Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Sunshine Simpson Cooks Up a Storm by G.M. Linton

It is wonderful to be back with the delightful Sunshine Simpson. Her honest and earnest voice resonate through the story, drawing in readers as friends rather than those on the outside of Sunshine's story. In this fantastic sequel, Sunshine finds herself in the midst of a very tricky time - the transition to secondary school.… Continue reading Sunshine Simpson Cooks Up a Storm by G.M. Linton

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow

The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow is an honest look at life in Year 6 - the final year before everything changes. Uniquely lyrical, 10 year old Nate shares the challenges of family, friendships, dealing with your inner beast and the threat of great loss. This book is as much an important read for teachers… Continue reading The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Teen, Young Adult

Autumn with Barrington Stoke

It's a pleasure to share some of the new October releases for older readers from Barrington Stoke. Accessible, engaging and so powerful, readers will find the vocabulary choices, font, spacing and page tint make all the difference to their success with each book. This group of action-packed, high-stakes stories are sure to be read, shared… Continue reading Autumn with Barrington Stoke

Book Review, Illustrated Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction

The Taming of the Cat by Helen Cooper

The Taming ot the Cat is a charming story of Brie (a story-telling mouse) and a murderous cheese-shop cat. It's the classic tale of cat and mouse and lots of cheese but with a delightful twist. The other greedy mice task Brie with distracting Gorgonzola, the guard cat, with imaginative stories while they scurry in… Continue reading The Taming of the Cat by Helen Cooper

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Clockwork Conspiracy by Sam Sedgman

The 800th post on Scope for Imagination is a special one - The Clockwork Conspiracy by Sam Sedgman. After the brilliance of the Adventures on Trains series written in partnership with M.G. Leonard, The Clockwork Conspiracy promised to be fantastic - and it is! Combining mystery, adventure, peril and a unique take on STEM -… Continue reading The Clockwork Conspiracy by Sam Sedgman

Book Review, Picture Books

What You Need to be Warm by Neil Gaiman

In 2019, author Neil Gaiman asked his Twitter followers: What reminds you of warmth? From the thousands of replies, he composed an extraordinary poem in aid of UNHCR's 2019 winter appeal (the UN Refugee Agency). What You Need to be Warm is this same poem in a stunning, hardback book. As nights get longer and… Continue reading What You Need to be Warm by Neil Gaiman

Book Review, Chapter Book

Charming Chapter Books for Autumn 2023

Readers who are taking the step into longer chapter books and building independence are in for a treat this autumn! There are so many delightful new books for them to explore! Magic Faces: Monster Mayhem by Esi Merleh & Abeeha Tariq (Uclan Publishing) Twins Austin and Alanna, along with sausage dog Ozzy, are back in… Continue reading Charming Chapter Books for Autumn 2023

Book Review, Picture Books

The Big Dreaming by Michael Rosen & Daniel Egnéus 

As a child in Canada, my early years were full of lessons about hibernating animals and bears getting ready for winter. I was fascinated by their ability to sleep for such a long time. I knew where to spot them in the autumn as they ate their fill and to be especially wary of them… Continue reading The Big Dreaming by Michael Rosen & Daniel Egnéus 

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Non-fiction Books, Picture Books, Poetry

Christmas is Coming! 2023

'Tis the Season by Richard Jones (Nosy Crow) Created in partnership with The National Trust, 'Tis the Season by Richard Jones is a truly enchanting way to embrace the spirit of Christmas and count down to the most magical time of the year. This book offers a delightful poem for each day of December with… Continue reading Christmas is Coming! 2023

Book Review, Poetry

A Whale of a Time selected by Lou Peacock & illustrated by Matt Hunt

A Whale of a Time is a gorgeous poetry collection for readers of all ages. This weighty book feels really special. Containing funny, charming, thought-provoking poems for each day of the entire year, this book will be read again and again. Matt Hunt's colourful illustrations are incredibly eye-catching and add so much to children's understanding… Continue reading A Whale of a Time selected by Lou Peacock & illustrated by Matt Hunt