One of the amazing things about young children is the enthusiasm and joy with which they approach their creative endeavours. When is it that doubt starts to set in and that creative freedom switches to something more conformist? In some cases, the pressure to make things ‘perfect’ can become a real barrier to a child’s … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Art and Joy – best friends for ever,’ by Danielle Krysa.
In this post, I’m sharing some of the books I’ve received which celebrate the visual arts and music. With time for the sets bring squeezed out of the school timetable, it’s more important than ever that children can access resources which encourage them to express themselves artistically and learn about some of the great artists … Continue reading Artistically Speaking
Our young people live in an increasingly visual world - branding, advertising, and online images are a part of everyday life. The ability to decode and critically analyse images is key to becoming aware of when art is seeking manipulate your emotions or thoughts in some way. This fascinating book explores how typography, colour, and … Continue reading ‘Art of Protest – What Revolution Looks Like,’ by De Nichols, illustrated by Diana Dagadita, Saddo, Olivia Twist, Molly Mendoza, and Diego Becas.
Today I’m kicking off the blog tour for a brand new title by award-winning novelist Sita Brahmachari. ‘When Shadows Fall’ pis a powerful exploration of grief, exclusion, and friendship for teen readers told in prose and free verse. There are also stunning illustrated pages and sections throughout which echo the story’s theme of the therapeutic … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘When Shadows Fall,’ by Sita Brahmachari, illustrated by Natalie Sirett.
You might know Rob Biddulph best as a creator of amazing picture books (Odd Dog Out being one of my favourites.) Or perhaps as the ‘draw-along’ world record breaker? Well now he’s turned his hand to writing a longer novel for slightly older readers which is still absolutely packed with gorgeous illustrations! Some legends are … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City,’ by Rob Biddulph.
The final biography I’ll be sharing this week is ‘We Are Artists’ - an absolute treasure trove of information and stunning artwork reproductions, celebrating 15 women artists from around the globe. It studies their lives, their art and their legacy, and looks at how their unique perspectives gave us a new way of seeing things. … Continue reading ‘We Are Artists,’ by Kari Herbert.
This next collection of biographies features fifty individuals who weren’t afraid to break boundaries, take risks and dream big. This book is beautifully illustrated and features a fantastic mix of people - well-known and not so well-known. It has entries for inventors, scientists, artists, sports people, writers, film makers and actors, amongst others. I was … Continue reading They Did it First: 50 Scientists, Artists and Mathematicians who Changed the World,’ by Julie Leung, illustrated by Caitlin Kuhwald.
On a lazy Sunday afternoon, Book Boy Jr. decided that he was feeling creative so I whipped out my box of ‘Art Out of the Box’ activity cards to test out. Although I sometimes find doing art at home (and in school) a little stressful, I know that it’s brilliant for developing motor skills, expressing … Continue reading ‘Art Out of the Box,’ concept from Nicky Hoberman, illustrated by Hiromi Suzuki & ‘Matisse’s Magical Trail,’ by Tim Hopgood, illustrated by Sam Boughton.
With the 50th anniversary of the moon landing being celebrated this July, I’m seizing the opportunity to share all of the fantastic Space-themed books I’ve been enjoying recently. ‘Molly’s Moon Mission’ by Duncan Beedie (Templar Books) Duncan Beedie is one of my favourite picture book creators. All of his books are right on target as … Continue reading Take-off With A Good Book!
What better way to kick off National Non-Fiction November than with this gorgeous little collection of biographies about some of the world’s most famous faces. Frida Kahlo by Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Marianna Madriz. This volume explores why Frida Kahlo is a twentieth century art icon. It looks at how she used her bold painting … Continue reading Little Guides to Great Lives
It’s important that all children find themselves and their beliefs reflected in the books they see around them. This blog post is showcasing two books based in the Muslim world. ‘Night of the Moon - a Muslim Holiday Story’ by Hena Khan, illustrated by Julie Paschkis (Chronicle Books) This beautiful picture book follows the story … Continue reading Tales to Embrace Muslim Culture
It’s that time of year when minds turn to new shoes, crisp new notebooks and tricked-out pencil cases - Back to School time! And it’s no different at St. Grizzle’s, the boarding school with a difference..... St. Grizzle’s School for Girls, Goats and Random Boys is the very first title in the series and tells … Continue reading St. Grizzle’s School For Girls by Karen McCombie, illustrated by Becka Moor.
The Summer holidays are upon us. Five weeks of relaxing in the sunshine whilst the children gambol around merrily, amusing themselves and behaving impeccably. Or, five weeks of rain, boredom, complaining and niggling. Whichever sounds closest to the holiday you’re having, one of these titles might just provide a window of calm and tranquility in your … Continue reading Summer Holiday Boredom-Busters
I am a huge fan of the canine bakers extrodinaire so was thrilled to receive a brand spanking new copy (plus TWO to giveaway!) of their latest adventure en Paris! Not only that, but the terrific twosome shared some of their baking knowhow and also sent over their top-secret gingerbread recipe and Eiffel Tower cookie … Continue reading ‘Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam – The Missing Masterpiece,’ by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Steven Lenton.
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” Harriet Tubman. Herstory is a gorgeous collection of biographies featuring some of the world’s most inspiring women and girls. Drawn from all walks of life and … Continue reading ‘Herstory – 50 Women and Girls Who Shook the World,’ by Katherine Halligan, illustrated by Sarah Walsh.
Unicorns are a major trend at the moment, with every self-respecting child (and adult) of a certain age are clamouring after everything sparkles and rainbows. Throw in some crafty colouring too and you have pretty much their perfect book. When this fabulous book arrived in the post, I knew the perfect group of testers - … Continue reading ‘Press Out and Decorate Unicorns,’ by Kate McLelland.
Any book which makes its reader twist, turn, jump and shout gets a huge thumbs up in our house. That's why we were so excited to receive these three titles recently... Crocodali by Lucy Volpin (Templar Publishing) Crocodali considers himself one of the world's greatest artists and YOU are privileged enough to be invited to … Continue reading Twist and shout!
Library Girl and Book Boy 