This brilliant book is a must if you’re studying ecosystems or have an interest in the natural world. Endorsed by the British Ecological Society, packed with information, and gilded with gorgeous illustrations - you are in for a treat! “A teacher challenges her class to decide which is the most important animal of all. Seven … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Most Important Animal of All,’ by Penny Worms, illustrated by Hannah Bailey.
A couple of months ago, I was honoured to do the cover reveal for Alex Cotter’s creepy, atmospheric middle grade debut. Today, I’m thrilled to be part of the blog tour AND have a special piece by Alex about the power of spooky stories. “Where has Faith's dad gone? Why has he left his family … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The House on the Edge,’ Alex Cotter, cover by Kathrin Honesta.
When I have to wrestle a book out of my son’s hands and hide it so that I can read it before him, you know that you’re onto a winner. And that is exactly what happened when SkyWake Invasion arrived! An exciting and original debut sci-fi adventure trilogy for the gaming generation, from a screenwriter, … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘SkyWake Invasion,’ by Jamie Russell, cover by Matt Griffin.
Today I have the great pleasure of sharing a very timely and important book which gently introduces young readers to the meaning of the Black Lives Matter movement and the power of speaking out. A beautifully illustrated and poignant picture book about the Black Lives Matter movement - it's deep history, background and meaning - … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘When We Say Black Lives Matter,’ by Maxine Beneba Clarke.
I am forever bemoaning the lack of choice when it comes to dinosaur books for readers looking for a meatier read than a picture book. Well I’m moaning no more as the totally awesome ‘A Dinosaur Ate My Sister’ has stomped onto the scene for all your dino-needs! It’s so good, that it is the … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘A Dinosaur Ate My Sister,’ by Pooja Puri, illustrated by Allen Fatimaharan.
Today’s my stop on the blog tour for the awesome ‘Felix Unlimited.’ By the end of the first chapter, I was completely hooked! Felix is no ordinary boy. With the help of his friends, he's started his own business, and he soon has thousands of pounds stashed under his bed. But it's not all smooth … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Felix Unlimited,’ by Andrew Norriss, cover by Sarah Horne.
‘The Place for Me’ contains twelve tales of sacrifice and bravery inspired by first-hand account of the Windrush generation. They have been written by: K.N. Chimbiri, Kevin George, Salena Godden, Judy Hepburn, Ashley Hickson-Lovence, Jermain Jackman, Kirsty Latoya, Katy Massey, E.L. Norry, and Quincy the Comedian. It also features a foreword by Dame Floella Benjamin … Continue reading ‘The Place for Me: Stories About the Windrush Generation,’ produced in partnership with Black Cultural Archives, cover illustration by Joelle Avelino.
Author Gail Newsham is an ex-footballer with a career spanning twenty years and including two women’s FA Cup semi-finals. She grew up near the factory in Preston where the team was originally formed and was amazed to discover the existence of the team. Gail has made it her mission to bring the Dick, Kerr Ladies … Continue reading ‘Official Dick, Kerr Ladies: Football’s Forgotten Legends,’ by Gail J. Newsham, illustrated by Thy Bui.
10 Stories to Make a Difference is a collection of original illustrated stories published by children’s literature non-profit development agency Pop Up, which has been bringing books, schools and communities together for 10 years. Pop Up has collaborated with 20 writers and illustrators and a host of editing and design professionals from 12 publishers, and crowdsourced … Continue reading Pop Up: 10 Stories to Make a Difference
You may have already spotted Dom’s original story: ‘Meet Matilda Rocket Builder,’ but today I have an exclusive short story to share with you all….. ‘Going to the Moon is SO last century, so how difficult can it be―even for a ten-year-old―to follow in the footsteps of Neil Armstrong and the Apollo astronauts? Meet Matilda, … Continue reading Exclusive! ‘Meet Matilda Rocket Builder: The Early Years Planets and Stars,’ – an original short story by Dom Conlon, illustrated by Heidi Cannon.
