When I spotted these two 'Bad Guys' were being released in May, I just had to get hold of copies for myself. Thanks so much to Scholastic for sending me some to review. My eyes were initially drawn to the attention-grabbing colours and cool illustrations on the front covers. And I wasn't disappointed when I … Continue reading ‘The Bad Guys – Episodes 1 and 2,’ by Aaron Blabey
Dear Diary…
Diary-style stories are incredibly popular amongst young readers at the moment, mainly thanks to the 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' series. If you're looking for looking for some new books to explore, you might like one of these: Diary of a Taekwondo Master by Shamini Flint After some prompting from his dad (and against … Continue reading Dear Diary…
‘Somebody Swallowed Stanley’ by Sarah Roberts
"Everybody has a taste for Stanley, as he is chewed on, swallowed and spat back out by a lot of different 'somebodies.' But it won't be long until they realise: Stanley is no ordinary creature..." This lovely picture book is a cautionary tale with a strong environmental message and is endorsed by the Marine Conservation … Continue reading ‘Somebody Swallowed Stanley’ by Sarah Roberts
‘Are You Sitting Comfortably?’ by Leigh Hodgkinson
Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin...... Picture your perfect spot to read. Does it look like this... or this... or maybe this...? Unfortunately for the little chap in Leigh Hodgkinson's latest beautiful picture book, he just can't find a comfortable place to settle down with his book and growing collection of friends. A variety … Continue reading ‘Are You Sitting Comfortably?’ by Leigh Hodgkinson
‘Creaturepedia’ by Adrienne Barman
I was zooming round the local library when this beauty leapt off the shelf and into my arms. Initially, it was the amazing illustrations on the front cover which caught my eye. The quirky creatures and vibrant colours made it a real attention-grabber. Upon opening the book, I was pleasantly surprised by the unusual category … Continue reading ‘Creaturepedia’ by Adrienne Barman
‘I Went to the Supermarket’ by Paul Howard
Do you remember playing the memory game 'I went to the supermarket and bought a....'? If so, you'll love this brain-teasing beauty! This supermarket is a little different to your average store. There are all sorts of weird and wonderful items to be bought and remembered: superhero pants, fearsome granny pirates, dancing aliens... the list goes … Continue reading ‘I Went to the Supermarket’ by Paul Howard
‘Create Your Own Spy Mission’ by Andrew Judge and Chris Judge -Talking Their Top Ten Spies
Andrew and Chris Judge are a dynamic duo of brothers who have been collaborating on a thrilling, action-packed spy adventure, 'Create your own Spy Mission.' We're very excited to be kicking off the blog tour of this brilliant book with a review and special guest post by the authors themselves, who'll be sharing their top 10 … Continue reading ‘Create Your Own Spy Mission’ by Andrew Judge and Chris Judge -Talking Their Top Ten Spies
‘This Is Not a Book’ by Jean Jullien
This 'not book' is an amazing interactive experience for children of all ages. It is sure to inspire hours of conversation and imaginative play. It is packed full of double-page illustrations which are designed to encourage children to touch, explore and play with the pages. Do you fancy playing the piano, going camping, or perhaps you have … Continue reading ‘This Is Not a Book’ by Jean Jullien
‘The Secret Seven – The Humbug Adventure’ by Enid Blyton and Tony Ross
Enid Blyton's classic, 'The Secret Seven' series has been reimagined for a new, and younger, audience in a fantastic collection of specially adapted 'colour short stories' aimed at independent readers. They have been beautifully illustrated by the master, Tony Ross. In 'The Humbug Adventure,' Peter and the gang are not looking forward to going star-gazing with Professor Wills that night. Little … Continue reading ‘The Secret Seven – The Humbug Adventure’ by Enid Blyton and Tony Ross
‘Swan Boy’ by Nikki Sheehan
Johnny has a lot to deal with: he and his little brother, Mojo, are still struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of their father; he's had to move to a new house in a new neighbourhood; and the school bully just can't seem to leave him alone. After a strange encounter with a … Continue reading ‘Swan Boy’ by Nikki Sheehan
Even better than Easter eggs…!
