Tag Archives: Usborne Books

Exploring the Magic in ‘The House With Chicken Legs Runs Away’ by Sophie Anderson

Posted on April 9, 2026 by alibrarylady

There is a theme emerging to my recent children’s book choices as once more I have picked up a sequel to a debut that had I had both enjoyed and admired. However this one is a little different. Sophie Anderson’s … Continue reading →

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March Reading Roundup: New Children’s Books to Discover

Posted on March 31, 2026 by alibrarylady

Prompted by my friend and fellow children’s book blogger and librarian Veronica Price I have decided, somewhat belatedly, to mark the National Year of Reading by posting a monthly round up of my reading. This will no doubt usually consist … Continue reading →

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The Overthinkers Club by Nat Luurtsema illustrated by Cécile Dormeau

Posted on March 12, 2026 by alibrarylady

The first in a new series featuring 12 year old Birdie, who is a likeable and hugely relatable narrator, this genuinely funny and accessible story explores complex emotional issues with sensitivity. Birdie is a natural overthinker and is about to … Continue reading →

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New Children’s Books this January

Posted on January 2, 2026 by alibrarylady

The Not-So-Great Escape by Emma Green The Not-So-Great Escape is Emma Green’s first children’s book and is described by her publishers, Usborne Books, as a “hilarious and heartbreaking” road trip adventure. The trailer highlights the hilarious rather than the heartbreaking … Continue reading →

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The Book of Stolen Dreams: The Final Battle by David Farr illustrations by Kristina Kister

Posted on December 29, 2025 by alibrarylady

Even if you are not a lover of children’s books the name David Farr is probably familiar to you. As I sat down to write this review I noticed that his adaptation of John le Carré’s, The Night Manager continues … Continue reading →

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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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