Zeki Goes to the Market – words by Anna McQuinn Pictures by Ruth Hearson

Posted on July 4, 2025 by alibrarylady

Regular readers of this blog will already be aware that I rate the Zeki series highly. More importantly, my 2 year old grandson adores these stories of a little boy and his daily life. Published by Alanna Max these books are full of joy and family love but also the small details that have big importance in children’s lives. It is these recognisable details, I think, that make these books so relatable to little ones. Sharing Zeki and his world with the young children in your lives is guaranteed to produce smiles and encourage a growing appreciation of books.

In the latest title, Zeki Goes to the Market, we accompany Zeki and his mum as they explore a Saturday market together. The market provides an ideal opportunity for little Zeki to meet new people and to experience new food and, given the diversity of the stall holders, new languages too. What a learning opportunity for the little chap, and of course for our little readers and listeners!

Each double page spread introduces a new stall holder, a new language and an appropriate food. It is clear that a great deal of time and thought has gone into this process. Starting with Salve, Salvatore! and moving through Bonjour, Fleur! and my own particular favourite, Hola, Paloma! each friendly store holder tempts Zeki with a tasty offering. The vocabulary used is a joy to read aloud and provides children with the idea of a sensory experience even though they are not tasting the foods described. For example, “Zeki sips a fruity smoothie.”, ” Smell the spices. Add a sprinkle for zip and zest.” and “Have a taste. The honey buns are sweet and sticky.” Sharing this book may provide the opening to try experimenting with some of the foods mentioned allowing children to participate in Zeki’s experience.

As ever the illustrations by Ruth Hearson are just perfect. Full of colour, which changes for each stall, and detail they encourage conversation and there are some clever touches that children may enjoy noticing. Regular readers will spot Sammy the Seahorse, Zeki’s treasured cuddly, hiding in the basket behind his push along trike. This basket gradually fills with items as Mummy and Zeki explore the many tempting stalls too. I hadn’t noticed but have been prompted to spot that the wrapper from Mummy’s well earned coffee cup finds its way on to Zeki’s arm by the end of the story. There are no doubt more hidden details that I have not picked up on!

Zeki Goes to the Market is another small but perfect package and will be treasured by my favourite little bookworm I am sure. Published by Alanna Max Books in May this is must buy for Early Years settings and would be perfect for families too. If you have not already read the other Zeki books I wholeheartedly recommend them and you may like to start with Zeki Rise and Shine and Zeki Sleep Tight, perfect for starting and ending baby’s day.

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Higher Ground written and illustrated by Tull Suwannakit – a diary of resilience and hope

Posted on July 2, 2025 by alibrarylady

Seven years in creation this beautiful illustrated book by award winning author and illustrator Tull Suwannakit is a coming of age story of resilience and hope. Told in a blend of graphic novel, picture book, and diary entries Higher Ground has a profoundly personal feel to it and although it deals with different subject matter reminds me a little of Shaun Tan’s The Arrival. Refreshingly different in style this would be a lovely book to share in primary schools.

Higher Ground opens with a storm and over two pages a deluge of rain is depicted. We turn the page to read that this has become a great flood and a grandmother, her two grandchildren and their pet rabbit are too late to escape from their block of flats. They learn to survive living on their rooftop garden, relying on scarce resources and limited space. Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months, but through life lessons and words of wisdom, hope emerges. As life continues the grandmother teaches the two children the importance of nurturing new life, seeds are planted, food is grown and they pick vegetables and fruit. This sustains them all and gradually they adapt to their circumstances coping with less and embracing the joy that can be found in small moments.

The format promotes deeper thought about the situation that this little family are in and there is much conveyed within the illustrations themselves. Emotions are portrayed beautifully and explicitly through the pictures. There is a range of styles adopted throughout with the occasional full page illustration have considerable impact. There a pages that are almost akin to a manual with instructions on tying knots, building a shelter and growing vegetables. However it is the illustrative strips that manage to portray the individual personalities so well that I found the most poignant. This is an affecting read. There comes a point when the children must move on alone and this lovely book is in many ways a wise guide to life and adapting to change and loss in its many forms.

This is most definitely a book to spend time over and to discuss. It introduces its young readers to many themes including sustainability and climate disaster but also offers hope in troubled times and a lesson in how to cope in adversity. The publishers are marketing Higher Ground as suitable for 5+ however I do think this is suitable for a wide age range and would be excellent shared in KS2 classrooms. Visually stunning and with emotion running though its text and illustrations this is lovely book. The publishers have created some teacher notes which you can download here.

Higher Ground was published in March by New Frontier Publishing and I should like to thank Phoebe Williams for my review copy.

