Letters from the Upside is everything that is wonderful about Katya Balen's writing. Honest and heartfelt while revealing the healing power of nature, it takes readers on a journey of self-reflection and empathy building. This is an author who truly understands children, their struggles, their fears, their hopes and their dreams. She gets right to… Continue reading Letters from the Upside by Katya Balen
Swanfall is a gorgeous combination of folklore and friendship. I adored Sophie Kirtley's other books but this is her best yet! Alternating between a modern story of bird conservation, wetland management and the enchanting beauty of nature and strange writing found in a mysterious old book telling the story of three children who went missing… Continue reading Swanfall by Sophie Kirtley
Nature Heroes by Lily Dyu (Nosy Crow - June 2025) Nature Heroes is a fascinating collection of twenty biographies about significant individuals who work hard to protect our world. While some humans are destroying nature through their actions, these heroes are standing up to the threats facing plant Earth and inspiring others to do the… Continue reading Making Connections with Nature
I'm so pleased to have received a beautiful sampler of This is Not a Small Voice: Poems by Black Poets. Published by Nosy Crow in September 2025, this promises to be an absolutely gorgeous collection and a must-have for primary classrooms across the age range. The huge range of poems in this book will see… Continue reading This is Not a Small Voice: Poems by Black Poets (Traci N. Todd), illustrated by Jade Orlando
The Forest in the Sky is the gripping finale of the epic Greenwild series by Pari Thomson. I was thrilled to have the opportunity for an early read and jumped in full of anticipation of something wonderful. Teeming with life and rich world-building, The Forest in the Sky is a fantastic story of hidden gifts,… Continue reading Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky by Pari Thomson & illustrated by Elisa Paganelli ~ Blog Tour
It's such a delight to return to Whistledown Farm and join Ava on a whole new set of adventures as she learns more about life in the countryside and how to care for animals. She and her parents have moved to Whistledown Cottage on the edge of the farm which means they're there to stay!… Continue reading Meeting Meg: A Whistledown Farm Adventure by Nicola Baker ~ Blog Tour
October, October by Katya Balen changed my view of children's books. It showed me the true power of character and how children deserve the chance to explore their inner-most feelings. It embraces nature, wildlife and the opportunity to be completely true to yourself. In her picture book, Wild, Katya Balen explores these same themes. It's… Continue reading Wild by Katya Balen & Gill Smith
The Beck is a beautiful story of finding peace and purpose in the noise of the world. Kyle hasn't spent much time with his grandad so when his parents drop him off in a run-down neighbourhood on the east side of Leeds, he isn't happy. Grandad's eccentricities and his three-legged dog called "Rude Word" make… Continue reading The Beck by Anthony McGowen
My Grandma's Magic Recipes is a series of beautifully lyrical picture books that play with language through rhyme, alliteration and absolute joy. Celebrating the turning of the year, Zee and Grandma plant and harvest seasonal vegetables and have so much fun turning them into delicious foods. Whether it's pizza toast made with home-grown tomatoes or… Continue reading My Grandma’s Magic Recipes by Ella Phillips & Camilla Sucre
********** A Story of the Seasons: A Year in Nature by Anna Wilson & Carolina Rabei (Nosy Crow) A Story of the Seasons shares the beauty and wonder of nature through the year. With gorgeous double-page spreads focusing on different aspects of Spring, Summer, Autumn and Wiinter, this book will teach facts while fostering a… Continue reading Non-fiction for Inquisitive Kids
Scope for Imagination 