I had been saving Frostheart for one of my Christmas holiday reads as I wanted to be able to fully enjoy reading it and immerse myself in its world. It was definitely worth the wait. Ash has never really fitted in with the rest of the Fira people, being passed from one guardian to the … Continue reading ‘Frostheart,’ by Jamie Littler.
I was thrilled to receive a copy of ‘The Conspiracy of Magic,’ because it would give me another opportunity to dive into the magical world of Cass (whom I first met in The Company of Eight.) Things have taken an icier turn with sorcerers and magicians beginning to rebel against the ban on magic. Cass … Continue reading ‘The Conspiracy of Magic,’ by Harriet Whitehorn, cover by Maria Surducan.
Sharing is something that can be very difficult for young (and some older) children to do. These two picture books are just brilliant for talking about how the characters in the stories cope with having to share and what they could change about their behaviour. It’s then much easier for children to reflect on how … Continue reading Sharing is Caring
There comes a point on Christmas Day when all the tinsel and fairy lights can be a little much and you just want to snuggle up somewhere warm with a beautiful book. Animals are perennial favourites with readers of all ages so I have a selection sure to delight everyone. ’Goodnight Ocean’ by Carmen Saldaña, … Continue reading Gifts for Animal Lovers
Oh. My. Goodness. What an absolutely beautiful book! The words on the page shimmer as brightly as the exquisite, foiled illustrations. Let me take you on a journey through the pages of ‘Starbird.’ The Moon King has known the legend of the Starbird for as long as he can remember. When he learns that he … Continue reading ‘Starbird,’ by Sharon King-Chai.
I’ve recently been sent several beautiful new editions of classic children’s stories which I think would make excellent Christmas gifts for established fans or new readers. To stand the rest of time, these classic stories have to have a timeless appeal that will entertain future generations and the titles I’m about to show you will … Continue reading Pick a Classic for Christmas
Today it’s my turn to tell people all about the rather wonderful ‘Granny Magic’ and share a special post by author, Elka Evalds, about some of the wonderful books she loved in her childhood. When Will’s granny passes away, he and his mum make a start on clearing her house - which is absolutely stuffed … Continue reading ‘Granny Magic,’ by Elka Evalds, cover by Teemu Juhani.
I am a huge advocate of funny books and promoting more diverse humorous titles in school and home libraries. That’s why I was so thrilled to be asked to champion one of the titles for this year’s Lollies (The Laugh Out Loud Book Awards 2020), run by Scholastic with Michael Rosen as head judge. The … Continue reading Introducing the Laugh Out Loud Book Award nominee ‘Planet Stan’ by Elaine Wickson (illustrated by Chris Judge)
Some of you may have read Hilary McKay’s Costa Children’s Book Award for ‘The Skylarks War.’ If you did, you will be interested to know that she has new middle grade novel out called ‘The Time of Green Magic.’ It kept me engaged for a couple of what could have been very boring hours at … Continue reading ‘The Time of Green Magic,’ by Hilary McKay, cover by Dawn Cooper.
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.
I’ve a great book to share with you today. It might just set someone on the path to their future career, and will certainly make you giggle when you read about some of the weird, wonderful and disgusting things people do for a living! So what do you want to be when you grow up? … Continue reading ‘Incredible Jobs You’ve (probably) Never Heard Of,’ by Natalie Labarre.
‘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.
I’d like to introduce to a new series of historical information books from Nosy Crow, in association with The British Museum. The ‘So You Think You’ve Got it Bad?’ series is packed with all things hilarious and fascinating about several ancient civilisations. This series has a very distinctive, informal narrative tone which I think it’s … Continue reading The ‘So You Think You’ve Got it Bad?’ series by Chae Strathie, illustrated by Marisa Morea.
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.
Introducing the perfect book to snuggle up under a blanket with now that Winter is drawing nearer. Lose yourself Siberian wilderness full of wolves, ice and magic - Nevertell. Lina has only ever known life inside the dangerous prison camp she was born in. Life is hard; the rations are meagre and the guards often … Continue reading ‘Nevertell,’by Katharine Orton, cover by Sandra Dieckmann.
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.
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.
At a time when the usage of food-banks is on the increase and more and more children are living below the poverty line, We needs books to use as tools to gently explore and explain the reasons behind these things to children. Fortunately, award-winning author/ illustrator Kate Milner has produced a thoughtful picture book which … Continue reading ‘It’s a No Money Day,’ by Kate Milner.
I am always enormously excited to be sent new titles from Barrington Stoke as you know that you are going to get a fantastic snappy story from a world-class author. ‘Seven Ghosts’ is absolutely no exception to this rule. Written and illustrated by Chris Priestley, ‘Seven Ghosts’ tells the story of Jake and the other … Continue reading ‘Seven Ghosts,’ by Chris Priestley.
#BookBoy is a huge fan of exploring and planning his own mini expeditions so is always very interested in any books I receive which have an ‘adventuring’ theme. I’m going to share four with you which he has enjoyed delving into. ‘Adventures on Earth’ by Simon Tyler (Pavilion) This wonderful book is absolutely packed with … Continue reading Calling all Adventurers!
Library Girl and Book Boy 