Save the library, Save the world! Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for the magical ‘The Dragon in the Library.’ To say that Kit is not the biggest fan of reading would be an understatement. As far as she concerned there is nothing worse than being stuck inside a dusty old library having … Continue reading ‘The Dragon in the Library,’ by Louie Stowell, illustrated by Davide Ortu.
Ada is back in fine first chapter book form! She’s still full of questions and still bursting with scientific theories to test but this time she has the support of her fellow Questioneers to help her answer them. In this instalment in the ‘The Questioneers’ series, Ada Twist takes centre stage, already composing several important … Continue reading ‘Ada Twist and the Perilous Pantaloons,’ by Andrea Beaty, illustrations by David Roberts.
Sometimes when children get to the point of being able to confidently read independently they enjoy the challenge of a book which is still highly-illustrated but has more text in it. This is when it's time to reach for some of the brilliant first chapter books which are now available. These are often based on … Continue reading First Chapter Books
Those of you who follow my blog or engage with me on Twitter will know that I am passionate about children’s books, all children’s books, and the power they have to transform a child’s life. There are few more powerful things parents can do for their children as babies which will significantly increase their vocabulary … Continue reading The Funny Thing about Funny Books
The Snow Sisters series is sure to be a hit with fans of the Disney hit, Frozen. It features three sisters with special magical powers. They live in a castle on the island of Nordovia where their family has the important role of Keepers of the Light. The Silver Secret (Book 1) In the first … Continue reading The ‘Snow Sisters’ series by Astrid Foss, cover by Sharon Tancredi, illustrated by Monique Dong.
Introducing a new frosty instalment to the ever-popular Unicorn Academy series. A huge hit in the school library and a perfect stocking-filler for all unicorn fans. Olivia loves being at Unicorn Academy, but can’t help but worry that her unicorn, Snowflake, won’t discover her magic before graduation day. The academy is buzzing with excitement as … Continue reading ‘Olivia and Snowflake,’ by Julie Sykes, illustrated by Lucy Truman.
Now I have a bit of a soft spot for Junior Catch-A-Doggy-Bone as he sent me my very first Christmas card of the year. Naturally I am very pleased to tell you all about his latest book: ‘Happy Howlidays,’ part of the Dog Diaries series. In his second book, Junior explains to his readers all … Continue reading ‘Happy Howlidays,’ by Steven Butler and James Patterson, illustrated Richard Watson.
Did you know that rather plump flying ponies once soared free over the moors of Dartmoor? Or that in some instances their favourite food was the custard cream biscuit (excellent taste!)? No? Then you simply must read the next hilarious adventure from dream duo, Reeve and McIntyre. The legendary Kevin of the book’s title is … Continue reading ‘The Legend Of Kevin,’ by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre.
Everyone’s favourite vampire is back in another wickedly funny installment of Laura Ellen Anderson’s brilliant series. Amelia is busily planning for her big birthnight party at the Pumpkin Patch (one of Amelia’s favourite places as she wants to be a pumpkinologist when she’s older.) Her pet pumpkin, Squashy, has a swanky new outfit to wear … Continue reading ‘Amelia Fang and the Memory Thief,’ by Laura Ellen Anderson.
If you’re looking for a suitably spooky Halloween read, take a peek at one of these. If you dare.... Vlad The World’s Worst Vampire: Midnight Fright by Anna Wilson, illustrated by Kathryn Durst (Stripes Books) Vlad’s back in another adventure and this time his very annoying cousin Lupus is visiting. Poor old Vlad has never … Continue reading Halloween Howlers
I am delighted to have been asked to host a special ‘National Poetry Day’ (on the 4th of October this year) post based on looking at ways of using the amazing variety of poems in this glorious anthology within the classroom. ‘I Am The Seed That Grew The Tree’ is one of Nosy Crow’s most … Continue reading ‘I Am The Seed That Grew The Tree,’ curated by Fiona Waters, illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon.
This title arrived just in time to sneak into my suitcase and I was delighted because I’m always looking for spooky titles which are suitable for slightly younger readers. This one would definitely be fine for anyone aged 7+ Polly is excited to be heading back to Penhallow Hall for half-term and Halloween. … Continue reading Holiday Read #4: ‘The Hounds Of Penhallow Hall – The Secrets Tree,’ by Holly Webb, illustrations by Jason Cockcroft.
I have long been a fan of the work of amazing illustrator/ author Elys Dolan. Her picture books have had my whole family crying with laughter and caused my husband to declare ‘Weasels’ one of his favourite children’s books ever (along with George’s Marvellous Medicine.) Imagine my excitement then, when I received a new chapter … Continue reading Beginners’ Guides from the most bonkers mind of Elys Dolan.
Bertie’s back! Can you believe that this is Bertie’s 30th book? This one contains three mini stories, brilliant for newly independent readers aged 5+ The first of the three mini stories is football-themed to coincide with the World Cup. Bertie is chosen to be match mascot for his local team, the Pudsley Rovers, and can’t … Continue reading ‘Dirty Bertie Mascot!’ By Alan MacDonald, illustrated by David Roberts.
If you’re looking for something new to read, how about one of this foxy new title? Star Friends - Magic Mirror by Linda Chapman, illustrated by Lucy Fleming (Stripes Publishing) Mirror Magic is the first in a new series of books about Maia, her friends and the Star Animals (creatures who must learn to use … Continue reading ‘Star Friends – Mirror Magic,’ by Linda Chapman, illustrated by Lucy Fleming.
I am delighted to tell you that ‘Ottoline and the Purple Fox,’ is now available to paperback! I am even more thrilled to tell you that I have a full signed paperback and print set for one lucky follower to win! Ottoline and her hairy companion, Mr Munroe, were busy planning a dinner party when … Continue reading ‘Ottoline and the Purple Fox,’ by Chris Riddell.
This is the third fangtastic instalment in the brilliant series about a sparky little vampire in a dark and gloomy world. In this adventure, Amelia and her pals: Florence the yeti, Grimaldi the Death and Prince Tangine, plus pet pumpkin, Squashy must bravely enter the terrifying Kingdom of Light to try to find Tangine’s missing mother, … Continue reading ‘Amelia Fang and the Unicorn Lords,’ by Laura Ellen Anderson.
Well according to the calendar, Spring has officially sprung and we can look forward to some glimmers of sunshine and possibly some Easter chocolate. If you are looking to give something a little longer-lasting and better for your teeth than an Easter egg, how about one of these bookish treats...? The First Egg Hunt by … Continue reading Spring has Sprung!
Unicorns are currently riding high on a wave of popularity - there’s a constant queue of children clamouring for magical titles in our school library. That’s why I know they (and our librarian) will be delighted to learn about the sparkling new ‘Unicorn Academy’ series by Julie Sykes, illustrated by Lucy Truman and published by … Continue reading Unicorn Academy…Where Magic Happens.
I'm delighted to introduce you to a magical new series from author Hayley Daze and publisher Willow Tree Books. It features a range of cute and cuddly magical who whisk their human friends away for far-flung adventures. Cuddle the Magic Kitten - Magical Friends by Hayley Daze. The first story in the series sees new … Continue reading Magical First Chapter Books from Hayley Daze.
Library Girl and Book Boy 