February 2021 The Invisible is a beautiful and powerful story of identify and sense of self. Everyone is someone and everyone is important. This is a wonderful picture book for building empathy and helping young readers to understand issues of poverty and valuing each individual. Isabel always notices the beautiful things in life. She is… Continue reading The Invisible by Tom Percival
April 2021 Featherlight is a beautifully magical adventure from the wonderful Peter Bunzl and the amazing Barrington Stoke. Deryn’s father is the lighthouse keeper on Featherstone Island. When he and her mother have to go to the mainland, Deryn is left alone to keep watch. As the only people who live on the island, it… Continue reading Featherlight by Peter Bunzl
April 2021 After being left on an incredible cliff-hanger at the end of Dragon Mountain, the first book in the Dragon Realm series, Dragon Legend picked up the story at high speed and didn’t let up for the entire adventure! Billy Chan is back with his friends, Charlotte Bell and Liu Ling-Fei, and JJ –… Continue reading Dragon Legend: Dragon Realm Series by Katie & Kevin Tsang
March 2021 Twelve year old Cora Byers is brave and bold. She is also autistic. She knows who she is (and who she isn’t). Life isn’t always easy (especially since she lost her mum) but she’s learned how to cope and make the best of many challenging situations. She understands what makes her different, even… Continue reading Show Us Who You Are by Elle McNicoll
We always love a cat story and Jasper & Scruff make the perfect cat/dog pair! Take a Bow is the third book in this fun series about a smart kitty and a mucky pup. Their mishaps, personality and long-lasting friendship will carry readers along, giggling away. In this exciting story, the duo discover that the… Continue reading Jasper and Scruff: Take a Bow by Nicola Colton
Empathetic author Gill Lewis has teamed up with Barrington Stoke to create a story where children who don’t fit in or who need something different are able to hear their own voice and feel valued for who they are. Dylan is a Year 8 boy who is struggling at school. Lessons are hard, teachers don’t… Continue reading Swan Song by Gill Lewis
A life-changing journey on a 19th century ship bound for England, leaving behind everything you’ve ever known, witnessing a murder on a dark night… The Secret Detectives is a gripping Middle Grade mystery with hints of Nancy Drew and The Secret Garden intertwined in its gripping plot. Eleven-year-old Isobel Petty is alone in the world.… Continue reading The Secret Detectives by Ella Risbridger
Daydreams and Jellybeans is a collection of wonderful poems from Alex Wharton that are full of life and fun. These engaging observations of everyday life are bursting with rich imagery. With both playful and meaningful topics, children will thoroughly enjoy exploring the language as they read, listen to and recite these poems. Poetry is just… Continue reading Daydreams and Jellybeans by Alex Wharton & illustrated by Katy Riddell
Written from the charming point of view of Pickles the dog, The Dog that Saved the World (Cup) is a wonderful combination of a fun football story and a powerful, empathetic look at child poverty in the UK. Pickles thinks football is the best thing in the world. He, Dad and Elsie make a great… Continue reading The Dog that Saved the World (Cup) by Phil Earle & illustrated by Elissa Paganelli
Melt is a powerful portrayal of Inuit culture, traditions and how we are all shaped by the world around us. Questions about courage, friendship and standing up for what is right are key to the incredible life and death adventure at the centre of this brilliant story. The impact of climate change is described in… Continue reading Melt by Ele Fountain – Blog Tour
Scope for Imagination 