Category Archives: Book Review

I Am Ray’s Imaginary Friend by Brian Moses illustrated by Bethan Welby: A verse novel for younger children

Posted on March 24, 2026 by alibrarylady

As the National Year of Reading progresses and we discuss ways in which to encourage youngsters to enjoy reading and stories it is, I think, worth highlighting books that appeal to those children who may struggle with conventional fiction. The … Continue reading →

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Discover Ursula Dubosarsky: A Guide to Life and Breath Stories

Posted on March 16, 2026 by alibrarylady

As a retired school librarian I have read, as you can imagine, a large number of children’s books and am familiar with authors not only from the UK but some from around the world. My knowledge of international authors is … Continue reading →

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The Overthinkers Club by Nat Luurtsema illustrated by Cécile Dormeau

Posted on March 12, 2026 by alibrarylady

The first in a new series featuring 12 year old Birdie, who is a likeable and hugely relatable narrator, this genuinely funny and accessible story explores complex emotional issues with sensitivity. Birdie is a natural overthinker and is about to … Continue reading →

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‘Dead Straight Line’: A Must-Read Novel for Teens by Malcolm Duffy

Posted on February 25, 2026 by alibrarylady

There are times when I find the books that I rate the highest the most difficult to review effectively. Unlike the author whose work I admire the right words simply don’t come! Now is unfortunately one of those occasions. However … Continue reading →

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Judith Eagle’s The Blitz Sisters: A Captivating Family Saga

Posted on January 30, 2026 by alibrarylady

Judith Eagle is one of my favourite children’s authors. This is because whenever I pick up a book she has written I am safe in the knowledge that this reading experience will remind me of how and why I first … Continue reading →

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Advice From A 12-Year-Old Nobody by Helen Rutter illustrated by Julia Christians

Posted on January 26, 2026 by alibrarylady

Children’s Mental Health Week takes place every February. It was started in 2015 to give a voice to all children and young people and to raise awareness of children and young people’s mental health. This year it runs from 9th … Continue reading →

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How To Speak and Be Heard! A Kids’ Toolkit for Oracy and Confident Speaking by Sam Hutchinson and Vicky Barker

Posted on January 19, 2026 by alibrarylady

Regular readers of this blog will know that I have sung the praises of award winning publisher B Small Publishing in the past and I am about to do so again! Their books are presented in a style that has … Continue reading →

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New Children’s Books this January

Posted on January 2, 2026 by alibrarylady

The Not-So-Great Escape by Emma Green The Not-So-Great Escape is Emma Green’s first children’s book and is described by her publishers, Usborne Books, as a “hilarious and heartbreaking” road trip adventure. The trailer highlights the hilarious rather than the heartbreaking … Continue reading →

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The Book of Stolen Dreams: The Final Battle by David Farr illustrations by Kristina Kister

Posted on December 29, 2025 by alibrarylady

Even if you are not a lover of children’s books the name David Farr is probably familiar to you. As I sat down to write this review I noticed that his adaptation of John le Carré’s, The Night Manager continues … Continue reading →

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Winter Reads: Enchanting Children’s Books for Christmas

Posted on December 1, 2025 by alibrarylady

As we approach Christmas and the days shorten there is a temptation to close the curtains in the evening and curl up with a good book. Here are two books published in the last month or so that although very … Continue reading →

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