Category Archives: Book Review

Gloria’s Porridge by Elizabeth Laird illustrated by Toby Newsome

Posted on September 22, 2021 by alibrarylady

Gloria’s Porridge is inspired by a traditional Ethiopian folk tale which Elizabeth Laird heard during her travels in that country several years ago. The story is brought to life for children with humour and Toby Newsome’s eye catching, distinctive illustrations … Continue reading →

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The Puffin Portal by Vashti Hardy illustrated by Natalie Smillie

Posted on September 20, 2021 by alibrarylady

The Griffin Gate, Vashti Hardy’s first title for Barrington Stoke published last year was a big adventure packed into a small book so I had been looking forward to reading this sequel. The Puffin Portal has all the appeal of … Continue reading →

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The Three Happy Lions by Louise Fatio illustrated by Roger Duvoisin

Posted on September 16, 2021 by alibrarylady

The Three Happy Lions is the third book in this classic series by husband and wife team, Louise Fatio and Roger Duvoisin. First published in 1959 and republished this year by Scallywag Press, this gentle story has a charming retro … Continue reading →

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The Hideaway by Pam Smy

Posted on September 14, 2021 by alibrarylady

Sometimes you read a great deal about a book before you get to read the book itself, so much so that you can feel that you know the story in advance. The Hideaway by Pam Smy was, for me, such … Continue reading →

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Freeze by Chris Priestley

Posted on September 10, 2021 by alibrarylady

Chris Priestley is a master of the horror genre for children and his latest for Barrington Stoke, Freeze, is a story that is perfect for young readers who enjoy reading books that teeter just over the edge from exciting and … Continue reading →

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The Crackledawn Dragon by Abi Elphinstone

Posted on September 8, 2021 by alibrarylady

The final book in the Unmapped Chronicles by Abi Elphinstone is every bit as exciting as its predecessors and a fitting end to this enjoyable series. This is a story that sweeps you up into an action packed adventure but … Continue reading →

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Lulu’s Sleepover by Anna McQuinn illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw

Posted on September 6, 2021 by alibrarylady

The Lulu series of books captures the world of small children and the little details that matter most to them. In this latest title Lulu experiences a rite of passage that may trouble little ones initially but in the hands … Continue reading →

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The Happy Hedgerow by Elena Mannion illustrated by Erin Brown

Posted on September 3, 2021 by alibrarylady

The Happy Hedgerow is a thoughtful exploration of a part of the countryside many of us take for granted. Through lyrical text and beautiful illustrations this lovely picture book reminds us of the wildlife hiding within these bushes and the … Continue reading →

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Children’s Books – a summer reading round up

Posted on September 1, 2021 by alibrarylady

In the absence of my weekly Reading Matters news letter I decided to take the opportunity to tackle my mountains of books that I had not had time to read. Did I succeed? Well, sort of… There are still many … Continue reading →

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Flying Eye Books – stunning information books for children

Posted on August 31, 2021 by alibrarylady

Publishers Flying Eye have acquired a reputation for producing eye catching books packed with detail that make learning appealing to children. A browse through their latest catalogue is hugely tempting and here are two of their recent titles that would … Continue reading →

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