You may have already spotted Dom’s original story: ‘Meet Matilda Rocket Builder,’ but today I have an exclusive short story to share with you all….. ‘Going to the Moon is SO last century, so how difficult can it be―even for a ten-year-old―to follow in the footsteps of Neil Armstrong and the Apollo astronauts? Meet Matilda, … Continue reading Exclusive! ‘Meet Matilda Rocket Builder: The Early Years Planets and Stars,’ – an original short story by Dom Conlon, illustrated by Heidi Cannon.
We couldn’t have a French week on the blog without visiting Paris and who better to guide us than a high-kicking cat with dreams of becoming an entertainer! Cat was born in an alleyway behind a fishmongers, and although she loved playing with her brothers, sisters and cousins, she couldn’t help but wonder if there … Continue reading ‘Paris Cat,’ by Dianne Hofmeyr, illustrated by Piet Grobler.
It is so refreshing to see a wave of ‘real voices’ titles appearing in the middle grade category. Interesting and often challenging stories told from an authentic viewpoint. In this case, we get to read about Addie, an autistic girl, written by neurodivergent author, Elle McNicoll. Addie has been having a tough time recently. Her … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘A Kind of Spark,’ by Elle McNicoll.
‘I am brown. I am amazing. I am you.’ Every child deserves to see their faces beaming back at them from the pages of the books they read. With 33.1% of our school children being BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic), it is vital that school book collections reflect this. Lantana Publishing are certainly flying … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘I Am Brown,’ by Ashok Banker, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat.
Reading with a child is one of the most important things you can do to help develop their vocabulary, bond and start a reading habit that could last a lifetime. Little Tiger and Caterpillar Books have sent me some of their lovely new releases to enjoy and share with you too. Baby 101 Touch-and-Trace Series … Continue reading Snuggle-up with a Brilliant Board Book!
I’ve a great book to share with you today. It might just set someone on the path to their future career, and will certainly make you giggle when you read about some of the weird, wonderful and disgusting things people do for a living! So what do you want to be when you grow up? … Continue reading ‘Incredible Jobs You’ve (probably) Never Heard Of,’ by Natalie Labarre.
When this book pirouetted its way through my letterbox, I knew it was destined to find its forever home at my ballet-loving niece’s house. So before I deliver it this afternoon, here’s a little review so you can enjoy it too. Betty Bunny Dreams of becoming a ballerina, like her heroes Darcey Burrow and Rudolph … Continue reading ‘Ballet Bunnies,’ by Lucy Freegard.
Every so often a book comes along which perfectly mirrors life in the society about which it is written. I am very sad to say that ‘Running on Empty’ does just that. Focussing on the timely issues of modern-day poverty and young carers, it sharply brings into view the pressures faced by children and their … Continue reading ‘Running on Empty,’ by S.E.Durrant, cover by Rob Biddulph. Plus exclusive guest post.
‘Trailblazers who dared to be different.’ This year has already provided many fantastic excuses to celebrate amazing women. We’ve had the 100th anniversary of the first women gaining the right to vote in this country, and on the 8th March, it’s International Women’s Day. If you consider these events excellent reasons to buy a new … Continue reading ‘Anthology of Amazing Women,’ by Sandra Lawrence, illustrations by Nathan Collins.
Library Girl and Book Boy 