Tag Archives: Usborne Books

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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New Novels for Children

Posted on May 18, 2023 by alibrarylady

So many books are being published at the moment that it can be hard to keep up with them all. I have selected just a handful of recent titles which I think prove that fiction for children can be both … Continue reading →

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What The World Doesn’t See by Mel Darbon

Posted on March 8, 2023 by alibrarylady

“I don’t ever remember seeing someone like Jake in a book or on TV – it’s as though people with learning disabilities don’t exist in public. The sadness of that overwhelms me. Jake’s been blanked out of life.” Page 165 … Continue reading →

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The Song Walker by Zillah Bethell

Posted on January 17, 2023 by alibrarylady

The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell was one of my favourite reads of 2021 so I was eager to read her new book, The Song Walker set in the Australian Outback, published in February by Usborne Books. From its intriguing … Continue reading →

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Children’s Books: New Fiction Summer 2022

Posted on August 30, 2022 by alibrarylady

Numerous children’s books have been published over the summer and I have only been able to read a few of them so apologies to those not included in this summer fiction round-up. However those featured here should appeal to a … Continue reading →

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The Secret of the Treasure Keepers by A M Howell

Posted on March 21, 2022 by alibrarylady

The Secret of the Treasure Keepers, A M Howell’s latest historical novel for children is an atmospheric mystery in which clues are uncovered like small pieces of treasure found in the archeological dig that inspired the story. With family secrets, … Continue reading →

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The Book of Stolen Dreams by David Farr illustrations by Kristina Kister

Posted on September 29, 2021 by alibrarylady

Each time I sat down to read The Book of Stolen Dreams ‘for a few minutes’ it turned into an hour. This epic fantasy adventure is exhilarating, exciting and compelling but also, ultimately, moving. David Farr is probably best known … Continue reading →

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Mystery of the Night Watchers by A. M. Howell

Posted on August 16, 2021 by alibrarylady

Mystery of the Night Watchers is an engrossing story of secrets, lies, sisters and a desire for justice and truth set against the back drop of a global historical event. Set in 1910 in the days before Halley’s Comet’s appearance … Continue reading →

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The Incredible Record Smashers by Jenny Pearson illustrated by Erica Salcedo

Posted on April 8, 2021 by alibrarylady

Which books do children read? The answer to this question varies according to which source of information you consult. A more pertinent question might be, which books do children choose to read? I always find it fascinating to compare the lists … Continue reading →

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The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell – Review and link to teaching resources

Posted on February 23, 2021 by alibrarylady

The Shark Caller is a children’s book so wise, tender and comforting that I want to press it in to the hands of everyone I know. A beautiful and lyrical story of family, loss, friendship and forgiveness it completely captured … Continue reading →

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