My Book of Classic Nursery Tales

With each story retold and illustrated by James Mayhew, ‘My Book of Classic Nursery Tales’ would make the perfect gift for any little (or not so little) one!

There are eight wonderful stories to enjoy in this delightful collection, including perennial favourites such as ‘Goldilocks and the Tree Bears’ and ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ as well as a lesser known tale called ‘The Vain Little Mouse’. Information at the end of the book offers details about the origins of each story as well as notes from James about the choices he has made about illustrating and retelling each one.

Traditional tales are perfect for developing patterns of language and story structures and these have been retold in an engaging, light-hearted style, making them perfect for snuggling down with at bedtime, sharing with a group or enjoying independently. Children will love joining in with repeated phrases like the ‘trip-trap, trip-trap’ of the Billy Goats as they cross the bridge or the huffing and puffing of the Big Bad Wolf. This will quickly become an ‘again, again’ book- one which is constantly requested!

The illustrations are simply delightful! The bright, colourful collages will instantly appeal to little children, capturing their interest and imagination, and supporting them in retelling the stories for themselves. There are plenty of details to notice, offering much to discuss and enjoy- and perhaps inspire children to create pictures of their own.

A real joy!

My Book of Classic Nursery Tales

James Mayhew

Otter-Barry ISBN: 978-1915659736

Ghosts in the Walls

‘Ghosts in the Walls’ is a collection of eleven scary stories, each written by a different author and each inspired by a Royal Palace. Greatly enhanced by Pam Smy’s atmospheric illustrations, it offers gripping tales with the added benefit of piquing interest in some of the country’s most iconic buildings.

A note from each author can be found at the end of the book, allowing readers to share their inspiration and the development of their ideas. There are many ghosts stories associated with the palaces and although this is a collection of new tales, they are inspired by real people, places and/ or events and are often rich in historical detail.

One of my favourites is ‘Children of the Maze’ by Sam Sedgman. Deliciously sinister, it uses the famous maze at Hampton Court Palace (one of my favourite places!) as the setting for a story which is the stuff of nightmares. Another equally enjoyable story based at Hampton Court is ‘The Prince in the Painting’ by E L Norry- readers will never look at portraits the same way again, but are also sure to be inspired to seek out the painting which features in the story, just to check..!

The setting for Sophie Kirtley’s contribution, ‘In this Still Place’ has made me really want to go and visit Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and explore the Walled Garden… and these stories are sure to have the same effect on other readers, leading them to explore some of these fabulous locations and, no doubt, finding their own imaginations igniting with possibilities for storytelling!

Definitely spooky and not for the faint hearted, this is a collection for the brave and curious!

Historic Royal Palaces: Ghosts in the Walls

Spooky Stories inspired by Real History

Various authors, illustrated by Pam Smy

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526671196

Dragon Cat

Perfect for exploring and enjoying at home or at school, ‘Dragon Cat’ is a simply brilliant poetry collection.

There are so many poems here which could be used as models to inspire children- or adults. ‘The Bag of Secrets’, for example, uses a similar structure to ‘The Magic Box’ by Kit Wright, a perennial favourite in schools, and this shows how poets magpie ideas, twist and shape them in their own way, before creating something new. Children could build their own work, using the repetitive lines and use of the senses, working together or independently. ‘When I Blew the Magic Dust’ could be used in a similar way! ‘As a Result’ is another work which lends itself to gathering, exploring and creating linked images and ideas whilst ‘Mysteries’ or ‘Wobbling Rainbows’ put all those questions children love to ask to great use!

A wonderful range of poetic styles and techniques are included- riddles, acrostics, kennings- and the collection is rich in imagery and word play, making the poems not only a joy to read, but perfect for performing and sharing. ‘In the Dragon’s Cave’ (another poem perfect for innovation!) would make a brilliant performance piece as would ‘Coming Out of Hibernation’- and who wouldn’t enjoy performing ‘Silent Poem to be Read Aloud’!

Many of the poems have additional notes, often referencing the inspiration behind them, leading to further learning. ‘There’s a Lobster on the Phone’ could lead to children investigating the work of Salvador Dali whilst ‘The Planets’ could introduce them to the work of Holst.

There is plenty of humour here as well, enhanced by the energetic line drawings of Tom Morgan-Jones. Whether to promote discussion, inspire, enthuse or entertain, this is an essential addition to any poetry collection!

Dragon Cat

Pie Corbett, illustrated by Tom Morgan-Jones

Otter- Barry Books ISBN: 978-1915659675

All Together Now

‘All Together Now’ is a brilliant book of poems by Michaela Morgan, all gathered together for the first time! With a colourful cover by Nick Sharratt, it is a real treasure trove of poetry fun, a must have for all schools- and homes!

The collection bursts with a love of poetry, the joy of word play and the fun which can be had by creating, performing, reading and sharing poetry. Many of the poems are prefaced by a note to the reader, explaining the inspiration behind the piece or offering additional information to support the reader’s understanding. There are also performance and writing prompts throughout which make this collection invaluable to teachers or other adults who are uncertain about how to share poetry with children.

