The team at Barrington Stoke have been busy and there has been a flurry of new titles published recently or due out this month. I should like to highlight three books, all of which are suitable for readers age 9+ with a reading age of 8. Expertly edited to ensure that they are accessible to all, these stories by highly regarded authors, although different in themes, convey positivity, understanding and care for others. Highly recommended for primary school libraries and classrooms.
Puloma and the Bear by Jasbinder Bilan illustrated by Skylar White
This story set in the Indian countryside is a short but moving read. Jasbinder Bilan encourages the reader to care about orphan Puloma and the circus bear she befriends in this inspiring story highlighting the plight of animals kept in captivity. Despite Puloma’s efforts to please her, her uncaring aunt makes her feel unwelcome so the girl runs away and finds a job helping in a travelling circus. She is so desperate to find a place to live and and a job that she tries to ignore the nervousness of the circus performers when the local police are mentioned or their need to move on every couple of days.
Then one night Puloma discovers the truth. The circus’s star act is a sloth bear called Nyla. The bear is kept in poor conditions and forced to dance with a young woman performer in the circus ring. Although this is illegal the circus owner is determined to provide ‘the suprise’ that brings the audience in. Puloma start to care for the bear providing food and making her as comfortable as possible and resolves to help Nyla escape the cruel life she endures.
Puloma is an inspiring young girl, overcoming her own grief and difficulties to advocate for an animal in need. Through this character young readers will learn how important it is to speak up about wrongs done to animals. The beautiful illustrations by Skylar White bring the characters and the Indian countryside to life for the reader. A lovely story for animal loving children and one with an important message too. Puloma and the Bear was published on 13th March.
Becoming Grace by Hilary McKay illustrated by Keith Robinson
Hilary McKay’s latest novella for Barrington Stoke is another gem. Becoming Grace is the story of Grace Darling before she became a Victorian celebrity for her courage in assisting her lighthouse keeper father in the rescue of people from a shipwreck off the coast of Bamburgh, Northumberland. Told with empathy and an appreciation of the setting and circumstances, accompanied by atmospheric illustrations by Keith Robinson, Becoming Grace is ideal for the KS2 classroom and a wonderful way of engaging children with history.
Grace Darling was the daughter of a lighthouse keeper, living on the island on which the lighthouse stands with her parents, four brothers and three sisters. The children’s lives are in some ways idyllic as they share their home with numerous goats, chickens, cats and, after a visit to the mainland, a puppy aptly named Happy. The siblings are schooled by their parents, help look after the lamp and the mirrors and tend to the animals. However this idyll is occasionally marred by losses at sea and Grace frequently helps her family tend to survivors of wrecks who have witnessed events that are hard to deal with. When a new lighthouse is built on Longstone Rock Grace is the only one of the children who remains with her parents. It is she who with great courage overcomes her childhood fear of drowning to help her father rescue some of the survivors of the wrecked Forfarshire.
Hilary McKay has a gift for bringing characters to life on the page and in Becoming Grace this skill is displayed again. She conveys the reality of life for people such as Grace’s family at that time and also touches on the expectations of girls and young women in the Victorian age. There is much to learn from this short but compelling book. This particular partnership of author and illustrator works well with Keith Robinson’s black and white illustrations conveying the details of the family’s life and the emotional experience of these people. The cover has real shelf appeal too capturing the drama of this well know historical event. Becoming Grace is published on 10th April.
The Last House in the Row by Lesley Parr illustrated by Richard Johnson
Lesley Parr’s first novella for Barrington Stoke is full of the warmth and understanding that regular readers of her books will recognise. The Last House in the Row is set in a Welsh community and tells the story of an unlikely friendship between an impulsive 11 year old girl and a reclusive old lady and the impact that their bond has on them both. Tender, wise and beautifully told, this is an absolute delight of a book.
Hayley is cross that her much loved pet cat, who bears the unlikely name Judy Garland, keeps disappearing into the garden of the eccentric old lady who lives across the street from her family. Hayley refers to the old lady as Boo rather than her name, Lillian, and thinks of her as akin to a witch from tales she listened to when she was younger. All the other houses in the street have been knocked down but the indomitable Lillian has resisted all attempts by the council to knock her home down too. Lillian has remained alone in her house ever since.
When Hayley attempts to retrieve her cat from Lillian’s back garden she is taken aback by the old lady’s reaction and a tentative relationship starts to develop between the two. Gradually the bond becomes closer as Lillian reveals more about her past and helps Hayley with her own hopes and ambitions. The young girl also learns why the old lady is so reluctant to leave her home. However a misunderstanding causes a rift that Hayley fears she will be unable to repair and the reader shares the child’s hopes that the situation can be resolved.
Not a single word is wasted in this empathetic story. The inter-generational friendship is depicted with skill and kindness and is the heart of the story. I found some of the moments profoundly moving and The Last House in the Row is a lesson on not leaping to conclusions about people despite outward appearances. A simply lovely story that leaves the reader feeling better for having read it. I must mention the illustrations by Richard Johnson who has perfectly captured the character of Lillian as described by the author. The cover also provides a taste of what to expect from the story as a good cover should! Published on 10th April.
I should like to thank the publishers Barrington Stoke and Poppy McLean for providing my review copies.
Under a Fire- Red Sky is inspired by Geraldine McCaughrean’s own family experience since she draws on the life of her father who was a fire fighter during the Second World War. Award winning McCaughrean writes with a directness that has considerable impact and this is a moving and compelling read.
McCaughrean tells the story of a group of four teenagers, very different in character and background, brought together initially by circumstance and bonded by their shared experience of war particularly during the Blitz in London. Their parents have all despatched them off as evacuees but first one then the others in turn flee the train taking them away and returned home to Greenwich.
Each of the young people are at that moment in their teens when they stand on the brink of adulthood, when life should hold infinite possibilities, but all their hopes aspirations and dreams are side-lined by the outbreak of war. Lawrence, well read and articulate, is working on his secret ‘project’ and at first it is he who acts as the leader, educating his friends on the history of London. Olive has told her mother that school is closed except for those receiving ‘university coaching’ and worries dreadfully about the safety of her fire fighter father. Franklin, despite being too young, is desperate to join the fire service and approaches every fire station he can think of in the hope one will take him on. ‘The Gremlin’ or Gemmy has run away from her abusive father and is living in a wrecked, abandoned van with her dog, Mutt. The action packed plot is driven by the experiences and growth of these four youngsters as the reader follows them through developing relationships, family difficulties and coping with the increasingly dreadful events of the war.
