Book Reviews
See our latest book reviews and search for all previous reviews. We’ll be adding more over the coming months, so check back to see if your favourite book has been reviewed by us.
The Little Fir Tree
Christopher Corr
The little Fir Tree wishes to be cut down and go and see the world, but whilst the other trees are taken to be used in what is perceived as exotic and wonderful places, he is left to grow.
Life on Mars
Jon Agee
Everyone says there is no life on Mars but is there? Whilst the little space boy roams around Mars looking for life, life just evades him, always one step behind or not quite where he looks…
Fly flies
Ziggy Hanaor, illus. Alice Bowsher
The little Fly just wants to have lots of fun practising flying in her own way. But there are others who think she is doing it all wrong, and convince her to try flying their way.
Here comes Lolo
Niki Daly
This book is part of a mini series; it consists of four short stories all featuring Lolo, a spirited ordinary seven-year-old girl of colour.
Beyond the Fence
Maria Gulematova
Piggy lives with Thomas. They do everything together – but only what Thomas wants. Then one day Piggy gets the opportunity to do something by himself and he meets Wild Boar. Will Piggy be able to break free from the stultifying life in the Big House controlled by Thomas?
Child of St Kilda
Beth Waters
What was it like to live on the “islands on the edge of the world” – or rather on Hirta, the largest island of St Kilda? Beth Water’s has based her account of life on this the remotest island off the coast of Scotland on the memories of Norman John Gillies, the last child to be born on Hirta.
Born Bad
C K Smouha, illus. Stephen Smith
Does the way we look affect the way we see ourselves? The wolf of this story would certainly say yes. He was born bad, he looks bad and in turn, he is expected to act bad. But what happens if he wants to radically change?
Migrations: Open Hearts, Open Borders
A collection of postcard images addressing the subject of migration, featuring bird images
The way to Treasure Island
Lizzy Stewart
Matilda and her dad bring complementary personal qualities to their search for treasure in the natural world.
Up to something
Katrina McElvey
Dad and Billy each build their own racing kart and then build one together.
Umbrella
Elena Arevalo Melville
Lonely Clara has no one to play with until she finds an umbrella in the park.
A million dots
Sven Völker
This is a beautiful book for counting games. Children love to count the dots, but what happens when there are too many dots to count?
The pirate tree
Brigita Orel and Jennie Poh
When two lonely children meet up The Pirate Tree becomes a metaphor for a ship and friendship.
The golden cage
Anna Castagnoli & Carll Cheut
Valentina wants a talking bird and will go to any lengths to get her wish.
Where did you go today?
Jenny Duke
Where did you go today? Was it the park to swing on the swings? Or did you fly? Perhaps you went on the slide? Or maybe, you skied down a mountainside?
Sing to the moon
Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl, illus. Sandra van Doorn
It is raining – nothing to do, boring. If only there were wishes that can transport you to different exciting places. But you don’t need magic; you just need a loving grandfather and imagination!
The Phoenix of Persia
Sally Pomme Clayton, illus. Amin Hassanzadeh Sharif
When the wish of King Sam and Queen Aram is granted and they have a baby, their joy turns to sorrow – anger even. The baby, Prince Zal, does not look like the prince the king wanted…
Moonstruck! Poems About Our Moon
Roger Stevens (ed), illus. Ed Boxall
This anthology is another ‘stuff in your schoolbag’ poetry book from the Otter-Barry series that encourages children to read and share poetry.
A Kid in my Class
Rachel Rooney, illus. Chris Riddell
The variety of poems is past imagining – the thoughts of a hamster; wondering what present to give a leaving teacher; haikus to describe pop-up ideas, including a ‘her-ku’, twins; school sports day; advice (with a twist) to a new boy; playground life; feeling shy; every aspect of the school day.
Poetry for Change: A National Poetry Day Anthology
Various authors, illus. Chie Hosaka
This book contains 43 poems – more than half are freshly written by living poets, the rest include classics that they want to share with you.
Sock Story
C K Smouha, illus. Eleonora Marton
Phil and Dave are a pair. They spend time together, making jokes, chatting and playing games. Suddenly, they get separated. Without having each other, life seems scary. But why is their adventure unique? I can give you at least two reasons.
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