Raising Hell by Bryony Pearce Published by UCLan publishing  Imagine being the person, while trying to bring a dead friend back to life, opening a rift letting dark matters in to the world.  Ivy is that person,  its ruined her life,  her mum left  quickly followed by her dad, and she’s left living with her … Continue reading YA, Why not? →

The Incredible Record Smashers by Jenny Pearson Published by Usborne Last year I decided to list my top 10 books of the year, and The miraculous journey of Freddie Yates came in at number 2, beaten only by the wonderful Midnight guardians.  So I was so excited to read this book, and I wasn’t disappointed.  … Continue reading Middle Grade Reads by Helen →

It is a real pleasure as the team behind this blog, to share a joint review of another of our 2021 favourites, Shadowghast by Thomas Taylor. The anticipation of this title publishing this month has meant that both of us have been eager to get our hands on it, and we are incredibly grateful to … Continue reading BookBound review Shadowghast by Thomas Taylor →

Written by Ian Eagleton Illustrations by James Mayhew Published by Owlet Press When I first read this book I knew it was going to be something special, a beautiful love story. I took my copy of the book into my primary school and used it for story time. When I first read the story I … Continue reading Nen and the Lonely Fisherman →

1. I remember Gary Mabbutt from my childhood and having football loving brothers, do you have any plans to include the players from the 80s and 90s in your football series  or do you want to keep to modern stars? Yeah, gotta love Gary Mabbutt! We have written about some older superstars in our Classic … Continue reading Matt Oldfield talks Unbelievable Football 2 →

Omar, the Bees and Me by Helen Mortimer Illustrations by Katie Cottle Published by Owlet Press Omar is new to the class, he brings in honey cake for the class to share, this gives the class teacher an idea to make the town bee friendly and bring the town together. Soon everyone is involved and … Continue reading Enjoy an Early Chapter Read →

I love a picture book, it gives you an opportunity to talk with your child about the pictures, what is happening and what can you see. I feel this is quality time with them. Here is a round up of some favourites  Afraid of the Dark Written by Sarah Shaffi and Isabel Otter Illustrations by … Continue reading Picture Book Perfection – September (Part One) →

Featherlight by Peter Bunzl, with illustrations by Evan Hollingdale Deryn's parents are the lighthouse keepers, she is expecting a baby sibling to be born, when its time her parents leave her on the island. She has to keep watch and keep the sailor’s safe. Eventually her grandmother comes to stay and they must work together … Continue reading The Brilliance that is Barrington Stoke →