Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

When the Storm Comes by Polly Ho-Yen

When the Storm Comes is a powerful and perilous story of courage, teamwork and trust. Incredibly thought-provoking, it challenges readers to consider the very real impact of climate change, their own survival skills and how they might respond in an emergency. Leadership, resourcefulness and the ability to put the needs of others ahead of your… Continue reading When the Storm Comes by Polly Ho-Yen

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Changeling Child by H.S. Norup

The Changeling Child is the thrilling sequel to the brilliant fantasy adventure Into the Faerie Hill. Magic weaves its way into every aspect of this wonderful story. Told from a dual point of view, Alfred (a demi-fae) takes readers back into Faerie as he strives to discover the truth about a missing child and his… Continue reading The Changeling Child by H.S. Norup

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Non-fiction Books

Discover the Magic

How to Get Magically Popular by Radhika Sanghani (Usborne - August 2025) Is being able to see the future a gift or a curse. Sabina just wants to fit in but struggles with popularity. Being the only Indian girl at her new school makes it even harder. She misses her friends and really doesn't want… Continue reading Discover the Magic

Book Review, Non-fiction Books, Picture Books

Making Connections with Nature

Nature Heroes by Lily Dyu (Nosy Crow - June 2025) Nature Heroes is a fascinating collection of twenty biographies about significant individuals who work hard to protect our world. While some humans are destroying nature through their actions, these heroes are standing up to the threats facing plant Earth and inspiring others to do the… Continue reading Making Connections with Nature

Activity Books, Book Review, Chapter Book

Engaging Chapter Books

Rory and the Balloon Bicycles by Louisa MacDougall & illustrated by Giulia Cregut (Little Door Books - May 2025) Rory the dragon and his human bestie, Princess Flora, are back with another wonderful adventure. Happy in his bicycle workshop, Rory loves his unusual life. One day, when flying out to Crunch Canyon, Rory and Flora… Continue reading Engaging Chapter Books

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Boy with Big Decisions by Helen Rutter

As a child, I loved the "Choose Your Own Adventure" books but they were always some sort of far fetched, monster adventure story rather than scenarios I might face in real life. The Boy with Big Decisions follows the same idea but provides readers with a realistic, risk-filled story. Written in a "You Choose the… Continue reading The Boy with Big Decisions by Helen Rutter

Book Review, Picture Books

Picture Books to Share

Come Back Gosling by Anne Booth & illustrated by David Litchfield (Templar Books - June 2025) Come Back Gosling by Anne Booth is a beautiful story celebrating books, friendship and growing up. A little girl and her good friend, Gosling, love visiting the library and borrowing books to read in their tree house. They take… Continue reading Picture Books to Share

Book Review, Poetry

This is Not a Small Voice: Poems by Black Poets (Traci N. Todd), illustrated by Jade Orlando

I'm so pleased to have received a beautiful sampler of This is Not a Small Voice: Poems by Black Poets. Published by Nosy Crow in September 2025, this promises to be an absolutely gorgeous collection and a must-have for primary classrooms across the age range. The huge range of poems in this book will see… Continue reading This is Not a Small Voice: Poems by Black Poets (Traci N. Todd), illustrated by Jade Orlando

Book Review, Picture Books

The Coming of the Iron Man by Ted Hughes & illustrated by Mini Grey

The well-loved classic story of The Iron Man by Ted Hughes has been reimagined and brought to life in picture book format by the incredibly talented Mini Grey. Full of colour, bold text and an engaging story, this beautiful book will completely captivate readers. When the very unusual, very hungry Iron Man appears in the… Continue reading The Coming of the Iron Man by Ted Hughes & illustrated by Mini Grey