Lose yourself in this chilling mystery of an abandoned fracking site, unusual smells and adults behaving strangely. As soon as readers pick up this engaging book, they will be pulled in by the intensity of the cover, the very first chapter title, “Something Strange”, and the characters’ interest in the intriguing “Mystery Shed” website. Pete… Continue reading The Invasion of Crooked Oak by Dan Smith & illustrated by Chris King
The Haunting of Aveline Jones is a deliciously scary story that will send shivers down your spine. One cold, blustery October half-term, Aveline travels to the Cornish coast to spend the week with her hard-edged Aunt Lillian. Right from the start, readers are immersed in a shadowy, autumnal mood. The town of Malmouth is full… Continue reading The Haunting of Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes
The Orphans of St Halibut’s is a wonderfully dark, Dickensian comedy of errors with chapter after chapter of hilarious, twisted escapades. Eight-year-old Herc, big sister Tig and their friend, Stef (along with Pamela the goat) are the only orphans left at St Halibut’s Home for Waifs and Strays in the dreary town of Sad Sack.… Continue reading The Orphans of St Halibut’s by Sophie Wills & illustrated by David Tazzyman
I'm really pleased to have been asked to write an article for True Education Partnerships with my top recommendations for children's books this summer. The article also includes some fun summer reading challenges. Click here to go to the article Click on the covers below to find out more or purchase on-line from Amazon.
Dark, mysterious, captivating… The Vanishing Trick pulled me in from the very first moment Leander spotted the strange, black carriage and met the eerie Madame Pinchbeck. “It wasn’t a sin to steal if you only took forgotten things” and this lost, forgotten, empty boy needs nothing more than to belong – to someone, to something.… Continue reading The Vanishing Trick by Jenni Spangler & illustrated by Chris Mould
In April 2020, I asked this question to teachers, authors and book reviewers on Twitter. Over the next two days, I received the most wonderful array of recommendations that will keep us reading for months! Most recommended: Crater Lake by Jennifer Killick Orphans of the Tide by Struan Murray The Highland Falcon Thief by M.G.… Continue reading What is the best new children’s book you’ve read recently?
In primary school, Year 6 residential is a rite of passage. Every child waits for this very special adventure with anticipation, excitement and a little bit of fear. There is always a ghost story to go with it – a frightening tale passed on by older children who have been there and lived to tell… Continue reading Crater Lake by Jennifer Killick
