Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Macbeth United by Michael Rosen & illustrated by Tony Ross

Now does he feel his title Hang loose about him, like a giant's robe Upon a dwarfish thief. - William Shakespeare, Macbeth, 5.2 - Macbeth United is not a typical football story. It’s the clever retelling of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, Macbeth, through the action-packed drama of a youth football team, Michael Rosen creates parallels to… Continue reading Macbeth United by Michael Rosen & illustrated by Tony Ross

Book Review, Non-fiction Books

Blue Planet: Life in our Oceans and Rivers by Moira Butterfield & illustrated by Jonathan Woodward

This book feels special. With a deep blue, textured hard cover, it is a beautiful non-fiction book for exploring the importance of water with children. It would be best suited to Key Stage 1 and Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 1-4). It is full of essential information about the water cycle, seas/oceans/lakes/rivers, ecosystems in and… Continue reading Blue Planet: Life in our Oceans and Rivers by Moira Butterfield & illustrated by Jonathan Woodward

Book Review, Non-fiction Books

Let’s Explore Animal Homes by Little Tiger Press & illustrated by Lara Paulussen

Let’s Explore Animal Homes is a gorgeous non-fiction pop-up book for young children. With rhyme in the main text and interesting fact boxes, it is full of information including different types of homes, adaptations and what the animals do inside their homes. Perfect for EYFS/KS1 Science topics about Habitats and Homes, it looks at a… Continue reading Let’s Explore Animal Homes by Little Tiger Press & illustrated by Lara Paulussen

Book Review, Non-fiction Books

Sounds of the Skies by Moira Butterfield & illustrated by Jonathan Woodward

Sounds of the Skies is a beautiful hardcover non-fiction book with realistic sound effects. Fascinating descriptions and challenging vocabulary make this guide to birds and other wildlife in a wide range of ecosystems around the world a useful addition to every home or classroom bookshelf. Children will thoroughly enjoy investigating this book either on their… Continue reading Sounds of the Skies by Moira Butterfield & illustrated by Jonathan Woodward

Book Review, Picture Books

Now You See Me. Now You Don’t by Patricia Hegarty & illustrated by Jonny Lambert

Full of gorgeous colours and wonderful animals, this rhyming story is sure to entertain children of all ages. With a new take on the Golden Rule - do to others as you would have them do to you - readers can see how teasing might make others feel and how important it is to be… Continue reading Now You See Me. Now You Don’t by Patricia Hegarty & illustrated by Jonny Lambert

Book Review, Picture Books

Oh No, Bear! By Joanne Partis

With themes of Autumn, Harvest, Friendship and Empathy, Oh No, Bear! is a charming book for young children. One morning, Bear wakes up very hungry. As he makes his way around the forest, visiting his friends, he eats far more than he ever intended. He worries that he’s made his friends angry but he just… Continue reading Oh No, Bear! By Joanne Partis

Book Review, Picture Books

Sneaky Beak by Tracey Corderoy & illustrated by Tony Neal

Sneaky Beak is an absolute joy to read! Its bright colours, larger than life characters and silly rhymes combine to create a book full of laughs, giggles and a loud “Oh No!” Bear and Hamster are quite content. They enjoy what they have and the time they spend together. Then, one day, a television advert for… Continue reading Sneaky Beak by Tracey Corderoy & illustrated by Tony Neal

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Time School We Will Honour Them by Nikki Young

Nadia, Jess, Tomma and Ash are back with another fascinating historical timeslip adventure in the Time School series. The four friends are in Year 7 in a Yorkshire mill town near Leeds when Nadia learns some sad news – her grandfather has passed away. She is asked to give a eulogy at his funeral and… Continue reading Time School We Will Honour Them by Nikki Young

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

After the War From Auschwitz to Ambleside by Tom Palmer

After the War is the book every teacher of the Holocaust needs. This carefully researched and accurate retelling of the horrors and hopes of the Second World War pulls readers in to the reality faced by three brave Polish Jewish boys who find themselves in the serene beauty of the Lake District in the days… Continue reading After the War From Auschwitz to Ambleside by Tom Palmer