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
Autumn is my favourite season - new beginnings, cozy jumpers and so many special days! This fantastic collection of books will put you in the mood for crisp October weather and gentle spooks. Grumpkin by Nicola Edwards & Sian Roberts (Little Tiger - August 2025) Grumpkin made me smile the very first time I saw… Continue reading Looking Forward to Spooky Season!
The Great Nut Hunt by Karl Newson & Nia Havilliard (Scholastic - August 2025) There's something so delightful about squirrel stories! These cute, charming creatures are always on the go and always in some sort of trouble. In The Great Nut Hunt, Squirrel has collected too many nuts. When they won't fit in his tree,… Continue reading Delightful Picture Books
How to Save Your Granny from a Runaway Train created by the brilliant duo of Swapna Haddow and Jess Bradley is a super fun, science how-to book filled with fascinating experiments and accessible explanations. Written in a graphic novel style similar to Jess's A Day in the Life... books with Mike Barfield, it is so… Continue reading How to Save Your Granny from a Runaway Train by Swapna Haddow & Jess Bradley
The Odyssey of Phoebe Quilliam is a completely captivating quest story exploring precious family relationships, unending hope and finding those you've lost. Through a wonderful combination of realistic fiction and brilliant mythological fantasy, readers are challenged to create special moments with their family and hold on to special memories when our loved ones are no… Continue reading The Odyssey of Phoebe Quilliam by Annelise Gray
Scope for Imagination 