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The Dawn of Adonis by Phil Earle: kindness and courage in children’s literature

Posted on June 30, 2025 by alibrarylady

When I am asked to justify why I enjoy reading children’s books one of the many reasons I give is that a well written story for a young audience frequently contains the best aspects of humanity. Although they may feature villains, heart stopping adventures and danger they also tend to convey fortitude, kindness and hope. Phil Earle has done this many times in his novels and this companion book to his award winning When The Sky Falls contains all of this in abundance. The Dawn of Adonis is the type of book that adults – librarians, teachers and parents – like to recommend because it is an example of quality writing with a perfectly paced plot, wonderful characterisation and historical detail. Children will like to read it because it is exciting, with moments of great tension and drama and with two young people at the heart of the story for whom they will be rooting from start to finish.

Cover illustrated by Tom Clohosy Cole & designed by Kate Grove at @andersenpress .


In 1911 London’s docks are alive with underhand deals, none so great as the arrival of a valuable, rare and exotic animal – a baby silverback gorilla. The baby gorilla stands to make one man very, very rich. That man is Goliath Deeds, a man so evil that others live in fear of his retribution should they get in his way. By his side is young pickpocket Toff Squabble who obeys Deeds’ demands of him. But then one night twelve-year-old Nettie is unwittingly drawn into this criminal underworld. Can she find a way to rescue the baby gorilla and take him to safety and who can she trust to help her in her mission?

This companion novel to When the Sky Falls provides the origin story of Adonis the gorilla and works perfectly well as a stand alone story however I believe many will be drawn to read the original if they have not already done so by the time they have finished The Dawn of Adonis. Within a couple of sentences the prologue has grabbed the reader with its intensity and high drama setting the scene perfectly for the ensuing adventure. Goliath Deeds is a villain with no redeeming qualities at all and the opening scenes with Toff reluctantly drawn into this man’s plans have a darkness that is Dickensian in feel. Meanwhile, a few streets away kind hearted Nettie is accompanying her father, a vet, in a rescue mission to save a cat. These two young people from such different backgrounds are shortly to be thrown together by circumstance and this meeting will have a profound effect on them both.

It sounds banal to say I couldn’t put this down but I genuinely could not do so. The relatively short chapters, the rapid pace of the plot, the tension and the engaging characters combine in an immersive and satisfying read. Toff and Nettie are wonderful characters as is the development of their relationship. The sparky dialogue between the two of them, Nettie’s resolute determination, bravery and compassion and Toff’s battle with loyalty, experience and what he feels to be right are conveyed skilfully throughout. Abandoned as a baby and ‘rescued’ aged 7 from the orphanage by the dreadful Deeds, Toff struggles with the idea that ‘any family is better than no family‘. Nettie meanwhile is coping with her own trauma and is still grief stricken over the death of her mother and baby brother. Their shared experience of loss is portrayed with kind thoughtfulness.

The descriptions of the London dockland area are so vivid that this story feels a little as though it is being played out on the big screen. This is not really a surprise as Phil Earle has talked about the influence of film and TV on his writing in the past. The plot builds to a gripping climax and the resolution of the story will strike a chord with those who have read When the Sky Falls. The final pages required a stiff upper lip from this reader and I confess I closed the final page with a contented sigh and a small sob.

The Dawn of Adonis is both exciting and heart breaking in places, the themes of loss, particularly the death of parents needs to be borne in mind when recommending to children and there are moments of animal cruelty too. However Phil Earle’s compassion shines through even these moments and the way in which loyalty and love triumph is such a heartening aspect of this wonderful book. I loved this and really didn’t want it to end.

Author Phil Earle and editor Charlie Sheppard at Andersen Press event June 2025 Photo: Anne Thompson

I bought my copy, signed by Phil, at a thoroughly enjoyable event held at the Andersen Press offices in London earlier this month to mark publication. The conversation between the author and his editor, Charlie Sheppard was enlightening and it is lovely to see the dedication to Charlie in the front of the book. During the evening we learned that there is to be a graphic novel version of When the Sky Falls in collaboration with Fred Fordham published in October and many will be looking forward to this.

The Dawn of Adonis was published on 5th June by Andersen Press and is highly recommended. This will, I’m sure, be one of my favourite books of the year.

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New Children’s Books: Adventure, Friendship, and Magic

Posted on June 24, 2025 by alibrarylady

An introduction to graphic novels highlighting friendship and fun, time travel to Ancient Greece and a historical adventure of family and magic make up this latest selection of children’s books for a variety of ages and reading abilities.

Blue, Barry & Pancakes: Mount Choco Meltdown by Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson 

Recent research findings regarding children’s attitude to reading for pleasure have highlighted the importance of individual choice in reigniting children’s interest in books. I think that the third in this series of funny graphic novels for new readers is sure to be hit with its warm and friendly tone plus bags of entertainment value. The second book, Escape from Balloonia is shortlisted for The Week Junior Awards and the steady growth in the popularity of graphic novels is proof that many children find this style of reading appealing.

