Blog tour: ‘The Muttcracker,’ by Anna Kemp & Sara Ogilvie.

My favourite ballet-dancing dog, Biff, is back in a delightfully festive adventure about managing disappointment, trying your hardest, and being the best bonbon in the box! For my stop on the blog tour, author Anna Kemp has written some handy top tips for other pirouetting pooches. “My dog is not like other dogs.My dog is a ballerina who … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Muttcracker,’ by Anna Kemp & Sara Ogilvie.

Blog tour: ‘Dragons Love Underpants,’ by Claire Freedman, illustrated by Ben Cort.

This is the series that keeps on giving! I loved reading Aliens Love Underpants with my own children and am so pleased that there are more adventures for new fans to enjoy. But where does Claire get her inspiration from? Read her special piece below to find out… “Huge scaly DRAGONS roamed the landIn long … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Dragons Love Underpants,’ by Claire Freedman, illustrated by Ben Cort.

FCBG Awards ‘The Princess and the (Greedy) Pea,’ by Leigh Hodgkinson.

The Children’s Book Award is the only national award for children’s books that is voted for entirely by children. It is owned and coordinated by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and is highly respected by teachers, parents and librarians. It has brought acclaim and strong sales to past winners such as J.K. Rowling, Patrick … Continue reading FCBG Awards ‘The Princess and the (Greedy) Pea,’ by Leigh Hodgkinson.

Blog tour: ‘You Can’t Let an Elephant Pull Santa’s Sleigh,’ by Patricia Cleveland-Peck, illustrated by David Tazzyman.

Is it too early to mention the ‘C’ word? Well if it is, I can only apologise because that Elephant is back and this time he’s got his eye on Santa’s sleigh! “Chaos at Christmas! Join a whole host of animals in silly situations as they try to celebrate the festive season.You can't let an … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘You Can’t Let an Elephant Pull Santa’s Sleigh,’ by Patricia Cleveland-Peck, illustrated by David Tazzyman.

Children’s Book Award Blog Tour: ‘Where has all the Cake Gone?’ by Andrew Sanders, illustrated by Aysha Awwad.

Welcome to my stop on the Federation of Children’s Book Groups’ ‘Children’s Book Award.’ I’m hosting a piece from nominated author, Andrew Sanders, about how it feels have his book ‘Where has all the Cake Gone?’ nominated this year. As a children’s book author, seeing my latest book, Where Has All the Cake Gone? get shortlisted for … Continue reading Children’s Book Award Blog Tour: ‘Where has all the Cake Gone?’ by Andrew Sanders, illustrated by Aysha Awwad.

Empathy Day Blog Tour: ‘What If? Pig,’ by Linzie Hunter.

I am a huge fan of using books to help develop emotional awareness and empathy in children so was thrilled to be invited to celebrate one of the amazing titles from this year’s Empathy Lab #ReadForEmpathy collection. This year, Empathy Day is being celebrated on Thursday 8th June. Empathy Lab’s aim to is harness the … Continue reading Empathy Day Blog Tour: ‘What If? Pig,’ by Linzie Hunter.

Blog tour: ‘The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince,’ by Ian Eagleton, illustrated by Davide Ortu.

Honestly, I am always so excited when I see that Ian is releasing a new book. His writing is always so honest, emotional, and thought-provoking. It was going to be difficult to produce another picture book to match the beautiful ‘Nen and the Lonely Fisherman,’ but I think he may just have done it! Make … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince,’ by Ian Eagleton, illustrated by Davide Ortu.

Blog tour: ‘Britannia’s Baby Encyclopedia,’ by Sally Symes, illustrated by Hanako Clulow.

Britannica are renowned worldwide for their comprehensive encyclopedias. These are perhaps, a little in-depth for the very smallest knowledge-seekers which makes it doubly brilliant that they’re released a brand new toddler version with sturdy board pages and beautiful full-colour illustrations. ‘The first-ever Britannica Encyclopedia for children under three, in a beautifully illustrated, large-format board book. … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Britannia’s Baby Encyclopedia,’ by Sally Symes, illustrated by Hanako Clulow.

Blog tour: ‘Winnie and Wilbur, Winnie the Witch 35th Anniversary Edition,’ by Valerie Thomas, illustrated by Korky Paul.

