Once again, an elephant and his friends wreak havoc across the pages of this book in the newest instalment in this snort-inducing series! “Have you ever seen a weightlifting wombat, or a figure-skating alligator?How about a pole-vaulting hippo, or an octopus . . . playing table tennis?Get ready for all sorts of hilarious animal antics … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘You Can’t Let An Elephant Drive a Racing Car,’ by Patricia Cleveland-Peck, illustrated by David Tazzyman.
Sometimes, when it seems that lots of bad things are happening around you, it can be very easy to only focus on the negative. That mindset can be very hard to shift, but wonderful picture books like this one are a good way start changing that perspective. Just that reminder to stop, look around, and … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Thank You for the Little Things,’ by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Emily Hamilton.
It’s that time of year when some of our thoughts may turn to the spooky or the magical. This blog features some of the latest titles I’ve been sent which reflect these themes. Take a look but don’t get scared…! Board Books ‘Five Spooky Friends,’ by Danielle McLean, illustrated by Rosalind Maroney (Little Tiger Press) … Continue reading Happy Halloween
Are you looking to update and enliven your school reading scheme with some exciting, engaging books by award-winning authors? This can be especially challenging for Key Stage Two pupils. Bloomsbury have just released a stunning range of book banded stories for readers aged 7-11 which are full of illustrations and feature guided reading notes and … Continue reading Bloomsbury Readers
It’s my turn to shout about ‘The Viking Who Liked Icing’ and to share with you a special piece by author Lu Fraser about the inspiration behind the story of a young Viking boy who loved to bake. “Nut isn't like the other vikings; he doesn't climb hills or swim icy lakes . but he … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Viking Who Liked Icing,’ by Lu Fraser, illustrated by Mark McKinley.
Today I’m delighted to be sharing a riotous rampage of a picture book packed with animals behaving VERY badly on holiday! A dream combination of crazy escapades, animals who won’t take no for an answer, and the energetic, anarchic illustrations of David Tazzyman! Make sure you read Patricia’s exclusive piece about the inspiration behind her … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘You Can’t Take an Elephant on Holiday,’ by Patricia Cleveland-Peck and David Tazzyman.
Today we’re diving down into the watery depths of the world’s oceans and seas in Caryl Hart’s newest picture book. ‘SPLOOOOSH! We're off on an exciting underwater adventure in our submarine to meet the oceans and seas of our blue planet. Join in with the rhymes and get ready to spot all the smiley-faced, friendly … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Meet the Oceans,’ by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Bethan Woollvin.
With the Stone Age a firm fixture on the primary school national curriculum, it’s always useful to have some new texts up your sleeve to use along with tried and tested favourites. Today I’m going to share with you a selection of titles I’ve been sent which would fit well with a Stone Age topic … Continue reading Stone Age, Bone Age
In my experience, poetry is often overlooked in school and the collection of anthologies available for pupils and staff is often dated or tatty. But why? Why?! Poetry is the ultimate ‘quick-read’ - it can take seconds to read and enjoy a poem. Perfect to fit in a spare moment, to giggle over during independent … Continue reading Poetry in Motion
This book is about the fearless girls who feature in myths and legends from around the world who don’t need anyone to save them! They make their own decisions and shape their own destinies. It contains such a wonderfully diverse selection of tales from around the world, most of which I had never read before. … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Fierce , Fearless and Free,’ by Lari Don, illustrated by Eilidh Muldoon.
I have received a number of beautiful and informative non-fiction titles about the wonderful animal kingdom in recent weeks. A subject of constant fascination amongst children and adults alike, they’ll be spoilt for choice with this gorgeous selection. ‘Hello World Animals’ by Nicola Edwards, illustrated by L’Atelier Cartographik (360 Degrees) This stunning hardback book with … Continue reading The Animal Kingdom
You may think that life as the owner of a Chocolate Factory is all toffee-tasting and jellybean sampling, but you’d be wrong! Archie McBudge is delighted (and slightly shocked) to have inherited a chocolate factory (as well as a huge house and fortune) from his Great-Uncle Archibald. Surely that will be the end to all … Continue reading ‘The Chocolate Factory Ghost,’ by David O’Connell, illustrated by Claire Powell.
It’s a damp, grey bank holiday Monday so what is there to do apart from crack open the latest rib-tickling collection of poetry from Joshua Seigal? The boys were getting restless when rain cancelled play so I whipped open this book and started reading. Soon they were giggling along as we read about cavemen teachers, … Continue reading ‘I Bet I Can Make You Laugh,’ by Joshua Seigal and Friends, illustrations by Tim Wesson.
Empathy Day was founded in 2017 by Empathy Lab who believe in using the power of stories to help us understand each other better and make us more empathetic. This year, Empathy Day 2018 is on 12 June so if you’d like to get involved, download a school pack or the free Read For Empathy Guide Of … Continue reading Celebrating Empathy Day with ‘Perfectly Norman,’ by Tom Percival.
I am very excited to have been asked to be an official cheerleader for one of the amazing nominees for 2018’s Children's Book Award. Organised by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, these are the only awards where the nominees and winners are chosen entirely by children. The nominated book I’ve been asked to celebrate … Continue reading Children’s Book Award nominee – ‘The Explorer,’ by Katherine Rundell, illustrations by Hannah Horn.
Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for: 'I Swapped My Brother on the Internet.' I’m sure those of us with siblings have at some point daydreamed about trading our annoying younger brothers or moody big sisters for an upgraded model. Well, ‘Sweet mangoes of heaven!’ Jonny has discovered a website where he’s able … Continue reading ‘I Swapped My Brother on The Internet,’ by Jo Simmons, illustrated by Nathan Reed.
Welcome to the Maudlin Towers (School for the Not Particularly Bright Sons of the Not Especially Wealthy) blog tour. Step inside the pages of this gloom-laden, gargoyle-infested tome to learn about the bumbling, blubbering inhabitants of this historical (hysterical?) school. Best friends Mildew and Sponge are not the biggest fans of Maudlin Towers. They loathe … Continue reading ‘Maudlin Towers: The Curse of the Werewolf Boy,’ by Chris Priestly.
These next three books are perfect for fans of all things dinosaur. We have some fabulous fiction, non-fiction and a gorgeous colour and discover book. 'The Book of Prehistoric Beasts,' from Angela Rizza and Jonny Marx (Buster Books) This gorgeous book is a clever mix of facts, profiles and fearsome creatures to colour in. … Continue reading Dinotastic Discoveries!
Today I am welcoming onto my blog a fantastic new title from Ruth Lauren and Bloomsbury which would be perfect for readers aged 11+ The cover itself only hints at the adventure which lies within... Valor has engineered her arrest so that she can attempt a feat which hasn't been managed in over three hundred … Continue reading ‘Prisoner of Ice and Snow,’ by Ruth Lauren.
The name's Dan, Dan the Snugaliffic Cuddlestar Bear, and I've got a case to crack... I'm pleased to introduce you to the hilarious 'Spy Toys' series by Mark Powers. Spy Toys - Out of Control This is the second, newest book in the series and is currently enjoying its blog tour so watch out for … Continue reading ‘Spy Toys – Out Of Control!’ By Mark Powers, illustrated by Tim Wesson.
Library Girl and Book Boy 