Mount Choco Meltdown sees our three friends enter an epic cream sundae-making competition. Barry is determined to win at any cost and wants to find the best chocolate ice cream the world has ever seen! Meanwhile Blue and Pancakes just want to have fun. The ensuing quest involves scaling a mountain, confronting a yeti and a dance off competition all of which will make readers smile. Running through the humour are gentle themes of friendship and teamwork which add to the appeal of this lovely book. At the end of the story are instructions for making a comic book of your own and an amusing look at dance moves and ‘must haves’ for your adventure packing list. I would highly recommend this for new readers who are not quite ready for the Bunny vs Monkey series and it would be lovely for KS1 classrooms or school libraries. Published by Rock The Boat on 3rd July and I would like to thank Dannie Price for my copy.

Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime by Jennifer Claessen

As a child I was fascinated by time travel in both books and film so when I read the synopsis of this new title from Jennifer Claessen, author of the Month of Magic trilogy, I could not resist. A combination of adventure, new friendship and a feminist retelling of Greek myth, Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime should have a wide audience appeal.

Netta’s little brother Remy is history obsessed so when her parents take the family to an old villa in Crete for their summer holiday he is delighted but this is most definitely not Netta’s idea of fun. However shortly after their arrival Netta starts having realistic dreams in which she is dragged back thousands of years to Ancient Greece. Once there she meets a young princess, daughter of King Minos, and finds herself caught up in the preparations for the opening of the King’s precious labryinth. There is intrigue, rumours of monsters and conflict in this ancient time and Netta finds herself drawn increasingly to the past and her present day self is becoming less strong. Netta and Remy gradually unite to try to work out what is happening, solve the puzzle and ultimately save Netta in an increasingly tense drama. The growing friendship between Netta and the young Ariadne is key to the plot as is the loyalty Remy shows to his older sister and this adds warmth to the mystery and excitement.

Readers will not have to be familiar with Greek Myths to enjoy this adventure and may in fact be prompted to investigate further having read this book. Jennifer Claessen also includes an explanatory note providing more detail about some of the references included such as Ariadne, Daedalus and Icarus. A welcome addition to other fiction for children based upon Ancient Greece this is suitable for readers of about 9+ and at just under 250 pages is not too overwhelming in length. Published by Fox and Ink Books (formerly Uclan Publishing) on 25th June. Thank you to Graeme Williams for arranging my review copy.

A Place of a Thousand Wishes by Sarah Merrett

Set in 1899 this tale of magic, family and friendship a A Place of A Thousand Wishes this adventure with a Dickensian feel is rooted in reality.

During the summer of that year there was a lengthy heatwave and this is replicated in this story and does, in fact, feature in the plot. Mason, the likeable main character is the son of an ice cream seller and during this historical period the ice cream trade was experiencing a boom. These details are incorporated within the plot alongside detailed description of the setting bringing the story to life, all of which provides an authentic feel to the background to this mystery.

Mason helps his father with their ice-cream business and as the story opens things are not going well for them. But when the famous wish-maker, Darlington, arrives in town Mason is staggered to find that he receives and invitation to his first performance. That night events take a dramatic turn and Mason discovers that he and Darlington share strange magical gifts. These gifts and their source are envied by some dangerous enemies and when Darlington disappears Mason races against time to rescue him or risk losing everything that is important to him.

At the heart of this story are themes of family discord, envy, greed and the abuse of power. The jealousy between people who should be close is the cause of unhappiness and difficulty in this well told historical drama. Confident readers of about 10 upwards will find this a rewarding read and the growing friendship between Mason and young Clem will appeal too. The stunning, monochrome illustrations throughout by Ewa Beniak-Haremska are perfect for the story being gothic in style with a slightly sinister feel. Published by Everything With Words on 29th May and thank you to Mikka Haugaard for my copy.

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Interactive Learning: Brilliant Books for Pre-schoolers

Posted on June 23, 2025 by alibrarylady

Recent research indicates that there has been a decline in both children’s reading for pleasure and the frequency of parents reading aloud to children. For some, sharing books is no longer seen as something to enjoy. How to encourage a change in this attitude is something that experts are continuing to research and to discuss however I would like to highlight some books that both help very young children to learn but are also fun to share and to play with.

Priddy Books publish innovative titles for babies, toddlers and young children and their cleverly designed books use simple novelties that spark children’s creativity and encourage their development and awareness of the world around them. I can vouch for the fact that my own 2 year old grandson finds them appealing and engaging. These are the type of books that small children return to and choose themselves. The books below would be great for pre-schoolers of about 2 or 3 upwards for either home or Early Years settings.

Match and Sort: Colours and Match and Sort: Shapes

These two books are part of the Priddy Smart range and feature friendly looking animal characters depicted in a bright colour palette. Each book is designed to teach small children about first concepts in appealing and playful manner. The covers feature a gate fold providing guidance for the adult on how to use the book, an introduction to the animals featured within the text and a felt backed sorter for children to place the their felt pieces in one place.

In Colours each spread introduces a different colour and children are invited to find the correct piece to place on the felt board page. For example the pink ice cream van or the purple flower. There are also questions asking the child to match an item depicted at the bottom of the page with something of the same colour within the narrative. This provides multiple learning opportunities and a chance for the adult to discuss the pictures, ask questions and encourage further interaction.

