The Time Travellers series by Sufiya Ahmed continues to take an honest look at history, celebrating the people and cultures who have been ignored in the Western perspective. Readers are encouraged to think about what empire and trade actually meant for those whose lands were being invaded and the lasting impact of this exploitation. In… Continue reading Time Travellers: Secrets and Spies by Sufiya Ahmed
Stellar is a heart-stopping, out-of-this-world adventure. Stella and her brother, Ryan, are on holiday at a space hotel orbiting Earth. Stella loves everything about space while Ryan thinks it's all a bit boring. He prefers navigating spaceships in his VR video games. According to him, nothing interesting ever happens out in space but Ryan couldn't… Continue reading Stellar by Chris Bradford
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, empowered me, made me laugh, and even made me cry. There have… Continue reading My Favourite Books of 2024
Jenny Pearson's stories are always an absolute delight with true-to-life characters dealing with issues in unique, laugh-out-loud ways. This Christmas break has brought two new books from Barrington Stoke and Usborne that are a joy to read and perfect for children of all ages. Bigfoot and the Wild Boys (Barrington Stoke) - January 2025 Joe… Continue reading Brilliant Books by Jenny Pearson (Bigfoot and the Wild Boys & The Race Against Crime)
January 2025 Celebrate Holly Webb's 60th story in her delightful Animal Stories series with The Bold Kitten. Hana and her family are embarking on a new life in the UK. Since being forced from their home in a Syrian village two years ago and living in a camp in Iraq, they have dreamed of peace… Continue reading The Bold Kitten by Holly Webb
Magical Mountain Rescue is the fourth and final adventure in this wonderful series for readers age 7+. With wildlife conservation at the heart of a thrilling political conflict, readers are whisked away on a perilous journey filled with kidnap, quests, danger and the most amazing animals. Joe Todd-Stanton's gorgeous illustrations cause the story to leap… Continue reading Wildsmith: Magical Mountain Rescue by Liz Flanagan & Joe Todd-Stanton
I adore Gill Lewis's The Island Vet series! With strong environmental messages and plenty of heart, they challenge children to stand up for wildlife and protect the world around them while developing caring, empathetic relationships with family, friends and their community. Tia is absolutely fascinated by puffins! After a birthday trip to a museum to… Continue reading The Island Vet: Devil Bird Island by Gill Lewis & Irina Avgustinovich
The Birthday Cake Thief is the first in a delightful new Little Gems series for young readers age 5+. Absolutely iconic Vashti Hardy, this vibrant story is a fabulous combination of STEM, action-packed adventure, engaging mystery and family connection. A bionic unicorn and a cog bunny named Gearlop join Hana and her new friend, detective… Continue reading The Moonlight Mystery Agency: The Birthday Cake Thief by Vashti Hardy
Land of the Last Wildcat is the first in a new action adventure series with a fantastic environmental message. I was immediately drawn to this appealing book because of my own little ginger 'wildcats', Gus & George. Land of the Last Wildcat centres on the folklore of a magical cat with healing powers. Believed to… Continue reading Land of the Last Wildcat by Lui Sit
As midwinter draws near, King Winter's Birthday is the perfect book to share. Exploring the passing of the seasons through inticing folklore, it emphasises contrasting weather and the rhythms of the year. It was King Winter's birthday and he was planning a party. More than anything, he wanted his brother and sisters to visit: Queen… Continue reading King Winter’s Birthday by Jonathan Freedland & Emily Sutton
Scope for Imagination 