Author Archives: alibrarylady

Winter Reads: Enchanting Children’s Books for Christmas

Posted on December 1, 2025 by alibrarylady

As we approach Christmas and the days shorten there is a temptation to close the curtains in the evening and curl up with a good book. Here are two books published in the last month or so that although very … Continue reading →

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Children’s literacy charity The Children’s Bookshow launches fundraising illustration auction 

Posted on November 21, 2025 by alibrarylady

The Children’s Bookshow is hosting an art and illustration auction to support its programme of free in-school workshops in 2026. Each year, the charity gives approximately sixty schools the incredible opportunity to welcome children’s authors, illustrators, and poets into their … Continue reading →

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Top Picks: New Picture Books to Comfort, Reassure and Encourage Young Children

Posted on November 14, 2025 by alibrarylady

Lulu Moves Home by Anna McQuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw The latest title in the charming Lulu series explores the subject of change and offers young children comfort and reassurance as they face both big and small alterations to their circumstances. … Continue reading →

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Spine-Chilling Reads for Young Horror Fans

Posted on November 9, 2025 by alibrarylady

The Last Day of October by Phil Hickes illustrated by Oriol Vidal Well, I must be of a more nervous disposition than your average 9 year old as I found Phil Hickes first novella for Barrington Stoke terrifying! This middle … Continue reading →

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Blog Tour – Super Questers Mission: Rainforest Magic by Paul Ian Cross illustrated by Katarina Gasko

Posted on November 4, 2025 by alibrarylady

Today I am pleased to be taking part in the blog tour marking the publication of the second in the Super Questers series of chapter books, Rainforest Magic. Paul Ian Cross is an award winning author and scientist and his … Continue reading →

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Pick of the New Children’s Books this October

Posted on October 26, 2025 by alibrarylady

A lovely new Christmas picture book featuring magic and dragons, an exploration of words that bring us together in kindness and the importance of nature and understanding for young people experiencing difficulties or grief make up this month’s selection of … Continue reading →

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National Poetry Day – Extending the Celebration

Posted on October 9, 2025 by alibrarylady

National Poetry Day is the biggest mass celebration of poetry in the UK and a chance for all of us to share in the pleasure of poetry. This year it took place on Thursday 2nd October and it was wonderful … Continue reading →

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Dance of Resistance by Catherine Johnson illustrations by Katie Hickey

Posted on September 22, 2025 by alibrarylady

Dancer, singer, actress, movie star, spy and civil-rights activist, Josephine Baker was a remarkable woman. Her story has been vividly brought to life in this inspiring book by Catherine Johnson. Dance of Resistance tells Josephine’s life story from impoverished childhood … Continue reading →

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Clara and the Man With Books in His Window by Maria Teresa Andruetto illustrated by Martina Trach translated by Elisa Amado

Posted on September 17, 2025 by alibrarylady

September is World Kid Lit Month, a time when we are encouraged to explore international children’s literature. So I cast my eye over my mountainous pile of books to review to try and find something suitable and unearthed a rather … Continue reading →

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The Fear by Tom Palmer illustrated by Robin Boyden

Posted on September 14, 2025 by alibrarylady

Sometimes as a school librarian I had to tap into a child’s interests to find a book that may just be the one to turn them into a reader. As a mum my son’s interest was football so every Friday … Continue reading →

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