Children's books, YA, fiction at its finest
Attention please...! You must all read this book: I am newly converted to Hilary McKay's outstanding writing. She has such a gift for observation, understanding, warmth and wit in her writing. This is a book that feels like coming home. 'Binny's life has been difficult since her father died and her dreadful old Aunt Violet... Continue Reading →
I'm going to let you in on a secret... This is the first Jacqueline Wilson book I have ever read. Gasp! My year 6 book group were horrified when they found out, and spent a year howling at me and plying me with recommendations. Somehow I still remained a JW virgin until this book came... Continue Reading →
A dear friend asked me if I knew of any books that would help her 2 year old son understand his eczema and allergies, something to show him that he is not alone or 'different'. He has severe allergies and as a family they are still learning what his triggers are and how best to... Continue Reading →
I am happy to be kicking off the blog tour for a book set to inspire the scientists and engineers of the future. Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka and Brian Biggs is a force of nature. A whirlwind of a book that whips through story and science alike. It is a... Continue Reading →
Hurrah!!!! A book that shows a female engineer! In fact, Rosie Revere, Engineer (Abrams) provides two stonkingly good role models for children and celebrates the history of women engineers and aviation pioneers. Shortlisted for the Little Rebels award 2014, it is a book that has the potential to empower children and change their future. Shy... Continue Reading →
Your Hand in My Hand by Mark Sperring and Britta Teckentrup is deliciously scrummy! I wish I could photograph every page and share the delightful illustrations with you. Or pop round to every single one of your homes to give you a look. Instead, I'll share a glimpse and you can all go out and... Continue Reading →
Woo hoooo! I've set up a fifth Rainbow Library! This one is a little different. It's for C.A.T.S. club - the local community after school club which provides a breakfast, after school and holiday play scheme for children aged 3-14 years from all the surrounding schools. Quite an age range to provide for! C.A.T.S. club... Continue Reading →
Books that try to teach children colours often end up as dull and lifeless 'point and say' books with no storyline or hook for the reader. Colour with Splosh feels entirely different. David Melling has created a real character in loveable Splosh. The book invites the reader to join in Splosh's game of hide and... Continue Reading →
I love Autumn! It's like a cosy spring - woolly jumpers and hot chocolates, beautiful colours and transformations in nature and the sense of fresh starts and new beginnings. I have had a fantastic summer and feel like we have squeezed in every ounce of fun. But now Mollie is back at school and I... Continue Reading →
The 2014 Scottish Friendly Children's Book Tour (in association with the Scottish Book Trust) takes the very best UK and international authors directly into schools across Scotland and the UK to inspire a love of reading, writing and illustration. This is an idea that fills me with joy. It's so important for children to be... Continue Reading →
Rhino Reads 