There is a cast of well portrayed supporting characters too, including a pacifist doctor and his chauffeur and a family member who joins the Air Raid Precautions services. The combination of adults and teens supporting each other through their various roles adds another layer to this well written story. McCaughrean’s writing is beautiful at times, conveying emotion, trauma and human suffering without a hint of sentimentality. This is quite a challenging and hard hitting read in places and is most suitable for older readers and not for the primary school audience due to its themes and the descriptions of the horrors of war. The author has clearly carried out extensive research and there is a great deal of historical detail included. Under a Fire-Red Sky would support any teaching of WW2 as a history topic well. It is however an excellent book to read as a coming of age novel too and the emphasis throughout is focussed on the personal experience and growth of the four likeable main characters. I would recommend Under A Fire-Red Sky to confident readers of about 12+ who enjoy historical fiction. It is a rewarding read and I found myself thinking about the characters long after I had finished reading the book.
Under a Fire-Red Sky is published by Usborne Books on 10th April and I should like to thank Fritha Lindqvist for providing my proof copy.
Readers may be prompted to find out more about the brave people who where members of the Fire Service during the Second World War and there is a an excellent first hand account on the Imperial War Museum website. Fireman Frank Hurd’s Account Of The London Blitz tells the story of a fire fighter in his own words and the museum also provides background information about items linked to the Fire Service at the time. The London Fire Brigade also has a section of its website devoted to the formation of the Auxiliary Fire Service continuing through the bravery of the Blitz which provides detailed information.
Welcome to the this month’s look at what has been happening in the world of children’s books. It has been a frantically busy month and some of the items that I have included feel as though they took place a long time ago now. I have omitted some news as otherwise this round up would be far too long to get through. However, I hope that the taste I have provided here is helpful and will help you plan for the forthcoming Summer Term too.
What I’m reading….
My stand out read of the last month is the new novella for Barrington Stoke by Anthony McGowan, The Beck. Although lighter in tone than Lark it possesses many of the qualities that made his Carnegie award winner both acclaimed and popular. There is great humour to balance the moments of poignancy and a pitch perfect relationship between an eccentric Grandad and his slightly awkward grandson. The Beck is a wonderful reminder of the importance of nature on our doorstep, wherever that may be, and a unsentimental and warm look at family love in its many forms. I loved this and you can read more in my review.
Farshore have recently published a teen edition of Normal Women: Making History for 900 Years by Philippa Gregory illustrated by Alexis Snell and this would be a useful addition to secondary school libraries and classrooms. Impressively researched and full of fascinating facts the book can be dipped into to learn more about specific historical periods or read as a narrative. Personally I found the author’s frequent notes and asides a little distracting but they do provide her opinion and highlight key points which may be helpful and add a personal touch for the intended audience.
Turning to picture books I reviewed one for cat lovers for Just Imagine this month. Moggie McFlea The Witch’s Cat by Anna Kemp illustrated by Adam Beer is a jolly rhyming story that could prompt a conversation with young children about behaviour. The attractive pen and ink illustrations by Adam Beer convey the characters’ emotions wonderfully with Moggie’s changing demeanour and expressions being particularly amusing. Fun to read aloud and a delightful twist on the usual ‘wicked witch’ stories.
Regular readers of my blog will know how much I enjoy sharing books with my two year old grandson. We have had a very happy time enjoying some of the latest publications from Priddy Books and you can find out more by reading about our experience here. Last but definitely not least 21st March is recognised globally as Down Syndrome Day and to mark the occasion I wrote about some recently published children’s books featuring characters with Down Syndrome. All of these would be valuable additions to school library and classroom bookshelves.
News, articles and resources…
The Reader Teacher: Books I’m Most Excited About for March – Scott Evans’ selection for March was just a little late for my last round up so I’m including it here in case you missed it. A wide variety of titles from picture books to information books and sure to include something for the young readers in your life.
The Reader Teacher: Children’s Books I’m Most Excited About for April – and here’s this month’s selection from Scott to add yet more books to your wish list. I have just read Becoming Grace by Hilary McKay and illus. by Keith Robinson and can add my vote to Scott’s as history and individual courage is brought to life and conveyed beautifully in this Barrington Stoke title.
FCBG: Children’s Book Award Shortlists Announced – The Children’s Book Award is the only national award for children’s books that is voted for entirely by children. It is owned and coordinated by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and is highly respected by teachers, parents and librarians. This year’s shortlists are in three categories: Books for Younger Children; Books for Younger Readers; and Books for Older Readers. I have taken part in the blog tour organised to mark the announcement of the shortlist here and you can find out more about all the shortlisted titles and the award via the website above and useful resources here. The deadline for voting is Friday 9th May and category winners and the overall winner of the most popular children’s book will be announced at a ceremony on 7th June.
Peters Children’s Book of the Year 2025 Winners Announced – School librarians, teachers and public libraries around the UK have voted Big Bad Wolf Investigates Fairy Tales by Catherine Cawthorne and Sara Ogilvie (Bloomsbury Children’s Books) the Peters Children’s Book of the Year for 2025. Winners have also been announced in the Picture Book, Junior Fiction and Teen Fiction categories, with Phil Earle’s ‘tale of unrequited love’ Northern Soul and ‘charming’ A Wild Walk to School by Rebecca Cobb scooping the awards in the Teen Fiction and Picture Book categories respectively. In the Junior Fiction category, Tom Percival’s Carnegie-longlisted and ‘highly-readable’ story of resilience, The Wrong Shoes, and Alistair Chisholm’s ‘gripping’ I Am Wolf received an equal number of public votes.
Carnegie Shortlists Announced -The Carnegies, the UK’s longest running book awards for children and young people, announced their 2025 shortlists at the London Book Fair earlier this month. 16 books have been shortlisted in total, with eight in each category for the Carnegie Medal for Writing and the Carnegie Medal for Illustration; whittled down from 35 longlisted titles by the judging panel, which includes 14 children’s and youth librarians from CILIP’s Youth Libraries Group. You can view both shortlists and find out more about the titles, authors and illustrators on the official website above.
HFL Education: Using World Book Day as a springboard to re-ignite reading for pleasure – World Book Day initiatives can be hugely effective in re-igniting reading for pleasure across the school, but how can we harness this enthusiasm and attention to re-focus the school community’s attention on the importance of enjoying reading? This helpful article gives guidance on how to nurture pupils into lifelong lovers of reading: to become people who choose to read.
Books for Keeps – this online journal is always full of interesting, informative and entertaining articles and interviews plus helpful reviews. Highlights of the March issue include an Authorgraph interview with Jenny McLachlan, Gregg Stobb’s Windows into Illustration, new Beyond the Secret Garden, new Picture This from Nicolette Jones, and important comment pieces on AI and book bans.
UKLA Book Award Shortlists Announcement – 87 teacher judges, who had been recruited to one of the four categories, have been reading and debating the 20 books longlisted in each category since September. The shortlists range from books suitable for young children aged 3+ to novels and information books for teen readers. The shortlisted titles in each category can be explored on the website.
