Over the years I’ve developed a bit of an obsession with verse novels, you can read all about how it started over here. Following the above article, I received some intriguing suggestions re where to look next… hence my discovery of Marilyn Hilton’s beautifully written Full Cicada Moon, published in 2017. Mimi Yoshiko Oliver has…
The Last Chip is the story of Percy, a very hungry pigeon, who isn’t having a very good day. Each time he tries to get a scrap of food, there is an obstacle. Will poor Percy ever find some food? Straight away, Duncan Beedie (The Bear Who Stared) makes you feel for the little pigeon…
“Mara frowned, ‘Are you scared of everything, Jamie? Don’t you dream of adventures too?’ I didn’t answer. I kept my eyes firmly on the land ahead.” Following on from Julia Green’s The Wilderness War is the sweeping adventure To the Edge of the World. The story follows Jamie’s life on a remote island in the…
I am a huge fan of Claire Freedman – having bought Aliens Love Underpants when it first came out and being blown away by it. I was immediately drawn to this book by Kate Hindley’s beautiful illustrations on the front cover. I knew straight away that I would love The Lost Penguin – being a huge…
In the second book of James Nicol’s witchy series he’s achieved that rare thing: he’s created a sequel that’s even better than The Apprentice Witch! The prose is jovial and flows like a fast-paced river, so much so I didn’t even realise that – on starting to read it – I’d got to page 180…
Kids love nothing more than counting down to their birthdays. As the big day approaches they may be able to tell you EXACTLY how many days are left, even if they don’t always quite understand the concept of days. We do. It feels like forEVER! And so, if you’ve ever had a little one bubbling…
Almost Anything is the wonderfully warm and empowering new picture book from Sophy Henn. George, an adorable white rabbit, is feeling very short on confidence. He sits atop a tree stump watching his friends having lots of fun – from painting to skittles and dancing. But George won’t join in – because he fears that…
Michael doesn’t like his new house. It’s dusty and full of holes. He thinks it needs knocked down and built all over again, but this is where he lives now, his new home. His mum and dad had called it a ‘work in progress’ when they moved in. He just wants to play football with…
Published in 1905, this is a classic tale (not tail, although many of those feature in this story) of an accidental cross-breed of wolf and dog – White Fang. Although it was written over 115 years ago, this book retains is excitement levels, relevance and its punchy tenacity. There’s not many upper middle-grade books I’ve…
‘Happiness is carrot cake, goldfish, marmalade, and trees in Autumn.’ The Fox On The Swing – by Evelina Daciute & Ausra Kiudulaite – is a picture book that celebrates friendship and happiness, shouting about the later whilst swinging in the park! Happiness is orange! As Fox tells us, in this longer than normal picture book. Paul…
Infectious humour and a touch of science To most of us, viruses and germs aren’t obvious components to a funny MG novel. But then most of us aren’t Public Health Doctors like Gwen Lowe, debut author of Alice Dent and the Incredible Germs. Lowe describes her job as medical detective work – seeking out and…
‘It’s funny because it has talking socks!’ was the cry that came from my 3 year old. Simon Sock –written by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet, illustrated by Nick East – has quickly become a firm favourite in our house. Simon is a stripy and odd sock. Will he ever be part of a perfect…
Juliette Forrest’s debut middle grade novel, Twister is just about to hit the shelves. With a firecracker of a heroine who sees the world in her own unique way, it’s quite the adventure. Twister’s faithful friend in the story is Point – her loyal pet dog – is inspired by Juliette’s own dog Vince. Here…
As part of my MA Writing for Young People at Bath Spa, I chose to look at why we have comparatively few books in translation on our shelves and what they could add in broadening our reading horizons. So I’m always delighted to find a beautiful book in translation. One House for All is a…
Sky Song from Abi Elphinstone is a beautifully rendered, magical adventure featuring the quietly confident Eska, and her initially reluctant side kick Flint. And let’s not forget the eagle – oh the eagle!! Step into the snowy kingdom of Erkenwald. It used to be full of tribes who talked, helped and supported one another. Now.…
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Great review, thanks for posting the pictures. Really makes a difference with picture book reviews. Will order for the store…
His books are a great way help kids read while soaking up important Science concepts without even knowing it. Ironically,…
Ooh, this sounds fantastic!