Introducing the first in a brand new series of hilarious middle grade titles from author Nat Luurtsema. ‘10-year-old Opie Jones is Very Ordinary. In fact nothing remarkable has ever happened to her, if you don’t count the cat that gives her funny looks from next door (which she doesn’t). So she is naturally very surprised … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Opie Jones Talks to Animals,’ by Nat Luurtsema, illustrated by Fay Austin.
Today I have a beautifully-illustrated story which skilfully combines a hopeful Christmas message and a powerful warning about conserving our planet for future generations. Every Christmas, after all the presents have been opened, Mia and her family read a precious letter left to her by her grandfather. In it, he recalls the wonderful times they … Continue reading Christmas Advent – Day 15 ‘Grandpa Christmas,’ by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Jim Field.
Classics are classics for a reason, but they can sometimes be inaccessible to younger readers. The collection of books I’m about to share with you are all innovations and reimagining of so true literary greats, but with twists, tweaks and turns which will make them more accessible to today’s readers. Perhaps then, they will be … Continue reading Classics with a Twist
As the night’s draw in and the weather turns chillier, my thoughts always turn to snuggling up under a blanket with a good book. Halloween is a great time to find a new favourite read - whether magical or spooky so I’m bringing you some of the newest choices around. ‘Mirabelle Gets Up to Mischief,’ … Continue reading Happy Halloween!
For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Amelia Fang before: she’s the vampire with a pet pumpkin, Squashy and a whole host of monstrous friends. In her newest adventure, we meet her stinky baby brother, Vincent. Amelia is excited about attending her friend Grimaldi’s birthnight celebrations but her mum has followed … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Amelia Fang and the Trouble With Toads,’ by Laura Ellen Anderson.
Welcome back to the Land of Roar - once a figment of the imaginations of a much younger Rose and Arthur's imaginations, but now a real place accessed through their grandfather's loft. After their last adventure, the twins thought they'd banished Roar's worst villain for good - but perhaps that isn't actually the case.... You … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Return to Roar,’ by Jenny McLachlan, illustrated by Ben Mantle.
I absolutely loved Aisha’s debut middle grade novel, ‘A Pocketful of Stars,’ so was very excited to see what she would write next. The magical ‘Moonchild: Voyage of the Lost and Found’ was the answer! (You can listen to Aisha on my podcast HERE.) I also had the opportunity ask Aisha some questions about the … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Moonchild: Voyage of the Lost and Found,’ by Aisha Bushby, illustrated by Rachael Dean.
You just know that any book whose tagline is: ‘A hilarious story of LOLs, llamas, dramas and finding your voice,’ is going to be a quirky, joyous read! Yasmin lives in a very loud house in the East End of London, full of bustling aunties trying to force her into sequinned dresses, annoying brothers playing … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Llama Out Loud,’ by Annabelle Sami, illustrated by Allen Fatimaharan.
In the approach to Fathers’ Day in the U.K., I like to share titles which celebrate dads in all their glory. I am particularly impressed by the two I’m showcasing today as they have inclusivity and diversity at their cores. ‘That’s my Daddy!’ by Ruth Redford, illustrated by Dan Taylor (Egmont Publishing) Daddies come in … Continue reading Three cheers for the dads!
Today is World Maths Day. And what better way to celebrate than with a book? A great picture can help develop both a love of reading AND improve maths skills at the same time . I’m going to share three new books all about counting which would be great to use at any time. Not … Continue reading Books You Can Count On (or with!)
Fans of funny and all things Barry Loser will be delighted to learn that creator of craziness, Jim Smith is back with a BRAND NEW series! The Pebble family (humans not stones) are moving to Donut Island and it would be fair to say that neither of the kids (Melvin and Violet) are looking forward … Continue reading ‘A Super Weird Mystery: Danger at Donut Diner,’ by Jim Smith
With time for music and dance being squeezed out of the primary school timetable, it seems important that we use every means necessary to encourage and inspire a love of music and dancing in children. This varied selection of picture is sure to cause music-making and merriment amongst their readers. ‘Jazz Dog’ by Marie Voigt … Continue reading Make a Song and Dance about it – books which celebrate the arts.
This book is just a little bit special. It beautifully melds a touching story about the struggles between a mother and a daughter who’s growing up with a strong fantasy/ gaming theme. Unlike anything I’ve read before but totally enchanting. *UPDATE* Aisha’s wonderful book has just been nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2020 - … Continue reading ‘A Pocketful Of Stars,’ by Aisha Busby.
Flat Stanley is the classic tale of a boy who’s as flat as a pancake and now it’s available in a new picture book version for younger fans to enjoy! When Arthur Lambchop alerts his parents to an accident which has occurred in the bedroom he shares with his brother Stanley, they seem more concerned … Continue reading ‘Flat Stanley’ – the picture book edition by Jeff Brown, illustrated by Rob Biddulph.
This is a book for anyone who used to while away the hours as a childhood immersed in an imaginary world or playing made up games with rules nobody outside your circle of friends would understand. I had the pleasure of interviewing Jenny about these very things for my Library Girl and Book Boy podcast, … Continue reading ‘The Land of Roar,’ by Jenny McLachlan, illustrated by Ben Mantle.
The unicorn trend is still going strong with readers wanting a touch of glitter and sparkle in their bedtime stories. I am pleased, however, to see a new breed of unicorns breaking through. Unicorns who refuse to conform to their sweet and sugary image. Bring on the Grumpycorns, the hungry-corns and the downright naughty-corns (and … Continue reading Unicorns: glitter and rainbows?
Research has proven the many benefits of snuggling up with a little one and sharing a story, so what better way to celebrate father’s day than with a brand new story book featuring the man himself? Here are three picture books we’ve read recently and a little homage to my own father. ‘What’s Next?’ … Continue reading Father’s Day Reads
I was very excited to open an excellent bundle of Narwhal and Jelly goodies last week. Nearly as excited as Book Boy Who, despite being ill, grabbed the two graphic novels which had been carefully wrapped up and started reading them immediately. Much giggling ensued! Finding graphic novels suitable for younger readers can be very … Continue reading ‘Narwhal and Jelly,’ by Ben Clanton.
It’s never too early to start teaching young girls (and boys) that they have the power to do whatever they want to. Luckily, girls are no longer consigned to the role of helpless princess in the books available for them to enjoy. I’m going to share with you some of the celebratory and stereotype-busting titles … Continue reading Here Come the Girls! (International Women’s Day)
With World Book Day fast approaching, I thought it would be a good idea to share some of the new books about books I’ve received recently in case you’re looking for inspiration! ‘The World Book Day Monster’ by Adam & Charlotte Guillain, illustrated by Ada Grey (Egmont) I think we can all sympathise with Anna, … Continue reading Books about books!
Library Girl and Book Boy 