Camilla Reid announced as BookTrust’s first ever Baby-and-Toddler Writer in Residence – Author Camilla Reid will take up post as BookTrust’s next Writer in Residence and the theme for her tenure will be ‘books are the best start in life’. Diana Gerald MBE, CEO of BookTrust, said: “It takes a whole community to make a reader, and we’re delighted that early years expert and author Camilla Reid is lending her voice as BookTrust’s latest Writer in Residence.” I like Camilla’s article Why interactive books are so good for babies… and adults! as she eloquently explains the shared joy that my 2 year old grandson and I experience when we read this type of book together.
Book Clubs in Schools 10th Birthday – Book Clubs in Schools (BCiS), the peer-to-peer schools book club charity, have announced Thursday 1st May as the inaugural Book Clubs In Schools Day in celebration of their 10th Anniversary. The celebrations in May will feature online events with authors Tom Palmer, Sita Brahmachari and author/illustrator David Litchfield. Schools can get involved in the #BookClubsInSchoolsDay 10th anniversary celebrations by signing up for the online events and running their own student-led book clubs with free resources available on the charity’s website. Please do visit their website to found out more.
VE Day 80 Commemoration with Mr Dilly Presents – On May 8th at 11am Mr Dilly is hosting a free online event which schools may watch live on on-demand later. A Mr Dilly’s World of History event, this is perfect for KS2 & KS3 students (ages 7-14) in primary and secondary schools. Engaging storytelling meets powerful film – Featuring authentic WWII footage, Mr Dilly will bring to life a handful of real-life inspired characters from the time, including an Air Raid Warden, a soldier celebrating outside Buckingham Palace, a news reporter, and an East End civilian. There will also be a Q&A session for which schools may submit questions in advance.
Tom Palmer’s VE Day 80 Commemoration Resources – Award winning author Tom Palmer’s website is an excellent resource all year round but I would like to highlight the special resources Tom and his wife Rebecca have created linked to his book After the War, in which VE Day features, and his forthcoming picture book due out later this year. There is a quiz, poetry and a craft activity included and a video is to be added soon.
Alex Wheatle, novelist and ‘Brixton Bard’, dies aged 62 – this sad news was announced by Alex Wheatle’s family earlier this month. An award winning writer Alex Wheatle was held in high regard for both his writing and his inspiring work with young people. He was the patron of Book Clubs in Schools, mentioned above, and a few years ago I had the privilege of hearing him speak at An Audience With Nikki Gamble. A kind man who will be much missed by the children’s book community.
Children’s and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels – Sleepy monsters; a wacky broken robot; a search for magical treasures and more are included in Imogen Russell Williams’ selection this month. I was so pleased to see The Beck by Anthony McGowan featured and have now shuffled Wild Magic: Legend of the Black Lion Abiola Bello, illustrated by Emma McCann up my TBR mountain.
WRD Magazine – the Spring issue of this magazine is now available to read online for free. It is full of extracts of new books, interview and reviews and having subscribed for many years I know that this is popular. Suitable for age 8+.
Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2025 – The Cafe at the Edge of the Woods has won the Waterstones children’s book prize. Mikey Please’s book was inspired by game family played during lockdown, while Carlos Sánchez with Rune: The Tale of a Thousand Faces won in the young readers category and Nathanael Lessore’s King of Nothing was awarded the teens category prize.
CLiPPA (CLPE Children’s Poetry Award) Shortlist Announcement – “Patron Saint of Poetry” Roger McGough will host the LIVE online announcement of the 2025 CLiPPA shortlist, the year’s best new poetry for children at 2.15pm on Wednesday 23rd April. This virtual event will be beamed live into primary school classrooms across the country to start this year’s CLiPPA celebrations. All schools in the UK are invited to attend the event and to receive their invitation, all schools need to do is to register for this year’s CLiPPA Shadowing Scheme. The unique CLiPPA Shadowing Scheme enables schools to explore the shortlist with their pupils, looking at the poems in depth and creating live performances of individual favourites. CLPE provide specially created support materials for teachers, including videos of the shortlisted poets. The resources are supplied free to schools when they register to take part.
Register for the Empathy Day Festival – Jump into someone else’s story this June! Join the Empathy Day Festival happening in schools, libraries, bookshops or at home, and be part of a nationwide movement to foster empathy through stories, creating a world in which we all understand each other better. The Empathy Day Festival inspires children and young people to learn more about empathy, develop their empathy skills and put it into action. Running from 2-12 June, with Empathy Day on Thursday 12 June, EmpathyLab are on a mission to raise an empathy-educated generation, and are asking YOU to get involved. See the full programme, (including a nationwide assembly with Children’s Laureate, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, an exclusive empathy-themed Draw with Rob session plus lots more, and register on the website link above to download your FREE resources, tips and ideas – and add your own event to the nationwide events map. Whose story are you going to jump into?
Discover Irish Kids Books: A bumper month for younger readers this March – thank you to Mary Roche for making me aware of this brilliant selection of books, 12 new titles from Irish born or based writers and illustrators hitting book shops and libraries at the moment. From Monsters under the bed, to the treasures of Clew Bay these are a few brand new heart-warming tales for little people and their care givers. Compiled by award-winning and best-selling Irish Author Triona Campbell.
Children’s Books on the subject of neurodiversity or featuring neurodivergent characters – Veronica Price, a former school librarian and now health librarian, has put together a selection of books, published for children, that she has read and reviewed, which have a neurodiversity theme or neurodivergent main protagonist. Several of the included titles are written by authors with lived experience of neurodivergence. I have no doubt that many adults, both those working in education and those who are parents, will find this list useful.
Literacy Hive: Literacy Calendar – this is a wonderful resource and has just been updated for the Summer Term. Sian Hardy who compiles the website includes this helpful calendar of events featuring awards, festivals, competitions, events and much more besides. Both the website and the calendar are easy to navigate and free to use. I would suggest that you sign up for the weekly newsletter if you haven’t already done so.
Finally, some book reviews that caught my eye recently…
The Bird Thief by Rachel Keating – this book published by Graffeg and illustrated by Naomi Bennet caught my attention due to the mention of a goldfinch in the story as I am fond of these little birds and the are delightful to watch in our garden on their rare visits. This lovely review on the FallenStar Stories blog is well worth a read and has put The Bird Thief on my wish list.
The Wood Where Magic Grows by Andy Shepherd & illustrated by Ellie Snowdon – this new book, is the first of a new series for readers aged about 7+, is already on my radar and I have a proof copy on my bookshelf next to me. Kate Heap’s lovely review has made me look forward to reading it even more. Published in July and one to watch out for.
The Blockbusters! by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steve Lenton – as a long time fan of Frank Cottrell Boyce’s books I don’t generally need much persuading to read them. However if you are new to his work this great review by Veronica Price of his latest title will no doubt convert you! “This author has a unique talent for combining jokes, wisdom, and human relationships with a warmth and kindness that bring a smile to your face, new ideas to your brain and a glow to your heart.”
That’s everything for this month. I did warn you that it was rather long! I do hope that something included here has caught your eye and proved helpful. Wishing everyone a happy Easter and if you are on a break that you enjoy some relaxing time with family and friends. Reading Matters should be back some time after the Easter school holidays all being well.
