Author: samjdthomas

I am a primary school librarian and reading advocate. I like to read as much childrens literature as possible so that I can recommend titles to children and adults that would benefit more knowledge on books in order to make an informed choice about what to read next.

Joining In with Helen Stephens this World Book Day 2024

This morning I had the pleasure of joining the event hosted by The Children's Bookshow, who are a charity funded by Arts Council. Every year they give away 1000s of books to children, along with hosting incredible opportunities for children to engage with that involve authors and illustrators. The event this morning had special guest … Continue reading Joining In with Helen Stephens this World Book Day 2024 →

Adventure awaits inside the pages of your next Picture Book

Dig Dig Digger We have a huge love of vehicle based books in this house, always have ever since my children were little, and now with their cousins. This one has become a firm favourite since it was published in January, as the idea of a digger deciding to dig upwards instead of downwards like … Continue reading Adventure awaits inside the pages of your next Picture Book →

The Children’s Bookshow – Events for World Book Day 2024

Founded in 2003, The Children’s Bookshow is a charity that inspires children with a love of reading. The organisation introduces children to world-class authors and illustrators through a programme of theatre events and in-school workshops. The artists selected are chosen from a wide variety of countries and cultures to give young people access to the … Continue reading The Children’s Bookshow – Events for World Book Day 2024 →

Shadowhall Academy : The Whispering Walls

Written by Phil Hickes Published by Usborne on 1st February 2024 Helen (@HelenByles) There are some authors that guarantee a great book. Phil Hickes is one of these. Welcome to Shadowhall Academy, where spirits haunt the school halls. heard a tapping noise, right by my head. Like there was someone in the wall trying to … Continue reading Shadowhall Academy : The Whispering Walls →

Make Tracks – The perfect series for transport loving toddlers from Nosy Crow

If, like me, you have a little one in your life that is fascinated by all modes of transport then you will be delighted by the Make Tracks board books from Nosy Crow, especially with the variety of vehicles featured across the titles. I enjoy looking for books for my nephew to encourage and inspire … Continue reading Make Tracks – The perfect series for transport loving toddlers from Nosy Crow →

Time Travellers – Adventure Calling

Helen (@HelenByles) Having read and enjoyed the Rosie Raja series I was looking forward to seeing what this had to offer. When adventure calls – the Time Travellers answer Suhana, Mia and Ayaan are thrown together on a trip to Parliament, where they are fascinated by all the history that happened there. Little do they … Continue reading Time Travellers – Adventure Calling →

Diamond Jack – Your Magic OR Your Life (Double Review)

Helen (@HelenByles) The first thing that is going to grab your attention is the stunning cover. It really makes you want to pick it up and it also gives you a good idea of the story.  While helping in Grandpa's shop, Bramble discovers a strange scarlet mask. A tingling in her fingers tells her to … Continue reading Diamond Jack – Your Magic OR Your Life (Double Review) →

Winner Takes Gold – Blog Tour Review by @SamJDThomas

When it comes to gymnastics my knowledge is fairly limited, with my children's lessons giving me an amateur level of understanding and appreciation, but that changed with reading Winner takes Gold by Eloise Smith, with her insightful writing that includes many vantage points from the various characters especially the female protagonist, Pearl. The attention to … Continue reading Winner Takes Gold – Blog Tour Review by @SamJDThomas →