Author Archives: alibrarylady

D-Day Dog by Tom Palmer – The inspiration for the story

Posted on April 24, 2019 by alibrarylady

One of my favourite children’s books from 2018 was the wonderful Armistice Runner by Tom Palmer. On 2nd May his latest book, D-Day Dog, is published in time to mark the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings. … Continue reading →

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No Ballet Shoes in Syria by Catherine Bruton

Posted on April 8, 2019 by alibrarylady

No Ballet Shoes in Syria tells the story of Aya, an eleven year old asylum seeker from Aleppo in Syria. It is a story of hope and of kindness. Aya provides a voice for all the millions of child refugees … Continue reading →

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Jasper: Space Dog by Hilary Robinson illustrated by Lewis James

Posted on April 4, 2019 by alibrarylady

Published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing this entertaining book weaves fact and fiction together in a package that is designed to be accessible to a broad readership. Jasper would be a valuable addition to … Continue reading →

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The Copy and Paste Generation and The School Librarian

Posted on March 25, 2019 by alibrarylady

Each term the Surrey branch of the School Library Association holds a meeting where members have the opportunity both to network and to gain some CPD in the form of visiting speakers offering training, advice or new ideas. Our Spring … Continue reading →

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The Middler by Kirsty Applebaum

Posted on March 18, 2019 by alibrarylady

This debut set in a dystopian near future is an absorbing story of boundaries tested, forbidden friendships made, propaganda and questioning, and developing the courage to find your own voice and speak the truth. Eleven year old Maggie is a … Continue reading →

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For the Love of Libraries

Posted on March 14, 2019 by alibrarylady

On Sunday 10th March I battled my way through gales, engineering works on Southwest Trains and fallen trees on Southern Rail to attend an event at the British Library. It was definitely worth it.  The afternoon brought together three wonderful … Continue reading →

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Children’s Books, Choice and Reading for Pleasure.

Posted on February 28, 2019 by alibrarylady

Which books do children read? The answer to this question varies according to which source of information you consult. A more pertinent question might be, which books do children choose to read? The announcement this week of the shortlisted books for … Continue reading →

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The Truth of Things and Lark by Anthony McGowan

Posted on February 25, 2019 by alibrarylady

The publishers Barrington Stoke are responsible for a wide range of books that are created to be accessible to all readers including those with dyslexia or children and teens sometimes described as reluctant readers. Sometimes “reluctant” readers are simply young … Continue reading →

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The Boy Who Flew by Fleur Hitchcock

Posted on February 20, 2019 by alibrarylady

I loved this thrilling story with a Dickensian feel. The Book Who Flew is brimful of murder, a chilling, sinister villain, rooftop escapes, adventure and a brave hero who has dreams, secrets and a warm heart.   Athan Wilde and … Continue reading →

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Super Readable Children’s Books

Posted on February 4, 2019 by alibrarylady

Book post from publishers Barrington Stoke is always a treat and February got off to a good start when these two books arrived through my letter box. Both titles have a dyslexia-friendly layout, typeface and paperstock so that even more … Continue reading →

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