Friday 21st March is World Down Syndrome Day. Why the 21st March? The 21st day of March (the 3rd month of the year) was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. Every year on March 21st, World Down Syndrome Day is observed to create awareness about Down syndrome. This special day, also known as WDSD is a global awareness initiative that has been backed by the United Nations since 2012. National charities across the world have linked up to develop activities and events to raise awareness and support for those living with Down syndrome. It also highlights the facts of what it’s like to have Down syndrome, and how those with Down syndrome have, and continue to play, a vital role in our communities.
Although the situation regarding the representation of disability in children’s literature is slowly improving it can be hard to find books featuring young children with Down Syndrome. However over the the last few months I have discovered some wonderful books for the primary school audience written by people with an insight and understanding of DS. The books I have highlighted below will allow children with DS to see themselves in stories, something all children should be able to do. They will also allow other children to develop an understanding of others who although a little different to themselves do in fact have a great deal in common.
George and the Mini Dragon by George Webster in collaboration with Helen Harvey illustrated by Tim Budgen
George and the Mini Dragon is the first in a new series aimed at readers of about 6+ and ticks all the right boxes to ensure that this is enjoyed by its target audience. It is full of fun, supportive friendship and a likeable main character with a positive and inclusive theme throughout. A delight!
As George’s 7th birthday approaches he longs for a pet of his own. When the big day arrives he receives gifts that he had hoped for but sadly not the much wanted pet. George resolves to rectify this himself and as he blows his birthday candles out he makes a rather special, secret wish. He wishes for a pet dragon! Later when he is playing in the garden with his best friends Jason and Faiza he discovers a small lizard behind the shed. As he gets to know this little creature he realises that his wish has come true and he is now the proud owner of a pet dragon whom he names Lava. But how will George cope with caring for a mini dragon who can’t stay out of mischief? The ensuing magic and mayhem will amuse and entertain children and the ending sets the scene for more fun in the future.
George and the Mini Dragon is a lovely adventure for young readers who will be engaged from the first page in this happy story of family, school and friendship. George is instantly appealing being enthusiastic and positive throughout. The fact that he has Down Syndrome is mentioned in the story with the use of Makaton being included together with reference to his occasional difficulty with his speech when he is over excited but is portrayed in a matter of fact and upbeat manner. The whole tone of this charming book is positive and encourages empathy and understanding. The cheerful illustrations by Tim Budgen convey this positivity and enthusiasm well and add greatly to the appeal of this early chapter book. George Webster, through his role as a CBeebies presenter and an ambassador for Mencap, is doing much to raise the profile of children and young people with Down Syndrome.
George and the Mini Dragon would be a great addition to primary school library and classroom bookshelves and I do hope that we will be seeing more stories following George’s adventures. This was my own purchase and was published by Scholastic on 13th February.
One Extra Sparkle: Ellie and the Marriage List by Tricia Sebolt illustrated by Lucy Rogers
The first in a new series, Ellie and the Marriage List, is a charming story featuring a 10-year-old girl with Down’s Syndrome who fears that she may lose her elder brother for good when he becomes involved with their new neighbour.
This is pitched well for its intended audience of newly confident readers of about 7+ and as the first in a series should engage children who will then want to follow Ellie’s further adventures. Ellie loves nothing more than being able to sit and draw under her favourite weeping willow tree in the garden and hanging out with her big brother Ben. However, this summer is different as Ben is busy with his summer job, playing football and to make matters worse he is now preoccupied with their new neighbour, Sara. Ellie and her friend Ling misunderstand the situation and think that marriage is on the cards for Sara and Ben so Ellie resolves to stop the ‘marriage plans’ but her efforts do not go to plan and soon her beloved tree is in danger, feelings are hurt and her family are disappointed with her. Ellie must find a way to put things right, save her tree and win back her brother’s understanding.
The author, Tricia Seabolt, has experience of working in an educational capacity within the Down Syndrome community and she uses this knowledge and understanding to underpin her incorporation of Ellie’s condition within the story. At the end of the story useful information including facts about Down’s Syndrome itself and the way in which it manifests in different people is provided plus details about the therapies that help support children like Ellie. This would be a valuable book for primary school classrooms and libraries. Published by Lantana Publishing in 2024 and you can read my fuller review for Just Imagine here.
The Mizzy Mysteries: A Skeleton in the Closet by Claire Hatcher- Smith illustrated by Lester McCoogan
Another first in a new series and this time in the murder mystery genre, A Skeleton in the Closet introduces readers to likable would be detective, twelve year old Mizzy. Mizzy would give anything to be like her TV hero, Rachel Bailey, but this is difficult when real life is short on mysteries and she believes that others do not take her seriously.
Each summer Mizzy goes to stay with her cousins but this year for the first time the two boys have rather outgrown their young cousin and leave her to her own devices. Then Mizzy discovers Great Aunt Jane’s long lost diaries in a locked wardrobe and she realises that her relative’s death may not be all it seemed. Under the pretence of researching a family history school project Mizzy begins her investigations and gradually suspicion starts to fall on a family member. Can she uncover the truth and even if she does will her family believe her?
Mizzy is an extremely engaging character, likeable, funny and determined and readers will readily empathise with her frustrations and hopes. The fact that Mizzy has Down Syndrome does not hold her back although she does have to deal with the cautious, some times over protective nature, of members of her family, particularly her parents. Clare Hatcher-Smith has over thirty years of experience in working with young people with Down Syndrome and in her author’s note says that Mizzie is a little bit of many of the children she has taught over the years. It is this that has enabled her to create a character who will ensure her readers see the possibilities behind the stereotypes.
The plot itself twists and turns and there are red herrings to lead children astray as they read. The storyline explores the different family relationships and we see Mizzy conquering her fears and gaining confidence by the end of the book. A Skeleton in the Closet would be just right for readers age about 8 or 9+ who are looking for their first taste of the mystery genre and may appeal to those who have enjoyed the Libby series by Jo Clarke. My proof copy contains drawings by the author but the finished book will be illustrated by Lester Magoogan, an artist with Down Syndrome. Published on 27th February by Farshore and I would like to thank the publishers for providing my proof copy.
For younger children I would definitely recommend two picture books published by Scholastic. This is Me by George Webster and Claire Taylor and illustrated by Tim Budgen is inspired by an original poem featured on CBeebies, read by presenter George Webster. This lovely picture book together with its upbeat follow up, Why Not? highlight the importance of celebrating our differences and are full of kindness and positivity. The joyful illustrations match the tone of the text perfectly and include diverse and inclusive representation. These two picture books would be a great way of encouraging all children to feel as though they matter and belong and make them smile too.
I would also like to mention Sky Song by Abi Elphinstone. This story features a character named Blu, a little girl who is brave, loving, kind and joyful and who is inspired by Abi’s own sister in law who has Down Syndrome. Although her Down Syndrome is never mentioned in the story her difference is what gives this character her own unique and important place in the book. You may like to read this interview with Abi Elphinstone about Steph, the inspiration for Blu.
