Book Review, Chapter Book

The Moonlight Mystery Agency: The Puzzling Paw Prints by Vashti Hardy & Agnes Saccani

The Puzzling Paw Prints is the second gorgeous story in Vashti Hardy's The Moonlight Mystery Agency series. Ideal for young readers age 5+, this Barrington Stoke Little Gem is full of adventure, fun and satisfying reading challenge. Agnes Saccani's delightful illustrations bring the relatable story to life. Hana, like many children, is worried about starting… Continue reading The Moonlight Mystery Agency: The Puzzling Paw Prints by Vashti Hardy & Agnes Saccani

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Teen

Jellybean by Eve Ainsworth & Theo Parish

Anxiety-based school avoidance is a very real problem for a lot of children, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. In Jellybean, many families will relate to the challenges faced by both Ellie and her parents as they try to get to the bottom of her worries and work out the best way forward. Ellie Bean (nicknamed… Continue reading Jellybean by Eve Ainsworth & Theo Parish

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Non-fiction Books

Discover the Magic

How to Get Magically Popular by Radhika Sanghani (Usborne - August 2025) Is being able to see the future a gift or a curse. Sabina just wants to fit in but struggles with popularity. Being the only Indian girl at her new school makes it even harder. She misses her friends and really doesn't want… Continue reading Discover the Magic

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, Middle Grade Fiction

The Boy with Big Decisions by Helen Rutter

As a child, I loved the "Choose Your Own Adventure" books but they were always some sort of far fetched, monster adventure story rather than scenarios I might face in real life. The Boy with Big Decisions follows the same idea but provides readers with a realistic, risk-filled story. Written in a "You Choose the… Continue reading The Boy with Big Decisions by Helen Rutter

Book Review, Picture Books

Picture Books to Share

Come Back Gosling by Anne Booth & illustrated by David Litchfield (Templar Books - June 2025) Come Back Gosling by Anne Booth is a beautiful story celebrating books, friendship and growing up. A little girl and her good friend, Gosling, love visiting the library and borrowing books to read in their tree house. They take… Continue reading Picture Books to Share

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

Blog Tour, Book Review, Picture Books

My Friend Andy by Emma Chinnery ~ FCBG Children’s Book Awards Blog Tour

Hello, it's Emma Chinnery here writing a blog about my debut children's picture book My Friend Andy. I would like to start by saying thank you to all the children who kindly voted for my book as its very special to me that you enjoyed reading it. I hope you find this blog interesting and… Continue reading My Friend Andy by Emma Chinnery ~ FCBG Children’s Book Awards Blog Tour

Blog Tour, Book Review, Picture Books

Even Lions Get Scared… by Dr Marcelle Moore & Monika Marzec ~ Blog Tour

Even Lions Get Scared is a delightful picture book that will help children handle anxiety in many different forms. From little wobbles to overwhelming fears, it guides children in coping with big feelings and the negative self-talk that can sometimes take over. Breathing techniques, positive thoughts, friendship and courage all play a part in supporting… Continue reading Even Lions Get Scared… by Dr Marcelle Moore & Monika Marzec ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Boy Who Cried Ghost by Ian Eagleton

The Boy Who Cried Ghost is a one-of-a-kind story of finding inner strength and recognising what's worth fighting for. Richard has moved with his mum to his grandmother's old house. Neither of them want to live there but when Mum inherited it and they had to move quickly, it seemed like the best option. The… Continue reading The Boy Who Cried Ghost by Ian Eagleton