I think everybody who’s worked with children over the past thirty-five years must, at some point, have read one of Winnie and Wilbur’s adventures. It seems only fitting that there’s now a beautiful foiled hardback edition of the iconic duo’s first adventure, released to celebrate their 35th anniversary. It’s just begging to be read aloud … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Winnie and Wilbur, Winnie the Witch 35th Anniversary Edition,’ by Valerie Thomas, illustrated by Korky Paul.

Blog tour: ‘Brrr!’ by Kes Gray and Nick East.

Have you ever wondered what really happened to the dinosaurs? Well this chilly tale from best-selling author Kes Gray will explain all! ‘Brrr! The Ice Age is coming, the temperatures are dropping and the dinosaurs are frrreezing. Only one thing will keep them warm - woolly jumpers! But dinosaurs can't knit, can they? Find out … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Brrr!’ by Kes Gray and Nick East.

Poetry Spotlight: ‘Ready for Spaghetti,’ by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Polly Dunbar.

ReadyForSpaghetti by @MichaelRosenYes, illustrated by @PollyDunbar is a delicious collection of funny poems for the very littlest of little ones. They beg to be read aloud and stomped around to! Gorgeous, heart-warming illustrations. #poetry This one seems apt given the downpours we’ve been having recently! “From two of the biggest names in children's publishing, this … Continue reading Poetry Spotlight: ‘Ready for Spaghetti,’ by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Polly Dunbar.

Blog tour: ‘The Best Bear Tracker,’ by John Condon, illustrated by Julia Christians.

Today I’m sharing a picture book which is a must-read for any bear hunters out there. PLUS, I’ve got a brilliant bearish craft activity to help keep young readers amused… ‘The BEST BEAR TRACKER in the world is on the lookout! But can she find a bear?How do you spot a bear? In The Best … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Best Bear Tracker,’ by John Condon, illustrated by Julia Christians.

Blog tour: ‘Brave Dave,’ by Giles Andreae & Guy Parker-Rees.

I am always on the look out for new picture books which empower children to be themselves. Brave Dave (by the pair behind ‘Giraffes Can’t Dance’) does just that. It is great for opening up conversations about how we all have different strengths and are all brave on different ways. Make sure you read Giles’ … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Brave Dave,’ by Giles Andreae & Guy Parker-Rees.

Blog tour: ‘You Can’t Let An Elephant Drive a Racing Car,’ by Patricia Cleveland-Peck, illustrated by David Tazzyman.

Once again, an elephant and his friends wreak havoc across the pages of this book in the newest instalment in this snort-inducing series! “Have you ever seen a weightlifting wombat, or a figure-skating alligator?How about a pole-vaulting hippo, or an octopus . . . playing table tennis?Get ready for all sorts of hilarious animal antics … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘You Can’t Let An Elephant Drive a Racing Car,’ by Patricia Cleveland-Peck, illustrated by David Tazzyman.

‘The Most Exciting Eid,’ by Zeba Talkhani, illustrated by Abeeha Tariq.

Eid is a festival which is celebrated by millions of people around the world. You might be looking for a new book which explains what happens on this special day, including traditions, foods and greetings. ‘The Most Exciting Eid’ captures the excitement of the day as seen through the eyes of a young girl called … Continue reading ‘The Most Exciting Eid,’ by Zeba Talkhani, illustrated by Abeeha Tariq.

Blog tour: ‘Who Will You Meet on Dinosaur Street?’ by Gareth Peter, illustrated by Tim Budgen.

Dinosaurs are a perennial favourite with little ones so I’m always excited to discover a brand new dino book on the market - especially one which is as much fun as this! “What is that stomping and stamping of feet? It looks like a party on Dinosaur Street! They’re all in a frenzy and eager … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Who Will You Meet on Dinosaur Street?’ by Gareth Peter, illustrated by Tim Budgen.

Blog tour: ‘Thank You for the Little Things,’ by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Emily Hamilton.

Sometimes, when it seems that lots of bad things are happening around you, it can be very easy to only focus on the negative. That mindset can be very hard to shift, but wonderful picture books like this one are a good way start changing that perspective. Just that reminder to stop, look around, and … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Thank You for the Little Things,’ by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Emily Hamilton.