Tag Archives: Usborne Books

Winter Reads: Enchanting Children’s Books for Christmas

Posted on December 1, 2025 by alibrarylady

As we approach Christmas and the days shorten there is a temptation to close the curtains in the evening and curl up with a good book. Here are two books published in the last month or so that although very … Continue reading →

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Must-Read Illustrated Children’s Fiction: May 2025 Releases

Posted on May 8, 2025 by alibrarylady

A little girl desperate for a pet of her own, an unlikely trio of heroes fighting pirates in an imaginary world, a worried boy trying to save both an old tree and his parents’ marriage and a boy in hospital … Continue reading →

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Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson

Posted on May 1, 2025 by alibrarylady

Jenny Pearson has a reputation for balancing hilarity with a thoughtful look at life. Shrapnel Boys, her first work of historical fiction, is a departure; however, it is rich in her understanding of children and how they interact with each … Continue reading →

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Finding Hope in New Children’s Books

Posted on August 30, 2024 by alibrarylady

One of the many things I find particularly engaging about reading and reviewing books for children is that if not always blessed with a perfect, happy ending they do usually provide a hopeful one. The news over the summer both … Continue reading →

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The Hollywood Kidnap Case by A.M. Howell

Posted on August 1, 2024 by alibrarylady

Alice and Sonny return in this final story in the Mysteries at Sea series tackling secrets, intrigue and danger with their usual determination. The Hollywood Kidnap Case is another exciting, well plotted mystery from award winning historical author A.M Howell … Continue reading →

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New Books for Children – Summer Adventures

Posted on July 10, 2024 by alibrarylady

Islands have featured in fiction and in particular in children’s fiction for many years. From Kirrin Island in Enid Blyton’s Famous Five series to Stephenson’s Treasure Island, the islands in Kensuke’s Kingdom and Robinson Crusoe and also in picture books, … Continue reading →

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New Children’s Books – a round up of picture books, early readers and novels

Posted on April 29, 2024 by alibrarylady

After an absence from blogging and book reviewing over the last couple of months these are just some of the recently published books for children of all ages that have lifted my spirits or offered hope and kindness. A jolly … Continue reading →

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Children’s Books – Reading Round Up for January

Posted on January 31, 2024 by alibrarylady

A new picture book tiger to love, an action packed story of superheroes, a paperback version of an award winning information book and the first in a brand new spooky series have been part of my reading over the last … Continue reading →

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Glassborn by Peter Bunzl

Posted on November 3, 2023 by alibrarylady

Glassborn by Peter Bunzl, the standalone sequel to Magicborn, is a treat of a read. A story in the best tradition of children’s literature, a magical, historical fantasy tale of riddles and curses, secrets, spells and excitement set in an … Continue reading →

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Children’s Books – My October Reading Round Up

Posted on October 26, 2023 by alibrarylady

Spies and a wartime mystery, a storytelling mouse, nature activities and fun for every season and perfect picture books for encouraging creative play and overcoming shyness are among the children’s books I have read this month. I hope there is … Continue reading →

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