Introducing the final instalment in Pari Thomson’s award-winning Greenwild trilogy. Daisy and her friends have travelled from Kew Gardens, across the oceans, and finally to the Amazon Rainforest in the hopes of rescuing all they hold dear. Make sure you read the exclusive piece from Pari on writing about the environment for young readers! “With … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky,’ by Pari Thomson, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli.
Have you ever wondered if something might be too good to be true? Or heard the saying, ‘be careful what you wish for’? If not, Sarah Merrett’s latest tale might just get you thinking…. It’s full of sinister magic and the most exquisite illustrations. Make sure you read Sarah’s exclusive piece introducing us to them … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘A Place of a Thousand Wishes,’ by Sarah Merrett, illustrated by Ewa Beniak-Haremska.
This is truly an endlessly fascinating and engaging series. Hooray for a new instalment packed full of extreme facts! “Follow an ingenious trail of 400 facts about daredevils, death-defying stunts, world records, wacky weather, extreme sports, unusual animals and so much more – all of which are connected in fun and unexpected ways. On this … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Epic Factopia!’ by Rose Davidson, illustrated by Andy Smith.
Introducing the third title in Baker’s ‘Whistledown Farm’ series, where Ava and the farm’s animal inhabitants move into Summer. One of a cosy collection of farmyard adventures inspired by life on her Chiltern Hills smallholding. “It's summer at Whistledown Farm and there's plenty for Ava to do – from helping to shear the sheep to … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Meeting Meg,’ by Nicola Baker, illustrated by Rachael Dean.
If you’re looking for a way to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, may I recommend the really quite extraordinary ‘Shrapnel Boys.’ “There's a war going on out there, and I'm missing it. When war comes to London in 1939, Ronnie Smith is scared and excited: scared of the bombs that fall at night, … Continue reading ‘Shrapnel Boys,’ by Jenny Pearson, cover by Tom Clohosy Cole.
Today I’m sharing a brand new Narzat adventure and a special piece about the inspiration behind Pertinax the chef. “The legendary Captain Carver and his wicked pirate crew commanded by the GLOM BADGER have arrived in the Jumble Jungle Wood on board their pirate ship THE SHIFTING SHADOW in search of monstrous beasts to capture … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Narzat and the Shifting Shadow,’ by Luke Marchant, illustrated by Rory Walker.
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.)
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.
Library Girl and Book Boy 