The Shapes book follows the same format but explores a range of shapes such as circles, rectangle, heart, hexagon and diamond. It also allows the adult to build on the colours learned in the first book. Once again the text depicts familiar situations such as the supermarket or a birthday party. The questions in the text are designed to prompt conversation and encourage children to recognise shapes in the objects that they see around them. The detail in the illustrations is well done and full of items little ones will recognise and enjoying naming. The animals in both books are named in a manner that encourages children to recognise and learn letter sounds, for example, Marnie Mouse and Tony Tiger. Each book includes a handy envelope section to store the felt pieces too.

Little Kids, Big Questions: Farm and Baby Animals

These two interactive board books are great fun for very young children with lots of opportunity for them to get involved using tabs, flaps, pop-ups and more. In Farm key bite sized facts about all manner of things found on the farm from buildings, animal homes, tractors and other vehicles to crops, a range of animals and how they are cared for are included. There is a great deal of information packed into this relatively small board book conveyed through questions, short answers and guided learning in picture form in both illustration and photo format. Children are asked which animal sleeps in a barn? Where do eggs come from? What is grown on a farm? Why do sheep grow a fleece? and more. There is lots here to keep small hands busy and keep children’s attention and slightly older children will enjoy exploring the book independently.

Many children find baby animals appealing and in the companion book in this series, Baby Animals, they can meet a wide variety from puppies and kittens to bear cubs and squirrels, from sea otter pups and baby seahorses to penguin chicks and elephant calves. Children learn through both the photos and illustrations and through the text and interactive elements ensuring that all readers or listeners find something that holds their attention. I liked the sliding ‘before and after’ photos depicting baby animals and the corresponding adult parent. The animals included live in a variety of habitats and from all over the world. Baby Animals also offers an opportunity for young children to be learn what each animal needs to survive and thrive in its own environment. The illustrative style in both Baby Animals and Farm is light hearted and appealing while remaining true to the appearance of the animals themselves. It is clear that a great deal of thought has gone into the design of all these books to make them appealing to their audience.

I remain impressed by the quality of the books Priddy Books are producing for very young children and babies and am delighted to be able to add these to my grandson’s growing library. All the books mentioned here have been recently published and you can find out more about them and the other ranges available on the publisher’s website here. At the moment my grandson is an avid fan of another book in their range, Ten Little Dinosaur Eggs, which I reviewed here.

I should like to thank Eleanor Coombes of Priddy Books for providing my review copies.

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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 well. Featuring a young Isaac Newton, the fear of the plague and the persecution of those accused of witchcraft there are familiar historical references but Lindsay Galvin uses these as a catalyst for an adventure that will keep young readers gripped.

Ann Storer works with her elder brother and sister in her family’s apothecary while her parents are away. Unbeknown to others Ann has inherited her grandmother’s mysterious gift of healing and uses this to dispense special tinctures in the apothecary. The arrival of the youthful genius Isaac Newton who is to lodge in the room above the shop disturbs the family’s usual arrangements and also gives Ann the opportunity to combine her own skills with his. Together the pair secretly create a special elixir with unlimited powers which they hope to keep safe. However the arrival in town of a witchfinder throws their plans into disarray and when the plague descends on those she cares for Ann risks everything to try to help.

With a strong protagonist, a fast moving plot and the magical elements this will have a wide audience appeal. The illustrations by Kristina Kister fit the time period and tone of the story well and I particularly like the one of Ann picking herbs in the moonlight. The stunning cover has great shelf appeal too. Expertly edited and produced by Barrington Stoke to be accessible to those with a reading age of 8 this is suitable for the 9+ reader and may well tempt them to try one of Lindsay Galvin’s longer historical novels in the future.

The Amulet of Hath by Vashti Hardy illustrated by Rebecca Sheerin

Vashti Hardy’s has a knack of packing a big adventure into a small book and The Amulet of Faith, the second in the Relic Hunters series has a real feel of a blockbuster told in just over 100 pages. In this second instalment we join the Greystone family as they race to find the lost gold of ancient Hath and do battle with an old foe.

Mabel Greystone and her brother Will are delighted when they get the opportunity to join their Aunt Lucy, a famous and intrepid relic hunter, on a quest to uncover the location of Hath and its hidden store of gold. When the long lost amulet which holds the secret to the location is stolen by their enemy, Bryan Cogsworth, the children are determined to foil his plans and help their Aunt to crack the code by solving the tricky clues. This steampunk fantasy contains the familiar elements that make Vashti Hardy’s books so popular with children and robot camels are a neat touch as our heroes make their way across the desert. There are dirty tricks from Cosgrove to complicate things further and and the resourceful Mabel never gives up and no doubt young readers will be willing her on in her efforts. Alongside the cliff hangers, drama and thrills there is a wise message about that the real ‘treasure’ in life being people, particularly family.

Rebecca Sheerin’s illustrations capture and convey the drama and the imaginary world well and this appealing package is perfect for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Cold Turkey by Simon James Green illustrated by Tosin Akinkunmi

I thoroughly enjoyed the humour in Simon James Green’s first book for Barrington Stoke, the teen romance, The Big Ask and although the focus of Cold Turkey is friendship and forgiveness this sense of fun is evident again. There is lots of snappy dialogue, witty banter and moments of hilarity in this jolly caper.

