There’s a brand new look and a brand new title for Tom Percival’s Dream Defender series. Erika and the Anger Mare was originally released as Dream Team: Attack of the Heebie Jeebies , whilst Chandra and the Devious Doubt was previously released as Dream Team: A Case of the Jitters. Presumably these changes were made … Continue reading The ‘Dream Defenders’ series by Tom Percival.
Today I’m hosting a brand new title from Vivian French - The Runaways of Haddington Hall. And if you’d like to know the five books Vivian would take with her to a desert island, read on! ‘After a series of misfortunes, Minnie O’Sullivan is whisked away to Haddington Hall: a nightmarish home for wayward girls. … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Runaways of Haddington Hall,’ by Vivian French.
The very first Thimble Monkey adventure: ‘Thimble Monkey Superstar,’ was shortlisted for the Laugh Out Loud Book awards. The series now has a fourth LOL-worthy instalment in the form of ‘Thimble and the Girl From Mars.’ Make sure you read author, Jon Blake’s piece featuring eight (possibly) interesting facts about the creation of this story. … Continue reading ‘Thimble and the Girl From Mars,’ by Jon Blake, illustrated by Martin Chatterton.
‘Reflecting Realities’ is the name of a powerful piece of research conducted by the CLPE (Centre for Literacy in Primary Education) which focussed on extent and quality of ethnic representation and diversity within children’s literature. Their third report (published in November 2020) found that only 7% of children’s literature published over the past three years … Continue reading Reflecting Realities – Part 1 (diverse ethnicities)
It’s that time of year when some of our thoughts may turn to the spooky or the magical. This blog features some of the latest titles I’ve been sent which reflect these themes. Take a look but don’t get scared…! Board Books ‘Five Spooky Friends,’ by Danielle McLean, illustrated by Rosalind Maroney (Little Tiger Press) … Continue reading Happy Halloween
Today I have a middle grade book which is perfect for fans of funny books with an edge. This one just happens to feature a genius baby and a super-villain determined to rid the world of the problem of childhood. Make sure you read the special piece by Daniel about why this book was twenty … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Little Horror,’ by Daniel Peak.
Are you looking to update and enliven your school reading scheme with some exciting, engaging books by award-winning authors? This can be especially challenging for Key Stage Two pupils. Bloomsbury have just released a stunning range of book banded stories for readers aged 7-11 which are full of illustrations and feature guided reading notes and … Continue reading Bloomsbury Readers
You might know Rob Biddulph best as a creator of amazing picture books (Odd Dog Out being one of my favourites.) Or perhaps as the ‘draw-along’ world record breaker? Well now he’s turned his hand to writing a longer novel for slightly older readers which is still absolutely packed with gorgeous illustrations! Some legends are … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Peanut Jones and the Illustrated City,’ by Rob Biddulph.
Today, I’d like to introduce you to the first in a brand new series of monstrously funny books for readers aged 8+ Monster Hunting isn’t as easy as it looks. And Jack should know. Because an ogre has just appeared in his garden and tried to eat his aunt. (She was the winner of the … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Monster Hunting for Beginners,’ by Ian Mark, illustrated by Louis Ghibault.
It’s my turn to shout about ‘The Viking Who Liked Icing’ and to share with you a special piece by author Lu Fraser about the inspiration behind the story of a young Viking boy who loved to bake. “Nut isn't like the other vikings; he doesn't climb hills or swim icy lakes . but he … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Viking Who Liked Icing,’ by Lu Fraser, illustrated by Mark McKinley.
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’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.
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.
I am forever bemoaning the lack of choice when it comes to dinosaur books for readers looking for a meatier read than a picture book. Well I’m moaning no more as the totally awesome ‘A Dinosaur Ate My Sister’ has stomped onto the scene for all your dino-needs! It’s so good, that it is the … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘A Dinosaur Ate My Sister,’ by Pooja Puri, illustrated by Allen Fatimaharan.
Today’s my stop on the blog tour for the awesome ‘Felix Unlimited.’ By the end of the first chapter, I was completely hooked! Felix is no ordinary boy. With the help of his friends, he's started his own business, and he soon has thousands of pounds stashed under his bed. But it's not all smooth … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Felix Unlimited,’ by Andrew Norriss, cover by Sarah Horne.
Have you ever wondered how to chat with a shark or parley with a conger eel? Make sure you read Andy Seed’s piece about how he managed to talk to some of the oceans giants and how you can too! “If you could talk to animals, what would you ask? Get familiar with 10 extraordinary … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Interview with a Shark and Other Ocean Giants,’ by Andy Seed, illustrated by Nick East.
Today, I’m sharing a really beautiful story written as a result of Karl’s recent experience of going through chemotherapy and having friends old and new reach out to him in support. ‘Some friends need a great big hug to make them feel well. Some prefer to be alone. Some listen, others tell the most adventurous … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘How to Mend a Friend,’ by Karl Newson, illustrated by Clara Anganuzzi.
You may have already spotted Dom’s original story: ‘Meet Matilda Rocket Builder,’ but today I have an exclusive short story to share with you all….. ‘Going to the Moon is SO last century, so how difficult can it be―even for a ten-year-old―to follow in the footsteps of Neil Armstrong and the Apollo astronauts? Meet Matilda, … Continue reading Exclusive! ‘Meet Matilda Rocket Builder: The Early Years Planets and Stars,’ – an original short story by Dom Conlon, illustrated by Heidi Cannon.
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.
I’m always excited to see a brand-new series featuring GIRLS playing football and today I am sharing the very first title in the new ‘The Dream Team’ series. ‘Olá! I'm Jasmina Santos-Campbell (but you can call me Jaz). You've probably heard of me and my football team the Bramrock Stars before. No? Well, you will … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Jaz Santos vs. the World,’ by Priscilla Mante, cover by Camilla Sucre.
Library Girl and Book Boy 