‘The Christmas Extravaganza Hotel,’ by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tony Neal.

Sometimes, the simple pleasures of Christmas can get lost amongst the flashing lights and tinsel of a modern Christmas. This joyful feel-good book helps readers pause and look around them. Bear is just settling down in front of a warm fire to read his book when he hears a loud tooting from outside. Upon opening … Continue reading ‘The Christmas Extravaganza Hotel,’ by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tony Neal.

‘It’s Christmas!’ By Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tim Warnes.

Another brilliant title in the ‘Archie’ series which tackles concepts that little children find difficult to understand (No!, Why?, Now!, and More! being previous instalments). This time, it’s Christmas, and Archie the rhinoceros can barely contain his excitement. Archie absolutely loves Christmas and has big plans to make this one the best Christmas ever! From … Continue reading ‘It’s Christmas!’ By Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tim Warnes.

Baby 101: Welcome, class! from Caterpillar Books

I have recently been sent an excellent series of board books from Caterpillar Books which are designed to teach babies and toddlers key vocabulary and concepts in various scientific topics. Children always love to learn a tricky scientific word - they’re never too young to start! Babies can learn about the world’s greatest buildings, learn … Continue reading Baby 101: Welcome, class! from Caterpillar Books

St. Grizzle’s School For Girls by Karen McCombie, illustrated by Becka Moor.

It’s that time of year when minds turn to new shoes, crisp new notebooks and tricked-out pencil cases - Back to School time! And it’s no different at St. Grizzle’s, the boarding school with a difference..... St. Grizzle’s School for Girls, Goats and Random Boys is the very first title in the series and tells … Continue reading St. Grizzle’s School For Girls by Karen McCombie, illustrated by Becka Moor.

Holiday Read #4: ‘The Hounds Of Penhallow Hall – The Secrets Tree,’ by Holly Webb, illustrations by Jason Cockcroft.

This title arrived just in time to sneak into my suitcase and I was delighted because I’m always looking for spooky titles which are suitable for slightly younger readers. This one would definitely be fine for anyone aged 7+   Polly is excited to be heading back to Penhallow Hall for half-term and Halloween.   … Continue reading Holiday Read #4: ‘The Hounds Of Penhallow Hall – The Secrets Tree,’ by Holly Webb, illustrations by Jason Cockcroft.

‘Octopants,’ by Suzy Senior, illustrated by Claire Powell.

Imagine not being able to get any underwear that fits. Pants, right?!  Now imagine being an octopus in that same situation - 8x as pants! There seem to be pants for every other fish/ cephalopod in the ocean, except for poor old eight-legged octopus. There’s evening wear for eels and jewellery for jellyfish; it’s just … Continue reading ‘Octopants,’ by Suzy Senior, illustrated by Claire Powell.

‘Beaky Malone – Weirdest Show on Earth’ by Barry Hutchison, illustrated by Katie Abey.

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.