Have you ever thought you’ve caught a glimpse of a strange creature from the corner of your eye? Or fancied that the light aircraft flying overhead is actually a dragon? You could just be right. If The Companions are to be believed, mythical creatures walk among us and it’s our responsibility to protect them. Connie … Continue reading ‘Secret of the Sirens,’ by Julia Golding, artwork by Kate Forrester.
I have long been a fan of the work of amazing illustrator/ author Elys Dolan. Her picture books have had my whole family crying with laughter and caused my husband to declare ‘Weasels’ one of his favourite children’s books ever (along with George’s Marvellous Medicine.) Imagine my excitement then, when I received a new chapter … Continue reading Beginners’ Guides from the most bonkers mind of Elys Dolan.
Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for the gorgeous ‘The Garden Of Hope’ which is the work of author, Isabel Otter and new illustrative talent, Katie Rewse. Things hadn’t been the same for Maya, Dad and Pip since Mum had been gone. They were a mess, the house was a mess and the … Continue reading ‘The Garden Of Hope,’ by Isabel Otter, illustrated by Katie Rewse.
Today I’m highlighting a gorgeous mini hardback series from 360 degrees. Absolutely crammed full of facts and beautiful illustrations, these books are aimed at enhancing children’s knowledge on a range of essential topics. Transport and Travel by Sandra Lawrence, illustrated by Jem Maybank Vehicles are a source of endless fascination in our household so this … Continue reading Mini Hardbacks and Mega Minds
Welcome to the blog tour for the brilliant ‘A Chase In Time.’ Can a trip to the past save the future? Alex Pilgrim and his sister Ruby always spend a couple of weeks of the school holidays at Aunt Joanna’s house and by ‘house,’ I mean Applecott House: mansion/ Bed and Breakfast. But it may … Continue reading ‘A Chase in Time,’ by Sally Nicholls, illustrated by Brett Helquist.
I am very excited to have a copy of the new title in the brilliant Baker Street Academy series to give away to one lucky reader. Just comment below with the title of a new mystery for Sherlock and the gang to solve. Aimed at readers aged 8+, The Baker Street Academy series follows some … Continue reading ‘Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Curse,’ by Sam Hearn.
Having read, and loved, ‘You Can’t Make Me go to Witch School,’ I was very excited to see what was in store next for Twinkle Toadspit (aka Daisy Wart), Shakespearean actress and mega-witch. Daisy has just discovered that she is a seven of seventh witch, meaning that she is super-powerful and has broken the curse … Continue reading ‘Get Me Out Of Witch School!,’ by Em Lynas, illustrated by Jamie Littler.
Today two new titles from the fab ‘Unicorn Academy’ series are adding some glitter and sparkle to my blog. Ava and Star get caught up in a struggle to save the unicorns’ magic as it starts to fade. The special sky berries that the unicorns need to survive have disappeared! With a little help from … Continue reading Unicorn Academy Series by Julie Sykes, illustrated by Lucy Truman, typography by Joel Holland.
We Enter The Manor At Will We Enter The Manor Unarmed We Enter The Manor Alone Ever since Jane Doe’s arrival on the island of Bluehaven, cradled in her father’s arms, the pair have been a source of hatred and fascination. Jane’s unusual amber eyes, and her father’s semi-catatonic state (paired with their dramatic entrance … Continue reading ‘The Cradle of All Worlds,’ by Jeremy Lachlan, figure illustration by Gelrev Ongbico.
Charli is a model and body activist so is well-placed to write a book for middle grade readers which is aimed at encouraging a healthy body image. In a time where children are constantly bombarded with unrealistic photos of what a body ‘should’ look like, it’s even more important that they are reassured that bodies … Continue reading ‘Splash,’ by Charli Howard, illustrations by Lucy Davey.
McTavish is back with another important mission - the Peachey family is in crisis; they can’t decide where to go on holiday. And when they do decide, certain family members seem determined not to enjoy themselves. Cue McTavish.... When mum suggests the family head back to the magical Faraway Campsite of her youth, Betty is … Continue reading ‘McTavish Goes Wild,’ by Meg Rosoff, illustrations by Grace Easton.
Don’t be a quakebottom! Prepare to be bumbazed by maverick lexicographer, Professor Crystal-Bloomer in this delightful celebration of long-lost and forgotten words. Shona is a lover of words and has even started compiling her own thesaurus. She is dismayed to hear on the news that some languages are on the brink of dying out completely … Continue reading ‘Shona, Word Detective,’ by John Agard, illustrations by Michael Broad.
Help! Aliens have invaded my blog! This is all thanks to the blog tour for Matt Brown’s latest book: ‘Aliens Invaded My Talent Show!’ Make sure you read Matt’s lowdown on his favourite aliens (good and bad!) Eric Doomsday just loves doing magic tricks. His best friend, Vinnie Mumbles, thinks they’re ace - even if … Continue reading ‘Aliens Invaded My Talent Show!’ By Matt Brown, illustrated by Paco Sordo.
Luke and the other members of S.C.A.R.F are back in another battle against intergalactic forces of evil in the fourth installment in this prize-winning series - evil’s never been so squishy... Following an unfortunate inter-dimensional incident in their previous battle to save Bromley/ the Earth, Luke’s mind has swapped bodies with that of his older … Continue reading ‘My Arch-Enemy is a Brain in a Jar,’ by David Solomons, illustrated by Robin Boyden – guest post and giveaway!
One of the things I love most about children’s authors, is the seamless way they blend challenging and sensitive issues with humour to make the subject matter approachable for children. ‘Walls’ fits brilliantly into this category with its main character Ned struggling to come to terms with his parents’ divorce and break-up of peer friendships. … Continue reading ‘Walls,’ by Emma Fischel, cover by Sarah Darby.
It was with much anticipation that I cracked open the covers of ‘Storm,’ the third and final installment in the epic The Huntress trilogy featuring daring and courageous Mouse with her loyal crew. Following the breath-taking rescue of her father from the evil mystiks, Mouse is holed up in Hackles, the Sky fortress. When a … Continue reading ‘The Huntress: Storm,’ by Sarah Driver, cover by Ray Tierney, map illustration by Joe McLaren.
It’s encouraging to see a more diverse range of main characters appearing in children’s books at the moment. It’s in this way that we can help develop empathy and understanding of those different to ourselves. That’s why I was very happy to be invited to take part in the blog tour for Double Felix. Felix’s … Continue reading ‘Double Felix,’ by Sally Harris, illustrated by Maria Serrano.
Barry Loser is back in another mega-keel adventure (his tenth, in fact) and this time everyone’s gone football crazy! After being thrown out of the Mogden Maniacs for being completely rubbish at football, Barry is thrilled to discover that his best friend, Bunky, is actually a super striker. However as the big cup final approaches … Continue reading ‘Barry Loser is the Best at Football NOT!,’ by Jim Smith.
Ever wondered what would happen if eleven llamas unknowingly swallowed the ashes of one of the greatest footballers in the world? Wonder no more...! Llama United Book one sees the ghost of international footballing legend, Arthur Muckluck, narrating the tale of how several previously normal llamas came to accidentally eat his scattered ashes. He introduces … Continue reading ‘Llama United,’ by Scott Allen, illustrated by Sarah Horne.
The perfect collection of football poems to enjoy regardless of the highs and lows of the World Cup. This cracking collection of carefully curated poems has been in training for this year’s World Cup and is back and better than ever! From the best-selling poet, John Foster and illustrated by award-winning illustrator Korky Paul, this … Continue reading ‘Fantastic Football Poems,’ by John Foster and Korky Paul.
Library Girl and Book Boy 