Full of mind-boggling new facts and information. Perfect for dipping in and out of or becoming entirely absorbed in.
This week, Book Boy Jr. and I have been travelling around the world with this excellent ‘Big City Atlas.’ Open the books and join Penguin on a tour of 28 captivating cities. Book Boy Jr loved the combination of interestingly illustrated maps of each city, featuring some of the main landmarks, accompanied by fact boxes … Continue reading #TuesdayReviewsDay: ‘Big City Atlas,’ by Maggie Li
Today I’d like to introduce you to the first title in the What on Earth Books’ brand new Our Amazing World series. ‘Amazing Islands’ is a whirlwind tour of over 100 of some truly mind-blowing places. This book is absolutely jam-packed with some of the most fascinating and diverse locations. After an introduction explaining what islands … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Amazing Islands: 100+ Paces that will Boggle Your Mind,’ by Sabrina Weiss, illustrated by Kerry Hyndman.
Children see and hear the words ‘climate change’ everywhere, but do they truly understand what they mean? This brilliant picture book from Neal Layton explains very clearly and simply some of the causes of climate change and the impact that can have on our planet. Have you ever wondered what greenhouse gases are and what … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘A Climate in Chaos,’ by Neal Layton.
The Questioneers are back for another mystery-packed adventure and I have a peek at the first chapter - just for you! This time our favourite child-architect, Iggy Peck, is taking the lead. When Ada Twist's Aunt Bernice inherits an old house full of rooms from all of Iggy's favourite architectural periods, his head's swirling with … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘The Questioneers: Iggy Peck and the Mysterious Mansion,’ by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts.
Given the high profile of climate change and a rise in climate activism amongst the youth of the world, it’s little surprise that the theme for the 50th Earth Day is climate activism. I am about to share with you all some titles which I hope will inform pupils about some of the global issues … Continue reading Books to Encourage Climate Activism – Earth Day 2020
As a parent of a child in Year 6, I am keenly aware that Book Boy may not be returning to school in time to do all the usual 'end of Year 6' things - performances, shirt signings, the sex education session which I am sure many parents (including myself) are not overly confident in … Continue reading Books to use in RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) in Year 6.
With Spring in the air and daffodils donning their yellow bonnets, now is the time of year when my thoughts turn to gardening. Pruning rose bushes and planting bulbs in the hopes of a riot of colour and creepy-crawlies come Summer. My boys love helping me choose which bulbs and bedding plants to purchase and … Continue reading How does your garden grow?
Today is World Maths Day. And what better way to celebrate than with a book? A great picture can help develop both a love of reading AND improve maths skills at the same time . I’m going to share three new books all about counting which would be great to use at any time. Not … Continue reading Books You Can Count On (or with!)
You are going to go batty for this glorious book about the often maligned and overlooked mammals which are bats! I have been a huge fan of Charlotte’s work since reading her stunning ‘The Bee Book’ which highlighted the beauty and importance of our buzzy little friends. This absolutely fascinating book is packed with more … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Bat Book,’ by Charlotte Milner.
The final biography I’ll be sharing this week is ‘We Are Artists’ - an absolute treasure trove of information and stunning artwork reproductions, celebrating 15 women artists from around the globe. It studies their lives, their art and their legacy, and looks at how their unique perspectives gave us a new way of seeing things. … Continue reading ‘We Are Artists,’ by Kari Herbert.
This next collection of biographies features fifty individuals who weren’t afraid to break boundaries, take risks and dream big. This book is beautifully illustrated and features a fantastic mix of people - well-known and not so well-known. It has entries for inventors, scientists, artists, sports people, writers, film makers and actors, amongst others. I was … Continue reading They Did it First: 50 Scientists, Artists and Mathematicians who Changed the World,’ by Julie Leung, illustrated by Caitlin Kuhwald.
I live in a house of football-mad boys and although there are plenty of football-themed titles for my eldest (10-year-old) son, it has been much trickier to find any decent biographies for my six-year-old. That’s why I was so delighted to be sent copies of two of the titles in the ‘Football Superstars’ biography series, written … Continue reading The ‘Football Superstars’ from Welbeck Publishing.
‘Trailblazer’ series from Stripes Publishing This series is aimed at readers aged 8+ and features some of history’s greatest pioneers from all walks of life. They are absolutely packed with facts, trivia and illustrations, making for engaging reads. Harriet Tubman: A Journey To Freedom, by Sandra A. Agard, illustrated by Luisa Uribe, George Ermos, and … Continue reading Brilliant Biographies
In light of the current #MeToo movement, it seems more important than ever to ensure that our children understand what it means to give consent and set their own boundaries, and that we also teach them to respect the boundaries of others. With ‘consent’ soon to be part of the National Curriculum, books like Rachel … Continue reading ‘Respect: Consent, Boundaries and Being In Charge of You,’ by Rachel Brian.
Welcome to 2020, everyone! I am exc yes to share more of the bookish delights you can expect to not over the coming year. If you still have book tokens burning a hole in your pocket, I would highly recommended my last read of 2019 and my first review of the new decade: Darkwhispers. Ever … Continue reading ‘Darkwhispers,’ by Vashti Hardy, cover by George Ermos.
There comes a point on Christmas Day when all the tinsel and fairy lights can be a little much and you just want to snuggle up somewhere warm with a beautiful book. Animals are perennial favourites with readers of all ages so I have a selection sure to delight everyone. ’Goodnight Ocean’ by Carmen Saldaña, … Continue reading Gifts for Animal Lovers
I’ve a great book to share with you today. It might just set someone on the path to their future career, and will certainly make you giggle when you read about some of the weird, wonderful and disgusting things people do for a living! So what do you want to be when you grow up? … Continue reading ‘Incredible Jobs You’ve (probably) Never Heard Of,’ by Natalie Labarre.
I’d like to introduce to a new series of historical information books from Nosy Crow, in association with The British Museum. The ‘So You Think You’ve Got it Bad?’ series is packed with all things hilarious and fascinating about several ancient civilisations. This series has a very distinctive, informal narrative tone which I think it’s … Continue reading The ‘So You Think You’ve Got it Bad?’ series by Chae Strathie, illustrated by Marisa Morea.
#BookBoy is a huge fan of exploring and planning his own mini expeditions so is always very interested in any books I receive which have an ‘adventuring’ theme. I’m going to share four with you which he has enjoyed delving into. ‘Adventures on Earth’ by Simon Tyler (Pavilion) This wonderful book is absolutely packed with … Continue reading Calling all Adventurers!
Climate change is a major issue on the world’s political agenda but it has also become the motivator for a major campaign by young activists across the globe. Inspired by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, there have been waves of pupil strikes to ensure the voice of the younger generation is heard and to try … Continue reading ‘We are all Greta: Be Inspired to Save the World,’ by Valentina Giannella, illustrated by Manuela Marazzi.