Finally, if you are looking for more books including characters with Down Syndrome Book Trust have put together a helpful list here. A US based website, The Ability Toolbox has some recommendations for a range of ages which can be found here.
Humour is quite often the ‘hook’ that can draw children into reading. Equally many children are overwhelmed by the length of some novels and find collections of short stories or novellas more appealing. Former teacher Rob Walton has created something quite original in this book that breaks all the conventional rules and Please Don’t Read the Footnotes Please is quirky, amusing and inventive and could also be a prompt to encourage children to think about writing styles and formats.
Please Don’t Read the Footnotes Please is a humorous collection of 30 short stories by writer, performer and former teacher Rob Walton. The author breaks all the rules in this short and accessible book, popping up throughout with his thoughts, facts and mischievous asides. Despite the warning contained in the title it will be a resolute reader who is not tempted to move around the page reading the interruptions alongside the stories. This makes for a somewhat haphazard reading experience but a rewarding one nonetheless.
Some of the stories are less than one whole page, others run to a few pages but all are whimsical in nature and contain the author’s rather irreverent view of life. Most are set in schools giving this a relatable quality for the book’s readers. I developed a soft spot for supply teacher Ms Tsang who rises above the mayhem with aplomb. There is a rather different sort of Goldilocks tale, a couple featuring a horse named Jeremy, a continuing saga featuring The Knights of the Butterwicks and a more thoughtful story of a little girl known as Penny Chocolate.
With considerable appeal for readers who enjoy The Wimpy Kid or Horrible Histories style of book Please Don’t Read the Footnotes Please also contains illustrations, highlighting the humour, by Reena Makwana, who has illustrated other titles published by The Emma Press such The Untameables. Both the illustrations and the presentation encourage readers who like to dip in to a book and may be described as ‘reluctant’. However this would also work well in the classroom with the teacher reading it aloud and discussing the format, the role of the author and the use of language.
This is a very different sort of book that rather defies pigeonholing into a specific genre but its quirky appeal will most definitely get children talking and encourage them to think about stories and language in a way they may not have considered before. Please Don’t Read the Footnotes Please is published by The Emma Press on 20th March and I should like to thank the publishers and Catherine Ward for providing my review copy and for inviting me to participate in this blog tour. You may like to follow the rest of the tour to find out more about both the book and its author.
A recent report said that children in this country – post-pandemic, post austerity – are facing a “happiness recession”. I don’t think books are the answer but I do think that encountering books early in life, through the attention of someone who loves you, makes a huge difference. Frank Cottrell Boyce
As grandma to a two year old boy I am rediscovering the joy of sharing books with a very young child. Quite literally since his first week I have been scouring bookshelves, old favourites, newly recommended titles and libraries and bookshops for the type of book that will be enjoyed by the little chap. As our much respected Children’s Laureate, Frank Cottrell Boyce, says in the quote above from author Berlie Doherty’s website, books shared can make a huge difference. However it helps to know a little about which books are available. In the last few months I have discovered Priddy Books and cannot imagine how I had not been aware of them before. Grandson and I are now putting that right together! I would like to highlight a selection of their recent publications and explain why we are such fans.
Priddy Books was founded in 2000 by Roger Priddy with one simple aim: to publish innovative, early-learning books for babies, toddlers and young children. Over the last couple of months we have been exploring some titles in their baby and toddler range. First up was See, Touch, Feel Quack! complete with its fluffy squeaker. This is the latest title in a series and incorporates the bright artwork of the previous books together with photos of happy babies. This chunky board book has instant appeal to little ones and is a good size for toddlers themselves to hold too. The text and images introduce shapes, colours, sounds and animals and encourage early learning along with the fun of pressing the fluffy squeaker available on each double page spread. Older children will enjoy pressing this themselves and my assistant reviewer quickly realising that his finger wasn’t quite strong enough improvised by banging it with the flat of his hand. The sturdy format allows for this! We enjoyed tracing the shapes with our fingers, copying animals sounds and plenty of squeaking so this is very much an interactive experience. See, Touch, Feel Quack! is a board book suitable for 0-3 and was an instant hit in our house.
Having tried one of Priddy Books’ long standing series we decided to try the first title in a new series of board books for the same age group. Teddy’s ABClaunches the new Learn with Bear series, featuring charming felt characters and engaging touch-and-feels on every spread. The whole family approves of this one! Teddy himself has clear appeal to little ones and on first sight his friendly face produced a smile on the face of my grandson too. The design team at Priddy Books clearly know how to reach their audience because Teddy’s ABC has quickly become a favourite and one of the first books picked out of the book basket by my discerning reviewer.
Cheerful Teddy features throughout this bright and colourful alphabet book that uses rhyming text to teach toddlers their ABCs alongside a range of other friendly looking felt characters. Each double page spread features one touch-and-feel element with each one being slightly different in texture. My grandson enjoyed comparing these and I was fascinated to see how he recognised some as being similar to familiar household objects. For example he instantly went to stroke a sofa cushion after exploring Teddy’s “warm woolly pair of mittens”. This sensory exploration is a great learning experience for little ones and my grandson discovered that varying touch-and-feel elements could be stroked, patted, scratched or even cuddled up to. This slightly larger board book format would, I think, make a lovely present for a baby or toddler and would be valuable in Early Years settings as well as for families.
Last but not least we moved on to Ten Little Dinosaur Eggs, a colour and matching book aimed at children aged 2-5 years. In this humorous board board young children join ten dinosaur mummies as they try to find their missing eggs on each double page spread. The squishy silicone eggs have different colourful patterns and children are encouraged through the text to match the patterned egg with the appropriate patterned dinosaur mummy. Following the page turn we can then see the mummy happily playing with her newly hatched offspring. The matching requires concentration and will encourage conversation about colours and shape as the eggs are designed with curves, wavy lines, dots, triangles and more.
The text features both rhyme and repetition making this fun to read aloud and children will over time start to predict the task required as each scene ends with, “Can you find an egg and mummy that match?” The squishy eggs lend themselves to counting games too adding another learning element. The busy illustrations in a range of pastel colours feature a variety of settings including a jungle and ones that may be familiar to young children such as a playground and a swimming pool. There is also a roaring competition to encourage noisy participation! The mummy dinosaurs enjoy a visit to the spa and a yoga class adding yet more variety. Ten Little Dinosaur Eggs is great fun and is already being enjoyed by my grandson and I am looking forward to continuing to share this with him as develops a greater understanding of the matching element. Another great combination of fun and learning I would recommend this for both families and Early Years settings.
As I have already mentioned I am impressed with the design quality of these books which have a clear appeal to very young children. The books are great fun to share and yet also provide a learning experience for the baby or toddler. The sharing of these lovely books provides a bonding and enjoyable experience for both the adult and the young child. Thank you very much to Eleanor Coombes and Priddy Books for providing our review copies, we are greatly enjoying reading them.
