It’s that time of year when some of our thoughts may turn to the spooky or the magical. This blog features some of the latest titles I’ve been sent which reflect these themes. Take a look but don’t get scared…! Board Books ‘Five Spooky Friends,’ by Danielle McLean, illustrated by Rosalind Maroney (Little Tiger Press) … Continue reading Happy Halloween
Today I’m sharing a truly beautiful book based on the true story of dancer, Lihua Tai, who has to learn to ‘hear’ music in different ways. It’s highly topical at the moment due links with the appearance of Strictly Come Dancing’s first ever hearing impaired contestant, Rose Ayling-Ellis. I’ve enjoyed sharing the stories of both … Continue reading ‘The Visible Sounds,’ by Yin Jianling, illustrated by Yu Rong.
Today I have two books celebrating the rich history of Afro hair. First we travel back 5,000 years to the hair fashions of Ancient Egypt, then flash forwards to contemporary styles for textured hair such as hair puffs and halo braids. ‘The Story of Afro Hair,’ by K. N. Chimbiri, illustrated by Joelle Avelino (Scholastic) … Continue reading Awesome Afro Hair
Today I’m sharing a brilliant interactive, wonderfully informative picture book about the weird and wonderful noises animals make. Why do owls hoot? Why do cats purr? Can you curl up like a sleepy snake? I also have a special Q&A from author Moira Butterfield about the inspiration and processes behind creating her two fabulous animal … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Sing Like a Whale – Learn How to Make a Noise Like Animals Do,’ by Moira Butterfield, illustrated by Gwen Millward.
It’s my turn to shout about ‘The Viking Who Liked Icing’ and to share with you a special piece by author Lu Fraser about the inspiration behind the story of a young Viking boy who loved to bake. “Nut isn't like the other vikings; he doesn't climb hills or swim icy lakes . but he … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Viking Who Liked Icing,’ by Lu Fraser, illustrated by Mark McKinley.
If you have yet to discover Bethan Woollvin’s brilliantly twisted feminist fairy tales, you are in for an absolute treat! There’s been ‘Little Red,’ ‘Rapunzel,’ ‘Hansel & Gretel,’ ‘I Can Catch a Monster,’ and now there are ‘Three Little Vikings’ to watch out for… “Three brave little Viking girls save the day in this bold … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Three Little Vikings,’ by Bethan Woollvin.
This brilliant book is a must if you’re studying ecosystems or have an interest in the natural world. Endorsed by the British Ecological Society, packed with information, and gilded with gorgeous illustrations - you are in for a treat! “A teacher challenges her class to decide which is the most important animal of all. Seven … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Most Important Animal of All,’ by Penny Worms, illustrated by Hannah Bailey.
A new collaboration between author-illustrator duo Haddow and Dempsey is always going to be a cause for celebration (have you read the Dave Pigeon series?) but especially when it’s the first title in a new series of brilliantly bad early chapter books. And by that, I mean ‘bad’ as in ‘good!’ “Are you sick of … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Bad Panda,’ by Swapna Haddow and Sheena Dempsey.
I love this series of ‘How to be….’ titles from Nosy Crow. ‘How to be a Footballer and Other Sports Jobs’ is written by Rachel Yankey OBE (former England and Arsenal legend) comes highly recommended by Book Boy Jr. ‘Do you have what it takes to become a professional footballer, a manager or even to … Continue reading ‘How to be a Footballer and Other Sports Jobs,’ by Rachel Yankey & Sol Linero.
Today’s my stop on the Bumble & Snug blog tour. I’m always on the look out for new graphic novels and this one’s especially good as it’s suitable for readers aged 5+ “Bumble and Snug are going on an epic journey - well, they're going for a picnic... But when they get lost, these little … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Bumble & Snug and the Angry Pirates,’ by Mark Bradley.
Today I have the great pleasure of sharing a very timely and important book which gently introduces young readers to the meaning of the Black Lives Matter movement and the power of speaking out. A beautifully illustrated and poignant picture book about the Black Lives Matter movement - it's deep history, background and meaning - … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘When We Say Black Lives Matter,’ by Maxine Beneba Clarke.
Today I’m hosting part 1 of a fascinating Q&A with author-illustrator Paul Morton. It’s absolutely packed with tips for any budding author/ illustrators! For parts 2 and 3, you’ll need to visit the other stops on the blog tour too. Bug Belly is back! After the first instalment in this highly-illustrated first chapter book series … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Bug Belly Froggy Rescue,’ by Paul Morton.
10 Stories to Make a Difference is a collection of original illustrated stories published by children’s literature non-profit development agency Pop Up, which has been bringing books, schools and communities together for 10 years. Pop Up has collaborated with 20 writers and illustrators and a host of editing and design professionals from 12 publishers, and crowdsourced … Continue reading Pop Up: 10 Stories to Make a Difference
Have you ever wondered how to chat with a shark or parley with a conger eel? Make sure you read Andy Seed’s piece about how he managed to talk to some of the oceans giants and how you can too! “If you could talk to animals, what would you ask? Get familiar with 10 extraordinary … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Interview with a Shark and Other Ocean Giants,’ by Andy Seed, illustrated by Nick East.
Today, I’m sharing a really beautiful story written as a result of Karl’s recent experience of going through chemotherapy and having friends old and new reach out to him in support. ‘Some friends need a great big hug to make them feel well. Some prefer to be alone. Some listen, others tell the most adventurous … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘How to Mend a Friend,’ by Karl Newson, illustrated by Clara Anganuzzi.
You may have already spotted Dom’s original story: ‘Meet Matilda Rocket Builder,’ but today I have an exclusive short story to share with you all….. ‘Going to the Moon is SO last century, so how difficult can it be―even for a ten-year-old―to follow in the footsteps of Neil Armstrong and the Apollo astronauts? Meet Matilda, … Continue reading Exclusive! ‘Meet Matilda Rocket Builder: The Early Years Planets and Stars,’ – an original short story by Dom Conlon, illustrated by Heidi Cannon.
Today I’m sharing the first in an eye-popping new series of magical early chapter books packed full of curious creatures and whirlwind adventures! Introducing the wonderful world of Indigo Wilde..... ‘Indigo Wilde and her little brother, Quigley, live at 47 Jellybean Crescent, a crazy and colourful house full of magical Creatures that her parents, World-Famous … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Indigo Wilde and the Creatures of Jellybean Crescent,’ by Pippa Curnick.
During lockdown, we came to appreciate just how much we relied on our library to keep our supply of information books up-to-date - particular during the school holidays. The (thankfully) temporary closing of our library was a huge loss for us and many others - including Rosa and her sister.... ‘From the winner of the … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘We Want Our Books,’ by Jake Alexander.
‘Some crews aren’t quite like the rest.’ This story was created as a result of author Jodie Lancet-Grant’s frustration at being unable to find any picture books featuring LGBTQ+ families to read to her twin daughters - she and her wife wanted them to see their own experience reflected back to them. The result is … Continue reading Pride Month: ‘The Pirate Mums,’ by Jodie Lancet-Grant, illustrated by Lydia Corry.
This gorgeous books is currently making waves all over social media - and rightly so. It is a beautifully written modern fairy tale featuring a tender love story between a merman and a lonely fisherman. It’s brought to life by the beautiful illustrations of James Mayhew. “Far out to sea and deep below the whispering … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Nen and the Lonely Fisherman,’ by Ian Eagleton, illustrated by James Mayhew.
Library Girl and Book Boy 