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.
Tyger
SF Said, illus. Dave McKean
A powerful dystopian adventure that raises the timely issues of racism and classism, corruption and poverty, while celebrating the power of imagination.
Love
Corrinne Averiss, illus. Kirsti Beautyman
Tess is surrounded by the love of her whole family, but what will happen when she starts school and is away from them?
The Not-So-Uniform Life of Holly-Mei
Christina Matula, illus. Yao Xiao
Twelve-year-old Holly-Mei Jones moves from unremarkable urban life in Canada to an upmarket city area in Hong Kong.
Held in Love
Dawn Casey, illus. Oamul Lu
May your eyes look to the stars and know that you are held in the arms of the universe, held in love. A mother's blessing in rhyme.
The Story Collector series
Jane Ray
Jane Ray has selected a wonderful range of stories for these three volumes of beautifully illustrated retellings, themed on birds, the ocean and animals.
An Engineer Like Me
Dr Shini Somara, illus. Nadja Sarell
Inventive illustrations and an empowering story combine to introduce very young children to engineering, creative thinking and problem-solving.
When We Got Lost in Dreamland
Ross Welford
11 year-old Malky and his younger brother Seb become the owners of two Dreaminators that enable them to journey back in time together.
The Moon of Kyiv
Gianni Rodari, illus. Beatrice Alemagna
Michael Morpurgo’s important words are quoted on the cover: “Read this book, look up at the moon, know it shines on the faces of the children in Ukraine, on everyone everywhere who is living through war and longing for peace.”
Dearest One
Arielle Dance, illus. Jenny Duke
A tender, lyrical story of love for ourselves and others.
The Boy Lost in the Maze
Joseph Coelho, illus. Kate Milner
The lives of 21st century teenager Theo and Theseus of Ancient Greek legend become entwined on their journeys towards manhood.
Nour’s Secret Library
Wafa’ Tarnowska, illus. Vali Mintzi
Inspired by the story of a real secret library in a war zone, Nour's secret library was created by young people during the Syrian Civil War that began in 2011.
Scruff
Alice Bowsher
When an unwanted, scruffy black dog finds a new owner, he’s expected to enjoy rough and tumble in the park like all the other dogs. But Scruff just wants to be pampered. A funny, charming picture book that will enchant dog lovers.