School for Nobodies is one of those books that forces you to stop and think once you’ve finished reading it. There are so many layers of meaning and symbolism that come together in the final scenes bringing the story to an intense and powerful conclusion. Flynn is adopted. Her “parents” refuse to talk about her… Continue reading School for Nobodies by Susie Bower
Review by Lucy, age 10 I love Onjali Q. Rauf’s books because they are about kids helping fix the problems around the world. They inspire young people to look around to see who they can help to be happier and safer with their families. The Night Bus Hero is one of these amazing books that… Continue reading The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Q. Rauf
It’s Christmas and what could be better than the beautiful Nutcracker ballet? This gorgeous picture book is set at the Imperial Ballet School in St. Petersburg the very first year the classic ballet was performed. All the girls are vying for the role of Clara. When Stana is chosen, she can’t believe it! Mr. Tchaikovsky’s… Continue reading A Dancer’s Dream by Katherine Woodfine & illustrated by Lizzy Stewart
Lori and Max – Book One Lori and Max is a fun, multi-layered detective story with some unexpected twists. Written in a young, chatty style, children will be pulled into the story as they spot clues and help Lori find answers. This story has been very cleverly written from two points of view. Lori is… Continue reading Lori and Max and the Book Thieves by Catherine O’Flynn
Dragon Detective: Sky High is a mystery story with a twist! It is the third book in a series of high action, detective adventures by Gareth P. Jones. Dirk Dilly, a mountain dragon who is also a top detective, does all he can to solve crimes whilst keeping the existence of dragons a secret from… Continue reading Dragon Detective: Sky High by Gareth P. Jones
Captain Tom Moore is another fantastic book in the Little People, Big Dreams series from Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. The Little People Big Dreams series is the most beautiful set of non-fiction children’s books I have ever come across. Each gorgeous hard cover book is a child-friendly biography of a significant person from history. There… Continue reading Captain Tom Moore by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara & illustrated by Christopher Jacques
I have been completely taken in by Holly Webb’s gorgeous animal stories full of love, hope and time-travelling adventures! Frost is a wonderful story about a young girl who begins to care for a small fox living in some waste land near her home. Despite warnings from the adults in her life to stay away… Continue reading Frost by Holly Webb & illustrated by Britta Teckentrup
The Hat Full of Secrets is an absolutely delightful adventure with Henry Pepper and his grandad. The story grabs readers’ interest right from the start. Henry has a secret! What could it be? Will he tell us? Henry gives hints but won’t reveal what he’s hiding. When Grandad tells him to “keep it under his… Continue reading The Hat Full of Secrets by Karl Newson & illustrated by Wazza Pink
Noah and the Starbird is a charming story encouraging children to be brave and reassuring them that sometimes grown-ups go away but they will come back again. Noah’s daddy is in the hospital so he has to go to stay with his grandma. While he’s there, his grandma introduces him to a very special lamp… Continue reading Noah and the Starbird by Barry Timms & illustrated by Faye Hsu
Afraid of the Dark is a story with which so many children can identify. Amy is moving to a new house. She’s worried and unsure about this new start. No matter what, it just doesn’t feel like home. Her new room is strange and scary. There are unusual sounds and monsters in the dark. During… Continue reading Afraid of the Dark by Sarah Shaffi and Isabel Otter & illustrated by Lucy Farfort
Scope for Imagination 