It’s vital that children see themselves and their cultures represented in books. That is why publishers like Lantana Publishing are so important. I’m thrilled to have two of their lead Spring titles to share with you. Nimesh the Adventurer by Ranjit Singh, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini (available April 2018) For Nimesh, even the journey home … Continue reading Lantana Publishing – Spring Titles
I have been lucky enough to read a flotilla of amazing adventure stories crafted by debut authors over the past few months. I think we’re currently in the midst of a period of absolutely fantastic children’s novels and the breath-taking ‘Brightstorm’ is one which really stood out. When twins, Arthur and Maudie, are told the … Continue reading ‘Brightstorm,’ by Vashti Hardy, cover by George Ermos.
This blog post is celebrating the fourth and final gripping instalment of The Inventory series - an action-packed bundle of books, crammed full with high-tech gadgetry and dastardly villains. Without giving too much away, Dev is struggling with having learnt the truth about his troubled past deep in the Black Zone of the Inventory. He … Continue reading ‘The Inventory: Winter Storm,’ by Andy Briggs with exclusive guest blog post!
As well as being the traditional day for giving chocolates and overpriced roses, Wednesday 14th February is also #BookGivingDay. A day when book lovers all over the world donate new or lightly-used books to children who need them. As a teacher, I am very aware of the squeeze being put on school budgets and the cuts … Continue reading Why I’m donating books to school libraries on #BookGivingDay
Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess. That’s how it goes, isn’t it? No? It was almost time for tea and Sophie had been enjoying a story with Grandad, who had fallen asleep! Dad steps into the breach and begins to read a lovely story all about an enchanted princess who’d been locked … Continue reading ‘This is NOT a Fairy Tale,’ by Will Mabbitt and Fred Blunt.
Numbers are everywhere. They’re all around us and are often a source of fascination for young children. From their birthdays to house numbers, children soon learn that numbers are important. This beautiful picture book is by best-selling author and illustrator, Taro Gomi, who currently lives in Tokyo, Japan. It shows just where numbers can be … Continue reading ‘I Know Numbers!,’ by Taro Gomi.
I am absolutely thrilled to be hosting Sinéad O’Hart on my blog today! I absolutely loved ‘The Eye Of the North,’ an action-packed adventure frosted with magic. Emmeline has never left Widget Manor, but one day her scientist parents mysteriously disappear and she’s bundled onto a ship to Paris to stay in a safe house. Aboard … Continue reading ‘The Eye of the North’ Blog Tour with guest post from author, Sinead O’Hart.
‘You have to make more noise than anybody else,’ Emmeline Pankhurst, leader of the British suffragette movement. To celebrate the centenary anniversary of the Representation of The People Act 1918, which have the vote to some women for the first time, Nosy Crow commissioned a very special collection of stories from a stellar collection of … Continue reading ‘Make More Noise!’ from Nosy Crow, cover by Steph Baxter.
After ‘THE EVENT THAT MUST NEVER BE SPOKEN OF AGAIN,’ Sam has gained the unfortunate nickname of ‘Scaredy-Cat Sam.’ He needs a plan to clear his name! Following an unfortunate incident during a school trip to the space museum, the class bully, Ralph Philip Zinkerman the Third, christened Sam with his much-hated nickname. Sam decides that … Continue reading ‘Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts,’ by Katie and Kevin Tsang, illustrated by Nathan Reed.
‘A guzzle! A gollop! Who wants to eat goats? I’ll chomp little children and chew up their coats.’ Troll is fed up of eating goats for his dinner so he sets off to find something much more tasty - children! On bikes, in cars or packed on buses. They’re all equally delicious. However the children … Continue reading ‘Troll Stroll,’ by Elli Woollard, illustrated by David Barrow.
Information books are an inexhaustible source of entertainment in our household, with both my children spending hours poring over photos and illustrations and sharing the fascinating facts they’re learnt . This selection of brilliant new books from non-fiction super-giants, DK, is sure to contain something new for everyone. 13 1/2 Incredible Things You Need to Know … Continue reading Wonders of Nature from DK.
This is the second hilarious story about Pod and his creative ideas (Stone Underpants being the first.) The Stone Age is so boring! All people do is hammer away at rocks all day and take naps. Pod decides to invent a new game for him and his brother, Hinge, to play. However, living in the … Continue reading ‘Game of Stones,’ by Rebecca Lisle, illustrated by Richard Watson.
Roll up! Roll up! Come and see ‘The World Famous Book Of Numbers!’ Sure to delight and enchant! Here on my blog for your reading pleasure! A truly magical counting book for little math-magicians! Packed full of fabulous pop-ups and confounding illusions, moving pictures and flaps to peek behind, this rather glamorous picture book is … Continue reading ‘The World-Famous Book Of Numbers,’ by Sarah Goodreau.
If you’re looking for an original Valentine’s Day gift, or just a way to let someone know you care, you won’t go far wrong with this amazing pop-up book by Anna Llenas. It’s sure to delight readers young and old. Roly is a woodlouse and Rita is a firefly - they both think very differently … Continue reading ‘I Love You (Nearly Alway),’ by Anna Llenas.
Updated ahead of #Suffrage100
I was honoured to be asked to be on the blog tour for Leonie Roberts' debut picture book, 'My Colourful Chameleon.' Having a pet chameleon isn't always as fun as it seems - Mum is getting fed up of never being able to spot where she is. In the garden, on the stairs, on Mum's … Continue reading ‘My Colourful Chameleon,’ by Leonie Roberts, illustrated by Mike Byrne.
Up high, in the dark, dark sky....a message: LOST, ONE SMALL STAR. When a little brother happens upon a very sparkly treasure whilst out hunting, he and his big sister try very hard to find its owner - surely something so special must have an owner. But search as they may, no one seems to … Continue reading ‘Star in the Jar,’ by Sam Hay, illustrated by Sarah Massini.
If you’re looking for a narrator who will transport straight into their world, look no further than Twister. Lushly written and pulsing with magic. You’re in for a treat. Following the mysterious disappearance of her father, Twister lives on a farm with her ill mother and Aunt Honey with her faithful dog, Point. Determined to help … Continue reading ‘Twister,’ by Juliette Forrest, cover by Alexis Snell.
****Breaking News!!!****
Congratulations are due to the excellent David Solomons as ‘My Gym Teacher is an Alien Overlord,’ won the PopJam Readers’ Choice Award at the Lollies 2017 award ceremony tonight! I am absolutely thrilled for everyone involved and can’t wait for another instalment in the future.
I am so excited and honoured to be one of this year’s Lollies champions, I am even more excited that I get to be David Solomons’ champion as I’ve been a huge fan of his hilarious (and award-wining) superhero series since the release of its very first instalment, ‘My Brother is a Superhero.’ I’m also beyond excited that we have a brilliant blog post from David about superheroes and funny books AND an awesome book bundle giveaway!
The Lollies (The Laugh Out Loud 2017 Book Awards) are the brainchild of legend Michael Rosen and super-publisher Scholastic, and were intended both to fill the void…
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Welcome to 'The Bee Book.' Prepare to ‘bee’ amazed by this beautiful hardback book which celebrates the mind-blowing creature which is the bee and make sure you read t the end for a special behind-the-scenes peek into Charlotte’s sketch book. The Bee Book is absolutely packed full of information about the often misunderstood fuzzy little … Continue reading ‘The Bee Book,’ by Charlotte Milner.
Library Girl and Book Boy 