Max Counts to a Million is the first proper COVID-19 story I've read. It follows Max, an ordinary boy, who is experiencing all the unknowns and anxieties of lockdown and the huge impact it is having on his family. This is a story that will resonate with children. They will see themselves in Max as… Continue reading Max Counts to a Million by Jeremy Williams
The Looking Book is perfect for those who love to doodle and sketch with page after page of prompts and challenges that are sure to inspire children to look more closely at the world around them. Specific artistic skills are explained in child-friendly language and with plenty of space to observe and practise. Still lifes,… Continue reading The Looking Book by Lucia Vinti
We Sang Across the Sea: The Empire Windrush and Me by Benjamin Zephaniah and illustrated by Onyinye Iwu is the inspiring story of Mona Baptiste - a singer and actress born in Trinidad in 1928. At the age of 20, she travelled to England on the Empire Windrush wanting nothing more than to sing. She… Continue reading We Sang Across the Sea by Benjamin Zephaniah & Onyinye Iwu
Bumblebee Grumblebee by David Elliot A wonderfully fun play on words, Bumblebee Grumblebee encourages children to experiment with sounds and enjoy the silliness of language. Each page depicts an activity from a small child's life - getting dressed, playing, even going to the potty - and twists it into something funny. This beautifully illustrated board… Continue reading Fantastic Picture Books from Gecko Press
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
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
Scope for Imagination 