...because without fantastic authors and illustrators, and their publishers, the everyday magic that has got me through the last two weeks wouldn't exist...
Tag: time to read
St Grizzles School for Girls, Goats and Random Boys by Karen McCombie
Publication Date: 12 January 2017 When Dani Dexter’s Mum gets the opportunity of a lifetime to go and research penguins’ bums in Antarctica, she finds herself heading off to spend three months, THREE MONTHS, in a strict, boring boarding school for girls. That's three months of not making mini-movies with her best friend, Arch. Three … Continue reading St Grizzles School for Girls, Goats and Random Boys by Karen McCombie
The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis
Publication date: 9 February 2017 Aventurine has a fierce longing to spread her dragon wings and explore the world beyond her family's cave in search of her passion, if only she knew what it was. After another lecture from her mother, and more sneering from her brother, she sets out on her own to prove … Continue reading The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart by Stephanie Burgis
Worst Ever School Trip by Barry Hutchison
Publication date: 12 January 2017 Beaky Malone was the World's Greatest Liar, until he stepped into Madame Shirley's rusty metal box. It's been 92 hours since he told his last lie, and is finding that honesty is definitely not the best policy, as he also can't keep the truth in. In this, Beaky's second outing, … Continue reading Worst Ever School Trip by Barry Hutchison
The Inventory: Iron Fist by Andy Briggs
Shortlisted for the Coventry Inspiration Book Awards 2017, Hooked on Books category, Iron Fist is an action packed page turner. Dev lives under the strict rules of his uncle, Charlie Parker on their farm. Only it isn't a farm, it's a cover for a secret underground bunker containing some of the most amazing, and most … Continue reading The Inventory: Iron Fist by Andy Briggs
Time Travelling with a Hamster by Ross Welford
Al Chaudhury gets a letter from his father (who died when Al was 8) on his 12th birthday, that sets him off on adventure through time with Alan Shearer - the hamster, not the footballer - in a bath tub. Ross Welford skilfully guides us on Al's trips to 1984 and back again while he … Continue reading Time Travelling with a Hamster by Ross Welford
The Animals of Farthing Wood by Colin Dann
I first read this as a child, and fell in love with the Animals of Farthing Wood. I was reintroduced to it when in a bookshop with my son, who asked whether I could find any of my favourite books from when I was his age. As I glanced at the shelves, this was the … Continue reading The Animals of Farthing Wood by Colin Dann
A Library of Lemons by Jo Cotterill
I picked this up at the Celebration Event for 2016's Coventry Inspiration Book Awards. Having loved Looking at the Stars, I was expecting an emotional journey, and this book was a real roller coaster! Calypso's home life isn't easy. Since her Mum died from cancer, her Dad has taught her the importance of being her … Continue reading A Library of Lemons by Jo Cotterill
My Brother is a Superhero by David Solomons
"I could have been one too, except I needed a wee..." I picked this up with a couple of reluctant readers in mind, thinking it would be one of those books that while personally, I didn't really enjoy, would be great for them. How wrong was I? Sharp humour, comic plot devices stand-ups would be … Continue reading My Brother is a Superhero by David Solomons
The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow by Katherine Woodfine
Another from the Hooked on Books category of the Coventry Inspiration Book Awards 2017. Set in Edwardian London, this book follows Sophie as she tries to get herself back on her feet after being orphaned, and gets a job in the millinery department of Sinclairs, London's newest department store. Beautifully written, Katherine Woodfine's description of … Continue reading The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow by Katherine Woodfine
Mrs Cleveland is reading... 