*Winner of the Blue Peter Book Award 2020* After reading and loving Vashti’s debut novel, Brightstorm, it was with much anticipation and excitement that I awaited a copy of her newest adventure ‘WildSpark.’ A whole new world and its inhabitants awaited me. Prue lives on a farm with her Ma and Pa, spending her time … Continue reading ‘WildSpark,’ by Vashti Hardy, cover by George Ermos.
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
Book Boy is a huge fan of Top Gear, Formula One racing (and any other type of motor racing for that fact!) so he was especially excited when this new Stig-based adventure dropped through the letterbox, ready for its blog tour. “Some say he is merely a phantom - a figment of our imaginations. And … Continue reading ‘The Stig: Playing a Dangerous Game,’ by Jon Claydon & Tim Lawler, illustrated by Kanako & Yuzuru.
One of the things I love most about children’s authors, is the seamless way they blend challenging and sensitive issues with humour to make the subject matter approachable for children. ‘Walls’ fits brilliantly into this category with its main character Ned struggling to come to terms with his parents’ divorce and break-up of peer friendships. … Continue reading ‘Walls,’ by Emma Fischel, cover by Sarah Darby.
International World Book Giving Day is now in its sixth year and continues to spread far and wide across the globe, with people in countries such as Nepal, India, Canada, Romania, South Africa, UK, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Fiji, Nigerian, Czech Republic, USA, Cambodia and the Philippines. Phew! It is run entirely by … Continue reading International Book Giving Day 2018
****Breaking News!!!**** Congratulations are due to the excellent David Solomons as ‘My Gym Teacher is an Alien Overlord,’ won the PopJam Readers’ Choice Award at the Lollies 2017 award ceremony tonight! I am absolutely thrilled for everyone involved and can’t wait for another instalment in the future. I am so excited and honoured to be … Continue reading Lollies 2017 Winner! ‘My Gym Teacher is an Alien Overlord,’ by David Solomons, illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson, typography by Rob Biddulph
As you may know, voting for this year's Laugh Out Loud 2017 Book Awards is now open. To help you choose your winner, Scholastic have very generously given me a book bundle to give away which contains all the nominees for the 6-8 year old category! These would be the perfect addition to any bookcase … Continue reading Awesome Lollies short-list giveaway!
I is very excited to have gotten my trotters on a copy of the hilarious fourth book in the fart-tastic Pig series. You can too if you read to the bottom to find out how to enter my fabulous book bundle giveaway! This instalments finds Pig on the run from Deathra (armed with tasers and … Continue reading ‘The Big, Fat, Totally Bonkers Diary of Pig,’ by Emer Stamp.
A Halloween must-have for all would-be monster hunters aged 9-11 years old (or above). But BEWARE , this horrifying handbook is only for the very bravest of readers... Lurking within the pages of this terrifying tome are loads of tips and trivia about ghosts, ghouls and zombies (to name but a few.) A humorous guide … Continue reading ‘The Horror Handbook,’ by Paul van Loon, illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
As the season changes from Summer to Autumn, I'd like to introduce you to some brilliant books about the natural kingdom. Children always seem to fascinated by the world around them, particularly creepy-crawlies and wildlife. The books featured in this blog post will inspire children to go outside and hunt out the plants and creatures … Continue reading Natural Wonders of the Bookish World
Library Girl and Book Boy 