Category Archives: Book Review

Historical Fiction for Children – Little Bird Lands by Karen McCombie

Posted on February 13, 2020 by alibrarylady

Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and historical fiction for children particularly so, therefore this sequel to Little Bird Flies has been eagerly anticipated since I first heard about it. I was not disappointed. Little Bird has matured, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Felix After The Rain – written and illustrated by Dunja Jogan Translated by Olivia Hellewell

Posted on February 7, 2020 by alibrarylady

This is such a beautiful book. Wonderful illustrations which encourage the reader to linger combine with a rich text to create something that will comfort and reassure. Highly recommended for children of all ages and quite probably adults too.  Felix … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Felix After The Rain – written and illustrated by Dunja Jogan Translated by Olivia Hellewell

New Books Out This Month – Facts and Fiction Made Accessible for Children

Posted on February 4, 2020 by alibrarylady

As a primary school librarian I was always looking out for books that would hook those children that it was a little bit harder for me to reach. The children who found reading a little tricky or maybe just not … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Little Women – entertainment or empathy?

Posted on January 22, 2020 by alibrarylady

Little Women has always been a book that has mattered to me. Last week I finally managed to see the Greta Gerwig adaptation of this classic loved by generations of readers and it made me realise once more why it … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Reading | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Children’s Books Debuts – new voices making a difference

Posted on January 20, 2020 by alibrarylady

Over the last few days I have been transported to far away lands to accompany brave young heroines on epic journeys and I have loved every moment of it. The publishers Nosy Crow had sent me a proof copy of … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Reading Matters – news from the world of children’s books

Posted on January 11, 2020 by alibrarylady

It is the time of year when many people make resolutions or set themselves new goals. Across social media there have been suggestions for reading challenges such as a greater number of books to read this year, reading a wider … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Reading, Reading Matters Children’s Book News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Jane Eyre – a retelling by Tanya Landman

Posted on January 7, 2020 by alibrarylady

As a teenager Jane Eyre was one of my favourite books. It was not a set book for an exam instead one that I had chosen for myself from a suggested classics list provided by my English teacher. It had … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review | Tagged , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

The Nativity Retold for Children in Picture Books

Posted on December 8, 2019 by alibrarylady

Leah’s Star by Margaret Bateson-Hill and Karin Littlewood This tender retelling of the Nativity story manages to convey the beautiful message at its heart and allow the reader to witness the event through the eyes of a child. The text … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Perfect Winter Reads for Children

Posted on November 24, 2019 by alibrarylady

As the nights draw in the temptation to close the door on the outside world at nightfall and escape to another through the pages of a book is enticing both to adults and children. My own memories of childhood are … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Reading | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Perfect Winter Reads for Children

McTavish on the Move by Meg Rosoff

Posted on November 7, 2019 by alibrarylady

McTavish the kind, wise & frequently hilarious rescue dog is back in this fourth instalment of life with the Peachey family. In this latest book the family are moving house and the youngest member, Betty, is moving school too. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on McTavish on the Move by Meg Rosoff