There is no doubt that Animal Farm is a classic. It’s being studied in secondary schools around the country. My own daughter read it in Year 7 and loved the connections to politics and the Russian Revolution. It is fantastic that Barrington Stoke has released this brilliant story in a dyslexia-friendly, unabridged edition. With specially-designed… Continue reading Animal Farm by George Orwell
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the school Christmas break is almost upon us. That means lots of times for resting, relaxing and reading! What could be better than settling down with some fantastic festive stories? Reading together is a special way for families to connect and create memories. With fewer events… Continue reading Fantastic Festive Books for Children
Thirteen-year-old Violet is the daughter of an undertaker: born in the mortuary, living her whole life among the dead. With a cemetery for a back garden, dealing with loss and those in mourning is nothing new for her. She can sense the dead and listens to their messages. Then, one day, a young man is… Continue reading A Case of Grave Danger (The Violet Veil Mysteries) by Sophie Cleverly
Hope Jones is an inspiring ten year old who knows what she believes in and is not afraid to share it. She wants to save the world. Like Anne Frank, Nelson Mandela, Emmeline Pankhurst and so many others who inspire her, she wants to make it clear that the world is a mess and the… Continue reading Hope Jones series by Josh Lacey & illustrated by Beatriz Castro
Harrison (Hal) and Uncle Nat are back for their third fast-paced, heart-stopping, edge of your seat mystery! The Adventures on Trains series just keep getting better and better with Murder on the Safari Star. This time, Uncle Nat surprises Hal with the best Christmas present ever – a chance to travel through South Africa and… Continue reading Murder on the Safari Star by M.G. Leonard & Sam Sedgman, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli
Join Suzy on her third action-packed journey on The Train to Impossible Places. Her over-protective parents are on to her and it looks like she won’t be allowed to sneak out in the middle of the night with a bunch of trolls to deliver mail to all sorts of amazing places any longer. When there’s… Continue reading Delivery to the Lost City (The Train to Impossible Places) by P.G. Bell & illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino
Lose yourself in the world of the makers where gifted individuals create the most amazing pieces of clothing that influence the character and actions of their wearers. From gloves to shoes to hats, incredible items are crafted from magical ingredients and brilliant powers. A long-standing rivalry between the different maker families means there is little… Continue reading The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant
Sam McCann has never had a real home. As a foster child, he’s lived in lot of houses but has never had a place where he’s felt completely safe, at ease and wanted. After nine houses in five years, he is always anticipating his next move. Fed up with waiting for others to find the… Continue reading The Perfect Parent Project by Stewart Foster
It’s June 1647 in Scotland and strong, out-spoken women who spend their lives helping others are being arrested and tried as witches. We meet twelve-year-old Art who must hide and watch as her mother is carried away by soldiers. Will she be one of the women killed immediately or will she be taken to England… Continue reading The Forest of Moon and Sword by Amy Raphael
The Curious Case of the Missing Mammoth by Ellie Hattie & Karl James Mountford The Curious Case of the Missing Mammoth is an exciting picture book adventure with a real Night at the Museum feel. Oscar is awoken at midnight by strange stomping noises outside his window. When he discovers a talking woolly mammoth, he… Continue reading The Curious Case of the Missing Mammoth by Ellie Hattie & Karl James Mountford
Scope for Imagination 