Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
Inspire Me!
Perfect for the National Year of Reading 2026, ‘Inspire Me!’ is a wonderful collection of ‘words that matter’, all carefully chosen by Nicolette Jones.
‘Inspire Me!’ is such an excellent title for this books as there is an incredible wealth of material here, each entry accompanied by a comment from Nicolette, offering further insight and food for thought and it is obvious that considerable skill, thought and wisdom has gone into the selection of each piece.
The material has been divided into eight ‘chapters’, each on a different theme, making it easy for readers to home in on a particular section should they wish. The range of writing used is quite wonderful- and inspiring! Paddington makes an appearance as do Pooh and Christopher Robin. There are words of wisdom from John Donne, Rosa Parks, Tove Jansson and Mark Twain. Song lyrics, speeches, poems all feature, encouraging readers to dwell on and value words presented in a wide range of forms.
‘Inspire Me!’ makes an amazing resource for schools. Any of the pieces here would make a wonderful focus for a PSHE lesson, an assembly or for sprinkling in to the day to enrich the curriculum, provoke discussion and engage thinking. Nicolette’s additional notes add an extra layer of support for anyone thinking about using the pieces in this way, giving extra inspiration. However, the book is also perfect for children to browse and explore for themselves and be inspired to make connections and initiate further learning and discovery. And not just children…
Inspire Me!
Selected by Nicolette Jones
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1807081652
All the Wonderful Ways to Read
Come snuggle with me…
This delightful book is a celebration of the right of the reader to choose exactly how they will read and explore books. Wherever and however you engage with a book, this one carries the message that the most important thing is that you should love to read!
It would be an interesting book to use to spark conversations with children of any age about where and how they choose to read- and to, perhaps, unpick some of the preconceptions children have about when, how and where people ‘should’ read. It might inspire them to create their own ‘rights of the reader’ style poster, sharing how they best love to read as well as encouraging them to share books which they enjoy which might open new possibilities for others.
Bright, fun illustrations accompany the rhyming text as it celebrates the wonder and magic of books and stories and the many ways and places of enjoying them. It is a lovely book for sharing at home and at school and one which is sure to be read again and again!
All the Wonderful Ways to Read
Laura Baker, illustrated by Sandra de la Prada
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801044158