Category Archives: Book Review

The Pear Affair by Judith Eagle

Posted on March 30, 2020 by

I loved Judith Eagle’s debut, The Secret Starling, so it was with eager anticipation that I started reading her second book. I was not disappointed. Wonderful storytelling, an epic adventure, villains that make you boo and hiss, brave and resourceful … Continue reading →

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Mr Tiger, Betsy and the Golden Seahorse by Sally Gardner illustrated by Nick Maland

Posted on March 17, 2020 by

The third in this magical series by Sally Gardner this delightful book is a treat for young readers. The story is told with bags of humour and a touch of the ridiculous and this, combined with the wonderful illustrations by … Continue reading →

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Dust Road by Tom Huddleston

Posted on March 14, 2020 by

Dust Road, the sequel to Flood World, is another epic adventure on a grand scale. Its gripping plot, vicious villains, courageous heroes and thought provoking themes combine to make this a rewarding read for children and teens.  Tom Huddleston has … Continue reading →

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Fabulous Fiction for Children – New Middle Grade Titles

Posted on March 3, 2020 by

This year has got off to a stunning start for lovers of children’s fiction with some exciting debuts and highly anticipated new titles from established authors too. I have read and enjoyed some great books over the last couple of … Continue reading →

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Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of The Paper Bag Princess – Story by Robert Munsch Art by Michael Martchenko

Posted on February 20, 2020 by

In 1980 a picture book was published that upturned the traditional fairy tale princess stereotype and provided a revolutionary look at the role models portrayed in young children’s stories. Since then over 7 million copies have been sold and the … Continue reading →

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

Posted on February 15, 2020 by

Hello everyone and welcome to another Reading Matters and the opportunity to catch up with news from the world of children’s books and school libraries that you may have missed during a busy week. For all those who work in … Continue reading →

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Historical Fiction for Children – Little Bird Lands by Karen McCombie

Posted on February 13, 2020 by

Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and historical fiction for children particularly so, therefore this sequel to Little Bird Flies has been eagerly anticipated since I first heard about it. I was not disappointed. Little Bird has matured, … Continue reading →

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Felix After The Rain – written and illustrated by Dunja Jogan Translated by Olivia Hellewell

Posted on February 7, 2020 by

This is such a beautiful book. Wonderful illustrations which encourage the reader to linger combine with a rich text to create something that will comfort and reassure. Highly recommended for children of all ages and quite probably adults too.  Felix … Continue reading →

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New Books Out This Month – Facts and Fiction Made Accessible for Children

Posted on February 4, 2020 by

As a primary school librarian I was always looking out for books that would hook those children that it was a little bit harder for me to reach. The children who found reading a little tricky or maybe just not … Continue reading →

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Little Women – entertainment or empathy?

Posted on January 22, 2020 by

Little Women has always been a book that has mattered to me. Last week I finally managed to see the Greta Gerwig adaptation of this classic loved by generations of readers and it made me realise once more why it … Continue reading →

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