Honestly, I am always so excited when I see that Ian is releasing a new book. His writing is always so honest, emotional, and thought-provoking. It was going to be difficult to produce another picture book to match the beautiful ‘Nen and the Lonely Fisherman,’ but I think he may just have done it! Make … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince,’ by Ian Eagleton, illustrated by Davide Ortu.
I think everybody who’s worked with children over the past thirty-five years must, at some point, have read one of Winnie and Wilbur’s adventures. It seems only fitting that there’s now a beautiful foiled hardback edition of the iconic duo’s first adventure, released to celebrate their 35th anniversary. It’s just begging to be read aloud … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Winnie and Wilbur, Winnie the Witch 35th Anniversary Edition,’ by Valerie Thomas, illustrated by Korky Paul.
It’s that time of year when you might be looking for a gently spooky read to get your little pumpkins into the Halloween mood. In this post, I’m sharing a selection of book suitable for readers aged between newborn and seven-years-old. Each features characters who perhaps don’t quite match up to their scary exteriors. ‘Easy-to-use … Continue reading Halloween Reads (ages 0-7)
Have you ever wondered what really happened to the dinosaurs? Well this chilly tale from best-selling author Kes Gray will explain all! ‘Brrr! The Ice Age is coming, the temperatures are dropping and the dinosaurs are frrreezing. Only one thing will keep them warm - woolly jumpers! But dinosaurs can't knit, can they? Find out … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Brrr!’ by Kes Gray and Nick East.
ReadyForSpaghetti by @MichaelRosenYes, illustrated by @PollyDunbar is a delicious collection of funny poems for the very littlest of little ones. They beg to be read aloud and stomped around to! Gorgeous, heart-warming illustrations. #poetry This one seems apt given the downpours we’ve been having recently! “From two of the biggest names in children's publishing, this … Continue reading Poetry Spotlight: ‘Ready for Spaghetti,’ by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Polly Dunbar.
Today I’m sharing a picture book which is a must-read for any bear hunters out there. PLUS, I’ve got a brilliant bearish craft activity to help keep young readers amused… ‘The BEST BEAR TRACKER in the world is on the lookout! But can she find a bear?How do you spot a bear? In The Best … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Best Bear Tracker,’ by John Condon, illustrated by Julia Christians.
I am always on the look out for new picture books which empower children to be themselves. Brave Dave (by the pair behind ‘Giraffes Can’t Dance’) does just that. It is great for opening up conversations about how we all have different strengths and are all brave on different ways. Make sure you read Giles’ … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Brave Dave,’ by Giles Andreae & Guy Parker-Rees.
We are so lucky to have so many gorgeous new picture books to help children learn about an important part of the United Kingdom’s recent history - the journey of the Empire Windrush and the stories of its passengers who set sail in search of a new life. “One day, Ava is asked to dress … Continue reading ‘Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush,’ by Patrice Lawrence, illustrated by Camille Sucre.
The arrival of the Windrush in 1948 is celebrated every year on Windrush Day, 22nd June. Until recently, there were very few children’s books about the influx of men, women, and children from Caribbean countries coming to the U.K. to start new lives and fill post-war labour shortages. Award-winning Dr Benjamin Zephaniah has previously written … Continue reading ‘We Sang Across the Sea: The Empire Windrush and Me,’ by Benjamin Zephaniah & Onyinye Iwu.
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.
Eid is a festival which is celebrated by millions of people around the world. You might be looking for a new book which explains what happens on this special day, including traditions, foods and greetings. ‘The Most Exciting Eid’ captures the excitement of the day as seen through the eyes of a young girl called … Continue reading ‘The Most Exciting Eid,’ by Zeba Talkhani, illustrated by Abeeha Tariq.
Dinosaurs are a perennial favourite with little ones so I’m always excited to discover a brand new dino book on the market - especially one which is as much fun as this! “What is that stomping and stamping of feet? It looks like a party on Dinosaur Street! They’re all in a frenzy and eager … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Who Will You Meet on Dinosaur Street?’ by Gareth Peter, illustrated by Tim Budgen.
More and more young people are standing up and taking action to help reverse the damage humans have done to the Earth’s climate before it’s too late. This gorgeous story tells the tale of a young girl who takes matters into her own hands and decides to replant a barren mountainside. When a little girl's … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Girl Who Planted Trees,’ by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Anastasia Suvorova.
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.
‘Reflecting Realities’ is the name of a powerful piece of research conducted by the CLPE (Centre for Literacy in Primary Education) which focussed on extent and quality of ethnic representation and diversity within children’s literature. Their third report (published in November 2020) found that only 7% of children’s literature published over the past three years … Continue reading Reflecting Realities – Part 1 (diverse ethnicities)
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
Today I’m sharing a brilliant interactive, wonderfully informative picture book about the weird and wonderful noises animals make. Why do owls hoot? Why do cats purr? Can you curl up like a sleepy snake? I also have a special Q&A from author Moira Butterfield about the inspiration and processes behind creating her two fabulous animal … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Sing Like a Whale – Learn How to Make a Noise Like Animals Do,’ by Moira Butterfield, illustrated by Gwen Millward.
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.
During lockdown, we came to appreciate just how much we relied on our library to keep our supply of information books up-to-date - particular during the school holidays. The (thankfully) temporary closing of our library was a huge loss for us and many others - including Rosa and her sister.... ‘From the winner of the … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘We Want Our Books,’ by Jake Alexander.
Library Girl and Book Boy 