Reading For Pleasure

Friday Library Recommendations: Christmas Mysteries…

For my last Friday Library Recommendations of 2024, I’ve chosen the theme Christmas Mysteries… These are the books that will keep you guessing as they twist and turn through the pages.

I’m starting with a book that is sure to become a Christmas classic – Santa’s First Christmas by Mac Barnett and Sydney Smith – which answers the question, how did Santa celebrate for the first time?

We all know that Santa makes everyone’s dreams come true every Christmas, but it turns out that he needs a little help getting into the holiday spirit himself. Instead of letting Santa get right back to work after he returns home to the North Pole on Christmas morning, his loyal elves want to make sure he experiences the same Christmas cheer he provides for others. With the perfect tree, lots of delicious treats, and, of course, presents, Santa experiences the magic of Christmas for the very first time.

For our older children, I’ve chosen Murder At Wintertide by Fleur Hitchcock, who has written another belting murder mystery to keep you pinned to the edge of your seat.

George and his family are celebrating Christmas by the sea. But when a body washes up on the beach, George can’t stop thinking about the strange lights he saw on the cliff top… Neither can his cousin, Isla. Together, they follow the clues, and as they draw nearer to the truth, they step further into danger. On land, or at sea, someone is desperate to stop them, whatever it takes. And that someone may be closer to home than they realise…

And finally, for armchair sleuths of all ages, grab yourself a pencil and see if you can solve Hartigan Browne’s Festive Cluedle: The Case Of Rudolph’s Revenge.

Team up with world famous private investigator Hartigan Browne and crack the case by solving 80 fun brain-busting Christmas puzzles. Unravel this funny festive Twelve Days of Christmas themed treasure hunt mystery set at Mistlehurst Hall, if you can…

Use your detective skills to discover:
* which bird is hiding in the family tree?
* what the dancing ladies in the hall clock are hiding?
* how faithful hound Monsieur Phideaux can help your investigation?

Packed full of codes to crack, evidence to evaluate, clues to unravel and maps to navigate, Cluedle – The Case of Rudolph’s Revenge is puzzling fun for the whole family.

Happy reading!

Friday Library Recommendations: Christmas Countdown

It’s December and the Countdown to Christmas is well on it’s way, so I’ve picked books that will see us from now until Christmas Day.

My first choice is Countdown To Christmas: 24 Magical Stories by Alexandra Stewart, illustrated by Freya Hartas – a beautiful gift treasury of twenty-four of the most beloved classic stories, poems and songs from all around the world that love to be shared in the countdown to Christmas.

Ride on the Snow Queen’s sleigh, discover the elves secretly making shoes in the night, learn about the first ever Christmas in space and enjoy a new Christmas story every night as you count your way down to the big day. With stories beautifully retold by Alexandra Stewart and gloriously illustrated by Freya Hartas, Countdown to Christmas is the perfect early stocking filler to help little ones feel the magic of Christmas.

For older readers, I’ve picked the brilliant sequel to Stepfather Christmas – The Biggest Christmas Secret Ever by LD Lapinski – a heart-warming and hilarious Christmas countdown advent story told in 25 chapters.

OK so your mum’s partner, Nick, has a big bushy beard, a thick red coat, a team of reindeer and just happens to be really busy around Christmas Eve… what could that mean?!

Harper and Will’s lives are already full of festive wonder, but baby sister Yula is about to bring a whole new meaning to the magic of Christmas. Indoor snowflakes, naughty gingerbread biscuits and reindeer running wild spell Christmas chaos! And with the Elf and Safety Department on the lookout for any unexplained festive magic, it’s up to their family keep the biggest Christmas secret ever…

And finally, the last date to post your letters to Father Christmas is December 13th, so I’ve picked Letters From The North Pole by Annie Atkins, illustrated by Fia Tobing – a charming read aloud, perfect for curling up with at Christmas time.

