Have you ever wondered what animals do at the zoo when all the people go home? Max and Mia are about to find out as they embark on a midnight adventure. Today is the day that Max and Mia's class go on a trip to the zoo. As their class clamber on and off the … Continue reading ‘Midnight at the Zoo,’ by Faye Hanson.
Natural Wonders of the Bookish World
As the season changes from Summer to Autumn, I'd like to introduce you to some brilliant books about the natural kingdom. Children always seem to fascinated by the world around them, particularly creepy-crawlies and wildlife. The books featured in this blog post will inspire children to go outside and hunt out the plants and creatures … Continue reading Natural Wonders of the Bookish World
YA Shot 2016 Tour – Back to School Special – Q&A with Natasha Farrant
I am delighted to welcome the wonderful Natasha Farrant to the blog as part of the epic YA Shot 2016 Tour. (Young Adult books are aimed at children in their mid-teens.) Natasha is the author of the Bluebell Gadsby stories, with the latest (and last),' Time for Jas,' being released over the summer. I'm also … Continue reading YA Shot 2016 Tour – Back to School Special – Q&A with Natasha Farrant
‘Jim Reaper – Saving Granny Maggot,’ by Rachel Delahaye, illustrated by Jamie Littler.
Jim is back in another death-defying (literally) adventure that will make you laugh your socks off! Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride! Jim Wimple has just about come to terms with the fact that his father is, in fact, the Grim Reaper and not an accountant as he had previously believed. To help him … Continue reading ‘Jim Reaper – Saving Granny Maggot,’ by Rachel Delahaye, illustrated by Jamie Littler.
‘How to Hide a Lion at School,’ by Helen Stephens.
The third instalment of the bestselling How to Hide a Lion series has been released just in time for back-to-school. Iris's lion knows that lions aren't allowed at her school; Miss Holland had made that clear on several occasions. Lion uses his hiding know-how and ends up napping on top of the school bus. However, today's the … Continue reading ‘How to Hide a Lion at School,’ by Helen Stephens.
Girl Power! ft. ‘Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World,’ and ‘Ada Twist, Scientist.’
There's been a lot of publicity recently, aimed at encouraging girls to pursue careers involving STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.) This post celebrates all things 'girl power' as I review some of the titles I've been sent which focus on inspirational women and breaking down stereotypes. But don't worry - they're funny, endearing and … Continue reading Girl Power! ft. ‘Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World,’ and ‘Ada Twist, Scientist.’
‘Poppy Pym and the Double Jinx,’ by Laura Wood.
Welcome to my stop on the Blog Tour for the daring 'Poppy Pym and the Double Jinx' by Laura Wood and thank you to Scholastic for inviting me to take part. Double, double, toil and trouble.... Mystery is afoot in the sleepy town of Brimwell so naturally, Poppy and her friends decide to investigate. But … Continue reading ‘Poppy Pym and the Double Jinx,’ by Laura Wood.
‘Crimson Poison,’ by Susan Moore.
In futuristic Hong Kong, Nat Walker (an orphan heiress) lives on a junk boat with her robot dragon and legal guardian. Nat spends her time zooming through Hong Kong's crowded highways on her slider (electronic hover board), racing between school, home and martial arts lessons. Life becomes more complicated when her guardian, Jamuka, suddenly gets … Continue reading ‘Crimson Poison,’ by Susan Moore.
‘Happy Birthday Old Bear,’ by Jane Hissey.
Old Bear is celebrating his 30th birthday this year but there are some stories which never age. Join Old Bear and his friends as they plan a special party to mark the occasion. In their latest adventure, Old Bear's friends are getting everything ready for his birthday party, with a little help from their new … Continue reading ‘Happy Birthday Old Bear,’ by Jane Hissey.
‘The Jungle Books,’ by Rudyard Kipling, illustrated by Ian Beck.
Everyone knows the famous story of the man-cub Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves in the jungles of India. This new edition from Alma Classics contains all the Jungle Books and added bonus material for young readers. If if you enjoyed the real-life action film version which has just been released on DVD (or love … Continue reading ‘The Jungle Books,’ by Rudyard Kipling, illustrated by Ian Beck.
‘Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam – The Diamond Chase,’ by Tracey Corderoy and Steven Lenton.
