The arrival of the Windrush in 1948 is celebrated every year on Windrush Day, 22nd June. Until recently, there were very few children’s books about the influx of men, women, and children from Caribbean countries coming to the U.K. to start new lives and fill post-war labour shortages. Award-winning Dr Benjamin Zephaniah has previously written … Continue reading ‘We Sang Across the Sea: The Empire Windrush and Me,’ by Benjamin Zephaniah & Onyinye Iwu.
Books about the beautiful game are always extremely popular; fans love reading about the antics of their favourite players, or imagining themselves right there on the pitch. Very rarely do football biographies focus on the brains behind the team - their manager. That’s why I’m so pleased that Ransom Publishing have added the legendary Pep … Continue reading ‘Tales From the Touchline – Guardiola,’ by Harry Coninx, illustrated by Ben Farr.
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.
Books with a football theme are perennially popular - both in school libraries and at home with my own children. I was delighted to see a new series of fictionalised biographies about some of the game’s biggest players. Written by football fanatic, Harry Coninx, this series is infused with hints, tips and his own special … Continue reading ‘Tales From the Pitch,’ by Harry Coninx, cover by Ben Farr.
Did you know that it’s 75 years since the publication of one of Sweden’s most popular literary exports? Originally created for her daughter during the dark times of World War Two, Astrid Lindgren wanted to create a new kind of female character - one who was free-spirited and free-thinking. As thus was born an iconic … Continue reading Pippi Longstocking’s 75th Anniversary
Coco Chanel is a name synonymous with style and luxury, but did you know that she grew up an orphan in a convent? In this fabulous picture book biography, readers will learn how Coco developed her sewing skills whilst being brought up in a convent and where her love of beautiful AND practical clothing for … Continue reading ‘Along Came Coco,’ by Eva Byrne.
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.
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
I am absolutely delighted that publishers are finally waking up to the fact that people want to know about female footballers and the rise of the women’s game. These four latest additions to the Ultimate Football Heroes series have been released just in time for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 (kick off is the … Continue reading Ultimate Football Heroes: Women’s Special! (written by Charlotte Browne, illustrated by Dan Leydon)
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
This beautiful collection of illustrated biographies from Lantana Publishing is inspired by Nobel Peace Prize Laureates and endorsed by Amnesty International, and marks Lantana’s first foray into the world of non-fiction. What does peace mean to you? This illustrated collection of biographies focuses on some of the people who have had the most inspirational ideas … Continue reading ‘Peace and Me,’ by Ali Winter & Mickaël El Fathi.
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!
“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.
‘Trailblazers who dared to be different.’ This year has already provided many fantastic excuses to celebrate amazing women. We’ve had the 100th anniversary of the first women gaining the right to vote in this country, and on the 8th March, it’s International Women’s Day. If you consider these events excellent reasons to buy a new … Continue reading ‘Anthology of Amazing Women,’ by Sandra Lawrence, illustrations by Nathan Collins.
There was MUCH excitement in my house when I opened this parcel of Football Heroes books. The Giggs title was borrowed to be read straight away (my son had actually just finished the Messi one on holiday.) So it is, with much fanfare, that I introduce you the brilliant Football Heroes biography collection. … Continue reading ‘Football Heroes,’ by Matt and Tom Oldfield, covers by Dan Leydon.
The daffodils are out and Spring has sprung. It's the perfect time to enjoy this special anniversary edition celebrates 150 years since the birth of Beatrix Potter, creator of the world-renowned Peter Rabbit. This beautiful visual guide will take you on a journey through Beatrix Potter's life from childhood to her older years, giving you … Continue reading ‘The Ultimate Peter Rabbit – A Visual Guide to the World of Beatrix Potter,’ from Dorling Kindersley.
There's been a lot of publicity recently, aimed at encouraging girls to pursue careers involving STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.) This post celebrates all things 'girl power' as I review some of the titles I've been sent which focus on inspirational women and breaking down stereotypes. But don't worry - they're funny, endearing and … Continue reading Girl Power! ft. ‘Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World,’ and ‘Ada Twist, Scientist.’
Library Girl and Book Boy 