Rory and the Balloon Bicycles by Louisa MacDougall & illustrated by Giulia Cregut (Little Door Books - May 2025) Rory the dragon and his human bestie, Princess Flora, are back with another wonderful adventure. Happy in his bicycle workshop, Rory loves his unusual life. One day, when flying out to Crunch Canyon, Rory and Flora… Continue reading Engaging Chapter Books
As a child, I loved the "Choose Your Own Adventure" books but they were always some sort of far fetched, monster adventure story rather than scenarios I might face in real life. The Boy with Big Decisions follows the same idea but provides readers with a realistic, risk-filled story. Written in a "You Choose the… Continue reading The Boy with Big Decisions by Helen Rutter
Come Back Gosling by Anne Booth & illustrated by David Litchfield (Templar Books - June 2025) Come Back Gosling by Anne Booth is a beautiful story celebrating books, friendship and growing up. A little girl and her good friend, Gosling, love visiting the library and borrowing books to read in their tree house. They take… Continue reading Picture Books to Share
I'm so pleased to have received a beautiful sampler of This is Not a Small Voice: Poems by Black Poets. Published by Nosy Crow in September 2025, this promises to be an absolutely gorgeous collection and a must-have for primary classrooms across the age range. The huge range of poems in this book will see… Continue reading This is Not a Small Voice: Poems by Black Poets (Traci N. Todd), illustrated by Jade Orlando
The well-loved classic story of The Iron Man by Ted Hughes has been reimagined and brought to life in picture book format by the incredibly talented Mini Grey. Full of colour, bold text and an engaging story, this beautiful book will completely captivate readers. When the very unusual, very hungry Iron Man appears in the… Continue reading The Coming of the Iron Man by Ted Hughes & illustrated by Mini Grey
Written by Danielle Brown MBE, two-time Paralympic champion in archery, Shoot for the Stars celebrates the incredible benefits of sport while encouraging girls to stay involved. Aimed at readers age 8-12, this book addresses barriers to taking part while building confidence, resilience and a sense of identity. By sharing the stories of other great female… Continue reading Shoot for the Stars by Danielle Brown MBE, illustrated by Jayde Perkin & Filigrana de Ideas
Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime is a deeply engaging time travelling mystery. Layered with meaning and important questions for young readers while exploring both ancient and modern culture, it would make a fantastic class read aloud alongside an Ancient Greece topic. We're so used to the story of King Minos, Theseus and the minotaur… Continue reading Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime by Jennifer Claessen
Small Wonder has all the beauty of fantasy, fairy tale and classic adventure story rolled into one. Focussing on the innocence, determination and bravery of Tick and his little brother Leaf, this is a masterclass in characterisation. As they set off on the most incredible journey with their faithful horse, Pebble, the boys face seemingly… Continue reading Small Wonder by Ross Montgomery
Emma Carroll has done it again with an stunning gothic adventure for middle grade readers. The first in a new historical fantasy series, Dracula and Daughters is equal parts frightening, inspiring and intriguing. You will never look at vampires the same way again! Who can resist a story that begins with the sentence: “It’s November,… Continue reading Dracula and Daughters by Emma Carroll
It's time for the third instalment in the delightful Happy Hills graphic novel series by Sophy Henn! Join Ace, Shroomer, Mimi and Sparks as they strive to protect their beloved home from Mr Big Fluff - the baddest hamster around. Mr Big Fluff doesn't feel very happy so he decides to steal the happiness from… Continue reading Happy Hills: Mr Big Fluff Rules by Sophy Henn ~ Blog Tour
Scope for Imagination 