Tag Archives: Usborne Books

Pick of the New Fiction for Children of All Ages

Posted on September 30, 2026 by alibrarylady

How Not To Be A Pirate: The Trouble with Curses by Jenny Pearson illustrated by Paula Bowles Jenny Pearson has already amassed a large fan club due to her skill at balancing humour and gentle understanding in her novels for … Continue reading →

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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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