Today is my stop on the blog tour for ‘The Fire Maker,’ a story of magic tricks, genies and dangerous ambition. Alex’s life is consumed by his love of magic and his quest to win Young Magician Of The Year which is being judged by one of his idols, Jack Keller. Despite being teased at … Continue reading ‘The Fire Maker,’ by Guy Jones, cover by Helen Crawford-White.
Lantana Publishing are known for their wonderful collection of diverse, inclusive titles, so it’s no surprise that they’re responsible for the publishing of Maryam al Serkal’s empowering story: ‘Mira’s Curly Hair.’ I am thrilled to be part of its blog tour and to be hosting a special piece by Maryam about how her daughter helped … Continue reading ‘Mira’s Curly Hair,’ by Maryam al Serkal, illustrated by Rebeca Luciani.
Following the huge success of the BBC’s breathtaking ‘Blue Planet’ series, taking care of our oceans and the creatures who live in them has never been more topical or more important. I’ve received lots of lovely picture books for readers of all ages which would fit beautifully into an underwater theme - some fiction, some … Continue reading Blue Planet 1 (information books)
A clutch of lovely picture books about our amphibious friends have hopped through my letterbox recently. Prepare to learn plenty of froggy facts to fascinate your friends. ‘Fanatical About Frogs,’ by Owen Davey (Flying Eye Books) Flying Eye Books always produce stunning and stylish titles which appeal to the adult reader as much as the … Continue reading An Army Of Frogs
Today is my stop on the blog tour for ‘The Middler,’ the epic debut middle grade novel by Kirsty’s Applebaum. Make sure you read her exclusive piece about how her own childhood influenced her story. Maggie lives a quiet, protected life in the self-isolated town of Fennis Wick. Her whole world for the eleven years … Continue reading ‘The Middler,’ by Kirsty Applebaum – with guest post! Cover by Matt Saunders.
Today it’s my turn to cheerlead for one of the brilliant nominees for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups (FCBG) Children’s Book Award. The finalists were chosen by the children in the book groups and the overall winners are voted for by their readers. As a fan of funny books, I was asked to represent … Continue reading Vote ‘Funny Kid Stand Up,’ by Matt Stanton for the FCBG Children’s Book Awards!
I’ve been sent a treasure trove of beautiful board books recently. Some are wonderful new editions of classics and some are brand new. We all know the benefits of starting the bedtime story habit with babies - bonding time, language acquisition, fun! So whether you’re looking for a new bedtime read or buying a gift … Continue reading Don’t be bored, get board (books!)
Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for the wild and snow-filled ‘She Wolf’ by Dan Smith. Northumbria, 886. Life is harsh. You need to be tough to survive. This is a lesson Ylva has to learn very quickly when her mother is murdered by a three-fingered man, leaving her alone in the world … Continue reading ‘She Wolf,’ by Dan Smith, cover by Jill Calder.
I have been carefully collecting a fantastic range of science-based books (non-fiction and fiction) to share with you during British Science Week- a ten day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths. I’m going to start off with the information books as they are Book Boy’s favourites! ‘Science is Magic’ written by Steve Mould (DK … Continue reading British Science Week – Part 1: Science Fact
Today is my stop on the blog tour for the awesome ‘A Witch Alone’ - the final (at present) instalment in the magical ‘The Apprentice Witch’ series. In addition to this review, you can also listen to me interviewing James about the series HERE on the Library Girl and Book Boy podcast. If you’ve ever … Continue reading ‘A Witch Alone,’ by James Nicol, cover illustration by Daniela Terrazzini – The Blog Tour!
It’s never too early to start teaching young girls (and boys) that they have the power to do whatever they want to. Luckily, girls are no longer consigned to the role of helpless princess in the books available for them to enjoy. I’m going to share with you some of the celebratory and stereotype-busting titles … Continue reading Here Come the Girls! (International Women’s Day)
I’m always very interested to read titles which have been translated from other languages; they often have a completely different style and feel from the children’s books published here in the U.K. The fairy tale, ‘Arnica, the Duck Princess’ has been translated into English from the original Hungarian. Princess Arnica was the daughter of King … Continue reading ‘Arnica, the Duck Princess,’ by Ervin Lázár, illustrated by Jacqueline Molnár, translated by Anna Bentley.
Do you love shopping? Do you love dinosaurs? Then head for The Dinosaur Department Store and its stonking blog tour! It’s Eliza Jane’s fourth birthday and she knows exactly what she wants. Not a colouring book, bike or a fluffy bunny. What she really wants is a pet dinosaur! Her beleaguered parents obligingly take her … Continue reading ‘The Dinosaur Department Store,’ by Lily Murray, illustrated by Richard Merritt.
As the daffodils and crocuses start to bloom, we know that Spring is definitely on its way and it’s time for us to get outdoors and muddy. I’d like to share three picture books to help inspire little ones to get back to nature this Spring. ‘Little Bear’s Spring’ by Elli Woollard & Briony May … Continue reading Let’s Get Outdoors!
“My Ted’s special. Stripy Ted. He’s not allowed to leave my bed.” The boy and his bear go everywhere together. They’ve crossed oceans and deserts, slain monsters and climbed mountains. But the duo’s adventurous lifestyle has taken its toll on Bear. Where once he sported luxurious golden stripes, now he’s threadbare and worn. He’s lost … Continue reading ‘Loved to Bits,’ by Teresa Healy, illustrated by Katie Cleminson.
Most Disney fans would be able to tell you the stories of ‘The Little Mermaid,’ ‘Sleeping Beauty,’ and ‘Snow White’ according to the Walt Disney Animation Studios - they’ve become so ingrained in the public consciousness. These beautiful new hardback editions offer new insights into these animated classics. As well as retelling these beloved stories, … Continue reading Animated Classics from Disney
It’s here. The final instalment in the brilliant ‘Who Let The Gods Out?’ series by writing wizard and all round fabulous person, Maz Evans. This book dives straight into a monumental battle between good and evil and Elliot is forced to collect the final Chaos Stone from the burning River Phlegethon by crazed Daemon of … Continue reading ‘Against All Gods,’ by Maz Evans, illustrations by Aleksei Bitskoff.
With World Book Day fast approaching, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of the new books about books I’ve received recently in case you’re looking for inspiration! ‘The World Book Day Monster’ by Adam & Charlotte Guillain, illustrated by Ada Grey (Egmont) I think we can all sympathise with Anna, … Continue reading Books about books!
Those of you who follow my blog or engage with me on Twitter will know that I am passionate about children’s books, all children’s books, and the power they have to transform a child’s life. There are few more powerful things parents can do for their children as babies which will significantly increase their vocabulary … Continue reading The Funny Thing about Funny Books
Library Girl and Book Boy 