Author Archives: alibrarylady

Super Readable Books For Children

Posted on September 1, 2020 by alibrarylady

In her helpful guide to nurturing readers, The Book Whisperer, teacher Donalyn Miller prefers the term ‘dormant readers’ to the more widely used ‘reluctant readers’ arguing that these are children who have not yet found the right book to hook … Continue reading →

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Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights: a retelling by Tanya Landman

Posted on August 25, 2020 by alibrarylady

One of my favourite books as a teen was Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, a book that caught my imagination and lingered in my memory for years. As an adult I read and enjoyed The Tennant of Wildfell Hall by … Continue reading →

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Brilliant New Children’s Books – illustrated young fiction and middle grade adventure

Posted on August 17, 2020 by alibrarylady

Over the last few weeks several new books have been published for children including some that were delayed due to the pandemic and I would like to share just three of them. Children overcoming fears, making friends, having adventures, magic, … Continue reading →

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After the War Auschwitz to Ambleside: Q & A with author Tom Palmer

Posted on August 7, 2020 by alibrarylady

As soon as I read After the War by Tom Palmer I knew that it would be one of my top children’s books of the year. It was inspired by the three hundred child concentration camp survivors who came to the … Continue reading →

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New Picture Books – stories to put smiles on faces

Posted on August 5, 2020 by alibrarylady

There is a flurry of activity in the world of children’s books at the moment with several books being published this week and among the range of titles are these two picture books. They made me smile and I think … Continue reading →

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Sequin and Stitch by Laura Dockrill illustrated by Sara Ogilvie

Posted on August 3, 2020 by alibrarylady

Laura Dockrill’s debut for Barrington Stoke weaves together family, loss and hope in a story that is both poignant and striking in its portrayal of our society. This is a touching and imaginative tale with love at its centre. Nine … Continue reading →

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After the War by Tom Palmer

Posted on July 30, 2020 by alibrarylady

In recent years Tom Palmer has written historical fiction for children that has focussed on events that took place during the two world wars. Both Armistice Runner and D-Day Dog are books that are enjoyed by young readers and also enable them … Continue reading →

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Freedom We Sing by Amyra Leon and Molly Menoza

Posted on July 24, 2020 by alibrarylady

Visually stunning this picture book is a poem, a song, a rallying cry of hope and belief. Vibrant and uplifting it is full of joy and optimism, this would be a wonderful addition to school and library bookshelves and a beautiful … Continue reading →

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Reading Matters – news from the world of children’s books

Posted on July 18, 2020 by alibrarylady

Hello and welcome to this week’s look at the latest children’s news. The schools in my local area have already closed for the summer holidays or will be doing so in the next few days. Reading Matters will be taking a … Continue reading →

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Toffee by Sarah Crossan – Book 4 of 20 Books of Summer 20

Posted on July 13, 2020 by alibrarylady

In 2013 I challenged myself to read all the shortlisted titles for that year’s Carnegie Award and found that I discovered authors new to me and also explored genres that had beforehand not appealed. The high point of the exercise … Continue reading →

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