Library

Today is World Mental Health Day, so I have picked stories that we can all identify and empathise with.

My first choice is ish! by Peter H Brown, a beautifully simple and uplifting story that speaks straight to the hearts of young artists and their families.

The book follows Ramon, a boy who absolutely loves to draw. He draws anything, anytime, anywhere, until one day, a careless comment from his older brother shakes his confidence. Suddenly, his once joyful hobby becomes a stressful task. Ramon’s drawings no longer feel “good enough”, and he begins to doubt his abilities.

But all is not lost. His younger sister Marisol gently shows him a different way of seeing things. She doesn’t focus on whether something looks exactly “right”. Instead, she appreciates the way his pictures feel. A vase doesn’t need to be perfect; it can be “vase-ish”. Through her eyes, Ramon learns that creative expression isn’t about perfection, it’s about capturing the essence of something and enjoying the process.

This heart-warming tale is a powerful reminder for children, and adults, that creativity is not about being exact, it’s about being you. With its minimal text and expressive illustrations, ish! encourages young readers to value their own unique way of creating and to keep going, even when self-doubt creeps in.

Offering a gentle but important message about resilience, self-expression, and the freedom to be “ish-ful”, it’s a great conversation starter for talking to children about confidence and creativity, and highly recommended for nurturing self-belief in budding artists and encouraging a lifelong love of making and imagining.

Next, I have picked The Wonderous Prune by Ellie Clements, a heartfelt and empowering story that blends everyday struggles with a touch of magical realism, perfect for readers who enjoy stories about family, friendship and finding your inner strength.

The story follows eleven-year-old Prune Robinson, who has just moved to a new town with her mum and older brother. Prune is quiet, thoughtful, and loves to draw, but things aren’t easy. She’s trying to adjust to a new school, where she’s being bullied, and her brother is constantly getting into trouble. Feeling like she needs to protect her already overworked single mum, Prune decides to keep her problems to herself.

Then something extraordinary happens: her drawings start coming to life. At first, Prune isn’t sure what to do with this strange and wondrous new ability. Should she keep it secret? Can she even control it? But when her brother finds himself in serious danger, Prune realises that her gift might be the key to saving him, and to holding her family together.

Ellie writes with warmth and insight, capturing the emotions of a young girl who feels invisible and overwhelmed. Prune’s magical ability is a clever metaphor for the hidden strengths children often carry, strengths that shine when they’re needed most. The story sensitively explores themes such as resilience, sibling relationships, bullying, the pressures of growing up, and the importance of speaking out when you need help.

With a relatable main character, a dash of magic, and a message about believing in yourself, The Wondrous Prune is both an entertaining and inspiring read.

Finally, for our oldest children, I’ve chosen All The Things That Could go Wrong by Stewart Foster, a powerful and moving story about friendship, empathy, and understanding others, even when they seem like the last person you’d ever get along with.

The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Dan and Alex, two boys with very different struggles. Dan is angry and lost after his older brother suddenly leaves home. Unable to process his emotions, he lashes out and begins bullying Alex. Alex, on the other hand, is dealing with severe OCD, which makes even getting to school a daily challenge, especially when he knows Dan and his mates will be waiting.

When their mums force them to spend the summer holidays together to finish building a raft Dan had started with his brother, both boys are horrified. But as the days go on, a reluctant truce begins to form. Through shared tasks, arguments, laughter, and the slow build of trust, both Dan and Alex begin to see that there are two sides to every story, and that friendship can sometimes grow in the most unexpected places.

Stewart handles difficult topics with great sensitivity and realism. The book explores mental health, grief, bullying, and family breakdowns in a way that is age-appropriate, honest, and deeply relatable. Both characters are well-rounded and believable, and readers will likely find themselves rooting for both of them by the end.

It opens up important conversations about kindness, mental health, and seeing beyond first impressions, making it a valuable read for both children and adults.

Happy reading!

Arrr, today be International Talk Like a Pirate Day, me hearties, so this week’s theme be none other than pirates, aye!

For our youngest children, I’ve chosen Give Me Back My Bones by Kim Norman, illustrated by Bob Kolar, where pirates, skeletons, and science all come together in a delightfully clever and educational adventure that’s perfect for young readers.

