Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

When the Wild Calls by Nicola Penfold

"Having escaped their city, Juniper Green and her brother Bear have settled in Ennerdale with their dad and his family. Every day the Wild introduces them to a new wonder, but Juniper can't stop worrying about her grandmother and best friend Etienne left behind. When she hears news that disease has entered the city, she's… Continue reading When the Wild Calls by Nicola Penfold

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Feather by M.G. Leonard

Take flight with Ava, Tara, Jack, Terry, Ozuru, Twitch and Tippi in another fantastic adventure as they try to solve the mystery of a dangerous museum heist! Feather brings us to the end of M.G. Leonard's wonderful seasonal quartet of stories celebrating bird watching, friendship and the natural world. This series is so refreshing -… Continue reading Feather by M.G. Leonard

Book Review, Picture Books

Gorgeous Picture Books for Autumn 2023

So many delightful picture books are available in Autum 2023. Here is a selection of really lovely ones to read with your class. Gina Kaminski Saves the Wolf by Craig Barr-Green & Francis Martin (Little Tiger) So often we accept stories as they are told to us. But what if there's a better way. Gina… Continue reading Gorgeous Picture Books for Autumn 2023

Book Review, Picture Books

The Big Dreaming by Michael Rosen & Daniel Egnéus 

As a child in Canada, my early years were full of lessons about hibernating animals and bears getting ready for winter. I was fascinated by their ability to sleep for such a long time. I knew where to spot them in the autumn as they ate their fill and to be especially wary of them… Continue reading The Big Dreaming by Michael Rosen & Daniel Egnéus 

Book Review, Picture Books

Adoette by Lydia Monks

Adoette lived on the same street her entire life - until she was 100 years old. She saw so many changes: family celebrations, war, destruction and rebuilding. Many people came and went but Adoette remained. This beautiful, thought-provoking picture book is the story of a very special tree. Readers will follow Adoette from the time… Continue reading Adoette by Lydia Monks

Book Review, Picture Books

15 Picture Books to Read this Summer

The Truth About Yeticorns by Rachel Morrisroe & Ella Oakstad (Puffin Books) ~ July 2023 When you're little and you do something wrong, it can be easy to tell a little lie and blame someone else so you don't get in trouble. That's what Bea does - but instead of blaming her sister she comes… Continue reading 15 Picture Books to Read this Summer

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Foxlight by Katya Balen

Foxlight by Katya Balen is stunningly beautiful. An intensely personal story of loss, longing and love, it takes readers into the wildlands right along with Fen and Rey as they search for who they really are. Katya Balen's lyrical description and distinct voice ring out on every page. She writes with honesty and heart celebrating… Continue reading Foxlight by Katya Balen

Blog Tour, Book Review, Guest Post, Middle Grade Fiction

Greenwild: The World Behind The Door by Pari Thomson ~ Blog Tour Part 2

I'm thrilled to be back on the Greenwild blog tour with a bonus guest post from author Pari Thomson! It's publication week and books are starting to appear in bookshops around the country. I spotted Greenwild in the window of The Whitby Bookshop. Read on to discover Pari's life as a writer: My writing routine:… Continue reading Greenwild: The World Behind The Door by Pari Thomson ~ Blog Tour Part 2

Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Greenwild: The World Behind The Door by Pari Thomson ~ Blog Tour

The Greenwild: The World Behind the Door is a story of strength. Celebrating the power of a mother-daughter relationship, independent female explorers, the beauty and necessity of nature and the wonderful ability of children to outsmart those who seek to harm, it is a wonderfully refreshing addition to middle grade adventure stories. I was immediately… Continue reading Greenwild: The World Behind The Door by Pari Thomson ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Greenwild: The World Behind The Door by Pari Thomson

Publishing: 1st June 2023 The Greenwild: The World Behind the Door is a story of strength. Celebrating the power of a mother-daughter relationship, independent female explorers, the beauty and necessity of nature and the wonderful ability of children to outsmart those who seek to harm, it is a wonderfully refreshing addition to middle grade adventure… Continue reading Greenwild: The World Behind The Door by Pari Thomson