I love the dimension-hopping element of Sinéad’s brilliant writing and was delighted to find it featuring in her newest title too. It was so interesting to read Sinéad’s piece about the inspirations behind The Time Tider - have you ever thought about who’s measuring time and why? ‘Mara and her dad have lived in their … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Time Tider,’ by Sinéad O’Hart.
It would seems that people are always looking for new first chapter books for readers who are looking for some that’s still highly-illustrated and engaging, but also a little wordier. Fear not, I have a brand new selection of titles which might just fit the bill! If you still more suggestions, click here. These would … Continue reading Further Fabulous First Chapter Books
‘Trailblazer’ series from Stripes Publishing This series is aimed at readers aged 8+ and features some of history’s greatest pioneers from all walks of life. They are absolutely packed with facts, trivia and illustrations, making for engaging reads. Harriet Tubman: A Journey To Freedom, by Sandra A. Agard, illustrated by Luisa Uribe, George Ermos, and … Continue reading Brilliant Biographies
As children become more confident and independent readers, they often want a chapter book they are able to enjoy on their own, as well as a read-aloud. Stripes Publishing have an absolutely beautifully produced range which I am going to share with you now. The whole series is hardback with glossy pages and colour illustrations … Continue reading Gorgeous First Chapter Books from Stripes Publishing
I was thrilled to receive a copy of ‘The Conspiracy of Magic,’ because it would give me another opportunity to dive into the magical world of Cass (whom I first met in The Company of Eight.) Things have taken an icier turn with sorcerers and magicians beginning to rebel against the ban on magic. Cass … Continue reading ‘The Conspiracy of Magic,’ by Harriet Whitehorn, cover by Maria Surducan.
Lots of children love to be scared. If you happen to know one of them, they might just love one of these chilling chapter books suitable for readers aged 5+ ‘Isadora Moon Puts on a Show,’ by Harriet Muncaster (OUP) One of my favourite, glittery half-fairy, half-vampires is back in her tenth adventure. Isadora is … Continue reading Chilling Chapter Books…
I’m just sneaking in a few more of the fantastic titles being released just in time for the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. ‘The Spacesuit’ by Alison Donald, illustrated by Ariel Landy (Maverick Books) Ever since I heard about this book, I had been desperate to read it. It’s based on the … Continue reading Countdown to the Moon Landing!
Sometimes when children get to the point of being able to confidently read independently they enjoy the challenge of a book which is still highly-illustrated but has more text in it. This is when it's time to reach for some of the brilliant first chapter books which are now available. These are often based on … Continue reading First Chapter Books
An orphan girl, a wealthy stranger and many alternate realities.... Tess De Sousa has grown up in Ackerbee’s Home for Lost and Foundlings, but with her passion for scientific experimentation and pet tarantula, Violet, Tess is not your average orphan. Her arrival at the home was shrouded in mystery - left on the doorstep with … Continue reading ‘The Star-Spun Web,’ by Sinéad O’Hart, cover by Sara Mulvanny.
The vastness of Outer Space has been a source of fascination for humans beings for millennia. Astronomers have pondered over what wonders and mysteries the universe might hold. Although I can’t promise you all the secrets of the universe, I can offer you five out of this world non-fiction books which may help shed a … Continue reading To infinity and beyond….
If you’re looking for a suitably spooky Halloween read, take a peek at one of these. If you dare.... Vlad The World’s Worst Vampire: Midnight Fright by Anna Wilson, illustrated by Kathryn Durst (Stripes Books) Vlad’s back in another adventure and this time his very annoying cousin Lupus is visiting. Poor old Vlad has never … Continue reading Halloween Howlers
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.
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.
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.
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
Library Girl and Book Boy 