Told in bouncy, rhyming verse, this book follows the misadventures of a shipwrecked pirate skeleton who’s on a mission to find his missing bones. From his mandible to his metatarsals, he hunts high and low beneath the waves, reuniting each bone with a joyful cry of recognition. Children are invited along on this underwater scavenger hunt, learning real anatomical terms in a way that’s playful and completely unintimidating.

The text is wonderfully read-aloud friendly; perfect for storytime at home or in the classroom. Younger children will enjoy the rhythm and humour, while slightly older ones might delight in learning the proper names of body parts (and perhaps surprising their teachers or parents with their new knowledge!).

The illustrations by Bob Kolar are bold, cheerful, and cartoonish, making the skeletal subject matter feel fun rather than frightening. There’s nothing spooky here, just a friendly, expressive skeleton trying to put himself back together with a bit of pirate flair.

Endpapers featuring labelled bones at the front and a full skeleton at the back extend the learning even further, making this not just a storybook, but a mini anatomy lesson in disguise. A funny, fact-filled treasure that brings bones, and learning, to life. Ideal for curious minds and pirate fans alike!

My next choice is Pirate Stew by Neil GAiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell. If you’re looking for a story that’s packed with imagination, rhyme, and just the right amount of silliness, Pirate Stew is a perfect pick. Written by the brilliant Neil Gaiman and brought to life by the whimsical illustrations of Chris Riddell, this picture book is a joyful romp from start to finish.

The story begins with two children being left at home with a rather unexpected babysitter; Long John McRon, Ship’s Cook, who just happens to be a pirate. Before long, their quiet evening turns into an extraordinary escapade full of flying pirate ships, doughnut feasts, and, of course, the mysterious (and magical) pirate stew.

Told in rollicking rhyme, Neil’s text is a delight to read aloud, with repeating verses that children will quickly want to join in with. It’s the kind of book that invites laughter, silliness, and a bit of pirate roleplay — perfect for winding down after a busy school day or adding some fun to a rainy weekend afternoon.

Chris Riddell’s artwork adds an extra layer of humour and wonder, with expressive characters and richly detailed scenes that reward repeat readings. The illustrations are bold, colourful, and full of hidden treasures for curious eyes to spot.

Whether your child is pirate-obsessed or just loves a funny tale, this is a fantastic addition to any bookshelf. It’s a book to be read, shared, and enjoyed again and again. A funny, fantastical feast for young imaginations. Aarrrr-mazing!

And for our oldest Children, I’ve picked The Voyage Of Sam Singh by Gita Ralleigh, a gripping, imaginative adventure full of heart, danger, and magic, perfect for fans of fantasy, mystery, and courageous heroes. This is the second book in Gita Ralleigh’s enchanting middle-grade series, set in a richly imagined, parallel version of colonial India.

Twelve-year-old Sam Singh is a land-pirate with a mission: to rescue his older brother, Moon, who vanished three years ago and is rumoured to be trapped in the Octopus, a terrifying, inescapable prison on the mysterious Isle of Lost Voices.

With only a suspicious scientist, Professor Bogusz, and a loyal parrot named Suka for company, Sam sets sail on a perilous journey across stormy seas and into the unknown. On the island, they meet Lola, a fierce and clever forest guide, and together they brave wild landscapes full of secrets and spirits. But time is running out, and the Octopus looms closer with every step.

Gita’s writing is lyrical, atmospheric and packed with vivid detail. The story blends folklore, fantasy, and real-world themes of colonialism and resistance, while never losing pace or heart. Sam is a brave and relatable hero, and young readers will be swept along by his determination, loyalty and courage.

This is an ideal read for upper primary children who enjoy rich storytelling, bold characters, and a world unlike any other. A thrilling, magical quest full of danger, discovery, and hope, The Voyage of Sam Singh is an unforgettable journey for curious minds and brave hearts.

Happy reading!

A very warm welcome to all of the Cannon Park Primary School Community as we begin a new school year. I only have one book this week that encompasses all of our school values.

