Ahoy there, landlubbers! Captain Crankie and his best friend, Seadog Steve are sick and tired of the other villagers dumping their rubbish in their back gardens and streets. They decide they simply MUST take action... The only problem, is that Captain Crankie's solution ends up upsetting all the marine creatures who inhabit the sea he fishes … Continue reading ‘Captain Crankie & Seadog Steve,’ by Vivian French, illustrated by Alison Bartlett.
‘The Book of Beasts – Colour and Discover,’ by Jonny Marx, illustrated by Angela Rizza.
Everybody loves the fascinating creatures of myth and legend. With their magic powers, fearful strength and sometimes terrifying appearances, children and adults alike have been enthralled for centuries. This could be the perfect book for them- cleverly combining the relaxing (and increasingly popular) pastime of colouring detailed illustrations with plenty of information about more than 90 beasts from folklore … Continue reading ‘The Book of Beasts – Colour and Discover,’ by Jonny Marx, illustrated by Angela Rizza.
‘365 Penguins,’ by Jean-Luc Fromental and Joelle Jolivet.
On the first day of the new year, the mailman brings a surprise - a penguin! At first, everyone is quite excited at the prospect of having a pet penguin to look after. But then, the next day, another arrives, and another, and another...until, by the end of the week, they have seven penguins! Day … Continue reading ‘365 Penguins,’ by Jean-Luc Fromental and Joelle Jolivet.
‘The Perfect Picnic,’ by Ciara Flood
It's a beautiful summer's day so Squirrel and Mole decide to go on a picnic. This should be fairly simple, but Squirrel is determined that this will be the Most Perfect Picnic Ever. Squirrel and long-suffering Mole may be the best of friends and do everything together, but they couldn't be more different. Squirrel wants … Continue reading ‘The Perfect Picnic,’ by Ciara Flood
‘Dara Palmer’s Major Drama,’ by Emma Shevah, illustrated by Helen Cranford-White
Dara Palmer's life is one big drama. She knows that she's destined to end up on the big screen as a world-famous movie star, so can't understand why she never gets even the tiniest part in her school's plays. Dara is starting to think that the reason she never gets any of the big parts is because … Continue reading ‘Dara Palmer’s Major Drama,’ by Emma Shevah, illustrated by Helen Cranford-White
‘Robyn Silver – The Midnight Chimes,’ by Paula Harrison, illustrated by Renee Kurilla.
Life was simple for feisty ten-year-old Robyn Silver, until she suddenly started seeing strange creatures around her town. Creatures that were invisible to anyone else... Robyn is the often-ignored middle child of five. Her main worries are how to secure the last slice of pizza and survive sharing a bedroom with her annoying little sister. … Continue reading ‘Robyn Silver – The Midnight Chimes,’ by Paula Harrison, illustrated by Renee Kurilla.
‘Full Speed Ahead! How Fast Things Go,’ by Cruschiform
Have you ever wondered just how quickly a tortoise actually goes? Or just how fast you'd need to be to be faster than a speeding bullet? Then this is the book for you! This glorious picture book is crammed full of striking illustrations and fascinating facts to tantalise young minds. My my trusty sidekick dived in headfirst … Continue reading ‘Full Speed Ahead! How Fast Things Go,’ by Cruschiform
‘Kings of the Castle,’ by Victoria Turnbull.
What happens at the beach when all the children have gone home and night starts to fall? Why, the monsters come out to play, of course! But George is bored trying to build an amazing sandcastle all by himself and his pet, Boris, is not being very good company. When the strange, Nepo first emerges from … Continue reading ‘Kings of the Castle,’ by Victoria Turnbull.
‘Six,’ by M.M. Vaughan.
Parker Banks has moved with his family from London to New York and is struggling to fit in and make friends at school, unlike his younger sister, Emma (who happens to be deaf.) His dad is at the forefront of pioneering technological advances and is constantly at work for a top-secret corporation. It seemed like … Continue reading ‘Six,’ by M.M. Vaughan.
The Laugh Out Loud Book Awards 2016!
