Even in winter, there is life in the forest. Fox: A Circle of Life Story by Isabel Thomas and illustrated by Daniel Egneus is a gentle yet honest introduction to death and the circle of life in the forest. Mother Fox moves through the woods with silence and strength. The predator/prey relationship is obvious and… Continue reading Fox: A Circle of Life Story by Isabel Thomas & illustrated by Daniel Egneus
The Book of Selkie by Canadian author Briana Corr Scott is an absolutely gorgeous poetry picture book explaining the mystical creature of the sea – the Selkie. With rich, earthy colours and water that shimmers like gems, the illustrations draw readers in with a magical charm. A spell is cast as we enter the world… Continue reading The Book of Selkie by Briana Corr Scott
Rocket Boy shows just how much children can achieve when left alone with their imagination and a very big cardboard box! Like a slightly more grown-up “Whatever Next” by Jill Murphy, Rocket Boy is an exciting space adventure with a trusty sidekick. Callum is an absolute gold-mine of facts about the universe. He is always… Continue reading Rocket Boy by Katie Jennings & illustrated by Joe Lillington
Some kids really get into their games but nothing like Flo and Max! The Level Up! series is like a modern-day Jumanji. Best friends, Flo and Max, get trapped inside a video game and can’t escape until they manage to complete it. With non-stop action and adventure plus brilliant illustrations, there are so many kids… Continue reading Level Up! Last One Standing by Tom Nicoll & illustrated by Anjan Sarkar
The Orphans of St Halibut’s is a wonderfully dark, Dickensian comedy of errors with chapter after chapter of hilarious, twisted escapades. Eight-year-old Herc, big sister Tig and their friend, Stef (along with Pamela the goat) are the only orphans left at St Halibut’s Home for Waifs and Strays in the dreary town of Sad Sack.… Continue reading The Orphans of St Halibut’s by Sophie Wills & illustrated by David Tazzyman
Turtle Boy is a carefully crafted, thoughtful story about finding out who you really are and being pushed to reach outside of yourself to find your potential. Will finds life difficult. As he starts seventh grade, everything seems to pile up on him and nothing is going right – bullying, too many new situations, friends… Continue reading Turtle Boy by M. Evan Wolkenstein
We are always on the lookout for a fun Canadian book and Hockey in the Wild fits the bill perfectly! There’s nothing worse than a lake that isn’t frozen when all you want to do is skate and play hockey! Bear, Beaver and Moose can’t wait until winter so they can get out on the… Continue reading Hockey in the Wild by Nicholas Oldland
Now does he feel his title Hang loose about him, like a giant's robe Upon a dwarfish thief. - William Shakespeare, Macbeth, 5.2 - Macbeth United is not a typical football story. It’s the clever retelling of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, Macbeth, through the action-packed drama of a youth football team, Michael Rosen creates parallels to… Continue reading Macbeth United by Michael Rosen & illustrated by Tony Ross
This book feels special. With a deep blue, textured hard cover, it is a beautiful non-fiction book for exploring the importance of water with children. It would be best suited to Key Stage 1 and Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 1-4). It is full of essential information about the water cycle, seas/oceans/lakes/rivers, ecosystems in and… Continue reading Blue Planet: Life in our Oceans and Rivers by Moira Butterfield & illustrated by Jonathan Woodward
Let’s Explore Animal Homes is a gorgeous non-fiction pop-up book for young children. With rhyme in the main text and interesting fact boxes, it is full of information including different types of homes, adaptations and what the animals do inside their homes. Perfect for EYFS/KS1 Science topics about Habitats and Homes, it looks at a… Continue reading Let’s Explore Animal Homes by Little Tiger Press & illustrated by Lara Paulussen