Welcome to my stop on the blog tour to mark the announcement of the shortlist for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups (FCBG) Children’s Book Award.
The Children’s Book Award is the only national award for children’s books that is voted for entirely by children. It is owned and coordinated by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and is highly respected by teachers, parents and librarians. It has brought acclaim and strong sales to past winners such as J.K. Rowling, Patrick Ness, Andy Stanton, Malorie Blackman, Anthony Horowitz and Michael Morpurgo, who has won a record four times. The award has often been the first to recognise the future stars of children’s fiction and has the ability to turn popular authors into bestsellers.
Today I am delighted to share a guest post by John Moore & Neetols, creators of Ditching Saskia, one of the titles shortlisted in the Older Readers category.
John:
At first, the idea for this book was simply: ‘What if a teenage boy tried to summon his dead mum for support but accidentally summoned someone entirely different?’ From there, I started thinking about who would be the worst possible person for him to summon in that situation – which led me to Saskia, an annoying kid with an opinion on everything, whether she was qualified to have one or not.
The story grew from this premise, exploring grief and our relationship with the dead through Damian, who is also trying to fit in at a new school. Saskia was always meant to reflect his mum, even if that wasn’t immediately obvious. While Damian struggles with uncovering the truth about his mother, Saskia pushes back against how everyone has turned her into a far more sanitised version of the scruffy, irritating person she is.
Despite having some heavy themes, I still wanted the book to be fun and embrace the silliness of the central pairing’s relationship. It’s in these moments that we get to see how two people struggling can really help each other in their lowest moments.
The final question I landed on was: ‘What if Saskia isn’t who Damian wanted, but who he needed at that moment?’
Neetols:
My biggest challenge when John handed me the script was figuring out how to translate everything visually. Ditching Saskia is my first graphic novel, and prior to this I didn’t have any experience in making longer form comics. So, I approached it the only way I knew how: imagining the story as a film and that I was the cameraman following these characters in their day-to-day lives.
Right away, even before the script was finalised, John and I wanted the setting to include a wooded area. Twin Peaks, Life is Strange and Dark became inspirations for the environmental design. We wanted that spooky small-town vibe which is why I settled for a mostly monochrome and slightly unpolished art direction.
I also took a lot of inspiration for panelling from Alfred Hitchcock’s storyboards by making each panel look as cinematic as possible. Along the way, these inspirations from horror and heavy drama became reflected in Damian’s love of horror movies.
Designing the characters was another fun challenge. Damian proved to be a little difficult. Eventually, I designed him to be half-Filipino. Mainly because I wanted to draw more Southeast Asian characters, to reflect my culture, but also because Filipinos place a huge importance on family ties, and I wondered how that would impact Damian and his situation, having only his grandfather for guidance.
As for Saskia, she was easy enough. She had to look like a rowdy kid but also innocent. Putting her in an oversized coat made her look like a little kid playing dress-up, which captures Saskia’s character of constantly putting on a brave face. The goal was to have them contrast each other, with Saskia wild and playful beside Damian’s more subdued nature.
Children across the UK are encouraged to get involved. Copies of the books can be purchased at a discount from our partner supplier Heath Books here [link https://www.heathbooks.co.uk/federation-of-childrens-book-groups-childrens-book-award-2025/] and online voting will be opened at the conclusion of the blog tour. The deadline for voting is Friday 9th May and category winners and the overall winner of the most popular children’s book published in 2024 will be announced at a ceremony in Birmingham on 7th June, attended by representatives from all our local groups and livestreamed on the FCBG YouTube channel.
I should like to thank the FCBG for inviting me to take part in this tour. Don’t forget to check out the other stops and to watch out for the eventual winners announcement in June!
There is a new book published this week from a winning combination of author and publisher that I have been looking forward to reading for a while. In 2020 Anthony McGowan won the Carnegie Award for Lark, the final book in hisThe Truth of Thingsquartet and the series had a lasting impact on many. The Beck, his new novella with Barrington Stoke, although lighter in tone possesses many of the qualities that made his award winner both acclaimed and popular.
Kyle is irritated at being dropped off to stay with his eccentric Grandad for a couple of hours while his parents attend an important appointment in town. He is prepared for boredom and the fact that since his Granny has died Grandad has let both himself and the house go a little. However today is different. Kyle is greeted at the door by ‘the ugliest dog’ he has ever seen, with only three legs and the somewhat incongruous name of ‘Rude Word’. Then Grandad, accompanied by Rude Word, takes Kyle to visit the beck at the bottom of his garden. The beck is just recovering from years of neglect and pollution and has in effect been ‘rewilded’ and has now become a nature haven for fish, slowworms and crayfish in this urban setting. However Grandad and Kyle discover that the beck is under threat by a new development and together with Grandad’s new young neighbour, Karthi, they resolve to do what they can to save it. Then a dramatic turn of events results in Kyle being left to take on the task on his own and he wonders if he is up to it.
There is so much great humour in this story to balance the occasional poignancy, particularly in the pitch perfect dialogue between the three main protagonists. There are some laugh out loud moments, including several involving Grandad’s Elvis impersonator wig, but there is warmth and wit throughout the whole story.
Alongside the humour there are several important themes touched upon within this short novella. The heart of the story is the inter-generational relationship of Kyle and his Grandad intertwined with the value of discovering and appreciating nature on our doorstep, particularly in urban settings. The many different threads could have been incorporated into a much longer novel but the concise nature does not detract from the reader’s appreciation of how Anthony McGowan handles anxiety, bullying, prejudice and immigration. There is no sentimentality or manipulation of emotions in his direct and spare prose and yet it is thoughtful and affecting. The scene setting is excellent and is based on the Wyke Beck in the author’s native Leeds which strengthens the authentic feel and gives it added relevance to the reader.
Grandad is a superb, well-drawn character who comes to life on the page. I really could hear his voice in my head complete with the Yorkshire dialect. The narrative voice of young Kyle is well done too. In a similar way to in The Truth of Things the author captures that particular mix of awkwardness and attitude found in some teenage boys. Despite Kyle’s outward appearance of coping he is in fact troubled by worries and a lack of self confidence. His gradual development and growth is so heartening for the reader and may reassure youngsters of a similar disposition. I would really like to read another story featuring Karthi and learn more about her family’s background too.
The story does feature mild swearing so is probably more suitable for lower secondary than primary pupils and is marketed as aimed at the 11+ age group with a reading age of 9, its length and accessibility make it appealing for those who feel overwhelmed by longer novels. However, just like The Truth of Things, I can see this being enjoyed by a larger reading audience going up to YA and adult. I must mention the great cover and interior illustration by David Wardle which fit the story perfectly.
