As it’s National Non-Fiction November, I think it’s only right to share with your some of the stunning information books I’ve been sent recently. Both my sons are fascinated by books featuring gadgets, gizmos and gobsmacking vehicles so these next four have been given thorough testing! ‘In the Sky: Designs Inspired by Nature,’ by Harriet … Continue reading Fantastic Inventions!
You can always rely of DK for engaging, good quality information books packed with diagrams, timelines and photographs so I was pleased to see that they have produced which looks exclusively at timelines from the perspective of Black history. It is compiled from updated material from their previous timeline books along with new content to … Continue reading ‘Timelines From Black History: Leaders, Legends, Legacies,’ with foreword by Mireille Harper.
The two books featured in this post will take you deep into places you’ve never dared explore before! ‘Gut Garden’ will take you into the wonderful of microbes hidden within your body, whilst ‘Unseen Worlds’ exposes the millions of microscopic creatures hiding in your bed and kitchen cupboards - not for the faint-hearted! ‘Unseen Worlds,’ … Continue reading Journeys into the Unknown
In my experience, books which contain humour, fearsome beasts and a host of fascinating facts always make for much sought after reads, with waiting lists forming in the classroom. Andy Seed just happens to be a master of this form, with his newest title being no exception. Andy Seed is a Blue Peter Book Award-winning … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Interview With a Tiger & Other Clawed Beasts Too,’ by Andy Seed, illustrated by Nick East.
We are big fans of information books in this household and are always pleased when something a little different comes our way. The ‘Turn and Learn’ series from Little Tiger Press features slide and reveal wheels which delighted Book Boy Jr. Our World allows readers to explore five fascinating habitats: desert, rainforest, arctic, and the … Continue reading The ‘Turn and Learn’ series – written by Isabel Otter and illustrated by Hannah Tolson.
With the Stone Age a firm fixture on the primary school national curriculum, it’s always useful to have some new texts up your sleeve to use along with tried and tested favourites. Today I’m going to share with you a selection of titles I’ve been sent which would fit well with a Stone Age topic … Continue reading Stone Age, Bone Age
This week, Book Boy Jr. and I have been travelling around the world with this excellent ‘Big City Atlas.’ Open the books and join Penguin on a tour of 28 captivating cities. Book Boy Jr loved the combination of interestingly illustrated maps of each city, featuring some of the main landmarks, accompanied by fact boxes … Continue reading #TuesdayReviewsDay: ‘Big City Atlas,’ by Maggie Li
You may have heard of ‘Vocabulary Ninja’ - resources aimed at developing confidence and understanding of vocabulary in Key Stage 2 pupils. Their creator, teacher Andrew Jennings, has now developed a range of non-fiction ‘Comprehension Ninja’ workbooks for children in Year Two and upwards. These workbooks are designed to use at home with your child … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Comprehension Ninja,’ by Andrew Jennings.
Today I’d like to introduce you to the first title in the What on Earth Books’ brand new Our Amazing World series. ‘Amazing Islands’ is a whirlwind tour of over 100 of some truly mind-blowing places. This book is absolutely jam-packed with some of the most fascinating and diverse locations. After an introduction explaining what islands … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Amazing Islands: 100+ Paces that will Boggle Your Mind,’ by Sabrina Weiss, illustrated by Kerry Hyndman.
As a parent of a child in Year 6, I am keenly aware that Book Boy may not be returning to school in time to do all the usual 'end of Year 6' things - performances, shirt signings, the sex education session which I am sure many parents (including myself) are not overly confident in … Continue reading Books to use in RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) in Year 6.
With Spring in the air and daffodils donning their yellow bonnets, now is the time of year when my thoughts turn to gardening. Pruning rose bushes and planting bulbs in the hopes of a riot of colour and creepy-crawlies come Summer. My boys love helping me choose which bulbs and bedding plants to purchase and … Continue reading How does your garden grow?
Today is World Maths Day. And what better way to celebrate than with a book? A great picture can help develop both a love of reading AND improve maths skills at the same time . I’m going to share three new books all about counting which would be great to use at any time. Not … Continue reading Books You Can Count On (or with!)
You are going to go batty for this glorious book about the often maligned and overlooked mammals which are bats! I have been a huge fan of Charlotte’s work since reading her stunning ‘The Bee Book’ which highlighted the beauty and importance of our buzzy little friends. This absolutely fascinating book is packed with more … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Bat Book,’ by Charlotte Milner.
This next collection of biographies features fifty individuals who weren’t afraid to break boundaries, take risks and dream big. This book is beautifully illustrated and features a fantastic mix of people - well-known and not so well-known. It has entries for inventors, scientists, artists, sports people, writers, film makers and actors, amongst others. I was … Continue reading They Did it First: 50 Scientists, Artists and Mathematicians who Changed the World,’ by Julie Leung, illustrated by Caitlin Kuhwald.
I love that the whole premise of this book is to inspire readers to think about how they are extraordinary too. Inside, is a fabulous selection of inspirational figures from around the world - some well-known and some less so. This wonderful book is so packed full of some of the most amazing people, that … Continue reading ‘How to be Extraordinary,’ by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Annabel Tempest.
This is a book for those end-of-primary-school, start-of-secondary-school tweens who are perhaps struggling to find their place with their peers. It’s designed to help children discover what’s holding them back and have the confidence to be themselves. This title was written by youth charity ‘Ditch the Label’ founder, Liam Hackett, based on his experiences as … Continue reading ‘Fearless: How to be Your True, Confident Self!’ by Liam Hackett, illustrated by Mike Perry.
In light of the current #MeToo movement, it seems more important than ever to ensure that our children understand what it means to give consent and set their own boundaries, and that we also teach them to respect the boundaries of others. With ‘consent’ soon to be part of the National Curriculum, books like Rachel … Continue reading ‘Respect: Consent, Boundaries and Being In Charge of You,’ by Rachel Brian.
There comes a point on Christmas Day when all the tinsel and fairy lights can be a little much and you just want to snuggle up somewhere warm with a beautiful book. Animals are perennial favourites with readers of all ages so I have a selection sure to delight everyone. ’Goodnight Ocean’ by Carmen Saldaña, … Continue reading Gifts for Animal Lovers
I’ve recently been sent several beautiful new editions of classic children’s stories which I think would make excellent Christmas gifts for established fans or new readers. To stand the rest of time, these classic stories have to have a timeless appeal that will entertain future generations and the titles I’m about to show you will … Continue reading Pick a Classic for Christmas
I’ve a great book to share with you today. It might just set someone on the path to their future career, and will certainly make you giggle when you read about some of the weird, wonderful and disgusting things people do for a living! So what do you want to be when you grow up? … Continue reading ‘Incredible Jobs You’ve (probably) Never Heard Of,’ by Natalie Labarre.
