Highly-illustrated books for children wanting something wordier than a picture book.
Introducing the third title in Baker’s ‘Whistledown Farm’ series, where Ava and the farm’s animal inhabitants move into Summer. One of a cosy collection of farmyard adventures inspired by life on her Chiltern Hills smallholding. “It's summer at Whistledown Farm and there's plenty for Ava to do – from helping to shear the sheep to … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Meeting Meg,’ by Nicola Baker, illustrated by Rachael Dean.
Today I’m sharing a brand new Narzat adventure and a special piece about the inspiration behind Pertinax the chef. “The legendary Captain Carver and his wicked pirate crew commanded by the GLOM BADGER have arrived in the Jumble Jungle Wood on board their pirate ship THE SHIFTING SHADOW in search of monstrous beasts to capture … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Narzat and the Shifting Shadow,’ by Luke Marchant, illustrated by Rory Walker.
Did you know that Empathy Lab has curated a ‘Read for Empathy’ book list each year since 2017? Each title is carefully selected by a panel of experts in order to help facilitate imparting empathy-building conversations with young people. You can find details of this year’s collection (and a link to previous lists) HERE. The … Continue reading Read for Empathy 2025: ‘Gordon the Meanest Goose on Earth,’ by Alex Latimer.
I think that KS1 teachers across the land are going to be very excited by the arrival of the first title in the ‘Unicorns in Uniform’ series. It will certainly add a bit of life to the ‘People Who Help Me’ unit of work! The highly-illustrated first chapter book format makes ‘Dragon Inferno’ a great … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Unicorns in Uniforms: Dragon Inferno,’ by Tracy Curran, illustrated by Steve Wood.
There are so many wonderful first chapter books for readers who are seeking something a little wordier alongside their picture books. Although there really is something for everyone, there are some key components that most titles in this format share: Highly-illustrated Larger print Clear text layout Tonnes of fun! These are some of the books … Continue reading First Chapter Book Update
Welcome to Pizza Pete’s second adventure - full of magic, silliness, and mystery! This is a fanatic series for newly confident readers who are searching for highly-illustrated chapter books to enjoy. “Pizza Pete is back! But he’s worried about seeing his friends after a long summer holiday selling pizzas from his van with Dad. He’s … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Pizza Pete and the Missing Magic,’ by Carrie Sellon, illustrated by Sarah Horne.
Today I’m spotlighting a brand new chapter book for newly confident readers: ‘The Narzat.’ Full of laughs, adventures, and a curious cast of characters! Make sure to read author Luke Marchant’s piece about creating villains. Every hero needs a good villain to go up against! “The Narzat lives in the Jumble Jungle Wood with his … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Narzat,’ by Luke Marchant, illustrated by Rory Walker.
Today I am delighted to being a very special early chapter book with you: The Girl Who Became a Fish. It sensitively tackles the themes of change and fear in a way which is appropriate for its intended audience. Make sure you scroll down to read a special Q&A with author, Polly Ho-Yen and illustrator, … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Girl Who Became a Fish,’ by Polly Ho Yen, illustrated by Sojung Kim-McCarthy.
As the nights start to draw in there’s just the hint of a chill in the air, you might start thinking about all things spooky. If so, you might like to journey into Miracula with little witch, Ivy Newt. Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch (Book 1) “It’s Ivy's birthday, and her parents, the King … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Ivy Newt’ series by Derek Keilty, illustrated by Magda Brol.
I absolutely love this series and would highly recommend it for anyone aged 7+. It is packed with the most anarchic fun you’re ever likely to encounter, it’s bursting with hilarious illustrations, and it has the ability to make you laugh out loud on a train. What more could you want?! “Venture back to Grimwood … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Grimwood: Attack of the Stink Monster,’ by Nadia Shireen.
Today I’m sharing a spookily special and gleefully ghoulish new series for readers aged 6+. Welcome to Grim Falls Academy where supernatural children go to learn. “Something weird is happening at Grim Falls Academy... and that's saying something for a school for supernatural kids! The teachers are growing tentacles, the headmaster has locked himself in … Continue reading Blog tour: The Grim Falls Academy series by Louise Forshaw.
I’d like to introduce you to a brand new series of first chapter books for developing readers. The ‘Rudy’ series has a cast of spooky characters whose adventures will delight young wolf cubs and leave them howling for more! Rudy and the Monster at School ‘There's a new boy in Rudy's school called Frankie, and … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Rudy,’ by Paul Westmoreland, illustrated by George Ermos.
Ever since Tomas and the dragons’ very first outing in 2018, I have been recommending this series to Year 2 teachers across the land. Imagine my delight in learning that there was finally going to be a ‘non-fiction’ guide to accompany it! ‘Tomas, the boy who grew dragons, is officially the Grand High Dragon Master. … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Ultimate Guide to Growing Dragons,’ by Andy Shepherd, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie.
Let me start by saying that children are NEVER too old for picture books. EVER. There, I’ve said it. But there will probably come a time when they’d like something a little wordier to tuck into. Luckily, there is now a huge range of highly-illustrated first chapter books designed especially for this market. All the … Continue reading Fantastical First Chapter Books
Woo hoo! I absolutely love ANYTHING Elys Dolan writes so I was pleased to seen a brand new highly-illustrated chapter book drop through my letter box… Rex is king of the dinosaurs: carnivores want to be him and herbivores want to be eaten by him... That is, until a pesky Ice Age comes along and … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Rex: Dinosaur in Disguise,’ by Elys Dolan.
Monster Max is back in another community-minded adventure. If you missed the first instalment in this chucklesome series, you can take a look here. Make sure you read Robin’s thoughts on why ‘funny’ is so important. Max is an ordinary boy, except that he can turn into a monster when he burps... Max and Peregrine … Continue reading ‘Monster Max and the Marmalade Ghost,’ by Robin Bennett, illustrated by Tom Tinn-Disbury.
Today I’m sharing the first title in a magical new series for readers aged 6 and up, and it just so happens to feature a rather mischievous baby dragon and their seven-year-old owner, Luma. Be sure to read author Leah Mohammed’s piece about the special bond between children and their pets. ‘When Luma Dewan wakes … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Luma and the Pet Dragon,’ by Leah Mohammed, illustrated by Loretta Schauer.
Introducing a brand new series of highly-engaging first chapter books featuring our new favourite hero: Marv (and his robot sidekick, Pixel.) Marv and the Mega Robot Marvin is an ordinary boy who loves spending time with Grandpa, reading comics, and making science experiments with his best friend Joe. But everything changes when he discovers a … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Marv,’ by Alex Falase-Koya illustrated by Paula Bowles.
Introducing a super-funny blast around the galaxy featuring some very empathetic aliens! Make sure you read author, James Bishop’s piece on how he set about creating and unusually empathetic alien race. Meet Mylan - an ordinary blue alien. He's travelling the universe, looking for someone having a bad day, to help them. Meet Chloe. She's just … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Worst Day Ever,’ by James Bishop, illustrated by Fay Austin.
Library Girl and Book Boy 