Tag Archives: childrens_books

Book Advent – 9th December The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski illustrated by P J Lynch

I think that this moving story of kindness and warmth conquering grief and sadness is utterly gorgeous. The text with its fable like feel is matched perfectly by illustrations of such breath-taking beauty that this has become a Christmas classic … Continue reading →

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Book Advent – 8th December The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg

This Christmas classic needs no introduction at all. Such is its originality and brilliance it is widely known and loved by parents and children alike. Why the need to include it in a bookish Advent Calendar you may ask? Well, … Continue reading →

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Book Advent – 7th December Lily, the Pug and the Christmas Wish by Keris Stainton

Lily, the Pug and the Christmas Wish is a funny, warm and up-lifting story about families and magic, lovely for any time of the year but just right for Christmas. It is short enough for emerging readers but with sufficient … Continue reading →

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Book Advent – 6th December Christmas at the Toy Museum by David Lucas

A gentle story with bright, cheerful illustrations celebrating the theme of giving, this has been fondly appreciated by pre-school children at library storytime. It’s Christmas Eve at the Toy Museum. All the visitors have left so the toys hurry to … Continue reading →

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Book Advent – 5th December The Empty Stocking by Richard Curtis illustrated by Rebecca Cobb

It is Christmas Eve and that all important question looms large…Have you been good this year? Will Father Christmas bring you presents? Of course he will, he always does. Or will he? For twin sisters Sam and Charlie this is … Continue reading →

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Advent Calendar 4th December The Thirteen Days of Christmas by Jenny Overton illustrated by Shirley Hughes

The Christmas carol The Twelve Days of Christmas is brought to life in this charming and amusing story of love, marriage and families.  This feels like a Christmas classic and would be a treat to read aloud. Since her mother’s … Continue reading →

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Book Advent – 2nd December The Little Reindeer by Michael Foreman

This charming picture book with stunning illustrations captures the magic of Christmas and tells the story of Father Christmas and his reindeer, with a twist that will appeal to young children. One Christmas Eve the smallest reindeer is exploring Father … Continue reading →

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Book Advent – 1st December Harvey Slumfenburger’s Christmas Present by John Burningham

  A highly original Father Christmas story with a difference this is a wonderful picture book to read aloud. A humorous celebration of generosity, helpfulness and perseverance, this is a treat. It is late on Christmas Eve and an exhausted … Continue reading →

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Why School Librarians Are Educators Too and Why School Libraries Matter

‘’We are all educators…….accompanying young people in their efforts to build their lives for today and tomorrow.’’ For seventeen years I worked as a librarian in a school at which the words above formed part of the mission statement. When … Continue reading →

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Letters From the Lighthouse by Emma Carroll Review and teaching links

From her very first book for children, Frost Hollow Hall, I have loved Emma Carroll’s stories. They are the sort of books that the ten-year old me would have adored and they have a magic about them which makes me … Continue reading →

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