Feeling betrayed by his best friend’s behaviour over a girl, Kit is furious with his long standing friend Hamza and has decided that he wants nothing more to do with him. However, when 80 year old Mrs Mason asks both boys to do a favour for her they are thrown together despite Kit’s decision. Adding further complications to this situation is the task they have been set; the boys are to deliver a cooked turkey to Mrs Mason’s friend on the other side of London before it gets cold and they have been offered a lot of money to do so. From the first moment when the precious cargo is packed into a tartan shopping trolley this is laugh out loud funny but also with a kind observation of the importance of loyalty, friendship and forgiveness.

The boys are really up against the odds as they race against the clock to complete their mission encountering the police, the bomb squad and a scary street gang en route. The story is concluded in a really thoughtful way and I found the ending really satisfying and think the book’s intended audience will do to. This is marketed at the 11+ age group and is most suitable for secondary school libraries and being edited to a reading age of 7 makes it extremely useful for those who may believe that reading is not for them.

I should like to thank Poppy McLean and Barrington Stoke for providing my review copies. Seeing Red by Eve Ainsworth illustrated by Luna Valentine was also published by Barrington Stoke this month and you can read my review of this thoughtful story of a football loving young carer in my New Fiction for Children round up.

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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 at some newly published fiction for primary age readers.

Ava Spark: Hello, I’m Here! by Alex Field illustrated by Joanna Bartel

Ava Spark: Hello, I’m Here! is the first in a brand new series highlighting the importance of communication and featuring a ten year old girl who uses a communication aid. Inspired by Alex Field’s own family experience this kind story follows Ava as she experiences home and school life, making new friendships and learns to work as part of a team.

When the deputy head at Ava’s school announces that a new girl from Australia will be joining her class and that Ava will be her ‘buddy’ and help her to settle in Ava is both surprised and pleased. She rises to the challenge and alongside her friends Miya and Jack and twin sister Flo they set to work to make Liv feel at home. Their plans include a sports day featuring Australia v England races complete with appropriate regalia including a mascot and flags. This gentle story features scenarios that the target readership of 7+ will find familiar and the plot incorporates the importance of inclusion and empathy. The forging of friendships and the different ways of communicating are portrayed with positivity through the conversations between the characters in a natural way. The jolly cover and the illustrations throughout are appealing and break up the text for children with less reading stamina.

Published by New Frontier Publishing on 15th May. The publishers have created some teaching notes to use alongside the book which can be downloaded here. Thank you to the publishers and Hannah Bright for my review copy.

Valley of the Vikings by Liz Kessler

It is over twenty years since I since first stocked The Tail of Emily Windsnap in the school library and as further books in the series followed the popularity of these stories grew among the pupils. Frequently borrowed, reserved and talked about I remember them as must buy each time a new book was published. Liz Kessler has marked this twenty year success by writing a new stand alone adventure, Valley of the Vikings staring Emily, the young girl who is half mermaid half human so bringing this magical character to a new generation of readers.

When Emily discover a bangle with a mysterious, blue crystal she opens a long buried secret relating to the crystal and to the long ago battle between Neptune and Thor. With her friends Shona and Aaron Emily discovers the truth about the jewel and the fate of the Viking lost so long ago when their longship sank as a result of Neptune and Thor’s need for power. Now the three friends must race against time to avert the looming disaster the world faces and persuade the warring gods to make peace and put aside their greed.

Emily is a great lead character, brave and strong but with an endearing warmth and loyalty to her friends and family. This magical fantasy conveys some important messages concerning the state of our world today but does so without being didactic or detracting from the adventure itself. The young characters have much in common with the book’s potential audience sharing a concern for the world’s resources, social justice and peace among previously warring factions. The blend of mythical gods, Viking history and environmental issues blends well in this exciting adventure with its satisfying ending. Valley of the Vikings does work perfectly well as a stand alone however I think Emily’s new fans will be keen to read the rest of the series once they have met her and shared this adventure. (Published by Zephyr Books on 8th May) I should like to thank the publishers and Laura Smythe for my review copy.

The Scream of the Whistle by Emily Randall-Jones

Somehow I have missed out on Emily Randall-Jones’ Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition winning debut The Witchstone Ghosts but having now read this follow up novel I realise that I must add that to my wish list. The blurb reminded me so much of the type of fiction I loved as a child that I shuffled The Scream of the Whistle up my reading pile and this was a good decision. This is a wonderful blend of spooky thriller, time travelling adventure, local folklore and contemporary family drama with moments of chilling suspense but winding up with a satisfying and touching finale.

