Like Shakespeare, the language of Charles Dickens is an enormous part of our lexicon and everyday life. A familiarity with his stories is a key part of a well-rounded general knowledge about British literature, history and culture. Dickens’ links to the Industrial Revolution and Victorian Britain also make him an important part of the Key… Continue reading A World Full of Dickens Stories by Angela McAllister
The Worst Class in the World written by Joanna Nadin and illustrated by Rikin Parekh is a laugh out loud collection of crazy school adventures. According to their headteacher, Mrs Bottomley-Blunt, Class 4B is LITERALLY the worst class in not just the school, but in the entire world. They spend most of their time coming… Continue reading The Worst Class in the World by Joanna Nadin & Rikin Parekh
In honour of The Reading Agency's World Book Night on Thursday 23rd April 2020, True Education Partnerships asked me to write a guest blog post about my recommendations for new books to share with children. Follow the link to read the article: https://www.trueeducationpartnerships.com/schools/7-fantastic-new-books-to-share-with-children/#author Find out more about World Book Night here: https://worldbooknight.org/ Click on the… Continue reading New Books to Share with Children: World Book Night 2020
In April 2020, I asked this question to teachers, authors and book reviewers on Twitter. Over the next two days, I received the most wonderful array of recommendations that will keep us reading for months! Most recommended (Click on the titles to read my reviews): Crater Lake by Jennifer Killick (Sequel - Crater Lake: Evolution)… Continue reading What is the best new children’s book you’ve read recently?
Time School author, Nikki Young, has created a fantastic comprehension guide to accompany Time School: We Will Remember Them. With chapter by chapter questions and extension tasks, it pulls out the key elements of this brilliant story for children and teachers. Click here to download it free from her website. Where do you come from?… Continue reading Time School: We Will Remember Them by Nikki Young
Emotional wellbeing is absolutely essential. Even when life is calm, we need to make sure our children are growing up healthy – both physically and mentally. Understanding emotions helps them to make sense of the world, cope with changes and build resilience. Right now, in April 2020, we are living in an unprecedented time. Even… Continue reading When I am Anxious: Moses and Other Stories by Debbie Duncan
Since reading Malamander by Thomas Taylor, I have been waiting to return to Eerie-on-Sea with great anticipation. It’s sequel, Gargantis, did not disappoint. In fact, it is even better than the original with more monsters, strange happenings and heart-stopping moments! From the very first moment, readers are pulled into the magical, other-worldly town of Eerie-on-Sea.… Continue reading Gargantis by Thomas Taylor
When I Am Afraid, written by Debbie Duncan and illustrated by Anita Belli, is the encouraging, faith-filled story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. A part of the God Cares series published by Lion Hudson Limited, this clear, straight-forward story is true to the original Bible story. The engaging illustrations draw… Continue reading When I Am Afraid by Debbie Duncan & Anita Belli
A Sprinkle of Sorcery is Michelle Harrison’s spellbinding sequel to A Pinch of Magic. Living on Crowstone Island with their granny and father, the three Widdershins sisters dream of a better life in a happier place. When it seems like their dreams will never come true and they are surrounded by nothing but bad omens,… Continue reading A Sprinkle of Sorcery by Michelle Harrison
The Supertato Sticker Book by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet is a fun accompaniment to the Supertato picture book series. If you haven’t read the adventures of this veggie superhero, you absolutely must get your hands on them! They tell the story of Supertato, a brave potato who regularly saves the day in the supermarket.… Continue reading Supertato Sticker Book by Sue Hendra & Paul Linnet
Scope for Imagination 