Tag Archives: books

The Lost Diary of Sami Star by Karen McCombie

Posted on September 20, 2018 by

In her latest book for Barrington Stoke Karen McCombie captures the voice of a young girl who feels she is invisible to her family and friends but gradually discovers that friendship can be found in the most unlikely places. Life … Continue reading →

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

Posted on September 18, 2018 by

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

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Armistice Runner by Tom Palmer

Posted on September 9, 2018 by

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

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Firebird by Elizabeth Wein

Posted on September 5, 2018 by

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

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Why Do Adults Enjoy Reading Children’s Books?

Posted on August 30, 2018 by

  I no longer “need” to read children’s books and yet I still do. As a primary school librarian for more than seventeen years, in order to do my job properly, I read a broad range of books so that … Continue reading →

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Splash by Charli Howard

Posted on July 3, 2018 by

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

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

Posted on June 25, 2018 by

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

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Why Author Visits to Schools Matter

Posted on June 23, 2018 by

  In 2013 the Society of Authors published a survey on the impact of author visits to schools. At that time I contributed to the survey and that author visits have a positive effect on promoting reading for pleasure amongst … Continue reading →

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

Posted on June 6, 2018 by

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

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

Posted on June 2, 2018 by

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

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