A mix of myth, magic and fast-paced adventure. Storm of Odin is the youngest storm hound in the Wild Hunt which tears across lightning-filled skies, snapping and howling. Tonight’s the first night he’s been allowed to run with the rest of the pack. But something’s not right, he’s faking behind and before he knows it, he’s … Continue reading ‘Storm Hound,’ by Claire Fayers, cover by Becka Moor.
I absolutely loved Durrant’s previous title, ‘Running On Empty,’ so knew I was in for a treat when ‘Little Bits Of Sky’ arrived. After saving it for a rainy day, I decided the time had come to dive in... This story follows the lives of looked-after siblings Ira and Zac, as recalled through Ira’s childhood … Continue reading ‘Little Bits Of Sky,’ by S.E. Durrant, cover by Rob Biddulph.
Today I am thrilled to be shining a spotlight on the brilliant new title from Amber Lee Dodd, ‘Lightning Chase Me Home.’ This will be followed up by an exclusive interview for the #LibraryGirlAndBookBoy podcast. Named after two fearless explorers, Amelia Hester McLeod has adventure in her blood, but she doesn’t always feel very brave. … Continue reading ‘Lightning Chase Me Home,’ by Amber Lee Dodd.
Brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favourite things. Especially when they contain books as wonderful as Little Bird Flies! That’s why I’m so delighted to be part of its blog tour, with not only a review, but also an exclusive interview recorded with Karen especially for my podcast … Continue reading ‘Little Bird Flies,’ by Karen McCombie, cover by Jasu Hu.
Being good all the time’s not working. Maybe it’s time to try being bad.... Today is my stop on the blog tour for the just-released ‘When Good Geeks Go Bad’ by comedian Catherine Wilkins, where good girl Ella decides it might just be time to try being bad. Ella is fed up of toeing the … Continue reading ‘When Good Geeks Go Bad,’ by Catherine Wilkins, cover by Joel Holland.
The very nature of myths mean that their re-tellings are varied and ever-changing, with tens or hundreds of variations on the same story. Myth Atlas introduces its readers to some of the most fascinating cultures on the planet with beliefs about human existence which are now part of history or still held sacred to this … Continue reading ‘Myth Atlas,’ by Thiago de Moraes.
Book Boy is an absolute fiend for a big chunky non-fiction book. There is nothing he likes better than settling down with a pack of sticky tabs in one hand and a pen in the other, ready to mark the important pages. ‘Timelines of Everything’ is a little different to other books in its category … Continue reading ‘Timelines of Everything,’ from the team at DK
It’s often said that books are actually portals to other worlds and also to other places in our world. These two fascinating books highlight some of our greatest wonders. Wonders of the World’s Museums (Wren & Rook) by Molly Oldfield, illustrated by Harriet Taylor Seed and Peter Malone An absolute treasure trove of some of … Continue reading A World Of Wonders
Mermaids have had a real surge of popularity recently but most titles have been for younger readers or overly sugary and sweet. ‘The Girl with the Shark’s Teeth’ is definitely neither of those things... Minnow had always known she was different from the other children in her town - her powerful affinity with the water, … Continue reading Festive Read #3 ‘The Girl With The Shark’s Teeth,’ by Cerrie Burnell, illustrations by Sandra Dieckmann.
Now I had been saving this book to read whilst snuggled up in the Christmas holidays as I knew Millwood Hargrave’s writing was going to whisk me away to an enchanted, frozen landscape and I wanted to savour it. Going to the in-laws’ to sit by their log fire was the perfect opportunity. Mila lives … Continue reading Festive read #2 ‘The Way Past Winter,’ by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, cover by Helen Crawford-White.
“Sometimes, when you’re a kid, but especially when you’re a girl, people want you to be quiet and well-behaved.......but changing things is important.” When Effie Kostas starts part-way through the term at Highworth Grange secondary school, she spends her lunch breaks sitting by herself. If that’s not bad enough, a fellow pupil (super-popular junior class … Continue reading ‘Vote For Effie,’ by Laura Wood, cover by Emma Trithart, illustrations by Mirelle Ortega.
Three sisters, three magical objects, one family curse. Need I say more? I knew from the off that I was going to love this book, and I wasn’t disappponted! The Widdershins sisters live in The Poacher’s Pocket In on the marshy isle of Crowstone with their granny - the formidable Bunny. The story begins on … Continue reading ‘A Pinch Of Magic,’ by Michelle Harrison, cover by Melissa Castrillon
I cannot explain to you my level of excitement when a beautiful festive package from Macmillan Children’s Books was delivered through my letterbox by, I presume, elves. When I opened it, I squeaked with excitement as a gorgeous, twinkly (personalised!) copy of illustrative-wizard, Alex T. Smith’s new festive title was revealed! The book takes place … Continue reading ‘How Winston Delivered Christmas,’ by Alex T. Smith
Having loved Lucy’s first book, I was very excited to see that she had written a new title set on the Kent coast during the Second World War. I couldn’t wait to dive in... ‘Our Castle by the Sea’ is about a family being torn apart amid rumours of espionage whilst enemy planes fly overhead. … Continue reading ‘Our Castle by the Sea,’ by Lucy Strange, design by Helen Crawford-White.
Today is my stop on the ‘Frostfire’ blog tour and I have a special post by Jamie Smith about Programming vs. Writing. Sabira is honoured to have been chosen to travel high up the dangerous mountain trail to bond with a frostsliver (a sentient fragment of the living glacier which looms over her home.) … Continue reading ‘Frostfire,’ by Jamie Smith, cover by Karl James Mountford.
Today I’m helping The Federation Of Children’s Book Groups (FCBG) celebrate National Non-Fiction November (#NNFN) with two fantastic titles from Laurence King Publishing. Both very different, but both will help you travel around the globe without leaving your house! ‘Around the World With the Ingreedies: A Taste Adventure’ by Zoë Bather & Joe Sharpe, illustrated … Continue reading National Non-Fiction November – the FCBG Blog Tour
Did you know that rather plump flying ponies once soared free over the moors of Dartmoor? Or that in some instances their favourite food was the custard cream biscuit (excellent taste!)? No? Then you simply must read the next hilarious adventure from dream duo, Reeve and McIntyre. The legendary Kevin of the book’s title is … Continue reading ‘The Legend Of Kevin,’ by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre.
The vastness of Outer Space has been a source of fascination for humans beings for millennia. Astronomers have pondered over what wonders and mysteries the universe might hold. Although I can’t promise you all the secrets of the universe, I can offer you five out of this world non-fiction books which may help shed a … Continue reading To infinity and beyond….
I finished this poignant title just in time for Remembrance Sunday so wanted to share it beforehand incase any of you were looking for some books set in the time of the First World War. As Evie’s parents struggle to come to terms with the death of their youngest son, Alecky, his older (but underage) … Continue reading ‘Evie’s War,’ by Holly Webb.
Teaching the water cycle at school can be rather a dry subject (excuse the bad joke), but these two gorgeous picture books should help make the whole experience a little more enjoyable! Once Upon a Raindrop - The Story Of Water by James Carter, illustrated by Nomoco (Little Tiger Group) Where does water come from? … Continue reading Water, water everywhere…
