Author: Zanib Milan Illustrator: Nasaya Mafaridik This is a superb book for children aged 6+ and could be used throughout KS2. I imagine it will be particularly effective for engaging reluctant readers due to the oodles of fun illustration and buckets of humour that make the text non-threatening. Fans of Tom Gates and Diary of … Continue reading Planet Omar: Accidental trouble magnet →

Author: Cath Howe I really enjoyed the dynamics of the sibling relationship in this book - which is told with alternating chapters from the perspective of each sister (Maya and Rose). You can really feel the resentment, anger and self-destruction overflowing from Maya throughout the story and the impact this has on those around her. … Continue reading Not my fault →

Author: Charlotte Lo A very funny, unexpected and moving story about sibiling relationships and the adventures we can go on if we have the courage to follow our dreams - no matter how bizarre they may seem to others! The only story I have ever read with cheese ice cream, sheep beauty pageants, a Lego … Continue reading We won an island →

Author: Sara Pennypacker Illustrator: Jon Klassen This book has been around for a while now (published by Harper Collins in September 2017) and, although I'd read lots of glowing reviews and recommendations, I wasn't quite prepared for just how much I would love it. You aren't supposed to judge a book by a cover but … Continue reading Pax →

Author: Onjali Q. Ruaf Illustrated: Pippa Curnick If you haven't read this book yet, please do! It's a moving, poignant and funny story that has deservedly won many prestigious awards (incuding the Waterstone's children's book prize 2019 and the Blue Peter book award 2019). Ideal for Years 4 to 6 (aged 8 to 11) and … Continue reading The boy at the back of the class →

Author: Max Porter I absolutely loved Max Porter's debut novel - 'Grief is the thing with feathers' - so my expectations were high for this book. It didn't disappoint. Just wow. Such a unique voice and style. The pages drip with lyrical language and ooze raw emotion. Porter weaves magic through the pages and is … Continue reading Lanny →

Author: Sophie Anderson If you enjoy stories with magic, adventure, folklore and heart then this book is for you. Ideal for children in Years 5 & 6, I am sure those younger and older will love it too - I did and it's a VERY long time since I was 10!! I can imagine it … Continue reading The house with the chicken legs →

Author: Louise Greig Illustrator: Ashling Lindsay This is one of my favourite picture books (and not just because my now-3-year-old slept through the night for the first time when we first read it together last year). The lyrical text is a joy to read aloud and the charming, delicate illustrations reveal something different each time … Continue reading The Night Box →

Author: Julian Barnes This is an intriguing and powerfully written book with three parts - The sin of height, On the level and The loss of depth. In the first two, Julian recounts a brief history of air balloon flight before skilfully moving to discuss his experience of grief - following the death of his … Continue reading Mystery book: Levels of life →

Author: Padraig Kenny Pog is an absolutely brilliant story. I enjoyed Tin (by the same author) when it was released last year but Pog has exceeded all my expectations - potentially going to be my favourite read of the year. It's a fantasy adventure, ideal for Years 5 and 6 (aged 9+), that follows a … Continue reading Pog →