Written with a cleverly crafted dual-narrative of an old story and the experiences of a modern girl, The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good is a completely captivating mystery. Hints of the unknown from the very first page will pull readers into this gripping story of folklore, threat and enchantment. This is a brilliantly unique take… Continue reading The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good by Kirsty Applebaum
Fear Files: Hide and Seek is a fast-paced, adrenaline-fuelled race through the dark side of childhood games. Chaotic and terrifying, the nightmare of being chased and the unknown around every corner will have readers flying through the pages. Fans of Dan Smith's The Nighthouse Files: The Deadsoul Project published with Barrington Stoke will love this… Continue reading Fear Files: Hide and Seek by Christopher Edge
Role Model is an outstanding book exploring society's expectations and understanding of Autism. Heartfelt and honest, it follows Aeriel Sharpe, daughter of Britain's newest Prime Minister, as she navigates being a teen under the scrutinising gaze of the nation. Uprooted from her childhood in Scotland, she's finding life in London hard. Her so-called friends don't… Continue reading Role Model by Elle McNicoll
Swanfall is a gorgeous combination of folklore and friendship. I adored Sophie Kirtley's other books but this is her best yet! Alternating between a modern story of bird conservation, wetland management and the enchanting beauty of nature and strange writing found in a mysterious old book telling the story of three children who went missing… Continue reading Swanfall by Sophie Kirtley
If you choose one new book for Remembrance Day this year, make it this one. War Dog, written by master of children's historical fiction, Tom Palmer, and illustrated by the incredibly talented Carolina Rabei, is a beautiful account of the true story of Judy the dog. Published just ahead of the 80th anniversary of VJ… Continue reading War Dog by Tom Palmer & Carolina Rabei
Blitzers is the perfect book for modern, tech savvy kids who are charmed by social media influencers and must have the latest trends. I zoomed through it today, not wanting to put it down. With references to Tamagotchi and Pokémon GO type character battles, it's a wonderfully current story older middle grade and teen readers… Continue reading Blitzers By Alastair Chisholm& Francesca Ficorilli
Outstanding writing, depth of story and breath-taking history combine in this unique account of the First World War. Based on the true story of Khudadad Khan, an Indian gunner who fought for the British Army and received the Victoria Cross for his courage in Flanders, it follows four different stories interwoven in the heart of… Continue reading My Soul, A Shining Tree by Jamila Gavin
Unicorns in Uniform: The Yeti's Sneeze by Tracy Curran & Steve Wood (Uclan Publishing - October 2025) Unicorns in Uniforms: The Yeti's Sneeze is equal parts educational, fantastical and fun. The second book in a new, brightly illustrated chapter book series, it’s a brillliant adventure following the Air and Mountain rescue team as they set out… Continue reading Fun New Books
Gina Kaminski is a girl to be reckoned with! I adored Gina Kaminski Saves the Wolf in 2023 and am thrilled to see another fantastic alternative fairy tale by Craig Barr-Green and Francis Martin! In Gina Kaminski Rescues the Giant, this spirited little girl lets everyone know what she thinks. On a school trip to… Continue reading Gina Kaminski Rescues the Giant by Craig Barr-Green & Francis Martin
Anxiety-based school avoidance is a very real problem for a lot of children, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. In Jellybean, many families will relate to the challenges faced by both Ellie and her parents as they try to get to the bottom of her worries and work out the best way forward. Ellie Bean (nicknamed… Continue reading Jellybean by Eve Ainsworth & Theo Parish
Scope for Imagination 