Introducing a brand new picture book from the wonderful Lu Fraser, with humorous, lively illustrations by Kate Hindley. Make sure to read Lu’s exclusive piece about the inspirations behind ‘The Busiest Beaver.’ “Nora is not like the other beavers. She thinks new thoughts. She asks lots of questions. She invents inventions and gives things a … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Busiest Beaver,’ by Lu Fraser, illustrated by Kate Hindley.
I’d like to introduce you to your new favourite superhero - the super-sweet Super Unicorn Princess (S.U.P) Star of a brand new graphic novel series from Mike Hartigan. “There’s always danger afoot in Horizon City, but stopping bad guys is all in a day’s work for the girl in the frilly pink dress, Super Unicorn … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Super Unicorn Princess,’ by Mike Hartigan.
Honestly, all of Sophy’s work brings me so much joy, but the Happy Hills series is just the balance of chaos and cuteness I need in my life! Luckily for me, the third volume of Happy Hills hilarity has just disco-danced its way into the shelves! “Welcome to HAPPY HILLS, where you’ll find epic LOLS, … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Happy Hills: Mr Big Fluff Rules,’ by Sophy Henn.
This is truly an endlessly fascinating and engaging series. Hooray for a new instalment packed full of extreme facts! “Follow an ingenious trail of 400 facts about daredevils, death-defying stunts, world records, wacky weather, extreme sports, unusual animals and so much more – all of which are connected in fun and unexpected ways. On this … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Epic Factopia!’ by Rose Davidson, illustrated by Andy Smith.
Introducing the third title in Baker’s ‘Whistledown Farm’ series, where Ava and the farm’s animal inhabitants move into Summer. One of a cosy collection of farmyard adventures inspired by life on her Chiltern Hills smallholding. “It's summer at Whistledown Farm and there's plenty for Ava to do – from helping to shear the sheep to … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Meeting Meg,’ by Nicola Baker, illustrated by Rachael Dean.
Lantana Publishing is best known for producing diverse titles which represent the many realities in which their readers live. In light of the current cost of living crisis, The Playdate will certainly help open up some interesting conversations about the different circumstances people find themselves living in. “For one little girl, the prospect of a … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Playdate,’ by Uje Brandelius, illustrated by Clara Dackenberg. (translated by Nichola Smalley.)
Did you know that Empathy Lab has curated a ‘Read for Empathy’ book list each year since 2017? Each title is carefully selected by a panel of experts in order to help facilitate imparting empathy-building conversations with young people. You can find details of this year’s collection (and a link to previous lists) HERE. The … Continue reading Read for Empathy 2025: ‘Gordon the Meanest Goose on Earth,’ by Alex Latimer.
I think that KS1 teachers across the land are going to be very excited by the arrival of the first title in the ‘Unicorns in Uniform’ series. It will certainly add a bit of life to the ‘People Who Help Me’ unit of work! The highly-illustrated first chapter book format makes ‘Dragon Inferno’ a great … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Unicorns in Uniforms: Dragon Inferno,’ by Tracy Curran, illustrated by Steve Wood.
There are so many wonderful first chapter books for readers who are seeking something a little wordier alongside their picture books. Although there really is something for everyone, there are some key components that most titles in this format share: Highly-illustrated Larger print Clear text layout Tonnes of fun! These are some of the books … Continue reading First Chapter Book Update
My favourite ballet-dancing dog, Biff, is back in a delightfully festive adventure about managing disappointment, trying your hardest, and being the best bonbon in the box! For my stop on the blog tour, author Anna Kemp has written some handy top tips for other pirouetting pooches. “My dog is not like other dogs.My dog is a ballerina who … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Muttcracker,’ by Anna Kemp & Sara Ogilvie.
There is so much to learn as you travel with Ayo on his whirlwind adventure across the globe discovering more about how African peoples and culture are spread across the world. Be sure to read Ain’s piece about the challenges she faced writing balanced ABC book about the African Story. “When Ayo struggles to fall … Continue reading ‘Ayo’s Adventure Across the African Diaspora from Afro to Zulu,’ by Ain Heath Drew, artwork by Erin K. Robinson.
The vastness of Space is a topic which continually fascinates people, young and old. ‘A Little Blue Dot’ is the perfect introduction to the planets in our solar system and their unique qualities. “Somewhere in our vast universe floats a little blue dot. This dot is Earth and she is surrounded by lots of impressive … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘A Little Blue Dot,’ by Maren Hasenjäger.
This is the series that keeps on giving! I loved reading Aliens Love Underpants with my own children and am so pleased that there are more adventures for new fans to enjoy. But where does Claire get her inspiration from? Read her special piece below to find out… “Huge scaly DRAGONS roamed the landIn long … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Dragons Love Underpants,’ by Claire Freedman, illustrated by Ben Cort.
Welcome to Pizza Pete’s second adventure - full of magic, silliness, and mystery! This is a fanatic series for newly confident readers who are searching for highly-illustrated chapter books to enjoy. “Pizza Pete is back! But he’s worried about seeing his friends after a long summer holiday selling pizzas from his van with Dad. He’s … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Pizza Pete and the Missing Magic,’ by Carrie Sellon, illustrated by Sarah Horne.
Have you ever wondered what your dog gets up to when it runs off into the woods after a ball and doesn’t return for hours? Perhaps they’re busy solving mysteries like Peggy and her loyal sidekick, Stu the Shrew! This fun full-colour series is aimed at budding detectives aged 5 and up. ‘Peggy & Stu … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Tangletree Mysteries,’ by Steve Roberts & Joel Stewart.
I have been asked on a number of occasions for picture books which explore parental separation or divorce, and it’s a request I’ve always found quite difficult to fulfil. Thankfully, the publication of ‘Roots of Love’ has made that search an awful lot easier! “Tia has had the best day ever, until her parents tell … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Roots of Love,’ by Sarah Asuquo, illustrated by Ruthine Burton.
Yeehaw! It’s time to saddle-up and head to your nearest bookshop to bag yourself a copy of Jodie Lancet-Grant’s new book! “Buffalo Lil and Buffalo Jill look just the same, but they're as different as an apple pie and a desert cactus. The folks of Lone Ridge love sweet, smilin' Jill, but think Lil's too … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Legend of the Wild West Twins,’ by Jodie Lancet-Grant, illustrated by Katie Cottle.
Today I’m spotlighting a brand new chapter book for newly confident readers: ‘The Narzat.’ Full of laughs, adventures, and a curious cast of characters! Make sure to read author Luke Marchant’s piece about creating villains. Every hero needs a good villain to go up against! “The Narzat lives in the Jumble Jungle Wood with his … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Narzat,’ by Luke Marchant, illustrated by Rory Walker.
Well I’ve kicked off my morning with a power chord of positivity: #FridaTheRockAndRollMoth by @kimhillyard 🎸 🎶 I loved the message about not changing yourself to fit in and lettering your inner brilliance shine through. “Frida is a musical moth who loves to rock out - she puts on her pointy boots and plays her … Continue reading ‘Frida the Rock and Roll Moth,’ by Kim Hillyard.
Library Girl and Book Boy 