The movement of the river, the changing of the seasons and the details of the beautiful setting lay the foundations for this powerful story about friendship, grief and healing. Rowan loves to play by the river with his fun-loving dog. The emotions of the river echo the emotions of the boy - light and joyful… Continue reading The River by Tom Percival
When I was small, the story of Chicken Little was one of my favourites. I remember listening to it at preschool and keeping one eye on the sky just in case it started falling! We first meet this modern Chicken Little in Chicken Little: The Real and Totally True Tale! Chicken Little and the Big… Continue reading Chicken Little and the Big Bad Wolf by Sam Wedelich
This high-quality life-the-flap book from Usborne tackles a complex issue in a really accessible way. Thought-provoking, challenging and fun, children are able to explore all the key questions they have about racism and find immediate answers. With straightforward explanations, children learn about the importance of respect, the history of racism and how their own positive… Continue reading Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers about Racism by Jordan Akpojaro & illustrated by Ashley Evans
In a dystopian future where the world is at war over the scarcity of water, we meet Auden Dare. At just 11 years old, he has a lot to deal with: his father is away fighting, his mum is doing her best to look after him, prices of every day items are sky-rocketing and his… Continue reading The Extraordinary Colours of Auden Dare by Zillah Bethell
Who Will Love Me When You're Gone is a beautiful picture book published in conjunction with Grief Awareness Week 2021. *** "My love for you can never leave, It's like the sun, the air you breathe..." Jack's mum is very poorly, and he's worried about what will happen when she's gone... Will Mummy take her… Continue reading Who Will Love Me When You’re Gone? by Anna Friend & Jake Biggin
What is “Consent” and why is it so important that everyone understands what it means? This book is the ultimate guide to this essential concept – ensuring that readers make important decisions about what they are and are not ok with and how to communicate this to others. Going beyond “Yes means yes” and “No… Continue reading Welcome to Consent by Yumi Stynes & Dr Melissa Kang
There are so many things Bunny wants to do. When she discovers she can't fly like the bees or swim like the toad, she feels so sad. What she doesn't realise is that there are so many things she can do. Owl helps her to see her strengths rather than her flaws and she feels… Continue reading A Walk in the Woods by Caroline Thornton & Maria Finchenko
This book comes just in time for my twins’ exploration of Gothic Literature in their Year 7 English lessons. Our house has been full of discussions about monsters and darkness, melancholy and death. Following Frankenstein gives a whole new perspective on a classic story. Maggie has always known the tale of the desperate creator and… Continue reading Following Frankenstein by Catherine Bruton
Bear and Squirrel are back in this musical story of friendship and acceptance. The two fun, furry friends have a good thing going – they love making music together and everything’s great. When Chicken comes along and wants to join their gang, they decide three is a crowd and there’s simply no room for another… Continue reading I’m Sticking with You Too by Smriti Halls & Steve Small
Every once in a while, a picture book comes along that is so versatile and meaningful that it will suit children of all ages – from pre-schoolers to teens. Storm in a Jar is one of those books. Addressing the complexity of bereavement and the range of emotions found in grief, it allows children to… Continue reading Storm in a Jar by Samuel Langley-Swain & Katie Cottle
Scope for Imagination 