I loved this book. A wonderful historical novel set in Victorian Scotland, a central character who is both endearing and relatable and a setting brought vividly to life.
It is 1861 on the remote Scottish island of Tornish and crofter’s daughter Birdie lives with her father, two elder sisters and younger brother. Despite the hard life that they live and the death of the children’s mother several years ago. Bridie and her family share a happy life caring for each other and their friends and neighbours. The kindly Laird, who owns the land on which his tenants live and work, is a fair and honourable man with a soft spot for Bridie. However Bridie, or Little Bird as she is known, hides a secret dream, a dream of escape to far away America, a new life and adventure. However this is not to be as her father made a promise to his wife that the family would stay together on the island for ever. A settled and secure life but far from the exciting world of which Bridie dreams.
A sudden tragedy shatters their lives when a new Laird and his family arrive on Tornish and instantly make changes. A cruel man, with an equally unpleasant friend and a wife and daughter who treat the islanders with contempt, his treatment of Bridie’s family has a dramatic impact. Little Bird’s dreams of flying away to adventure are changed in a way she never envisaged when they are all forced to flee from their home in the hope of finding safety elsewhere.
The joy of a well told story is that it is able to transport you to another world and make you feel as though you are part of it. Within a few pages Bridie’s world became real to me and this, I think, is what makes good historical fiction for children so important. It provides a way of viewing those who lived so long ago as people just like us. Bridie is a fabulous character; born with a weakened arm and leg she refuses to let this restrict her in any way and roams her beloved island with her friend Will, climbing high crags and savouring life. She is stubborn but thoughtful, a dreamer but willing to work hard too. Karen McCombie brings this young girl to life for the reader and for a little while we walk with her on her eventful journey. Social history is made relevant, real and exciting for children in this way. The details of Victorian life are fascinating and the marked contrast between the social classes is starkly depicted. Interesting details of daily life and historical content are included without ever slowing the story down or feeling like a lesson.
Bridie misses her beloved mother very much and frequently throughout the book she ponders what her mother would have advised when faced with some of the situations that Little Bird encounters. I found this aspect touching and at times very moving, particularly when Bridie feels as though she is being guided by her mother. There is a lot of love in this story. Love for family, love of home, love for friends and love for those who need help. It also touches on the themes of poverty and forced migration and illustrates that there are situations when people may have little choice other than to flee in search of a safe haven. This book encourages us to care and I think that Karen McCombie’s Little Bird deserves to fly high. A wonderful read and highly recommended for readers of about 9+. This book is the first in a series and I am very much looking forward to revisiting Bridie’s world again soon.
Thank you to Karen McCombie and Nosy Crow for my proof copy. The published book has a striking cover designed by Jasu Hu and features a map by Hannah Horn. All children’s books should have maps, I love them!
However as the year closes there are three books in particular that, although very different to each other, typify the remarkable range and quality of children’s literature available at present and are my own favourites of the year.
All three of these wonderful books contain characters that I grew to care about, felt that I knew and now remember and think of still, long after I have turned the final pages. That is the magic of children’s fiction, it can make you genuinely care. It also has a knack for conveying and highlighting simple truths and important values that can sometimes get lost in the business of adult lives. Kate DiCamillo, Piers Torday and Hilary McKay speak to children, and to the child within the adult reader, in a way that comforts and reassures as well as entertains. A rare gift indeed and one I greatly appreciate.
This stunning picture book has a very nostalgic feel to it, set in the US possibly in the 1940s with an absent father, shown in uniform in a photo, maybe away in the war. The illustrations with the old fashioned cars, the lights twinkling from shop windows, the fashions and the ankle deep snow take me back to old Hollywood films I watched in my childhood at Christmas time. There is a reassuring solidity about the scenes and the organ grinder’s sadness contrasts sharply with this. The lighting in the wonderful illustrations is stunning with Frances tiptoeing down stairs with her touch, the night time street scene and the opening of the door into the church all bathed in a golden glow.
I love it when a book surprises me and this definitely did. This is a different but very satisfying read. The world of science combines with the unbreakable bonds of true family love in a well written story. The parallel timelines work brilliantly in my opinion and the reader is left guessing right until the end. Link to my review and teaching resources 
I am delighted to see this book on the list. Having followed Abi’s progress from the early days of a proof copy of The Dream Snatcher I have seen the way in which her stories touch children. Sky Song typifies why children’s books matter. Courage, kindness, acceptance & hope are wrapped up in a thrilling adventure. My favourite of all this author’s books so far. You can read my full review 
When I 
This is an exciting adventure with heart bringing history to life for young readers. The two linked stories, one in 1920s London and the other in ancient Egypt, have themes that weave the two together in a satisfying whole. Friendship, secrets and efforts to correct past mistakes are part of an absorbing and well plotted adventure that moves at a pace sure to keep readers engrossed until the very last page. Here is a 
needs no introduction such has been its impact. Nominated for both the Greenaway and the Carnegie awards this is truly a collaboration. A gloriously illustrated work of art, a collection of magic spells and most definitely a book to treasure this is a book for all ages and for all types. The Lost Words brings together poetic literature, fine art and a fascination with nature. Most importantly this is a book to share so that its message can grow, spread and work as its creators hope it will. I have written more about the background to this book 
Caro and her mother arrive at their new home in darkness. Once inside, the house is white, bare and empty. Caro wishes that she has someone to play with and feels a little lost and small. Then one day she hears a noise and a gentle voice asking to play. She has a new friend and a very special one. The Snow Lion has appeared as if by magic to help Caro learn how to make friends of her own and maybe find the courage she has been hiding inside.
A tender guide written to his newborn son to help him make sense of the world around him. This lovely book is also a short but thoughtful essay on what makes our global community work and would be treasured by older children and adults too. Gorgeous illustrations full of detail and double pages that you want to linger over and examine. It would be brilliant to use in primary school classrooms. My full review and links are 
Library Lady 