‘Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom’ by Sangu Mandanna, illustrations by Nabi H. Ali.

Kiki Kallira is more of a worrier than a warrior - but today she will learn to be a hero. The mythical beasts she loves to draw have come to life, and she is the only one who can defeat them. A middle-grade fantasy inspired by Hindu legends about anxiety, creativity and finding your own … Continue reading ‘Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom’ by Sangu Mandanna, illustrations by Nabi H. Ali.

Blog tour: ‘The Worst Day Ever,’ by James Bishop, illustrated by Fay Austin.

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.

Blog tour: ‘Ghostcloud,’ by Michael Mann, cover by Chaaya Prabhat.

Get prepared for an absolute belter of a read with a villain you will despise, a hero you will cheer for, and a grim dystopian London set somewhere in the future! You also need to scroll down and read author Michael Mann’s masterclass on how to write a truly terrifying villain… ‘Kidnapped and forced to … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Ghostcloud,’ by Michael Mann, cover by Chaaya Prabhat.

Blog tour: ‘Bumble & Snug and the Angry Pirates,’ by Mark Bradley.

Today’s my stop on the Bumble & Snug blog tour. I’m always on the look out for new graphic novels and this one’s especially good as it’s suitable for readers aged 5+ “Bumble and Snug are going on an epic journey - well, they're going for a picnic... But when they get lost, these little … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Bumble & Snug and the Angry Pirates,’ by Mark Bradley.

Blog tour: ‘Indigo Wilde and the Creatures of Jellybean Crescent,’ by Pippa Curnick.

Today I’m sharing the first in an eye-popping new series of magical early chapter books packed full of curious creatures and whirlwind adventures! Introducing the wonderful world of Indigo Wilde..... ‘Indigo Wilde and her little brother, Quigley, live at 47 Jellybean Crescent, a crazy and colourful house full of magical Creatures that her parents, World-Famous … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Indigo Wilde and the Creatures of Jellybean Crescent,’ by Pippa Curnick.

Blog Tour: ‘Scribble Witch: Paper Friends,’ by Inky Willis.

I loved the first Scribble Witch title so was delighted to be asked to review book three. The highly-illustrated pages and wonderful word-play engage young readers from the get-go. ‘Molly often experiences some magic to brighten up her school day - thanks to Notes, the tiny paper witch who lives in her pen pot. Notes … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Scribble Witch: Paper Friends,’ by Inky Willis.

Blog Tour: ‘Moon Dog,’ by Jane Elson, cover by Izzy Burton.

Today’s blog post is one for you dog-fans out there. I’m delighted to be sharing ‘Moon Dog’ with you and a special piece by author, Jane Elson, about the importance of thorough research when writing. Marcus sticks out like a sore thumb at school, easily the tallest in his year and angry all the time … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Moon Dog,’ by Jane Elson, cover by Izzy Burton.

‘Boot: Small Robot Big Adventure,’ by Shane Hegarty, illustrated by Ben Mantle.

Today is my stop on the blog tour for ‘Boot: Little Robot Big Adventure,’ the first in a brand new series of highly-illustrated chapter books. I defy you not to fall in love with the rather adorable robot, Boot! Toy robot, Boot, wakes up in a scrapyard with a crack in his face and no … Continue reading ‘Boot: Small Robot Big Adventure,’ by Shane Hegarty, illustrated by Ben Mantle.

Welcome to the Lollies 2018 – being a judge & introducing the short-list.

I am very honoured to be kicking off the blog tour for the Lollies 2018 - a celebration of some of the funniest children’s reads out there! I have always believed in the power of funny books to help transform children into readers and to address tricky issues in an accessible way. Unfortunately, some people … Continue reading Welcome to the Lollies 2018 – being a judge & introducing the short-list.

The Laugh Out Loud 2018 Book Awards (Lollies) Short-list!

I was extremely excited to be invited by Scholastic to be on the judging panel for this year’s Lollies. Although the short-list is decided by the judges, the winners are decided purely by readers, librarians and teachers so make sure you visit http://www.scholastic.co.uk/lollies to vote! Michael Rosen, children’s novelist, poet and former Children’s Laureate, today announced … Continue reading The Laugh Out Loud 2018 Book Awards (Lollies) Short-list!