What the Dickens? Making the Classics accessible to Young Readers – Guest Post by Catherine Bruton

I will never forget the first time I saw a teacher cry. I think it shaped the writer I became. And it is certainly at the heart of the book I’ve just written – ‘Another Twist in the Tale’, a sequel to Charles Dickens’ ‘Oliver Twist’ set in Victorian London and featuring Oliver’s long lost … Continue reading What the Dickens? Making the Classics accessible to Young Readers – Guest Post by Catherine Bruton →

The Creature Keeper – Blog Tour Q&A with Damaris Young

One of my favourite reads last year was Damaris Young's debut The Switching Hour, so when attending a Scholastic event at the start of this year that showcased books being published by themselves during 2020 I heard of Damaris' new title The Creature Keeper and have been looking forward to being able to get my … Continue reading The Creature Keeper – Blog Tour Q&A with Damaris Young →

The Book of Timeless Memories – A Poem by my Mum, inspired by Jackie Morris’ Book of Classic Nursery Rhymes

Earlier this week I shared a blog about Jackie Morris' Book of Classic Nursery Rhymes, which was very personal to me in content and context, and since writing the blog I gave the book to my mum - curious as to which nursery rhymes were significant to her, and the memories they would remind her … Continue reading The Book of Timeless Memories – A Poem by my Mum, inspired by Jackie Morris’ Book of Classic Nursery Rhymes →

The importance of sharing Nursery Rhymes

In September of this year Otter-Barry Books published an incredible collection of Nursery Rhymes that have an important message behind their stunning existence, and that is to promote them to the latest generation of parents and children alike. Who else but Jackie Morris in her talents of both an author and illustrator could do this … Continue reading The importance of sharing Nursery Rhymes →

Peeking At Picture Books – October (Part Four)

As children move from Board Books to Picture Books is a huge milestone in the journey to becoming a fluent reader, and one that reads for pleasure, it gives me such joy to bring attention to titles that will definitely grab younger audiences' attention from the get go, make them laugh and smile, ensure they … Continue reading Peeking At Picture Books – October (Part Four) →

Roll up, roll up, the circus is in town – Acrobats of Agra Blog Tour

James Bond’s been, Indiana Jones has been, Charlie Chan’s been, Hetty Feather’s been, Asterix has been, Paddington’s been and caused chaos. Of course he did. A trip to the circus has proved impossible to resist for so many writers and film-makers ever since the cry of “Roll-up, roll-up” echoed from the first big top. I’ve … Continue reading Roll up, roll up, the circus is in town – Acrobats of Agra Blog Tour →

Peeking At Picture Books – October (Part Three)

Exciting Early Chapter Titles to Enjoy – October Half Term Reads (2/2)

Sam Wu is NOT afraid of SPACE - Katie and Kevin Tsang, illustrated by Nathan Reed Published 6th August 2020 by EgmontRRP - £5.99 The sixth title in the Sam Wu series sees the namesake head to Space Camp over the summer with his friends, and he is determined to prove he is not afraid … Continue reading Exciting Early Chapter Titles to Enjoy – October Half Term Reads (2/2) →

Exciting Early Chapter Titles to Enjoy – October Half Term Reads (1/2)

With half term break only days away I am excited to find time to read those books that I do not have time for otherwise. The weather continues to be cold and damp for most of us, and with children requiring entertaining as much as they are seeking escapism I have compiled a selection of … Continue reading Exciting Early Chapter Titles to Enjoy – October Half Term Reads (1/2) →

Midnight Magic – Blog Tour Q&A with Michelle Harrison

On the 1st October a brand new title was published by Little Tiger aimed at children making the transition to chapter books. Packed full of beautiful illustrations to stimulate the readers imagination and perfectly capturing the magic written in each and every rhyming verse within. The author of this first in a new series Michelle … Continue reading Midnight Magic – Blog Tour Q&A with Michelle Harrison →