The thing with dragons was that no one expected to find one. Pip loves spending time in the magic and peace of the creek. It’s much better than the tense atmosphere at home where her mum’s partner, Matt, is angry, threatening and controlling most of the time. Pip loves her mum and wants nothing more… Continue reading Dragon Skin by Karen Foxlee
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
Break out the candy canes and sugar cookies! Christmas spirit runs through every line of Clara Claus Saves Christmas by Bonnie Bridgman & illustrated by Louise Forshaw. As the nights are drawing in, it’s just about time to start enjoying some wonderful Christmassy stories! Clara Claus is the daughter of the one and only –… Continue reading Clara Claus Saves Christmas by Bonnie Bridgman & Louise Forshaw
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
Triplets, unique powers, a family secret and a lost heir – perfect ingredients for a captivating fantasy adventure! Cordelia, Rosalind and Giles live with their mother and older brother in an enchanted castle deep in the forest. Rosalind longs to be a fierce knight, Giles a wonderful singer, and Cordelia – she just longs to… Continue reading The Raven Heir by Stephanie Burgis
Home: Where our Story Begins by Patricia Hegarty & Britta Teckentrup Britta Teckentrup has to be one of my favourite picture book illustrators. She depicts nature in such a soft, gentle manner that really brings the animals to life in their habitats. The creatures are absolutely adorable yet still natural rather than artificial and animated.… Continue reading September Picture Books from Little Tiger
Curse of the Dearmad is an engaging new middle grade fantasy from Emma Mylrea. Twins, Percy and Nell, are starting high school. As if that isn't challenging enough, there is something the matter with their mother and she has to go away to get well. Heartbroken, Percy and Nell struggle to think of anything they… Continue reading Curse of the Dearmad by Emma Mylrea
Scope for Imagination 