I love this time of year when shiny, new Christmas stories make their way into the world, sprinkling Christmas spirit around the country. It won’t be long until we’re cuddling up in front of the Christmas tree in the twinkling lights sharing these wonderful books. The Christmas Pine is the story of a beautiful pine… Continue reading The Christmas Pine by Julia Donaldson & Victoria Sandoy
As Large As Life is one of those books that calls to readers, tempting them to open the cover and explore inside. The animal illustrations are gorgeous – appealing, sometimes slightly scary, and absolutely majestic. They draw the eye around the page until it settles on a favourite, ready to find out more. I love… Continue reading As Large as Life by Jonny Marx & Sandhya Prabhat
What is “Consent” and why is it so important that everyone understands what it means? This book is the ultimate guide to this essential concept – ensuring that readers make important decisions about what they are and are not ok with and how to communicate this to others. Going beyond “Yes means yes” and “No… Continue reading Welcome to Consent by Yumi Stynes & Dr Melissa Kang
Jenny Pearson is the queen of comedy writing that bursts with empathy and a whole lot of heart! Grandpa Frank’s Great Big Bucket List highlights the value of cross-generational relationships and how rewarding it is to look after someone else. Hilarious and touching, this is a book to smile through. With a dying grandmother’s last… Continue reading Grandpa Frank’s Great Big Bucket List by Jenny Pearson
Beautiful paintings and the simple sentences of a child combine to create a unique perspective on the outbreak of the Second World War in Poland. Asked to keep a journal by his teacher, eight-year-old Michael reflects on the highlights of his days. Walks in the woods, a ride in a car, planes overhead, the start… Continue reading I Saw a Beautiful Woodpecker: The Diary of a Young Boy at the Outbreak of World War II by Michal Skibinski & illustrated by Ala Bankroft
There are so many things Bunny wants to do. When she discovers she can't fly like the bees or swim like the toad, she feels so sad. What she doesn't realise is that there are so many things she can do. Owl helps her to see her strengths rather than her flaws and she feels… Continue reading A Walk in the Woods by Caroline Thornton & Maria Finchenko
Break out the candy canes and sugar cookies! Christmas spirit runs through every line of Clara Claus Saves Christmas by Bonnie Bridgman & illustrated by Louise Forshaw. As the nights are drawing in, it’s just about time to start enjoying some wonderful Christmassy stories! Clara Claus is the daughter of the one and only –… Continue reading Clara Claus Saves Christmas by Bonnie Bridgman & Louise Forshaw
This book comes just in time for my twins’ exploration of Gothic Literature in their Year 7 English lessons. Our house has been full of discussions about monsters and darkness, melancholy and death. Following Frankenstein gives a whole new perspective on a classic story. Maggie has always known the tale of the desperate creator and… Continue reading Following Frankenstein by Catherine Bruton
Little Horror is a fugitive, sci-fi adventure with a very unlikely hero. Rita is a baby with the personality of a teenager. Nearly two, she can talk, read, write and solve any number of problems. She is gifted, unique and unlike any other toddler she’s ever met. Despite how brilliant she is, she has to… Continue reading Little Horror by Daniel Peak ~ Blog Tour & Guest Post
Bear and Squirrel are back in this musical story of friendship and acceptance. The two fun, furry friends have a good thing going – they love making music together and everything’s great. When Chicken comes along and wants to join their gang, they decide three is a crowd and there’s simply no room for another… Continue reading I’m Sticking with You Too by Smriti Halls & Steve Small
Scope for Imagination 