Swop is a super cute pup that young readers will love. Perfect for Lower Key Two, this book is sure to become a favourite on classroom bookshelves. Swop is the world’s smallest dog and just the distraction Ernie needs when his family moves to the city and he has to start over. Dad is gone… Continue reading Swop The Satsuma-Sized Secret by Lucy Noguera & illustrated by Laura Ireland
Every once in a while, a picture book comes along that is so versatile and meaningful that it will suit children of all ages – from pre-schoolers to teens. Storm in a Jar is one of those books. Addressing the complexity of bereavement and the range of emotions found in grief, it allows children to… Continue reading Storm in a Jar by Samuel Langley-Swain & Katie Cottle
Perfect for football lovers in Year 6+, Sudden Death is another powerful Roy Race & the Rovers story. It is full of hard work, training, match strategy and team dynamics, bringing the reality of professional football to life on the page. Readers will be carried away in the action, feeling every high and every low.… Continue reading Sudden Death: A Roy of the Rovers Novel by Tom Palmer & Elkys Nova
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
Wishes is an absolutely captivating picture book that explores the realities of being forced to search for a new home on the other side of the world. For young children, home is everything and having to say good-bye is heart-breaking, especially when they don’t understand the answer to that all important question – why? The… Continue reading Wishes by Muon Thi Van & Victo Ngai
The Great Food Bank Heist is a very special book giving valuable insight into life when the fridge isn’t full. Nelson and Ashley’s mum does her best to make ends meet on her nurse’s salary but sometimes there are just too many bills to pay. That’s when they have to visit the best kind of… Continue reading The Great Food Bank Heist by Onjali Q. Rauf & illustrated by Elisa Paganelli
The Incredible Record Smashers is the second hilarious and heart-warming adventure from Jenny Pearson, author and primary school teacher, & illustrated by Erica Salcedo. Jenny's debut, The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates, was a Waterstones Children's Book of the Month, was shortlisted for the Costa Children’s Book Award and is a 2021 Read for… Continue reading Jenny Pearson – The Incredible Record Smashers – Guest Post
The Exploding Life of Scarlett Fife is a fantastically funny story bursting with personality and full of all the things that are important to children. Maz Evans really hit the nail on the head with the challenges families face and how children see the world. With so many laugh-out-loud moments, I also found myself feeling… Continue reading The Exploding Life of Scarlett Fife by Maz Evans & illustrated by Chris Jevons
Gain a very real glimpse of the past as you travel with half-sisters Ruth and Anna from Jamaica to Georgian London in 1781. So similar on the inside yet so different on the outside, the girls love each other dearly and would do anything to protect each other. All they want is to be together… Continue reading Two Sisters: A Story of Freedom by Kereen Getten
Twelve year old Cora Byers is brave and bold. She is also autistic. She knows who she is (and who she isn’t). Life isn’t always easy (especially since she lost her mum) but she’s learned how to cope and make the best of many challenging situations. She understands what makes her different, even if she… Continue reading Show Us Who You Are by Elle McNicoll (Blog Tour)
