Telling the inspirational story of a young girl from war torn Aleppo called Aya and her families tumultuous journey to safety, leading them to England. We meet Aya at a community centre with her mother and baby brother, both of whom she is responsible for taking care of, a promise she made to her Dad. … Continue reading No Ballet Shoes in Syria
I have always been adament that for me there is no choice between physical books or using an e-reader, never giving the latter a try. Until now. Recently when I awaited confirmation I was listed to receive a physical proof of a highly anticipated new title in the post I instead got offered the chance … Continue reading Book Versus E-Reader
When Clara goes to stay with her aunt and uncle she is given an attic room overlooking the stunning stately gardens belonging to an Earl in the beautiful Suffolk countryside. Clara's Aunt is the Earls Housekeeper and her Uncle is the Head Gardener. The stunning beauty of these well loved and tended gardens echoes off … Continue reading The Garden of Lost Secrets
A collection of short stories taking you back to the world of Alice in Wonderland, this is the new release from Macmillan featuring an award winning line up of authors. Return to Wonderland is a collection of 11 short stories from authors of current best selling titles. Each story features a different character or aspect … Continue reading Return to Wonderland
Wildspark follows Prue, a young girl working on her family farm, mourning the recent loss of her brother Frances, to whom she was incredibly close too. Fixing and maintaining the mechanimals that are a valuable asset to the farm, Prue has learnt much of her mechanical knowledge through her brother. When a stranger visits the … Continue reading Wildspark
This past weekend I attended the anuual FCBG conference, this year's taking place in the beautiful grounds of Woldingham School, one of the oldest girls' schools in the country, in the stunning Surrey countryside. Kicking straight off with Tea celebrating 20 years of The Gruffalo courtesy of Macmillan it was instantly apparent that this weekend … Continue reading FCBG Conference 2019
Continuing this month's publication of beautiful, inspiring and funny picture books here is my final selection of titles that are worthy additions to any childrens library, whether it be the one at home or school. Wide Awake A fun rhyming story from Rob Biddulph of a brother and sister pair of dinosaurs and their antics … Continue reading Peeking at Picture Books – April (Part 2)
The stunning proof copy cover Just prior to Rumblestar entering the bookstores and shelves of children's libraries across the world this May, a prequel was released named Everdark. This stunning 107 page story was one of this years World Book Day titles and provided us with a much anticipated insight into The Unmapped Chronicles by … Continue reading Rumblestar
Proof copy front cover When Luna, Margot and Fabien realise they are about to be evicted from their family home they sit together brainstorming ways to help and then they come across an advert in the local paper stating if the right person applies for the right reasons they could win an island. They write … Continue reading We Won an Island
Another month that will definitely leave us all spoilt for choice with Picture Books, here is a round up of my favourites due for publication this April. Little Green Donkey Front cover A hilarious tale from Anuska Allepuz of a Donkey that is happy to just eat grass, unwilling to try any other foods suggested … Continue reading Peeking at Picture Books – April (Part One)
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