The Best You by Nima Patel and Cally Johnson-Isaacs is a heartwarming and empowering picture book shifts the focus from what children do to who they are, and celebrates the qualities and character traits that everyone, no matter how old, need to thrive. It is a brilliant reminder that everything we need to be the very best version of ourselves is already inside us.

Instead of the traditional question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, this book gently invites readers to explore the kind of person they want to become – kind, fair, brave, creative, determined, adventurous… Each page highlights a different value, often inspired by real-world roles like firefighters, teachers, or artists, helping children connect moral qualities with everyday heroes.

Encouraging self-awareness, empathy, and emotional intelligence, The Best You helps readers understand that they already possess the seeds of greatness within themselves through how they treat others and the choices they make.

Happy reading!

The Summer Reading Challenge is the UK’s biggest reading for pleasure programme for primary school children in libraries, reaching close to 700,000 children last year. This year, the theme is “Story Garden”, and I have chosen some of my favourite books from The Reading Agency’s Collection.

For our youngest children, I have picked Farah Loves Mangos by Sarthak Sinha, a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated picture book.

This vibrant story, written by Sarthak Sinha, follows a young girl named Farah who adores mangos, so much so, she dreams of living inside one! Each summer, she visits her beloved Grandpa and together they pick juicy, golden mangos from his garden tree.

But this year is different. The mango tree is bare, and Farah is determined to fix it. With childlike optimism and creativity, she tries everything she can to make the tree bloom again. What follows is a gentle and thoughtful tale about patience, growth, and discovering joy in the little things beyond just the end result.

This book is a lovely way to introduce young readers to the ideas of nature’s cycles and the deeper meaning of relationships with loved ones. Farah’s bond with her Grandpa is particularly touching, and parents may find it sparks conversations about family traditions and the importance of spending time together.

The illustrations are colourful, rich in detail, and perfectly capture the warmth of summer days and the comfort of home. Young readers will enjoy spotting mango-themed surprises throughout the pages.

I love that Farah Loves Mangos is not just a celebration of a favourite fruit, it’s a gentle reminder that some of life’s sweetest moments come from what we learn along the way, not just what we get at the end.

Next up, I’ve chosen Hilda And Twig Hide From The Rain by Luke Pearson, perfect for young readers who enjoy a mix of adventure, magic, and friendship.

Fans of the Netflix Hilda series or the original graphic novels will be delighted to see blue-haired Hilda and her loyal deer-fox Twig in another thrilling tale.

The story begins with the pair heading out for a forest exploration, undeterred by a little rain. But when a huge storm rolls in, things take a dramatic turn. They find shelter in a strange mound in the ground. But, it’s not just any mound… Something mysterious is going on, and Twig soon realises that Hilda is in serious danger.

I love that this story focuses on Twig. Usually the quieter sidekick, Twig is suddenly pushed into the spotlight and has to face his fears to protect his best friend. It’s a lovely message for young readers: that bravery can come in many forms, even from those who don’t think of themselves as heroes.

The artwork is vibrant and full of character, bringing the magical world of Trolberg and its surrounding forests to life. The comic format makes it easy to follow, especially for children who are growing in confidence with their reading.

With a perfect balance of gentle humour, suspense, and warmth, Hilda and Twig Hide from the Rain is a brilliant rainy-day read that shows the power of courage, friendship, and a little bit of wild imagination. Highly recommended for children who love quirky stories with heart!

And finally, for our older readers, I’ve selected The Last Dragon by Polly Ho-Yen, a magical and heartfelt adventure.

This moving story follows Yara, a young girl navigating some very grown-up problems. Her sister is in hospital, her home life is full of worry, and things at school aren’t much better. Her new teacher thinks she’s nothing but trouble. But Yara’s world changes completely when, under the lights of a Milton Keynes shopping centre, she encounters something unbelievable: the very last dragon on Earth.

In a moment of quiet magic, the dragon leaves Yara its final gift, a single egg. From this point on, Yara is faced with a huge responsibility. The egg holds a power she doesn’t fully understand, and there are people out there who will stop at nothing to take it from her. Yara must summon courage she didn’t know she had, trusting in herself and learning to stand up for what’s right.

