Full of mind-boggling new facts and information. Perfect for dipping in and out of or becoming entirely absorbed in.
Today I have two books celebrating the rich history of Afro hair. First we travel back 5,000 years to the hair fashions of Ancient Egypt, then flash forwards to contemporary styles for textured hair such as hair puffs and halo braids. ‘The Story of Afro Hair,’ by K. N. Chimbiri, illustrated by Joelle Avelino (Scholastic) … Continue reading Awesome Afro Hair
There are periods in our history of which we may not be proud but which we need to remember. ‘I Saw a Beautiful Woodpecker’ is a poignant reminder of the impact of war on many cities and on the lives of millions. I am extremely honoured to have been asked to host a piece by … Continue reading ‘I Saw a Beautiful Woodpecker,’ by Michał Skibiński, illustrated Ala Bankroft.
‘The Histronauts - A Greek Adventure!’ is the newest title in the Histronauts series written by historian and author, Dr. Frances Durkin. The intrepid team of time-travelling children have already visited Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome, The Viking times, and are now heading off to Ancient Greece to explore the marketplaces, witness the birth of theatre, … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Histronauts – A Greek Adventure!’ by Dr Frances Durkin, illustrated by Grace Cooke.
Today I’m sharing a brilliant interactive, wonderfully informative picture book about the weird and wonderful noises animals make. Why do owls hoot? Why do cats purr? Can you curl up like a sleepy snake? I also have a special Q&A from author Moira Butterfield about the inspiration and processes behind creating her two fabulous animal … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Sing Like a Whale – Learn How to Make a Noise Like Animals Do,’ by Moira Butterfield, illustrated by Gwen Millward.
It is so fantastic to see a brand new sport book which is celebrating RUGBY! There are so many fantastic football books to tempt readers but so few about other sports. And this one has the bonus of a foreword and gameplay tips from former All Black, Conrad Smith. ‘The first in a series of … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Rampaging Rugby,’ by Robin Bennett, illustrated by Matt Cherry.
This brilliant book is a must if you’re studying ecosystems or have an interest in the natural world. Endorsed by the British Ecological Society, packed with information, and gilded with gorgeous illustrations - you are in for a treat! “A teacher challenges her class to decide which is the most important animal of all. Seven … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Most Important Animal of All,’ by Penny Worms, illustrated by Hannah Bailey.
I love this series of ‘How to be….’ titles from Nosy Crow. ‘How to be a Footballer and Other Sports Jobs’ is written by Rachel Yankey OBE (former England and Arsenal legend) comes highly recommended by Book Boy Jr. ‘Do you have what it takes to become a professional footballer, a manager or even to … Continue reading ‘How to be a Footballer and Other Sports Jobs,’ by Rachel Yankey & Sol Linero.
‘The Place for Me’ contains twelve tales of sacrifice and bravery inspired by first-hand account of the Windrush generation. They have been written by: K.N. Chimbiri, Kevin George, Salena Godden, Judy Hepburn, Ashley Hickson-Lovence, Jermain Jackman, Kirsty Latoya, Katy Massey, E.L. Norry, and Quincy the Comedian. It also features a foreword by Dame Floella Benjamin … Continue reading ‘The Place for Me: Stories About the Windrush Generation,’ produced in partnership with Black Cultural Archives, cover illustration by Joelle Avelino.
Author Gail Newsham is an ex-footballer with a career spanning twenty years and including two women’s FA Cup semi-finals. She grew up near the factory in Preston where the team was originally formed and was amazed to discover the existence of the team. Gail has made it her mission to bring the Dick, Kerr Ladies … Continue reading ‘Official Dick, Kerr Ladies: Football’s Forgotten Legends,’ by Gail J. Newsham, illustrated by Thy Bui.
Have you ever wondered how to chat with a shark or parley with a conger eel? Make sure you read Andy Seed’s piece about how he managed to talk to some of the oceans giants and how you can too! “If you could talk to animals, what would you ask? Get familiar with 10 extraordinary … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Interview with a Shark and Other Ocean Giants,’ by Andy Seed, illustrated by Nick East.
