A wonderful story, characters you grow to love, a plot that carries you along with families as they grow from young children to adulthood set against the backdrop of a terrible war that affected so many, this is a book that I will remember for a very long time.
Set at the start of the twentieth century we follow the lives of Clarry and her older brother Peter. Neglected by their widowed father who shows neither love nor any interest in his children, their lives are lifted by their summers in Cornwall. There they stay with their grandparents and spend time with their adored charismatic cousin, Rupert. But normal life resumes each September with boarding school for Peter and Rupert, and a boring life for Clarry at home with her absent father, as the shadow of a terrible war looms ever closer.
As a school librarian I used to advise children who were having difficulty choosing a book to try the first page test. If they sat down with a selection of books they should then read the first page of each and then take home the one that they most wanted to turn the page and read on. Skylarks’ War has possibly the best first page I’ve read for years and I instantly wanted to find out more. Hilary McKay’s flowing and highly readable style conjures up images of both people and places beautifully. It is Clarry, whose full name, Clarissa so aptly means ”clear and bright”, who is the warm heart of this story. Despite the lack of love from her father she is steadfastly kind, thoughtful and cheery. This description makes her sound too good to be true but it never feels like that. Clarry is the sort of person the reader would love as a friend or sister and as the story progresses and she matures and develops it feels both real and engaging.
As a reader you immerse yourself in the childhood adventures of their sunny summers in the sad knowledge that world war and tragedy loom ever closer to the characters we have grown to care about. The departure of the much loved Rupert to the front affects everyone in his circle including Clarry, Peter and their friends Simon and Vanessa. The contrast between the childhood adventures and Rupert’s life in the trenches is dramatic and shocking and Hilary McKay does not shy away from descriptions of the effects of war on those involved. Clarry, still a child when Rupert departs, experiences a gradual realisation of the impact of war on both those fighting and those at home and this is portrayed with compassion allowing young readers to learn with her. All of the young people in the story are deeply affected by the war to varying degrees but by following them to adulthood we see the existence of hope despite the heartbreak.
Another thoughtful aspect of the story is the way in which Clarry is gradually offered both an education and encouragement to embrace the possibility of a future other than that expected by her father. The links to the suffrage movement at the time and the impact of the war on the role of women is deftly included in the plot in a natural manner. There are also moments of wry humour between Clarry and the wonderful Mrs. Morgan.
Hilary McKay has created a story and characters that will, I think, stand the test of time. It is rare nowadays for children’s books to deal with such a long time span and to allow characters to grow up but this is done so beautifully I believe readers will appreciate the chance to learn and grow with Clarry, her brother and their friends.
I love this book, a beautifully told story of friendship, love, loyalty, heartbreak and hope this is now a contender for my favourite children’s book of the year. Skylarks’ War has the feel of a classic family saga and yet it also conveys thoughts and dreams that today’s young readers will both engage with and learn from. Gorgeous and highly recommended.
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 
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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 
Madeline Finn does NOT like to read. But she DOES want a gold star from her teacher. But, stars are for good readers. Stars are for understanding words, and for saying them out loud. 
When Bear reluctantly agrees to go with his friend, Mouse, to the big library, neither rocket ships nor wooden canoes are enough for Bear’s picky tastes. How will Mouse ever find the perfect book for Bear?
When we are fast asleep in bed, the Midnight Library opens its doors to all the night-time animals. Inside the library the little librarian and her three assistant owls help each and every animal to find the perfect book. But with a noisy squirrel band, an upset wolf and a slow-reading tortoise to help, they could all be in for a very busy night.
Rapunzel sits on the sixteenth floor of an inner city block, bored, dreaming and looking out at the rain. No one can rouse her from her apathy, not the milkman or the postman or the baker or her aunt – or even the prince. But when at last a letter is delivered, it contains news that has Rapunzel on her feet again. She has a new job at the library! And suddenly her life is busy, sparkling, exciting and stimulating.
Some rabbits dream about lettuces and carrots, others dream of flowering meadows and juicy dandelions, but Ralfy dreams only of books. In fact, he doesn’t just dream about them, he wants to read them ALL THE TIME. Soon his obsession sends him spiralling into a life of crime!
Library Lady 