Since Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys or the adventures of the Famous Five, mystery stories for children have been incredibly popular. The thrill of unravelling clues right along with the characters keep young readers turning page after page. Now author/illustrator Hannah Peck has teamed up with Piccadilly Press to share a new lower middle… Continue reading Kate on the Case: The Call of the Silver Wibbler by Hannah Peck ~ Blog Tour
The Wondrous Prune is a magical treat exploding with empathy and PSHE themes. Dealing with bereavement, moving house, starting at a new school, friendships, bullying and being pushed into criminal activity is all dealt with sensitively and in a way that empowers children. Prune is just an ordinary kid who wishes she could be a… Continue reading The Wondrous Prune by Ellie Clements
Classic Poetry: Years 5-6 & Classic Poetry: Years 3-4 are just two of the books in the Developing Reading Comprehension Skills series. Featuring some of the best classic poetry for children, they are packed full of reading lessons that are sure to capture children's imaginations and leave them wanting to read more. Developing Reading Comprehension… Continue reading Teaching Poetry in Key Stage Two
Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier (Scholastic) - Review by Lucy (age 12) Raina Telgemeier is my favourite graphic novel author. I love the storylines about relationships - friends, siblings, families - and how the characters go through ordinary life experiences. The stories are honest and relatable. In Ghosts, sisters Cat & Maya have to move to… Continue reading Gripping Graphic Novels
There were Keepers all around the world. The ones living in the Hidden Middle of the Whispering Woods had been there since the Stone Age. Keepers cared for the countryside, rewilding it by doing things that helped nature to recover when the Ruffins were careless with it. Cora and Jax can't believe it - it's… Continue reading Woodland Magic: Fox Cub Rescue by Julie Sykes & Katy Riddell
Anisha Accidental Detective is a brilliant mystery series celebrating Indian culture in the UK and the determined curiosity of some very feisty kids. With lots of laughs about the chaos of everyday life, each story is ready to be devoured. Holiday Adventure is the fifth hilarious book perfect for readers age 7+. In this adventure,… Continue reading Anisha Accidental Detective: Holiday Adventure by Serena Patel & illustrated by Emma McCann
The healing power of nature and music weaves its way through this stunning story. In Annie, Katya Balen has created another character who is so unique and so real. Her inner voice is strong, vibrating with emotion and truth that will gently wind its way inside the reader and change them. This is a book… Continue reading Birdsong by Katya Balen
Contemporary Children's Literature: Years 5-6 - Book 5 in the Developing Reading Comprehension Skills series is available now! Featuring some of the best recent middle grade publications, it is packed full of reading lessons that are sure to capture children's imaginations and leave them wanting to read more. Developing Reading Comprehension Skills is a series of… Continue reading Contemporary Children’s Literature for Years 5-6 (from the Developing Reading Comprehension Skills series)
Already a huge Karen McCombie fan, I couldn't wait to read Fagin's Girl. With Barrington Stoke's manageable length, accessible print and vocab, and incredibly high quality stories, this Victorian adventure is a must-have for Key Stage Two classrooms and libraries. Ettie's life has never been easy, especially since her father died, but on her tenth… Continue reading Fagin’s Girl by Karen McCombie
A heart made from nature... The best kind. The Lost Whale is a beautifully crafted story of hope and healing. The empowering symbolism of the beach, the sea and the whale is woven throughout bringing comfort and renewal to a troubled soul. Rio's mother is ill. He's done what he can to care for her… Continue reading The Lost Whale by Hannah Gold & illustrated by Levi Pinfold
