Book Review, Early Reader

Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren & illustrated by Mini Grey

One of the world’s favourite redheads is back in updated editions of her wonderful stories illustrated by Mini Grey and published by Oxford University Press to celebrate her 75th anniversary. When her 7-year-old daughter was ill, author Astrid Lindgren was looking for a way to entertain her and began telling imaginative stories. The wonderful Pippi Longstocking… Continue reading Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren & illustrated by Mini Grey

Book Review, Early Reader

Kitty and the Treetop Adventure by Paula Harrison & Jenny Lovlie

Girl by day, Cat by night, Ready for Adventure Kitty is ready to be a superhero and use her feline powers to help others! With the wonderful ability to talk to cats, Kitty and her cat crew of Pumpkin, Figaro, Pixie and Katsumi make sure their neighbourhood is happy and safe. She is as charming… Continue reading Kitty and the Treetop Adventure by Paula Harrison & Jenny Lovlie

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates by Jenny Pearson

The end of Year 6 is supposed to be exciting - the start of a new adventure - but for Freddie Yates, a sudden turn of events causes him to question everything he knows. For someone who loves facts, this is very unsettling. He decides to set off on his greatest adventure to find a… Continue reading The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates by Jenny Pearson

Article, Reading

What is the best new children’s book you’ve read recently?

In April 2020, I asked this question to teachers, authors and book reviewers on Twitter. Over the next two days, I received the most wonderful array of recommendations that will keep us reading for months! Most recommended (Click on the titles to read my reviews): Crater Lake by Jennifer Killick (Sequel - Crater Lake: Evolution)… Continue reading What is the best new children’s book you’ve read recently?

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

A Sprinkle of Sorcery by Michelle Harrison

A Sprinkle of Sorcery is Michelle Harrison’s spellbinding sequel to A Pinch of Magic. Living on Crowstone Island with their granny and father, the three Widdershins sisters dream of a better life in a happier place. When it seems like their dreams will never come true and they are surrounded by nothing but bad omens,… Continue reading A Sprinkle of Sorcery by Michelle Harrison

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Orphans of the Tide by Struan Murray

Orphans of the Tide is absolutely stunning. Struan Murray invites readers to dive into layers and layers of meaning and be swallowed up by the rich symbolism of the story. Surrounded by the sea, “The City” (the last in the world) is at the mercy of the tides and the power of the water. The… Continue reading Orphans of the Tide by Struan Murray

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell

The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell is a living, breathing story of colourful imagery and magnificent language set on the beautiful island of Papua New Guinea. It is a story of respect and responsibility, the conflict of traditions versus what is perceived to be progress, and a personal search for truth, forgiveness and finding oneself.… Continue reading The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell

Article, English Teaching, Reading

5 Books Teachers Should Read in the Classroom

In honour of World Book Day 2020, True Education Partnerships asked me to write a guest blog post about my Top 5 Books for the Classroom. Follow the link to read more: https://www.trueeducationpartnerships.com/schools/books-teachers-should-read-classroom/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=edu Click on the covers below to find out more or purchase on-line from Amazon.

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Scarlet & Ivy by Sophie Cleverly

My twelve-year-old daughter is currently completely immersed in the Scarlet & Ivy series by Sophie Cleverly. Recommended by a like-minded friend, she is thoroughly enjoying these stories and is reading faster than she ever has before - she can't get enough! Recently, someone asked if I had a review of the series. I didn't so… Continue reading Scarlet & Ivy by Sophie Cleverly

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Girl Who Stole an Elephant by Nizrana Farook

I loved this Robin Hood style story in which an unlikely hero steals from the rich (including the tyrannical king) to help those who are struggling in the community. Is this right? Is this wrong? Will good win in the end?  Chaya, Noor and Neel have to be true to themselves to find the answers.… Continue reading The Girl Who Stole an Elephant by Nizrana Farook