Category Archives: Book Review

New books from Barrington Stoke in June

Posted on June 12, 2025 by alibrarylady

The Elixir by Lindsay Gavin illustrated by Kristina Kister A thrilling mix of history, sorcery and invention, Lindsay Galvin’s first novella for Barrington Stoke is a wonderful example of the blend of fact and fiction that this author does so … Continue reading →

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New Fiction for Children

Posted on June 5, 2025 by alibrarylady

The first in a brand new series for newly confident readers, the welcome return of an old favourite, a ghostly train ride back in time and how to overcome the difficulties of being a young carer feature in this look … Continue reading →

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How To Be Disabled and Proud (or at least kinda sorta okay with it…) by Cathy Reay illustrated by Jaleel Hudson

Posted on June 3, 2025 by alibrarylady

Written by disabled journalist and mother of two Cathy Reay this guide is written with warmth, understanding and practical positivity. Although chiefly directed at youngsters with a disability to help them navigate those tricky years between primary and secondary age, … Continue reading →

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The Wood Where Magic Grows by Andy Shepherd illustrated by Ellie Snowdon

Posted on May 30, 2025 by alibrarylady

Andy Shepherd’s The Boy Who Grew Dragons series has a charm and warmth that endeared it to many. School librarians happily recommended the books to both teachers and parents and the stories rapidly became regularly shared in lower KS2 classrooms. … Continue reading →

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Must-Read Illustrated Children’s Fiction: May 2025 Releases

Posted on May 8, 2025 by alibrarylady

A little girl desperate for a pet of her own, an unlikely trio of heroes fighting pirates in an imaginary world, a worried boy trying to save both an old tree and his parents’ marriage and a boy in hospital … Continue reading →

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Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson

Posted on May 1, 2025 by alibrarylady

Jenny Pearson has a reputation for balancing hilarity with a thoughtful look at life. Shrapnel Boys, her first work of historical fiction, is a departure; however, it is rich in her understanding of children and how they interact with each … Continue reading →

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Blog Tour: Super Questers Mission: River Crest Rescue by Paul Ian Cross illustrated by Katie Kear and Cherie Zamazing

Posted on April 29, 2025 by alibrarylady

Today I am delighted to be kicking off the blog tour marking the publication of River Crest Rescue, the first chapter book for early readers in the Super Quest series. Paul Ian Cross is the author of the Royal Society’s … Continue reading →

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Inspiring New Stories for Children From Barrington Stoke

Posted on April 9, 2025 by alibrarylady

The team at Barrington Stoke have been busy and there has been a flurry of new titles published recently or due out this month. I should like to highlight three books, all of which are suitable for readers age 9+ with … Continue reading →

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Under A Fire-Red Sky by Geraldine McCaughrean

Posted on April 7, 2025 by alibrarylady

Under a Fire- Red Sky is inspired by Geraldine McCaughrean’s own family experience since she draws on the life of her father who was a fire fighter during the Second World War. Award winning McCaughrean writes with a directness that … Continue reading →

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Inclusive Children’s Literature: A Focus on Down Syndrome

Posted on March 21, 2025 by alibrarylady

Friday 21st March is World Down Syndrome Day. Why the 21st March? The 21st day of March (the 3rd month of the year) was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down … Continue reading →

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