I’m always excited to see a brand-new series featuring GIRLS playing football and today I am sharing the very first title in the new ‘The Dream Team’ series. ‘Olá! I'm Jasmina Santos-Campbell (but you can call me Jaz). You've probably heard of me and my football team the Bramrock Stars before. No? Well, you will … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Jaz Santos vs. the World,’ by Priscilla Mante, cover by Camilla Sucre.
With lots of top level sport to enjoy over the summer, children might be looking for a little extra inspiration to help them reach their peak performance level. Award-winning journalist Rick Broadbent has interviewed some of the biggest names in sport and shares some of their inspiring stories in this brilliant book. Make sure you … Continue reading Blog post: ‘Sports Legends: 50 Inspiring People to Help You Reach the Top of Your Game,’ by Rick Broadbent, illustrated by James Davies.
Hilary McKay is a truly excellent writer for older children. ‘The Swallow’s Flight’ is her Costa award-winning title ‘The Skylark’s War’ - a beautiful story following the loves and losses of a family growing up against the harsh backdrop of World War One. I have the whole of Chapter Five to share with you, so … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Swallow’s Flight,’ by Hilary McKay.
Introducing the second book in the Johnny Ball series - a super-funny series for football mad readers. ‘From the author of Ultimate Football Heroes comes the second book in the Johnny Ball series, funny reading for football-mad kids. Johnny Ball's got a super exciting new job: assistant manager for the Tissbury Tigers! But there's a … Continue reading ‘Johnny Ball Undercover Football Genius,’ by Matt Oldfield, illustrated by Tim Wesson.
Today I’m sharing one of Barrington Stoke’s excellent dyslexia-friendly titles which is absolutely packed with facts about famous goalies and the history of goalkeeping. I love that it’s celebrating an oft-neglected member of the team. ‘New boy Shane Logan has a temper, but he’s also a talented goalie. When Peter and his friends invite Shane … Continue reading ‘Keeper,’ by Alan Gibbons, illustrated by Chris Chalik.
This gorgeous books is currently making waves all over social media - and rightly so. It is a beautifully written modern fairy tale featuring a tender love story between a merman and a lonely fisherman. It’s brought to life by the beautiful illustrations of James Mayhew. “Far out to sea and deep below the whispering … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Nen and the Lonely Fisherman,’ by Ian Eagleton, illustrated by James Mayhew.
‘The Caravan at the Edge of Doom’ is the hilarious debut novel of comedian, Jim Beckett, and has been dubbed ‘Pratchett for tweens.’ I can see why - its madcap humour, crazy characters, and hilarious take on the afterlife make it a sure-fire winner with fans of funny. I got the chance to ask Jim … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Caravan at the Edge of Doom,’ by Jim Beckett, illustrated by Olia Muza.
I love a good collection of poetry, and what could be wetter than a volume all about the beautiful game? Perfect for sharing in the odd spare minute or to inspire some cheering from the terraces (or performing of poetry!) ‘50 Ways to Score a Goal and Other Football Poems shows Brian Bilston's genuine love … Continue reading ‘50 Ways to Score a Goal and other Football Poems,’ by Brian Bilston, cover by Joe Berger.
We are huge fans of little known facts and strange but true connections in this household. My sons delight in trying to catch me out with facts about weird and wonderful creatures or unbelievable cars, so ‘Factopia!’ is just about the most perfect book for them that you could imagine! Welcome to FACTopia! A wonderland … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Factopia!’ by Kate Hale, illustrated by Andy Smith.
Well I’m not going to lie. I’m a card-carrying member of the Crater Lake fan club so I’d been counting down to its sequel ever since I learnt there was going to be one. I couldn’t wait to see what had happened to Lance and the gang after they survived the Crater Lake school trip … Continue reading ‘Crater Lake – Evolution,’ by Jennifer Killick.
Library Girl and Book Boy 