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.
So I've shared some of my top picture books choices for this Christmas, now it's the turn of chapter books. I absolutely LOVE picture books for readers of ALL ages, not just the little ones but sometimes you just a longer book to sink your teeth into or delay bedtime for a few minutes longer. … Continue reading Festive Chapter Book Fancies
Many thanks to Egmont for sending me the second instalment in the absolutely gripping 'The Huntress' trilogy. The first, 'Sea,' was one of my favourite début novels of the year (click HERE for my review) so I was thrilled have the next one to read as I was desperate to find out what was next … Continue reading ‘The Huntress: Sky,’ by Sarah Driver, cover by Joe McLaren.
It started with an “Oops!”... ...and so begins the mystery of ‘The Elephant in the Room.’ Father Giant’s favourite elephant has been smashed into little pieces and he wants to know who’s to blame so he can banish them from the house, but no one seems keen to confess. After some serious investigating, and a … Continue reading ‘The Elephant in the Room,’ by James Thorp and Angus Mackinnon.
Introducing an atlas unlike any you’ve ever seen before: our fantastic planet is brought to life in 3D. This fascinating atlas features over 60 specially-commissioned maps, all absolutely packed with 3D images, facts and photos. It explains the scientific theory behind the origins of early Earth, then takes the reader on a continent-by-continent tour of … Continue reading ‘What’s Where on Earth Atlas,’ by DK.
Dinosaurs never go out of fashion so I am delighted to introduce you to the new children's book from best-selling author and artist, Matt Sewell. This absolutely brilliant book features a whole host of fabulous prehistoric creatures from the Ceratosaurus to the Spinosaurus. Sewell's glorious watercolour illustrations draw on the fact that palaeontologists now think … Continue reading ‘Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Creatures,’ by Matt Sewell.
November is officially the month to celebrate all books non-fiction and I have a beautiful one here for you today. ‘Urban Jungle’ is a winning combination of maps and wildlife, taking its readers on a fantastic journey around the globe, visiting 38 major cities along the way. Each city has its own double page spread … Continue reading ‘Urban Jungle,’ by Vicky Woodgate.
Is ancient mythology all Greek to you? If so, this brilliant new fun-filled series will help bring you up to speed. Written by Tarakson as a result of a childhood steeped in tales from Greek mythology, the ten book strong ‘Hopeless Heroes’ series introduces its readers to some of the mightiest Gods and Goddesses around. … Continue reading ‘Hopeless Heroes: Here Comes Hercules! (Book1) & Hera’s Terrible Trap (Book 2),’ by Stella Tarakson, illustrated by Nick Roberts.
Sometimes books arrive and are snatched out of my hands before I get a chance to read them, and Ludwig was one of them - I think it was the promise of adventure and the lure of 3D glasses! This is actually the second eye-popping adventure about Ludwig the dog (after 'Ludwig the Space Dog), … Continue reading ‘Ludwig the Sea Dog,’ by Henning Lohlein.
I'm delighted to be on blog tour for this little book with bite which would be perfect for readers aged seven and up. Vlad is a young vampire from a long line of very scary and very vampirey vampires. The problem is, Vlad doesn't feel the least bit scary - he hates his morning drink … Continue reading ‘Vlad the World’s Worst Vampire,’ by Anna Wilson, illustrated by Kathryn Durst.
I have two super science books for you today: 'Al's Awesome Science,' and 'Cool Physics.' 'Al's Awesome Science: Egg-speriments,' by Jane Clarke, illustrated by James Brown (Five Quills) This is the first book in a series about science-loving twins, Al and Lottie. Full of energy and never far from trouble, the twins love investigating the … Continue reading Weird Science
There was MUCH excitement in my house when I opened this parcel of Football Heroes books. The Giggs title was borrowed to be read straight away (my son had actually just finished the Messi one on holiday.) So it is, with much fanfare, that I introduce you the brilliant Football Heroes biography collection. … Continue reading ‘Football Heroes,’ by Matt and Tom Oldfield, covers by Dan Leydon.
****Breaking News!!!**** Congratulations are due to the excellent David Solomons as ‘My Gym Teacher is an Alien Overlord,’ won the PopJam Readers’ Choice Award at the Lollies 2017 award ceremony tonight! I am absolutely thrilled for everyone involved and can’t wait for another instalment in the future. I am so excited and honoured to be … Continue reading Lollies 2017 Winner! ‘My Gym Teacher is an Alien Overlord,’ by David Solomons, illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson, typography by Rob Biddulph
After reading, and loving, Webb's sequel to Frances Hodgson Burnett's 'The Secret Garden,' I was delighted to see learn that she had also reimagined Hodgson Burnett's beloved classic 'The Little Princess,' but set against the tempestuous backdrop of the Suffragette movement of the early 20th century. Still set in the prim and proper Miss Minchin's … Continue reading ‘The Princess and the Suffragette,’ by Holly Webb.
These next three books are perfect for fans of all things dinosaur. We have some fabulous fiction, non-fiction and a gorgeous colour and discover book. 'The Book of Prehistoric Beasts,' from Angela Rizza and Jonny Marx (Buster Books) This gorgeous book is a clever mix of facts, profiles and fearsome creatures to colour in. … Continue reading Dinotastic Discoveries!
In today's hectic, tech-driven society, young children can often find it difficult to manage their emotions, resulting in anger, stress and anxiety. This brilliant new series encourages children to take some time out to help process their emotions. Both titles use a combination of mindful activities and recognised cognitive therapy methods and have been written … Continue reading The Mindful Kids colouring series from Studio Press
Library Girl and Book Boy 