Category Archives: Book Review

Race to the Frozen North – The Matthew Henson Story by Catherine Johnson

Posted on September 18, 2018 by alibrarylady

This is a remarkable story about an equally remarkable man and this enjoyable retelling ensures that his story will reach the wider audience it deserves. Eleven year old orphan Matthew runs away from his violent stepmother to try to find … Continue reading →

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Armistice Runner by Tom Palmer

Posted on September 9, 2018 by alibrarylady

This thought provoking story follows Lily as she uncovers the story of her brave ancestor. Lily has a lot of worries. She is struggling to compete in her fell running races and unable to concentrate on her training because she … Continue reading →

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Firebird by Elizabeth Wein

Posted on September 5, 2018 by alibrarylady

Nastia is a fearless pilot, the daughter of revolutionaries and now as the Second World War envelops Russia she must fight to protect her beloved country from the invading German army. Nastia is determined to fly a fighter-plane but instead … Continue reading →

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Splash by Charli Howard

Posted on July 3, 2018 by alibrarylady

Splash by Charli Howard is an uplifting story about family, friendship and following your dreams told with sensitivity and warmth. A perfect read for those moving from primary to secondary school.     Molly, who lives with her grandparents following … Continue reading →

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Run Wild – Review and Q & A with Author Gill Lewis

Posted on June 25, 2018 by alibrarylady

Izzy and Asha live in the city and don’t have a space to call their own. A space where they can practise with their skateboards without the Skull brothers watching them. A space where they can escape from the difficulties … Continue reading →

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The Button Collection by Helen Hamill and Christina Ryan

Posted on June 13, 2018 by alibrarylady

The Button Collection is a series of six traditional style stories for young children featuring a selection of different buttons, each of them with a special story to tell. Tales of adventure and survival featuring a variety of buttons from … Continue reading →

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A Picture Book to Help Young Children Care About the Environment – Somebody Swallowed Stanley by Sarah Roberts

Posted on June 6, 2018 by alibrarylady

”Plastic” has been declared children’s word of the year after analysis of the entries to this year’s BBB Breakfast Show 500 words competition for children aged 5-13. Its appearance was up 100% from last year’s entries with titles including “The … Continue reading →

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The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd Illustrated by Sara Ogilvie

Posted on June 2, 2018 by alibrarylady

A gloriously happy debut this engaging story is told with humour and warmth and would be a treat for newly confident readers. The charming illustrations by Sara Ogilvie combine perfectly with Andy Shepherd’s entertaining adventure in this welcome addition to … Continue reading →

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Perfect Picture Books for Children Who May Think They Don’t Like Reading

Posted on May 29, 2018 by alibrarylady

Reading picture books aloud and sharing the wonder of beautiful illustrations is a rewarding part of being a school librarian and, of course, of being a parent. This joy of stories will hopefully continue as young children move on to … Continue reading →

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The Infinite Lives of Maisie Day by Christopher Edge

Posted on May 23, 2018 by alibrarylady

I love it when a book surprises me and Maisie Day definitely did just that. Christopher Edge has created a very different but also extremely satisfying read in which the world of science combines with the unbreakable bonds of true … Continue reading →

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