Book Review, Non-fiction Books

Everybody Worries by John Burgerman

Everybody Worries by John Burgerman is an engaging picture book written to help children cope with worries about Coronavirus. With bright, colourful illustrations on every page, children of all ages will be drawn into its message. It begins with reassurance that everyone worries sometimes – even the most brave, clever, confident people have something they… Continue reading Everybody Worries by John Burgerman

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Day We Met the Queen by Onjali Q Rauf – Book Review by Lucy, age 10

In April 2019, I went to Waterstones for an Easter holiday treat. I chose The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf. I picked it up because the plain cover had all the writing on the back of a boy’s rucksack. When I turned it over and read the blurb, I… Continue reading The Day We Met the Queen by Onjali Q Rauf – Book Review by Lucy, age 10

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Austen Girls by Lucy Worsley

Reading this, I felt like I had travelled back in time to when I first read and loved Austen in high school. The writing is so similar in style - Lucy Worsley has really captured the essence of Austen and what her stories were all about. The charm of the characters jumps off the page… Continue reading The Austen Girls by Lucy Worsley

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Wild Way Home by Sophie Kirtley

The Wild Way Home is a captivating story of self-discovery and realising what is truly important in life. In the stillness of the forest, twelve-year-old Charlie and her friends explore the ancient paths and walk where many people have come before. When Charlie discovers a special deer tooth, she has no idea to whom it… Continue reading The Wild Way Home by Sophie Kirtley

Book Review, Non-fiction Books

The Mermaid Atlas: Merfolk of the World by Anna Claybourne & illustrated by Miren Asiain Lora

The Mermaid Atlas is a fascinating encyclopaedia of mermaids and other mythical water creatures from all around the world. So many people picture mermaids as the conventional “Little Mermaid” but there is so much to these magical beings. This book explores each continent in turn as well as focussing on mermaid homes, ancient mermaids, mermaid… Continue reading The Mermaid Atlas: Merfolk of the World by Anna Claybourne & illustrated by Miren Asiain Lora

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Sky Pirates: Echo Quickthorn and the Great Beyond by Alex English

Get ready to be carried away on a heart-stopping adventure of secrets, airships, maps, stolen jewels and pirates! Sky Pirates by Alex English joins the ranks of Brightstorm (Vashti Hardy) and Cogheart (Peter Bunzl) as a brilliant science fiction airship adventure with a strong, clever girl at its centre. Eleven-year-old Echo lives in the palace… Continue reading Sky Pirates: Echo Quickthorn and the Great Beyond by Alex English

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Fierce, Fearless and Free by Lari Don & illustrated by Eilidh Muldoon

Fierce, Fearless and Free is a wonderful collection of powerful girls in myths and legends from around the world. From Armenia to Lithuania to Scotland to Mexico to China to Siberia, heroines in thirteen tales from across the globe will inspire children with their strength and wit. There is something for everyone and plenty to… Continue reading Fierce, Fearless and Free by Lari Don & illustrated by Eilidh Muldoon

Book Review, Picture Books

AB Gets His Wings by Richard Bland & Rosie Philpott

AB is a loveable teddy bear who lives on the shelf of a warehouse. Every day he waits patiently, hoping this will be the day he is chosen to go and live with a new family. Each evening, he loves to fly with the toy planes that sit on the highest shelves. He zooms around… Continue reading AB Gets His Wings by Richard Bland & Rosie Philpott

Book Review, Picture Books

Nell & the Circus of Dreams by Nell Gifford & Briony May Smith

Nell’s mother is ill and her farmhouse is so quiet. Then one day a little lost chick changes her life. Following her chick across the fields, Nell discovers the most amazing circus community full of excitement, daring, bright colours and, most importantly, friendship. Nell loves the circus and is swept away by the magic and… Continue reading Nell & the Circus of Dreams by Nell Gifford & Briony May Smith

Book Review, Early Reader

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren & illustrated by Mini Grey

One of the world’s favourite redheads is back in updated editions of her wonderful stories illustrated by Mini Grey and published by Oxford University Press to celebrate her 75th anniversary. When her 7-year-old daughter was ill, author Astrid Lindgren was looking for a way to entertain her and began telling imaginative stories. The wonderful Pippi Longstocking… Continue reading Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren & illustrated by Mini Grey