Fanatical About Frogs

This ever-popular series is perfect for animal lovers or anyone curious about creatures. From cats to crocodile, bats to beetles, each book in this brilliant collection offers a fascinating overview to a particular species. ‘Fanatical about Frogs’ first appeared in hardback in 2019 and this May, will be available in paperback.

A clear contents and detailed index (which includes the binomial classification of each species) make the book easy to navigate if trying to locate specific information, but with its stunning illustrations and bite-sized chunks of text, it is perfect for browsing through and discovering more about these intriguing creatures. Having explained what frogs are ( I had no idea all toads are frogs, but not all frogs are toads!) and where they are found in the world, the book looks at their physical attributes, diet and the variety of pigmentations and patterns frogs can have. There is so much here that I did not know about these fascinating amphibians!

A section on mythology introduces the reader to some traditional tales from around the world which feature frogs. The book closes with information about the problems frogs are facing around the world with around a third of known species being under threat and over 100 now considered extinct.

Endlessly engaging and beautifully presented, ‘Fanatical about Frogs’ is an excellent addition to any bookshelf!

Fanatical about Frogs Owen Davey

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838741518

You can read my review of ‘Passionate about Penguins’ here.

Blog Tour: My Mummy is a Witch

This lovely book is a glorious celebration of all the special moments shared between a mother and her daughter. Told through the eyes of the little witch, the story shows just how special spending time together can be. The illustrations clearly show the close relationship they share as the little witchling gazes at her mother in adoration.

The endpapers are peppered with pumpkins and potions, bats and bottles, snails and flowers, creating a suitably spell-like feel to the story and children might enjoy spotting these objects as they read the story. Fascinating facts, such as that holly used to be known as ‘bats’ wings’ in the Middle Ages, are scattered between these pictures. Throughout the book, the illustrations are delightful as they capture the pair foraging in the woods, enjoying the fun of bath time and snuggling down for a bedtime story.

The gentle rhyming text captures all the things the little girl loves about her mummy and the things which they enjoy doing together, including cooking. A recipe for the dandelion ice-scream they make is included at the end of the book so that readers can try making their own.

Owlet Press are well-known for their original, diverse and beautiful books and this is no exception.

My Mummy is a Witch

Helena Garcia, illustrated by Jess Rose

Owlet Press ISBN: 978-1913339463

Thanks to Catherine Ward for inviting me to join the tour and to Owlet Press for a copy of the book.

‘My Mummy is a Witch’ is out on the 27th April.

Blog Tour: The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei

It’s great to have been asked to join the Blog Tour for this wonderful book! ‘The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei’ is such an enjoyable read and Holly-Mei is such a relatable, likeable character that it is easy to empathise with her as she tries to navigate the changes in her ‘not-so-uniform’ life!

As her need to do the right thing has lost her class a pizza party and a hockey match win, Holly-Mei is being shunned by her classmates, including best friend, Natalie. When her mother announces the family are moving to Hong Kong, initially Holly-Mei is horrified as she will have to leave everything she knows, including her beloved Ah-ma (her grandmother) behind, but with the situation at school, she starts to view this as the perfect new start she needs.

However, Holly-Mei soon finds her new life in Hong Kong as difficult to navigate as that in Canada. Her school, Tai Tam Prep, is full of rich, privileged children and that her behaviour and interactions might have consequences for her mother’s career. When the most popular girl in her year seems to have taken a dislike to her, Holly-Mei’s new start is not going to plan.

This is a wonderful story which celebrates the importance of being true to yourself whilst exploring the trickiness of navigating friendships and difficulties of being moved away from your home. The story is told with much gentle humour as Holly-Mei tries to do the right thing by everyone, often putting unrealistic pressure on herself in the process due to the Chinese concept of guanxi, the idea of having strong relationships with people which can involve obligations or favours. The actions of both Holly-Mei and her sister, Millie, reflect upon their parents to a greater extent in Hong Kong than they did in Canada, but ultimately her mother, realising she has unwittingly put her daughter under great pressure, reassures her that all she expects is that her daughters are courteous and kind- and which parent wouldn’t want that?! Other parents in the story are perhaps not quite so understanding, reminding the reader what a close and loving family Holly-Mei belongs to. Some of her schoolmates appear, at first glance, to ‘have it all’, yet as the reader learns more, it becomes clear that this does not lead to happiness.

The story is wonderfully rich in its representation of mixed-culture families. Holly- Mei’s family is a blend of Taiwanese and English and she enjoys traditions and experiences from both. Her Ah-ma is a wonderful character, warm and wise, whose influence and love stays with her family no matter how far the distance between them. The family’s move to Hong Kong provides a wonderful backdrop to the story- a story full of heart about a young girl, who tends to blurt things out without thinking, loves hockey, wants to please her family, and be surrounded by good friends. It’s a joy!

The novel includes a glossary which also has a helpful pronunciation guide- essential for any non-Chinese speaking teacher wishing to read the book aloud to a class- a recipe for Ah-ma’s dumplings and one for Millie’s read bean creamsiciles. I have a copy of the book to give away to one lucky reader on Twitter (see post for details!).

The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei Christina Matula

Inkyard Press ISBN: 978-1335428653

Many thanks to Tatti for inviting me to take part in the tour and for providing a book for the giveaway!

Spellstone

Evie is used to not being noticed. But when she meets the mysterious Wainwright, she discovers that going unnoticed might just be what makes her unique. Recruited into a secret magical organisation, Evie finds herself at the heart of an ancient and magical battle. Evil is returning to the land, and Evie is the only person who can stop it. But how can she defeat the most dangerous magician in the world, when she doesn’t even know her own powers?

The above synopsis is not mine! There was so much that I loved about this story that any summary I tried to make became nearly as long as the book!

‘Spellstone’ is one of those books which you want everyone around you to read so that you can fully discuss just how wonderful it is with them. An action-packed, page-turner of an adventure, the story is also beautifully written, rich in detail and description. I have enjoyed each book that I have read by Ross Montgomery (almost all he has written), but this is far and away my favourite and a prime candidate for being chosen as a class story!

Evie is a very likeable character. Struggling to understand why her world has changed and why people, including her parents, no longer seem to notice her, she then finds herself launched into the world of the Order of the Stone. Her resilience, determination, courage and good nature have the reader cheering her on from the outset and she quickly establishes a warm bond with the other members of the Order. Each of this team is brilliantly portrayed with their own magical ability, quirks and foibles. I love each for different reasons, but there’s something about Lady Alinora which really appeals to me!

The story unfolds magically with everything coming together in a very satisfying (and clever) conclusion. Hints of myth and legend combine with real life settings such as Postman’s Park in London, rooting the magical firmly in the ‘real’ world in which magic is ever present, just unseen or ignored.

‘Spellstone’ is an incredible read- perfect for using as a key text, for guided reading, as a class story or independent reading. I cannot recommend this one highly enough and will be buying it for my nephew at the weekend!

Spellstone Ross Montgomery

Walker ISBN: 978-1529501933

Cardiff Literature Festival 2023

Today, I braved the crowds of rugby fans and made my way to see Tracey Corderoy and Steven Lenton at the Cardiff Literature Festival! Their event was held in the Undercroft of Cardiff Castle, a beautiful location for an exciting event!

The sun was shining on the queue of eager Shifty and Sam fans waiting to descend the steps leading to the Undercroft. Lots of excited little ones gathered on the cushions at the front to await the arrival of their favourite robber/baker dogs- and Tracey and Steven, of course!

The session started with Tracey telling everyone the original Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam story with the able assistance of Steven, who was in charge of props. It is the 10th anniversary of this wonderful book which is one of my all time favourite picture books and it was a real pleasure to hear Tracey and Steven in action!

Next, everyone had a go at drawing Sam with expert guidance from Steven. The children’s pictures were wonderful- I never cease to be amazed at the confidence and joy they show, quite unlike adults who have learned to be hesitant and self-critical! Tracey then read our loveable dogs’ latest adventure, ‘Pirates Ahoy!’, encouraging everyone to join in with the telling!

The session ended with a game, half the audience chanting for Shifty and half for Sam- and Team Shifty won! This caused great joy and great disappointment in equal measure! However, smiles were soon restored as it was time to have copies of the books signed and have a chat with Tracey and Steven. It was a lovely event- the perfect start to the day!

Blog Tour: Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch

Having just met Derek at the FCBG Conference, I am doubly delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for his new book, ‘Ivey Newt and the Storm Witch’. With illustrations by Magda Brol throughout, this is the first in a series about Ivy Newt, her familiar, Tom, and their adventures in Miracula.

It’s Ivy’s birthday and, although the worst storm in the history of Miracula has prevented her friends from flying over for Ivy’s birthday, her parents, Queen Fenella and King Lucius, are doing their best to spoil her and make the day special. As part of the entertainment, they are going to perform some birthday magic…which leads to them disappearing! Suspecting foul play, Ivy and her shape-shifting familiar, Tom, must find a way to make them reappear!

Engaging from the first page, ‘Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch’ is a pacy, entertaining story. Although a witch and a shaper-shifter, Ivy and Tom have characteristics which children will recognise and empathise with. Their friendship helps them to find the courage and determination needed to find Ivy’s parents and solve the mystery of their disappearance.

With plenty of humour, the children triumph over the wicked witch, Clawdelia, who is ‘nothing but a bully’, foil her attempt to rule over the whole of Miracula and save all the kings and queens from the caves of Grot. Having faced mild peril along the way, everything turns out well in the end and Ivy’s birthday is celebrated with cake!

Magda Brol’s lively illustrations capture the children’s antics brilliantly, adding a visual element to the story which is so enjoyable and rewarding in itself. The addition of the map and character portraits at the beginning allows children to track the adventure and supports with ‘reading’ the pictures by clarifying which character is which.

This is the first in a new series, perfectly pitched for confident readers in KS1 and into lower KS2, supporting children as they develop the stamina to tackle longer stories. I can see them adding their own characters to castle windows and plotting their own adventures for Ivy, using the map of Miracula to guide them whilst they eagerly await the next title in the series, ‘Ivy Newt and the Time Thief’.

Ivy Newt and the Storm Witch

Derek Keilty, illustrated by Magda Brol

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1915252180

The Crown: A celebration of life on earth

This is such a beautiful book! Speaking to readers from the future, a girl wears a crown which she has inherited. But this is no ordinary crown- it is made from rubbish left to her by past generations. The hill she stands on is created by landfill- and yet, in the waste, she finds a book which shows the world as it is now, the beauty of the oceans, the wonders of the sky, the diversity of Earth, and she imagines a world where the crown she wears might be so different…

The illustrations are stunning, instantly capturing attention and making the reader pause to think. The girl’s crown is shown in shades of grey, a tyre forming a ring round her head piled high with junk. Her companion, a gentle horse, patiently waits at her side, offering a comforting presence as she looks at the world she has been left. Children will notice her pained expression and be able to identify some of the rubbish as items they use everyday, provoking conversations about her world and how it has come to be as it is.

As she opens the book she has found, colour glows from the pages, reminding the reader of the innate beauty of our Earth and reinforcing the importance of looking after it. She refers to what she sees in the book as a ‘fairy tale’, an unbelievable world compared to her own. The books closes with some ideas for ways to help change things, written on tree stumps.

A deeply poignant book, this would be excellent to share at home or to use with classes of all ages as part of PSHE lessons, for assemblies, for art lessons or for story time. It could also be used to inspire writing, poetry, artwork… Simply stunning!

The Crown A Celebration of Life on Earth

Emily Kapff

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406397130

FCBG Conference 2023 Day 3

Sunday always arrives all too soon! Whilst weekend delegates had breakfast and packed up their rooms, the Sunday day delegates were arriving and settling in. The FCBG Conferences are usually held in schools with boarding facilities, but some attendees prefer to stay elsewhere and some come on a daily basis. It never matters as everyone is very friendly and welcoming.

The first Sunday session was the very wonderful Ross Montgomery, whose enthusiasm and energy are infectious. He spoke about his new book, ‘Spellstone’ (which is amazing) and how he was inspired by noticing the quiet, overlooked things. He shared some of the fascinating places and things he had discovered on his walks round London, seeking out the lesser known. This is/ was one of my favourite things to do prior to Covid and since he showed pictures of Postman’s Park, somewhere I have spent many happy hours, I have been determined to start again! Always inspiring, Ross spoke of the alchemy between reader and writer and how writing a book is like cultivating a garden!

Ross was followed by dream duo, Dapo Adeola and Nathan Bryon! We were treated to a reading of the beginning of their new book about Rocket, ‘Speak Up!’, which is obviously going to be every bit as special as the others! They spoke about how Rocket came to be, their very close working relationship (‘It feels like there’s a USB from my brain to Dapo’s!) and the industry they work in. They were a joy to listen to!

The next coffee break celebrated ‘Bridget Vanderpuff and the Baked Escape’. Author, Martin Stewart, told us a little about himself and the book and treated us to a reading, resulting in this book being catapulted to the top of my TBR pile! The cakes on offer were fabulous (only a small selection is shown here)

After the coffee break the Graphic Novels for younger readers panel began. This was such a fascinating and enjoyable session. Not only were Mark Bradley, Andy Riley and Matty Long very entertaining, they also share a real passion for graphic novels. Mark Bradley was extremely knowledgeable, having obviously done a lot of research into this field and the session sparked lots of conversations.

The final session of the morning- and indeed, of the Conference- seemed to arrive so quickly. Unfortunately, it was my turn on the reception desk at this point, but as people were leaving the hall, I could tell it had been an excellent session as everyone was talking about it! Authors, Josh Silver, Simon James Green and Freja Nicole Woolf read from their books and discussed LGBT+ stories for a YA audience.

Lunch followed and soon everyone was saying goodbye and gathering their things- including lots of books, posters, bookmarks, catalogues, badges and all manner of book-ish goodies. It was a wonderful weekend, perfect for book lovers, a great opportunity to meet with like-minded people and brilliant for finding out about recent- and soon to be - children’s publications. Details of next year’s conference will soon be available on the FCBG website https://fcbg.org.uk/ which also has information about local groups.

Can’t wait to see what next year brings!

FCBG Conference 2023 Day 2

Day 2 saw us up bright and early, off to explore Rugby town before breakfast! The town was already alive as the Saturday market was setting up and we enjoyed wandering around, on a mission to find the statues of Rupert Brooke, Thomas Hughes and William Webb Ellis and the bench in Jubilee Gardens which commemorates various authors. As none of these things are signposted, we were helped by the bin men who googled Rupert Brooke’s location for us!

Once fortified by a hearty breakfast, Conference began a-new. Saturday sees new day delegates arriving and the organisers- members of the Executive Committee and the Northamptonshire Book Group- work tirelessly to make sure everything is ready and everyone in the right place for the first session. Each delegate receives a Conference goodie bag, filled with donations from publishers as well as Conference information when they are greeted by those manning the reception desk.

The first session was the wonderful M G Leonard. Sadly, I missed this session as I was distributing information about NNFN to publishers, but people were buzzing about it, filled with enthusiasm by the inspiring energy of her talk. This was followed by a panel discussion with Alison David (Farshore Consumer Insight Director), Emma Dodds (Red Shed Senior Commissioning Editor) and Dr Ronx (doctor, TV presenter and author) about the power of non-fiction to make and inspire new readers. Coffee time celebrated the 10th anniversary of Red Shed!

After coffee, the perfect combination of Phil Earle and Clare Helen Welsh arrived, sharing their picture books which tackle divorce. The books took very different approaches to this sensitive subject, but each is a real gem and sure to support children going through this experience. Phil and Clare each spoke of their own experiences and how these helped them in the writing of their books.

The ‘Fantastical and Magical’ panel was just as it sounds! Three excellent authors, Anna Goodall, Emma Norry and Nicki Thornton, gave readings from their books and talked about the inspiration for their writing, the settings and characters in a truly magical session.

Just before lunch, Laura Baker shared her gorgeous book, ‘All the Wonderful Ways to Read’, a perfect book for so many avid booklovers to hear!

After lunch, delegates were offered a choice of seminar sessions: ‘Celebrate with Me!’ with Laura Gladwin, ‘Explodapedia’ with Ben Martynoga, accessible retellings with Laura Wood or Humour Hooks with Derek Keilty, Jenny McLaughlin and Myles McLeod. It is always so hard to choose which to attend- and there is always lots of discussion and idea sharing afterwards!

From the seminars to the next panel session, ‘Representative Voices’. Candy Gourlay, A M Dassu and Ravena Guron discussed authentic representation, who they write for and their approaches to writing. They each read a section from one of their books- a real treat for people like me who love to hear authors reading their own words!

Just before the tea break, G M Linton told us a little about her new book, ‘My Name is Sunshine Simpson’ and we celebrated with cupcakes!

The FCBG is led by the Executive Committee which organises the groups at a national level and Conference is always when the AGM is held. Tricia, our Chair, led us through the agenda and this was then followed by the group meeting where ideas are shared and discussed. The busyness of Conference then stills for about an hour whilst everyone gets ready for the Gala Dinner.

This year, the Gala Dinner was held in the stunning Temple Speech Room, a very beautiful and historic setting for a lovely occasion! Before dinner, cocktails were served and we all raised a glass to the memory of Judith Kerr who was born 100 years ago. Slides of Judith were shown at this time and Jane made a lovely speech, echoing the feelings of us all about this iconic lady and her work.

Publishers Frances Lincoln were celebrating their 40th anniversary and we took part in a quiz. Guest authors, Mariajo Illustrajo and Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, joined us for the dinner along with some of the authors who had spoken during the day. The After Dinner Speaker this year was Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho, who had us joining in with his poems and laughing as the lovely evening drew to a close.

Some hardy folks stayed on to enjoy the bar, but many of us were worn out by the packed programme of events and headed back to the accommodation to re-charge for another fun-filled day!

Day three to follow!

Blog Tour: Animal FACTopia!

I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for the latest book in the FACTopia series. These books have been a huge hit with children I’ve shared them with and spark endless curiosity and amazing discussions!

Get ready, because things are about to get wild.

The FACTopia series is back and this time, animals are the stars of the show! As with the previous titles, each fact is linked to the next one, offering the reader many different trails to follow through the book. Information is presented in fascinating, bite-sized chunks, sure to grab the attention of the most reluctant of readers as they can follow as little or as much of each trail as they like! I had no idea that Marine iguanas sneeze out the extra salt they ingest, resulting in a white ‘wig’ or that this fact would lead me to discover that a Komodo dragon could weigh as much as a fridge.

The web of information presented in the book is connected in ways which are often surprising and frequently funny! Information about microscopic crustaceans can lead you to facts about mucus; knowing what a skunk does as a warning before spraying could set you on a path to finding out about fabulous feet. Readers will return to the book again and again to see where one fact might lead them, carefully following one path or veering off on another, intrigued by a passing connection- how information about a cheetah’s tail might link to dragonflies, for example!

Andy Smith’s lively, colourful illustrations cleverly combine with photographs to frame the facts, making each spread really appealing. A comprehensive index makes it easy to locate specific information, but the joy of this book is that any starting point can lead you on an adventure of discovery! All the facts are verified by Britannica and it would be great fun for children to use the facts to create quizzes and games of their own, perhaps making a simplified version for younger siblings or children in younger year groups in school.

Animal FACTopia! Follow the Trail of 400 Beastly Facts

Julie Beer, illustrated by Andy Smith

Britannica Books ISBN: 978-1913750725

Many thanks to Britannica Books for asking me to join the Blog Tour for this fascinating book!

You can read my review of ‘Gross FACTopia!’ here.

FCBG Conference 2023 Day 1

This weekend, I attended the Federation of Children’s Book Groups’ annual Conference, held this year at Rugby School. This is always a real highlight, offering the perfect opportunity to spend time with other book lovers, hear a wonderful programme of authors, illustrators and poets speak and meet publishers to find out more about their brilliant books.

Rugby School is a beautiful venue, steeped in history and boasting some famous authors- Lewis Carroll, Rupert Brooke and Anthony Horowitz to name a few- as past pupils. It is also the setting for ‘Tom Brown’s Schooldays’ and author, Thomas Hughes, attended the school from 1834 to 1842. Written in 1857, the story is set in the 1830s and Tom Brown is largely based on the author’s brother, George, and the book draws on the author’s experiences.

Almost as soon as we arrived, we headed for the Conference Bookshop provided by the Norfolk Children’s Book Centre. An amazing array of books reflecting the weekend’s packed programme was on offer and the staff were- as ever- really friendly and helpful, with an excellent knowledge of their stock. It would take someone with an iron will not to indulge in buying the odd book or two from their tempting display!

Afternoon tea was sponsored by Hachette and we were each given a proof copy of Kiran Millward Hargarve’s new book which is out in August. Conference weekend begins with presentations from the publishers in which they share some of their wonderful titles. This tends to result in a hugely long wish shopping list of books to be looking out for and is a really lovely opportunity to hear from the publishers themselves. I made 10 pages of notes at this point…

This is followed by the opening of the publishers’ exhibition. Everyone has a wonderful time looking at the books and chatting directly to the publishers who are just the best and get very excited about their lovely books. There are plenty of treats on offer- bookmarks, posters and proof copies- and competitions to enter. Some even have sweets and chocolates on their stands! No one ever really wants to leave and head to dinner, but the exhibition opens again on Saturday morning and most people drift back again throughout the day.

After dinner, we celebrated 10 years of Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam with the wonderful Tracey Corderoy. Sadly, the equally lovely Steven Lenton wasn’t able to be with us as he had Covid, but he sent a message to everyone- which included a little message for me! Tracey managed to entertain us all brilliantly in his absence, teaching us how to draw an elf and playing a wonderful Shifty and Sam game with us! Great fun was had by all! However, I will never live down the fact that my table did not win the quiz about the books…

The evening finished with a poetry performance by Birmingham Young Poet Laureate, Nyanda Foday. She shared ‘Bookworms’, her gorgeous picture book poem with us, before performing a selection of her poetry. A brilliant end to a brilliant day!

Part two coming soon!

The Princess who Hid in a Tree

Frideswide was an Anglo-Saxon princess who lived in Oxford a long time ago. She was brave, beautiful and kind and declared that she had no intention of marrying. However, Algar, the King of Mercia, decided he wanted her for his bride and threatened he would attack Oxford if she refused. This is the story of how she escaped him…

According to Kevin Crossley-Holland, the name ‘Frideswide’ is a compound word combining two Anglo-Saxon words meaning ‘peace’ (frith) and ‘strong’ (swith). These seem to perfectly describe Saint Frideswide whose legend is retold in this lovely edition for children. Accompanied by Alan Marks’s stunning illustrations, the story is beautifully retold, making the book the perfect starting point for discovering more about this legendary princess. Additional historical notes are given at the end, filling in the factual evidence surrounding her story. Frideswide inspired the foundation of Christ Church College and its Cathedral, and Oxfordshire Day, also known as St Frideswide’s Day, commemorates her death on the 19th October every year. I am ashamed to say I knew nothing about her and am so glad that this book has allowed me to discover her story. I will be planning a trip to Oxford to visit some of the locations relevant to her life.

The story of this little remembered princess would be excellent for using as part of work on the Anglo-Saxons, before visiting Oxford or for anyone who enjoys history and tales from the past. The illustrations are as captivating as her tale, making this an essential addition to school and home bookshelves!

The Princess who Hid in a Tree

Jackie Holderness, illustrated by Alan Marks

Bodleian Children’s Books ISBN: 978-1851245185

Leeva at Last

Leeva Spayce Thornblossom only goes into the front yard once a week to collect the newspaper. To do otherwise would be to contravene the rules in the ‘Employee Manual’ her parents make her follow. Leeva’s parents have no interest in their daughter: her mother is obsessed with fame, her father, money and since she brings them neither, she lives a life of servitude. When she finally finds the courage to venture through the hedge, she discovers the library and begins to meet the people of Nutsmore, the town where she lives, trying to find an answer to the question ‘what are people for?’. She discovers that her parents are not well liked- for good reason- and with help from her new friends, Leeva changes the town forever.

There are so many reasons to adore this book! In spite of her loveless and lonely upbringing, Leeva is a lovely girl, resilient and caring, curious and kind. Even her name (Leave a space) is a constant reminder of the lack of care bestowed on her by her callous, self absorbed parents. As she meets others, Leeva discovers that life outside her home is very different to life inside it. First, Harry and his aunt, Mrs Flowers, at the library introduce her to the wonders of books and the joys baking- but also to the fact that the endless budget cuts and taxes that are crippling the town are the work of her parents. Their iniquities and cruelties are highly exaggerated, making them caricature-like in their villainy, easy to despise and laugh at. But the truths of the book shine through- people are important, doing the right thing is important and books and reading are essential.

The love of books radiates from the pages of this story as Mrs Flowers guides a very willing Leeva to the joy books bring. As Sara Pennypacker lists some of Leeva’s favourite discoveries, it is as if she (Sara) is offering the reader the gift of suggestions to explore for themselves… Because of Winn-Dixie; Charlotte’s Web; Bud, Not Buddy; A Wrinkle in Time- so many treasures! In response to her father’s comment that people in books are ‘just printed words on paper’, Leeva reflects that he is wrong because ‘… those words became real people, doing real things. By the end of a book, those words left you weeping or cheering or vowing to change your life’- just as her character in this book does! Leeva recognises that words have true power- another reason she enjoys savouring the word of the week from the paper and seeking opportunities to use these in conversation!

‘Leeva at Last’ is at times deeply poignant, frequently humorous, and utterly absorbing. It would make an excellent read aloud or guided reading text, offering as it does so much to enjoy, discuss and explore. It even has a curmudgeonly badger! Matthew Cordell’s line drawings appear throughout the book, capturing the humour of various moments in the text perfectly! I have thoroughly enjoyed each book by Sara Pennypacker that I have read- but I think this is now my favourite!

Leeva at Last

Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008606190

Celebrate with Me!

This wonderful book is a real celebration of creative people and their favourite festivals. Each of the twenty five contributors explains why the festival they have chosen is special to them, and how they celebrate it. Alongside this information, they offer some of the recipes and activities they use to help the celebrations. It is an absolute joy to read and is sure to inspire families- and schools- to both understand and enjoy many celebrations from across the world!

A comprehensive contents page lays out a year of celebrations, starting with the New Year and closing with New Year’s Eve. Following this, there are pages devoted to ‘Birthdays around the World’, ‘More Fun With Festivals’ and mini biographies, including social media and website links, about those who have contributed to the book. This makes locating a particular celebration very easy as well as telling the reader who the section is written by and why they enjoy the occasion so much. Learning about festivals from those who actually take part in them is so important as it offers a genuine feel for the occasion and a real understanding of the significance of these events in peoples’ lives. It also enables children to see themselves and their cultures, traditions and religious beliefs appreciated, one alongside another, each valued, each celebrated.

The book includes an excellent mixture of well known and lesser known events. Each section is presented across a colourful, double page spread with plenty of illustrations. Baker and food justice advocate, Michael Platt, shares information about Juneteenth which commemorates the 19th June 1865, the date when news that slavery had been outlawed reached the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas. He offers a recipe for a watermelon and tomato salad and shows how to make a Juneteenth flag, explaining the significance of the imagery and colours used. Dow Phumiruk, children’s author and illustrator, shares her joy for celebrating Songkran, the Thai New Year. She has chosen to share a recipe for a delicious Thai-style Congee (a type of savoury, soupy porridge made from rice) and explains how to ask your elders for blessings. Architect and artist, Nick Wood, shares his excitement for Bonfire Night, explaining how to make ‘Marshmallow Sparkers’ and how to build a bonfire- a crafty one, if not a real one!

The illustrations capture the joy of sharing these special occasions perfectly, making the book as visually appealing as the activities are inspiring. The book is an absolutely essential addition to libraries, book corners and homes. Laura Gladwin, the book’s editor, will be joining us at this year’s Federation of Children’s Book Groups’ Conference and I can’t wait to learn more about how this gem of a book came about. I am sure that many book groups at a local level will be using some of these activities to inspire and celebrate with their members! An excellent resource and a pleasure to read!

Celebrate with Me! Recipes, Crafts and Holiday Fun from Around the World

Edited by Laura Gladwin, illustrated by Dawn M Cardona

Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1913520601

Blog Tour: The Big Breakout

Burhana Islam is a secondary school teacher and the author of Muslims Who Changed the World and the My Laugh-Out-Loud Life series of chapter books. She is a storyteller who is passionate about exploring themes of heritage, belonging, identity and faith in her work. This side-splitting illustrated trilogy for readers aged 7+ has been featured in the Read for Empathy collection and the first title, Mayhem Mission, won the Tower Hamlets Book Award. Burhana joins us as part of the blog tour celebrating publication of the third and final book, The Big Breakout.

Can you tell us a bit about the series overall? 

The My Laugh-Out-Loud Life series is, in essence, a collection of stories with a much-needed dose of humour and heart. It follows the life of 10 year old Yusuf Ali Khan, a typical Bangladeshi Muslim lad who seems to have chaos following him wherever he goes. His intentions might be in the right place, but his antics are always landing him in trouble (with hilarious consequences to match). Yusuf, his family and his friends all come together as a celebration of culture, laughter and unconditional love. He’s a typical Northern lad dealing with the both timely and universal themes of sibling rivalry, fake news and big feelings. Despite it being heavily influenced by my own experiences, it’s definitely inspired by the students I’ve taught and loved.

… And a bit about this new third book?

Yusuf is back in all his glory as both ‘man-of-the-house’ and Form Captain. Just when he thinks he has all the power he can possibly wield, his sister announces that she’s having a baby, changing his life forever. Determined to prove his uncle-status once and for all, Yusuf enlists the help of his friends, the school chameleon Chompy, and the infamous Masked Trickster. With an inspection at school going completely awry, a runaway Nanu on the loose, and the ultimate school/prison-break attempt, Yusuf must find a way to fix his mess before he gets himself in the biggest trouble he’s ever been in.  

At the heart of it, this one’s ultimately about Yusuf dealing (not so well, may I add) with new changes in his family and what that really means for him. Growing up wasn’t exactly easy and he’s got to come face-to-face with some pretty big feelings to figure himself out.

What or who inspired the characters and the dynamics between them?

A lot of people assume that Yusuf was inspired by a real person, and I may have borrowed his name from my nephew, but I think it’s safe to say that nobody causes that much trouble in my personal life - thank God! Yusuf is actually a culmination of a few of my most memorable and erm ‘lively’ students. I genuinely knew they had the best of intentions and they just wanted to be understood, but sometimes their behaviour got the better of them. I guess Yusuf’s version of events is just more fun! His dynamics with Affa (Yusuf’s older sister) is just the typical sibling relationship I’m familiar with, particularly at Parents Evenings when the older sibling came as the surrogate parent. It’s funny because when I look back on my teaching career, a lot of the students in my community and I (as their teacher) had some form of watered-down version of this relationship. I love Yusuf and Affa’s pairing even more so because, like our family and so many others, it’s the perfect combination of chaos and love. 

Nanu is based on a real person. She’s inspired by my paternal grandma who was very much Nanu-like in her prime. Growing up in our community, we all tended to have a Nanu of some sort in our lives. She’s a reflection of the typical south-Asian matriarch - again, the perfect combination of chaos and love (with a lot of fear to match!).

How did you feel when you first saw the illustrations for this series?

Like it had really come to life. I remember first seeing the characters and feeling like Farah had truly captured the essence of these characters. I think the latest book is the best version of them all. Just like my storytelling, I feel like it got better over time and now we’re at a stage where the illustrations and words tell the story perfectly. One certainly could not be without the success of the other. There are actually audiobooks now by Audible and Ali Shahalom (more widely known as Ali Official) has truly added his voice to the mix (literally) and made it even better.

What is your typical writing day like?

Typically and honestly, I stare at the screen for days on end. I snack, I procrastinate, I read books in the same genre, I discuss ideas with my nearest and dearest and the likes. 

The thing is that when I’m in the ‘writing zone’, the story itself just falls out of me. It really does have a life of its own. I don’t feel like I’m constructing the plot consciously - I feel like my characters have lives of their own and dictate the words on my screen. In that sense, once I have a plan, I can put together a book within weeks. The planning side of things has been taking a lot of science lately - I used to teach Comedy at A Level, which has really helped craft my ideas. Planning is the stage where I’d consciously get across the themes I want to explore. This side is laborious and takes a lot of time. Like, a LOT of time.

The writing itself is a different experience. When I have it (whatever ‘it’ is), I get up early and finish late. I tend to shut myself up with my Jaffa cakes and the likes, and essentially ‘bash it out’. I know that this is a privilege afforded to very few people. Sometimes I’m writing until the early hours of the morning when everyone else is asleep. However, to get to that stage is a mission and a half and it’s certainly not very glamorous. Writing, for me, really does entail a lot of blank screen time with a regular dose of day-dreaming and distraction.  

My Laugh-out-Loud Life: The Big Breakout by Burhana Islam, illustrated by Farah Khandaker, is published 6th April by Knights Of, £6.99 paperback.

www.knightsof.media

 Many thanks to Burhana for sharing this today. ‘The Big Breakout’ breaks out TODAY!

Blog Tour: Wendington Jones and the Missing Tree

Today, I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘Wendington Jones and the Missing Tree’. This story is a thoroughly enjoyable adventure with Wendington being an original, engaging protagonist. Many twists, turns and red herrings keep the reader guessing throughout whilst rooting for the young heroine as she makes her literal (and metaphorical!) journey. But who is Wendington Jones? Author, Daniel Dockery, tells us more…

Wendington Jones is an adventurer. A classic old-school, horse-riding, 1920’s boot-stomping anthropologist in training. But she’s a modern-day interpretation of what those explorers could have been in a better world. A kinder, more scientifically minded swashbuckler who’s still as daring, even if she’s a little too naïve about the way the world, and the people in it, really are. So when setbacks come, it’s up to Wendington’s indomitable spirit to get herself back up again, learn from her mistakes and forge forward. To see the world, and not destroy it in the process. The point of view, if the hero of 1999’s The Mummy had been Rachel Weisz’s bold, forthright librarian, and not Brendan Fraser’s wise-cracking, treasure hunter.

Setting it in the hopeful, if now ill-fated 1920s, puts Wendington in the age of discovery and at the forefront of Women’s suffrage. It’s a huge playground in which to throw a bold, engineering focused want-to-be adventurer. And while we don’t miss out on either the twisting plot or thrilling action, this is also a story of something else. The story of a young woman who’s lived her life entirely in the books she’s read and not the real world. Someone who thinks she’s ready for just about anything. Until her mother’s death brings Wendington’s whole world crashing down around her.

Wendington’s grief both drives and consumes her. This is also how a resilient, if bookish young woman, is forced to pick up the shattered pieces of her life and try to find a way to put them back together again. It is the same journey anyone who has been through intense grief has been forced to do so, through perhaps they had fewer people shooting at them while they did it. And like most young adults facing the tough realities of the world in front of them, Wendington has the tools to help herself, she just doesn’t quite know how to use them just yet. And it’s only through trial and error, doggedness and the kindness of others that she learns to walk again.

Courageous, analytic and practical when all else fails, Wendington’s an old school adventurer for our modern-day age. One with doggedness, brilliance and kindness running through her veins. A wit as dry as the Egyptian sands, Wendington’s got the taste for adventure, now all she has to do is survive long enough to find her next one. . .

 Wendington Jones and the Missing Tree Daniel Dockery

UCLan Publishing ISBN: 978-1915235374

Published 6th April 2023

Many thanks to Daniel and the team at UCLan for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour. ‘Wendington Jones and the Missing Tree’ is a great read- perfect for Y6 and above!

Blog Tour: Reading for Pleasure

Reading- for pleasure, for learning, for escape, to share, for a million reasons- has always been a massive part of my life. The family joke is that I was born reading and am never without a book (or several!) stashed close at hand, ready for any odd moments when I can read. As a teacher, I have always delighted in sharing this with children and colleagues and over my career have seen fluctuating and fickle attitudes to daily story times, school libraries, class book corners, hearing children read and the teaching of reading. It has always been obvious to me that teachers (or any adult!) who are enthusiastic about reading (or anything!), show that it is something which they value and engage in themselves and can discuss and enthuse about their reading are far more likely to spark interest and enjoyment than those who don’t, but fortunately, research has now been done which validates this for those who need to be convinced! For those in need of guidance for how to start, this is the book for you!

The pure joy of Scott’s book is that he has gathered together many tried and tested ideas which can easily be slotted into daily practice and culture in classrooms, whole schools and the wider community to create a constant, non-gimmicky buzz about books and reading. As Scott says, ‘…reading for pleasure cannot be left to happen by chance’ and indulging in token gestures, such as only participating in World Book Day once a year, is not enough to form life-long reading habits and the joy this brings! Many of the activities offered here are variations on a theme, allowing schools to ring the changes by re-introducing activities with a slightly different slant to stop them becoming stale or taken for granted.

The book is divided into eleven sections, each with a different focus, allowing teachers to hone in on a specific area as a starting point or to guide them through the book as a whole. Useful links are made between sections and ideas with additional suggestions (‘Taking It Further’/’Bonus Ideas’) given. Many of the ideas are sure to spark additional discussion and give birth to yet more strategies, making the book a working tool which (although I don’t normally advocate writing in books!) can be annotated and a shared staff room/ year group copy developed as suggestions arise. By ‘Topic Texts’, for example, a note could be added about displaying and sharing poems related to a theme, referring to ‘The Works 2: Poems on Every Subject and for Every Occasion’ which might be useful here for those not as confident in this area.

Some of the best ideas here - the ones which have the greatest impact - are the simplest to put in place, allowing schools/ teachers to develop a firm basis before choosing some of the more ambitious ones. I would like to highlight the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and their annual national initiatives here- the Children’s Book Awards, National Share a Story Month and National Non-Fiction November (mentioned in Idea 72: Face the Facts)- which are very easy to engage with and create a real buzz around books and reading. Using the local library and encouraging children to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge (and the Winter Mini Challenge) and holding book fairs are other ideas which are relatively easy to implement, offering sound starting blocks to build upon.

One useful addition to the book would be some pictures to illustrate the ideas in action so I have added a few here. The book is pitched as ‘100 Ideas for Primary Teachers’, but the reach of the content contained goes beyond that with many that can be adapted - or used as is- for both older and younger children, for colleagues in libraries and anyone with children at home. It really is a treasure trove of good sense and inspiration!

‘Reading for Pleasure’ is a great read, packed with useful, practical ideas, and (in these days of tight budgets!) great value for money! Thanks to Scott for asking me to be part of this Blog Tour and to Bloomsbury for sending me a copy. I shall be enthusiastically sharing this with colleagues!

100 Ideas for Primary Teachers: Reading for Pleasure

Scott Evans

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1801991902

Farah Loves Mangos

Farah loves mangos. She loves them so much that she even reads them stories…before eating them! Every year, the ancient tree in her grandfather’s big backyard is laden with fruit which they gather with the help of Mali the dog. One summer, however, the tree does not yield any mangos and no matter what Farah tries. She declares that without mangos the tree is useless, but Grandpa, who she thought was doing nothing, puts her on the swing he has been making. As she swings up into the branches, Farah realises the tree is teeming with life and it’s worth looking at things in new ways.

What a delicious and delightful book! The illustrations are completely fabulous- full of humour and detail, they complement the text perfectly, creating a story which is a joy to read! Farah’s love of mangos has led her to overlook the bounty and joys the tree apart from its fruit. She has never paused to notice the ‘life of the tree’ or to value the tree for anything other than mangos. The story offers so much to reflect upon and discuss and could lead to children- and adults - taking the time to look at many things in different ways, valuing them for what they are and not just for what they give.

I love the way in which her Grandpa quietly continues making a swing, allowing her to try and solve the problem herself. And boy, does she try! His solution is to show her the wonders of the tree by making her a swing to both play on and see the tree anew from. Sarthak Sinha has beautifully captured this loving relationship throughout the book, but for me, the last two illustrations say everything!

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and ‘Farah Loves Mangos’ absolutely proves this! There is so much to linger over in each spread as the illustrations add to the humour and magic of the story with so many details to notice. This is a gorgeous book!

Farah Loves Mangos Sarthak Sinha

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838741365

Kind Crocodile

When Crocodile leaves his pond, he finds himself called on for help by a series of animals fleeing danger. First comes a mouse, then a warthog, next an antelope and finally, a rhino. As each takes refuge on his back, Crocodile becomes overwhelmed and decides to teach them a lesson!

Simple text and gorgeous illustrations combine perfectly to convey this gently humorous tale about Kind Crocodile whose patience is tested to the limit. Each creature he saves rides proudly on his back, confident that the combination of crocodile’s sharp teeth and his fearsome ‘Grrrrr!’ will be enough to ward off danger. But none of them notice that Crocodile is flagging under their weight and when Rhino comes along, poor Crocodile is left flattened and speechless. Banding together, they see off the danger, boasting about their bravery and teamwork…until Crocodile decides enough is enough and gives them a good scare before they all make they way off together once more. The illustrations are just delightful and the text is both simple and satisfying enough to have little ones joining in!

The story offers plenty to chat about as children can empathise with how the characters are feeling- and how they make Crocodile feel. Children are sure to be tempted to draw Crocodile and his friends as well - and perhaps create stories about the adventures which they set off to share together! This is sure to become a firm favourite!

I would have loved to have been able to hear Leo Timmers speak at Oxford Literary Festival tomorrow as I love his artwork, but sadly, this is not possible! Perhaps next year…

Kind Crocodile Leo Timmers

Gecko Press ISBN: 978-1776574704

You can read my review of ‘Elephant Island’ here.

Fireblood: The First Flight

Dragons don’t exist. But they used to…

Discovering that the magic of dragons flows through your veins is frightening – and liberating! But with the powers of dragonkind comes a desperate quest: siblings Finn and Tula must travel to a hidden island fortress to help save their father – and the world they know; and discover the truth of their incredible fireblood heritage.

‘Fireblood’ is a compelling, absorbing read, full of magic and adventure. Finn and Tula have been sheltered from the world by their father, but when he disappears, they find themselves caught in a web of danger, magic and adventure as they embark on a quest to save their father, the world- and find their true selves.

The plot is brilliantly constructed with the reader being offered glimpses and hints which come together as some final revelations are made in a very satisfying conclusion to the book which still allows for more adventure to follow. Evocative descriptions vividly bring the settings to life as the children set off on their perilous journey to save their father, travelling from Bristol to the mysterious island of Portaldor and on to Iceland. Sam Stewart’s world building is second to none, full of creative, imaginative details.

Finn and Tula have a wonderful relationship, sharing a close bond of affection and understanding, developed during their unorthodox upbringing. They are courageous and determined and each flourishes over the course of the story as they gain both understanding of what they are and confidence in what they can be. Errol, who they meet on Portaldor, has an affinity with all manner of creatures and is a staunch and loyal friend whilst Charlie, who they also meet on the island, is brooding and full of anger for reasons which emerge later in the story.

Sam Stewart also draws on myths and legends with appearances from St George and Patrick, and creatures like griffins and wyrms. Welsh is also used in the book, this ancient language adding to the feeling of magic and mystery. ‘Fireblood’ is a most excellent adventure- can’t wait to find out what happens next!

Fireblood: The First Flight Sam Stewart

Firefly Press ISBN: 978-1915444196