Every school library, classroom and home should contain books from Barrington Stoke. Their wonderfully captivating content paired with accessible vocabulary, super-readable font and helpful page tint make them some of the best books available for ALL children. From fun, sweet Little Gems for young readers age 5+ to their mature, thought-provoking 11+/13+ Teen and Young… Continue reading Must-haves from Barrington Stoke
I loved the mudlarking in Katya Balen's October, October. As a Canadian, it is something I didn't know a lot about. It's amazing how much treasure is just waiting to be discovered. Clem Carden is an enthusiastic young mudlarker. Every Saturday, she attends the Thames and Tide Club with her friends Ash and Zara. At… Continue reading The Thames and Tide Club: The Secret City by Katya Balen & ill. by Rachael Dean
Visit the magical world of Miracula with Ivy Newt - daughter of the King and Queen of the Sand Witches. This delightful new chapter book series for young readers is sure to absolutely charm them with wonderful descriptions, enchanting spells and a perilous mystery to solve. It's Ivy's birthday. Stormy weather means her friends can't… Continue reading Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch by Derek Keilty & Magda Brol ~ Blog Tour
Maya's pet rabbit Pooey is missing! She needs to find her quick, before anyone notices, and she's got some very special help from Mind... but when things start to go wrong, can Maya and her Mind work together to save the day? From debut author-illustrator Sunita Chawdhary, filled with delightful artwork and packed with heart,… Continue reading Mind and Me by Sunita Chawdhary ~ Blog Tour
Readers in Years 3 & 4 come in all shapes, sizes and reading abilities. Some are confident readers, well on their way to lengthy middle grade novels, while others are still getting to grips with phonics and taking their first steps into chapter books. Fortunately for teachers and parents, there are so many wonderful books… Continue reading Growing in Confidence: Brilliant Books for Lower Key Stage Two
January 2023 What could be better for my final review of 2022 than the third book in Vashti Hardy's brilliant Harley Hitch series?! This young adventurer is back with her robo-dog Sprocket and they're ready for anything! She's as determined as ever to win the coveted school prize - Pupil of the Term. Excitement builds… Continue reading Harley Hitch and the Fossil Mystery by Vashti Hardy & illustrated by George Ermos
The nights are drawing in and Hallowe'en is just around the corner. It's the perfect time of year for some spooky stories. Here's a collection of picture books, chapter books and middle grade stories sure to give you chills. The Pumpkin who was Afraid of the Dark by Michelle Robinson & Mike Byrne (Scholastic) All… Continue reading Spooky Season 2022
Katie & Kevin Tsang are a children's lit writing dream team! This week I've had the joy of reading two of their upcoming books: the final instalment in the epic Dragon Realm series and the first of a fun new chapter book series for readers age 6-9. I can't believe the Dragon Realm series is… Continue reading Dragon Destiny & Space Blasters: Suzie Saves the Universe by Katie & Kevin Tsang
We're about to go on holiday to the Isle of Skye & the Outer Hebrides. While we're there, we're really hoping to do some seal spotting. These two books are just the thing to help us learn about these amazing animals and help to keep them safe. Holly Webb is one of my daughter's favourite… Continue reading Super Seal Stories by Holly Webb & Helen Peters
Autumn Moonbeam: Dance Magic is just the book my dance-loving daughter would have adored when she was a little bit younger. Just like my little girl, Autumn is a twin who is trying to find where she belongs. When Sparkledale Dance Academy opens up for auditions for the Black Cats dance squad, Autumn can't wait… Continue reading Autumn Moonbeam: Dance Magic by Emma Finlayson-Palmer & Heidi Cannon
Scope for Imagination 