Ruby is fed up. Her parents have just told her and her elder brother that they are separating and Ruby is to stay with her mum and brother in her grandma’s run down village. She is naively determined to put into an action a plan to try to bring her parents back together so sets off in the middle of the night to go back to the former family home before her dad leaves. As she follows an old, disused railway line she hears a whistle in the dark. An old steam train appears with a guard who welcomes Ruby aboard as though he is expecting her. It’s May Day Eve when the supernatural world is thought to be the closest and as Ruby embarks on a never to be forgotten train ride she has no idea of the impact it will have on her.

Emily Randall-Jones builds up the tension well in this time travelling, ghostly mystery. Readers will no doubt be trying to work out what is happening alongside the characters and the gradual dawning realisation of the truth is brilliantly conveyed. Ruby is a likable protagonist and the family relationships and the growing friendship with her fellow passenger Elfie have a realistic tone to them. This is a thoroughly enjoyable tale with a traditional feel and will probably appeal to a wide audience, particularly fans of Lucy Strange’s books and Emma Carroll’s Frost Hollow Hall and Strange Star. Published by Chicken House on 5th June, thank you to the publishers and Laura Smythe for my review copy.

Seeing Red by Eve Ainsworth illustrated by Luna Valentine

Author Eve Ainsworth has worked for many years in a pastoral and safeguarding role in schools and uses this experience to shine a light on the difficulties faced by young people who are acting as carers at home. Whilst highlighting the difficulties Ainsworth also conveys how the right support at the right time can make all the difference.

Featuring familiar characters from the previous books in the series this stand alone title contains similar themes of friendship and football. Following the break down of her parents’ marriage and the departure of her dad Amelia’s mum is struggling to cope with depression. Amelia therefore is trying to care for her mum and balance the needs of maintaining normality at school and in her beloved football team. But Amelia is finding that things are getting on top of her. Food is running out, there is no-one to support her with her homework, and the regular routines are neglected. Football was always Amelia’s form of escape but now it is just one more stress piled on top of many others.

Her coach, one of her teachers and several of Amelia’s friends try to help but Amelia finds it hard to admit that she can’t cope and lashes out in anger. Things escalate quickly and Amelia really needs proper support before she alienates everyone. Written from Amelia’s point of view this story effectively conveys the mounting pressure the young girl is under and the reader is quickly aware of how much she needs help. Thankfully this book also does an excellent job of promoting positive messages about kindness, empathy and teamwork and also includes in the pages after the end of story helpful tips and useful organisations to contact for support. Told with sensitivity and understanding Amelia’s story may well help others in a similar position and is an satisfying read too. Published on 5th June by Barrington Stoke for 9+ edited to a reading age of 8. Thank you to Poppy McLean for my review copy.

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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, this comprehensive and enlightening book also encourages non-disabled children, and adults, to advocate for a more accessible world. I am writing this review at a time when the first Empathy Festival is taking place and How to be Disabled and Proud is particularly relevant to this initiative’s aims.

Cathy Reay, who has achondroplasia sometimes referred to as dwarfism, opens with a brief biography giving her readers a helpful background. She explains that when she was growing up a book such as this one did not exist so her aim is to fill that gap. There is also a thoughtful and supportive note for parents and caregivers. The guide itself is wide ranging in the areas it covers. From navigating school life, finding disabled community and gaining confidence, to facing challenges like bullying and discrimination and learning how to value and celebrate yourself, just as you are.

The author does not shy away from tricky subjects and details the difficulties that people with a disability may face in society but always offers a positive way to deal with these difficulties. It helps that she has consulted many adults who have learned through experience how to conquer challenges and learn to cope with the issues they have faced. Those she quotes in the guide include Ellie Simmonds the paralympic swimmer, Jameisha Prescod, a film maker with lupus, neurodivergent author Elle McNicol and Simon Wheatcroft the blind marathon runner. These inspirational role models offer an honest assessment of their experiences and explain how they have dealt with and overcome setbacks and challenges.

The writing style is warm and chatty incorporating questions to engage and there is plenty of opportunity for young readers to make a note of their own feelings and think about ways to overcome their difficulties. This approach has a friendly and comforting tone and youngsters may like to use this guide as a reference tool and an aid to collecting their own wishes and hopes. The illustrations throughout by disabled artist Jaleel Hudson are light hearted in approach and the book’s design is accessible and inviting. How to be Disabled and Proud is equally valuable to readers who are not disabled enabling them to empathise and learn how to become an advocate. The book covers many aspects of disability and adults will learn much from this guide too, with the sections on activism and the medical side being a valuable reference tool and encouraging parents and carers to think about new approaches to responding to the many questions that youngsters may have. This is a book that really makes you think about attitudes and stereotypes and is recommended for secondary school libraries in particular as it would be invaluable for that transition phase of children’s lives

I should like to thank Puffin Books and Sally Oliphant for providing my review copy. How to be Disabled and Proud was published in March of this year.

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Reading Matters – Children’s Book News

Posted on May 31, 2025 by alibrarylady

Welcome to this roundup of what has been happening in the world of children’s books over the last month. Lots of awards news this time! It’s always fascinating to compare the different short and longlists and it can be a good way of catching up on some gems you may have missed. As the last month has been a particularly busy one personally I know I will have missed some events that are taking place and I have not included the regular look at reviews either but I do hope that what is included here will be helpful.

