On a lazy Sunday afternoon, Book Boy Jr. decided that he was feeling creative so I whipped out my box of ‘Art Out of the Box’ activity cards to test out. Although I sometimes find doing art at home (and in school) a little stressful, I know that it’s brilliant for developing motor skills, expressing … Continue reading ‘Art Out of the Box,’ concept from Nicky Hoberman, illustrated by Hiromi Suzuki & ‘Matisse’s Magical Trail,’ by Tim Hopgood, illustrated by Sam Boughton.
You know when you receive a package in the post from Tiny Owl that it’s going to contain a beautifully produced title of diverse heritage. ‘Under the Great Plum Tree’ comes from Panchatantra, which is an ancient collection of Indian animal fables. Various versions of the same story can be found around the world (making … Continue reading ‘Under the Great Plum Tree,’ by Sufiya Ahmed, illustrated by Reza Dalvand.
With time for music and dance being squeezed out of the primary school timetable, it seems important that we use every means necessary to encourage and inspire a love of music and dancing in children. This varied selection of picture is sure to cause music-making and merriment amongst their readers. ‘Jazz Dog’ by Marie Voigt … Continue reading Make a Song and Dance about it – books which celebrate the arts.
I personally believe that as adults and educators, it’s imperative that we encourage our young people to develop and empathy for others and to understand some of the wider issues in the world around. Based on an award-winning poem of Rumble’s, ‘Mustafa’s Jumper’ would be an excellent choice to open up discussions about what it … Continue reading ‘Mustafa’s Jumper,’ by Coral Rumble, illustrated by Charlotte Cooke.
Sharing is something that can be very difficult for young (and some older) children to do. These two picture books are just brilliant for talking about how the characters in the stories cope with having to share and what they could change about their behaviour. It’s then much easier for children to reflect on how … Continue reading Sharing is Caring
Oh. My. Goodness. What an absolutely beautiful book! The words on the page shimmer as brightly as the exquisite, foiled illustrations. Let me take you on a journey through the pages of ‘Starbird.’ The Moon King has known the legend of the Starbird for as long as he can remember. When he learns that he … Continue reading ‘Starbird,’ by Sharon King-Chai.
‘The Blanket Bears’ was written by adoptive father, Samuel Langley-Swain after he had difficulty finding appropriate books explaining the process following the adoption of his own children. ‘Blanket Bears’ is about two little bears who are cold and alone, with no one to look after them. When they’re discovered, the pair are quickly sent to … Continue reading ‘The Blanket Bears,’ by Samuel Langley-Swain, illustrated by Ashlee Spink.
At a time when the usage of food-banks is on the increase and more and more children are living below the poverty line, We needs books to use as tools to gently explore and explain the reasons behind these things to children. Fortunately, award-winning author/ illustrator Kate Milner has produced a thoughtful picture book which … Continue reading ‘It’s a No Money Day,’ by Kate Milner.
If you’re looking for for something a little bit different this Halloween, I would strongly suggest that you purchase yourself a copy of the gloriously gothic ‘The House Of Madame M.’ Are you brave enough to enter the house of the mysterious Madame M? It’s full of creepy monsters, cobwebbed hiding places and sights to … Continue reading ‘The House Of Madame M,’ by Clotilde Perrin, translated by Daniel Hann.
Today I’m delighted to be sharing Kirsti Beautyman’s beautiful debut picture book, ‘The Mist Monster.’ Penny and her dad have just moved house but Penny’s not sure that she likes it. Dad convinces her to go and explore, but she’ll only go once they’ve found mum’s old explorer hat. Unfortunately the dog takes a fancy … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘The Mist Monster,’ by Kirsti Beautyman.
Flat Stanley is the classic tale of a boy who’s as flat as a pancake and now it’s available in a new picture book version for younger fans to enjoy! When Arthur Lambchop alerts his parents to an accident which has occurred in the bedroom he shares with his brother Stanley, they seem more concerned … Continue reading ‘Flat Stanley’ – the picture book edition by Jeff Brown, illustrated by Rob Biddulph.
Today I’m sharing another great picture book about the power of friendship. This one’s just a little different as its focus is on the power collaboration - perfect for team-building at the start of another school year. I can see it prompting a lot of interesting conversations and projects on being a good friend and … Continue reading ‘Together We Can,’ by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Ali Pye.
As they head back to nursery and school, children might be thinking about making new friends. ‘Hello, Friend!’ is a charming picture book about just that. Inspired by her own daughter who is always keen to make new friends, Cobb has created a wittily-observed story about a little girl who is determined to make friends … Continue reading ‘Hello, Friend!’ By Rebecca Cobb.
Bugs of all shapes and sizes are always a source of fascination for children so I have a new fictional adventure and two beautiful information books for you to enjoy. ‘Winnie and Wilbur: The Bug Safari,’ by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul (OUP) A new adventure for fans of magical duo Winnie and Wilbur. After … Continue reading Bug Out Over Books!
In honour of International Dogs Day, here’s a round up of some of the fab books I’ve received featuring some of the most brilliant dogs around! ‘This is a Dog’ by Ross Collins (Nosy Crow) Uh oh! A very loveable but slightly excitable young pup has broken into a First Book of Animals and taken … Continue reading Puppy Love
So today’s blog post is a little different as it’s not part of a blog tour, but of my very first Instagram (Bookstagram) tour which has been organised by the lovely peeps at Lantana Publishing. You can find me there as @BookSuperhero2 and enjoy all the other bookstagram posts using #OldManOfTheSea. This is a story … Continue reading Bookstagram Tour: ‘The Old Man of the Sea,’ by Stella Elia, illustrated by Weberson Santiago.
Today’s my turn to tip, shake and turn on the Save the Day for Ada May! blog tour. Not only am I sharing my and Book Boy Junior’s review of the book, I also have an exclusive Q&A with the story’s illustrator, Patrick Corrigan. I’m very pleased to be highlighting the book’s illustrator as so … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘Save the Day for Ada May!’ by Elizabeth Dale, illustrated by Patrick Corrigan.
In my experience, poetry can be an area often overlooked in schools. But why? Personally, I didn’t feel that I knew enough about composing poetry to teach it properly. But what about sharing poems, performing poems, dipping into a volume and seeing what grabs you? That’s the beauty of a good poetry book and the … Continue reading The CLiPPA Shortlist (premier poetry picks)
I thought that, in the run up to sports days across the land, now might be a good time to share this brilliant title. It only reminds me a very little bit of myself! From the team who also brought you ‘I Really Want the Cake!’ (a favourite in our household), our heroine is back … Continue reading ‘I Really Want to Win’ By Simon Philip, illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti.
The unicorn trend is still going strong with readers wanting a touch of glitter and sparkle in their bedtime stories. I am pleased, however, to see a new breed of unicorns breaking through. Unicorns who refuse to conform to their sweet and sugary image. Bring on the Grumpycorns, the hungry-corns and the downright naughty-corns (and … Continue reading Unicorns: glitter and rainbows?
Library Girl and Book Boy 