Lose yourself in this chilling mystery of an abandoned fracking site, unusual smells and adults behaving strangely. As soon as readers pick up this engaging book, they will be pulled in by the intensity of the cover, the very first chapter title, “Something Strange”, and the characters’ interest in the intriguing “Mystery Shed” website. Pete… Continue reading The Invasion of Crooked Oak by Dan Smith & illustrated by Chris King
After the War is the book every teacher of the Holocaust needs. This carefully researched and accurate retelling of the horrors and hopes of the Second World War pulls readers in to the reality faced by three brave Polish Jewish boys who find themselves in the serene beauty of the Lake District in the days… Continue reading After the War From Auschwitz to Ambleside by Tom Palmer
Vashti Hardy has done it again! The Griffin Gate is exactly the kind of story children are looking for: adventure, mystery and a strong sense of family – with a bossy robotic raven thrown in! Teaming up with talented illustrator Natalie Smillie, this story jumps off the page and dares readers to go with Grace… Continue reading The Griffin Gate by Vashti Hardy & illustrated by Natalie Smillie
It’s the summer of 1914 and there is news of assassinations and potential war coming from far away. For the children at Longbarrow House, it’s incredibly exciting but also incredibly frightening. They dread the thought of their fathers having to go away to war but every sign seems to say it’s going to happen. When… Continue reading The Ghost Garden by Emma Carroll
Captain Whiskers, written by Jeremy Strong and illustrated by Matt Robertson, is a wonderful, laugh out loud story of a boy who desperately wants a pet. Published by Barrington Stoke, it is an appealing “Little Gem” story for young readers (age 5-8). As an early chapter book, it builds confidence through manageable sections of text, short… Continue reading Captain Whiskers by Jeremy Strong
Monster Slayer: A Beowulf Tale, written by Brian Patten and illustrated by Chris Riddell, is a wonderfully horrible retelling of the classic tale of Anglo Saxon hero, Beowulf, and the gruesome monsters he defeats. When Grendel attacks the village, it seems like there is nothing the people can do to stop him. Then, one day, the… Continue reading Monster Slayer: A Beowulf Tale by Brian Patten
Sequin and Stitch, written by Laura Dockrill and illustrated by Sara Ogilvie, is a wonderfully crafted story of family, dreams and home. It is overflowing with empathy for the struggles and joys faced by so many children. The layers of meaning are stitched together beautifully to create a story that is enjoyable to read yet… Continue reading Sequin and Stitch by Laura Dockrill
Scope for Imagination 