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.

Barnes Children’s Literature Festival Primary Schools Programme

The London Primary Schools Programme 2025 will offer over 21,000 free places for state-maintained schools in London and features events with former Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho, Liz Pichon, Patrice Lawrence and more Barnes Children’s Literature Festival has today launched their largest-ever free London Primary Schools Programme, with 21,000 free places available for state-maintained school pupils … Continue reading Barnes Children’s Literature Festival Primary Schools Programme →

The Carnegies 2025 – Longlist Announced

A total of 35 titles have been selected from 19 different publishers; 19 titles for the Carnegie Medal for Writing, and 16 for the Carnegie Medal for Illustration. – common themes include masculinity and a search for self, grief and recovery. Click here to read more about the fantastic books that have been chosen. The 2025 Carnegie … Continue reading The Carnegies 2025 – Longlist Announced →

Bizzy Bear : My First Memory Game titles to date

At the end of 2024 I shared my review of the Bizzy Bear : My First Memory Game Christmas title, which you can find here, and I reached out to the lovely publishers, Nosy Crow, and requested the other titles in these format of Benji Davies' Bizzy Bear books, and YAY they agreed to send … Continue reading Bizzy Bear : My First Memory Game titles to date →

Middle Grade Must Reads – January 2025

Sycamore Hill Mystery : The Tower Ghost Written by Natasha Mac a'Bháird Sycamore Hill Boarding School, Donegal 1963 Clare is excited to start her first term at Sycamore Hill. New sports, new subjects, and new friends – chatty, confident Rose and quiet, nature-loving Molly. But something strange is going on. The girls see a face … Continue reading Middle Grade Must Reads – January 2025 →

Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix

Written by Abi Elphinstone Illustrations by Kristina Kister Published by Simon and Schuster The second instalment to the new Ember Spark trilogy (though I hope it ends up being an entire series *fingers firmly crossed) arrived in bookstores in October, and I obviously ordered the Indie Bookshop edition - with sprayed edge design - from … Continue reading Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix →

The perfect Picture Books to share this Christmas 2024 (Part Three)

Santarella Written by Suzy Senior Illustrated by Lucy Semple Published by Little Tiger As the tagline on the front cover states this book is 'A festive twist on Cinderella', and I love this picture book twist on a classic. Cinderella is left to do everything at home whilst her sisters are attending a ball, and … Continue reading The perfect Picture Books to share this Christmas 2024 (Part Three) →

The perfect Picture Books to share this Christmas 2024 – Part Two

How Does Santa Go Down The Chimney? Written by Mac Barnett Illustrated by Jon Klassen Published by Walker Books I had the pleasure of sitting and reading this with my 4 year old nephew yesterday, and oh how he loved it. I don't even know if a chimney is something he is familiar with specifically … Continue reading The perfect Picture Books to share this Christmas 2024 – Part Two →

Beautiful Board Books to share this Christmas – 2024

Night Night, Sleepy Elves Written by Selina Wood Illustrated by Gareth Williams Published by Little Tiger When I got a copy of Night Night, Spooky Friends I struggled to be able to enjoy it fully because my four year old nephew had swept it up and was enjoying it over and over, and it found … Continue reading Beautiful Board Books to share this Christmas – 2024 →