If you're looking for an alternative to chocolate this Easter, how about trying one of these egg-cellent picture books instead? 'We're Going on an Egg Hunt' by Laura Hughes This delightfully illustrated lift-the-flap book is based on the traditional song, 'We're Going on a Lion Hunt.' Help the Easter bunnies as they go on the hunt … Continue reading Even better than Easter eggs…!
‘Accidental Superstar’ by Marianne Levy
*WIN - Comment below with the title of the song which would make you a viral sensation to win a copy of this brilliant book!* (competition ends on 6th April 2016) 'If I'd known that two million people were going to be watching, I'd probably have done a bit of tidying up.' Katie Cox was just … Continue reading ‘Accidental Superstar’ by Marianne Levy
‘Professor Astro Cat’s Atomic Adventure’ by Dr. Dominic Walliman and Ben Newman
Professor Astro Cat is back for his second amazing adventure. This time he's explaining the wonderful world of physics. Everything from forces to nuclear physics are explored in this fantastically illustrated book. Seemingly tricky scientific concepts are described in a clear and easy to understand way, making excellent use of illustrations and diagrams to bring the subject-matter to … Continue reading ‘Professor Astro Cat’s Atomic Adventure’ by Dr. Dominic Walliman and Ben Newman
‘The Island’ by Olivia Levez
It's not everyday you read a book which instantly becomes one of your favourites, but this week it happened to me. "There were friends once, but they melted away. Things are different now I am a MONSTER." If that line doesn't get your attention, nothing will! Fran's survived a terrifying plane crash in the middle of … Continue reading ‘The Island’ by Olivia Levez
‘Hubble Bubble – The Glorious Granny Bake Off!” by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Joe Berger
I am a huge fan of all Tracey Corderoy's picture books, and love the 'Hubble Bubble' series. Imagine my excitement when I discovered that there are also chapter book versions for more independent readers! Young book lovers will enjoy the humour, wit and colourful illustrations in the original picture books, all about a young girl called Pandora and her slightly unusual … Continue reading ‘Hubble Bubble – The Glorious Granny Bake Off!” by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Joe Berger
‘Squishy McFluff – The Invisible Cat!’ by Pip Jones, illustrated by Ella Okstad
When Ava's new imaginary friend, the cuddly and mischievous Squishy McFluff, arrives to play one day, Ava's days become packed with fun and adventures. The pair get up to all kinds giggles and games, but Mum's not impressed. Will Squishy learn to behave before he's forced to eat only invisible dog food! This book is written … Continue reading ‘Squishy McFluff – The Invisible Cat!’ by Pip Jones, illustrated by Ella Okstad
World Book Day 2016 KS2 Special
Hello there readers! Did you know that on Thursday 3rd March 2016 it was World Book Day? Some of you might have been given a voucher by your school which will let you get an awesome book, totally free!!! We've been busy collecting and reading those books to share with you now. Which one will … Continue reading World Book Day 2016 KS2 Special
World Book Day 2016 KS1 Special!
Hello there readers! Did you know that on Thursday 3rd March 2016 it was World Book Day? Some of you might have been given a voucher by your school which will let you get an awesome book, totally free!!! We've been busy collecting and reading those books to share with you now. Which one will … Continue reading World Book Day 2016 KS1 Special!
‘Defender of the Realm’ by Mark Huckerby and Nick Ostler
Alfie is just a normal boy who spends most of his time trying to escape from 'prison' (aka the illustrious Harrow School.) Normal, that is, except for the fact that the clumsy fourteen-year-old is next in line for the throne and his every move is watched by his personal bodyguard, Brian. At the same time … Continue reading ‘Defender of the Realm’ by Mark Huckerby and Nick Ostler
‘Artemis Fowl and The Opal Deception’ Graphic Novel Version adapted by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin
Artemis Fowl is a boy genius, but it's going to take every ounce of his intelligence to outwit his arch-nemesis, Opal Kenobi. The evil pixie has just escaped from prison and is in the final stages of preparations to begin a war between humans and the fairies. Artemis has lost his memory and doesn't remember his … Continue reading ‘Artemis Fowl and The Opal Deception’ Graphic Novel Version adapted by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin