A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll is a story of identity, strength and finding your voice. 11-year-old Addie wants nothing more than to be understood and to be heard. She lives in a world where only a very few people truly understand how she thinks and feels but there are many people who don’t… Continue reading A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
We've just recognised Mental Health Awareness Week (18 - 24 May 2020) and I'm pleased to have been able to write an article for True Education Partnerships about my recommendations for books to help build resilience in children. They are all gorgeous books and so lovely to share with your children. Follow the link to… Continue reading Books to Build Resilience
Even when things seem at their darkest, there is always a flicker of light. The Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgomery is so much more than a story about the Second World War. It explores darkness, light, hope and love within layers and layers of meaning. Both the internal and external battles portrayed in this story… Continue reading The Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgomery
Dark, mysterious, captivating… The Vanishing Trick pulled me in from the very first moment Leander spotted the strange, black carriage and met the eerie Madame Pinchbeck. “It wasn’t a sin to steal if you only took forgotten things” and this lost, forgotten, empty boy needs nothing more than to belong – to someone, to something.… Continue reading The Vanishing Trick by Jenni Spangler & illustrated by Chris Mould
One of the country’s favourite witches is back with a fun and reassuring take on the challenges of lockdown during the Coronavirus pandemic. Winnie the Witch is staying at home with her wonderful cat, Wilbur. Together they listen to the news, try to wash their hands, learn about good hygiene when they sneeze, do their… Continue reading Winnie and Wilbur Stay at Home by Valerie Thomas & Korky Paul
Everybody Worries by John Burgerman is an engaging picture book written to help children cope with worries about Coronavirus. With bright, colourful illustrations on every page, children of all ages will be drawn into its message. It begins with reassurance that everyone worries sometimes – even the most brave, clever, confident people have something they… Continue reading Everybody Worries by John Burgerman
The Wild Way Home is a captivating story of self-discovery and realising what is truly important in life. In the stillness of the forest, twelve-year-old Charlie and her friends explore the ancient paths and walk where many people have come before. When Charlie discovers a special deer tooth, she has no idea to whom it… Continue reading The Wild Way Home by Sophie Kirtley
Fierce, Fearless and Free is a wonderful collection of powerful girls in myths and legends from around the world. From Armenia to Lithuania to Scotland to Mexico to China to Siberia, heroines in thirteen tales from across the globe will inspire children with their strength and wit. There is something for everyone and plenty to… Continue reading Fierce, Fearless and Free by Lari Don & illustrated by Eilidh Muldoon
AB is a loveable teddy bear who lives on the shelf of a warehouse. Every day he waits patiently, hoping this will be the day he is chosen to go and live with a new family. Each evening, he loves to fly with the toy planes that sit on the highest shelves. He zooms around… Continue reading AB Gets His Wings by Richard Bland & Rosie Philpott
Everyone has bad days. There is no way around it. It’s how you deal with those bad days that makes all the difference and remember, the good thing about bad days is that they come to an end. The bad times don’t last forever. The Good Thing About Bad Days is a practical, thoughtful guide… Continue reading The Good Thing About Bad Days by Margaret McAllister & Nigel Baines
Scope for Imagination 