Author Archives: alibrarylady

March Reading Roundup: New Children’s Books to Discover

Posted on March 31, 2026 by alibrarylady

Prompted by my friend and fellow children’s book blogger and librarian Veronica Price I have decided, somewhat belatedly, to mark the National Year of Reading by posting a monthly round up of my reading. This will no doubt usually consist … Continue reading →

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Two New Must-Have Wildlife Books for Children

Posted on March 30, 2026 by alibrarylady

Two new information books caught my eye this month. Both have great appeal for nature loving children and would be highly suitable purchases for school libraries and classrooms too. The STEM Encyclopedia of Wildlife Words written by Jenny Jacoby Illustrated … Continue reading →

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Delightful New Children’s Picture Books Featuring Animals

Posted on March 26, 2026 by alibrarylady

From rabbits to donkeys, from pet cats to giant turtles there are animals of all types featured in this selection of new picture books nurturing curiosity and creativity and offering comfort during change or loss. Bun by Hana Kinoshita Thomson … Continue reading →

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I Am Ray’s Imaginary Friend by Brian Moses illustrated by Bethan Welby: A verse novel for younger children

Posted on March 24, 2026 by alibrarylady

As the National Year of Reading progresses and we discuss ways in which to encourage youngsters to enjoy reading and stories it is, I think, worth highlighting books that appeal to those children who may struggle with conventional fiction. The … Continue reading →

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Discover Ursula Dubosarsky: A Guide to Life and Breath Stories

Posted on March 16, 2026 by alibrarylady

As a retired school librarian I have read, as you can imagine, a large number of children’s books and am familiar with authors not only from the UK but some from around the world. My knowledge of international authors is … Continue reading →

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The Overthinkers Club by Nat Luurtsema illustrated by Cécile Dormeau

Posted on March 12, 2026 by alibrarylady

The first in a new series featuring 12 year old Birdie, who is a likeable and hugely relatable narrator, this genuinely funny and accessible story explores complex emotional issues with sensitivity. Birdie is a natural overthinker and is about to … Continue reading →

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‘Dead Straight Line’: A Must-Read Novel for Teens by Malcolm Duffy

Posted on February 25, 2026 by alibrarylady

There are times when I find the books that I rate the highest the most difficult to review effectively. Unlike the author whose work I admire the right words simply don’t come! Now is unfortunately one of those occasions. However … Continue reading →

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2026 Klaus Flugge Prize Longlist: Top Picture Books Announced

Posted on February 19, 2026 by alibrarylady

The longlist for the 2026 Klaus Flugge Prize was announced today. Set up in 2016, the Klaus Flugge Prize honours publisher Klaus Flugge, a hugely influential figure in picture books and founder of publishing house Andersen Press. The £5,000 prize is awarded … Continue reading →

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Judith Eagle’s The Blitz Sisters: A Captivating Family Saga

Posted on January 30, 2026 by alibrarylady

Judith Eagle is one of my favourite children’s authors. This is because whenever I pick up a book she has written I am safe in the knowledge that this reading experience will remind me of how and why I first … Continue reading →

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Advice From A 12-Year-Old Nobody by Helen Rutter illustrated by Julia Christians

Posted on January 26, 2026 by alibrarylady

Children’s Mental Health Week takes place every February. It was started in 2015 to give a voice to all children and young people and to raise awareness of children and young people’s mental health. This year it runs from 9th … Continue reading →

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