It’s encouraging to see a more diverse range of main characters appearing in children’s books at the moment. It’s in this way that we can help develop empathy and understanding of those different to ourselves. That’s why I was very happy to be invited to take part in the blog tour for Double Felix. Felix’s … Continue reading ‘Double Felix,’ by Sally Harris, illustrated by Maria Serrano.
“The world is filled with millions of miracles that no one sees.” Max finds life at St. Goliath’s difficult for a range of reasons - being made to sit on the ‘SPECIAL SEAT’ during assemblies, the constant noise and chaos. None of this made it easy for Max, with his hearing aids, to fit in … Continue reading ‘Max and the Millions,’ by Ross Montgomery, cover by David Litchfield.
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.
Ella is the new girl at school and she’s hiding a secret. A secret so terrible that surely no one would want to be friends with her anyway, even if they did notice her existence! When Queen Bee, Lydia, decides to grace Ella with her friendship, Ella can’t believe her luck - suddenly all the … Continue reading ‘Ella on the Outside,’ by Cath Howe, illustration by Nicola Theobald.
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.
Every so often a book comes along which perfectly mirrors life in the society about which it is written. I am very sad to say that ‘Running on Empty’ does just that. Focussing on the timely issues of modern-day poverty and young carers, it sharply brings into view the pressures faced by children and their … Continue reading ‘Running on Empty,’ by S.E.Durrant, cover by Rob Biddulph. Plus exclusive guest post.
I am delighted to welcome ‘Planet Stan’ to my blog today to round off its blog tour. I am even more delighted that I had the opportunity to ask author, Elaine, some quizzing questions. The story revolves around the tricky sibling relationship between space-loving Stan and his disgusting younger brother Fred. Stan is struggling to … Continue reading ‘Planet Stan,’ by Elaine Wickson, illustrated by Chris Judge plus exclusive Q&A.
It seems like I’ve been waiting for a lifetime for the second instalment in James Nicol’s ‘The Apprentice Witch’ series. But now it’s here and I’ve read it! Well safe to say, I wasn’t disappointed! In this second book, things have taken a darker turn in the village of Lull with a host of supernatural … Continue reading ‘A Witch Alone,’ by James Nicol, illustration by Daniela Terrazzini.
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.
We’ve already had children asking for this in the school library - the mark of an excellent book series! I’m sure they won’t be disappointed by the newest instalment of Izzy’s adventures - The Phantom Lollipop Man! Every day for, well, forever, the same grumpy old lollipop man has safely escorted Izzy and her pals … Continue reading ‘The Phantom Lollipop Man!’ By Pamela Butchart, illustrated by Thomas Flintham.
‘You have to make more noise than anybody else,’ Emmeline Pankhurst, leader of the British suffragette movement. To celebrate the centenary anniversary of the Representation of The People Act 1918, which have the vote to some women for the first time, Nosy Crow commissioned a very special collection of stories from a stellar collection of … Continue reading ‘Make More Noise!’ from Nosy Crow, cover by Steph Baxter.
It was with much anticipation that I awaited the arrival of ‘The Light Jar’ - after the brilliance of ‘The Goldfish Boy,’ I knew that I was going to be in for a treat. My patience was rewarded when a copy was finally delivered by my friendly postlady. I'm also thrilled to be hosting an … Continue reading ‘The Light Jar,’ by Lisa Thompson, cover by Mike Lowery.
I am delighted to be today's stop on the 'Stand by Me,'blog tour. I am always on the look out for new titles which might tempt fans of Jacqueline Wilson or Cathy Cassidy and think I may just have found one here. 'Stand by me' is the brilliant sequel to 'Time After Time' and follows … Continue reading ‘Stand by Me,’ by Judi Curtin, cover by Rachel Corcoran.
Another lovely edition of a children's classic from Alma Junior. This time 'Pollyanna' gets their magic touch. Pollyanna is a young orphan girl forced to move in with her strict aunt in New England. Although the two don't get off to the best of starts, Pollyanna's positive attitude affects everyone that she meets. After tragedy … Continue reading ‘Pollyanna,’ by Eleanor H. Porter, illustrated by Kate Hindley.
Dara Palmer's life is one big drama. She knows that she's destined to end up on the big screen as a world-famous movie star, so can't understand why she never gets even the tiniest part in her school's plays. Dara is starting to think that the reason she never gets any of the big parts is because … Continue reading ‘Dara Palmer’s Major Drama,’ by Emma Shevah, illustrated by Helen Cranford-White
Library Girl and Book Boy 