Book Review, Non-fiction Books

The Maps and Flags Book by Joe Fullman

Incredibly detailed and bursting with facts, The Maps and Flags Book is a valuable resource perfect for every Key Stage 2 classroom. Children love exploring geography - discovering how things are similar and different around the world. They will spend hours looking at this fascinating book, coming back to it again and again. Reading maps… Continue reading The Maps and Flags Book by Joe Fullman

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Valley of the Vikings by Liz Kessler

Emily Windsnap is back with another wonderfully delightful fantasy adventure - her tenth in a series spanning twenty years. This "semi-mer" - half human, half mermaid - is embracing who she is and loves solving mysteries with friends, whether it's under the sea or on land. Valley of the Vikings is full of magic, myth… Continue reading Valley of the Vikings by Liz Kessler

Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Fyn Carter and the Legends from Atlantis by Ian Hunter ~ Blog Tour

"I believe you're the one who will find a safe and stable way, Fyn. You will be the way between our worlds." Return to Eromlos with 12-year-old Fyn Carter, his best friend Amy and his Grandad Bernie for a second action-packed science fiction adventure. Still searching for his missing father, Fyn is trying to work… Continue reading Fyn Carter and the Legends from Atlantis by Ian Hunter ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Teen

The Abandoned Theatre by Dana Robertson

The Abandoned Theatre is a thrilling teen / middle grade fantasy portal mystery centred on friendship and family. An unusual theatre deep in the woods on the Winnodov property has been shrouded in mystery ever since the night Mr Winnodov disappeared. Now, eight years later, it's happening again. A group of teens sneak into the… Continue reading The Abandoned Theatre by Dana Robertson

Book Review, Picture Books

Wild by Katya Balen & Gill Smith

October, October by Katya Balen changed my view of children's books. It showed me the true power of character and how children deserve the chance to explore their inner-most feelings. It embraces nature, wildlife and the opportunity to be completely true to yourself. In her picture book, Wild, Katya Balen explores these same themes. It's… Continue reading Wild by Katya Balen & Gill Smith

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Alice with a Why by Anna James

June 2025 Anna James is a favourite author in our house. The first book in her Pages & Co series, Tilly and the Book Wanderers, will always be considered one of those very special books that made my younger daughter a reader. Since she also adores Alice in Wonderland (with a special request for me… Continue reading Alice with a Why by Anna James

Book Review, Non-fiction Books

Owning It: Our Disabled Childhoods In Our Own Words, edited by Jen Campbell, James and Lucy Catchpole

Owning It is a powerful anthology containing 22 stories from important voices in the writing community. What unites these authors is their experience of growing up disabled. Their stories are unique and told from their own point of view. This provides readers with an incredibly valuable opportunity - a chance to learn from someone with… Continue reading Owning It: Our Disabled Childhoods In Our Own Words, edited by Jen Campbell, James and Lucy Catchpole

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Sandy Fin: Operation Splash Landing by Martin Stewart

Inspired by Jacques Cousteau, the adventures of ocean explorer Sandy Fin take readers to a wonderfully imaginative world set in the same universe as the delightful Bridget Vanderpuff series. The sea and shore is the most amazing place - full of fascinating objects, light and shadows and unusual creatures. Sandy Fin and his friend Lily… Continue reading Sandy Fin: Operation Splash Landing by Martin Stewart

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

People Like Stars by Patrice Lawrence

Three ordinary teens with an extraordinary story - People Like Stars explores telling the truth, forming relationships and understanding what makes us who we are. As each teen tells their story, readers are challenged to think about how individuals are connected and how much our actions impact others. Aryton, Stanley and Senna take turns to… Continue reading People Like Stars by Patrice Lawrence

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Cruise Ship Kid: Thief at Sea by Emma Swan & illustrated by Katie Saunders

The Thursday Murder Club meets Adventures on Trains in this absolutely brilliant new middle grade mystery series from author Emma Swan and illustrator Katie Saunders. I first spotted Cruise Ship Kid on the Usborne New Books Showcase a few weeks ago. I was completely charmed by both the premise of the story and by the… Continue reading Cruise Ship Kid: Thief at Sea by Emma Swan & illustrated by Katie Saunders