I love the dimension-hopping element of Sinéad’s brilliant writing and was delighted to find it featuring in her newest title too. It was so interesting to read Sinéad’s piece about the inspirations behind The Time Tider - have you ever thought about who’s measuring time and why? ‘Mara and her dad have lived in their … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Time Tider,’ by Sinéad O’Hart.
I am a huge fan of using books to help develop emotional awareness and empathy in children so was thrilled to be invited to celebrate one of the amazing titles from this year’s Empathy Lab #ReadForEmpathy collection. This year, Empathy Day is being celebrated on Thursday 8th June. Empathy Lab’s aim to is harness the … Continue reading Empathy Day Blog Tour: ‘What If? Pig,’ by Linzie Hunter.
Today I’m sharing a magical adventure with dragons, poachers, and wildsmith magic. The first in a new series suitable for readers aged 7+. I also have a special piece from Liz about where her story ideas come from. "When war threatens her beloved city, Rowan and her mother must flee to the Dark Forest. There … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Wildsmith: Into the Dark Forest,’ by Liz Flanagan, cover by Joe Todd-Stanton.
‘Glitter Boy’ was one of my anticipated reads of 2023 so far! I love Ian’s wonderful inclusive picture books and was extremely excited to hear that a middle grade title was on its way. I was expecting an emotional journey and wow did I get one! I had the privilege of asking Ian some questions … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Glitter Boy,’ by Ian Eagleton, cover by Melissa Chaib.
You may have already read Libby’s first adventure, ‘Libby and the Parisian Puzzle,’ or perhaps you’re searching for a new middle grade mystery series to get your brain whirring. Either way, you are going to love the second instalment in Jo Clarke’s ‘The Travelling School Mysteries’ series! ‘After a tumultuous term in Paris, Libby and … Continue reading ‘Libby and the Highland Heist,’ by Jo Clarke, illustrated by Becka Moor.
This is my first read of 2023 and I had high hopes based on what I’d read online. I wasn’t definitely not disappointed - I read the whole book in a day as I was so caught up to Sashi’s story. ‘FACT: Octopuses have three hearts. FACT: Octopuses have BEAKS, like BIRDS. FACT: The octopus … Continue reading ‘The Octopus, Dadu and Me,’ by Lucy Ann Unwin, cover by Selom Sunu, illustrations by Lucy Mulligan.
I’m always happy to be a part of the Federation of Children’s Book Group annual celebration of all things non-fiction. Born out of National Non-Fiction Day, the whole month now celebrates all those readers who love nothing more than learning an obscure fact to pop into conversation to surprise people or dipping in and out … Continue reading #NNFN ‘Animal Superpowers: The Most Amazing Ways Animals Have Evolved,’ by Dr Nick Crumpton, illustrated by Viola Wang.
If you are looking for a crisp, magical adventure to snuggle down with, look no further than the latest tale from Katherine Orton. Her writing is always exquisite and guaranteed to transport you right into the heart of the story. Katharine’s also written a special piece about what inspired the host of wonderful, fearsome creatures … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Mountainfell,’ by Katharine Orton, cover by Sandra Dieckmann.
This is the first of my blog posts helping The Federation of Children’s Book Groups spread the word about some amazing information books during National Non-Fiction November. Today, I’m sharing ‘Every Word Tells a Story’ - a fascinating title about the origins of over one hundred words. ‘See how the English language evolved in this … Continue reading #NNFN ‘Every Word Tells a Story,’ by Tom Read Wilson, illustrated by Ian Morris.
People have long been fascinated by the highwaymen who used to strike fear into the heart of many a wealthy traveller. Lots of us will have studied Alfred Noyes’ famous poem ‘The Highwayman’ at school, and generations of children continue to do so. This book would be a great choice to read along side for … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Stand and Deliver,’ by Philip Caveney, illustration by Jill Tytherleigh.
I’m sure that some of us may be lucky enough to remember, as children, having a gorgeous collection of bedtime stories to pore over every night. And I’m also sure that lots of us will have had a particular favourite which we read time and time again before seeking out other titles by the same … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Faber Book of Bedtime Stories,’ illustrated by Sarah McIntyre.
I want to start with a disclaimer: Chris Riddell is my favourite illustrator and I’d buy any of his books just to pore over the illustrations. In fact, I preordered a copy of this from a bookshop who were lucky enough to have some of Chris’s beautiful illustrations to include them. Therefore, it is with … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Tiggy Thistle and the Lost Guardians,’ by Chris Riddell.
Honestly, I am always so excited when I see that Ian is releasing a new book. His writing is always so honest, emotional, and thought-provoking. It was going to be difficult to produce another picture book to match the beautiful ‘Nen and the Lonely Fisherman,’ but I think he may just have done it! Make … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince,’ by Ian Eagleton, illustrated by Davide Ortu.
Britannica are renowned worldwide for their comprehensive encyclopedias. These are perhaps, a little in-depth for the very smallest knowledge-seekers which makes it doubly brilliant that they’re released a brand new toddler version with sturdy board pages and beautiful full-colour illustrations. ‘The first-ever Britannica Encyclopedia for children under three, in a beautifully illustrated, large-format board book. … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Britannia’s Baby Encyclopedia,’ by Sally Symes, illustrated by Hanako Clulow.
Chris Vick is a stunning writer - his debut novel ‘Girl. Boy. Sea.’ was shortlisted for the 2020 Cilip Carnegie award. When I was given the chance to read his newest title, I just couldn’t pass it up! I also have a special Q&A from Chris for you to enjoy! ‘From killers to conservationists, Carnegie-shortlisted … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Last Whale,’ by Chris Vick, cover by Jessie Price.
There’s a fantastic variety of spooky books for older readers to enjoy, whether they prefer the silly side of Halloween or want proper bone-chilling scares. This post shares some of the newer titles I’ve been sent which are made for reading on a dark and stormy night! ‘Monday 17th JanuaryIt’s finally time for the school … Continue reading Halloween Reads (ages 7+)
Whoop, whoop! My favourite reluctant superhero is back in another unlikely adventure. And this time she’s battling….herself! ‘BEING A SUPERHERO IS THE BEST THING EVER, RIGHT? WRONG!Everyone’s favourite 9¾-year-old reluctant superhero is back, and she’s facing her biggest challenge yet . . . EVERYONE (and EVERYTHING)! Will it all prove too much? Will Pizazz manage … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Pizazz vs Everyone,’ by Sophy Henn.
I think everybody who’s worked with children over the past thirty-five years must, at some point, have read one of Winnie and Wilbur’s adventures. It seems only fitting that there’s now a beautiful foiled hardback edition of the iconic duo’s first adventure, released to celebrate their 35th anniversary. It’s just begging to be read aloud … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Winnie and Wilbur, Winnie the Witch 35th Anniversary Edition,’ by Valerie Thomas, illustrated by Korky Paul.
It’s that time of year when you might be looking for a gently spooky read to get your little pumpkins into the Halloween mood. In this post, I’m sharing a selection of book suitable for readers aged between newborn and seven-years-old. Each features characters who perhaps don’t quite match up to their scary exteriors. ‘Easy-to-use … Continue reading Halloween Reads (ages 0-7)
I love this growing series of seriously fascinating fact-filled finds. First there was Factopia, then there was Return to Factopia, and now there’s Gross Factopia! too, which is (as you may have guessed) crammed to bursting point with some of the most disgusting facts known to mankind! ‘Did you know that sloths poo only once … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Gross Factopia!’ by Paige Towler, illustrated by Andy Smith.
Library Girl and Book Boy 