Category Archives: Book Review

Perfect Picture Books for Libraries Week

Libraries Week is an annual celebration of the best that libraries have to offer. This year Libraries Week takes place between the 4th and 10th October, and highlights the central role that libraries play in their community as a driver for inclusion, … Continue reading →

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Sudden Death by Tom Palmer illustrated by Elkys Nova

Sudden Death, the latest title in the Roy of the Rovers series is a book full of love, both for the beautiful game football can be and, poignantly, for a father too. A story not only for football fans. Last … Continue reading →

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The Book of Stolen Dreams by David Farr illustrations by Kristina Kister

Each time I sat down to read The Book of Stolen Dreams ‘for a few minutes’ it turned into an hour. This epic fantasy adventure is exhilarating, exciting and compelling but also, ultimately, moving. David Farr is probably best known … Continue reading →

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Gloria’s Porridge by Elizabeth Laird illustrated by Toby Newsome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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