Over the course of the Ember Spark titles being written by the queen of adventure stories, Abi Elphinstone, and published by Simon and Schuster, I have had the pleasure of interviewing Abi to get further insight behind each book, and I am honoured to once again be able to do have done so for Ember … Continue reading Ember Spark and the Unicorn’s Secret – My interview with Abi Elphinstone
Author: samjdthomas
Perfect Picture Books – April 2025 (Part One)
Theres's A Gorilla At The Door! Written by Helen Welsh Illustrated by Sam Caldwell Published by Little Tiger OMG! This book is so hilarious, has the most funniest content in a picture book that I have had the pleasure of being pleasantly amused by in quite some time, and balances the LOL moments with family … Continue reading Perfect Picture Books – April 2025 (Part One)
Beautiful Board Books – April 2025 (Part Two)
Suki Cat : Farmer Imagine having access to a board book that incorporates a female lead character, a topic predominantly aimed at boys, and that the book hosts interactive features such as sliders that encourage little hands to "push, pull and turn" - well you can stop imagining it, it's right here in this title … Continue reading Beautiful Board Books – April 2025 (Part Two)
Beautiful Board Books – April 2025 (Part One)
Croc's Cooking Day Written and Illustrated by Nicola Kent I am so cross with myself because I didn't make the link with this book and pancake day, and I wish I had shared this for the occasion, and not as an oversight. For that i am super apologetic, especially as it such a brilliantly design … Continue reading Beautiful Board Books – April 2025 (Part One)
Discussing Shadowhall Academy with Phil Hickes
We meet at a time where Book 2 in your phenomenal Shadowhall Academy series has been published, could you give those who have yet to indulge in the series a glimpse at what Book 1 holds in store for them, in a few words of your own. I suppose it’s what might be called “an origin … Continue reading Discussing Shadowhall Academy with Phil Hickes
I Don’t DO Mountains – Guest Post
by Barbara Henderson Essential Kit for heading to the hills Bringing the right kit is one of the most important ways to keep yourself safe in the hills. Here are some things to think about: The kit you need will depend a lot on the type of activity you are planning, and what the conditions … Continue reading I Don’t DO Mountains – Guest Post
Shadowhall Academy – Ghost Story Society
When publicity over the prequel to this title circulated I was immediately captivated by the concept of a spooky story that was actually set in my home county of Suffolk, and it being set in a boarding school only further ensured I was going to be reading that book at the earliest opportunity. I was … Continue reading Shadowhall Academy – Ghost Story Society
The Carnegies 2025 Shortlist Announced!
The Carnegies celebrate outstanding achievement in children’s writing and illustration and are unique in being judged by children’s and youth librarians, with the respective Shadowers’ Choice Medals voted for by children and young people. 16 books have been shortlisted in total, with eight in each category for the Carnegie Medal for Writing and Carnegie Medal … Continue reading The Carnegies 2025 Shortlist Announced!
Beautiful Board Books – March 2025
Love Always Everywhere Written and Illustrated by Sarah Massini From a kiss or a cuddle to sharing a giggle, there are lots of ways to show someone you care. But whoever you love, and however you show it, don't forget that love is always everywhere. In as beautiful a way imaginable this board book celebrates … Continue reading Beautiful Board Books – March 2025
Everything Farm with flaps to lift
Written by Becky Davies Illlustrated by Henry Rancourt I have nothing but incredible things to say about this book. No way did I anticipate the amount of interest and interaction that would come from one book being beside my sofa, awaiting my taking a look and reviewing. Let me explain - my 4yr old nephew, … Continue reading Everything Farm with flaps to lift








