Posts, Articles & Reviews

Article, English Teaching, Reading

Scope for Imagination

“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

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Mallory Vayle and Maggoty Skull in… The Castle of Horrors by Martin Howard

10th September 2026 Everyone's favourite talkative (and actually quite demanding) bewigged skull is back in this delightfully spooky and completely heartwarming story of make-shift family, making peace with your identity and defeating external and internal villains alike. Mallory Vayle and Maggoty Skull in the Castle of Horrors is the third book in this unique gothic… Continue reading Mallory Vayle and Maggoty Skull in… The Castle of Horrors by Martin Howard

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

And Now We Run by Nicola Penfold

In true Nicola Penfold style, And Now We Run is an incredibly powerful story of self-belief, resilience and our responsibility for the environment. Told through three perspectives, what begins as a reflection on friendship and identity during the challenging primary to secondary school transition quickly transforms into a call for conservation, land management and respect… Continue reading And Now We Run by Nicola Penfold

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

My Name is Zayn by Fidan Meikle

Emotional and so very real, My Name is Zayn challenges readers to recognise the determination and courage of refugee children who find themselves in the UK completely alone. Exploring themes of loyalty, community and blossoming friendship in times of need, this and its companion novel, My Name is Samim, prove bravery is so much bigger… Continue reading My Name is Zayn by Fidan Meikle

Book Review, Young Adult

Lykewise by Darren Simpson

Middle Grade: 24th September 2026 A magic mirror like none other, Lykewise is a folklore-themed thriller telling a terrifying story of dark forces and a sinister legend that leads readers to question "Are you looking at the mirror? Or does the mirror look at you?" When a travelling salesman passes through Harrowmere selling mirrors at… Continue reading Lykewise by Darren Simpson

Book Review, Chapter Book

The Littlest Puffling by Holly Webb & illustrated by John Meiring

The Littlest Puffling is another delightful animal story by Holly Webb, with internal illustrations by John Meiring and a cover illustration by David Dean. Emotional and inspiring, it explores blended families, discovering a new passion, and our shared responsibility to protect wildlife. Nine-year-old Alice is camping in Yorkshire with her family. Her stepdad, Tim, is… Continue reading The Littlest Puffling by Holly Webb & illustrated by John Meiring

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

When I Was a Wolf by Liz Flanagan & illustrated by Nikola Aronova

When I Was a Wolf by Liz Flanagan and illustrated by Nikola Aronova is a beautiful story of family, friendship and dealing with complex feelings. Jasmine absoloutely loves wolves. She doesn't believe in the stereotype of the 'big bad wolf'; she believes they are magical creatures - powerful yet wise. Jasmine also loves spending time… Continue reading When I Was a Wolf by Liz Flanagan & illustrated by Nikola Aronova

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Murder on a Midsummer Night by Lucy Strange & illustrated by Hannah Peck

Murder on a Midsummer Night is the first in a cosy murder mystery series for readers aged 9+. Published by Barrington Stoke it makes a cracking mystery accessible to everyone who loves a good whodunnit. It's the night of Sir Percy's summer party at Mulberry Hall. Fairies, goblins, kings and queens, and woodland animals fill… Continue reading Murder on a Midsummer Night by Lucy Strange & illustrated by Hannah Peck

Book Review, Picture Books

Neighbour’s Cat by Michael Rosen & Alex Willmore

Neighbour's Cat by Michael Rosen and Alex Willmore is all kinds of delightful! I always love a book about cats - with my own two mischievous kittens at home - but this one really strikes a chord. I have a feeling our Sadie would love to copy this naughty role model given half a chance.… Continue reading Neighbour’s Cat by Michael Rosen & Alex Willmore

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Tadpole Summer by Catherine Bruton

Tadpole Summer is one of those books that causes the reader to stop and reflect long after finishing the final page. Heartbreaking yet heartwarming, it embraces the siblings of children with life-limiting illnesses providing them with hope and purpose. This book will inspire readers to take action and help others, raising money and awareness for… Continue reading Tadpole Summer by Catherine Bruton

Book Review, Picture Books

The Littlest Lemon by Lucy Noguera & illustrated by Dannii Summerfield

Celebrating Spanish culture and multi-generational family, The Littlest Lemon explores love, comfort and learning new things. Arlo and Estée travel to the countryside in Mallorca to visit their abuela (grandmother). Little Estée is upset when she realises she's left her teddy at home. What will she do without him? Big brother Arlo has a solution.… Continue reading The Littlest Lemon by Lucy Noguera & illustrated by Dannii Summerfield