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.)
Welcome to an absolutely action-packed, heist-filled adventure which will have you gasping at every twist, turn, and betrayal! Make sure you read Eve’s exclusive piece about how she created the setting for her cracking crime adventure. “London, 1951: Clem Fatale, the youngest crook in the city, is on a mission to find her dad. Jimmy Fatale, … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Clem Fatale has Been Betrayed,’ by Eve Wersocki-Morris, illustrated by Honie Beam.
Did you know that Empathy Lab has curated a ‘Read for Empathy’ book list each year since 2017? Each title is carefully selected by a panel of experts in order to help facilitate imparting empathy-building conversations with young people. You can find details of this year’s collection (and a link to previous lists) HERE. The … Continue reading Read for Empathy 2025: ‘Gordon the Meanest Goose on Earth,’ by Alex Latimer.
I’m on a bit of a ‘magical adventure’ streak at the moment so ‘School of Fireflies’ was just the ticket. What’s I particularly like about this title is that it has a host of ethnically diverse character which can sometimes be lacking in stories like this. "The grown-ups aren't telling us the whole story, so … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘School for Fireflies,’ by Erica Gomez, cover by Simone Smith.
There is a growing selection of books available which help children understand how their developing brains work. This one, from teacher Scott Evans, has a super-engaging format and eye-catching illustrations. “Discover all about your Very Important Brain! The brain is the boss of your body. But it’s more than anatomy. You might not always understand … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘All Brains are Wonderful,’ by Scott Evans, illustrated by The Boy Fitz Hammond.
I think that KS1 teachers across the land are going to be very excited by the arrival of the first title in the ‘Unicorns in Uniform’ series. It will certainly add a bit of life to the ‘People Who Help Me’ unit of work! The highly-illustrated first chapter book format makes ‘Dragon Inferno’ a great … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Unicorns in Uniforms: Dragon Inferno,’ by Tracy Curran, illustrated by Steve Wood.
There are so many wonderful first chapter books for readers who are seeking something a little wordier alongside their picture books. Although there really is something for everyone, there are some key components that most titles in this format share: Highly-illustrated Larger print Clear text layout Tonnes of fun! These are some of the books … Continue reading First Chapter Book Update
My first read of 2025 was a new middle grade mystery from BookTrust’s Writer in Residence, Patrice Lawrence. You know that you’re going to get a quality reading experience when you crack open one of Patrice’s novels so I went in with high hopes (especially as other bookish people had said how good it was!) … Continue reading ‘People Like Stars,’ by Patrice Lawrence, cover by Michelle Brackenborough.
Today's my stop on the blog tour for the final instalment of Jennifer's 'Witches' trilogy. If you haven't already read them, make sure you find yourselves copies of 'The October Witches' and 'The November Witches' to read first. You can get to know the characters ahead of time by reading Jennifer's exclusive piece about the … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The December Witches,’ by Jennifer Claessen.
Introducing ‘How to be a Revolutionary,’ a great introduction to the world of politics for middle grade readers wrapped up in a compelling story of blended families, fighting for a cause, and hope. Be sure to read Lucy’s exclusive piece about why she decided to write this wonderful book! “What do you all come here … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘How to be a Revolutionary,’ by Lucy Ann Unwin, cover by Selom Sunu.
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.
There is so much to learn as you travel with Ayo on his whirlwind adventure across the globe discovering more about how African peoples and culture are spread across the world. Be sure to read Ain’s piece about the challenges she faced writing balanced ABC book about the African Story. “When Ayo struggles to fall … Continue reading ‘Ayo’s Adventure Across the African Diaspora from Afro to Zulu,’ by Ain Heath Drew, artwork by Erin K. Robinson.
Today’s featured book is perfect now that spooky season is well and truly upon us - a haunting portal thriller, partly inspired by the author’s fervent childhood desire to track down the wardrobe which would grant her entry to the magical realm of Narnia. Be sure to read Susan’s special piece about how the Irish … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The World Between the Rain,’ by Susan Cahill.
My first festive share of the season and it’s an absolute stonker! Introducing ‘Sprouts’ by Sibéal Pounder. Be sure to read Sibéal’s piece about women as festive characters - Mrs Claus and Christmas witches finally get the recognition the deserve! “In the year 4024, there lived a young girl with jet black hair who truly … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Sprouts,’ by Sibéal Pounder, cover by Sarah Warburton.
Fairies are not all tutus and glittery wings! In this YA title, Nettle finds herself entering the mysterious land of the faeries where its inhabitants have silver-ringed irises and glistening skin. “Inspired by faery myth and folklore, the haunting, heart wrenching tale of a girl called Nettle in a dark, foreboding faery kingdom.A wild misfit … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Nettle,’ by Bex Hogan, cover by Laura El.
The vastness of Space is a topic which continually fascinates people, young and old. ‘A Little Blue Dot’ is the perfect introduction to the planets in our solar system and their unique qualities. “Somewhere in our vast universe floats a little blue dot. This dot is Earth and she is surrounded by lots of impressive … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘A Little Blue Dot,’ by Maren Hasenjäger.
Get ready for the compelling tale of George Brewster - a young boy with a passionate wish to be the last ever climbing boy. This thought-provoking story highlights the terrible conditions endured by young chimney sweeps and will have readers rooting for George. Make sure you read Eve’s special piece about the inspiration behind her … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Last Boy,’ by Eve McDonnell.
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.
Welcome to Pizza Pete’s second adventure - full of magic, silliness, and mystery! This is a fanatic series for newly confident readers who are searching for highly-illustrated chapter books to enjoy. “Pizza Pete is back! But he’s worried about seeing his friends after a long summer holiday selling pizzas from his van with Dad. He’s … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Pizza Pete and the Missing Magic,’ by Carrie Sellon, illustrated by Sarah Horne.
I always look forward to a new book from Lindsay; her writing always manages to beautifully combine historical fact with the magical and mythical. Ever since her debut middle grade title, Darwin’s Dragons, I have been a big fan. “London, 1666 When fire breaks out, eleven-year-old Gil is separated from his family in the chaos. … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Great Phoenix of London,’ by Lindsay Galvin, illustrated by Gordy Wright.
Library Girl and Book Boy 