Polly Ho-Yen is an author whom you can trust to write stories you are going to want to read. They have such heart and always leave me thinking. ‘The Last Dragon’ is no exception. “Yara has only glimpsed the last dragon on Earth twice. She’s got other things to worry about: her sister is in … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Last Dragon,’ by Polly Ho-Yen, illustrated by Charis Loke.
I think anybody with an interest in the world of children’s books will probably be very eagerly awaiting the Spring publication of ‘Keedie,’ the prequel to McNicoll’s barn-storming debut novel, ‘A Kind of Spark.’ ‘A Kind of Spark’ was, for me, in the first wave of real voices stories which featured neurodiverse characters written authentically … Continue reading ‘Keedie’ by Elle McNicoll, cover by Kay Wilson.
Today I am delighted to being a very special early chapter book with you: The Girl Who Became a Fish. It sensitively tackles the themes of change and fear in a way which is appropriate for its intended audience. Make sure you scroll down to read a special Q&A with author, Polly Ho-Yen and illustrator, … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Girl Who Became a Fish,’ by Polly Ho Yen, illustrated by Sojung Kim-McCarthy.
It’s not very often that books about fronds focus on a group of boys. Even less often that these groups of friends are shown in a positive, supportive light. That’s what makes ‘The Council of Good Friends’ so brilliant - we get to see boys’ friendships in all their multi-faceted glory: having fun, pranking each … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Council of Good Friends,’ by Nikesh Shukla, illustrated by Rochelle Falconer.
I am sure that lots of you will already have read, and loved, Kelly’s ‘Front Desk’ series. If you’re wanting more of her poignant, prejudice-confronting, and heart-warming writing, you need to take a look at ‘Finally Seen.’ Luckily for you, I have an extract of the second chapter for you enjoy! (Scroll down) “A gripping … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Finally Seen,’ by Kelly Yang.
If you’re looking for an explosive combination of mythical beasts, Welsh legend, and magical powers, look no further than this brand new title from Lizzie Huxley-Jones. “The lake has been calling to twelve-year-old Vivi Conway. On the day she and her Mams will move from Wales to London, she sneaks out to investigate what is … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Vivi Conway and the Sword of Legend,’ by Lizzie Huxley-Jones, illustrated by Harry Woodgate.
I think anybody with tweens or who teaches Year 6 upwards, should have heard of Yang’s ‘Front Desk’ series which follows the life of Mia Tang and her family as they try to fit in with the American way of life whilst staying true their Chinese roots. If you haven’t, then you need to get … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Key Player,’ by Kelly Yang.
Let me start by saying that children are NEVER too old for picture books. EVER. There, I’ve said it. But there will probably come a time when they’d like something a little wordier to tuck into. Luckily, there is now a huge range of highly-illustrated first chapter books designed especially for this market. All the … Continue reading Fantastical First Chapter Books
I am always keen to read titles by debut authors, particularly those which have had a real buzz around them. ‘Zo and the Forest of Secrets’ was definitely one of those books, and I was not disappointed! When Zo decides to run away from home, she isn't scared; after all, she knows the island like … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Zo and the Forest of Secrets,’ by Alake Pilgrim.
I am sure that lots of you will already have read and loved Elle’s stellar debut title ‘A Kind of Spark’ (if you haven’t, do it!) and were blown away by the power of her writing. Like me, you will probably have been eagerly awaiting her next publication, hoping it will be just as brilliant. … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Show Us Who You Are,’ by Elle McNicoll, cover by Kay Wilson.
It is so refreshing to see a wave of ‘real voices’ titles appearing in the middle grade category. Interesting and often challenging stories told from an authentic viewpoint. In this case, we get to read about Addie, an autistic girl, written by neurodivergent author, Elle McNicoll. Addie has been having a tough time recently. Her … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘A Kind of Spark,’ by Elle McNicoll.
Library Girl and Book Boy 