I’m delighted to be part of the blog tour for ‘Baller Boy,’ the first in a new series from author Venessa Taylor and indie publishing house, Hashtag Press. Written with reluctant readers in mind, Venessa wrote this series to empower its readers, whilst reflecting diversity in football and showcasing different types of families.Shay and Frankie … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Baller Boys,’ by Venessa Taylor, illustrated by Kenneth Ghann.
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 am almost ashamed to admit that I hadn’t read any of Welsh Children’s laureate, Eloise Williams’s titles before ‘Wilde,’ but I had heard the most amazing things about her writing so was excited to get engrossed by Wilde’s story. Wilde has managed to get herself expelled from boarding school, again. Rather than face a … Continue reading ‘Wilde’ by Eloise Williams.
I was super-excited to dive into this book because I had heard lots of excellent things about it on Twitter and then, I received a most intriguing box of goodies, including a class set of samplers, which went to Book Boy’s school. Freddie Yates likes facts, and that’s a fact. But it’s not all that … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates,’ by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by Rob Biddulph.
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.
I’m always so pleased to be able to share with you a beautiful picture book for the diverse publisher, Tiny Owl. Their books promote diversity not only through their themes and content, but also the wonderful collection of authors and illustrators they work with. I was recently asked to produce a video of myself reading … Continue reading ‘There’s Room for Everyone,’ by Anahita Teymorian.
We’re back for a post-bank holiday Tuesday Reviews Day. This week Book Boy has chosen a Derby Daredevils title. Best friends Kenzie and Shelly are desperate to enter a real life roller derby. When their local league announced there’ll be a new junior division, they can’t believe their luck! There’s only one problem - to … Continue reading #TuesdayReviewsDay: ‘The Derby Daredevils: Kenzie Kickstarts a Team,’ by Kit Rosewater, illustrated by Sophie Escabasse.
Chris Haslam is Chief Travel Writer at The Sunday Times, writer of black comedy thrillers for adults and now the author of his first book for children: ‘Orla and the Serpent’s Curse.’ Orla and her family head to a secluded Cornish cottage for they hope will be a relaxing break away from the hustle and … Continue reading ‘Orla and the Serpent’s Curse,’by C. J. Haslam, cover by Paddy Donnelly.
It seems apt that Book Boy Jr. chose to share this book with me in a time of social distancing when it’s very hard for people to physically be ‘together’ with their family and friends. This beautifully-illustrated story explores some of the other ways people can come together in these strange times. ’We Are Together’ … Continue reading #TuesdayReviewsDay ‘We Are Together,’ by Britta Teckentrup.
Ooh readers, you are in for a treat. I read this brilliant curse-filled tale over the course of the day and thoroughly loved it! When Noah Bradley and his family arrive at their newest house in the middle of the night, he can’t help but wonder how long he will be able to call it … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Thirteenth Home of Noah Bradley,’ by Amber Lee Dodd,
I am huge fan of Emer’s hilarious writing (see the Lollies 2018 winner - The Big, Fat, Totally Bonkers Diary of Pig) so was thrilled time see that she had an entirely new series out soon - ‘Pests.’ “When the lights go off the Pests come out!” Told from the perspective of inquisitive mouse, Stix, … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Pests,’ by Emer Stamp.
Welcome to the blog tour for “TrooFriend” by Kirsty Applebaum - make sure you read her thoughts on whether she’d like to own a TrooFriend herself. Having read and loved her debut, “The Middler,” I was very impatient to read her next title and I had high expectations. I was not disappointed. ‘I am a … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘TrooFriend,’ by Kirsty Applebaum,
Welcome one and all. I am splendiferously excited to introduce you to the first title in the Scribble Witch series by Inky Willis. Any book which urges you to bring along your favourite pencil case and features a list of top ten pencil topper in the first few pages is fine with me. It totally … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Scribble Witch: Notes in Class,’ by Inky Willis.
Jennifer Killick is one of the most amazing authors of funny books (see her Alex Sparrow series or Mo, Lottie and the Junkers) so I was more than a little intrigued when I heard that her next book was going to be scary. Maybe even - a horror! Would she keep her trademark humour or … Continue reading ‘Crater Lake,’ by Jennifer Killick.
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
After my recent round up of doggy titles, it’s time for the cats to take over! From picture books to middle grade titles, there’s something for all fans of fabulous felines. ‘It’s My Sausage,’ by Alex Willmore (Maverick Publishing) There are five cats but only one sausage. And none of them are that keen on … Continue reading What’s New Pussycat?
You know when you receive a package in the post from Tiny Owl that it’s going to contain a beautifully produced title of diverse heritage. ‘Under the Great Plum Tree’ comes from Panchatantra, which is an ancient collection of Indian animal fables. Various versions of the same story can be found around the world (making … Continue reading ‘Under the Great Plum Tree,’ by Sufiya Ahmed, illustrated by Reza Dalvand.
I personally believe that as adults and educators, it’s imperative that we encourage our young people to develop and empathy for others and to understand some of the wider issues in the world around. Based on an award-winning poem of Rumble’s, ‘Mustafa’s Jumper’ would be an excellent choice to open up discussions about what it … Continue reading ‘Mustafa’s Jumper,’ by Coral Rumble, illustrated by Charlotte Cooke.
Sharing is something that can be very difficult for young (and some older) children to do. These two picture books are just brilliant for talking about how the characters in the stories cope with having to share and what they could change about their behaviour. It’s then much easier for children to reflect on how … Continue reading Sharing is Caring
Paralympian and author, Ade Adepitan has added a new book to his super ‘Cyborg Cat’ series. This one’s a bit special because Ade and Piccadilly Press have pledged to donate all profits from the sale of this book to Children In Need! After facing starting at a new school and making new friends, Ade (aka … Continue reading ‘Cyborg Cat and the Night Spider,’ by Ade Adepitan, illustrated by Carl Pearce.
Library Girl and Book Boy 