Now that the book is out, I can’t imagine the cover any other way, but I’ve enjoyed taking a rummage through my files to rediscover how the idea came together.I started talking about cover ideas with my publisher, Greenwillow quite early on when I’d only illustrated a couple of the interior spreads. I knew that … Continue reading Silver Linings by Fiona Woodcock
Written by Lindsay Littleson Samia is thrilled to win a sight-seeing holiday to Europe, but when shots are fired in the middle of the night on the Euro Metro, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary school trip. The enigmatic chaperone, Miss Watson, is forced to admit that the trip is being used as … Continue reading Euro Spies
Written by Derek Keilty Illustrations by Magda Brol Published by Scallywag Press It is Ivy Newt’s birthday and her Royal parents are preparing a wonderful surprise for her. It is meant to be a simple but spectacular temporary disappearing act but somehow something goes wrong. Ivy’s parents seem to have disappeared for good! Ivy and … Continue reading Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch
Sam (@SamJDThomas)- Every one of Jess' books published to date have been absolute favourite reads of mine, with my copies having pride of place on my forever bookshelf, so when I became aware of Jess having written a new middle grade book I quite honestly didn't need to know anymore about it. Count me in. … Continue reading Lost on Gibbon Island
This beautifully written book is penned by Lucy Strange, author of many incredible middle grade titles including Our Castle by the Sea, which was shortlisted for a Waterstones Book Prize, and though Sisters of the Lost Marsh officially published in November 2021 I have only recently had the pleasure of sitting down and reading it. … Continue reading Sisters of the Lost Marsh
Written and Illustrations by Rob Ramsden Published by Scallywag Press A little girl hears a bird which is frightened away by some cats fighting. As she searches for her bird, she encounters many other intriguing animals and insects. Then, after sitting down to listen to and enjoy the sounds of nature all around, suddenly her bird … Continue reading I Heard a Bird
Wendington Jones and The Missing Tree is a classic adventure tale, packed with action, twists and turns. But just what is a classic adventure story - the sort the inspired Wendington, and me, to get here. Well I always loved stories where someone learns of something strange and wonderful out in the world. Something so … Continue reading The Adventures That Inspired Me by Daniel Dockery
There are always some books and authors that when they release a book, you know that you need to read that book, and as soon as you get the book everything stops until you have finished reading it. Hedgewitch was one of those books and I quickly fell in love with the book and the characters. … Continue reading Woodwitch
Written by Zana Fraillon Published by Chicken House Scruffity is born into the harsh, grey world of a puppy farm. Taken from his mamma and locked in a concrete cage, what he yearns for most is Family. To belong is The Way of Dog. But no one wants him. Just as his chances of adoption … Continue reading The Way of Dog
The Blackthorn Branch by Elen Caldecott Published by Andersen Press In a small Welsh village, the fair folk are stirring under the mountain. The Fair folk ,who lure children into their underworld. What a description for a book, what a way to hook children and adults in. Cassie’s brother Byron is having problems, at home and … Continue reading Middle Grade Must Reads – March 2023
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