If you’re looking for a way to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, may I recommend the really quite extraordinary ‘Shrapnel Boys.’ “There's a war going on out there, and I'm missing it. When war comes to London in 1939, Ronnie Smith is scared and excited: scared of the bombs that fall at night, … Continue reading ‘Shrapnel Boys,’ by Jenny Pearson, cover by Tom Clohosy Cole.
Too often, adults are guilty of categorising vocal children as bold and confident, and quieter children as shy or insecure. But if we think about the children we know, being loud could be a cover-up for insecurities and those who are quieter could just be deep thinkers - not shy at all. I am pleased … Continue reading Shyness is Okay!
I really enjoy reading a good historical fiction novel, especially if there’s an element of mystery afoot. If you’re anything like me, you’ll thoroughly enjoy A.M. Howell’s new title which was inspired by a notable clock collection housed in Bury St. Edmund’s Moyse’s Hall museumS. What would it be like to live in a house … Continue reading ‘The House of One Hundred Clocks,’ by A.M. Howell, illustrations by Saara Söderlund.
I was super-excited to dive into this book because I had heard lots of excellent things about it on Twitter and then, I received a most intriguing box of goodies, including a class set of samplers, which went to Book Boy’s school. Freddie Yates likes facts, and that’s a fact. But it’s not all that … Continue reading Blog Tour: ‘The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates,’ by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by Rob Biddulph.
As a parent of a child in Year 6, I am keenly aware that Book Boy may not be returning to school in time to do all the usual 'end of Year 6' things - performances, shirt signings, the sex education session which I am sure many parents (including myself) are not overly confident in … Continue reading Books to use in RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) in Year 6.
The Federation Of Children’s Book Groups (FCBG) Book Awards is based around the top 12 highest scoring titles that the children in their book groups have read that year. Anybody under the age of 18 can register their vote on the FCBG website HERE. I’m cheerleading for the frightfully funny ‘Mutant Zombies Cursed My School … Continue reading The FCBG Children’s Book Award 2020 – introducing ‘Mutant Zombies Cursed my School Trip!’ by Matt Brown, illustrated by Paco Sordo.
I recently had a great time at the Oxford Reading Spree, hosted by Ed Finch at Larkrise Primary School. I had been invited to run a workshop about how and why to introduce ‘classic’ children’s literature in a primary school, based on my own experiences. I chose to share some of the texts and activities … Continue reading Introducing classic texts in a primary school (part 2): ‘Treasure Island’ as seen at the Oxford Reading Spree.
Welcome to my specially updated post, all ready for the #TheTrainToImpossiblePlaces blog tour. As well as my original review, I’m also honoured to host an exclusive post by P.G. Bell, explains how this magical tale from orally told bedtime story to published book. “Where impossible, becomes possible....” When Suzy is woken up by strange banging, clanking … Continue reading Holiday Read #3: ‘The Train To Impossible Places,’ with exclusive post by P.G. Bell, illustrations by Flavia Sorrentino
Steeped in Russian folklore and infused with magic, ‘The House With Chicken Legs’ is a breath-taking story which will sweep you away on an incredible journey. I am thrilled to be part of the blog tour for this fabulous title, and to be hosting a special guest post from the author herself, Sophie Anderson. The … Continue reading ‘The House With Chicken Legs,’ by Sophie Anderson, cover by Melissa Castrillon, illustrations by Elisa Paganelli – with magical guest post.
Each year, I take a certain delight in spending all the loyalty points I have dutifully built up on my bookshop reward card in the preceding months with my many purchases. Hours can be whiled away as I contemplate how best to spend them. However, my first choice this year was an easy one. Featured … Continue reading Holiday Read #1: ‘A Place Called Perfect,’ by Helena Duggan, cover by Karl James Mountford.
As you may know, voting for this year's Laugh Out Loud 2017 Book Awards is now open. To help you choose your winner, Scholastic have very generously given me a book bundle to give away which contains all the nominees for the 6-8 year old category! These would be the perfect addition to any bookcase … Continue reading Awesome Lollies short-list giveaway!
Library Girl and Book Boy 