D is for Duck by David Melling

'Duck is a magician. Abracadabra! He can conjure up a bunny, a chicken and even the King of the jungle. But can he make a dragon disappear?' David Melling is the well-loved author of the Hugless Douglas series and, our firm favourite, The Ghost Library. D is for Duck is packed with Melling's trademark humour...

Rabbit & Bear: Rabbit’s Bad Habits

Rabbit & Bear by Julian Gough and Jim Field is a scrumptious book. I love the tactile hardback format and the gorgeous use of the icy turquoise colour throughout.    'Bear wakes up early from hibernation and decides if she can't sleep then at least she can make a snowman. She soon meets Rabbit, who...

How to Fly with Broken Wings

This is a stunner from Jane Elson. Her debut, A Room Full of Chocolate, was well received and I think this one is even better. Twelve-year-old Willem has Aspergers Syndrome and two main aims in life: to fly and to make at least two friends of his own age. But all the other boys from...

Shhh! A lift-the-flap book with a difference

We LOVE Keep Out! Bears About! by Sally Grindley and Peter Utton. It's a brilliant concept which involves the children directly in the story – the narrator speaking are they sure they want to carry on? Are they brave enough to go through that dark wood, even if there might be bears? And all the...

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...

Binny for Short – Hilary McKay

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...

Colour with Splosh

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...

Worries Go Away by Kes Gray and Lee Wildish

The dream team of Kes Gray and Lee Wildish have done it again with their new book Worries Go Away. Like their previous two books, this one should be in every school, library and children's centre. Mum and Dad Glue is the perfect book to support children and families through parental separation or divorce, Leave...

Teaching your child to read – book bands, reading schemes and early readers.

The world of reading schemes, book bands, early readers and early chapter books can be a bit of a minefield and seems to have its own language. It can be particularly tricky if your child hasn't started school yet and you are working it all out on your own. I thought it might be useful...

The New Kid

I love this book! I love the artwork and how the brush strokes make me want to touch it, to see the original paintings and run my finger over that red red curly hair. I love its vibrancy and its light. And I love the story. Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick has told the story of a new...