Saint Death by Marcus Sedgwick

Saint Death is a gloriously angry book. It rages against the corporate machine, against the relentless, intolerable struggle for equality and justice. It highlights the plight of migrants and refugees and it cries at a world that forces their hand. It is a brilliant, brilliant thing. 'Anapra is one of the poorest neighbourhoods in the...

Fairy Detective Agency

I am a huge fan of Sally Gardner's Fairy Detective Agency series. The writing is dazzling and challenges young readers with stonking vocabulary and description. The mysteries are filled with twists and turns and supernatural wonders. But it's the characters that make this series really special. My daughter and I have shared each book in...

Women In Science

It is International Women's Day 2017 and this gem has just been delivered. It is PERFECT. I will let it speak for itself: 'A gloriously illustrated celebration of trailblazing women. Women in Science highlights the contributions of fifty notable women to the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, from both the ancient and...

There May be a Castle – Piers Torday

This is a beautiful book for snuggling up with on a wintery day. A wonderful celebration of the power of imagination and storytelling, There May be a Castle by Piers Torday is warm and funny and has the feel of an old friend and a future classic. 'Eleven-year-old Mouse is travelling to see his grandparents...

In the Dark, in the Woods by Eliza Wass – YA

    'Father wants sixteen-year-old Castley and her five siblings to hide from the world. Living in a falling-down house deep in the woods, he wants to bury their secrets where noone will ever find them. Father says they are destined to be together forever. In heaven. Father says the sooner they get there, the better....

The Story of Britain – history doesn’t have to be horrible

The Story of Britain by Mick Manning and Brita Granström has transformed the way we talk and learn about history in our family. Mollie is fascinated by history but is too young for the blood and guts versions that seem so prevalent at the moment. The Story of Britain is hugely accessible, full of information,...

NNFN – Mad About Mega Beasts

The line between fiction and non-fiction is thin and often blurry. Many non-fiction books use a narrative or other elements of fiction writing to get their information across. Mad About Mega Beasts by Giles 'Giraffes Can't Dance' Andreae and David Wojtowycz uses verse to create a kind of non linear narrative. Children will meet mega...

What to read after the Rainbow Magic Fairies?

Last week a friend asked me for book suggestions for her daughter who loves the Rainbow Magic fairy books. She loves the fantasy aspect of the series, and the slim volumes that don't intimidate her. But what could she read next? What should she move on to? It struck me that it's probably a common...

I want to see myself in my books – eczema/allergies/skin conditions

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...

Mine! A sharing story

Sharing is a tricky concept that all children have to learn to deal with at some point. It can be a very emotional lesson to learn and often children need a little help. Mine! by Jerome Keane and Susana De Dios is a bright, bold and stylish book that gently explores sharing through humour and...