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.
Today I’m delighted to be sharing Kirsti Beautyman’s beautiful debut picture book, ‘The Mist Monster.’ Penny and her dad have just moved house but Penny’s not sure that she likes it. Dad convinces her to go and explore, but she’ll only go once they’ve found mum’s old explorer hat. Unfortunately the dog takes a fancy … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘The Mist Monster,’ by Kirsti Beautyman.
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.
Today I’m sharing another great picture book about the power of friendship. This one’s just a little different as its focus is on the power collaboration - perfect for team-building at the start of another school year. I can see it prompting a lot of interesting conversations and projects on being a good friend and … Continue reading ‘Together We Can,’ by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Ali Pye.
As they head back to nursery and school, children might be thinking about making new friends. ‘Hello, Friend!’ is a charming picture book about just that. Inspired by her own daughter who is always keen to make new friends, Cobb has created a wittily-observed story about a little girl who is determined to make friends … Continue reading ‘Hello, Friend!’ By Rebecca Cobb.
Today’s my turn to tip, shake and turn on the Save the Day for Ada May! blog tour. Not only am I sharing my and Book Boy Junior’s review of the book, I also have an exclusive Q&A with the story’s illustrator, Patrick Corrigan. I’m very pleased to be highlighting the book’s illustrator as so … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Save the Day for Ada May!’ by Elizabeth Dale, illustrated by Patrick Corrigan.
I thought that, in the run up to sports days across the land, now might be a good time to share this brilliant title. It only reminds me a very little bit of myself! From the team who also brought you ‘I Really Want the Cake!’ (a favourite in our household), our heroine is back … Continue reading ‘I Really Want to Win’ By Simon Philip, illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti.
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
Learning to read can be a tricky (and sometimes tedious) business. Although it can be beneficial to read a series of books based on familiar characters, the stories can end up being a little formulaic and uninspiring. My years of teaching (and parenting) experience have shown me nothing if not that variety is the spice … Continue reading Maverick Early Readers – Purple to Gold.
Morag is well-known for her best-selling, eye-popping picture books with wry humour and characters you could fall in love with. It’s for this reason I squeaked in excitement when I spotted ‘Brenda’ peeking out of the Jiffy bag. Book Boy snaffled it first and was sniggering away to himself as he read, but it wasn’t … Continue reading ‘Brenda is a Sheep,’ by Morag Hood.
This is a post for any of you planning to mark Refugee Week 2019 by raising awareness and promoting discussion about acceptance, kindness and refugees in your schools or homes. The books I’m going to share with you should be explored all year round, but I thought a special week may be … Continue reading National Refugee Week 2019 (17th-23rd June)
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)
Do you love shopping? Do you love dinosaurs? Then head for The Dinosaur Department Store and its stonking blog tour! It’s Eliza Jane’s fourth birthday and she knows exactly what she wants. Not a colouring book, bike or a fluffy bunny. What she really wants is a pet dinosaur! Her beleaguered parents obligingly take her … Continue reading ‘The Dinosaur Department Store,’ by Lily Murray, illustrated by Richard Merritt.
“My Ted’s special. Stripy Ted. He’s not allowed to leave my bed.” The boy and his bear go everywhere together. They’ve crossed oceans and deserts, slain monsters and climbed mountains. But the duo’s adventurous lifestyle has taken its toll on Bear. Where once he sported luxurious golden stripes, now he’s threadbare and worn. He’s lost … Continue reading ‘Loved to Bits,’ by Teresa Healy, illustrated by Katie Cleminson.
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!
Sometimes a child’s emotions can build up inside them until they think thet might pop. This story may help them find away to express their emotions in a healthier way. Cub is angry. His sister keeps getting him into trouble and it’s just not fair! Feelings of anger are building up inside him and … Continue reading ‘The Big Angry Roar,’ by Jonny Lambert.
Morag Hood’s books are instantly recognisable. Her bold, bright style has earnt her two nominations for the 2019 CILIP Greenaway Medal and a shortlisting for the Scottish Book Trust’s 2019 Bookbug picture book prize. Aalfred and Aalbert are aardvarks desperately searching for a friend. They’re practically next-door neighbours but their paths never cross because Aalfred … Continue reading ‘Aalfred and Aalbert,’ by Morag Hood.
It can be a constant battle trying to persuade young children to remember their manners. One of these three picture books may just help make things a little easier. Good luck! ‘Wild Violet’ by Alex Latimer, illustrated by Patrick Latimer (Pavilion Books) Violet was born wild and, despite people’s assurances to the contrary, … Continue reading Mind Your Manners
Following on from the success of their first picture book collaboration, ‘You’re Safe With Me,’ Soundar and Mistry have created another beautiful title in the series. The story begins at the start of winter when two polar bear cubs are born in their icy den. Their mama bear promises to keep them warm and snug … Continue reading ‘You’re Snug With Me,’ by Chitra Soundar and Poonam Mistry.
Library Girl and Book Boy 