I Am the Wind

This is a gorgeous collection of poetry, offering a delightful mixture of well-known poems and those by newer poets, each beautifully illustrated. There are so many treasures here, making it perfect for sharing at home and at school.

For teachers the collection offers, not only many poems to enjoy reading, performing and sharing, but also those which can be used a wonderful models to inspire children (and adults!) to create their own. The anthology opens with a lovely poem by E R Murray called ‘This Poem Can…’ which is perfect for starting conversations, igniting imagination and creating their own works using the same format. ‘Ocean Song’, by the same poet, is also perfect for inspiring children to listen, reflect and express their ideas. Julie O’Callaghan’s poem ‘Earth Whispers’ is a fabulous piece of writing, offering a clear structure for children to plan and develop their ideas around- and to be inspired by the illustration as well.

Favourites like Spike Milligan’s ‘On the Ning Nang Nong’ and ‘Molly Malone’ also appear like familiar friends and it is a joy to see some poems in both Irish and English. ‘I Love These Hands’ is poignant whereas ‘Umbrella’ offers a touch of humour. There is so much to enjoy and cherish in this collection, making it an essential addition to any poetry shelf!

I Am the Wind

edited by Lucinda Jacob and Sarah Webb

illustrated by Ashwin Chacko

Little Island ISBN: 978-1915071460

Blog Tour: Dexter! The Amazing School Dog

Today, I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for this very special book!

It’s Dexter’s first day as ‘School Dog’ and as soon as he is through the gate, he is busy supporting everyone who needs him. As the days go by, he helps Flynn find the courage to leave his Grandma and go into class, he sniffs out Blake’s lost lunch box and encourages George to read to him, naturally finding ways to support every child who needs him. At end end of the book, he is rewarded with a brand new, golden collar for being the best school dog ever!

Having worked with three school dogs, I know that they really can work magic with some children. Empathy is at the heart of this story, gently showing the reader how challenging some situations can be for some children, emphasising the uniqueness of each individual and the importance of gently validating their feelings and allowing time and space for them to flourish. It offers the perfect way to introduce children - and adults- to all kinds of feelings and responses, paving the way for really positive, inclusive discussions.

My favourite illustration in the book- although they are all lovely- is that of George and Dexter in the Book Nook. Dogs make the perfect audience for a story, gazing with devotion at the person who is reading and cuddling close or sitting by their side as needed. Children feel an incredible sense of achievement and well-being when allowed to do this and the experience should not be belittled as sadly it often is.

The illustrations are wonderful, capturing Dexter’s loveable, warm nature perfectly as he spreads happiness and confidence across every page. I hope there are more books about Dexter being planned as these stories will resonate with and reassure all who read them!

Dexter! The Amazing School Dog

Lucy Plunkett, illustrated by Sian Bowman

Owlet Press ISBN: 978-1913339500

Thank you to the lovely people at Owlet Press for inviting me to be part of this Blog Tour.

Bath Children’s Literature Festival 2023

Bath is a gorgeous city with so much to see and enjoy and every year since it started (with the obvious exceptions!), I have joined many other book lovers at the Children’s Literature Festival held there every autumn. Always a wonderful occasion, so many wonderful poets, illustrators and authors take part in this joyful event, making it a pleasure to return year after year!

My festival adventure this year started with a drawing session with Nadia Shireen and Sophy Henn, compered by Steven Butler. Full of fun and fabulous drawings, the illustrators were challenged to create pictures inspired by words selected from the audience. There were giraffes in space, secret agents doing karate in the woods with a goose side kick, scientist rabbits and secret agent guinea pigs! Sophy and Nadia rose to every challenge whilst Steven constantly challenged them with extra details!

The audience were also encouraged to draw along and it was amazing to see just how creative and inventive they were too! It was a brilliant way to start the day…

My next event was with Nikita Gill who was sharing her new book, ‘Animal Tales from India: Ten Stories from the Panchatantra’ (review here). These are stories that Nikita grew up with, told to her by her grandmother, and her love of them was very evident! It was a joyful session of storytelling.

Loving myths, legends and traditional tales, I knew that ‘Mythical Adventures of Greeks and Gods’ was also going to be a session I would really enjoy. Joanna Nadin was talking to Tom Holland about his book, ‘The Wolf-Girl, The Greeks and the Gods’ (review here) - and he was absolutely fascinating! He took his young family to Greece with him for 6 months to be able to visit all the locations and immerse himself in the story, using the character of Gorgo to keep his young daughter engaged on their travels.

