Friday Library Recommendations: The Summer Reading Challenge
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!
Wellbeing Wednesday: Change
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” Albert Einstein
Change
Changes are a normal part of our lives and they affect us all in different ways. Some changes may feel small to you, but big to another person, and the opposite for a different change. For example, moving to a new class or school, moving homes, or starting a new club. They can feel exciting, but they can also feel overwhelming and stressful, especially when they are unexpected. Below are some tips to help you cope with changes that may feel hard for you.
Our tips for coping with change:
1 – Keep doing things you enjoy! When we feel stressed or worried, it can be easy for us to focus on the worries all the time and forget to do the things that make us happy. Make sure to plan in time at the weekends and evenings to do things you enjoy to help you relax and boost your mood!
2 – Think about what you can control. When a change is unexpected or overwhelming, we can feel a bit like we have no control over the situation or how it is making us feel. It can be helpful to think about what you do have control over in this situation. For example, we can’t control how the change makes us feel but we can control how we react to the situation and what we do following the change. Such as, staying connected with our friends and family, keeping to our daily routines, and planning ahead where we can.
3 – Look for the positives. While change can feel hard, there’s often something good that comes from it, even if it is not immediately obvious. Such as, new opportunities, new people or learning experiences. You might even surprise yourself and enjoy the change!
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
Friday Library Recommendations: Holidays By The Sea
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!
Wellbeing Wednesday: Get Outdoors
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside.” – Anne Frank
Get Outdoors
Spending time outdoors is great for your body and mind! It can improve your mood, reduce feelings of stress, improve your confidence, helps you to be more active and can reduce loneliness.
How to get outside more:
- Take a Nature Walk
Find a park, trail, or even your garden and take a walk. Look around for birds, trees, and flowers that you can spot. You could try taking photographs and share them with a friend. - Play a Sport or Game
Whether it’s football, netball or running, outdoor sports are a great way to get moving. They also help us develop our communication skills when we play as part of a team! - Do a Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of things to find outside—like a particular leaf or a butterfly—and go on a hunt to find them! - Bring Your Hobby Outside
Do you like drawing, reading, or listening to music? Try doing it outside! Find a comfy spot on the grass and enjoy your favourite activities in the fresh air. - Have a snack outside
Try taking a snack outside and eating it while focusing on the food and what is going on around you. - Watch the Stars
On a clear night, lie on a blanket and look up at the stars. You might even see a shooting star or spot constellations. - Meet up with a friend outside
It can be helpful to get outdoors every day, even if only for a short time. You could try walking to a friend’s house or to the shop instead of travelling by car or getting public transport. You could try to make getting outside part of your daily routine, whether it is riding a bike or sitting in a garden or park while you listen to music.
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
Friday Library Recommendations: Dinosaurs
This week, Mr Young has chosen fiction books featuring Dinosaurs for as the theme for Friday Libraray Recommendations.
For our youngest readers, I’ve chosen the latest in Oi series, which never fails to make me laugh; Oi Dinosaurs! by Kes Gray & Jim Field
If love a good giggle, Oi Dinosaurs! is sure to be a hit at story time. The latest instalment in the wildly popular Oi Frog and Friends series, this new title by Kes Gray and illustrator Jim Field brings the same clever rhyming, quirky humour, and bold illustrations that have made the series a firm favourite in households and classrooms across the UK, and there was no way I couldn’t include it this week.
This time, Frog, Cat and Dog travel back to the time of the dinosaurs or, as Frog believes, a time before sitting had been invented! What follows is a wonderfully silly exploration of what dinosaurs didn’t sit on. Expect laugh-out-loud pairings like pterosaurs and bendy straws, velociraptors and plug adaptors, and triceratops and lollipops, all delivered in bouncing rhyme and accompanied by Jim’s brilliantly expressive artwork.
Beyond the humour, Oi Dinosaurs! is a great opportunity to play with language. The rhyming structure supports early literacy skills, while the inventive wordplay encourages readers to make up their own silly rhymes. Grown ups will enjoy the chance to join in and laugh along too, making this an ideal choice for reading aloud.
My next choice is a hilariously heartwarming book called Dinosaur Pie by Jen Wallace, illustrated by Alan O’Rourke
If you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud read with a lot of heart, Dinosaur Pie by Jen Wallace is a fantastic choice for children venturing into chapter books. This funny and imaginative story features dynamic black-and-white illustrations and a wonderfully unique storyline that will keep young readers gripped from beginning to end.
