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.
I am very excited to see more fantastic stories from around the world being translated into English so that we can enjoy them in this country too. It’s very important to value work from other counties and cultures, as well as our own. That’s why I was so pleased when Firefly Press gave me Dog … Continue reading ‘Dog Town,’ by Luīze Pastore, illustrated by Reinis Pētersons, translated by Žanete Vēvere Pasqualini.
I’ve featured this brilliant biographical series written by Matt and Tom Oldfield, with covers by Dan Leydon, on my blog before (click HERE for a link) and it has proved a massive hit with my own children and any other child I’ve offered them too! This being the case, I am DELIGHTED that there have … Continue reading Ultimate Football Heroes – the remix!
One day, when Julian is on the way home with his Nana, he spots what looks like the most beautiful mermaids. Their long flowing hair and shimmering tails spark something inside Julian. When he gets home, Julian styles his hair, make-up and clothing to transform himself into one of those dazzling creatures. But what will … Continue reading ‘Julian is a Mermaid,’ by Jessica Love.
I was extremely excited to be invited by Scholastic to be on the judging panel for this year’s Lollies. Although the short-list is decided by the judges, the winners are decided purely by readers, librarians and teachers so make sure you visit http://www.scholastic.co.uk/lollies to vote! Michael Rosen, children’s novelist, poet and former Children’s Laureate, today announced … Continue reading The Laugh Out Loud 2018 Book Awards (Lollies) Short-list!
“The world is filled with millions of miracles that no one sees.” Max finds life at St. Goliath’s difficult for a range of reasons - being made to sit on the ‘SPECIAL SEAT’ during assemblies, the constant noise and chaos. None of this made it easy for Max, with his hearing aids, to fit in … Continue reading ‘Max and the Millions,’ by Ross Montgomery, cover by David Litchfield.
I am delighted to tell you that ‘Ottoline and the Purple Fox,’ is now available to paperback! I am even more thrilled to tell you that I have a full signed paperback and print set for one lucky follower to win! Ottoline and her hairy companion, Mr Munroe, were busy planning a dinner party when … Continue reading ‘Ottoline and the Purple Fox,’ by Chris Riddell.
McTavish is a rescue dog with a mission - to save the Peachey family. After mum resigns from her duties to practise yoga, The Peachey family is in chaos. They are always late for everything, sock go unpaired and take-away pizza for tea is de rigour. Cue, McTavish, the rescue dog and organisational mastermind who’s … Continue reading ‘GOOD DOG McTavish,’ by Meg Rosoff, illustrated by Grace Easton.
This stellar adventure is packed with pirates, circus boats and far-flung islands. In fact, everything you need for a thrilling read! Cass dreams of a life aboard Ravellous’s circus boat, making her living as an acrobat. With plans to audition when the boat arrives at Minaris, Cass is confident that a life of adventure awaits … Continue reading ‘The Company Of Eight,’ by Harriet Whitehorn, cover by Maria Surducan.
Steeped in Russian folklore and infused with magic, ‘The House With Chicken Legs’ is a breath-taking story which will sweep you away on an incredible journey. I am thrilled to be part of the blog tour for this fabulous title, and to be hosting a special guest post from the author herself, Sophie Anderson. The … Continue reading ‘The House With Chicken Legs,’ by Sophie Anderson, cover by Melissa Castrillon, illustrations by Elisa Paganelli – with magical guest post.
‘Sing your own song.’ Jamie and his family have relocated to the island of his mother’s birth, a remote and tiny island in the Outer Hebrides. Rugged and wild with surging tides, Jamie has never been happier living a wilder life. But he has a secret - he’s afraid of the sea. A chance meeting … Continue reading ‘To The Edge of the World,’ by Julia Green, cover by Helen Crawford-White.
Every so often a book comes along which perfectly mirrors life in the society about which it is written. I am very sad to say that ‘Running on Empty’ does just that. Focussing on the timely issues of modern-day poverty and young carers, it sharply brings into view the pressures faced by children and their … Continue reading ‘Running on Empty,’ by S.E.Durrant, cover by Rob Biddulph. Plus exclusive guest post.
Today, three stunning non-fiction books grace the pages of my blog, each of them teaching me something new about the amazing world we live in. A Year in the Wild by Helen Ahpornsiri (Big Picture Press) A stunningly beautiful book with artwork crafted from hand-pressed blooms and foliage. These are then carefully cut and arranged … Continue reading The Beauty Of Nature
I am delighted to welcome ‘Planet Stan’ to my blog today to round off its blog tour. I am even more delighted that I had the opportunity to ask author, Elaine, some quizzing questions. The story revolves around the tricky sibling relationship between space-loving Stan and his disgusting younger brother Fred. Stan is struggling to … Continue reading ‘Planet Stan,’ by Elaine Wickson, illustrated by Chris Judge plus exclusive Q&A.
A beautiful cloth-covered reissue of Shakespeare’s classic tale, originally published in 1945. When the Fairy Queen, Titania, and King of the Fairies, Oberon, argue about who should be responsible for a little changeling boy, Oberon and his servant, Puck, cast a mischievous spell on Titania. This spell causes her to fall madly in love with … Continue reading ‘Titania and Oberon – A Fairy Tale,’ written by Jo Manton, illustrated by Phyllis Bray.
Today we’re travelling back in time to the realms of the Ancient Egyptians and Ancient Romans with two book from an excellent new non-fiction series by James Davies. Meet the... Ancient Egyptians The book starts off with a map and background information which explains how Egypt was united into one Kingdom by Menes. This … Continue reading Meet the Ancients…
Library Girl and Book Boy 