You may have already spotted Dom’s original story: ‘Meet Matilda Rocket Builder,’ but today I have an exclusive short story to share with you all….. ‘Going to the Moon is SO last century, so how difficult can it be―even for a ten-year-old―to follow in the footsteps of Neil Armstrong and the Apollo astronauts? Meet Matilda, … Continue reading Exclusive! ‘Meet Matilda Rocket Builder: The Early Years Planets and Stars,’ – an original short story by Dom Conlon, illustrated by Heidi Cannon.
With lots of top level sport to enjoy over the summer, children might be looking for a little extra inspiration to help them reach their peak performance level. Award-winning journalist Rick Broadbent has interviewed some of the biggest names in sport and shares some of their inspiring stories in this brilliant book. Make sure you … Continue reading Blog post: ‘Sports Legends: 50 Inspiring People to Help You Reach the Top of Your Game,’ by Rick Broadbent, illustrated by James Davies.
Today I’m sharing one of Barrington Stoke’s excellent dyslexia-friendly titles which is absolutely packed with facts about famous goalies and the history of goalkeeping. I love that it’s celebrating an oft-neglected member of the team. ‘New boy Shane Logan has a temper, but he’s also a talented goalie. When Peter and his friends invite Shane … Continue reading ‘Keeper,’ by Alan Gibbons, illustrated by Chris Chalik.
We are huge fans of little known facts and strange but true connections in this household. My sons delight in trying to catch me out with facts about weird and wonderful creatures or unbelievable cars, so ‘Factopia!’ is just about the most perfect book for them that you could imagine! Welcome to FACTopia! A wonderland … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Factopia!’ by Kate Hale, illustrated by Andy Smith.
We absolutely love this highly-illustrated, highly-engaging series for readers aged 8+ This one’s packed with 50 weird and wonderful true stories. ‘Celebrate the greatest names and teams in football history with this collection of 50 true stories.Discover the greatest football moments of all time in this collection of 50 exciting stories, perfect for fans of … Continue reading ‘Football School: Epic Heroes,’ by Alex Bellos & Ben Lyttleton, illustrated by Spike Gerrell.
This week, I’m going to be shining the spotlight on titles with environmental themes. Today’s the turn of ‘Green Nation Revolution.’ ‘Take your place in the Green Nation, a nation without geographical borders that unites the youth of today in their fight for the planet. Following on from the success of We Are All Greta, … Continue reading Earth Day 2021 Spotlight: ‘Green Nation Revolution – Use Your Future to Change the World,’ by Valentina Giannella & Lucia Esther Maruzzelli, illustrated by Manuela Marazzi.
Today I’m sharing a wonderful information book inspired by the of the amazing women and men who have been honoured to be named as Nobel Prize Laureates in Physics, Chemistry and Medicine. I shall be spotlighting Mario J. Molina who’s pioneering work alerted the world to the dangers of CFCs. Winter and El Fathi have … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Science and Me,’ by Ali Winter, illustrated by Mickaël El Fathi.
I leapt at the chance to participate in this blog tour because I know how important is that children are able to read books which feature people likes themselves and those around them. It is equally important that children read books about people different to themselves so that they are able to broaden their world … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Just Like Me,’ by Louise Gooding, illustrations by Angel Chang, Caterina delli Carri, cathyhookey, and Melissa Iwai.
There’s always something truly magical about finding a tree that’s so enormous you have no hope of putting your arms around it - you know that it has stood on that same spot for hundreds and hundreds of years regardless of the changes which have gone on around it. I always wonder just what it’s … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘What did the Tree See?’ by Charlotte Guillain, illustrated by Sam Usher.
With Mother’s Day on the horizon, you may well be thinking about making cards and buying presents. How about getting something a little out of the ordinary this year? How about a wonderfully warm and witty book celebrating mums in all their guises? ‘How to Spot a Mum is a tongue-in-cheek tribute and ode to … Continue reading ‘How to Spot a Mum,’ by Donna Amey Bhatt, illustrated by Aura Lewis.
