Author Archives: alibrarylady

Celebrate National Poetry Day – A Reading Matters Special

Posted on September 28, 2024 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 takes place on Thursday 3rd October and as my next … Continue reading →

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Reading Matters – children’s book news

Posted on September 7, 2024 by alibrarylady

Welcome to the first Reading Matters newsletter of the new academic year and I hope that everyone had a lovely summer. The start of the new school year often generates enthusiasm for new challenges and commitments. Perhaps you are new … Continue reading →

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Finding Hope in New Children’s Books

Posted on August 30, 2024 by alibrarylady

One of the many things I find particularly engaging about reading and reviewing books for children is that if not always blessed with a perfect, happy ending they do usually provide a hopeful one. The news over the summer both … Continue reading →

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One-Button and the Sea by Sara Stanley and Viviane Schwarz

Posted on August 28, 2024 by alibrarylady

“Grandpa, tell me the story again of when we to sea.” This is a big story, a story of upheaval and change, of uprooting. The book opens with the dictionary definition of the word ‘uprooting‘ opposite a comforting, bright illustration … Continue reading →

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The Hollywood Kidnap Case by A.M. Howell

Posted on August 1, 2024 by alibrarylady

Alice and Sonny return in this final story in the Mysteries at Sea series tackling secrets, intrigue and danger with their usual determination. The Hollywood Kidnap Case is another exciting, well plotted mystery from award winning historical author A.M Howell … Continue reading →

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New Picture Books for Children

Posted on July 26, 2024 by alibrarylady

There have been some excellent picture books for children published in recent weeks. Here are four of my favourites all of which I would recommend for differing reasons. The Boy and the Octopus written by Caryl Lewis illustrated by Carmen … Continue reading →

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The Cat and the Captain: Trim the Cat & Matthew Flinders written by Ruth Taylor illustrated by David Parkins

Posted on July 22, 2024 by alibrarylady

Explorer Captain Matthew Flinders was the first man to navigate the entire continent of Australia confirming that it was a continent. His burial site had been lost since the mid 1800s but his remains were discovered during the excavations for … Continue reading →

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Summer Reading Matters – children’s book news

Posted on July 20, 2024 by alibrarylady

Welcome to a final round up of children’s book news for this academic year. Some special announcements feature including the appointment of the new Children’s Laureate and award winners in different areas of children’s literature. I have also highlighted some … Continue reading →

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New Books for Children – Summer Adventures

Posted on July 10, 2024 by alibrarylady

Islands have featured in fiction and in particular in children’s fiction for many years. From Kirrin Island in Enid Blyton’s Famous Five series to Stephenson’s Treasure Island, the islands in Kensuke’s Kingdom and Robinson Crusoe and also in picture books, … Continue reading →

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Q&A with Award Winning Author and Illustrator Sydney Smith

Posted on June 26, 2024 by alibrarylady

The Children’s Bookshow is bringing author and illustrator Sydney Smith all the way from Nova Scotia, Canada to the U.K for two live events on their Autumn tour. Sydney is renowned for his illustrations and for the books he has created … Continue reading →

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