The story follows Rory, a lively boy with ADHD, whose world turns upside down after his mum picks up a new dinner from the supermarket; a mysterious dish called Dinosaur Pie. The next morning, Rory wakes up as a real dinosaur. Not in a costume. Not in a dream. An actual, roaring dinosaur. And things only get stranger from there.
Being a dinosaur isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Rory can’t talk, can’t go to school, and has no interest in fruit. All he wants are sausages! His mum is beside herself, the doctor is baffled, and the supermarket refuses to take any responsibility. As Rory’s family scramble to figure out how to change him back, readers are taken on a hilarious and heartwarming journey full of chaos, confusion, and plenty of sausages.
With short chapters, lively illustrations, and an engaging mix of humour and emotion, Dinosaur Pie is perfect for newly confident readers or for sharing aloud. It’s a brilliant reminder that even the most unexpected situations can be handled with love, patience, and perhaps a few less experimental dinners. A truly dino-mite addition to any bookshelf!
And finally, for our older readers, I’ve chosen The Deadlands: Hunted by Skye Melki-Wegner
An imaginative and action-packed adventure set in a world where dinosaurs never went extinct, but instead evolved. These dinosaurs have formed societies, learned language, and even developed politics and warfare, making this a thrilling and unique read for confident young readers.
The story follows Eleri, a young oryctodromeus (a small burrowing dinosaur), who longs to become his herd’s storyteller. But when he makes the bold choice to save an enemy from danger, he is cast out into the unforgiving Deadlands, a dangerous wilderness where only the strongest survive. There, Eleri meets a diverse group of dinosaur exiles: a cheerful stegosaur, a quiet but strong sauropod, a grumpy triceratops, and a mysterious newcomer with secrets. Together, they must learn to trust one another as they face both external threats and the burdens of their pasts.
Blending fast-paced adventure with themes of courage, teamwork, and self-discovery, readers will enjoy the thrilling battles, witty dialogue, and the friendships that form between these unlikely heroes. The story subtly explores big ideas like prejudice, bravery, and loyalty, all while remaining accessible and exciting for a younger audience. Readers will also love the map and dinosaur facts, perfect for sparking interest in natural history and science.
The Deadlands: Hunted is a fantastic choice for fans of fantasy, dinosaurs, or stories about friendship and finding your place in the world. With vivid world-building and a cast of loveable dino-heroes, it’s sure to become a firm favourite, and what’s more, it the first of a trilogy so the adventures continue…
Happy reading!
Wellbeing Wednesday: Talking
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“It’s good to talk.” Bob Hoskins
Talking
We can’t always see when people are struggling, and people may not be able to see when we are struggling. We need to ask people how they are feeling, and we need to let them know how we are feeling so we can help each other.
There are people we can talk to if we are struggling; whether that be someone in our life already, such as a family member, a friend, or staff in school or college, or someone such as a mental health professional. Always try and speak to someone who you trust and someone who you feel will be able to help you.
There is no shame in wanting to speak with someone about your feelings, we all need to do
it sometimes, it is an action of bravery!
Our Top Tips For Talking
- If you want to speak to someone but are struggling to, try writing your thoughts and
feelings down or drawing a picture to show how you are feeling and giving this to
someone you trust instead. - You can also agree to have a ‘safe word’ to use with someone too, which signals that you
have something you would like to talk about. For example, you may agree with a family
member or teacher that you will say ‘bananas!’ when you need a private chat. Make sure
you say it so that they hear and notice it. - Draw your handprint and on each finger, write someone’s name who you could speak to
if you needed to talk about something. - Try and write down a list of ways you could support someone if they were talking to you
about worries or sad feelings they were having. - Remember, you are never a burden for asking for support…there is always someone who
will want to help.
Follow this link for information on who you can talk to: Young Minds
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
Coventry Holidays Activities and Food Programme
HAF (Holidays Activities and Food Programme) is a national Department for Education-funded programme that enables eligible children and young people to attend free activities and experiences with free nutritional food provided. HAF activities and experiences take place in the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays.
The next holiday programme will be Summer Fun 2025 and we will go live for bookings on Wednesday 25 June at 4pm. Click on the link below for more information and to sign up.