It's September 1939 and war has been declared with Germany. Robyn lives at Bletchley Park where her father is a chaffeur and looks after the garages. When war starts, everything changes. The grown-ups have so many secrets and with the arrival of the armed forces, it's more like a prison than a home. Robyn's freedom… Continue reading I, Spy: A Bletchley Park Mystery by Rhian Tracey
If you love adventure, mystery, code-breaking, spies - and lots of cake - then Alice Éclair Spy Extraordinaire is just who you need! Parisian baker and trainee spy, Alice, is savvy enough to stop even the most dangerous criminal. Whether it's on an exisquite French train or a luxurious boat on the Seine, she is… Continue reading Alice Éclair, Spy Extraordinaire! by Sarah Todd Taylor
Readers in Years 3 & 4 come in all shapes, sizes and reading abilities. Some are confident readers, well on their way to lengthy middle grade novels, while others are still getting to grips with phonics and taking their first steps into chapter books. Fortunately for teachers and parents, there are so many wonderful books… Continue reading Growing in Confidence: Brilliant Books for Lower Key Stage Two
Grab your moustache and get ready for an adventure! Inspector Bonbon is Widdlington's best detective. He's always at the scene of the crime, spotting suspects and searching for clues. What the rest of the town don't realise is that Bonbon and his assistant, Banks, are actually ten-year-old Bonnie Montgomery and her quick-witted grandfather. This unlikely… Continue reading Montgomery Bonbon: Murder at the Museum by Alasdair Beckett-King
My Review: The Chestnut Roaster is a uniquely captivating story - atmospheric Parisian history mixed with a healthy dose of fantasy runs through the mysterious catacombs of this engaging city. The villain is truly evil and the children who are determined to stop him are clever, creative and feisty. The adults are unable to help… Continue reading The Chestnut Roaster by Eve McDonnell ~ Blog Tour
It is wonderful to be back with Libby in one of my favourite places in the world - Scotland! It's Christmas and Libby is visiting her best friend, Connie, in her family's large estate in the Scottish countryside. Sadly, the family has fallen on hard times and must make some tough financial decisions. Connie's mum… Continue reading Libby and the Highland Heist by Jo Clarke
The nights are drawing in and Hallowe'en is just around the corner. It's the perfect time of year for some spooky stories. Here's a collection of picture books, chapter books and middle grade stories sure to give you chills. The Pumpkin who was Afraid of the Dark by Michelle Robinson & Mike Byrne (Scholastic) All… Continue reading Spooky Season 2022
Hal and Uncle Nat are channeling their inner James Bond on this high-stakes journey to the frozen north. With danger around every turn, readers hardly have time to catch their breath before the next threat comes charging down the tracks! Hal (now 13 years-old!) is flying to Stockholm to meet his uncle for a once… Continue reading The Arctic Railway Assassin by MG Leonard, Sam Sedgman & Elisa Paganelli
The Mystery of the Missing Mum by Frances Moloney (Pushkin Children's) Told from the charmingly intense point of view of Jake, The Mystery of the Missing Mum, addresses parents' mental illness and how children cope in a gentle, funny way. Jake wakes up one morning to find his mother is missing. He makes a list… Continue reading Marvellous Middle Grade from Summer 2022
What's your 'Spark bird'? I think mine was probably the Golden Eagle I saw while sitting on top of a hill north of Fort William in 2000. We saw an Osprey from kayaks on Loch Lomond this week and it doesn't become any less magical spotting such beautiful creatures soaring overhead. Spark by M.G. Leonard… Continue reading Spark by M.G. Leonard
Scope for Imagination 