Huge thanks to Poppy McLean and Barrington Stoke for my review copy as I simply loved this. Published on 13th March and highly recommended
Welcome to this month’s round up of what has been happening in the world of children’s books. February saw the announcement of the longlists for the Carnegie Medals for Writing and Illustration and of this year’s Read for Empathy Collections. These highlight both the range and the quality of children’s literature available and its importance. Of course next week is World Book Day and the excellent Literacy Hive website has a range of resources and ideas linked here if you are still doing any last minute organising.
A personal highlight this month was attending the celebrations to mark ten years of Empathy Lab at the Artworkers’ Guild in London. This was a chance to thank founder Miranda McKearney for the awesome job she has done and to give a warm welcome to Imogen Bond who has taken over Miranda’s role. There was an air of positivity and hope in the room that was so reassuring and valued by all who were there I think. Please do have a look at the links included in this round up providing information about the new Read for Empathy Collection and one of their forthcoming training sessions.
What I’m reading…
An animal whodunit for new readers, entertaining little witches on a mission, dragons and danger, exploring life on the Moon and a ghostly visitor in the fog feature in my selection of books for children published this month. You can read my reviews here.My Dog, a debut by Olivia Wakeford illustrated by David Litchfield, is the story of a friendship between ten year old Rhys and a black Labrador called Worthington. It is also a tender exploration of grief, family, friendship and love which could help readers to recognise emotions in themselves and in others. This book would be a powerful tool for developing empathy. I was grateful to be given the opportunity to review this book for Just Imagine.
When Diamonds by Armin Gerder was longlisted for the Carnegie in 2022 I was struck by the powerful storytelling through both text and illustration in this thought provoking picture book. It was published in paperback in January and revisiting it now I’m reminded that its themes, including poverty, capitalism, inequality and corruption, make this an excellent tool for prompting discussion on social matters for secondary age pupils and for upper primary too.
At the moment I am reading A Skeleton in the Closet, the first in the new Mizzy Mysteries by Claire Hatcher-Smith. Published this week its main protagonist, would be super sleuth Mizzy, has Down Syndrome and as we mark National Down Syndrome Awareness Day on 21st of this month this enjoyable story is well timed. It is so good so see inclusive representation of this type and to allow all children to see themselves in books.
News, articles and resources…
World Book Day: The Children’s Book Show Presents Michael Rosen’s Request Show – I understand that it is not too late for you to sign up for this free live on-line event on Thursday 6th March at 11.30am. Over the last few weeks children have been submitting their special requests so that Michael Rosen will be performing poems that are the children’s favourites. He will also be answering pupil questions, talking about the joy and importance of poetry, and sharing some stories from his life as a writer. It promises to be a happy event and a great way to celebrate World Book Day.
Waterstones Children’s Book Award Shortlist – this shortlist, chosen by booksellers, was announced in February. This year’s selection is a tribute to the depth and diversity of contemporary children’s literature across three age ranges, from a gorgeous picture book celebration of Chinese cuisine to a shapeshifting girl’s fantastical quest and a razor-sharp queer romcom. The category winners and overall winner will be announced at a special ceremony on the evening of Thursday 27 March.
Henrietta Branford Writing Competition Opens – The Henrietta Branford Writing Competition, the annual competition for young people which runs in conjunction with the Branford Boase Award, opened on 11th February. The competition aims to find and encourage writers of the future, something author Henrietta Branford was always keen to do. Anyone under the age of 19 can enter the competition. This year’s competition with the theme, “Make ‘em laugh!” is inspired by 2024 winner Nathanael Lessore’s book, Steady For This. The judges are looking for stories, poems, song or rap lyrics that will make them laugh. They can be inspired by real life events (like many of the incidents in Nathanael’s books) or entirely fictitious. Six winners will receive signed copies of each of the books shortlisted for the 2025 Branford Boase Award. Their stories, poems, song or rap lyrics will be published on the Branford Boase Award website. The closing date is Friday 30 May 2025.
Empathy Lab Reveal the 2025 Read for Empathy Collections – this unique list of 70 titles for children and young people aged 3-16+ has been carefully curated by experts as a tool to help those living and working with children and young people to discover empathy-boosting reading recommendations in the run up to Empathy Day. Sharing this collection of books and using the guides provided by Empathy Lab feels like something we can all do in the face of mounting concern about children’s well-being. Please do explore the helpful resources and information provided.
Tuesday 11th March 4.00pm-5.30pm. An Empathy Lab short online training course. ‘Boys Books and Reading for Empathy’. As our boys grow up, there are concerning trends which we believe educating for empathy has the potential to combat. This training helps you choose and use empathy-rich books which increase reading for pleasure, explore what it is like to be a boy or young man in 2025, challenge pressures to conform to gender stereotypes, raise aspiration and support wellbeing. Aimed at teachers, librarians and parents.Cost: £70/person with 10% discount for members of the SLA, SLG, YLG and the UKLA. Booking information can be found on the link above.
School Library Association: Reading and Empathy: Sharing young people’s experiences – webinar 17th March 3.30pm -4.30pm free for SLA members Hear about the latest research, explore how students can be supported in using reading to understand themselves and others, and discuss how to apply this research in your school library.
2025 Carnegie Medals Longlist Announced – on 12th February the long lists for Carnegie Medals for both Writing and Illustration were announced. These longlists were chosen from 119 nominations by the judging panel which includes 14 children’s and youth librarians from CILIP’s Youth Libraries Group. Independent publishers dominate with 23 books longlisted from 13 different publishing houses, including small presses Firefly Press, Otter-Barry, Little Island, Lantana and UCLan Publishing. British writers dominate the Medal for Writing longlist, including Scottish writers Brian Conaghan, and Margaret McDonald, Welsh writer Lesley Parr and Irish writer C.G. Moore.
Love My Books February Newsletter – Lovemybooks is for parents, carers, teachers, schools, and early years staff, created by literacy experts. It is free and ad free with over 250 activity pages full of creative book-based ideas and their regular newsletter highlights new additions to their helpful website. February’s newsletter includes a lovely article by a new mum describing her baby’s reading journey and suggestions for baby’s first bookshelf. There are wise words from Love My Books patron Frank Cottrell Boyce and brilliant new activities linked to books for children of differing ages. It is well worth signing up for the newsletter if you haven’t already done so.
Are picture books undervalued? This new ambassador of children’s literature thinks so. – I was nodding vigorously as I read this interview with Mac Barnett, the Library of Congress’ newest National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. “We’re never going to win the argument that you should read a book because it’s good for you,” he said. “This isn’t why kids read.”
The Klaus Flugge Prize Longlist Announced – This is the tenth year of the Klaus Flugge Prize, which was set up in 2016, in honour of esteemed publisher Klaus Flugge, a hugely influential figure in picture books and founder of publishing house Andersen Press. The prize is awarded annually to the most promising and exciting newcomer to children’s book illustration. This year there were over three dozen submissions, from 26 different publishing houses; 16 have made it to the longlist. You can find out more about the illustrators and their books on the official website linked above. Do look out for some online events with the 2024 winner, Kate Winter, to mark the tenth year of the award.