This is more than just a fantasy story. It’s a powerful tale about bravery, believing in yourself when others don’t, and caring for the natural world. The blend of real-life challenges with a touch of dragon magic makes it a brilliantly accessible and relatable read for children, and absolutely perfect for readers who enjoy stories with heart, imagination, and a message of hope.

You can take part online, or by signing up at participating libraries, and check out all of the other books in the collection here.

Happy reading!

For our last staff choice theme this year, Mr Ray has chosen holidays by the sea, which has been exceptionally tricky to narrow down to just three books.

For our youngest children, I have chosen Searching For Treasure by Johanna Bell, illustrated by Emma Long, which captures the magic of childhood curiosity and the beauty of Australia’s coastline.

The story invites readers on a beachside adventure, where each step along the high tide line brings a new discovery. With gentle, rhyming text and a sense of wonder woven throughout, this book encourages children to slow down, observe, and delight in the natural treasures that the sea washes ashore. From sea urchins to shark’s eggs, and ghost crabs to barnacles, the book introduces a range of fascinating sea creatures and objects, many of which will be unfamiliar to younger children, sparking curiosity and conversation.

Emma Long’s illustrations are warm, textured, and filled with subtle details that reflect the rich biodiversity of Australia’s coastal environments. The earthy tones and expressive characters perfectly match the rhythmic pace of Johanna Bell’s writing, making this a calming yet engaging read-aloud.

Beyond its poetic charm, Searching for Treasure gently models the joy of outdoor exploration and mindful observation. It’s an ideal book to read before or after a family beach walk, inspiring children to notice the small things and ask questions about the natural world.

A celebration of imagination, discovery, and the simple joys found by the sea, Searching For Treasure is a true treasure in itself!

For newly confident readers starting out with chapter books I’ve picked The Whale Watchers by Dougie Poynter, a wonderfully engaging illustrated chapter book that combines an exciting summer holiday adventure with an important environmental message.

The story follows Finn, who is less than thrilled when his summer plans are hijacked by a trip to rainy Scotland with his younger brother Jesse and their mum, a passionate marine biologist. Finn would rather be anywhere else than trailing around after whales in soggy waterproofs. But when they meet a local girl and her loyal dog, things take a surprising turn. As the children explore Scotland’s rugged coastline, they discover not only the majestic whales that call its waters home, but also the devastating effects of ocean pollution.

I love how this book gently introduces readers to big ideas like climate change and plastic pollution, without ever feeling preachy. Through Finn’s eyes, children are invited to ask questions and learn how even small actions, like cutting down on single-use plastics, can make a huge difference. Amberin’s illustrations bring warmth and personality to the story, helping younger readers visualise the Scottish landscape and the whales themselves.

Inspiring, thought-provoking and hopeful, The Whale Watchers is a fantastic read for Key Stage 2 children, perfect for enjoying together over the holidays, or for sparking a new interest in the natural world.

And finally, for our older readers, I’ve chosen Noah’s Gold by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steven Lenton, a funny, fast-paced tale of mishap, mystery and friendship.

The story follows 11-year-old Noah, the youngest in his family and full of big ideas. When he secretly tags along on his older sister’s school geography trip, things quickly spiral into chaos. A wrong turn lands six children stranded on a deserted island, with no adults, no working phones, and thanks to Noah, no internet either. As they struggle to survive and make sense of their situation, Noah stumbles upon an old treasure map, turning their misadventure into a daring hunt for gold.

The book blends laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt themes of teamwork, resourcefulness, and the pressures of the digital age. It cleverly explores how children can surprise us with their resilience and creativity – especially when grown-ups aren’t around. And, I love that it’s written in letters to home, with surprising

Frank’s trademark wit shines throughout, and there’s a warmth to the storytelling that makes it hugely appealing. The characters are lively and relatable, each contributing something unique to the group. Steven Lenton’s black-and-white illustrations bring extra energy to the pages and help draw young readers further into the action.

With echoes of classic adventure tales but a very modern twist, Noah’s Gold is perfect for confident readers who enjoy humour, unexpected twists, and stories that celebrate imagination and courage.

Happy reading!