Today, I have the pleasure of rounding off the ‘Hopeless Heroes’ blog tour with an author spotlight. Book Boy has long been obsessed with Greek Gods so was thrilled to discover a new series of books from Stella Tarakson - ‘Hopeless Heroes.’ Our full review of two books in the series can be found here. … Continue reading Author Spotlight – Stella Tarakson and ‘Hopeless Heroes,’ illustrated by Nick Roberts.
I am very excited to have been asked to be an official cheerleader for one of the amazing nominees for 2018’s Children's Book Award. Organised by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, these are the only awards where the nominees and winners are chosen entirely by children. The nominated book I’ve been asked to celebrate … Continue reading Children’s Book Award nominee – ‘The Explorer,’ by Katherine Rundell, illustrations by Hannah Horn.
Beaky Malone is back. The world’s favourite liar still can’t lie and now fame is calling. Surely a few little truths couldn’t hurt...? As a result of his sister shoving him into Madame Shirley’s truth-telling machine, Beaky Malone can no longer tell a lie. This could be the cause of major humiliation - will Beaky … Continue reading ‘Beaky Malone – Weirdest Show on Earth’ by Barry Hutchison, illustrated by Katie Abey.
Unicorns are currently riding high on a wave of popularity - there’s a constant queue of children clamouring for magical titles in our school library. That’s why I know they (and our librarian) will be delighted to learn about the sparkling new ‘Unicorn Academy’ series by Julie Sykes, illustrated by Lucy Truman and published by … Continue reading Unicorn Academy…Where Magic Happens.
We’ve already had children asking for this in the school library - the mark of an excellent book series! I’m sure they won’t be disappointed by the newest instalment of Izzy’s adventures - The Phantom Lollipop Man! Every day for, well, forever, the same grumpy old lollipop man has safely escorted Izzy and her pals … Continue reading ‘The Phantom Lollipop Man!’ By Pamela Butchart, illustrated by Thomas Flintham.
I have been lucky enough to read a flotilla of amazing adventure stories crafted by debut authors over the past few months. I think we’re currently in the midst of a period of absolutely fantastic children’s novels and the breath-taking ‘Brightstorm’ is one which really stood out. When twins, Arthur and Maudie, are told the … Continue reading ‘Brightstorm,’ by Vashti Hardy, cover by George Ermos.
This blog post is celebrating the fourth and final gripping instalment of The Inventory series - an action-packed bundle of books, crammed full with high-tech gadgetry and dastardly villains. Without giving too much away, Dev is struggling with having learnt the truth about his troubled past deep in the Black Zone of the Inventory. He … Continue reading ‘The Inventory: Winter Storm,’ by Andy Briggs with exclusive guest blog post!
I am absolutely thrilled to be hosting Sinéad O’Hart on my blog today! I absolutely loved ‘The Eye Of the North,’ an action-packed adventure frosted with magic. Emmeline has never left Widget Manor, but one day her scientist parents mysteriously disappear and she’s bundled onto a ship to Paris to stay in a safe house. Aboard … Continue reading ‘The Eye of the North’ Blog Tour with guest post from author, Sinead O’Hart.
After ‘THE EVENT THAT MUST NEVER BE SPOKEN OF AGAIN,’ Sam has gained the unfortunate nickname of ‘Scaredy-Cat Sam.’ He needs a plan to clear his name! Following an unfortunate incident during a school trip to the space museum, the class bully, Ralph Philip Zinkerman the Third, christened Sam with his much-hated nickname. Sam decides that … Continue reading ‘Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts,’ by Katie and Kevin Tsang, illustrated by Nathan Reed.
Information books are an inexhaustible source of entertainment in our household, with both my children spending hours poring over photos and illustrations and sharing the fascinating facts they’re learnt . This selection of brilliant new books from non-fiction super-giants, DK, is sure to contain something new for everyone. 13 1/2 Incredible Things You Need to Know … Continue reading Wonders of Nature from DK.
If you’re looking for an original Valentine’s Day gift, or just a way to let someone know you care, you won’t go far wrong with this amazing pop-up book by Anna Llenas. It’s sure to delight readers young and old. Roly is a woodlouse and Rita is a firefly - they both think very differently … Continue reading ‘I Love You (Nearly Alway),’ by Anna Llenas.
If you’re looking for a narrator who will transport straight into their world, look no further than Twister. Lushly written and pulsing with magic. You’re in for a treat. Following the mysterious disappearance of her father, Twister lives on a farm with her ill mother and Aunt Honey with her faithful dog, Point. Determined to help … Continue reading ‘Twister,’ by Juliette Forrest, cover by Alexis Snell.
Welcome to 'The Bee Book.' Prepare to ‘bee’ amazed by this beautiful hardback book which celebrates the mind-blowing creature which is the bee and make sure you read t the end for a special behind-the-scenes peek into Charlotte’s sketch book. The Bee Book is absolutely packed full of information about the often misunderstood fuzzy little … Continue reading ‘The Bee Book,’ by Charlotte Milner.
Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for: 'I Swapped My Brother on the Internet.' I’m sure those of us with siblings have at some point daydreamed about trading our annoying younger brothers or moody big sisters for an upgraded model. Well, ‘Sweet mangoes of heaven!’ Jonny has discovered a website where he’s able … Continue reading ‘I Swapped My Brother on The Internet,’ by Jo Simmons, illustrated by Nathan Reed.
It was with much anticipation that I awaited the arrival of ‘The Light Jar’ - after the brilliance of ‘The Goldfish Boy,’ I knew that I was going to be in for a treat. My patience was rewarded when a copy was finally delivered by my friendly postlady. I'm also thrilled to be hosting an … Continue reading ‘The Light Jar,’ by Lisa Thompson, cover by Mike Lowery.
I am thrilled that the magnificent ‘Sky Song’ is my first review of 2018. I scurried out to purchase it with my book tokens yesterday, read it into the New Year and finished it off today. It’s also just been revealed as Waterstones’ book of the month, so you know you’re in for a cracking … Continue reading ‘Sky Song,’ by Abi Elphinstone, cover by Daniela Terrazzini.
Emmeline Widget has not had the most conventional upbringing. From an early age, she had been fairly convinced that her parents had been trying to kill her due to a number of close calls in the family home of Widget Manor. Emmeline has never left Widget Manor, but one day her scientist parents mysteriously disappear … Continue reading ‘The Eye of the North,’ by Sinéad O’Hart, cover by Sara Mulvanny.
‘Dear Mr Wright, I am writing to you as librarian of Hardacre Manor, Berkshire, about an extraordinary discovery that I have made on the estate....’ Followed the discovery of a collection of antique maps and notes locked away in a secret hidey-hole dating from the 15th century which seem to detail the whereabouts of the … Continue reading ‘The Atlas Of Monsters,’ by Stuart Hill and Sandra Lawrence.
’Bob, Man on the Moon,’ is a must-have space adventure which adorns thousands of bookcases around the world. It’s hard to believe that everyone’s favourite astronaut turned 15 this year! To celebrate, a special anniversary edition full of Bob’s further adventure and Bartram’s out-of-this world illustrations. This stellar edition contains not one, but SIX Bob … Continue reading ‘Bob’s Lunar Adventures,’ by Simon Bartram.
Unicorns are a major trend at the moment, with every self-respecting child (and adult) of a certain age are clamouring after everything sparkles and rainbows. Throw in some crafty colouring too and you have pretty much their perfect book. When this fabulous book arrived in the post, I knew the perfect group of testers - … Continue reading ‘Press Out and Decorate Unicorns,’ by Kate McLelland.
Library Girl and Book Boy 