloween Howlers
Would you rather serve a meal to a very polite rat or a bad-mannered cat? This is just one of the dilemmas posed in the anarchic sequel to ‘Would You Rather..’ An absolutely cracking book based on the classic game ‘Would You Rather...’ (to be played with caution!) Inside there are plenty of puzzlers to … Continue reading ‘More Would You Rather…,’ by John Burningham.
Autumn is one of my favourite times of year; the weather is mild, the leaves are a whole rainbow of colours and the evenings are starting to get dark. It’s the perfect time of year for snuggly down under a blanket and sharing a book with someone you love. I have five seasonal books which … Continue reading Autumnal Reads to Snuggle Up With
It’s important that all children find themselves and their beliefs reflected in the books they see around them. This blog post is showcasing two books based in the Muslim world. ‘Night of the Moon - a Muslim Holiday Story’ by Hena Khan, illustrated by Julie Paschkis (Chronicle Books) This beautiful picture book follows the story … Continue reading Tales to Embrace Muslim Culture
Mimi Lee would like to introduce you to her THREE-STEP PLAN to train the perfect parents.... Mimi is convinced that parents just don’t understand what children want (a puppy, in her case) but that they shouldn’t be blamed because they’ve never been trained. Cue Mimi’s Three-Point Plan which focuses on communication, trust and routine. Strict … Continue reading ‘How to Train the Perfect Parents,’ by Rebecca Ashdown.
I have received a number of beautiful and informative non-fiction titles about the wonderful animal kingdom in recent weeks. A subject of constant fascination amongst children and adults alike, they’ll be spoilt for choice with this gorgeous selection. ‘Hello World Animals’ by Nicola Edwards, illustrated by L’Atelier Cartographik (360 Degrees) This stunning hardback book with … Continue reading The Animal Kingdom
Library Girl and Book Boy 