Introducing a brand new picture book from the wonderful Lu Fraser, with humorous, lively illustrations by Kate Hindley. Make sure to read Lu’s exclusive piece about the inspirations behind ‘The Busiest Beaver.’ “Nora is not like the other beavers. She thinks new thoughts. She asks lots of questions. She invents inventions and gives things a … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Busiest Beaver,’ by Lu Fraser, illustrated by Kate Hindley.
I have long been an admirer of Martin Impey’s gorgeous illustrations so was thrilled to receive a copy of ‘Blitz’ - his latest title which perfectly captures one family’s struggle to maintain a ‘normal’ day-to-day life in a raid-ravaged London. It was inspired by the childhood stories told to him by his grandparents who lived … Continue reading ‘Blitz One Family’s War,’ by Martin Impey.
Lantana Publishing is best known for producing diverse titles which represent the many realities in which their readers live. In light of the current cost of living crisis, The Playdate will certainly help open up some interesting conversations about the different circumstances people find themselves living in. “For one little girl, the prospect of a … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Playdate,’ by Uje Brandelius, illustrated by Clara Dackenberg. (translated by Nichola Smalley.)
My favourite ballet-dancing dog, Biff, is back in a delightfully festive adventure about managing disappointment, trying your hardest, and being the best bonbon in the box! For my stop on the blog tour, author Anna Kemp has written some handy top tips for other pirouetting pooches. “My dog is not like other dogs.My dog is a ballerina who … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Muttcracker,’ by Anna Kemp & Sara Ogilvie.
This is the series that keeps on giving! I loved reading Aliens Love Underpants with my own children and am so pleased that there are more adventures for new fans to enjoy. But where does Claire get her inspiration from? Read her special piece below to find out… “Huge scaly DRAGONS roamed the landIn long … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Dragons Love Underpants,’ by Claire Freedman, illustrated by Ben Cort.
I have been asked on a number of occasions for picture books which explore parental separation or divorce, and it’s a request I’ve always found quite difficult to fulfil. Thankfully, the publication of ‘Roots of Love’ has made that search an awful lot easier! “Tia has had the best day ever, until her parents tell … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Roots of Love,’ by Sarah Asuquo, illustrated by Ruthine Burton.
The Klaus Flugge Prize honours publisher Klaus Flugge, an influential figure in picture books, and the founder of publishing house Andersen Press. It was founded in 2016 and recognises a published picture book by a debut illustrator. Today, I’m spotlighting one of the nominees for this year’s Klaus Flugge Prize: Bia Melo, creator of ‘The Dream Book.’ … Continue reading Klaus Flugge Prize nominee: Bia Melo.
Yeehaw! It’s time to saddle-up and head to your nearest bookshop to bag yourself a copy of Jodie Lancet-Grant’s new book! “Buffalo Lil and Buffalo Jill look just the same, but they're as different as an apple pie and a desert cactus. The folks of Lone Ridge love sweet, smilin' Jill, but think Lil's too … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Legend of the Wild West Twins,’ by Jodie Lancet-Grant, illustrated by Katie Cottle.
Well I’ve kicked off my morning with a power chord of positivity: #FridaTheRockAndRollMoth by @kimhillyard 🎸 🎶 I loved the message about not changing yourself to fit in and lettering your inner brilliance shine through. “Frida is a musical moth who loves to rock out - she puts on her pointy boots and plays her … Continue reading ‘Frida the Rock and Roll Moth,’ by Kim Hillyard.
Have you seen this wonderful story about a young transracial adoptee’s journey to self-acceptance? #EyesThatWeaveTheWorldsWonders by @JoannaHoWrites & #LizKleinrock, illustrated by @dunghth “From New York Times bestselling Joanna Ho, of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, and award-winning educator Liz Kleinrock comes a powerful companion picture book about adoption and family. A young girl who is a transracial adoptee … Continue reading ‘Eyes that Weave the World’s Wonders,’ by Joanna Ho & Liz Kleinrock, illustrated by Dung Ho
The Children’s Book Award is the only national award for children’s books that is voted for entirely by children. It is owned and coordinated by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and is highly respected by teachers, parents and librarians. It has brought acclaim and strong sales to past winners such as J.K. Rowling, Patrick … Continue reading FCBG Awards ‘The Princess and the (Greedy) Pea,’ by Leigh Hodgkinson.
I am hoping that lots of your reading this post have plans to make a stack of delicious pancakes to celebrate it being Shrove Tuesday. If so, you may also like to celebrate the fact that the picture book classic ‘Mr Wolf’s Pancakes’ is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a special foiled edition! “Mr Wolf … Continue reading ‘Mr Wolf’s Pancakes,’ by Jan Fearnley.
One of a book’s many superpowers is the ability to help its readers develop the skill of empathy. Through books, we can explore the lives of others, gain new perspectives, and develop our understandings of ourselves. This year’s Read for Empathy collection features a wonderful range of titles which are guaranteed to get readers thinking. … Continue reading Empathy Day Tour: ‘Geoffrey Gets the Jitters,’ by Nadia Shireen.
Is it too early to mention the ‘C’ word? Well if it is, I can only apologise because that Elephant is back and this time he’s got his eye on Santa’s sleigh! “Chaos at Christmas! Join a whole host of animals in silly situations as they try to celebrate the festive season.You can't let an … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘You Can’t Let an Elephant Pull Santa’s Sleigh,’ by Patricia Cleveland-Peck, illustrated by David Tazzyman.
You may have heard lots of schools proudly stating that they’re ‘Rights Respecting’ schools, but have you ever wondered what that actually means? Well, it means that children's rights are promoted and realised, adults and children work towards this goal together. There are four key areas of impact for children at a Rights Respecting school; … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘I have the Right,’ by Reza Dalvand.
A baby wearing blue - must be a boy? A child with long hair - definitely a girl, right?! Gender norms are still ingrained in some people’s minds, but what if you don’t want to confirm to those unspoken rules and would prefer to express yourself however you prefer? That’s the question this picture book … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘My Brother George,’ by Kelly & Zoey Allen, illustrated by Tara O’Brien.
When you open a book written by Ian, you know that you are going to go on an emotional journey. But also, that you are in a safe pair of hands. This remains the case in his latest collaboration with inclusive publisher Owlet Press, where we meet a young boy torn between his two families … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Rory’s Room of Rectangles,’ by Ian Eagleton, illustrated by Jessica Knight.
This is a gorgeously-illustrated book about the importance of looking for the positives when things don’t go as you’d hoped. Pip and Parker highlight the value of friendship when the going gets tough. Make sure you read creator Fiona Woodcock’s piece about how she had the initial idea for this title about two friends with … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Silver Linings,’ by Fiona Woodcock.
One of the amazing things about young children is the enthusiasm and joy with which they approach their creative endeavours. When is it that doubt starts to set in and that creative freedom switches to something more conformist? In some cases, the pressure to make things ‘perfect’ can become a real barrier to a child’s … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Art and Joy – best friends for ever,’ by Danielle Krysa.
Welcome to my stop on the Federation of Children’s Book Groups’ ‘Children’s Book Award.’ I’m hosting a piece from nominated author, Andrew Sanders, about how it feels have his book ‘Where has all the Cake Gone?’ nominated this year. As a children’s book author, seeing my latest book, Where Has All the Cake Gone? get shortlisted for … Continue reading Children’s Book Award Blog Tour: ‘Where has all the Cake Gone?’ by Andrew Sanders, illustrated by Aysha Awwad.
Library Girl and Book Boy 