A delightful and entertaining rhyming story about being seen, heard and accepted, however small you may be. Tiny McToot is a small but determined character who dreams big despite his size. Colourful and detailed illustrations makes this an engaging visual experience, complementing the narrative beautifully. It delivers a powerful lesson about self-confidence, resilience and determination. An absolute pleasure to read aloud.

Reviewed by Zeena Ark on 18th September 2024

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Inspired by Hindu mythology, Anya's Quest is an enchanting tale of a young girl's journey to protect the planet.

This is a rich and engaging story drawing on Indian myths and culture that also incorporates sound messages about caring for the earth that feel pertinent rather than worthy. It's beautifully produced with really lovely illustrations by Jane Ray as well.

Reviewed by Laura Hayward on 11th September 2024

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Remember the time we flew to the moon without a rocket? And the time we went to the bottom of the ocean and fought a high-voltage octopus? And how about the time we got lost in the Land of Lost Things? That was one of our most exciting adventures yet! It all started like this...

It's all very silly and very funny with some laugh out loud moments.  The text is brief, complemented by some great and detailed illustrations.   A great read for both new readers and reluctant readers.

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 11th September 2024

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Beautiful illustrations support this charming and delightful picture book, it is very interactive and engaging with lots of things to spot, encouraging readers to search for winter related items.  The story also has strong underlying messages around the importance of friendship, exploration and enjoying the beauty and wonder of nature.  Just lovely and great to share.

Reviewed by Stephanie Horton on 4th September 2024

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Using details of space travel taken straight from the headlines and NASA's own ambitions to land humans on Mars by 2030, this books aims to inspire young readers to plan a trip into space. From paying for a seat on a commercial flight to becoming a researcher in space, this book not only offers plenty of detail about how to get into orbit but does so with fascinating facts and great illustrations. Added information about rockets, previous astronaut's achievements and things youngsters can do to prepare for space flight are sure to fire the imagination. A great resource for schools and libraries alike. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 4th September 2024

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Suzy Button is grieving. Grieving for her dead mother, but also for the friends she's left behind, the father who no longer laughs and the life she once had. In desperation she finds herself in the garden in the middle of the night, under the light of the supermoon, wishing everything would change. 

And change it does. Into school walks the fearless Rhiannon, who makes Suzy her best friend and seems to make other things just... happen. Beach parties, moonlight photoshoots... life is moving forward again for Suzy. But who is Rhiannon? Where does she live and why doesn't she have any stuff?

In this absorbing tale with a touch of magical realism, we see a beautiful friendship with a rather mysterious new girl. Suzy is an engaging protagonist and her internal chatter perfectly captures teen worries. Without giving anything away, this novel captures small-town Irish life with humour and the plot twist makes for a most enjoyable read for anyone who thinks they're too old for magic. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 21st August 2024

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Wonderful storytelling with two unique and compelling characters with very different stories but united by their sadness and their sense of adventure.  It touches on feelings of loneliness and being different and trying to fit in and an unlikely friendship that brings hope and happiness.  The island represents the past, the environment and dreams and the descriptions are lavish and delightful.  The author keeps the reader close as if we are all sitting around a campfire listening to the riveting tale, we can hear the lapping of the sea and feel the wind in our hair.  A great and memorable read.

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 19th August 2024

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This beautifully illustrated and well-produced book approaches the concept of time in a unique way. By looking at the passing of time over different periods for different situations - an apple tree growing fruit, a baby growing in the womb, the life span of an elephant - the reader gets an idea of what a minute, day or even a year might mean. They can also appreciate the importance of waiting for things to come to pass, an especially pertinent skill given the instantaneous nature of technology in our society. Ideal for use in the classroom or at home, this wonderful book can be pored over and support the development of patience - something adults and children alike would do well to learn! 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 14th August 2024

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How better to learn about the digestive system and the sewage system than with the help of a talking poo?!  The best journey through the digestive system you'll ever go on! It's great for learning, very funny and enormously enlightening.  The bright graphics and poo chat will make you laugh out loud.  Going to the loo will never be the same again.  It takes toilet humour to a whole new level! You'll no longer blush when you flush!  Buy plenty!

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 7th August 2024

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Gina Kaminski is a bold and dynamic character who continues on her quest to re-tell familiar stories from the perspective of the least popular character. A celebration of neurodiversity, empowering every child to be the hero of their own narrative.

Reviewed by Zeena Ark on 7th August 2024

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A fun cookbook featuring the main characters from Sesame Street and The Furchester Hotel

All the recipes have great child appeal with good ideas for getting in plenty of hidden vegetables and healthy ingredients while making the presentation fun and eye-catching. Great for parents wanting to make family-friendly meals with accessible recipes.

Reviewed by  on 24th July 2024

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Take a tour of musical history, and learn your timbre from your tempo, your tuba from your cello and your symphony from your concerto. Here you can rub shoulders with 20 great composers - including child prodigy Mozart, pioneering musician Florence Price and film score composer Hans Zimmer - and find out what it really takes to write a timeless classical hit!
Listen as you read, using the playlist inside, with over 40 classical pieces covering 1,000 years of music. The story doesn't stop here, as Classical continues to influence music today and future sounds. 

This is an informal, funny overview with an attractive layout, wide scope and a wealth of info to pore over. A good resource for leisure or study uses and always a useful topic.

Reviewed by Laura Hayward on 24th July 2024

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As summer draws to a close, Denny is faced with the prospect of moving away with his mother, who has secured a new job. However, he has no intentions of making his departure a silent one.

An emotional and compelling read which explores themes of friendship, loyalty, forgiveness and the power of memories. Dyslexia-friendly, strong characterisation and with funny and tender moments this is perfect for reluctant boy readers.

Reviewed by Zeena Ark on 18th July 2024

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In a ruined future world, all eighteen-year-olds participate in the 'Virtue Season', during which they are matched up to create genetically diverse couplings and ensure the survival of the human race. Those who are deemed to be flawed are excluded from the ceremony, sterilised and used as slaves. The story is told from the perspective of Manon, who fears being matched with someone she doesn't love, and Agatha, who has seizures and won't be able to marry the boy she loves. 

Although billed as a dystopian Bridgerton, the romantic relationships were the least interesting part of this gritty and compelling tale. Manon and Agatha are both fierce, powerful characters fighting to make their own choices in a brilliantly-realised world of misogyny and violence. There are obvious nods to 'Handmaid's Tale' here but the author has created something fresh that raises questions around consent, power and disabilities. This is a great read for older teens that has chilling echoes in the way women are (mis)treated around our world. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 17th July 2024

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It's time to walk to school and mum wants the children to get there on time. But what Mum doesn't realise is that the hill is in fact the tummy of a sleeping giant and it's important to tread carefully when the floor turns to lava! It's just as well Mum has these two Brave Explorers with her.

This is an utterly charming tale with a warm, humorous feel and some lovely imaginative touches as the everyday walk to school is filled with fantastical adventure and magical creatures. This would be a lovely sharing read.

Reviewed by Laura Hayward on 10th July 2024

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