Rita is a little girl with very big ideas. When she wants wild unstoppable spooky fun, day and night, she dreams up a witch. But what will happen if the witch scares all her friends? Or gives her stinky food to eat? Perhaps a [...]
October 31, 2021
This is the second title in the Fairy Tales Gone Bad series by award-winning poet Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Freya Hartas. In this book Frankenstein meets Rumpelstiltkin in this expertly-stitched story about a powerful king, a girl unafraid to stand up for her beliefs, and [...]
October 19, 2021
This non-fiction picture book about prehistoric beasts is a great way to introduce children to dinosaurs and to poetry. It is published by Little Tiger Press and has a tactile hardback cover like a reptile’s skin. The rhymes by poet James Carter make the book [...]
October 12, 2021
Vashti Hardy has written another mystery adventure for readers aged 7-11 years with a steampunk vibe. It is illustrated by Natalie Smillie and published by Barrington Stoke. Grace’s family are wardens of the incredible Griffin Map, using its teleport technology to fight crime across Moreland. She [...]
October 4, 2021
This is an adventure story about friendship and over-coming obstacles with determination by Sophie Kirtley, author of The Wild Way Home. Both titles are published by Bloomsbury. Born with a serious heart condition, Dara has been waiting for his Big Operation forever, and this summer [...]
September 22, 2021
This glossy vibrant counting book about teachers getting eaten by monsters one-by-one is especially perfect for toddlers to enjoy during this back to school season. The story is written in a catchy rhyming verse by Ross Montgomery and the zany illustrations by Sarah Warburton [...]
September 14, 2021
This is fun story about emotions, written in rhyming verse by Michelle Robinson with bright and bold illustrations by Tom Knight. Kevin the cucumber is so cool. Whenever anyone gets hot and bothered, Kevin is always there to cool them down. He even has his own [...]
September 7, 2021
It is difficult to imagine a more beautifully illustrated board book that delights in introducing a spectrum of Nature’s colours, from red strawberries to the blue sky. With bright, joyful art, it is also a fantastic way to show young children how prime colours can [...]
August 10, 2021
This is lovely picture book for toddlers with all the best ingredients: Fantastic illustrations, a central character the kids will love, catchy, rhyming narrative and a positive message to reflect upon and discuss after story time (in this instance about being brave). It is [...]
July 17, 2021
How to Be Brave by Daisy May Johnson is a big-hearted celebration of the power of resourceful girls. Described by our 11 year reviewer Iona as ‘a wacky, gripping story’, it is published in the UK by Pushkin Press. Iona’s full review can be [...]
July 12, 2021
Everyone’s favourite (socially-distanced) characters have returned to entertain us during this seemingly everlasting era that necessitates remote behavioural patterns and a deficit of hugs (for grown-ups too). This gently amusing story is a welcome reminder that hugs from those we love and care about will [...]
July 9, 2021
This is a mystery adventure story for readers aged 10-14 years, set in Wales during the Second World War, from a newly published writer called Lesley Parr. It is published by Bloomsbury. When Jimmy is evacuated to a small village in Wales, it couldn’t be [...]
May 31, 2021
Adapted from the international bestseller for adults The Island by celebrated novelist Victoria Hislop, this is is a moving story for children. It has the same sense of history and place as the popular story for grown-ups but Maria’s Island also contains the loveliest watercolour [...]
May 25, 2021
This is a mad-cap road-trip adventure story translated from its original Finnish into English. It is aimed at readers aged 8-12 years who like crazy adventures and amusing stories. It is written by Siri Kolu and published in the UK by Little Tiger Press. Maisie [...]
May 23, 2021
Inspired by a true story, a groundbreaking robot helps friendship to blossom in this heart-warming story from bestselling author Lisa Thompson. It is published by Barrington Stoke and printed so that it is accessible for dyslexic readers to enjoy too. Anna’s anxious when she’s picked [...]
May 17, 2021
This is a bold and beautiful picture book that will brighten any story-time! Created by Chris Haughton in his distinctive style (we are big fans!) this book is published by Walker Books. Three little monkeys, and their big monkey, are sat high up on their [...]
May 6, 2021
This is a strong board book with beautiful illustrations and a sweet story making it perfect for enthusiastic toddlers as it has an interactive peek-through pages, a gentle rhyming text and lots of animals to spot and talk about. Written by Patricia Hegarty, illustrated [...]
May 5, 2021
This is a moving story that will appeal to any young reader who likes animals, especially if they have experience of forming a bond or connection with a pet. It will also inspire children to understand that no one is too young or insignificant [...]
Joanne O’Connell’s debut novel for readers aged 8-12 years is an original and amusing debut novel which includes themes that young readers will identify with such as discovering true friendships and coping with embarrassing families as well as being an inventor of beauty products! [...]
Monster Doughnuts is the first title is a deliciously funny series from writer Gianna Pollero, illustrated by the award-winning artist Sarah Horne and published by Piccadilly Press. Ten-year-old Grace likes doughnuts and cakes as much as the next kid – but they are also her [...]
May 1, 2021
