Blog tour: ‘Woodwitch,’ by Skye McKenna, cover by Tomislav Tomic.

I absolutely loved the first instalment of this series, Hedgewitch, so was delighted to receive a special goodie box from the lovely people at Welbeck Books to help celebrate the publication of Cassie’s next adventure - Woodwitch. ‘Cassie has settled into life in Hedgely when, out of the blue, her troubled cousin, Sebastian, comes to … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Woodwitch,’ by Skye McKenna, cover by Tomislav Tomic.

Blog tour: ‘Moonflight,’ by Gill Lewis, illustrated by Pippa Curnick.

Are you ready to be whisked away on a breath-taking adventure? Dive into Moonflight and follow timid rat, Tilbury as he embarks on a life-changing quest… ‘Can a timid rat ever become a hero? Tilbury is about to find out on the adventure of a lifetime, journeying across the sea to the realm of the … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Moonflight,’ by Gill Lewis, illustrated by Pippa Curnick.

Blog tour: ‘Into the Faerie Hill,’ by H.S. Norup, cover by Thy Bui.

Looking for a new read featuring dark fae, activism, friendship, and activism? You will love the new title from H.S. Norup! ‘As soon as Alfred arrives at his granny's cottage, he feels like he's being watched. There are steep cliffs and dark forests all around, teeming with unfamiliar life - even odd little faerie creatures … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Into the Faerie Hill,’ by H.S. Norup, cover by Thy Bui.

Blog tour: ‘Glitter Boy,’ by Ian Eagleton, cover by Melissa Chaib.

‘Glitter Boy’ was one of my anticipated reads of 2023 so far! I love Ian’s wonderful inclusive picture books and was extremely excited to hear that a middle grade title was on its way. I was expecting an emotional journey and wow did I get one! I had the privilege of asking Ian some questions … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Glitter Boy,’ by Ian Eagleton, cover by Melissa Chaib.

‘Libby and the Highland Heist,’ by Jo Clarke, illustrated by Becka Moor.

You may have already read Libby’s first adventure, ‘Libby and the Parisian Puzzle,’ or perhaps you’re searching for a new middle grade mystery series to get your brain whirring. Either way, you are going to love the second instalment in Jo Clarke’s ‘The Travelling School Mysteries’ series! ‘After a tumultuous term in Paris, Libby and … Continue reading ‘Libby and the Highland Heist,’ by Jo Clarke, illustrated by Becka Moor.

‘The Octopus, Dadu and Me,’ by Lucy Ann Unwin, cover by Selom Sunu, illustrations by Lucy Mulligan.

This is my first read of 2023 and I had high hopes based on what I’d read online. I wasn’t definitely not disappointed - I read the whole book in a day as I was so caught up to Sashi’s story. ‘FACT: Octopuses have three hearts. FACT: Octopuses have BEAKS, like BIRDS. FACT: The octopus … Continue reading ‘The Octopus, Dadu and Me,’ by Lucy Ann Unwin, cover by Selom Sunu, illustrations by Lucy Mulligan.

Blog tour: ‘Mountainfell,’ by Katharine Orton, cover by Sandra Dieckmann.

If you are looking for a crisp, magical adventure to snuggle down with, look no further than the latest tale from Katherine Orton. Her writing is always exquisite and guaranteed to transport you right into the heart of the story. Katharine’s also written a special piece about what inspired the host of wonderful, fearsome creatures … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Mountainfell,’ by Katharine Orton, cover by Sandra Dieckmann.

#NNFN ‘Every Word Tells a Story,’ by Tom Read Wilson, illustrated by Ian Morris.

This is the first of my blog posts helping The Federation of Children’s Book Groups spread the word about some amazing information books during National Non-Fiction November. Today, I’m sharing ‘Every Word Tells a Story’ - a fascinating title about the origins of over one hundred words. ‘See how the English language evolved in this … Continue reading #NNFN ‘Every Word Tells a Story,’ by Tom Read Wilson, illustrated by Ian Morris.

Blog tour: ‘Stand and Deliver,’ by Philip Caveney, illustration by Jill Tytherleigh.

People have long been fascinated by the highwaymen who used to strike fear into the heart of many a wealthy traveller. Lots of us will have studied Alfred Noyes’ famous poem ‘The Highwayman’ at school, and generations of children continue to do so. This book would be a great choice to read along side for … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Stand and Deliver,’ by Philip Caveney, illustration by Jill Tytherleigh.

Blog tour: ‘The Last Whale,’ by Chris Vick, cover by Jessie Price.

Chris Vick is a stunning writer - his debut novel ‘Girl. Boy. Sea.’ was shortlisted for the 2020 Cilip Carnegie award. When I was given the chance to read his newest title, I just couldn’t pass it up! I also have a special Q&A from Chris for you to enjoy! ‘From killers to conservationists, Carnegie-shortlisted … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Last Whale,’ by Chris Vick, cover by Jessie Price.

Blog tour: ‘The Girl, the Ghost and the Lost Name,’ by Reece Carter, cover by Eleonora Asparuhova.

This is the debut children’s novel from Reece Carter who is best known in his home country of Australia as a nutritionist and author of two non-fiction titles for adults. He had always wanted to write for children and thank goodness he did! Readers are going to fall in love with Corpse in this thrilling … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Girl, the Ghost and the Lost Name,’ by Reece Carter, cover by Eleonora Asparuhova.

Blog tour: ‘Ember Shadows and the Fates of Mount Never,’ by Rebecca King.

I was immediately intrigued by the idea of a person’s fate being decided for them by the time the reach twelve. No wondering if you’ll have children, live to 100, become a brain surgeon…it’s all written done there on your card in black and white. The mystery of that opening chapter completely sucked me in, … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Ember Shadows and the Fates of Mount Never,’ by Rebecca King.

Blog Tour: ‘My Friend the Octopus,’ by Lindsay Galvin, cover by Gordy Wright.

Having previously read ‘Darwin’s Dragons’ (also by Galvin), I was eagerly awaiting the publication of her next book, hoping for more fast-paced historical action with heart and humour. That is exactly what I got! Twelve-year-old Vinnie Fyfe works in the tea-shop at Brighton aquarium, and waits for her milliner mother to return from Paris. The … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘My Friend the Octopus,’ by Lindsay Galvin, cover by Gordy Wright.

Blog tour: ‘Escape to the River Sea,’ by Emma Carroll, cover by Katie Hickey.

I am sure that many of you will already have been transported back in time with Emma Carroll’s incredible historical adventures, or have been enchanted by Eva Ibbotson’s transportative writing. Lots of you who work in schools may also have used ‘Journey to the River Sea’ as part of a topic on rainforests. Well, now … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Escape to the River Sea,’ by Emma Carroll, cover by Katie Hickey.

Blog post: ‘Hedgewitch,’ by Skye McKenna, illustrated by Tomislav Tomic.

Today I’d like to introduce you to the first in a brand new series of magical reads full of charm, pluck, and malevolent fae. If you’re looking for a new series for middle grader readers to get stuck into, look no more! Cassie Morgan has run away. After seven years spent waiting for her mother … Continue reading Blog post: ‘Hedgewitch,’ by Skye McKenna, illustrated by Tomislav Tomic.