Christmas Advent – Day 15 ‘Grandpa Christmas,’ by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Jim Field.

Today I have a beautifully-illustrated story which skilfully combines a hopeful Christmas message and a powerful warning about conserving our planet for future generations. Every Christmas, after all the presents have been opened, Mia and her family read a precious letter left to her by her grandfather. In it, he recalls the wonderful times they … Continue reading Christmas Advent – Day 15 ‘Grandpa Christmas,’ by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Jim Field.

#TuesdayReviewsDay: ‘Oi Puppies!’ by Kes Gray and Jim Field.

It seems like everyone I know has been buying puppies during Lockdown. Perhaps if they’d read this book, they’d have thought twice! Can you believe it, but this is the FIFTH instalment in the award-winning ‘Oi Frog!’ series?! Packed with word play, rhymes and some extremely mischievous pups. The fun begins when Dog is left … Continue reading #TuesdayReviewsDay: ‘Oi Puppies!’ by Kes Gray and Jim Field.

‘Drawing Europe Together: Forty-five Illustrators, One Europe,’ with foreword by Axel Scheffler.

We are blessed in this country to have many talented illustrators and authors from across Europe, working to produce gorgeous books for our children (and us) to enjoy. With the threat of Brexit looming large on the horizon, how much of this talent will be lost? Forty-five artists from across Europe come together to share … Continue reading ‘Drawing Europe Together: Forty-five Illustrators, One Europe,’ with foreword by Axel Scheffler.

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!