Written by Katya Balen Illustrations by Gill Smith Publishes on October 9th 2025 by Walker Books The Appletree Animal Agency have found three brand-new animals a terrapin called Algernon, a ginger cat called Crumpet, and a three-legged dog called Domino! When Domino escapes in a snowstorm, the team sets out to rescue him. They track his paw … Continue reading The Appletree Animal Agency 2 : Collie Chaos
A Sea Of Stories Written by Sylvia Bishop Illustrations by Paddy Donnelly I love a short chapter book and I think this is going to be one of my favourites. Whenever Roo visits Grandpa, she loves exploring the seaside cove near his cottage. But on her latest stay, Grandpa explains that he can’t go down … Continue reading Short Chapter Books to Share – October 2025
Secret Beast Club: The Dragons of Emerald Yard Written by Robin Birch Illustrated by Jobe Anderson Everyone who knows me really well, knows I love dragons. There's something magical about them and the fact that they are usually good characters. Unfortunately there isn’t a series about dragons for the younger readers that is until now. … Continue reading Exciting Early Chapter Books to escape into
Bear and Bird: The Adventure and Other Stories Written by Jarvis This is a perfect book for children who have recently become independent readers. Bear and Bird are the best of friends. They don’t always understand each other, but both agree that all they want is to make the other happy. So when Bird is … Continue reading Short Chapter Books to enjoy this February half term (2025)
Written by Iszi Lawrence Illustrated by Rebecca Bagley Published by Bloomsbury The Time Machine Next Door: Rebellions and Super Boots Published on 11th April 2024 I absolutely adored the first book and I was looking forward to reading some more in the series. I started with this one and soon I was back travelling around … Continue reading The Time Machine Next Door Series – Books 3 and 4
feature post by Ain Heath Drew Even though my 11-year-old son has apparently “aged out” of picture books, my collection of children’s literature is constantly growing. And as the publishing industry becomes more diverse and self-published authors have more platforms to share their work, my collection has expanded exponentially. I’ve always prided myself on having … Continue reading Why I Wrote a Children’s Book about the African Diaspora
Claire Fayers I’m often asked if I believe in ghosts and magic. The short answer is, sadly, no. I say sadly, because sometimes I really wish there was a bit of magic in the world. (I’m not so sure about ghosts.) But I believe there are plenty of things in the world we haven’t explained … Continue reading Welsh Giants, Ghosts & Goblins
If there is ever the opportunity to read a book written by Catherine Fisher then you are in for a treat, and this latest title, Culhwch and Olwen, is a prime example of her fantastic writing and incredible storytelling. This is the first publication from Graffeg's new imprint, Cadno, and they have picked a gem … Continue reading Culhwch and Olwen – Blog Tour
I spend a lot of time at my job looking for new short chapter books that are suitable for newly independent readers. These books have larger fonts, shorter chapters and illustrations throughout the book. These books are suitable for children aged 5 / 6 upwards and they are the next step up from picture books. … Continue reading Chasing the Shy Town
Call the Puffins Written by Cath Howe Illustrations by Ella Okstad First in a new series about puffins and teamwork. Welcome to the island of Egg where a group of young puffins are in training to join a search and rescue team. Meet Muffin who is following in her dad's footsteps and anxious not to … Continue reading Early Chapter Books – May 2024
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