An Evening in With Just Imagine: Online Book Event: Mental Health and Well Being – the online events organised by Just Imagine for their author and illustrator events programme, plus topical panel discussions, is perfect for teachers, librarians, and all adults who create and enjoy children’s books. Next Thursday 6th March at 7pm Nikki Gamble is joined by Stewart Foster and Coral Rumble, whose latest books sensitively draw attention to the problems many young people face.
Hay Festival Programme for Schools – The Hay Festival 2025 free Schools Programme was announced recently. Step into a world of different perspectives, KS2 Thursday 22nd May & KS3/4 Friday 23rd May 2025 both live and online. There are some fabulous authors participating including, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Patrice Lawrence and Jenny Pearson. Places are on a first-come first-served basis and all events will be livestreamed on the day and are free to watch again later. Booking details are available on the website above.
Storytelling Magic: an interview with Judith Eagle – The Great Theatre Rescue is one of my reading highlights of the year so far and Joy Court has interviewed Judith for Books for Keeps. If my review didn’t tempt you I think this interesting article may do!
LitFest 2025 – From workshops to story trails, poetry to storytelling there is something for all ages this March with LitFest. Much of the programme is available to access both online and in person, and the children’s events are free.
National Literacy Trust: Audiobooks and literacy – The National Trust’s latest research found that in 2024, 2 in 5 (42.3%) children and young people said they enjoyed listening to audio formats. It also found that listening enjoyment is stable across age groups and genders. Following the previous research on the decline in reading enjoyment this is a positive to be built on. The National Literacy Trust website linked above contains further research and resources for schools and tips for families to help you explore the world of audiobooks.
Finally, some book reviews that caught my eye recently…
Our Love written & illustrated by Fátima Ordinola – I am always keen to discover picture books for my little grandson and this review by Veronica Price has pushed Our Love on to my shopping list. This celebration of parental love featuring many different animals would also be appropriate to share as we approach Mothers’ Day.
George and the Mini-Dragon by George Webster with Helen Harvey illustrated by Tim Budgen – National Down Syndrome Awareness Day takes place on 21st March and I would particularly like to draw attention to this wonderful review by Jacqui Sydney. You may be aware that George Webster, of CBeebies fame, has published two picture books but this is his first chapter book. Jacqui sums up the book’s appeal when she says, “Readers will really take to George for the simple reason that in so many ways, he is just the same as them.“
After by Pádraig Kenny – a new sci-fi thriller by the author of the popular The Wild Robot set in a post apocalyptic world due out next week and reviewed by Tom Griffiths. In his review Tom highlights the many possibilities for discussion prompted by the themes contained in this story. He also says that it will be one of his favourite reads of the year so definitely one to look out for!
Pieces of Us by Stewart Foster – Monday 24th February to Sunday 2nd March is Eating Disorders Awareness Week and the blog tour to mark the publication of Stewart Foster’s first YA title has been taking place to coincide with this event. Kate Heap’s review highlights its importance to readers: “Honest, heartfelt and real, it explores sensitive topics with courage and strength. Stewart Foster’s debut young adult novel is just as powerful as his incredibly successful middle grade stories.“
That’s everything for this month and I do hope that everyone enjoys their World Book Day celebrations.
Today Empathy Lab launches the 2025 Read for Empathy collection of books for 3- 16-year-olds, alongside calling for empathy and emotional skills to be prioritised. Now in its 9th year, this unique list of 70 titles for children and young people aged 3-16+ has been carefully curated by a team of experts as a tool to help those living and working with children and young people to discover empathy-boosting reading recommendations in the run up to Empathy Day. As events both in the UK and worldwide have demonstrated empathy and understanding of others who may be different to ourselves is vital to improve relationships in communities. Sharing this selection of books feels like a positive and hopeful thing for us all to be involved in.
“The 2025 Read for Empathy collection of 70 books for 3-16-year-olds harnesses the power of books to build real-life empathy. It is part of a unique and growing UK empathy education movement”
Miranda McKearney OBE, EmpathyLab’s founder.
This is EmpathyLab’s ninth collection, with 40 books for 3-11-year-olds and 30 for 11-16- year-olds. Each offers different ways of experiencing, understanding and building empathy. The collection features books by a diverse group of new and established authors and illustrators, including George the Poet, former Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho, Phil Earle and Hannah Gold.
Contemporary themes highlight the big social issues our children face, including characters affected by poverty, prejudice and racism. Many books underline the importance of understanding other people’s points of view, and respecting differences. Others address the urgent need for empathy for the environment, the conflicting expectations placed on young people, and empathy’s power to build stronger communities. There is a special section devoted to books which help young readers understand and share emotions.
“This collection allows young people to get close to characters, to get close to issues and to be provoked to think. Provoked to care. And to then do something about it”
Professor Teresa Cremin, Open University (Empathy Collection Judging Panel)
Schools and libraries can register now for free Empathy Day Festival resources and events. Running from 2-12 June, with Empathy Day on Thursday 12 June, this major Festival is free and open to all to get involved and inspired. You can register at www.empathylab.uk/Eday-registration.
You can see all the books featured in the collection here on the Empathy Lab website. I would like to highlight just a few of them. Among the books selected for ‘understanding and sharing emotions’ is April’s Garden by by Isla McGuckin illustrated by Catalina Echeverri on the theme of homelessness and reviewed here by school librarian Jayne Truran for Just Imagine. There are a couple of early readers listed one of which, Sidney and Carrie Have a Party by Lisa Thompson, illustrated by Jess Rose I reviewed when it was first published. I think that this gentle story demonstrates the importance of compromise and negotiation in friendships and you can read my full review here. The popularity of graphic novels has ensured that these are included in the collection and Rune: The Tale of a Thousand Faces by Carlos Sanchez is reviewed by teacher Paul Watson on his Great British Bookworm blog.
I was delighted to see a couple of my recent favourites published by Barrington Stoke included and can well understand why they feature. Tom Palmer’s meticulously researched historical fiction always respects both his subject and his young readers and in Angel of Grasmere he highlights both the strain for those left at home during war and the sometimes devasting effects of war on participants’ mental health. Sometimes humour can convey emotions and experiences in a manner that make them more accessible for young people. The dialogue, the relationships and the situations in Northern Soul by Phil Earle are given an authenticity that ensure this story will resonate with many. Readers will empathise easily with Marv as he lurches from one embarrassing crisis to the next.
This is just the briefest of glimpses at the wide range of genres and themes covered in the collection so do please visit the website to discover more about the suggested books. From today free Guides to the Read for Empathy collection can be downloaded from www.empathylab.uk/RFE.
‘The empathy collection is a really powerful way in to help our children develop empathy skills with each other, but also with those in other situations across the world. I think we have both a professional and a moral duty to do that”
Library Lady 