Author Archives: alibrarylady

Interactive Learning: Brilliant Books for Pre-schoolers

Recent research indicates that there has been a decline in both children’s reading for pleasure and the frequency of parents reading aloud to children. For some, sharing books is no longer seen as something to enjoy. How to encourage a … Continue reading

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New books from Barrington Stoke in June

The Elixir by Lindsay Gavin illustrated by Kristina Kister A thrilling mix of history, sorcery and invention, Lindsay Galvin’s first novella for Barrington Stoke is a wonderful example of the blend of fact and fiction that this author does so … Continue reading

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New Fiction for Children

The first in a brand new series for newly confident readers, the welcome return of an old favourite, a ghostly train ride back in time and how to overcome the difficulties of being a young carer feature in this look … Continue reading

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How To Be Disabled and Proud (or at least kinda sorta okay with it…) by Cathy Reay illustrated by Jaleel Hudson

Written by disabled journalist and mother of two Cathy Reay this guide is written with warmth, understanding and practical positivity. Although chiefly directed at youngsters with a disability to help them navigate those tricky years between primary and secondary age, … Continue reading

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Reading Matters – Children’s Book News

Welcome to this roundup of what has been happening in the world of children’s books over the last month. Lots of awards news this time! It’s always fascinating to compare the different short and longlists and it can be a … Continue reading

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The Wood Where Magic Grows by Andy Shepherd illustrated by Ellie Snowdon

Andy Shepherd’s The Boy Who Grew Dragons series has a charm and warmth that endeared it to many. School librarians happily recommended the books to both teachers and parents and the stories rapidly became regularly shared in lower KS2 classrooms. … Continue reading

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Must-Read Illustrated Children’s Fiction: May 2025 Releases

A little girl desperate for a pet of her own, an unlikely trio of heroes fighting pirates in an imaginary world, a worried boy trying to save both an old tree and his parents’ marriage and a boy in hospital … Continue reading

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Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson

Jenny Pearson has a reputation for balancing hilarity with a thoughtful look at life. Shrapnel Boys, her first work of historical fiction, is a departure; however, it is rich in her understanding of children and how they interact with each … Continue reading

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Blog Tour: Super Questers Mission: River Crest Rescue by Paul Ian Cross illustrated by Katie Kear and Cherie Zamazing

Today I am delighted to be kicking off the blog tour marking the publication of River Crest Rescue, the first chapter book for early readers in the Super Quest series. Paul Ian Cross is the author of the Royal Society’s … Continue reading

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Reading Matters – Children’s Book News

Welcome to the first Reading Matters round up of the summer term. It would probably be futile to try and include everything that happened over the Easter break but I have attempted to sift through what people may have missed. … Continue reading

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