Five children from all around the world write to Santa Claus with ideas for Christmas gifts and are amazed when he writes back! Discover five letters from Santa that children can pull out and read, each accompanied by a blueprint for their gift made by the elves in Santa’s Workshop. In each letter the hidden world of the North Pole is revealed, from how reindeer can sleep standing up to what snacks Santa would like left out on Christmas Eve and how he gets round the world so quickly. But will the gifts the children have requested be made in time?

Happy reading!

Friday Library Recommendations: Making Memories

It’s our last week celebrating National Non Fiction November, and I’ve picked books that encourage us to enjoy nature together and make memories.

My first choice is Sunday Fun Day: A Nature Activity for Every Weekend of the Year by Katherine Halligan, illustrated by Jesus Verona.

Published in collaboration with the National Trust, this is a beautifully designed guide to spending quality time with loved ones through seasonal activities. With 52 diverse ideas—one for each Sunday of the year—this book offers a wonderful mix of outdoor adventures, creative crafts, and family-friendly recipes that are perfect for making every weekend feel special, whatever the weather. I can personally vouch for the carrot cake recipe!

The book is split into four seasonal sections making it easy to choose activities based on the natural resources to be found in local parks and gardens, so no matter the weather, you’re bound to find something to suit your mood and environment.

Easy to follow instructions are accompanied by vibrant illustrations for every activity so you can direct your grown up if you need an extra pair of hands. At the end of the book, you can find helpful kit lists for the kitchen and garden, and for crafting and adventuring, as well as a useful set of safety tips.

Packed with super seasonal activities for children (and adults!) of all ages, this book will make every family weekend a fantastic one.

I have also chosen Hike It: A complete guide to camping, hiking and backpacking in the great outdoors by Iron Tazz.

This fully-illustrated book is the perfect introduction to enjoying the great outdoors. Explore 30 diverse terrains, from snow-capped mountains to coastal trails to ancient forests, and discover the majesty of nature with glorious artwork throughout.

What I love about Hike It is its unique blend of informative content and vibrant artwork. Each of the 30 terrains featured in the book—ranging from snow-capped peaks to ancient forests and coastal trails—is brought to life through glorious illustrations that transport readers into the heart of nature. This visual richness, combined with straightforward explanations, makes the book appealing to children, sparking curiosity while offering valuable knowledge about the natural world.

Young adventurers will learn about navigating the trails and what to do if they get lost, which is a crucial skill for anyone venturing into the wilderness. There are also chapters on essential hiking gear, including the importance of packing the right equipment and how to stay safe in various weather conditions, such as heat, snow, and rain.

In addition to these basics, Hike It also emphasizes responsible hiking with tips on how to “leave no trace” and protect the environment, teaching all of us the importance of sustainability. The section on fire safety and setting up camp is particularly helpful, offering step-by-step guidance for creating a safe campsite and cooking in the wild.

My favourite section on the night sky, where we can learn how to find the North Star and navigate by the stars. This hands-on knowledge adds an extra layer of adventure, helping us feel more connected to the natural world in a meaningful way.

With its engaging illustrations, practical advice, and empowering message, this book is sure to inspire the next generation of hikers to lace up their boots and hit the trails.

Happy reading!

Friday Library Recommendations: The Extraordinary Book That

We’re staying with National Non Fiction November this week, and I’ve chosen two books from an extraordinary series…

The Extraordinary Book That Invents Itself by Alison Buxton, Helen Bell, and Pintachan, sparks the imagination of young readers and budding engineers. Aimed at children who are curious about the world of science and technology, this book introduces them to the exciting field of invention in a fun, interactive way. From rockets to bionic hands, this book shows children how to build real-world inventions using simple materials and clever engineering principles.

What makes this book so engaging is the way it brings complex STEM concepts to life through hands-on activities. Each activity focuses on a different invention, explaining the scientific ideas behind it in easy-to-understand terms. Whether it’s the principles of gravity, aerodynamics, or coding, kids learn how these concepts work as they build rockets, code-breaking machines, and even balancing acrobats. The instructions are clear and straightforward, making even tricky projects feel achievable for young inventors. This book is more than just a guide to making cool things—it’s a tool for building confidence in problem-solving, creative thinking, and perseverance. It shows young inventors that, with a little curiosity and a lot of imagination, they can create anything.