Rocket is one of my favourite picture book characters so it was a joy to hear Dapo Adeola (again!) as he read the latest story, ‘Speak Up!’ (review here) and taught us all how to draw Luna the cat. The children in the audience were excellent with their answers in the quiz and also asked some great questions. Dapo gave lots of good advice, reminding children that ‘there is a lesson in every drawing’ and encouraging them to persevere and have fun!

After drawing with Dapo, I was fired with enthusiasm for my next event, ‘Heavy Metal Badger’ with Duncan Beedie. Having listened to the story, the rock music generated the perfect atmosphere for creating some heavy metal band names and designing their logos. Some of the adults in the audience got even more carried away than their children at this point!! Duncan then showed everyone how to draw Badger sliding on his knees, loving the heavy metal!

My time at this year’s festival finished on an absolute high. Ana Sampson is responsible for gathering the poems for the most amazing collection, ‘Gods and Monsters: Mythological Poems’ (review here), which has been brilliantly illustrated by Chris Riddell. This has very quickly become a favourite of mine and it was a joy to listen to Ana (and Chris!) whilst Chris drew constantly. There was a battle of the monsters as the audience were asked to vote in a number of rounds to discover which monster they thought would be the winner! It was the perfect way to end the day.

Today is the last day of Bath Children’s Literature Festival 2023- and I’m already looking forward to next year!

And I Climbed and I Climbed

Yesterday, I had the great pleasure of visiting the Waterstones at the Galleries, Bristol for the launch of a very special book. It was a lovely occasion and it was a joy to catch up with some of the brilliant people who attended.

‘And I Climbed and I Climbed’ is a remarkable collection of poems, focusing on Cosmo, a young boy whose life changed forever when he fell out of a tree in his garden. Having a great deal to come to terms with, these poems explore his experiences. Poet, Simon Lightbrown, has drawn on personal experience to write these poems as, like Cosmo, he became paralysed after an accident.

Deeply poignant and captivating, these poems are really special. Raw emotion, courage, determination and resilience mix with fear, anger, curiosity and pain in the poems which invoke empathy, compassion and understanding. Although each works in its own right, the poems read almost as a verse novel, allowing the reader to accompany Cosmo through his experiences.

Cosmo is a very engaging character, full of spark and curiosity. Mingled with his words are poems from his family and the tree he fell from, offering different perspectives and thoughts. As he considers how his life has changed, Cosmo’s feelings fluctuate, running through a whole gamut of emotions, including moments of humour. The poems are all the more powerful and poignant as they are an authentic voice. Although Stephen Lightbrown was older when he had his accident than Cosmo is in the story, he draws on his personal experiences to create the poems, making this a unique and essential collection.

Listening to Stephen read his poems was wonderful! There are certain poems which had me in tears when I read them- and it was a real struggle not to sob hearing him read them in person. Shauna Darling Robertson read a couple of the poems written as Cosmo’s mother- she did really well not to cry too!

This is a fantastic collection- essential reading.

And I Climbed and I Climbed

Stephen Lightbrown, illustrated by Shih-Yu Lin

Troika Books ISBN: 978-1912745296

Animal Tales from India

On Saturday, I had the great pleasure of listening to Nikita Gill, talking at the Bath Children’s Literature Festival about her new book, ‘Animal Tales from India: Ten Stories from the Panchatantra’. She explained how these stories had formed an essential part of her childhood and she now wished to share them with other children as her grandmother had shared them with her. Originally written in Sanskrit, these ancient stories are a collection of interwoven animal fables, full of wonder and wisdom, humour and heart.

Each tale speaks directly to the reader, creating that intimate feeling of storytelling which is such a feature of old stories, told and re-told through the generations. As with all fables, there is a clear moral to each tale, a thought which is presented at the end of the story, often with a touch of humour, keeping the tone light hearted. ‘The Blue Jackal’, Nikita’s favourite, reminds the reader about the importance of loyalty and family whilst ‘The Monkey and the Crocodile’ is about choosing your friends carefully. The stories are a joy to read aloud with plenty of opportunities to ‘do the voices’ and so much to discuss and enjoy!

The book itself is a thing of beauty. The jacket is wonderfully tactile with gold embossing, but this lifts off to reveal a glorious orange hardback with purple lettering and illustrations. An orange ribbon bookmark means you will never lose your place and every spread is beautifully illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat whose pictures are delightful.

This is a treasure of a book, perfect for sharing time and again, but also a collection of stories which will be revisited independently, as familiar friends.

Animal Tales from India: Ten Stories from the Panchatantra

Nikita Gill, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839944628

The Emerald Forest

Orangutan lives in an emerald forest, teeming with life. Here, she teaches her children what to eat and how to build a nest. But one day, a loud noise heralds the arrival of something new which threatens their lives and she is forced to take her family and flee…

With gorgeous illustrations and moving text, this is a very powerful, special picture book, perfect for sharing. Although it clearly shows the impact of deforestation on endangered species- indeed on all the creatures who inhabit the forest, the book ends on a note of hope, showing that there are people taking action, not able to reverse the destruction, but caring for the creatures whose homes have been lost.

The illustrations showing the colours and light of the Indonesian forest, capturing the very beauty of the natural world, are stunning, creating a stark contrast to the scenes of wanton destruction and chaos caused by man. These dramatic pictures perfectly complement the emotive, engaging text. The richness of vocabulary offers much to discuss and reflect upon and the illustrations demand empathy and action.

The book ends with information about orangutans and the threats they are under and offers links for readers to explore further and learn more. This is very useful for parents/ teachers/ other adults who might be sharing the book with younger children, helping them to be prepared for conversations and questions which the story is sure to generate.

A must-have for anyone who loves animals.

The Emerald Forest

Catherine Ward, illustrated by Karin Littlewood

Otter- Barry Books ISBN: 978-1913074142

Rebel Folklore

Folklore or the stories ‘of the folk’ are central to all societies. Re-told and embellished with every telling, these tales are passed from generation to generation and are usually bursting with larger than life characters. In this fascinating collection, readers are introduced to 50 stories of ‘spirits, witches and other misfits’ and in the introduction, the author acknowledges the importance of reading the tales with ‘their original contexts in mind’, both to fully understand them and also to respect the cultures they emerged from.

The stories are gathered by continent, with the country of origin also indicated. A dramatic illustration accompanies the information about each character and with my copy, I received some lovely cards featuring these. Each section is really well written, offering plenty of information, making links between figures from one culture or time and another and encouraging readers to reflect on the role of these characters who are considered outsiders or misfits in some way.

A completely absorbing, engrossing collection for anyone with an interest in folklore -or for anyone who is intrigued by something a little different, this is perfect for a slightly older audience. It is a book which I will return to again and again!

Rebel Folklore:

Empowering Tales of Spirits, Witches and Other Misfits from Anansi to Baba Yaga

Icy Sedgwick, illustrated by Melissa Jarram

DK ISBN: 978-0241623008

Adventuremice: Mice on the Ice

Pedro is happily settled into his new life with the Adventuremice, protecting the Mouse Isles from harm. Having previously lived beneath the floorboards of Hilltop House, he has never seen snow before and is very excited about learning how to skate and build snowmice- and about the Frost Fair which happens on Midwinter’s Day. But this year, there is so much ice that they have a serious problem on their paws. Some mice from the Frost Fair Organising Committee are stranded on the mainland where they have been gathering all the tasty treats for the Fair. It’s up to the Adventuremice to save the day!

There is so much to love about the Adventuremice books! Lavishly illustrated, these charming stories are perfectly pitched to engage and entertain young readers who are setting out independently as well making excellent read alouds to share again and again.

Each character is full of personality and children quickly identify their favourite - and perhaps see their own personality traits reflected in them. Pedro sometimes lacks confidence, but his big heart and enthusiasm make him an excellent member of the team. Fledermaus can be impulsive, but is brave and daring. Ivy is so creative, with her brilliant inventions helping the team with their rescues. These well developed characters are perfect for inspiring children to create their own stories about the team- and the ‘How to Draw’ guidance (it’s Ivy at the end of ‘Mice on the Ice’) is sure to inspire them to illustrate their stories as well. Drawing the characters becomes quite addictive as the careful, step-by-step instructions result in very successful pictures- and that success builds confidence!

In this adventure, there is just the right amount of peril, plenty of humour and a very happy ending, all perfect ingredients for a satisfying story. The next adventure is to be ‘Mice on the Moon’ and I am sure that there will be many readers waiting impatiently for this to appear!

Adventuremice: Mice on the Ice

Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre

David Fickling ISBN: 978-1788452694

You can read my review of ‘Adventuremice: Otter Chaos’ here.

The Star Whale

Petr Horáček’s gorgeous illustrations are inspiring. Luminous colours glow from every spread as his artwork captures different creatures, habitats and ideas. It is almost impossible to chose a favourite as turning each page reveals new treasure to be lingered over and wondered at. Is it any wonder, then, that Nicola Davies took inspiration from his artwork and created the poems that accompany them?

‘Spider and Wind’ is set against a background in which Petr Horáček somehow manages to capture both the fragility and strength of these creatures and the ‘silver harp’ which they spin whilst the Furze Pig/Urchin/Hotchi Witchi emerges from a cascade of autumnal leaves as Nicola’s words lament how rarely these once-familiar creatures are now seen. In ‘Kingfisher’, Petr captures the ‘small glint of wonder’ in his painting as surely as Nicola does with her words.

For a teacher, there is so much here to inspire and develop creativity and curiosity. To catch sight of an illusive hedgehog, to identify the ‘puff of feathers’ that is a goldfinch, to discuss and discover the ‘names of a butterfly’ and their origins- to explore the wonders of the world and then try to capture something of their essence through art and word- this is a book bursting with potential! However, it is also a book to linger over and to love, to curl up with and dream, to share again and again and again…

The Star Whale

Nicola Davies and Petr Horáček

Otter-Barry ISBN: 978-1915659095

Monster in the Woods

Frith and her family live in a village on the edge of the woods- woods which people claim are home to a monster. With cows disappearing and crops being destroyed, this is what the villagers believe. Frith isn’t convinced, but her little brother, Spuggy, is worried about his imaginary friend, Edward, who also lives in the woods and might be in danger. When Frith goes on a delivery journey with her father through the Barren Wasteland and on to the city where the king lives, little does she know it will start her on an exciting adventure in which she discovers monsters are not always what they seem.

‘Monster in the Wood’ is another fabulous read from Dave Shelton. The ‘Emily Lime’ stories have always been very popular with children I’ve taught and this is every bit as enjoyable. From start to finish, the story is completely engaging and full of humour- swearing good as mum might say!

Frith is a wonderful character whose curiosity and spirit lead her into - and get her out of- many a scrape. Impulsive as she may be, but she has a kind heart and plenty of courage when the need arises. Her relationship with her family is delightful- they might have very little, but they have each other and their wonderful dog, Cabbage. Mum’s tendency to use colourful language is depicted by the use of the word ‘swear’- swearing swear…burned my swearing hand- which adds to the humour when reading aloud in particular!

Although the story is bursting with humour and is a pacey, light-hearted read, there is plenty to discuss and think about here, not least what a monster really is. It is so easy to judge people on first appearances and be fooled into believing things based on this lack of knowledge. Friendship can be found in the least likely places and it is always worth taking time to get to know others.

A wonderful cast of characters, including Spuggy, Edward and the special Big Wise Head, a brilliantly witty and wise plot and the fabulous illustrations found throughout the book, make this a story not to be missed! Highly, highly recommended!

Monster in the Woods Dave Shelton

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452212

You can read my review of Emily Lime: The Book Case here and Emily Lime: The Pencil Case here.

Blog Tour: Strange Tales- Bear Sister, Wolf Sister

I have had the great pleasure of hearing amazing storyteller, Daniel Morden, perform more than once, most recently at Hay Festival this year (you can read about it here), so I was delighted to be invited to take part in the Blog Tour for ‘Strange Tales’. This new collection focuses on the spookier side of life, offering deliciously dark stories to read, enjoy and re-tell again and again.

In the second story in the book, ‘Bear Sister, Wolf Sister’, a dark magician decides he wishes to marry one of two sisters who live at the foot of a mountain. Having turned her livestock into rocks and stones when she declined him, the magician turns the object of his desire into a bear and her sister into a wolf. When they find a human baby, the wolf sister sees it as food whilst the bear sister decides to nurture it and so they care for the child. Meanwhile, at the palace, the young prince has gone missing…

Skilfully told with themes of good and evil, of not being deceived by appearances and actions having consequences, this tale- like all those in this collection- begs to be read aloud. Committed to the page in very much the same way as a storyteller might perform it, there is an immediacy and energy which makes it a joy to read aloud- or to adapt and ‘tell’ in turn.

The story is sure to provoke much discussion. Every spell comes at a cost- the magician fails to realise that his casual use of magic to fulfil his own wishes is unwise and suffers the consequences. So many actions need consideration and those which grant our ‘wishes’ might not be the best path to follow! The ending of this story also offers an interesting twist- one sister chooses to stay in her animal form, feeling that this better suits her true nature…

With Hallowe’en and darker nights drawing nearer, ‘Strange Tales’ is perfect for this time of year. However, it is by no means limited to a seasonal treat. These tales speak of darker deeds, of stranger happenings, of twists of fate, of mystery and magic. It’s a wonderful collection, sure to be returned to again and again.

Strange Tales Daniel Morden

Firefly Press ISBN: 978-1915444172

Thank you to the lovely Firefly Press for asking me to take part in this tour. Make sure you follow on to find out more about the other stories in this collection.

A World of Dogs

This beautifully illustrated book would make the perfect gift for any dog lover. Carlie Sorosiak’s passion for pooches is evident on every page as she shares a wealth of fascinating facts and amazing tales (or should that be tails!) about our canine companions.

Having unwittingly adopted an American Dingo, Carlie set out to find out as much as she could about her new pet so that she could properly care for her- and this sets the tone for the whole book. There is so much respect and care shown for dogs in this book- so much to learn- that is it sure to be as fascinating for those who know little about dogs as it is for those who share their lives with them. Having grown up with Retrievers- Flat Coats and Goldies- I read the whole book from cover to cover, frequently exclaiming or pausing to bore my husband with anecdotes sparked by the information and stories contained here.

As well as explaining how dogs have come to be loyal human companions and explaining how their doggy senses work, the book includes real-life stories about the bravery and devotion of heroic dogs and the many ways in which they support humans every day. Each spread is beautifully illustrated, and the information clearly presented in easily digested sections of text. A comprehensive index and glossary make the book very easy to use for research as well as an excellent text to be read for pleasure!

A World of Dogs

Carlie Sorosiak, illustrated by Luisa Uribe

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839948497

You can read my review of ‘I, Cosmo’ here.

Gods and Monsters: Mythological Poems

Combing two of my favourite things-poetry and mythology, ‘Gods and Monsters’ was always going to be a personal reading paradise, but this fabulous collection exceeded even my high expectations! It is a veritable dragon’s horde of joy in poem form.

Loosely grouped into ten sections, the book covers poems reflecting a diverse range of myths and legends from across the world, written by an incredible range of poets. Through these works, readers will re-encounter old favourites and discover a wealth of new ones whether they work their way through the collection as a whole of dip in and out as they please.

Many of the poems included are perfect for using as a story time, enriching children’s experience of poetry and expanding their knowledge of ‘the old stories’. ‘Arachnophobia’ by Kate Wise offers a perfect starting point for discovering the story of Athene and Arachne and the etymology of the title whilst the poem ‘Did you know earthquakes come from a catfish?’ explores the Japanese mythology. There are so many poems which could lead to further discovery as well as being enjoyed in their own right.

Classics like ‘The Odyssey’ and ‘Jabberwocky’ mingle with more recent works. The opening poem, ‘Faith’ by Dawn McLachlan, was new to me and is now a firm favourite! There are humorous poems- ‘Mrs Icarus’ (Carol Ann Duffy) or ‘Going to Bed’ (A F Harrold), for example- as well as moving ones, all beautifully illustrated by the incomparable Chris Riddell whose skill manages to capture each mood and feeling.

Gods and Monsters: Mythological Poems

Chosen by Ana Sampson, illustrated by Chris Riddell

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1035023011

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

Becoming Brave: A True Story of Love and Loss, Courage and Hope

A chance meeting results in love at first sight for Jennie and Abram. A worrier, Jennie falls in love with Abram’s fearlessness, the fact that he was never afraid to follow his heart. But when the worst happens and Jennie finds herself alone, will she be able to find her own courage?

‘Becoming Brave’ is a gentle, heart-warming story about love, grief and finding the courage to lively boldly. Poignant text is supported by moving illustrations which capture the highs and lows of Jennie and Abram’s relationship,

Jennie’s success in finding her courage when the worst had happened, in creating a passion from her tragedy, is a powerful message of hope, perfect for starting conversations and offering comfort in the face of adversity. By taking positive action, Jennie is able to move forwards with her life, never forgetting Abram, but helping others through the constant celebration of his life and love of music. The story recognises that it is possible to be happy and sad at the same time- a truly up-lifting story.

Becoming Brave: A True Story of Love and Loss, Courage and Hope

Jennie Cashman Wilson, illustrated by Tomekah George

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838914646

Within my Branches

This beautiful book follows the life of a single tree, from acorn to mighty oak and the fate that befalls it at the hands of men. Red text on stark white pages tells the story accompanied by gorgeous black and white illustrations, making the book a thing of beauty to be lingered over again and again.

The book celebrates the tree’s role in nature, the many creatures and birds it shelters and feeds, the many seeds it scatters which in turn grow to be trees as the world changes around it. Steadfast through storms, it is man’s actions which ultimately topple it, launching the tree into a new, unfamiliar life on the seas, carrying adventurers on their journeys.

The illustrations are just beautiful. The endpapers show the acorn’s germination as it grows to a small sapling, spreading its leaves to the light and each picture tells a story of its own, offering much to discuss and explore. It is a very special book, focusing attention on the beauty of trees and the essential role they play in our world.

Within My Branches Nicolas Michel

Pushkin Press ISBN: 978-1782694083

The After School Crime Club

Willow was very close to her Nana so having friends of her own age never really mattered, but when her grandmother dies, it feels as if the one person who really knew her has gone. The fact that her mum is clearing out Nana’s house and refusing to visit the grave is making things worse and to top it all, Willow is having to attend an after school club at the local bookshop to support her learning. Keen to please her mother by making some friends her own age, Willow decides to try and fit in with the others, particularly Tay Wilding who Willow finds fascinating. Soon, Willow finds herself accepting dares which she becomes increasingly uncomfortable with…

Gripping from the outset, ‘The After School Crime Club’ is a story which will resonate with many readers. Willow is at a point in her life where she feels adrift. The loss of her Nana hits her hard, robbing her of the one person she felt truly at ease with. Her mother is also struggling, leaving Willow feeling unable to share her emotions with those closest to her and with a huge void in her life . At a time when she is most vulnerable, Willow is thrust into a new situation- that of the after school revision club where she is keen to try to fit in.

The story is skilfully told as Willow faces personal dilemmas posed by the challenges she is set, at first trying to justify things or brush them off as unimportant and the reader feels great empathy as Willow tries to reconcile herself to the dares, their consequences and the friendship tightrope she finds herself walking. Trying to fill the gaps in her life, Willow soon realises that she is not being true to herself and emerges stronger and wiser. There is so much to reflect on here as Willow’s experiences of loss, loneliness and the desire to fit in are sure to echo those of readers and the uplifting, thoughtful conclusion is sure to offer comfort and courage to many.

Brilliant read!

The After School Crime Club

Hayley Webster

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788006064

Glow: a child’s guide to the night sky

This beautifully presented book offers a fabulous combination of ancient and modern, science and story, resulting in a completely absorbing and informative read. The opening note from the author instantly fires the reader with her enthusiasm for, and interest in, the night sky and all the wonders it contains.

A clear table of contents makes it easy for the reader to locate the fifteen different topics covered, each with a sub-heading referring to it as the ‘hero of…’ something. This intriguing note is sure to spark curiosity in itself and once the reader has located the pages they have chosen, there is so much to discover! Information is clearly presented in accessible sections with clear headings and plenty of attractive illustrations. The reader is treated to a ‘brief history’ of each planet/star/celestial body where they can discover some of the fascinating myths, legends and beliefs from around the world which it has inspired. The book also offers guidance on how to locate the planet in the night sky- there is so much to enjoy here!

Written in a chatty, engaging tone, ‘Glow’ makes a challenging subject completely accessible and enjoyable. It would make an excellent addition to any book collection to support children learning about space in school, but is also perfect non-fiction to inspire reading for pleasure.

Glow: A Child’s Guide to the Night Sky

Noelia Gonzalez, illustrated by Sara Boccaccini Meadows

Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1913520786

We Are All Astronauts

Luna Scope, aged seven-and-a-bit Earth years is determined to be an astronaut. Full of enthusiasm, she is about to launch herself into her ambition, but fortunately, her granny is on hand to guide her with some excellent advice. Luna learns about spacesuits and telescopes, stars and space rocks, gravity and gravity. Granny also introduces her to some space heroes and over-looked animal pioneers whose achievements paved the way for the humans who followed.

Written in the same fun-filled, highly illustrated style as the ‘Fantastically Great Women’ series which Kate Pankhurst is so well known for, ‘We are All Astronauts’ is packed with information, sure to engage and fascinate. The author’s note explains her inspiration for writing the story came from the real-life story of the Mercury 13, a group of female trainee astronauts who never reached space because they were women. The book is brimming with positivity and inspiration, shining a light on the contributions of women, and proudly shouting the message that anyone can be an astronaut- or anything else- if they reach for the stars!

The joy of this book is that it will appeal to children of different ages who will read it in different ways. There is much to explore in the illustrations, Granny and Luna’s story to follow, biographical information, labelled diagrams, fact boxes… it is possible to read it in small snippets or as a whole, thoroughly enjoying it however it is tackled. Asterisks are used to indicate definitions of some of the technical vocabulary used, clearly explaining words to support the reader’s understanding without spoiling the flow of the text.

Perfect for using as a guided reading text, to support learning about space, as the basis for investigative play or as a basis for a book group session full of fun activities, ‘We Are All Astronauts!’ makes an excellent addition to any bookshelf!

We are ALL Astronauts Kate Pankhurst

Bloomsbury ISBN: ‎ 978-1526615435

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

Deadly Deep

It’s the Summer term and Club Loser are on a school trip with the rest of Year 8, sailing off the coast of France to learn about marine life. But, as usual, things take a sinister turn and they must pitch themselves against another Latchitt - and their latest devious creation! What could possibly go wrong?!

Once again, our Queen of Scream has produced a brilliant adventure which manages to balance being fantastically funny with frissons of fear! In the Dread Wood books, Jennifer has created a brilliant team of mis-matched friends whose loyalty and belief in one another shines through on every page. She has an incredible knack for creating relatable, realistic characters, who real children identify with (they do- I’ve asked!), and are cheering on every step of the way.

These books always launch into action. The reader knows from page one that things are not going to go well and tension builds rapidly as the plot develops, resulting in a completely absorbing and enthralling read. This brilliant blend of humour, action and horror is a winning combination and although I always prefer a book, I can see that this series would translate into amazing films with some very ‘real’ kids in the starring roles!

‘Dread Wood’ was the winner of the Books for Older Readers Category of the Children’s Book Awards earlier this year, proving how popular these stories are with the readers they are actually intended for- a better review than my poor ramblings could ever be! This series is perfect for keeping those children who are at the age we all know we are most in danger of losing as readers reading and enjoying books!

Dread Wood: Deadly Deep

Jennifer Killick

Farshore ISBN: 978-0008538576

‘Dread Wood’ here, Crater Lake here and Crater Lake Evolution here. You can read about a visit from Jennifer Killick here.

When Frankie Made a Human

All Frankie wants is to make a friend. His monster classmates are constantly unkind to him, leaving him feeling lonely. He decides to make himself a friend- a human one. After the Big Argument, humans moved away from Monsterweld, but Frankie is sure it will be OK. However, as he gets to know his creation, Frankie realises that humans might be more trouble than they are worth…

Told with Rachel Delahaye’s trademark humour, ‘When Frankie Made a Human’ is a brilliant read. Although a ‘monster’, Frankie is a gentle, thoughtful soul who longs for a friend. In a twist on Mary Shelley’s original, the monster creates a human who he calls Fido- with disastrous consequences. Although Fido’s antics provide much to chuckle over, the story cleverly presents the reader with plenty to think about in terms of how humans’ desire for progress is not always a good thing.

The importance of friendship is at the heart of the book. Frankie’s classmates taunt him with their thoughtless comments and unkind behaviour, suddenly taking interest in him when they thought it was worth it for them and then casually abandoning him again once they lost interest. Fido becomes manipulative, using ‘friendship’ as a way of getting Frankie to agree with him and even Frankie is suspicious of ‘Spooky Suki’ and her dolls before coming to value her as a friend. The story offers plenty of opportunities for discussions about getting to know people rather than judging on appearance and exploring what real friendship might look like.

There is so much to enjoy and explore in this story! Generously illustrated throughout by Maïté Schmitt, it would make a perfect class story or guided reading text as well as a most enjoyable independent read. I hope there are more adventures for Frankie and Suki to come!

When Frankie Made a Human

Rachel Delahaye, illustrated by Maïté Schmitt

Sweet Cherry ISBN: 978-1782268253

You can read my review of Mort the Meek and the Monstrous Quest here , Mort the Meek and the Perilous Prophecy here, Day of the Whale here and Electric Life here.