Shifty and Sam are back in their third picture book adventure. This time they have stolen jewels and penguin pandemonium to deal with! These former bad dogs turned bakers have been asked to cater Lady Kate's birthday ball at Woofington Hall. They're very excited to note that she's wearing her birthday tiara made of real … Continue reading ‘Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam – The Diamond Chase,’ by Tracey Corderoy and Steven Lenton.
‘Dylan the Doctor,’ by Guy Parker-Rees.
I'm very happy to be part of the blog tour for this eye-catching book. It's the first in a series of stories about Dylan - a dog who loves playing and wants everyone to join in with him too. In this adventure, Dylan is learning what it's like to be a doctor. Whilst pondering what … Continue reading ‘Dylan the Doctor,’ by Guy Parker-Rees.
‘Rose Campion and the Stolen Secret,’ by Lyn Gardner.
Set in murky Victorian London, this story follows Rose Campion, adopted daughter of Thomas Campion (owner of Campion's Palace of Variety and Wonders), as she tries to unravel a series of mysteries and deadly coincidences. Rose was abandoned on the doorstep of Campion's Music Hall as a baby and she loves it there - the greasepaint, … Continue reading ‘Rose Campion and the Stolen Secret,’ by Lyn Gardner.
‘The Knight who wouldn’t Fight,’ by Helen and Thomas Docherty.
Welcome to my stop on the blog tour of the daring tale 'The Knight who wouldn't Fight,' the story of a young mouse knight named Leo. This has been written by the awesome husband and wife team, Helen and Thomas Docherty who have also brought us such delights as 'The Snatchabook' and 'Abracazebra.' Leo isn't … Continue reading ‘The Knight who wouldn’t Fight,’ by Helen and Thomas Docherty.
The ‘Bella Broomstick’ series by Lou Kuenzler, illustrated by Nicola Slater and Kyan Cheng.
Part One - Bella Broomstick Bella + Magic = Trouble! Or does it? Bella (aka Belladonna Bat-Ears Broomstick) is, by all accounts, a totally hopeless witch. After failing the entrance exam for Creepy Castle School for Witches and Wizards a third time, Bella's evil Aunt Hemlock despairs and decides to send her to live in … Continue reading The ‘Bella Broomstick’ series by Lou Kuenzler, illustrated by Nicola Slater and Kyan Cheng.
‘A Pandemonium of Parrots and other animals,’ by Hui Skipp.
Are you a literacy lover, a word wizard or an animal admirer? Then I have the picture book for you! Absolutely crammed full with a whole menagerie of collective nouns for some of your favourite animals, 'A Pandemonium of Parrots and other animals' is a visual delight from start to finish. No common herds of … Continue reading ‘A Pandemonium of Parrots and other animals,’ by Hui Skipp.
‘The Fox and the Wild,’ by Clive McFarland.
Fred is a fox who was born in the city. One day, he hears about a place called the wild... Fred is out foraging in bins with his cousins one night, when things don't quite go to plan. He flees to a rooftop to hide and asks the birds flying overhead where they're going. As … Continue reading ‘The Fox and the Wild,’ by Clive McFarland.
‘Leo – A Ghost Story,’ by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson.
Most people cannot see ghosts. Can you? Leo has lived by himself in a house on the edge of the city for many years, reading his books and drawing pictures. When a new family move in, they are terrified by Leo's efforts to welcome them to his house. Leo decides to become a roaming ghost … Continue reading ‘Leo – A Ghost Story,’ by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson.
‘Indigo’s Dragon,’ by Sofi Croft.
The front cover of this book oozed magic and mystery to me, so I was thrilled to get hold a copy to review. Upon opening the book, I wasn't disappointed! Slate-topped mountains, towering crags and silvery becks greeted me as I was introduced to the wild-hearted main character, Indigo. Indigo who dreams of exploring and of … Continue reading ‘Indigo’s Dragon,’ by Sofi Croft.
‘Malkin Moonlight,’ by Emma Cox.
We were delighted to recently be sent copies of the magnificent 'Malkin Moonlight' to review on behalf of TES Online. As a kitten, Malkin escapes the clutches of death and is touched by the moonlight – he’s destined for something special. Now on his third life, Malkin falls in love with Roux, a domestic … Continue reading ‘Malkin Moonlight,’ by Emma Cox.
Library Girl and Book Boy 