“It’s such an interesting world. It wouldn’t be half so interesting if we knew all about everything, would it? There’d be no scope for imagination then, would there?” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables Scope for Imagination is inspired by a life-long love of reading. For as long as I can remember, books have been… Continue reading Scope for Imagination
Posts, Articles & Reviews
The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away by Sophie Anderson & illustrated by Elisa Paganelli
Seven years ago, I discovered the beauty and wonder of The House with Chicken Legs as a part of the outstanding collection of stories shortlisted for the 2019 Leeds Book Awards. It was this group of books and authors that inspired me to begin exploring the depths of children literature in the UK and start… Continue reading The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away by Sophie Anderson & illustrated by Elisa Paganelli
A Girl’s Guide to Spying by Holly Webb – Author Interview
1. A Girl’s Guide to Spying gives such a unique perspective on the First World War. Why did you decide to focus on Girlguiding? A few years ago I was given a fabulous book called How the Girl Guides won the war, by Janie Hampton. It has a tiny mention – about half a page!… Continue reading A Girl’s Guide to Spying by Holly Webb – Author Interview
Riley Wright is Always Wrong by Mel Taylor-Bessent & illustrated by Sr. Sanchez
Riley Wright is Always Wrong is the first in a hugely engaging diary series for age 7+. Authentic and completely charming, Riley is a true child of 2026. Set in an accurately hilarious representation of UK primary schools - with varied teacher personalities, BFFs and enemies - readers will feel right at home. This is… Continue reading Riley Wright is Always Wrong by Mel Taylor-Bessent & illustrated by Sr. Sanchez
Clem Fatale has been Upstaged by Eve Wersocki-Morris & illustrated by Honie Beam
Smart and tough, 12-year-old Clem Fatale is the youngest gangster in 1951 London. With her best friend Gilbert, Clem uses everything she's learned from her jewel thief father and his gang to stop criminals in their tracks and solve even the most complex cases. In the second book in this delightful series, Clem and Gilbert… Continue reading Clem Fatale has been Upstaged by Eve Wersocki-Morris & illustrated by Honie Beam
Boy vs Reality by James Fox
With a clear, authentic voice, Boy vs Reality takes a critical look at online fame vs everyday family life. Author James Fox encourages readers to consider the truth of what they're seeing online, underlying messages, potential bias and the real person behind the lens. Questions about children's consent, celebrity families and the role social media… Continue reading Boy vs Reality by James Fox
The Impossible Gladiator by M.G. Leonard & illustrated by Manuel Sumberac
The Impossible Gladiator is the third thrilling adventure in the fantastic Time Keys series by M.G. Leonard. Blurring the lines of what's possible, this incredible time travelling series will have readers listening out for doors to the past, hoping they, themselves, might be a time key. Merging music and mystery with unique characters who show… Continue reading The Impossible Gladiator by M.G. Leonard & illustrated by Manuel Sumberac
When the World Ends by Joanna Nadin
February 2026 When the World Ends is a stunningly extraordinary environmental middle grade novel. Exploring a dystopian view of the world after a fictional second pandemic and the war that followed it, author Joanna Nadin challenges readers with a blunt and incredibly powerful view of what the world might be like when Mother Nature fights… Continue reading When the World Ends by Joanna Nadin
Cruise Ship Kid: Kidnap at Sea by Emma Swan & illustrated by Katie Saunders
March 2026 I'm so excited to be back with Silver in her unusual life as a cruise ship kid! Her mum is the Cruise Director on a huge ship which means most of 10-year-old Silver's life is spent on board - including ship school, meals and making friends. Many of her friends are members of… Continue reading Cruise Ship Kid: Kidnap at Sea by Emma Swan & illustrated by Katie Saunders
Demon Hunters: Soul Feeder by Jennifer Killick & illustrated by Marina Vidal
Now that the sparkly magic of Christmas has passed, we can dive into something a bit more scary. When I say "a bit", I actually mean "a lot"! I made the mistake of reading this book in a deserted car park, on my own, in the dark (while I waited for my son to finish… Continue reading Demon Hunters: Soul Feeder by Jennifer Killick & illustrated by Marina Vidal
The Accidental Vikings by Karen McCombie & illustrated by Annell Bray
A trip to Jorvik Viking Centre in York is a museum visit you'll never forget. This fascinating historic site is the inspiration for The Accidental Vikings. Karen McCombie captures all the unique features of this amazing place. I first visited Jorvik when I was 9 years old and still remember travelling back in time in… Continue reading The Accidental Vikings by Karen McCombie & illustrated by Annell Bray
