Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

What’s New Harper Drew? by Kathy Weeks ~ Blog Tour

Harper Drew's diary of her chaotic summer will have readers laughing out loud. From a dream birthday party to a disastrous family holiday to a long-awaited invitation to Maisie's epic glamping festival, life is never dull for Harper and her friends. Harper is so observant, commenting on all the little details of life that matter… Continue reading What’s New Harper Drew? by Kathy Weeks ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Muddlemoor Mysteries: The Book Club Bank Heist by Ruth Quayle & illustrated by Marta Kissi

February 2022 - Lower Middle Grade It’s the Easter holidays and 9 year-old Joe is thrilled to be back at his Granny’s house with his cousins, Tom and Pip. They love spending time together, especially when their parents aren’t around (and there are biscuits on offer). One of their favourite things to do together, besides… Continue reading The Muddlemoor Mysteries: The Book Club Bank Heist by Ruth Quayle & illustrated by Marta Kissi

Blog Tour, Book Review, Chapter Book

The Worst Class in the World Dares You! by Joanna Nadin & Rikin Parekh ~ Blog Tour

After thoroughly enjoying the original The Worst Class in the World book in 2020, I was delighted to be offered the chance to read The Worst Class in the World Dares You! by Joanna Nadin and illustrated by Rikin Parekh - a laugh out loud collection of crazy school adventures. This third book in the… Continue reading The Worst Class in the World Dares You! by Joanna Nadin & Rikin Parekh ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Sleep-over Take-over by Simon James Green, illustrated by Aleksei Bitskoff

I’ve heard so many great things about this hilarious story from Simon James Green and was thrilled to see Jacqui Sydney and her Year 5 & 6 children mentioned in the dedication. How thrilling for the children and wonderful for such an enthusiastic supporter of children’s literature to be honoured in this way. Sleep-over Take-over… Continue reading Sleep-over Take-over by Simon James Green, illustrated by Aleksei Bitskoff

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Santa List by Kieran Crowley

This could be the best or the worst Christmas ever! It can be tough to be a kid – a cheeky word here, a bad decision there and all of a sudden, you’re in trouble. It’s even worse if when it’s Christmas and the risk of landing on Santa’s Naughty List influences every action. Aisling… Continue reading The Santa List by Kieran Crowley

Book Review

The Book No One Wants to Read by Beth Bacon

A lonely book with so much personality, this book comes to life and speaks directly to the reader, trying to draw them in – to make them want to read it. All it really wants a friend. This cleverly engaging book uses simple text, colourful pages and BIG words to challenge the belief that books… Continue reading The Book No One Wants to Read by Beth Bacon

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Grandpa Frank’s Great Big Bucket List by Jenny Pearson

Jenny Pearson is the queen of comedy writing that bursts with empathy and a whole lot of heart! Grandpa Frank’s Great Big Bucket List highlights the value of cross-generational relationships and how rewarding it is to look after someone else. Hilarious and touching, this is a book to smile through. With a dying grandmother’s last… Continue reading Grandpa Frank’s Great Big Bucket List by Jenny Pearson

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Diary of an Accidental Witch by Perdita & Honor Cargill

Diary of an Accidental Witch is engaging from start to finish. Bea Black is a girl with so much spark. The fun, diary style is lively and allows her personality to shine through. Readers will want to be friends with Bea and join her in her magical school adventures. Bea and her dad have moved… Continue reading Diary of an Accidental Witch by Perdita & Honor Cargill

Book Review, Picture Books

Shoo! by Susie Bower & Francesca Gambatesa

I was so excited to read Susie Bower’s debut picture book, Shoo! after enjoying her Middle Grade novels, School for Nobodies & The Three Impossibles so much! Shoo! is the fast-paced, funny story of a woman who doesn’t like animals. When a zoo moves in next door, it’s her worst nightmare! There are animals everywhere… Continue reading Shoo! by Susie Bower & Francesca Gambatesa

Book Review, Chapter Book, Middle Grade Fiction

Brilliant Books from Barrington Stoke – September 2021

Books from Barrington Stoke are so often my go-to recommendations for teachers and parents. First and foremost, they are fantastically engaging stories from some of the best, current authors in the UK. The quality of the writing is incredible and children are soon carried away in the adventures. What makes Barrington Stoke books really special… Continue reading Brilliant Books from Barrington Stoke – September 2021