What I’m reading…

I have long been a fan of Jenny Pearson’s books so when I learned that she had written a book set during the Second World War I was intrigued. She 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 other. Set in London in 1939 this compelling story is told by 12 year old Ronnie as he experiences the realities that war brings. This is a compelling read and one that I would highly recommend.

Illustrated fiction for children is a valuable addition to bookshelves both at home and in schools and libraries. Over the last month I have read a range of titles that are very different in content and style but all are recommended. 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 writing to a dog for help; you can read my reviews of all of them here.

Andy Shepherd’s The Boy Who Grew Dragons series is hugely popular with both children and schools and has rapidly become a staple of school and classroom libraries. This month I read the first in her brand new series, The Wood Where Magic Grows, and think this may well become just as well read and recommended. You can read my full review here and I would particularly like to draw attention to the excellent resources that Andy has kindly created to tie-in with the book. There is a link to these in my review.

Whilst on the subject of resources with Refugee Week approaching on 16th to 22nd June you may like to have a look at the comprehensive and well written resources recently made available to use with My Name is Samin by Finan Meikle. This remarkable and deeply moving debut conveys the reality of the experience of refugees and provides the reader with the opportunity to learn, to understand and to empathise. Please do read my review to find out more and you can download the resources here.

News, articles and resources…

The findings of various studies related to reading enjoyment and attitudes to reading have been published over the last few weeks offering both negative and positive feedback and figures. The first links provided more information relating to these.

New Study Shows Positive Impact of Social Reading Spaces For Young People – At an event in London at the end of April HarperCollins UK revealed new research, including details of a study conducted in collaboration with the School Library Association. The Social Reading Spaces study which took place over 12 weeks between October 2024 and February 2025, trialled an innovative new approach to book clubs. The aim was to foster book talk and conversations in an informal setting. Feedback from 404 students at the end of the trial showed that 60% were more interested in books and reading, 52% were reading more and 82% wanted to continue with book club. The full report and further details of the study can be found on the link above.

Reading Agency Report Adults’ Reading – according to selected findings from the Reading Agency’s “State of the Nation in Adult Reading 2025” report, nearly half (46%) of UK adults say they struggle to focus on reading due to distractions around them – a figure that rises to over half of those surveyed aged from 16 to 44. The Reading Agency is relaunching its Road to Reading national campaign this year, which supports people to read 30 minutes each week for ten weeks while providing a range of tips and guidance.

Book Trust and Waterstones’ Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell Boyce Launch inaugural Reading Rights report – Book Trust and author Frank Cottrell Boyce have  launched the first Reading Rights report, calling on national and local leaders in early years, health, education and culture to come together and make reading a part of daily life for every child in the first seven years of life. The report, which shares five focus areas that will turn the tide on ​“indefensible” reading inequality.

The Reader Teacher Books I’m Most Excited About May – Scott Evans’ selection of new books published in May includes several that I have recently enjoyed reading including Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson and The Boy in the Tree by Lisa Thompson.

What should a mother wear? Shirley Hughes, my style icon – . As a young and bewildered new mum Shirley Hughes’ picture books acted as a guide for me and were so much more reassuring than books who put pressure on mums to do things ‘properly’. This article made me smile and I’m sharing it in the hope that it may entertain others too.

Book Buzz 2025 Titles – Bookbuzz, a curated programme of books and resources for Years 7 and 8, is open for registration and this year’s titles were announced at the beginning of the month. The books are carefully chosen to offer a spectrum of different reading experiences and to ensure there is something to suit all interests and reading levels, from keen readers to reluctant ones, and from advanced readers to those for whom reading is a challenge.

School Library Association Information Book Award Longlist Announced – this month saw the announcement of the longlist titles for the Information Book Award (IBA) , alongside the opening of registrations for the IBA Book Club. A panel of judges have whittled down hundreds of entries to a list of 34 outstanding titles within three age categories. The titles chosen cover a diverse range of topics and the three lists highlight the quality of information books for children at the moment.

An Orchestra in Every School Campaign – although not book related I have included details of this as I think sometimes there is an overlap between music lovers and book lovers! #AnOrchestraInEverySchool is a national call to ensure access to high-quality music education and creative subjects for all children and young people, investing in music education and skills development.  The campaign’s aspiration is for every school in the UK to either have an orchestra of its own – however they define that – or access to an orchestra. Find out how you can support the campaign via the website above.

Indie Book Awards Shortlist Announced – there are four categories to choose from: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s Fiction and Picture Book and these awards are curated exclusively by independent bookshops.

Books for Keeps May Issue – this latest issue includes Authorgraph interview with Matt Goodfellow, Rebecca Dautremer’s Windows into Illustration, new Picture This from Nicolette Jones, an interview with the editors of the new anthology Owning It Our Disabled Childhoods, new thoughts on reading for pleasure, and, of course, reviews of the best new children’s books

Remembering Author And Former SLA President, Aidan Chambers – the children’s book community were united in sadness at the news of the recent death of Aidan Chambers. His books for teens and those he wrote about reading such as Tell Me were highly regarded by many. I have fond memories of hearing him speak at an SLA event many years ago. The excellent tribute on the SLA website (linked above) sums up his importance and influence.

