Author Archives: alibrarylady

Grebs & Co: The Secret Lives of Gremlins by D. T. Moorhouse internal illustrations by Ewa Beniak-Haremska

Posted on November 15, 2026 by alibrarylady

…I’ve discovered that letters take immense courage. They carry the words we can’t always say out loud. They connect people who are far away. They matter, even if we don’t always realise it…. Letter written by Alice Fairchild aged 9. … Continue reading →

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Lisa Williamson’s The Summer After the Night Before YA Book Review

Posted on November 10, 2026 by alibrarylady

Award winning author Lisa Williamson’s latest YA novel, The Summer After the Night Before, focuses on a group of teenagers during the long summer after their GSCE exams and explores complex themes of sexual consent, loyalty, friendship and truth in … Continue reading →

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Goodnight Silver by Abi Elphinstone illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill

Posted on October 26, 2026 by alibrarylady

Recent research has added to the belief that reading can help children and young people understand their emotions better and navigate any challenges that they may face. Since I read Abi Elphinstone’s debut, The Dreamsnatcher, ten years ago I have … Continue reading →

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The Best New Information Books for Children

Posted on October 3, 2026 by alibrarylady

Are you looking for information books to inspire youngsters? This trio of new titles may be just what you need. Myths and Legends : THE HEROES GODS and MONSTERS who SHAPED OUR HISTORY written by Frances Durkin Illustrated by Nur … Continue reading →

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Pick of the New Fiction for Children of All Ages

Posted on September 30, 2026 by alibrarylady

How Not To Be A Pirate: The Trouble with Curses by Jenny Pearson illustrated by Paula Bowles Jenny Pearson has already amassed a large fan club due to her skill at balancing humour and gentle understanding in her novels for … Continue reading →

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Kitty and Mary: The Forgotten Bennet Sisters by Julia Gray and Imogen Russell Williams

Posted on September 14, 2026 by alibrarylady

Last year saw celebrations to mark 250 years since the birth of one of England’s most beloved authors, Jane Austen. In addition to events around the country the BBC showed a new drama Miss Austen, based on the novelist’s sister … Continue reading →

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Findings of the First Reflecting Disability Study on Children’s Literature

Posted on September 11, 2026 by alibrarylady

Today, 11th September, Reflecting Disability announces the long-awaited results of its study into the representation of disabled people in children’s books. It is the first project of its kind to offer a comprehensive and robust exploration of the extent and … Continue reading →

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A guest post by Hannah Rix co-founder of Little Reads

Posted on September 10, 2026 by alibrarylady

Today I am delighted to welcome Hannah Rix to my blog. In these first few weeks of the school year the focus for everyone is initially on settling in and ensuring children feel happy and secure. We also aim to … Continue reading →

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Top New Children’s Books for Summer Reads

Posted on August 6, 2026 by alibrarylady

Real life has rather got in the way of both reading and reviewing over the last month or so however I wanted to share some new books that I have particularly enjoyed and would like to recommend. Four very different … Continue reading →

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UK’s top prize for published poetry for children CLiPPA awarded to John Agard

Posted on July 10, 2026 by alibrarylady

The winner of the UK’s major award for published poetry for children, the CLiPPA (CLPE Children’s Poetry Award) was announced yesterday afternoon at a ceremony at the National Theatre on London’s Southbank watched live by thousands of primary school children. The winner of the CLiPPA 2026 … Continue reading →

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