As a parent of a child in Year 6, I am keenly aware that Book Boy may not be returning to school in time to do all the usual 'end of Year 6' things - performances, shirt signings, the sex education session which I am sure many parents (including myself) are not overly confident in … Continue reading Books to use in RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) in Year 6.
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‘Bear Shaped,’ by Dawn Coulter-Cruttenden.
This absolutely beautiful picture book is based on the real life story of Jack and his beloved Bear. Seven-year-old Jack has autism and Bear is his constant companion and bridge to the world around him. ‘Bear Shaped’ tells the story of what happened when Bear went missing and Jack’s dad sent a tweet out into … Continue reading ‘Bear Shaped,’ by Dawn Coulter-Cruttenden.
Blog tour: ‘My Monster and Me,’ by Nadiya Hussain, illustrated by Ella Bailey.
I think that in the current climate of uncertainty, school closures and social lockdown, there must be plenty of children worried about what is going to happen and when they’ll be able to play outside and see their friends again. Books provide such fantastic opportunities for conversations about all sorts of worries, so I’m always … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘My Monster and Me,’ by Nadiya Hussain, illustrated by Ella Bailey.
Blog tour: ‘I Am Brown,’ by Ashok Banker, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat.
‘I am brown. I am amazing. I am you.’ Every child deserves to see their faces beaming back at them from the pages of the books they read. With 33.1% of our school children being BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic), it is vital that school book collections reflect this. Lantana Publishing are certainly flying … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘I Am Brown,’ by Ashok Banker, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat.
Blog Tour: ‘Extraordinary!’ by Penny Harrison, illustrated by Katie Wilson.
With the concept of mindfulness firmly planted in the nation’s consciousness, we are encouraged to find and celebrate the ‘everyday’ extraordinary. This beautiful picture book encourages readers to stop and look around them, to live in the moment, and to cherish their loved ones. Although the big, the loud and the colourful can be pretty … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Extraordinary!’ by Penny Harrison, illustrated by Katie Wilson.
‘Tibble and Grandpa,’ by Wendy Meddour, illustrated by Daniel Egnéus.
Grief and death are often difficult topics to discuss with children but it’s so important that we do or there can be a serious impact on their mental health. Today I’m sharing a beautiful picture book which should provide a means to start that sensitive conversation. Ever since the loss of Granny, Grandpa has stopped … Continue reading ‘Tibble and Grandpa,’ by Wendy Meddour, illustrated by Daniel Egnéus.
‘Taking Time,’ by Jo Loring-Fisher.
This dreamy picture book is inspired by the principles of mindfulness. Lots of school practise mindfulness techniques to help their pupils reduce anxiety and stress levels. It encourages people to live in the moment and acknowledge what their senses are detecting. This poem takes readers on a journey around the world, engaging their senses in … Continue reading ‘Taking Time,’ by Jo Loring-Fisher.
‘Mindful Kids’ Activity Books by Dr. Sharie Coombes, illustrated by Katie Abey.
I absolutely love this series of interactive books which has been carefully developed by psychotherapist and former primary teacher, Dr. Sharie Coombes. As schools continue to focus on mental health and mindfulness, these books are perfect for pupils to work through or dip in and out of. ‘Letting Go!’ focuses on helping children recognise feelings … Continue reading ‘Mindful Kids’ Activity Books by Dr. Sharie Coombes, illustrated by Katie Abey.
‘Fearless: How to be Your True, Confident Self!’ by Liam Hackett, illustrated by Mike Perry.
This is a book for those end-of-primary-school, start-of-secondary-school tweens who are perhaps struggling to find their place with their peers. It’s designed to help children discover what’s holding them back and have the confidence to be themselves. This title was written by youth charity ‘Ditch the Label’ founder, Liam Hackett, based on his experiences as … Continue reading ‘Fearless: How to be Your True, Confident Self!’ by Liam Hackett, illustrated by Mike Perry.
‘Alfred and the Blue Whale,’ by Mina Lystad, illustrated by Åshlid Irgens.
Bravery and self-confidence are not things which come naturally to all children and are certainly emotions which can fluctuate over time. But both, I believe, are key to good mental health, over-coming barriers and being resilient. This lovely title from Wacky Bee’s ’Buzzy Reads’ series is a great introduction to these ideas for young children … Continue reading ‘Alfred and the Blue Whale,’ by Mina Lystad, illustrated by Åshlid Irgens.
‘Felix After the Rain,’ by Dunja Jogan, translated by Olivia Hellewell.
