Book Review, Chapter Book

Wands Away: Spell Class by Emma Farrarons

April 2026 Perfect for fans of Ivy Newt, Autumn Moonbeam and Mirabelle, Wands Away: Spell Class is the second in a delightful four-book series following a group of young witches as they venture into their first days at school. The purple, black and white colour scheme is really engaging and brings an added warmth to… Continue reading Wands Away: Spell Class by Emma Farrarons

Book Review, Chapter Book

The Island Vet: Storm Bird Magic by Gill Lewis & Irina Avgustinovich

Storm Bird Magic is the fifth book in The Island Vet series by Gill Lewis which celebrates wildlife, nature and community. Tia lives on Gull Haven Island with her mum who is the local vet. There's excitement in the air as the most impressive ships arrive for The Tall Ships Race. Incredibly old and powered… Continue reading The Island Vet: Storm Bird Magic by Gill Lewis & Irina Avgustinovich

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Mammoth Rider by S.J. Poyton

Mammoth Rider carried me away to the far north, blocking out everything else. This compelling environmental adventure is perfect for fans of Hannah Gold and Nicola Penfold. Ash lives at an arctic research centre with her dad. The Mammoth Arctic Conservation Trust have edited the genes in Asian Elephant DNA to create a winter-proof creature.… Continue reading Mammoth Rider by S.J. Poyton

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Letters from the Upside by Katya Balen

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

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Swanfall by Sophie Kirtley

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

Book Review, Non-fiction Books, Picture Books

Making Connections with Nature

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

Book Review, Poetry

This is Not a Small Voice: Poems by Black Poets (Traci N. Todd), illustrated by Jade Orlando

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

Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky by Pari Thomson & illustrated by Elisa Paganelli ~ Blog Tour

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

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Meeting Meg: A Whistledown Farm Adventure by Nicola Baker ~ 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

Book Review, Picture Books

Wild by Katya Balen & Gill Smith

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