If you are looking for a story which is part Wind in the Willows and part Sherlock Holmes, look no further than this fiendish mystery from the wonderfully-named Charlie Nutbrown. Be sure to read Charlie’s special piece about why he loves animal stories. “Monty the fox has a dream - but that's nothing new. Monty … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Feathered Book,’ by Charlie Nutbrown, cover by Holly Ovenden.
The Encyclopedia Britannica is a 250-year-old institution, carefully cataloging the most up-to-date knowledge of the time. In this latest updated edition, produced in partnership with What On Earth!, a wealth of extraordinary facts are presented in eight chronological chapters. I was extra lucky to be sent a rather special package from What On Earth! which … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘ Britannica All New Children’s Encyclopedia.’
Introducing a brand new picture book from the wonderful Lu Fraser, with humorous, lively illustrations by Kate Hindley. Make sure to read Lu’s exclusive piece about the inspirations behind ‘The Busiest Beaver.’ “Nora is not like the other beavers. She thinks new thoughts. She asks lots of questions. She invents inventions and gives things a … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Busiest Beaver,’ by Lu Fraser, illustrated by Kate Hindley.
Introducing the sequel to the award-winning ‘The Deepest Breath.’ Written as a verse novel with dual narrators, readers will love this sensitive exploration of LGBTQ+ relationships and starting high school. Meg has also written a special piece for this blog reflecting on her journey from starting ‘The Deepest Breath’ to finishing ‘The Brightest Star’ and … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Brightest Star,’ by Meg Grehan.
I’d like to introduce you to your new favourite superhero - the super-sweet Super Unicorn Princess (S.U.P) Star of a brand new graphic novel series from Mike Hartigan. “There’s always danger afoot in Horizon City, but stopping bad guys is all in a day’s work for the girl in the frilly pink dress, Super Unicorn … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Super Unicorn Princess,’ by Mike Hartigan.
We’re back adventuring with Saga after her environmental triumph in ‘Into the Faerie Hill.’ You don’t need to have read this to enjoy Norup’s sequel - The Changeling Child. “Twelve years ago, a child vanished from his cradle. He was never seen nor spoken of again. Saga is desperate to discover what happened - did … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Changeling Child,’ by H.S. Norup, cover by Thy Bui.
The transition from Year 6 into Year 7 is and exciting (and possibly worrying) time in any young person’s life. Luckily, there are so many good books out there which can help guide them through the highs and lows of life as small fish in a big pond. Below is a selection of some that … Continue reading Moving Up (to Secondary School)
Today I’m sharing a brand new middle grade title from the wonderful Susie Bower. Just as magical and intently woven as her previous titles - readers are in for a treat! “A magical kingdom. Four friends. One terrible mistake... In the Land of Magic, four friends live a life filled with wonder. But there's one … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Invisibles,’ by Susie Bower, cover by Thy Bui.
Honestly, all of Sophy’s work brings me so much joy, but the Happy Hills series is just the balance of chaos and cuteness I need in my life! Luckily for me, the third volume of Happy Hills hilarity has just disco-danced its way into the shelves! “Welcome to HAPPY HILLS, where you’ll find epic LOLS, … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Happy Hills: Mr Big Fluff Rules,’ by Sophy Henn.
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.
Library Girl and Book Boy 