It’s funny how you can just stumble across brilliant books. I came across this entirely by accident as I was searching for a picture book endorsed by Amnesty International. It popped up in my search engine results and the blurb looked interesting, so I decided to give it a read. Probably the best decision I’ve…
The Light Jar is the second novel from Lisa Thompson, her first being the award-winning Goldfish Boy. This is a beautiful, sensitive and moving book, which deftly addresses the subject of emotional abuse for a younger audience by balancing its stark impact with courage, hope and strength. It is also an intriguing mystery story, which…
Some of you may have grown up with and loved the picture book adventures of Princess Smartypants, which have been around for over 30 years. Two years ago, Babette Cole decided create a Princess Smartypants full-length adventure book, and I’m so glad she did because it’s a riotious read. Sadly, Babette died earlier this year…
‘I’m a peanut butter and sardine sandwich in a vending machine full of candy’. I’m not usually one for sci-fi, but I have been on the lookout for stories with a STEM slant, and came across this book purely by chance. Let me say from the outset that I’m really glad that I did. ‘your…
‘You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose .’ Dr Seuss was born on 2 March 1904, so I thought today would be a good day to celebrate his work. Very early on when our daughter was learning to read (ie, during Reception),…
‘I’m sick of having my dinner run away from me at forty miles an hour’. Due to the dreaded lurgy, I am conscious that I have been away from the blog for a few weeks. So, with the sun shining and the children miraculously playing nicely together, there’s no better time to get back into…
This is a bit of a trip down memory lane for me, as I used to have this book as a child. Teddy Robinson was written by Joan G Robinson back in 1953 after being inspired by her daughter’s teddy bear, who was named Teddy Robinson by a teacher. The stories centre around Teddy Robinson…
‘Warning – this book ‘contains TOP SECRET ideas that are NONE of a cat’s business’. Swapna Haddow has just released the third in her Dave Pigeon series. As all 3 books have received rave reviews, we thought we’d start at the beginning. Say hello to book number one: Dave Pigeon – How to Deal With…
‘You know what they say… where there’s a dog there’s a way’. Alan MacDonald, of Dirty Bertie fame, has just published the first in a new series of books, and if my daughter’s reaction is anything to go by, it will be a great success. Sam, a young boy, has been desperate for a dog…