Sometimes books come along that you know you are going to want to read in peace, which is precisely why I saved this book to enjoy as soon as the Easter holidays started. Any new title from Lucy Strange immediately jumps to the top of my ‘to be read’ pile. I love her seamless blend … Continue reading ‘The Island at the Edge of the Night,’ by Lucy Strange, cover by Katie Hickey.
There are far too few middle grade titles where gymnastics takes centre stage. I have been on the look out for my niece who is a fantastic gymnast but in haven’t been able find very much. Luckily, I shall now be able to recommend ‘Winner Takes Gold’! “Young gymnast Pearl dreams of winning gold in … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Winner Takes Gold,’ by Eloise Smith, cover illustrated by Natalie Smillie.
I think anybody with an interest in the world of children’s books will probably be very eagerly awaiting the Spring publication of ‘Keedie,’ the prequel to McNicoll’s barn-storming debut novel, ‘A Kind of Spark.’ ‘A Kind of Spark’ was, for me, in the first wave of real voices stories which featured neurodiverse characters written authentically … Continue reading ‘Keedie’ by Elle McNicoll, cover by Kay Wilson.
One of the things I love most about Autumn is the opportunity to cwtch up with a good book and a blanket so it seems very apt that I have a special post from author, Jennifer Claessen featuring her top tips for a cosy read. I have been very much looking forward to catching up … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘November Witches,’ by Jennifer Claessen, cover by Heidi Cannon.
Today I’m sharing the story of two sisters who left their home in Ireland to start a new life in New York City. “Crossing the ocean for a new life I looked up and the American flags on the roof seemed miles and miles away in the blue, blue, sky. I looked along the street, … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Sally in the City of Dreams,’ by Judi Curtin.
It’s not very often that books about fronds focus on a group of boys. Even less often that these groups of friends are shown in a positive, supportive light. That’s what makes ‘The Council of Good Friends’ so brilliant - we get to see boys’ friendships in all their multi-faceted glory: having fun, pranking each … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Council of Good Friends,’ by Nikesh Shukla, illustrated by Rochelle Falconer.
I raced through this book! A superb read from Jeffrey Boakye which explores the complexities of growing up as a black youth from an estate, alongside a backdrop of pure 90s joy - cassette tapes, Gladiators, rap battles, the internet? What’s that? ‘Kofi had an idea . . . one big lightning bolt of an … Continue reading ‘Kofi and the Rap Battle Summer,’ by Jeffrey Blakey.
When I read that Tania Unsworth was inspired to write this by the hidden, forgotten corners that no one ever noticed, I was intrigued. As a child, I spent a lot of time imagining what it would be like to set up camp in a secluded spot and live there. Luckily, I never had to … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Nowhere Island,’ by Tania Unsworth, cover by Kimberley Walker.
There is a slowly increasing range of scary books for middle grade readers to enjoy - supply is finally catching up with demand! In my experience, it has always been tricky to find a ‘horror’ title which is scary but not too scary. ‘Shiver Point’ fits the bill nicely as it’s just the right balance … Continue reading Holiday read #1: ‘Shiver Point: It Came From the Woods,’ by Gabriel Dylan.
Recently, the children I work with have become fascinated by a couple of old magic sets we have available for break times. Watching them try and master the ‘cup and ball’ trick or to guess my card has really brought home to me the power of magic to inspire awe and wonder. And those are … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Wonder Brothers,’ by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steven Lenton.
I am sure that lots of you will already have read, and loved, Kelly’s ‘Front Desk’ series. If you’re wanting more of her poignant, prejudice-confronting, and heart-warming writing, you need to take a look at ‘Finally Seen.’ Luckily for you, I have an extract of the second chapter for you enjoy! (Scroll down) “A gripping … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Finally Seen,’ by Kelly Yang.
This book immediately jumped to the top of my to-be-read pile when it arrived. Due the nature of the children I work with, and the anxiety my son suffers from, I was intrigued to read a middle grade title which primarily focusses on that theme and is drawn, partly, from the author’s own experiences. ‘Josh … Continue reading ‘Worrybot’ by Simon Packham, illustrated by Lucy Mulligan.
Get ready to be whisked away to whole other world which hides, just out of sight, behind flowered curtains and mossy bowers… ‘Daisy Thistledown has escaped from boarding school and has a mystery to solve. Her search for her missing mother will lead her across London and through a hidden doorway to another world, filled … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Greenwild: The World Behind the Door,’ by Pari Thomson, cover by Elisa Paganelli.
Whether you’ve read ‘Bigfoot Mountain’ or not, you will definitely want to visit ‘Bigfoot Island,’ its sequel. But do Bigfoot’s really exist, you ask? Well, perhaps reading author Roderick O’Grady’s special piece on that very topic might help you make up your mind… ‘When Minnie spots a white boat bringing strangers to the cove below … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Bigfoot Island,’ by Roderick O’Grady, cover by Jess Mason.
I absolutely loved the first instalment of this series, Hedgewitch, so was delighted to receive a special goodie box from the lovely people at Welbeck Books to help celebrate the publication of Cassie’s next adventure - Woodwitch. ‘Cassie has settled into life in Hedgely when, out of the blue, her troubled cousin, Sebastian, comes to … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Woodwitch,’ by Skye McKenna, cover by Tomislav Tomic.
‘Glitter Boy’ was one of my anticipated reads of 2023 so far! I love Ian’s wonderful inclusive picture books and was extremely excited to hear that a middle grade title was on its way. I was expecting an emotional journey and wow did I get one! I had the privilege of asking Ian some questions … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Glitter Boy,’ by Ian Eagleton, cover by Melissa Chaib.
This is my first read of 2023 and I had high hopes based on what I’d read online. I wasn’t definitely not disappointed - I read the whole book in a day as I was so caught up to Sashi’s story. ‘FACT: Octopuses have three hearts. FACT: Octopuses have BEAKS, like BIRDS. FACT: The octopus … Continue reading ‘The Octopus, Dadu and Me,’ by Lucy Ann Unwin, cover by Selom Sunu, illustrations by Lucy Mulligan.
There’s a fantastic variety of spooky books for older readers to enjoy, whether they prefer the silly side of Halloween or want proper bone-chilling scares. This post shares some of the newer titles I’ve been sent which are made for reading on a dark and stormy night! ‘Monday 17th JanuaryIt’s finally time for the school … Continue reading Halloween Reads (ages 7+)
This is the debut children’s novel from Reece Carter who is best known in his home country of Australia as a nutritionist and author of two non-fiction titles for adults. He had always wanted to write for children and thank goodness he did! Readers are going to fall in love with Corpse in this thrilling … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Girl, the Ghost and the Lost Name,’ by Reece Carter, cover by Eleonora Asparuhova.
James’ Apprentice Witch series is one of my favourites so I have been waiting, and waiting, and waiting for him to release a new book. Am here it is! The Spell Tailors! Just as full of magic, but a long way away from the protective charms and spells being performed by Arianwyn… Be sure to … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Spell Tailors,’ by James Nicol, illustrations by Jenny Zemanek.
Library Girl and Book Boy 