Books for special times of the year.
I’m lucky enough to have been sent lots of lovely Christmas books to review this Winter. The Snow Rabbit’s glittery cover really caught my eye. Bear is always so grumpy. Will anybody ever manage to make him smile? When snowfall covers the woods, rabbit thinks he knows just the thing to cheer him up. Surely … Continue reading ‘The Snow Rabbit,’ by Georgiana Deutsch, illustrated by Alison Edgson.
Maya is Keeper of the Book for the amazing Kingdom Of Birds. She’s already had one adventure in the magical realm but now she needs to go back and help Princess Willow regain her kingdom. As Maya opened the pages of the special book, an illustration of an icy tower on a frozen lake appeared. … Continue reading ‘Magical Kingdom Of Birds: The Ice Swans,’ by Anne Booth, illustrated by Rosie Butcher.
Sometimes, the simple pleasures of Christmas can get lost amongst the flashing lights and tinsel of a modern Christmas. This joyful feel-good book helps readers pause and look around them. Bear is just settling down in front of a warm fire to read his book when he hears a loud tooting from outside. Upon opening … Continue reading ‘The Christmas Extravaganza Hotel,’ by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tony Neal.
I cannot explain to you my level of excitement when a beautiful festive package from Macmillan Children’s Books was delivered through my letterbox by, I presume, elves. When I opened it, I squeaked with excitement as a gorgeous, twinkly (personalised!) copy of illustrative-wizard, Alex T. Smith’s new festive title was revealed! The book takes place … Continue reading ‘How Winston Delivered Christmas,’ by Alex T. Smith
Another brilliant title in the ‘Archie’ series which tackles concepts that little children find difficult to understand (No!, Why?, Now!, and More! being previous instalments). This time, it’s Christmas, and Archie the rhinoceros can barely contain his excitement. Archie absolutely loves Christmas and has big plans to make this one the best Christmas ever! From … Continue reading ‘It’s Christmas!’ By Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tim Warnes.
If you’re searching for a read packed with just the right balance of laughs and scares, look no further than ‘Witch Girl.’ Twelve-year-old Evangeline and her gran form a witchy ghost-busting duo (although Evangeline is still just an apprentice.) Together, they hunt down all manner of creatures that go bump in the night, magically ridding … Continue reading ‘Witch Girl,’ by Jan Eldredge with an exclusive post about why we like being scared! Illustrations by Risa Rodil.
If you’re looking for a suitably spooky Halloween read, take a peek at one of these. If you dare.... Vlad The World’s Worst Vampire: Midnight Fright by Anna Wilson, illustrated by Kathryn Durst (Stripes Books) Vlad’s back in another adventure and this time his very annoying cousin Lupus is visiting. Poor old Vlad has never … Continue reading Halloween Howlers
Autumn is one of my favourite times of year; the weather is mild, the leaves are a whole rainbow of colours and the evenings are starting to get dark. It’s the perfect time of year for snuggly down under a blanket and sharing a book with someone you love. I have five seasonal books which … Continue reading Autumnal Reads to Snuggle Up With
Well according to the calendar, Spring has officially sprung and we can look forward to some glimmers of sunshine and possibly some Easter chocolate. If you are looking to give something a little longer-lasting and better for your teeth than an Easter egg, how about one of these bookish treats...? The First Egg Hunt by … Continue reading Spring has Sprung!
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'm delighted to introduce you to a magical new series from author Hayley Daze and publisher Willow Tree Books. It features a range of cute and cuddly magical who whisk their human friends away for far-flung adventures. Cuddle the Magic Kitten - Magical Friends by Hayley Daze. The first story in the series sees new … Continue reading Magical First Chapter Books from Hayley Daze.
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.
After ‘THE EVENT THAT MUST NEVER BE SPOKEN OF AGAIN,’ Sam has gained the unfortunate nickname of ‘Scaredy-Cat Sam.’ He needs a plan to clear his name! Following an unfortunate incident during a school trip to the space museum, the class bully, Ralph Philip Zinkerman the Third, christened Sam with his much-hated nickname. Sam decides that … Continue reading ‘Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts,’ by Katie and Kevin Tsang, illustrated by Nathan Reed.
So I've shared some of my top picture books choices for this Christmas, now it's the turn of chapter books. I absolutely LOVE picture books for readers of ALL ages, not just the little ones but sometimes you just a longer book to sink your teeth into or delay bedtime for a few minutes longer. … Continue reading Festive Chapter Book Fancies
One of the greatest things about running a book blog is the regular deliveries of books dropping through your letter box. This is never truer than in the run-up to Christmas when little festive treats are delivered to me by the book elves. My 'to be read' pile is suddenly awash with gold, red, green … Continue reading Have a Picture (book) Perfect Christmas
I'm delighted to be on blog tour for this little book with bite which would be perfect for readers aged seven and up. Vlad is a young vampire from a long line of very scary and very vampirey vampires. The problem is, Vlad doesn't feel the least bit scary - he hates his morning drink … Continue reading ‘Vlad the World’s Worst Vampire,’ by Anna Wilson, illustrated by Kathryn Durst.
A witchy tale, perfect for Halloween and young book enthusiasts everywhere. Witch is just enjoying an early morning brew when she hears a ping from her laptop. It's Troll, inviting her on a romantic picnic. As she sets off through the woods to meet him, the woodland animals make a few helpful suggestions as to … Continue reading ‘Pretty,’ by Canizales.
This month, I've been enjoying scaring myself with some of the newest spooky releases for readers aged 8+ and have a ghoulish prize for one lucky book-fan. 'Vlad the World's Worst Vampire' by Anna Wilson, illustrations by Kathryn Durst (Stripes Publishing) Firsty up is this little book with bite which would be perfect for readers … Continue reading Happy Halloween!
As we enter the month of October, I am looking forward to sharing with you books which celebrate Autumn and all things spooky. My very first offering is the gorgeous 'Cat Learns to Listen at Moonlight School,' the third title in the Moonlight School series. Tonight, Miss Moon is taking her class of pupils out … Continue reading ‘Cat Learns to Listen at Moonlight School,’ by Simon Puttock, illustrated by Ali Pye.
Library Girl and Book Boy 