A fortnight ago, Book Boy received a phone call saying that he had a won a class trip to the Laugh Out Loud Book Awards 2016 (or 'The Lollies.') Obviously, we were skipping round the library in excitement as it meant we'd get to see lots of authors and illustrators whose books we loved! The … Continue reading The Laugh Out Loud Book Awards 2016!
‘The Emergency Zoo,’ by Miriam Halahmy
I love books with a historical setting, particularly the Second World War. When 'The Emergency Zoo' arrived through my post box, I was intrigued to see it centred around real events of the run-up to the Second World War that I knew nothing about - households being advised by the government to have their household … Continue reading ‘The Emergency Zoo,’ by Miriam Halahmy
‘My Dad Used to Be so Cool,’ by Keith Negley
After falling a little bit in love with the style and message of 'Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too),' I was delighted to be sent Keith Negley's newest book to review by the Guardian Book Club. This book centres around a small boy's suspicions that his dad may, at one time, have actually been quite cool. Evidence is … Continue reading ‘My Dad Used to Be so Cool,’ by Keith Negley
‘Wolf’ by Tommy Donbavand
#TommyVCancer I'm writing this review as part of a month-long blog tour packed with special features, reviews and giveaways to raise awareness of author Tommy Donbavand as he battles cancer. Tommy is the author of the popular 13-book Scream Street series for 7 to 10 year olds, published by Walker Books in the UK and Candlewick … Continue reading ‘Wolf’ by Tommy Donbavand
‘Rent a Bridesmaid’ by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
We were delighted to be sent a set of the fabulous new Jacqueline Wilson book before it had even been released on general sale, but not as delighted as the book group who got to review it. You should have heard their squeals! Thank you so much to the Times Educational Supplement and Scholastic who … Continue reading ‘Rent a Bridesmaid’ by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
‘L is for London’ by Paul Thurlby
Planning on visiting London Town for some royal birthday celebrations? Then you need this fabulous A-Z guide crammed with all there is to know about our capital city! For those of you who need to 'step into the map' to navigate around a city, the first thing you're greeted with when you open the cover … Continue reading ‘L is for London’ by Paul Thurlby
‘Mac and Bob’ by Alan Windram, illustrated by Dave Sutton
Firstly, I'd like to say a big thank you to Alan Windram for sending us these fab books to share with some young children that we know. They have been thoroughly road-tested by the pupils; their thoughts will follow later. Mac and Bob - The Unexpected Visitor: This is … Continue reading ‘Mac and Bob’ by Alan Windram, illustrated by Dave Sutton
‘Petunia Paris’s Parrot’ by Katie Haworth, illustrated by Jo Williamson
Petunia Paris's life is practically perfect in every way - perfect parents, perfect birthday parties and perfect presents. Until, for her fifth birthday, she asks for a parrot... Every birthday, whatever Petunia asked her perfect parents for she got: a swimming pool, a personal chauffeur, a bicycle. By her fifth birthday, she had no idea … Continue reading ‘Petunia Paris’s Parrot’ by Katie Haworth, illustrated by Jo Williamson
‘The Whispers of Wilderwood Hall,’ By Karen McCombie
We are thrilled to be kicking off the blog tour for the fabulous Karen McCombie's newest book, 'The Whispers of Wilderwood Hall,' with an awesome giveaway! **One lucky reader is in with the chance to win themselves a brand new copy of this brilliant book! To be in with a chance of winning, all you … Continue reading ‘The Whispers of Wilderwood Hall,’ By Karen McCombie
‘100 Facts’ series from Miles Kelly Publishing
Following a plea for more non-fiction books to review, Miles Kelly were generous enough to send us some of their best books - all in the name of science. We're going to kick off by reviewing not one, but three of the brilliant books from their '100 Facts' series. 100 Facts: Stars and Galaxies - In … Continue reading ‘100 Facts’ series from Miles Kelly Publishing
‘Caramel Hearts’ by E.R. Murray
This delicious book came with me on holiday - even superheroes need a break! I whiled away my time on the plane dreaming of Lovers' Lemon and Choc-Chip Shortbread and Raspberry Fool - all the time hoping that life would soon get better for Liv. As if life for a fourteen-year-old girl isn't complicated enough, Liv … Continue reading ‘Caramel Hearts’ by E.R. Murray
Library Girl and Book Boy 