The natural world has a magic all its own. Even though we know so much about how plants grow, reproduce and fill our world, it is still inexplicably wondrous to be surrounded by something so alive - the damp shadows of the forest, the new shoots of a seed, the medicinal powers not created by… Continue reading The Magic of Nature in Middle Grade
Barrington Stoke can always be relied on to create entertaining, meaningful, empathy-filled stories that are accessible and empowering for readers. With dyslexia-friendly font, spacing and page tint, everyone can enjoy these wonderful books. The manageable length and carefully chosen vocabulary encourages success and brings children back for more. All About Ella by Sally Nicholls &… Continue reading Invaluable Books from Barrington Stoke
The healing power of nature and music weaves its way through this stunning story. In Annie, Katya Balen has created another character who is so unique and so real. Her inner voice is strong, vibrating with emotion and truth that will gently wind its way inside the reader and change them. This is a book… Continue reading Birdsong by Katya Balen
Heart-warming, inspirational and empathy-building, The Boy Whose Wishes Came True is a book every child and every teacher needs to read. When Archie Crumb was little, his mum used to tell him to make a wish every chance he got - birthday candles, a rainbow, a snowflake, everything was wish-worthy. He had no idea the… Continue reading The Boy Whose Wishes Came True by Helen Rutter
It's my stop on Grandpa Frank's Great Big Blog Tour and I'm so pleased to welcome author Jenny Pearson with a special guest post! Let’s hear it for the older generation! I love writing grandparent characters and I think that is because I had four absolute belters of grandparents of my own. I am very… Continue reading Grandpa Frank’s Great Big Bucket List by Jenny Pearson ~ Blog Tour
Who Will Love Me When You're Gone is a beautiful picture book published in conjunction with Grief Awareness Week 2021. *** "My love for you can never leave, It's like the sun, the air you breathe..." Jack's mum is very poorly, and he's worried about what will happen when she's gone... Will Mummy take her… Continue reading Who Will Love Me When You’re Gone? by Anna Friend & Jake Biggin
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 Meg and Merlin: Making Friends by Tanya Landman & Sonia Albert
Time School: We Will Stand with Them is the third book in the brilliant time-slip series by Nikki Young. Each story centres around a different period in history set against the backdrop of Hickley, a Yorkshire mill town. Four friends – Nadia, Jess, Tomma & Ash – each discover a connection to their past that… Continue reading Time School: We Will Stand with Them by Nikki Young
Beautiful paintings and the simple sentences of a child combine to create a unique perspective on the outbreak of the Second World War in Poland. Asked to keep a journal by his teacher, eight-year-old Michael reflects on the highlights of his days. Walks in the woods, a ride in a car, planes overhead, the start… Continue reading I Saw a Beautiful Woodpecker: The Diary of a Young Boy at the Outbreak of World War II by Michal Skibinski & illustrated by Ala Bankroft
Unexpected witches, a brilliant little bat, broomsticks, wands, spells and a Golden Retrieagle called Cuddles – all the ingredients of a fantastic middle grade fantasy adventure with a whole lot of heart! Twelve-year-old Toby is a young carer, looking after his mum who struggles with M.E. He loves her so much and wants to do… Continue reading Toby and the Silver Blood Witches by Sally Doherty
Scope for Imagination 