Children's books, YA, fiction at its finest
I love a book that celebrates individuality and finding, and loving, what makes you unique. Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival (Bloomsbury) does just that. 'Norman had always been perfectly normal. That was until the day he grew a pair of wings! Norman is very surprised to have wings suddenly - and he has the most... Continue Reading →
Erm... you guys... have you seen this gender-stereotype defying gem? Here We Go! by Petite Boutique is a fab new lift-the-flap board book with a fun format. Each page has a giant tab in the shape of the wheel of the vehicle from the corresponding page, perfect for little fingers and hands. There's lots of... Continue Reading →
There's something immensely satisfying about stickers. Peeling them off, lining them up, smoothing them down. They're just great fun. And they appeal to the stationery geek in me. Frances Lincoln Children's Books have served my sticker-fetish well through their collaboration with the Natural History Museum. They have created two new series of creative and educational books... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →
There's no denying that our young women have some stunningly good role models to look up to. There's a rich herstory of game-changing women across all fields of life. The key is re-writing the history books to bring these women to the surface and celebrate them as they deserve. And that's where books like these... Continue Reading →
I am a big fan of Claudia Boldt's quirky illustrations so when I spotted that she had illustrated this matching game for Laurence King Publishing I knew it would be a thing of beauty. I wasn't disappointed. With 27 animals to match with their homes, there's lots to look at, learn about and love in... Continue Reading →
These Show + Tell activity books are a bit special! There are giant posters to pull out and display, there are stickers to add, there's colouring to be done and a host of fun and imaginative activities to complete. All with delicious design and illustration by the Nous Vous collective. In Transport Activities you can... Continue Reading →
Paws Off My Book by Fabi Santiago is a joyous celebration of reading and finding your own way. With lots going on and gorgeous illustrations with bright fluorescent colours, this is a fab book for sharing and discussing. Olaf the giraffe is excited when he finds a book. He settles down to read it but is... Continue Reading →
Katherine Rundell has a beautiful way of making writing like new. Her phrases are bright and unexpected jewels, waking you up to the world. She gives seriously good simile! Her descriptions transport you to the amazon and throw you in to the jungle. The Explorer is an adventure in language as well as storyline. 'From his seat... Continue Reading →
Rhino Reads 