Beautiful Board Books for Babies and Toddlers #1

There is no better way to encourage a love of books and reading then to introduce books and stories to babies as early as possible - even as early as in the womb! I have seen first hand the positive long term influence and effect that sharing books with babies has, to the point where … Continue reading Beautiful Board Books for Babies and Toddlers #1 →

Clifftoppers – The Thorn Island Adventure

Published during a pandemic that saw the country come to a standstill, the third installment in Fleur Hitchcock's utterly brilliant Clifftoppers series entered the world of children's literature. This is neither a book or series that should be overlooked, instead readers should be delighting in seeing the newest installment arriving, and left in despair after … Continue reading Clifftoppers – The Thorn Island Adventure →

The Phoenix Comic ‘crashes’ the Summer Reading Challenge 2020

The Reading Agency's Summer Reading Challenge 2020 has joined forces with The Phoenix Comic to bring more 'silly' fun to the nation's most popular reading challenge. A special take-over issue of the comic featuring activities, information and illustrations from Jamie Smart, Adam Stower and official Summer Reading Challenge illustrator Laura Ellen Anderson went on sale … Continue reading The Phoenix Comic ‘crashes’ the Summer Reading Challenge 2020 →

Bath Festivals and the Waterstones Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell go global with the launch of the free online Reading is Magic Festival – September 2020

Bath Festivals has announced the launch of the Reading is Magic Festival for young people, bringing together UK and international festivals to create and deliver a free, inclusive and engaging digital schools and family programme. This follows Bath Festival being forced to announce the cancellation of the events planned for this Autumn, and have instead … Continue reading Bath Festivals and the Waterstones Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell go global with the launch of the free online Reading is Magic Festival – September 2020 →

Peeking At Picture Books – June 2020 (Part Two)

With even more picture books to draw your attention to this month, here is another varied selection that would make perfect additional to bookcases at home and at school too. Whether you are looking for books to share with your baby, or titles to home within your classroom reading corner, these books would be perfect. … Continue reading Peeking At Picture Books – June 2020 (Part Two) →

Sharing the Joy of a Short Story

Within the community I work and socialise in books are seen as an essential in daily schooling, routine, and respite from all of the chaos we are currently wading through. Books are invaluable for children when they hold the right story to grab their attention, allow them to relate to the content, and immerse themselves … Continue reading Sharing the Joy of a Short Story →

Flyntlock Bones Blog Tour

Guest Blog by Derek Keilty Shiver me timbers but Flyntlock Bones has been a barrel o’ fun to write. And to think it all started life as a doodle. While writing a different story, I scribbled a picture of a skull and crossbones in my story notebook then I drew a magnifying glass over one … Continue reading Flyntlock Bones Blog Tour →

The Reading Agency Summer Reading Challenge 2020 – Meet the Silly Squad and Ambassadors

With Covid 19 still posing an issue for social gatherings and normal routines such as visiting the local library with other family members, The Reading Agency have ensured the Summer Reading Challenge that more than 700,000 children enjoy taking part in each year will still run for 2020, with all assets being available digitally - … Continue reading The Reading Agency Summer Reading Challenge 2020 – Meet the Silly Squad and Ambassadors →

THE READING AGENCY’S SUMMER READING CHALLENGE LAUNCHED TODAY!

Now you too can join the Silly Squad! A whole host of virtual (super silly!) curated events with guest celebrities and authors took place today to mark the launch of the new digital Challenge. The website is free to access, and features games, quizzes and digital and downloadable activities to incentivise and encourage children and … Continue reading THE READING AGENCY’S SUMMER READING CHALLENGE LAUNCHED TODAY! →

Gargantis – Thomas Taylor

On the 7th May 2020 the second title in the Malamander series was published by Walker Books, and it was well worth the wait - I have wanted to get my hands on a copy of this book from the moment I finished the first, which was released on 2nd May 2019. I waited until … Continue reading Gargantis – Thomas Taylor →