The National Curriculum states that children should be exposed to a wide range of texts, including those from our own cultural heritage. So what exactly does that mean? You may have heard these books referred to as ‘heritage texts’ or ‘classics.’ Either way, we aren’t lucky to have a wealth of classic children’s books to … Continue reading Introducing classic texts across the primary school: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (as seen at Reading Rocks South)
I am a huge fan of Chris Ridell’s work - stories and illustrations - so imagine my excitement when I discovered he was writing a brand new magical adventure series AND that I was invited to be part of its blog tour! The Kingdom Of Thrynne is a place of ancient magic, but those seen … Continue reading “The Cloud Horse Chronicles: Guardians Of Magic,” by Chris Riddell.
In honour of International Dogs Day, here’s a round up of some of the fab books I’ve received featuring some of the most brilliant dogs around! ‘This is a Dog’ by Ross Collins (Nosy Crow) Uh oh! A very loveable but slightly excitable young pup has broken into a First Book of Animals and taken … Continue reading Puppy Love
Today I am bringing to you a gorgeous tale about a dog and his struggle to keep his family together. I also have an exclusive piece from Carlie about how adopting a rescue dog helped her write this book. Something doesn’t smell right about Cosmo’s boy, Max. What is that scent? Sadness, anxiety, worry? With … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘I, Cosmo’ by Carlie Sorosiak, cover by Ben Mantle.
Anna Fargher’s brilliant middle grade title ‘The Umbrella Mouse’ is currently Waterstones Children’s Book Of The month. It tells a tale based on the true stories of some of the animals caught in the conflict of the Second World War, a tale of courage, friendship and resistance. When the Umbrella shop which is the London … Continue reading The Women Who Helped Make D-Day Possible by author of ‘The Umbrella Mouse,’ Anna Fargher.
McTavish is back with another important mission - the Peachey family is in crisis; they can’t decide where to go on holiday. And when they do decide, certain family members seem determined not to enjoy themselves. Cue McTavish.... When mum suggests the family head back to the magical Faraway Campsite of her youth, Betty is … Continue reading ‘McTavish Goes Wild,’ by Meg Rosoff, illustrations by Grace Easton.
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.
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!
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.
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 very excited to have been asked to be an official cheerleader for one of the amazing nominees for 2018’s Children's Book Award. Organised by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, these are the only awards where the nominees and winners are chosen entirely by children. The nominated book I’ve been asked to celebrate … Continue reading Children’s Book Award nominee – ‘The Explorer,’ by Katherine Rundell, illustrations by Hannah Horn.
I first came across this book when it was nominated for the Blue Peter Book Awards 2017. When I read the opening, I knew that it was going to be an absolutely fantastic story. It seems that the Blue Peter judges agreed, as Podkin duly won its category. An epic adventure in a land where … Continue reading ‘The Legend of Podkin One-Ear,’ by Kieran Larwood, cover by Fernando Juarez, illustrations by David Wyatt.
I is very excited to have gotten my trotters on a copy of the hilarious fourth book in the fart-tastic Pig series. You can too if you read to the bottom to find out how to enter my fabulous book bundle giveaway! This instalments finds Pig on the run from Deathra (armed with tasers and … Continue reading ‘The Big, Fat, Totally Bonkers Diary of Pig,’ by Emer Stamp.
Having loved the first book in this trilogy (Beetle Boy), when I found out that there was a limited edition of Beetle Queen with sprayed edges, I was straight on-line ordering myself a copy. And it was worth it! The yellow ladybird spots are a true delight. Let me just fill you in quickly … Continue reading ‘Beetle Queen,’ by M.G. Leonard, cover illustration by Elisabet Portabella.
I was very excited when I discovered that Macmillan's Children's Books were publishing a new hardback edition of this book. I have very fond memories of listening to this on story cassette when I was little. Gobbolino was born in the darkness of a witch's cave but was miserable with his job of being a … Continue reading ‘Gobbolino the Witch’s Cat,’ by Ursula Moray Williams, illustrated by Catherine Rayner.
I am absolutely delighted to welcome the magnificent Lou Kuenzler to the blog as part of her 'Finding Black Beauty' blog tour - a beautiful version of the classic 'Black Beauty' with a twist. As well as getting read and review her book, I got to ask Lou about where her desire to work with … Continue reading ‘Finding Black Beauty.’
I AM FEARLESS. I AM FOX. Welcome to the magical world of the fantastic Foxcraft series by Inbali Iserles. Foxcraft - The Taken (book 1) Isla and her brother, Pirie, spend their days blissfully happy. They play, romp and stalk through the woods and fields surrounding their den - taking care not to bump into … Continue reading ‘Foxcraft,’ by Inbali Iserles
Everyone's favourite animal author has just released these two fab new titles about children struggling to fit in to new schools. Furry Friends - Sophie's Squeaky Surprise (illustrated by Clare Elsom) Sophie and her family have just moved to Paris from England and Sophie's having a hard time making friends - the girls at her new … Continue reading A Holly Webb Special!
We were lucky enough to be invited to review these three fab books by Scholastic Children's Books as part of a blog tour, ahead of the release of the newest in the series, 'Seriously Extraordinary diary of a Pig.' There are currently three books in the series, which focus on the antics of the loveable but … Continue reading ‘The Pig Diaries’ by Emer Stamp
Freddie Mole was a kind boy who dreamed of being able to make money to help look after his twin brother and sister, who were always eating or growing. His mother was away working on a cruise ship and his father worked as a washing machine repairman. He hoped he might find a nugget of … Continue reading ‘Freddie Mole Lion Tamer’ by Alexander McCall Smith, illustrated by Kate Hindley
Library Girl and Book Boy 