Author: Guy Bass Illustrator: Pete Williamson This is as grotty and grub-infested a book as you will ever find - gloriously, wonderfully, hideously awful. Amongst a castle full of half-baked, not-quite-terrifying, fearful monsters (created by the positively mad Professor) lives an almost-alive, not-ghost of a boy called Stitch Head. I like mad things. The madder, … Continue reading Stitch Head →

Author: Nadia Shireen Illustrator: Nadia Shireen I hadn't read the previous Billy story (Billy and the Beast - 2018) but will certainly be borrowing a copy from our local library now. Billy and the Dragon (published in July 2019 by Jonathan Cape) was an absolute delight and has been chosen by our three-year-old, for a … Continue reading Billy and the dragon →

Author: Saadia Faruqi Illustrator: Hatem Aly Yasmin the superhero is the latest release in the Yasmin series - superb books aimed at children from KS1 and LKS2 (5 - 8 years old). These short chapter books are great for sharing and building confidence, and interest, as children start to read more independently. They are also … Continue reading Yasmin – the Superhero →

Author: Janina Ramirez Illustrator: David Wyatt This is becoming a fantastic series of accessible and enjoyable adventure stories set at the time of the Vikings. Alva is a fierce, inquisitive and courageous girl - with Viking shield maiden coursing through her veins. As with all (well some) heroines, she has a loyal, reliable and equally … Continue reading Riddle of the Runes and Way of the waves →

Author: Stephen Kelman I selected this book from a pile of recommendations shared with me as part of a Book Spa at the wonderful Simply Books in Bramhall. It's not something I would have necessarily chosen for myself when just browsing a bookshop but I really enjoyed it. Another book with an unexpected twist at … Continue reading Pigeon English →

Author: Helen Peters Tears were streaming down my face when I finished this poignant story - not helped by the unexpected twist at the end. Initially, the book begins with a child in recent times who is inspired, by lessons at school, to speak with his grandmother (Anna) about her experiences during WW2; soon, it … Continue reading Anna at war →

Author: Alan Durant Illustrator: Dale Blankenaar Published by Tiny Owl, in June 2019, this is a visually stunning and beautifully retold, African version of Stone Soup - a European folk story about the importance and impact of sharing - focused around Noko the porcupine. Noko arrives - as a stranger - tired, hungry and alone … Continue reading Quill soup →

These five fantastic books have been published by Nosy Crow in July (2019) with something for all ages! Babies and toddlers 100 first words Author: Edward Underwood Illustrator: Edward Underwood Click on the image of the book cover above to be taken to a 'sneak peek' video and more information, on the Nosy Crow website. … Continue reading Nosy Crow – July 2019 →

Author: Erin Morgenstern I absolutely LOVE this book - an utterly thrilling, divinely magical and imaginative fantasy. It has taken the top spot in my current-favourite-reads; although is not that current having been first published in 2011. (The edition I read was published by Vintage in 2012.) I want to live in the world that … Continue reading The Night Circus →

Author: Chae Strathie Illustrator: Marisa Morea This fun and informative book is part of a brilliant series published by Nosy Crow. It will really appeal to kids who love the Horrible Histories books and will lead to awe and laughter aplenty. Aimed at children aged 5 to 8, I thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult … Continue reading So you think you’ve got it bad? A kid’s life in Ancient Greece →