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)
I’m always very interested to read titles which have been translated from other languages; they often have a completely different style and feel from the children’s books published here in the U.K. The fairy tale, ‘Arnica, the Duck Princess’ has been translated into English from the original Hungarian. Princess Arnica was the daughter of King … Continue reading ‘Arnica, the Duck Princess,’ by Ervin Lázár, illustrated by Jacqueline Molnár, translated by Anna Bentley.
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.
It’s here. The final instalment in the brilliant ‘Who Let The Gods Out?’ series by writing wizard and all round fabulous person, Maz Evans. This book dives straight into a monumental battle between good and evil and Elliot is forced to collect the final Chaos Stone from the burning River Phlegethon by crazed Daemon of … Continue reading ‘Against All Gods,’ by Maz Evans, illustrations by Aleksei Bitskoff.
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!
Those of you who follow my blog or engage with me on Twitter will know that I am passionate about children’s books, all children’s books, and the power they have to transform a child’s life. There are few more powerful things parents can do for their children as babies which will significantly increase their vocabulary … Continue reading The Funny Thing about Funny Books
Heroes come in all shapes and disguises! Zac used to be the least popular boy in school. Until the super-weird Ant arrived. His clothes are filthy, he had a cockroach in his hair and he insists on wearing enormous green sunglasses because ‘his eyes are sensitive to the light.’ So what’s really behind those lenses...? … Continue reading ‘Anty Hero,’ by Barry Hutchison, illustrations by Tom Percival.
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
A mix of myth, magic and fast-paced adventure. Storm of Odin is the youngest storm hound in the Wild Hunt which tears across lightning-filled skies, snapping and howling. Tonight’s the first night he’s been allowed to run with the rest of the pack. But something’s not right, he’s faking behind and before he knows it, he’s … Continue reading ‘Storm Hound,’ by Claire Fayers, cover by Becka Moor.
Being good all the time’s not working. Maybe it’s time to try being bad.... Today is my stop on the blog tour for the just-released ‘When Good Geeks Go Bad’ by comedian Catherine Wilkins, where good girl Ella decides it might just be time to try being bad. Ella is fed up of toeing the … Continue reading ‘When Good Geeks Go Bad,’ by Catherine Wilkins, cover by Joel Holland.
“They must have come from under beds, out of mirrors, up from caves, and down from attics; all out of the darkness and into the moonlight. They were the Night Folk, and this was their world.” When out-spoken Emily’s parents both mysteriously disappear, it soon becomes clear that she is going to have to be … Continue reading Festive read #1 ‘The Midnight Hour,’ by Benjamin Read and Laura Trinder, cover by Hannah Peck.
Those cheeky gremlins are back in a flap-filled Christmas adventure. “It’s getting close to Christmas and there’s magic in the air... But beware of cheeky gremlins, who are hiding everywhere!” Christmas is coming and the gremlins are back and up to their usual mischievous tricks. Hiding in the Christmas tree, eating the turkey and blocking … Continue reading ‘Christmas Gremlins,’ by Adam & Charlotte Guillain, by Chris Chatterton
Sometimes, the simple pleasures of Christmas can get lost amongst the flashing lights and tinsel of a modern Christmas. This joyful feel-good book helps readers pause and look around them. Bear is just settling down in front of a warm fire to read his book when he hears a loud tooting from outside. Upon opening … Continue reading ‘The Christmas Extravaganza Hotel,’ by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tony Neal.
Another brilliant title in the ‘Archie’ series which tackles concepts that little children find difficult to understand (No!, Why?, Now!, and More! being previous instalments). This time, it’s Christmas, and Archie the rhinoceros can barely contain his excitement. Archie absolutely loves Christmas and has big plans to make this one the best Christmas ever! From … Continue reading ‘It’s Christmas!’ By Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tim Warnes.
I am very pleased to part of the ‘blog avalanche’ for the latest title by genius best-selling writer, Lisa Williamson. ‘Paper Avalanche’ is no exception as we follow the tale of Ro, the teenage daughter of a compulsive hoarder. On the outside, Ro Snow is a perfectly normal teenaged girl. Slightly anti-social perhaps, but otherwise … Continue reading ‘Paper Avalanche,’ by Lisa Williamson, cover designed by Alice Todd.
I have recently been sent an excellent series of board books from Caterpillar Books which are designed to teach babies and toddlers key vocabulary and concepts in various scientific topics. Children always love to learn a tricky scientific word - they’re never too young to start! Babies can learn about the world’s greatest buildings, learn … Continue reading Baby 101: Welcome, class! from Caterpillar Books
‘Eye Spy’ by Guillaume Duprat (What On Earth Books) This is an absolutely fantastic book which gives its readers an animal-eye view of the world. If you thought that all animals saw the same, you were wrong! Snakes see in infrared, cats are super-sensitive to movement and a chameleon’s eyes allow it to look two … Continue reading Eye-Opening Animal Fact Books
Library Girl and Book Boy 