I am very excited to see more fantastic stories from around the world being translated into English so that we can enjoy them in this country too. It’s very important to value work from other counties and cultures, as well as our own. That’s why I was so pleased when Firefly Press gave me Dog … Continue reading ‘Dog Town,’ by Luīze Pastore, illustrated by Reinis Pētersons, translated by Žanete Vēvere Pasqualini.
Perhaps you’re looking for a gift that’s a little bit different. Perhaps you want to introduce your own child to fantastic new books and activities each month. Or perhaps you love children’s books and want to treat yourself. Whatever the case, you could try a fabulous books subscription from The Happy Book Company who provide … Continue reading The Happy Book Club
I’ve featured this brilliant biographical series written by Matt and Tom Oldfield, with covers by Dan Leydon, on my blog before (click HERE for a link) and it has proved a massive hit with my own children and any other child I’ve offered them too! This being the case, I am DELIGHTED that there have … Continue reading Ultimate Football Heroes – the remix!
A child’s first experiences of reading can shape their future view of books, so it’s important to ensure they’re exposed to a range of interesting and attractive texts. This is true both at home and at school, where having to plough through a seemingly never-ending series of books about the same characters can really put … Continue reading Maverick Early Readers
Written by award-winning author-illustration Rosie Wellesley, The Itchy-saurus was specifically written to normalise itchy skin (particularly eczema.) Tyrannosaurus Rex is out enjoying himself in the jungle when his skin becomes itchy and scratchy. Of course, only having short arms means that he can’t reach everywhere to have a scratch, and where he can scratch just … Continue reading ‘The Itchy-saurus,’ by Rosie Wellesley.
One day, when Julian is on the way home with his Nana, he spots what looks like the most beautiful mermaids. Their long flowing hair and shimmering tails spark something inside Julian. When he gets home, Julian styles his hair, make-up and clothing to transform himself into one of those dazzling creatures. But what will … Continue reading ‘Julian is a Mermaid,’ by Jessica Love.
Father’s Day is always the perfect opportunity to buy a new book for daddies and little ones to snuggle up with. As fate would have it, Raj dropped through my letterbox just in time. Raj and Dad are very excited about heading off on an adventure and have big plans and a long list. All … Continue reading ‘Raj and the Best Day Ever!’ By Seb Braun.
Empathy Day was founded in 2017 by Empathy Lab who believe in using the power of stories to help us understand each other better and make us more empathetic. This year, Empathy Day 2018 is on 12 June so if you’d like to get involved, download a school pack or the free Read For Empathy Guide Of … Continue reading Celebrating Empathy Day with ‘Perfectly Norman,’ by Tom Percival.
If you’re looking for something new to read, how about one of this foxy new title? Star Friends - Magic Mirror by Linda Chapman, illustrated by Lucy Fleming (Stripes Publishing) Mirror Magic is the first in a new series of books about Maia, her friends and the Star Animals (creatures who must learn to use … Continue reading ‘Star Friends – Mirror Magic,’ by Linda Chapman, illustrated by Lucy Fleming.
I was extremely excited to be invited by Scholastic to be on the judging panel for this year’s Lollies. Although the short-list is decided by the judges, the winners are decided purely by readers, librarians and teachers so make sure you visit http://www.scholastic.co.uk/lollies to vote! Michael Rosen, children’s novelist, poet and former Children’s Laureate, today announced … Continue reading The Laugh Out Loud 2018 Book Awards (Lollies) Short-list!
Welcome to my leg of the Eric the Spider book tour, where I’m celebrating all things eight-legged! Created by the team of Elaine and Shaun Madle, you get three stories for the price of one in this great book. The first is: The Adventures Of Eric. One day, Eric the Spider makes a dash from … Continue reading ‘The Adventures Of Eric the Spider,’ by Elaine Madle, illustrated by Shaun Madle.
”All girls should read The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis.” Malala Yousafzai. This novel centres around eleven-year-old Parvana and her family, who live in one room of a crumbling, bombed out apartment block in Kabul, Afghanistan. Her father was a history teacher before he was injured and would tell Parvana stories of their country’s past whilst … Continue reading ‘The Breadwinner – A Graphic Novel,’ based on the novel by Deborah Ellis.
“The world is filled with millions of miracles that no one sees.” Max finds life at St. Goliath’s difficult for a range of reasons - being made to sit on the ‘SPECIAL SEAT’ during assemblies, the constant noise and chaos. None of this made it easy for Max, with his hearing aids, to fit in … Continue reading ‘Max and the Millions,’ by Ross Montgomery, cover by David Litchfield.
I am delighted to tell you that ‘Ottoline and the Purple Fox,’ is now available to paperback! I am even more thrilled to tell you that I have a full signed paperback and print set for one lucky follower to win! Ottoline and her hairy companion, Mr Munroe, were busy planning a dinner party when … Continue reading ‘Ottoline and the Purple Fox,’ by Chris Riddell.
It’s currently Mental Health Awareness Week in the U.K. With record rates of mental health referrals amongst children, this seems like the perfect time to introduce you to two books which might help children express and regulate their emotions. Mind Hug by Emily Amber and Vanessa Lovegrove (Circus House) This story was developed to help … Continue reading Supporting Mental Health in Children
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” Harriet Tubman. Herstory is a gorgeous collection of biographies featuring some of the world’s most inspiring women and girls. Drawn from all walks of life and … Continue reading ‘Herstory – 50 Women and Girls Who Shook the World,’ by Katherine Halligan, illustrated by Sarah Walsh.
Ella is the new girl at school and she’s hiding a secret. A secret so terrible that surely no one would want to be friends with her anyway, even if they did notice her existence! When Queen Bee, Lydia, decides to grace Ella with her friendship, Ella can’t believe her luck - suddenly all the … Continue reading ‘Ella on the Outside,’ by Cath Howe, illustration by Nicola Theobald.
McTavish is a rescue dog with a mission - to save the Peachey family. After mum resigns from her duties to practise yoga, The Peachey family is in chaos. They are always late for everything, sock go unpaired and take-away pizza for tea is de rigour. Cue, McTavish, the rescue dog and organisational mastermind who’s … Continue reading ‘GOOD DOG McTavish,’ by Meg Rosoff, illustrated by Grace Easton.
I am delighted introduce to you the winner of the Stratford-Salariya Picture Book Prize. In a tale inspired by the stories from Asian folklore told to Camille during her childhood, ‘Luna and the Moon Rabbit’ tells the magical of a curious little girl seeking a moonlit adventure. When the mysterious Moon Rabbit arrives one night, … Continue reading ‘Luna and the Moon Rabbit,’ with a special post by Camille Whitcher on getting that one big break.
This stellar adventure is packed with pirates, circus boats and far-flung islands. In fact, everything you need for a thrilling read! Cass dreams of a life aboard Ravellous’s circus boat, making her living as an acrobat. With plans to audition when the boat arrives at Minaris, Cass is confident that a life of adventure awaits … Continue reading ‘The Company Of Eight,’ by Harriet Whitehorn, cover by Maria Surducan.
Library Girl and Book Boy 