Klaus Flugge Prize Shortlist Announced – this is the tenth year of this award which highlights the most exciting and promising new picture book illustrators. The shortlist of three have very different styles and subject matter but share exceptional ability to tell a story and to create mood and character.

Little Rebels Award Longlist Announced – founded in 2010 this award is designed to recognise the rich tradition of radical publishing for children in the UK. Currently the award  is restricted to fiction targeted at children aged 0-12. This year’s longlist is made up of 13 books including the stunning picture book, The Magic Callaloo, Bobby Bains Plays a Blinder from Barrington Stoke and Witchspark.

Meet the Winners of the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards 2025 – Selected by an independent panel of expert judges, including a young judge, and a network of Junior Jurors island-wide, the 35th annual awards celebrated artists familiar and new. In addition to the awards given in each of the categories Oliver Jeffers was awarded the Judges’ Special Award. You can find out more in the link above. 

Children’s and Teens Round-Up The Best New Children’s Books and Novels – A girl with super strength; anarchic doughnuts on a mission to rule the world; boys in the Blitz; an Igbo YA fantasy and more are included in Imogen Russell Williams’ latest selection of new titles.

Summer Book Club 2025: Books for Schools – already mentioned in the last Reading Matters but there is still time to register so I’m sharing the details again.

Young Quills shortlist for 2025 – Each year, the Historical Association runs ‘Young Quills’, a competition for published historical fiction for children and young adults (14+). The Young Quills books for each year must be published for the first time in English in the year preceding the competition. The judges are all adults, so to get the opinions of young readers, copies of the books were sent out to a number of schools, where the teachers have kindly volunteered to recruit pupils to read and review them and always receive a magnificent total of reviews, which guide the shortlisting process. There are some excellent titles included in each of the categories so I would recommend having a look at the article above. I was delighted to see one of my favourites from last year, Angel of Grasmere by Tom Palmer, included.

Thank you for reading and I hope that you have found something here helpful. Reading Matters will be back with a summer reading focussed edition at the start of July.

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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. When her brand new series was announced last year some may have wondered if these new stories could match the popularity of her first books. They need not have worried. The Wood Where Magic Grows, this time illustrated by Ellie Snowdon, is a splendid start to this new series with kindness, bravery and understanding conveyed in abundance and with a little dash of magic too.

Iggy is having to adapt to big changes in his life. He and his mum have moved into a new home joining her new partner, Mitchell, and his young son, Cal. Iggy is feeling a little overwhelmed by his newly acquired ‘big brother’ status and the feeling of responsibility. However the two boys are beginning to form a bond and together they discover an overgrown wood, Wildtop Wood, at the bottom of their garden. A whole new world opens up for them there as they meet Sadie who cares for the trees and animals there and also their new neighbour, Mae. The three children soon learn that there is more to this natural place than they anticipated. A world of green magic, wooden animals scampering through the trees and a secret treetop walkway are just part of their adventure. The surprises continue and Iggy discovers that he can be brave when it is really needed.

There is a thread of positivity running through this enjoyable adventure. Beginning with Iggy’s patient acceptance of his new role and developing further in the two boys deepening bond. Combining with the depiction of the blossoming friendship with Mae there is a kind acceptance of difference and stopping to listen and to learn in this kind story. Mae wears hearing aids and Iggy responds by using some of the British Sign Language he has learned at school. Iggy himself has a birthmark on his face which both Cal and Mae disregard and never ask insensitive questions about. Andy Shepherd ensures that this representation is truly inclusive and is simply one facet of the characters rather than being an ‘issue’.

There is a gently conveyed message about nurturing our natural environment and devoting proper time and attention to appreciating it and learning about it too. The Wood Where Magic Grows is just right for its target audience and the illustrations also increase its appeal. There is humour in the pictures and I particularly liked young Cal in his tiger onesie looking reminiscent of Max in Where the Wild Things Are. Andy Shepherd uses her gentle adventure to encourage children to be curious, to use their imaginations, and to appreciate the magic all around in nature. The magic and adventure is given added depth with the thoughtful representation of both blended families and its inclusive approach to differences and disabilities. The World Where Magic Grows will, I think, appeal to a similar audience as its predecessor and is perfectly pitched for its target audience of 7+. Published in paperback in July by Piccadilly Press, there will also be hardback editions available in June.

Andy Shepherd has a wonderful website full of information and entertaining stuff for children. The range of resources she has thoughtfully created for her Teacher Activity Pack linked to The World Where Magic Grows is packed full of writing prompts, art and craft ideas and curriculum friendly activities. You can download the pack here.

I should like to thank Andy Shepherd, the publishers and Pippa Poole for providing my proof copy.

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