Category Archives: Book Review

National Poetry Day – Extending the Celebration

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 took place on Thursday 2nd October and it was wonderful … Continue reading

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Dance of Resistance by Catherine Johnson illustrations by Katie Hickey

Dancer, singer, actress, movie star, spy and civil-rights activist, Josephine Baker was a remarkable woman. Her story has been vividly brought to life in this inspiring book by Catherine Johnson. Dance of Resistance tells Josephine’s life story from impoverished childhood … Continue reading

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Clara and the Man With Books in His Window by Maria Teresa Andruetto illustrated by Martina Trach translated by Elisa Amado

September is World Kid Lit Month, a time when we are encouraged to explore international children’s literature. So I cast my eye over my mountainous pile of books to review to try and find something suitable and unearthed a rather … Continue reading

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The Fear by Tom Palmer illustrated by Robin Boyden

Sometimes as a school librarian I had to tap into a child’s interests to find a book that may just be the one to turn them into a reader. As a mum my son’s interest was football so every Friday … Continue reading

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New Books for Children from Barrington Stoke

What Was It Like To Be An Ancient Greek by David Long illustrated by Stefano Tambellini Barrington Stoke are probably best known as a publisher of accessible, high quality fiction for children and teens, however the partnership between award winning … Continue reading

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Engaging New Information Books for Children

Finding new non fiction for younger primary aged children can sometimes be a challenge so as we start the new school year I would like to draw your attention to three new information books pitched at an audience aged approximately … Continue reading

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A Summer Reading Round Up – My Favourite New Books for Children

The return of some jolly young witches and their cat, an exciting adventure on a magical island, a coming-of-age story set in Wales during the Second World War and an understanding look at teen friendships and conflict make up the … Continue reading

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Prepare Your Child for Nursery: Lenny Goes to School by Ken Wilson-Max

This latest addition to the Lenny series is perfect for reassuring young children, and indeed their parents, as they embark on the important transition from home to nursery school. Lenny Goes to School contains all the thoughtful elements found in … Continue reading

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War Dog: The true story of Judy, hero of WWII by Tom Palmer illustrated by Carolina Rabei

Tom Palmer’s debut picture book bears all the hallmarks of his award winning historical novels for children, balancing comprehensive research and historical facts with an empathetic and accessible text. Carolina Rabei’s atmospheric illustrations in a watercolour style convey beautifully the … Continue reading

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Summer Holiday Reading Fun for Children

Schools across the country have now broken up for the summer holidays and if you are looking for ways to encourage children to enjoy books and stories I hope that some of the books and links I am sharing below … Continue reading

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