Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant

Lose yourself in the world of the makers where gifted individuals create the most amazing pieces of clothing that influence the character and actions of their wearers. From gloves to shoes to hats, incredible items are crafted from magical ingredients and brilliant powers. A long-standing rivalry between the different maker families means there is little… Continue reading The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Perfect Parent Project by Stewart Foster

Sam McCann has never had a real home. As a foster child, he’s lived in lot of houses but has never had a place where he’s felt completely safe, at ease and wanted. After nine houses in five years, he is always anticipating his next move. Fed up with waiting for others to find the… Continue reading The Perfect Parent Project by Stewart Foster

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Forest of Moon and Sword by Amy Raphael

It’s June 1647 in Scotland and strong, out-spoken women who spend their lives helping others are being arrested and tried as witches. We meet twelve-year-old Art who must hide and watch as her mother is carried away by soldiers. Will she be one of the women killed immediately or will she be taken to England… Continue reading The Forest of Moon and Sword by Amy Raphael

Book Review, Picture Books

The Curious Case of the Missing Mammoth by Ellie Hattie & Karl James Mountford

The Curious Case of the Missing Mammoth by Ellie Hattie & Karl James Mountford The Curious Case of the Missing Mammoth is an exciting picture book adventure with a real Night at the Museum feel. Oscar is awoken at midnight by strange stomping noises outside his window. When he discovers a talking woolly mammoth, he… Continue reading The Curious Case of the Missing Mammoth by Ellie Hattie & Karl James Mountford

Book Review, Picture Books

This Love by Isabel Otter & Harriet Lynas

This Love is a gorgeous picture book about the positive things that unite people around the world. Despite our many differences and the uniqueness of our cultures, there are so many qualities and experiences we all share. Love is a special language understood by everyone and there are common understandings that form a large part… Continue reading This Love by Isabel Otter & Harriet Lynas

Book Review, Non-fiction Books, Picture Books

I Want to be a Doctor by Becky Davies & Richard Merritt

I Want to be a Doctor is a perfect first look at the medical profession for little readers. A beautiful board book with sturdy pages and bright illustrations, it will draw young readers in while the surprise mirror ending personalises the ambition of the charming character. This captivating picture book does not skimp on content.… Continue reading I Want to be a Doctor by Becky Davies & Richard Merritt

Activity Books, Book Review, Non-fiction Books

2021 Nature Month-By-Month: A Children’s Almanac by Anna Wilson & Elly Jahnz

2021 is a new year with new adventures to discover. 2021 Nature Month-By-Month: A Children’s Almanac is a fantastic resource bursting with ideas for families from The National Trust. As a winter of restrictions continues, many families are looking for new ideas for child-friendly activities. This book is the answer providing numerous fun and interesting… Continue reading 2021 Nature Month-By-Month: A Children’s Almanac by Anna Wilson & Elly Jahnz

Article, English Teaching, Reading

Developing Reading Comprehension Skills: Classic Children’s Literature, Years 5-6 by Kate Heap

I’m thrilled to introduce my first reading comprehension book for children in Key Stage Two. This resource for teachers and parents introduces children to a variety of texts from the world of classic children’s literature. They are given opportunities to tackle more complex vocabulary, develop endurance for longer passages and practise each of the eight… Continue reading Developing Reading Comprehension Skills: Classic Children’s Literature, Years 5-6 by Kate Heap

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Boy Who Met a Whale by Nizrana Farook

Join head-strong Razi and his strong, sensible sister, Shifa, as they run away to sea on an amazing adventure! When mysterious Zheng washes up on their beach full of stories of theft, mutiny and murder, Razi is determined get over his fear of the sea so he can help Zheng find his captain’s treasure chest… Continue reading The Boy Who Met a Whale by Nizrana Farook

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr

The Valley of Lost Secrets is an evacuee story that focuses on the most important aspect of that endeavour – the day to day lives of the children who were sent from their homes to places so very different from what they knew. Twelve-year-old Jimmy and his six-year-old brother, Ronnie, are evacuated to a village… Continue reading The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr