Seven years ago, I discovered the beauty and wonder of The House with Chicken Legs as a part of the outstanding collection of stories shortlisted for the 2019 Leeds Book Awards. It was this group of books and authors that inspired me to begin exploring the depths of children literature in the UK and start… Continue reading The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away by Sophie Anderson & illustrated by Elisa Paganelli
1. A Girl’s Guide to Spying gives such a unique perspective on the First World War. Why did you decide to focus on Girlguiding? A few years ago I was given a fabulous book called How the Girl Guides won the war, by Janie Hampton. It has a tiny mention – about half a page!… Continue reading A Girl’s Guide to Spying by Holly Webb – Author Interview
Riley Wright is Always Wrong is the first in a hugely engaging diary series for age 7+. Authentic and completely charming, Riley is a true child of 2026. Set in an accurately hilarious representation of UK primary schools - with varied teacher personalities, BFFs and enemies - readers will feel right at home. This is… Continue reading Riley Wright is Always Wrong by Mel Taylor-Bessent & illustrated by Sr. Sanchez
The Impossible Gladiator is the third thrilling adventure in the fantastic Time Keys series by M.G. Leonard. Blurring the lines of what's possible, this incredible time travelling series will have readers listening out for doors to the past, hoping they, themselves, might be a time key. Merging music and mystery with unique characters who show… Continue reading The Impossible Gladiator by M.G. Leonard & illustrated by Manuel Sumberac
March 2026 I'm so excited to be back with Silver in her unusual life as a cruise ship kid! Her mum is the Cruise Director on a huge ship which means most of 10-year-old Silver's life is spent on board - including ship school, meals and making friends. Many of her friends are members of… Continue reading Cruise Ship Kid: Kidnap at Sea by Emma Swan & illustrated by Katie Saunders
Now that the sparkly magic of Christmas has passed, we can dive into something a bit more scary. When I say "a bit", I actually mean "a lot"! I made the mistake of reading this book in a deserted car park, on my own, in the dark (while I waited for my son to finish… Continue reading Demon Hunters: Soul Feeder by Jennifer Killick & illustrated by Marina Vidal
A trip to Jorvik Viking Centre in York is a museum visit you'll never forget. This fascinating historic site is the inspiration for The Accidental Vikings. Karen McCombie captures all the unique features of this amazing place. I first visited Jorvik when I was 9 years old and still remember travelling back in time in… Continue reading The Accidental Vikings by Karen McCombie & illustrated by Annell Bray
The Blitz Sisters is a lovely story of how three sisters try to make sense of life and do their best to carry on through all the challenges of the Second World War. With gas masks to contend with, fear of evacuation and new hardships as war is declared, Lydia, Peggy and Teddy are forced… Continue reading The Blitz Sisters by Judith Eagle
Every December, it’s such a joy to take time to look back over all the books I’ve been privileged to read and review on Scope for Imagination. I’d like to share my favourite books of this year – ones that have challenged me, inspired me, made me laugh, and even made me cry. There have been some… Continue reading My Favourite Books of 2025
Hedley is having a really hard time. Since he lost his mum in an accident, he and his little sister Lilly have been spending weekends at Bridlebank Therapy Activities Centre. Their dad just isn't coping; he struggles to get out of bed and can't even begin to meet their needs. At the centre, Hedley does… Continue reading The Not-So Great Escape by Emma Green
Scope for Imagination 