Tag Archives: debut

Margaret McDonald Wins 2025 Branford Boase Award

Posted on July 12, 2025 by alibrarylady

Debut author Margaret McDonald added the Branford Boase to her impressive list of awards at a thoroughly enjoyable ceremony held at the Centre for Literacy for Primary Education earlier this week. McDonald and her editors Alice Swan and Ama Badu are winners of the 2025 Branford … Continue reading →

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My Name is Samim by Fidan Meikle

Posted on January 8, 2025 by alibrarylady

My Name is Samim is a powerful, at times heartbreaking, debut novel by Fidan Meikle, an Azerbaijani-British writer, linguist and translator. Meikle tells the story of a thirteen year old boy from Afghanistan who is fleeing his home after the … Continue reading →

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Exploring Grief Through Fantasy: A Review of ‘The World Between the Rain’

Posted on December 29, 2024 by alibrarylady

Grief is like the ocean; it comes in waves, ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim Vicki Harrison There are many quotes about grief, many metaphors … Continue reading →

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Pick of the New Children’s Books

Posted on May 28, 2024 by alibrarylady

Family outings with very young children, philosophy and big ideas for little people, a journey of wonder and discovery in our natural world, humour, kindness and friendship in an imaginary world, a touch of fairy tale magic bringing hope to … Continue reading →

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A Week of Celebrations in the World of Children’s Books.

Posted on July 15, 2023 by alibrarylady

This week has seen three special celebrations, all of them involving the world of children’s books but each of them highlighting a different aspect. I was lucky to be able to attend one of these happy occasions and would like … Continue reading →

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Quiet Storm by Kimberly Whittam

Posted on June 1, 2023 by alibrarylady

Quiet Storm, (Usborne Books) Kimberly Whittam’s debut novel speaks to those children, of whom there are many, who are shy and quiet, those who struggle to speak up, to ask questions and to join in even when they desperately want … Continue reading →

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A Passing On Of Shells by Simon Lamb illustrated by Chris Riddell

Posted on March 16, 2023 by alibrarylady

Fifty poems of fifty words each on subjects ranging from family to nature, offering hope and humour, wisdom and insight are gathered together in this clever debut collection. A Passing On Of Shells would be wonderful for use in schools … Continue reading →

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Children’s Books – ones to watch out for in January 2023

Posted on January 3, 2023 by alibrarylady

We can start the year with a smile thanks to two new books from Barrington Stoke this month. For many years I have been a fan of this particular publisher, their books are accessible and perfect for those who may … Continue reading →

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Blog Tour: The Hunt for David Berman by Claire Mulligan

Posted on May 5, 2022 by alibrarylady

The Hunt for David Berman, a debut by Claire Mulligan is an adventure set during World War 2 with a touching bond between two boys from very different families at the centre of its exploration of how war affects families. … Continue reading →

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The Travelling School Mysteries: Libby and the Parisian Puzzle by Jo Clarke illustrated by Becka Moor

Posted on February 15, 2022 by alibrarylady

Jo Clarke’s debut for children, Libby and the Parisian Puzzle, is an appealing combination of adventure, detective mystery and boarding school story. It has all the ingredients to encourage young readers to feel part of the fun and the puzzle … Continue reading →

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