Introducing a super-funny blast around the galaxy featuring some very empathetic aliens! Make sure you read author, James Bishop’s piece on how he set about creating and unusually empathetic alien race. Meet Mylan - an ordinary blue alien. He's travelling the universe, looking for someone having a bad day, to help them. Meet Chloe. She's just … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Worst Day Ever,’ by James Bishop, illustrated by Fay Austin.
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 sharing a really beautiful story written as a result of Karl’s recent experience of going through chemotherapy and having friends old and new reach out to him in support. ‘Some friends need a great big hug to make them feel well. Some prefer to be alone. Some listen, others tell the most adventurous … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘How to Mend a Friend,’ by Karl Newson, illustrated by Clara Anganuzzi.
The 10th June 2021 is Empathy Day - Empathy Lab aims to spark a new national conversation about building a more empathetic society, and help young people learn more about empathy and put it into practice. They have produced some excellent ‘Read for Empathy’ book lists and activity packs to help schools and families develop … Continue reading Empathy Lab Blog Tour: ‘Walking in someone else’s shoes,’ featuring Cath Howe.
I was delighted to be asked by The Magic Storybox to review one of their amazing book gift boxes. I chose to review one of their ‘anti-racist book boxes’ but their website also have options to build a box for someone based on your own selections, or to purchase a monthly book subscription packed with … Continue reading The Magic Storybox
Today I have a deliciously creepy title from Carnegie-nominated author, Pádraig Kenny for readers aged ten and up. Mirabelle has always known that she’s different. A monster. But she has always felt safe and loved behind the magical enchantments shielding her and the rest of ‘the Family’ from the human world. The House of Rookhaven … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Monsters of Rookhaven,’ by Pádraig Kenny, illustrated by Edward Bettison.
I love Duncan Beedie’s picture books - funny, wise and beautifully illustrated. Today I have one of his new titles to share with you: ‘Oof Makes an Ouch.’ AND a piece from Duncan about where the early idea for this brilliant book came from along with a peek in his sketchbook. Meet Oof and Pib. … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Oof Makes an Ouch!’ by Duncan Beedie.
Today is my turn to share with you this truly wonderful graphic novel which depicts the true story of life in a refugee camp through the eyes of a young boy. For almost as long as he can remember, Omar and his brother Hassan have lived in the sprawling Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya. Although … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘When Stars are Scattered,’ by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed.
Empathy is a vital human force. One that creates happier children, stronger communities and a better world. It’s come into sharp focus during the pandemic and right now, we’ve never needed it more. Empathy is being able to imagine and share someone else’s feelings. The good news is that it's a skill you can learn, … Continue reading Empathy Day: ‘Flight,’ by Vanessa Harbour.
Receiving a book from Tiny Owl is always such a treat. You know that you’re going to get a beautiful book with an important story tell. ‘Bloom’ definitely falls into this category! You can soon hear me reading it on Tiny Owl’s YouTube channel here. Every morning before school, the little girl and her brother … Continue reading ‘Bloom,’ by Anne Booth, illustrated by Robyn Wilson-Owen.
At a time when the usage of food-banks is on the increase and more and more children are living below the poverty line, We needs books to use as tools to gently explore and explain the reasons behind these things to children. Fortunately, award-winning author/ illustrator Kate Milner has produced a thoughtful picture book which … Continue reading ‘It’s a No Money Day,’ by Kate Milner.
With waiting lists for children’s mental health services getting longer than ever, and pupils sometimes having to wait for years before they get appointments, schools and parents are having to be more proactive than ever when it comes to promoting and developing good mental health in their children. Helping children recognise and manage their feelings, … Continue reading Introducing the ‘Level Headers’ series by Beth Cox & Natalie Costa, illustrated by Vicky Barker.
It was chatting to Karim and the team from Tiny Owl at the CLiPPA awards which gave me the inspiration for this blog post. There they were, a small award-winning independent publisher with a fantastic and diverse catalogue of titles, yet they still found it very difficult to get their books into the larger retailers. … Continue reading Support Our Small Independent and BAME Publishers – how you can help!
Empathy Day (June 11th 2019) is a call to action to explore books which can help develop the skill of empathy. In this current climate of change in the U.K. it is more important than ever that our young people are able to understand situations from different perspectives, not just their own. Its organisers, EmpathyLab, … Continue reading Empathy Day – ‘The difference between hearing and listening,’ by Victoria Williamson.
Mimi Lee would like to introduce you to her THREE-STEP PLAN to train the perfect parents.... Mimi is convinced that parents just don’t understand what children want (a puppy, in her case) but that they shouldn’t be blamed because they’ve never been trained. Cue Mimi’s Three-Point Plan which focuses on communication, trust and routine. Strict … Continue reading ‘How to Train the Perfect Parents,’ by Rebecca Ashdown.
Library Girl and Book Boy 