Let me start by saying that children are NEVER too old for picture books. EVER. There, I’ve said it. But there will probably come a time when they’d like something a little wordier to tuck into. Luckily, there is now a huge range of highly-illustrated first chapter books designed especially for this market. All the … Continue reading Fantastical First Chapter Books
Today I’m sharing the first title in a magical new series for readers aged 6 and up, and it just so happens to feature a rather mischievous baby dragon and their seven-year-old owner, Luma. Be sure to read author Leah Mohammed’s piece about the special bond between children and their pets. ‘When Luma Dewan wakes … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Luma and the Pet Dragon,’ by Leah Mohammed, illustrated by Loretta Schauer.
Introducing a brand new series of highly-engaging first chapter books featuring our new favourite hero: Marv (and his robot sidekick, Pixel.) Marv and the Mega Robot Marvin is an ordinary boy who loves spending time with Grandpa, reading comics, and making science experiments with his best friend Joe. But everything changes when he discovers a … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Marv,’ by Alex Falase-Koya illustrated by Paula Bowles.
A new collaboration between author-illustrator duo Haddow and Dempsey is always going to be a cause for celebration (have you read the Dave Pigeon series?) but especially when it’s the first title in a new series of brilliantly bad early chapter books. And by that, I mean ‘bad’ as in ‘good!’ “Are you sick of … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Bad Panda,’ by Swapna Haddow and Sheena Dempsey.
Today I’m hosting part 1 of a fascinating Q&A with author-illustrator Paul Morton. It’s absolutely packed with tips for any budding author/ illustrators! For parts 2 and 3, you’ll need to visit the other stops on the blog tour too. Bug Belly is back! After the first instalment in this highly-illustrated first chapter book series … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Bug Belly Froggy Rescue,’ by Paul Morton.
Today I’m sharing a new instalment in the Tindims series by Costa and Carnegie-winning author, Sally Gardner. It’s worth. I thing that this whole series is printed in a special dyslexia-friendly font, making it particularly accessible. ‘The tiny Tindims are like the Borrowers-on-Sea, who turn our everyday rubbish into treasure. Mother-and-daughter duo, prizewinning Sally Gardner … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘The Tindims and the Ten Green Bottles,’ by Sally Gardner, illustrated by Lydia Corry.
This time I have an early chapter book for you. Packed with engaging comic-book style illustrations and plenty of laughs, this would be perfect for anyone aged 7+. ‘This fun, anarchic series revolves around a boy called Max and his mission to make the world a better place. In each book in the series Max … Continue reading Earth Day 2021 Spotlight: ‘Max Takes A Stand,’ by Tim Allman, illustrated by Nick Shepherd.
My son has just been enjoying one of Mark Powers’ other titles - Spy Toys - as part of his school topic so I was very pleased when a brand new space adventure by Mark came dropping through my letterbox. I also have an interesting piece by Mark on his favourite things about writing about … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Space Detectives,’ by Mark Powers, illustrated by Dapo Adeola.
The brilliantly magnificent Mabel is back in a new title with a festive twist. It features three chucklesome short stories which would be perfect for readers who are developing in confidence. Life often doesn’t seem for to Mabel Chase. School is always so sameish, no-one wants to let her look after her baby cousin, and … Continue reading Christmas Advent – Day 22 ‘Magnificent Mabel and the Christmas Elf,’ by Ruth Quayle, illustrated by Julia Christians.
Today I have an icy Antarctic adventure to share with you. The second title in this highly-engaging series for newly confident readers: Ever since eight-year-old Agnes became a fully-fledged member of SPEARS (Society for the Protection of Endangered and Awesomely Rare Species), she has kept her uniform safely folded under her bed ready for an … Continue reading Christmas Advent – Day 20 ‘Agents of the Wild: Operation Icebeak,’ by Jennifer Bell and Alice Lickens.
National Non-Fiction November is an annual celebration of non-fiction for children and young people organised by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups. Visit their website for more information, ideas and resources http://www.fcbg.org.uk/national-non-fiction-november-2020 For my stop on this epic blog tour, I get to share a brilliant eco-adventure for newly confident readers: ‘Lottie Loves Nature: Frog … Continue reading NNFN Book Review Tour: ‘Lottie Loves Nature: Frog Frenzy,’ by Jane Clarke, illustrated by James Brown.
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!
I am so pleased that Michelle Harrison is bringing her special brand of magic to a brand new series of first chapter books for newly confident readers. This first instalment was born out of her love for often unwanted black cats. Make sure you read Michelle’s piece about why black cats are so magical. When … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Midnight Magic,’ by Michelle Harrison, illustrated by Elissa Elwick.
Becoming a big sister is a big deal! It can sometimes be difficult for children to adapt to the idea of life with another sibling but stories like ‘Sona Sharma’ will help reassure them that they will be just as loved and important even after the new baby has arrived. Sona is very used to … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Sona Sharma Very Best Big Sister,’ by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Jen Khatun.
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.
I was so pleased to see another title for younger chapter book fans by Sylvia Bishop - I'd loved ‘Bookshop Girl’ and was eager for more. Betsy’s parents are world famous concert pianists and, despite what they say, Betsy knows they’d like nothing more than for her to carry on the family business. The only … Continue reading ‘44 Tiny Secrets,’ by Sylvia Bishop, illustrated by Ashley King.
It would seems that people are always looking for new first chapter books for readers who are looking for some that’s still highly-illustrated and engaging, but also a little wordier. Fear not, I have a brand new selection of titles which might just fit the bill! If you still more suggestions, click here. These would … Continue reading Further Fabulous First Chapter Books
I recently reviewed ‘Saving Winslow,’ by Sharon Creech. This heart-warming book is all about Louie. He had been hoping for a puppy to care for but instead his father brought home a sickly newborn donkey from his uncle’s farm. Louie didn’t have a great track record when it came to nurturing small creatures, with worms … Continue reading Designing ‘Saving Winslow,’ by illustrator, Sarah Horne.
The Questioneers are back for another mystery-packed adventure and I have a peek at the first chapter - just for you! This time our favourite child-architect, Iggy Peck, is taking the lead. When Ada Twist's Aunt Bernice inherits an old house full of rooms from all of Iggy's favourite architectural periods, his head's swirling with … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘The Questioneers: Iggy Peck and the Mysterious Mansion,’ by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts.
If you haven’t read any of Sharon Creech’s stories, ‘Saving Winslow’ is a great place to start, followed up by her verse novel ‘Love that Dog.’ Louie had been hoping for a puppy to care for but instead his father brings home a sickly newborn donkey from his uncle’s farm. Louie doesn’t have a great … Continue reading ‘Saving Winslow,’ by Sharon Creech, illustrated by Sarah Horne.
Library Girl and Book Boy 