Book Review, Picture Books

Along Came a Fox by Georgiana Deutsch & illustrated by Cally Johnson-Isaacs

It was just the right sort of night for adventure and, in this wonderful picture book, Bramble the fox does just that. He is on the search for fireflies. Wandering through the shadowy forest, he insists that foxes don’t get scared until he spots his reflection in the lake and mistakes it for another fox.… Continue reading Along Came a Fox by Georgiana Deutsch & illustrated by Cally Johnson-Isaacs

Book Review, Picture Books

Where the Poppies Now Grow: First World War series by Hilary Robinson & Martin Impey

This series of award-winning, intensely powerful picture books highlight key moments and individuals of the First World War. Using story told in verse and rhyming poems that build up line-by-line, page-by-page, there is strength in every word that communicates such important details of war, peace and the legacy that remains. Following the story of Ray,… Continue reading Where the Poppies Now Grow: First World War series by Hilary Robinson & Martin Impey

Book Review, Graphic Novel

El Deafo by Cece Bell ~ Review by Lucy, age 10

El Deafo is a great book about a small girl, called Cece, who was really poorly with meningitis when she was little and she lost her hearing. Cece had to wear a hearing aid that was a box that had straps that she had to put her arms through. Coming out of the sides of… Continue reading El Deafo by Cece Bell ~ Review by Lucy, age 10

Book Review, Picture Books

Christmas Picture Books from Little Tiger Press ~ 2021 Update

One of our favourite Christmas traditions is getting out the box of very special Christmas books we’ve collected over the years. Each one holds wonderful memories and is cherished every year. We’re always on the look out for new books to add to our collection. Little Tiger has a selection of fun and festive stories… Continue reading Christmas Picture Books from Little Tiger Press ~ 2021 Update

Book Review, Illustrated Fiction

Remarkable Rebels ~ A personalised book by Julia Gray & illustrated by Laura Borio

The Remarkable Rebels books from Wonderbly are incredibly personal and powerful for the reader. Each book is unique with a main character specially tailored to match the young reader and with inspiring role models chosen to match their personality and interests. My daughter, Charlie, and I had a great time choosing the elements of her… Continue reading Remarkable Rebels ~ A personalised book by Julia Gray & illustrated by Laura Borio

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Accidental Prime Minister Returns by Tom McLaughlin

The Accidental Prime Minister Returns in the hilarious sequel to The Accidental Prime Minister by Tom McLaughlin. 13 year-old Joe Perkins is the Prime Minister of England. For him, an ordinary day involves cameras, questions and crowds. He’s grown quite used to all of the attention and making decisions that affect the country (and has… Continue reading The Accidental Prime Minister Returns by Tom McLaughlin

Book Review, Early Reader, Illustrated Fiction

Midnight Magic by Michelle Harrison & illustrated by Elissa Elwick

Midnight Magic is a wonderfully charming verse novel from the magnificent Michelle Harrison (author of the A Pinch of Magic series). Published on the 1st October 2020, it is perfect for young readers on spooky autumn days leading up to Hallowe’en. Midnight is a very special kitten – a beautiful black cat with rare magical… Continue reading Midnight Magic by Michelle Harrison & illustrated by Elissa Elwick

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Splinters of Scarlet by Emily Bain Murphy

Splinters of Scarlet is a gripping historical adventure with a fascinating thread of fantasy and magic woven into the tale. Life in Denmark in the mid-1800s is hard, especially for orphans Marit and Eve who have no one to care for them. Too old to stay at the orphanage, Marit struggles with the deaths of… Continue reading Splinters of Scarlet by Emily Bain Murphy

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Incredible Record Smashers by Jenny Pearson & illustrated by Erica Salcedo

The Incredible Record Smashers is a laugh-out-loud story that hits the reader right in the heart. Bravely addressing a challenge so many children face, Jenny Pearson skilfully leads Lucy on a journey of discovery. Caring for a parent struggling with depression is hard. This story does not shy away from that. Through humour, empathy and… Continue reading The Incredible Record Smashers by Jenny Pearson & illustrated by Erica Salcedo

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Victoria Stitch. Bad and Glittering by Harriet Muncaster

Victoria Stitch. Bad and Glittering has all the ingredients young readers adore – magic, friends, crystals, beautiful colours, flittering wings and betrayal! The gothic feel makes it perfect for dark Autumn nights. With a lengthy, detailed story as well as engaging illustrations and fun characters, it’s a great first step into Middle Grade level. In… Continue reading Victoria Stitch. Bad and Glittering by Harriet Muncaster