At a time when the usage of food-banks is on the increase and more and more children are living below the poverty line, We needs books to use as tools to gently explore and explain the reasons behind these things to children. Fortunately, award-winning author/ illustrator Kate Milner has produced a thoughtful picture book which … Continue reading ‘It’s a No Money Day,’ by Kate Milner.
Today I’m delighted to be sharing Kirsti Beautyman’s beautiful debut picture book, ‘The Mist Monster.’ Penny and her dad have just moved house but Penny’s not sure that she likes it. Dad convinces her to go and explore, but she’ll only go once they’ve found mum’s old explorer hat. Unfortunately the dog takes a fancy … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘The Mist Monster,’ by Kirsti Beautyman.
I recently had a great time at the Oxford Reading Spree, hosted by Ed Finch at Larkrise Primary School. I had been invited to run a workshop about how and why to introduce ‘classic’ children’s literature in a primary school, based on my own experiences. I chose to share some of the texts and activities … Continue reading Introducing classic texts in a primary school (part 2): ‘Treasure Island’ as seen at the Oxford Reading Spree.
I have to confess that not all of these picture books are petrifying but they do contain some seriously spooky characters as well as cracking stories! ‘Where’s Mrs Witch?’ by Ingela P Arrhenius (Nosy Crow) A special spooky edition joins one of my favourite board books series. This one sees a whole host of Halloween … Continue reading Petrifying Picture Books!
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)
Flat Stanley is the classic tale of a boy who’s as flat as a pancake and now it’s available in a new picture book version for younger fans to enjoy! When Arthur Lambchop alerts his parents to an accident which has occurred in the bedroom he shares with his brother Stanley, they seem more concerned … Continue reading ‘Flat Stanley’ – the picture book edition by Jeff Brown, illustrated by Rob Biddulph.
Today I’m sharing another great picture book about the power of friendship. This one’s just a little different as its focus is on the power collaboration - perfect for team-building at the start of another school year. I can see it prompting a lot of interesting conversations and projects on being a good friend and … Continue reading ‘Together We Can,’ by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Ali Pye.
Making friends is a skill that takes time and practise. I find that picture books make it easy to explore new ways to initiate (and maintain) friendships, as well as allowing children to spot ineffective approaches. Bearing this in mind, I was very excited to receive a copy of ‘Oscar Seeks a Friend.’ Don’t be … Continue reading ‘Oscar Seeks a Friend,’ by Pawel Pawlak.
As they head back to nursery and school, children might be thinking about making new friends. ‘Hello, Friend!’ is a charming picture book about just that. Inspired by her own daughter who is always keen to make new friends, Cobb has created a wittily-observed story about a little girl who is determined to make friends … Continue reading ‘Hello, Friend!’ By Rebecca Cobb.
Bugs of all shapes and sizes are always a source of fascination for children so I have a new fictional adventure and two beautiful information books for you to enjoy. ‘Winnie and Wilbur: The Bug Safari,’ by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul (OUP) A new adventure for fans of magical duo Winnie and Wilbur. After … Continue reading Bug Out Over Books!
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
This blog post has a sea-faring theme with a selection of books for readers of all ages about pirates, the sea, and the creatures who live in it. ‘Lula and the Sea Monster’ by Alex Latimer (OUP) Lula lives by the beach in her beautiful family home and she loves it. She loves looking for … Continue reading Books Ahoy!
So today’s blog post is a little different as it’s not part of a blog tour, but of my very first Instagram (Bookstagram) tour which has been organised by the lovely peeps at Lantana Publishing. You can find me there as @BookSuperhero2 and enjoy all the other bookstagram posts using #OldManOfTheSea. This is a story … Continue reading Bookstagram Tour: ‘The Old Man of the Sea,’ by Stella Elia, illustrated by Weberson Santiago.
Today’s my turn to tip, shake and turn on the Save the Day for Ada May! blog tour. Not only am I sharing my and Book Boy Junior’s review of the book, I also have an exclusive Q&A with the story’s illustrator, Patrick Corrigan. I’m very pleased to be highlighting the book’s illustrator as so … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Save the Day for Ada May!’ by Elizabeth Dale, illustrated by Patrick Corrigan.
I’m just sneaking in a few more of the fantastic titles being released just in time for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. ‘The Spacesuit’ by Alison Donald, illustrated by Ariel Landy (Maverick Books) Ever since I heard about this book, I had been desperate to read it. It’s based on the … Continue reading Countdown to the Moon Landing!
With the 50th anniversary of the moon landing being celebrated this July, I’m seizing the opportunity to share all of the fantastic Space-themed books I’ve been enjoying recently. ‘Molly’s Moon Mission’ by Duncan Beedie (Templar Books) Duncan Beedie is one of my favourite picture book creators. All of his books are right on target as … Continue reading Take-off With A Good Book!
I thought that, in the run up to sports days across the land, now might be a good time to share this brilliant title. It only reminds me a very little bit of myself! From the team who also brought you ‘I Really Want the Cake!’ (a favourite in our household), our heroine is back … Continue reading ‘I Really Want to Win’ By Simon Philip, illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti.
The unicorn trend is still going strong with readers wanting a touch of glitter and sparkle in their bedtime stories. I am pleased, however, to see a new breed of unicorns breaking through. Unicorns who refuse to conform to their sweet and sugary image. Bring on the Grumpycorns, the hungry-corns and the downright naughty-corns (and … Continue reading Unicorns: glitter and rainbows?
Research has proven the many benefits of snuggling up with a little one and sharing a story, so what better way to celebrate father’s day than with a brand new story book featuring the man himself? Here are three picture books we’ve read recently and a little homage to my own father. ‘What’s Next?’ … Continue reading Father’s Day Reads
The 20th July 2019 marks fifty years since the American Apollo 11 lunar module help humans achieve their goal of setting foot on the moon in 1969. To celebrate this huge scientific achievement, there is a huge wealth of amazing books being published to help deepen our our knowledge and inspire a real sense of … Continue reading Celebrating the Moon Landing’s 50th Anniversary – information books.
Library Girl and Book Boy 