Today marks the start of children’s mental health week. It’s a sad fact that children’s mental health services are receiving many more referrals than they can process so vulnerable children are having to wait months and even years before they are able to talk to a specialist. It’s for this reason that books like ‘Felix’ … Continue reading ‘Felix After the Rain,’ by Dunja Jogan, translated by Olivia Hellewell.
‘Under the Great Plum Tree,’ by Sufiya Ahmed, illustrated by Reza Dalvand.
You know when you receive a package in the post from Tiny Owl that it’s going to contain a beautifully produced title of diverse heritage. ‘Under the Great Plum Tree’ comes from Panchatantra, which is an ancient collection of Indian animal fables. Various versions of the same story can be found around the world (making … Continue reading ‘Under the Great Plum Tree,’ by Sufiya Ahmed, illustrated by Reza Dalvand.
‘Mustafa’s Jumper,’ by Coral Rumble, illustrated by Charlotte Cooke.
I personally believe that as adults and educators, it’s imperative that we encourage our young people to develop and empathy for others and to understand some of the wider issues in the world around. Based on an award-winning poem of Rumble’s, ‘Mustafa’s Jumper’ would be an excellent choice to open up discussions about what it … Continue reading ‘Mustafa’s Jumper,’ by Coral Rumble, illustrated by Charlotte Cooke.
‘Cyborg Cat and the Night Spider,’ by Ade Adepitan, illustrated by Carl Pearce.
Paralympian and author, Ade Adepitan has added a new book to his super ‘Cyborg Cat’ series. This one’s a bit special because Ade and Piccadilly Press have pledged to donate all profits from the sale of this book to Children In Need! After facing starting at a new school and making new friends, Ade (aka … Continue reading ‘Cyborg Cat and the Night Spider,’ by Ade Adepitan, illustrated by Carl Pearce.
‘The Blanket Bears,’ by Samuel Langley-Swain, illustrated by Ashlee Spink.
‘The Blanket Bears’ was written by adoptive father, Samuel Langley-Swain after he had difficulty finding appropriate books explaining the process following the adoption of his own children. ‘Blanket Bears’ is about two little bears who are cold and alone, with no one to look after them. When they’re discovered, the pair are quickly sent to … Continue reading ‘The Blanket Bears,’ by Samuel Langley-Swain, illustrated by Ashlee Spink.
‘A Pocketful Of Stars,’ by Aisha Busby.
This book is just a little bit special. It beautifully melds a touching story about the struggles between a mother and a daughter who’s growing up with a strong fantasy/ gaming theme. Unlike anything I’ve read before but totally enchanting. *UPDATE* Aisha’s wonderful book has just been nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2020 - … Continue reading ‘A Pocketful Of Stars,’ by Aisha Busby.
‘Shadow,’ by Lucy Christopher, illustrated by Anastasia Suvorova.
Today’s my stop on the blog tour for ‘Shadow,’ Lucy’s first picture book. As well as a special about about the inspiration behind writing the story, I’ve also recorded a podcast interview with Lucy, talking in more detail about the themes and processes behind creating the book. Listen HERE. The girl and her Ma have … Continue reading ‘Shadow,’ by Lucy Christopher, illustrated by Anastasia Suvorova.
‘In the Key Of Code,’ by Aimee Lucido, cover by Helen Crawford-White.
I have only recently discovered the joys of novels written in free-verse. Kwame Alexander and Sarah Crossan are award-winning examples of authors who do this already. The ability to tell a whole scene of a story in a few carefully chosen and placed words, and making an emotional connections with their readers is a real … Continue reading ‘In the Key Of Code,’ by Aimee Lucido, cover by Helen Crawford-White.
‘We are all Greta: Be Inspired to Save the World,’ by Valentina Giannella, illustrated by Manuela Marazzi.
Climate change is a major issue on the world’s political agenda but it has also become the motivator for a major campaign by young activists across the globe. Inspired by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, there have been waves of pupil strikes to ensure the voice of the younger generation is heard and to try … Continue reading ‘We are all Greta: Be Inspired to Save the World,’ by Valentina Giannella, illustrated by Manuela Marazzi.
‘The Boy With the Butterfly Mind,’ by Victoria Williamson.
Today’s my stop on the blog tour for ‘The Boy With the Butterfly Mind’ and I have a fascinating piece from its author about how she sets about writing a book and constructing a story - very useful to share with adults and children alike. Told as a dual narrative, we follow the lives of … Continue reading ‘The Boy With the Butterfly Mind,’ by Victoria Williamson.
Library Girl and Book Boy 