There are so many poems to enjoy here! Any of the poems in the section called ‘Word Play’ could be used as a model for writing, encouraging children to experiment with their own ideas and collaborate on work. ‘Tiger! Tiger!’ could be used not only to introduce children to William Blake’s original, showing how ‘real’ poets use the writing of other people for inspiration, but also as a starting point for discussions about animals in captivity. The poems gathered in the ‘People’ section would be excellent for using to enrich lessons or for sharing at a story time, provoking discussion and deepening learning. There are also many poems which would make brilliant performance pieces!

Many of these poems have been included in different poetry anthologies so it is wonderful to have them all in one handy collection! The poems are, of course, gems to share and enjoy, but the teacher in me quivers with delight at the potential it holds for developing children’s love and understanding of poetry. Nick Sharratt’s much loved and instantly recognisable illustrations are just the icing on the cake!

All Together Now

Michaela Morgan, illustrated by Nick Sharratt

Otter-Barry ISBN: 978-1915659644

Mythical Tales

‘Mythical Tales’ is a wonderful collection of eighteen stories from across the world. Retold in a lively, accessible style, some of these are ancient tales of mythical beings or creatures and some are more modern, so called ‘national myths’, those invented to unite groups of people.

Each tale is beautifully illustrated, capturing a sense of the magic, mystery and excitement of each story and a short introduction from the author sets the scene. The collection feels as if each one has been chosen very carefully, to offer the reader a selection of different stories to those which are often told, making it an essential addition to any bookshelf.

‘The Story of Queen Libuse’, for example, retells a legend from the Czech Republic about a queen with magical powers, a national tale created to make people feel proud of their country. Part of the French epic, ‘The Song of Roland’, ‘Roland’s Breach’ is a story from medieval France, telling of the adventures of a brave knight whilst ‘Perun’s Stolen Cattle’ is a tale from Croatia about the on-going battle between Perun and Veles.

There are so many stories to enjoy in this delightful collection. Additional notes at the end of the book identify the sources used for each retelling, offering readers the possibility of further exploring these myths and seeing how the author has adapted them. It is a beautiful book for both home and school, where it might be used to enrich the curriculum.

Mythical Tales

Laura Sampson, illustrated by Lilla Bolecz

Templar Books ISBN: 978-1800788398

Published 25th September 2025

The Poetry World of John Agard

This incredible book contains eighty of John Agard’s poems, selected from eight of his previous collections. It is an absolute treasure trove of poetic joy, deserving a place on every library, classroom and home bookshelf.

‘The Poetry World of John Agard’ covers works from John’s first book, ‘I Din Do Nuttin’, published in 1983, through to ‘Points of View With Professor Peekaboo’, which was published in 2000. Many of the poems here are ones which I have shared and used with children throughout my teaching career (I shall never forget one group’s performance of ‘No Hickory, No Dickory, No Dock’!) and so know how much John Agard’s poems appeal to, and are enjoyed by, children.

Each section is prefaced with an introduction from John Agard, offering reflection on the section to come and plenty of inspiration. The collection is rich in both his playful, light-hearted poems and his more thought-provoking work, making it perfect for returning to again and again.

There are so many poems here which work well in the classroom- I’ve already mentioned ‘No Hickory, No Dickory, No Dock’ as a brilliant performance piece. Another joy to perform is ‘Grandfather’s Old Bruk-a-Down Car’. ‘Under the Arch’ works really well as a model poem to inspire children’s own ideas and many are just perfect for sharing at any time!

The Poetry World of John Agard

John Agard, illustrated by Shirley Hottier

Otter- Barry ISBN: 978-1915659477

You can read my review of ‘Follow That Word’ here.

Pocket Book of Pocket Poems

Having received one of A F Harrold’s postcard poems, I know that children love his short poems! Indeed, despite the fact that we enjoyed plenty of poetry in class, many were fascinated by the idea that something so short was a poem as well as being charmed by the novelty of getting something hand written in the post. This led to us putting up a class post box, writing some tiny poems and sending them to each other. It also led to some really great stamp designing, but that’s another story!

In this book, A F Harrold shares a whole selection of short poems- the longest being only 60 words. The further in to the book you go, the shorter the poems get with a helpful number in the top corner of each page telling you how many words to expect! The collection is perfect for dipping in and out of- but one poem here is sure to lead to another!

Both alphabetical and thematic lists are included should anyone be interested in trying to local a specific poem or poems on a subject. There are poems about ghosts, peanuts, sneezes and cannibalism, ballet, curtains, zeppelins and flamingos…and, of course, postal workers! Many are light-hearted, some are reflective, some play with words whilst others are based on familiar rhymes. There is something here for everyone to enjoy!

Children love the fact that short poems are quick to learn, quite quick to create and easy to share. The fact that this little book is pocket-sized and perfect for carrying around is another benefit to this quirky collection of poems.

