Category Archives: Book Review

After the War by Tom Palmer

Posted on July 30, 2020 by alibrarylady

In recent years Tom Palmer has written historical fiction for children that has focussed on events that took place during the two world wars. Both Armistice Runner and D-Day Dog are books that are enjoyed by young readers and also enable them … Continue reading →

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Freedom We Sing by Amyra Leon and Molly Menoza

Posted on July 24, 2020 by alibrarylady

Visually stunning this picture book is a poem, a song, a rallying cry of hope and belief. Vibrant and uplifting it is full of joy and optimism, this would be a wonderful addition to school and library bookshelves and a beautiful … Continue reading →

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Toffee by Sarah Crossan – Book 4 of 20 Books of Summer 20

Posted on July 13, 2020 by alibrarylady

In 2013 I challenged myself to read all the shortlisted titles for that year’s Carnegie Award and found that I discovered authors new to me and also explored genres that had beforehand not appealed. The high point of the exercise … Continue reading →

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The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon – Book 3 of 20 Books of Summer 2020

Posted on July 5, 2020 by alibrarylady

The Shadow of the Wind needs no introduction, an epic bestseller that has become so well known that tourists may now enjoy literary walks following the characters’ footsteps through the streets of Barcelona. The introduction to the book itself is … Continue reading →

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Celebrating Picture Books – my favourites of 2020 so far

Posted on June 29, 2020 by alibrarylady

As we reach the halfway point of the year I have been prompted to look back at the books I have read and enjoyed over the last six months. As the year began I was savouring a beautiful illustrated book, … Continue reading →

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Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medal Winners Announced – a Reading Matters Supplement

Posted on June 18, 2020 by alibrarylady

Regular visitors to this blog will know that each Saturday I collate a Reading Matters roundup of the children’s book news from the previous week or so. The announcement of this year’s winners of the Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals … Continue reading →

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The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick Book 2 of 20 Books of Summer 20

Posted on June 15, 2020 by alibrarylady

This weekend I escaped the news and immersed myself in a novel about a librarian, lost stories and lost opportunities, family secrets and new friendships.  The Library of the Lost and Found is a quiet, gentle read and a perfect … Continue reading →

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Can You See Me? by Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott – Book 1 of 20 Books of Summer 2020

Posted on June 8, 2020 by alibrarylady

Sometimes fiction makes difficult subjects accessible for children, sometimes it helps young readers understand people who are different to themselves and sometimes it encourages children to speak up about their own difficulties with increased confidence. This powerful collaboration between Libby … Continue reading →

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Hope and Kindness for our Youngest Readers

Posted on May 30, 2020 by alibrarylady

This week two rather special picture books landed on my doormat. Their arrival was timely. On Monday some of our youngest children will return to their schools for the first time in many weeks. Their classrooms will look different, school … Continue reading →

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Poetry to Comfort and Inspire During a Pandemic

Posted on May 18, 2020 by alibrarylady

Like many others I have found it harder than I expected to concentrate on reading during the Coronavirus crisis. I had hoped to savour all those treasures on the bookshelves that I have not had time to enjoy previously and … Continue reading →

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