I had originally purchased this one for Book Boy to read but the beautiful cover and blurb drew me to it, so I read it first! When a cargo ship flounders in a fearsome storm, a container of robots empties its contents into a turbulent sea. Many sink, some are eventually dashed to pieces on … Continue reading Holiday Read #6: ‘The Wild Robot,’ by Peter Brown.
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.
I have long been a fan of the work of amazing illustrator/ author Elys Dolan. Her picture books have had my whole family crying with laughter and caused my husband to declare ‘Weasels’ one of his favourite children’s books ever (along with George’s Marvellous Medicine.) Imagine my excitement then, when I received a new chapter … Continue reading Beginners’ Guides from the most bonkers mind of Elys Dolan.
Having read, and loved, ‘You Can’t Make Me go to Witch School,’ I was very excited to see what was in store next for Twinkle Toadspit (aka Daisy Wart), Shakespearean actress and mega-witch. Daisy has just discovered that she is a seven of seventh witch, meaning that she is super-powerful and has broken the curse … Continue reading ‘Get Me Out Of Witch School!,’ by Em Lynas, illustrated by Jamie Littler.
Today two new titles from the fab ‘Unicorn Academy’ series are adding some glitter and sparkle to my blog. Ava and Star get caught up in a struggle to save the unicorns’ magic as it starts to fade. The special sky berries that the unicorns need to survive have disappeared! With a little help from … Continue reading Unicorn Academy Series by Julie Sykes, illustrated by Lucy Truman, typography by Joel Holland.
Bertie’s back! Can you believe that this is Bertie’s 30th book? This one contains three mini stories, brilliant for newly independent readers aged 5+ The first of the three mini stories is football-themed to coincide with the World Cup. Bertie is chosen to be match mascot for his local team, the Pudsley Rovers, and can’t … Continue reading ‘Dirty Bertie Mascot!’ By Alan MacDonald, illustrated by David Roberts.
If you’re looking for something new to read, how about one of this foxy new title? Star Friends - Magic Mirror by Linda Chapman, illustrated by Lucy Fleming (Stripes Publishing) Mirror Magic is the first in a new series of books about Maia, her friends and the Star Animals (creatures who must learn to use … Continue reading ‘Star Friends – Mirror Magic,’ by Linda Chapman, illustrated by Lucy Fleming.
It’s currently Mental Health Awareness Week in the U.K. With record rates of mental health referrals amongst children, this seems like the perfect time to introduce you to two books which might help children express and regulate their emotions. Mind Hug by Emily Amber and Vanessa Lovegrove (Circus House) This story was developed to help … Continue reading Supporting Mental Health in Children
This post is celebrating two books which positively demand audience participation... ‘Do Not Open This Book’ by Andy Lee, illustrated by Heath McKenzie (Studio Stories) Originally written as a first birthday gift for his nephew, George, this book was never actually meant to be published. Luckily for us, it was! Monster is absolutely desperate for … Continue reading Audience Participation Required!
Strictly speaking, this isn't just a holiday read as it was actually started as my son's bedtime story back in England and we've just finished it tonight. But I think I can allow a little flexibility on the 'holiday read' point. It was the title of the book which first attracted me and the premise … Continue reading Holiday Read #2 ‘The Bookshop Girl,’ by Sylvia Bishop, illustrated by Ashley King.
I'd like to share not one, but two diaries about hapless heroes in sorrowful situations. The Long-Lost Diary of the World's Worst Knight Sir Roderick is a squire at Doddington Castle and longs to be a brave knight. The kind of knight who'll be remembered in heroic tales like King Arthur's knights of the round … Continue reading ‘The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World’s Worst…’ written by Tim Collins, illustrated by Sarah Horne.
I've shared the picture books that my nearest and dearest can expect to receive this year, now here are my purchases for older readers... Santa Claude by Alex.T.Smith My favourite dog and his sock sidekick, Sir Bobblysock, are back in a festive adventure. Upon hearing a strange noise in their chimney, Claude and Sir Bobblysock … Continue reading Cracking Christmas Reads!
"When a child loves you...REALLY loves you, then you become REAL." This beautifully re-illustrated volume is the first title in a new series if classics for Nosy Crow Publishers. The gorgeous fully-foiled cloth binding and cover make it the perfect Christmas gift for old and new fans alike. Fed-up of being teased by Boy's mechanical … Continue reading ‘The Velveteen Rabbit,’ by Margery Williams, illustrated by Sarah Massini.
I am absolutely delighted to welcome the magnificent Lou Kuenzler to the blog as part of her 'Finding Black Beauty' blog tour - a beautiful version of the classic 'Black Beauty' with a twist. As well as getting read and review her book, I got to ask Lou about where her desire to work with … Continue reading ‘Finding Black Beauty.’
Everyone's favourite animal author has just released these two fab new titles about children struggling to fit in to new schools. Furry Friends - Sophie's Squeaky Surprise (illustrated by Clare Elsom) Sophie and her family have just moved to Paris from England and Sophie's having a hard time making friends - the girls at her new … Continue reading A Holly Webb Special!
Jim is back in another death-defying (literally) adventure that will make you laugh your socks off! Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride! Jim Wimple has just about come to terms with the fact that his father is, in fact, the Grim Reaper and not an accountant as he had previously believed. To help him … Continue reading ‘Jim Reaper – Saving Granny Maggot,’ by Rachel Delahaye, illustrated by Jamie Littler.
There's been a lot of publicity recently, aimed at encouraging girls to pursue careers involving STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.) This post celebrates all things 'girl power' as I review some of the titles I've been sent which focus on inspirational women and breaking down stereotypes. But don't worry - they're funny, endearing and … Continue reading Girl Power! ft. ‘Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World,’ and ‘Ada Twist, Scientist.’
Everyone knows the famous story of the man-cub Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves in the jungles of India. This new edition from Alma Classics contains all the Jungle Books and added bonus material for young readers. If if you enjoyed the real-life action film version which has just been released on DVD (or love … Continue reading ‘The Jungle Books,’ by Rudyard Kipling, illustrated by Ian Beck.
Part One - Bella Broomstick Bella + Magic = Trouble! Or does it? Bella (aka Belladonna Bat-Ears Broomstick) is, by all accounts, a totally hopeless witch. After failing the entrance exam for Creepy Castle School for Witches and Wizards a third time, Bella's evil Aunt Hemlock despairs and decides to send her to live in … Continue reading The ‘Bella Broomstick’ series by Lou Kuenzler, illustrated by Nicola Slater and Kyan Cheng.
Most people cannot see ghosts. Can you? Leo has lived by himself in a house on the edge of the city for many years, reading his books and drawing pictures. When a new family move in, they are terrified by Leo's efforts to welcome them to his house. Leo decides to become a roaming ghost … Continue reading ‘Leo – A Ghost Story,’ by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson.
Library Girl and Book Boy 