Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Turtle Boy by M. Evan Wolkenstein

Turtle Boy is a carefully crafted, thoughtful story about finding out who you really are and being pushed to reach outside of yourself to find your potential. Will finds life difficult. As he starts seventh grade, everything seems to pile up on him and nothing is going right – bullying, too many new situations, friends… Continue reading Turtle Boy by M. Evan Wolkenstein

Book Review, Picture Books

Hockey in the Wild by Nicholas Oldland

We are always on the lookout for a fun Canadian book and Hockey in the Wild fits the bill perfectly! There’s nothing worse than a lake that isn’t frozen when all you want to do is skate and play hockey! Bear, Beaver and Moose can’t wait until winter so they can get out on the… Continue reading Hockey in the Wild by Nicholas Oldland

Book Review, Non-fiction Books

Blue Planet: Life in our Oceans and Rivers by Moira Butterfield & illustrated by Jonathan Woodward

This book feels special. With a deep blue, textured hard cover, it is a beautiful non-fiction book for exploring the importance of water with children. It would be best suited to Key Stage 1 and Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 1-4). It is full of essential information about the water cycle, seas/oceans/lakes/rivers, ecosystems in and… Continue reading Blue Planet: Life in our Oceans and Rivers by Moira Butterfield & illustrated by Jonathan Woodward

Book Review, Non-fiction Books

Let’s Explore Animal Homes by Little Tiger Press & illustrated by Lara Paulussen

Let’s Explore Animal Homes is a gorgeous non-fiction pop-up book for young children. With rhyme in the main text and interesting fact boxes, it is full of information including different types of homes, adaptations and what the animals do inside their homes. Perfect for EYFS/KS1 Science topics about Habitats and Homes, it looks at a… Continue reading Let’s Explore Animal Homes by Little Tiger Press & illustrated by Lara Paulussen

Book Review, Non-fiction Books

Sounds of the Skies by Moira Butterfield & illustrated by Jonathan Woodward

Sounds of the Skies is a beautiful hardcover non-fiction book with realistic sound effects. Fascinating descriptions and challenging vocabulary make this guide to birds and other wildlife in a wide range of ecosystems around the world a useful addition to every home or classroom bookshelf. Children will thoroughly enjoy investigating this book either on their… Continue reading Sounds of the Skies by Moira Butterfield & illustrated by Jonathan Woodward

Book Review, Picture Books

Now You See Me. Now You Don’t by Patricia Hegarty & illustrated by Jonny Lambert

Full of gorgeous colours and wonderful animals, this rhyming story is sure to entertain children of all ages. With a new take on the Golden Rule - do to others as you would have them do to you - readers can see how teasing might make others feel and how important it is to be… Continue reading Now You See Me. Now You Don’t by Patricia Hegarty & illustrated by Jonny Lambert

Book Review, Picture Books

Oh No, Bear! By Joanne Partis

With themes of Autumn, Harvest, Friendship and Empathy, Oh No, Bear! is a charming book for young children. One morning, Bear wakes up very hungry. As he makes his way around the forest, visiting his friends, he eats far more than he ever intended. He worries that he’s made his friends angry but he just… Continue reading Oh No, Bear! By Joanne Partis

Book Review, Picture Books

Sneaky Beak by Tracey Corderoy & illustrated by Tony Neal

Sneaky Beak is an absolute joy to read! Its bright colours, larger than life characters and silly rhymes combine to create a book full of laughs, giggles and a loud “Oh No!” Bear and Hamster are quite content. They enjoy what they have and the time they spend together. Then, one day, a television advert for… Continue reading Sneaky Beak by Tracey Corderoy & illustrated by Tony Neal

Book Review, Picture Books

Paris Cat by Dianne Hofmeyr & illustrated by Piet Grobler

1920’s Paris and a bold, adventurous cat who believes in herself from the tip of her tail to the ends of her whiskers makes for a wonderful combination! Cat starts life as a Paris alley cat – nothing special, nothing important but she has a dream. She wants to make something of herself and find… Continue reading Paris Cat by Dianne Hofmeyr & illustrated by Piet Grobler

Book Review, Non-fiction Books

Shark Super Powers by Jillian Morris & Duncan Brake, illustrated by Steve May

Shark Super Powers is an engaging encyclopaedia of extraordinary shark facts! Written by real shark experts and with an introduction by Steve Backshall, well-known naturalist and explorer, this book is perfect for readers who are already shark-obsessed and those who want to learn more about these amazing creatures. There are fascinating facts about fourteen unbelievable… Continue reading Shark Super Powers by Jillian Morris & Duncan Brake, illustrated by Steve May