A F Harrold’s Pocket Book of Pocket Poems

Illustrated by Jack Viant

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1801994972

You can read my review of ‘The Worlds We Leave Behind’ here.

A Poem for Every Day of Christmas

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

and auld lang syne!

What other poem would be as perfect for today’s entry in a book of poems for this time of year? And, indeed, the poem selected by Allie Esiri for the 31st December is ‘Auld Lang Syne’.

Offering a collection of thirty-one poems, one for each day of December, ‘A Poem for Every Day of Christmas’ combines well-known carols and verses with some lesser-known poems. As the days pass, the choices reflect the anticipation and growing excitement of the season, mixing humour and poignancy, some dwelling on the religious significance of Christmas and some on the secular.

As perfect for sharing as for reading alone, the book offers an advent calendar of poems to be enjoyed- but be warned! Once started, it is very hard to resist flicking through the pages and delighting in each new offering. The eloquence of Christina Rossetti’s ‘In the Deep Midwinter’ one day contrasts beautifully with the joy of ‘Needles’, a wonderful shape poem by Brian Bilston; the traditional cumulative fun of ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ is followed by the humour of ‘On the Thirteen Day’, again by Brian Bilston. Teachers might enjoy sharing these, perhaps playing some of the traditional carols included, with their classes or in an assembly as much as families and friends will be entertained by them at home!

Although several of these poems also appear in ‘A Poem for Every Winter’s Day’ also edited by Allie Esiri, there is no doubting that this is a festive collection which can be enjoyed every year.

A Poem for Every Day of Christmas

Edited by Allie Esiri

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1035068388

The River’s a Singer

The river’s a singer,

As he dances along,

The countryside echoes

The notes of his song.

A lively, joyous collection of poems, ‘The River’s a Singer’ offers a wonderful range works, celebrating nature, family, cultural heritage and identity. Many of the poems feature elements of Jamaican patois and, for those who need it, there is a very useful, detailed glossary at the end of the book with a few additional notes at the end of some poems. However, there is nothing quite like hearing Valerie Bloom perform her poems- an inspirational treat everyone should enjoy!

This collection contains a mix of new and previously published poetry, such as ‘Fruits’ and ‘Outdooring’, using a wide range of styles and techniques. As well as being wonderful for performing, sharing or reading alone, many of the poems here would make wonderful models to explore and enjoy with a class.

‘The River’, for example, could be used as inspiration for a topic about rivers. Through using personification and metaphor, the personality of the river is explored, and this could lead to discussions about the vocabulary chosen to capture this with children then offering their own suggestions and considering how these might alter the meaning/ effect of the poem. Word play- and history- are introduced in ‘Henry the Eighth’ and ‘Watt Tyler’ and there is a lovely collection of Christmas poems, offering a Caribbean flavour to the celebrations. ‘Christmas is Here’ gives a wonderful sense of building expectations and excitement and could easily be used as a model for children to create their own poems about Christmas – or other important occasions/ events. Another poem which lends itself really well to encouraging children to create their own work is ‘When Granny’ which would also allow them to try to capture emotions through phrases and words!

One of my favourite poems in this book is ‘The Artist’, but there are so many which could be commented on.

 The River’s a Singer

Valerie Bloom, illustrated by Sophie Bass

Macmillan   ISBN: 978-1035043767

A World Full of Nature Stories

This is the ninth volume in this fabulous series by Angela McAllister and like its fellows, is sure to tempt a wealth of readers to explore the stories within. Gathered into seven sections, the theme of this collection of 50 folk tales and legends from around the world is nature in all its glory.

Each story is retold with great care and attention to detail, staying true to the original whilst making them accessible for a modern audience. Some of these tales are no doubt familiar- ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ and ‘The Little Fir Tree’- but the collection casts its net wide, gathering stories from all over the world. Children will enjoy locating the country of origin for each story and will, no doubt, exclaim over the similarities between versions of folktales they know and those they discover here.

Many of these tales seek to explain natural phenomenon. The reader learns how lightning began in the Khasi story from India, how the sun was made according to some First Nation’s Australians and why the Giant of the Rain showers the Earth with tears in the story from Brazil. Many of the stories have a strong message about respecting, and living in harmony with, nature.

Perfect for dipping in and out of and sharing at home, this series is also invaluable in school. The range and variety of stories, their length, the care with which they are told, make them an excellent resource for guided reading, both for guided and independent sessions. Children love these books with their beautiful illustrations- in the case the work of Hannah Bess Ross- and wealth of storytelling delights. ‘A World Full of Nature Stories’ is also brilliant for story times, perhaps lending a touch of story to another area of the curriculum.

An absolute ‘must have’- like the whole series! Angela McAllister is my guest on the Bookshelf tomorrow -find out more about her and her work then!

A World Full of Nature Stories: 50 Folk Tales and Legends

Angela McAllister, illustrated by Hannah Bess Ross

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711266452