Category Archives: Book Review

Perfect Picture Books for Christmas

Posted on December 3, 2020 by alibrarylady

Christmas is the perfect time to share picture books with children; often old favourites are unearthed to bring back happy memories of previous years alongside new books bought as presents. I have selected some recent publications that I believe are … Continue reading →

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Toto the Ninja Cat and the Mystery Jewel Thief by Dermot O’Leary illustrated by Nick East

Posted on November 25, 2020 by alibrarylady

At the weekend I was involved in an online discussion about books suitable for children in Year 3, aged about 7 or 8, and as luck would have have it the next book on my reading list fitted the bill … Continue reading →

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A Thousand Questions by Saadia Faruqi

Posted on November 12, 2020 by alibrarylady

A Thousand Questions is a story of friendship, families, cultures and differences and it also provides some answers. It shows children that it is possible to build bridges across divisions in order to form friendships and that often people are … Continue reading →

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The Time of Green Magic by Hilary McKay

Posted on October 23, 2020 by alibrarylady

I fell in love with this book from the opening paragraph. Hilary McKay’s gorgeous writing captures both the power of stories to transport us and the promise that magic exists if we open our eyes to it. “There were no … Continue reading →

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Where’s Baby Elephant by Ali Khodai

Posted on October 19, 2020 by alibrarylady

This is a delightful, attractive and interactive book introducing the animal kingdom to young children and would be a lovely gift. From the eye catching cover to the happy resolution on the final page this lovely book has been a … Continue reading →

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Jungledrop by Abi Elphinstone

Posted on October 15, 2020 by alibrarylady

The second story in the Unmapped Chronicles is full of adventure, magic, threat and danger and, most importantly, of the transforming power of kindness and understanding. “Take the marble. Then run, girl, run headlong into this adventure. The Unmapped Kingdoms … Continue reading →

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Coming to England by Floella Benjamin illustrated by Diane Ewen

Posted on October 8, 2020 by alibrarylady

A picture book that captures the optimism and positivity of Dame Floella herself this inspiring true life story is a joy to read and is made accessible to the youngest of readers. When Floella Benjamin was ten years old, she … Continue reading →

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Using Barrington Stoke Books in the Classroom

Posted on October 7, 2020 by alibrarylady

As a school librarian I have long been a fan of the books published by Barrington Stoke. For over twenty years they have produced stories that are inviting to children, written by top authors, of a length that is not … Continue reading →

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The Griffin Gate by Vashti Hardy illustrated by Natalie Smillie

Posted on September 30, 2020 by alibrarylady

Vashti Hardy’s first title for Barrington Stoke contains all the components required of the perfect adventure story for children. A brave if somewhat impetuous lead character, clues to solve, villains to defeat, a wise and loyal companion and a map. … Continue reading →

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Last: the Story of a White Rhino by Nicola Davies

Posted on September 29, 2020 by alibrarylady

Inspired by the true story of Sudan, the last male Northern White Rhino, this powerful picture book will inspire children to think about global conservation and how we can help preserve endangered animals. Award winning author Nicola Davies has written … Continue reading →

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