My next choice, The Extraordinary Book That Makes You An Artist by Mary Richards and Go Suga, isn’t just a book; it’s an art adventure that will inspire you to see the world in a new, colorful way. If you want to encourage anyone to explore their artistic potential, this book is an absolute must-have.

This interactive masterpiece doesn’t just tell a story—it becomes a story that you create. With every page you turn, you’ll uncover new ways to make art, explore different artistic styles, and even learn about famous art movements like Pop Art, Cubism, and Surrealism. It’s educational but not in the traditional sense; instead of simply explaining concepts, it allows readers to experience art. It’s an invitation to explore, imagine, and get their hands dirty with paint, scissors, and markers. Perfect for building a budding artist’s confidence in their creative abilities and for sparking their imagination, they might start by folding a page into a 3D sculpture, using another page to design a colour wheel, or turning a spread into a pop art masterpiece. And that’s not all: the book’s cover doubles as an art portfolio where creations can be stored, turning the book into an ongoing personal gallery that can be visited again and again.

If you love these two books, there are two more Extraordinary books in the series to explore; The Extraordinary Book That Makes You Feel Happy (to feel positive, confident, focused, calm, relaxed, inclusive and included), and The Extraordinary Book That Eats Itself (every page turns into an eco project that helps you save the planet and recycles the book).

Happy reading and creating!

Friday Library Recommendations: There’s No Such Thing As A Silly Question

November celebrates all books non-fiction whether they cover history, geography, science, religion, philosophy or any of the other 19 genres. The theme for National Non-Fiction November 2024 is ‘Why Don’t You?’ which aims to stimulate discussion about hobbies and leisure activities and to encourage children to try something new.

This week, my book choice celebrates trivia, curiosity, and is a must for quizzers. There’s No Such Thing As A Silly Question by Mike Rampton, illustrated by Guilherme Karsten is the perfect book for anyone who has sat and wondered but been to shy to ask the question.

A brilliantly silly question-and-answer book, fact-checked by world-leading experts from across the University of Cambridge.

Did you know that there’s no set number of bones in the human body? Most babies are born with around 300 bones, but by the time they’ve grown up, they usually have between 206 and 213.

The vibrant double page spreads draw readers in and encourage shared enjoyment and astonishment at the myriad of facts covered throughout the book on every subject imaginable.

Covering a range of subjects from science, technology, engineering and mathematics to evolution, zoology, social history and more, this hilarious yet clever book expertly answers 213 of the most unusual and interesting questions you never thought to ask about the world – one for at least every bone in your body!

Perfect for non-fiction fans to dip in and out of or get stuck in from cover to cover to increase your general knowledge and top your local quiz league.

You can read an exclusive extract over on the Nosy Crow Website!

Friday Library Recommendations: Spine tinglers

As it is our last Friday Library Recommendations before half term, this week my choices are all spooky books to set the hair on the back of your neck on end…

First, I’ve picked Creaky Castle by Jane Clarke and Christyan Fox,  a spoktacular halloween adventure.  Are you brave enough to enter?

Step into the mysterious world of Creaky Castle, where spine-chilling surprises await around every corner. This Halloween-themed picture book invites young readers to lift the flaps and uncover a host of spooky characters. From skeletons in the cellar and werewolves in the shower to a vampire hiding in the clothes chest, each page is a doorway to Halloween fun. Get ready for a bone-shaking, flap-lifting Halloween adventure that will leave your little ones wanting more.

For confident Year 3 and up readers, I’ve chosen Lockett & Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts of the Manor by Lucy Strange, illustrated by Pam Smy which is the perfect introduction to gothic mysteries.

Matilda Lockett is used to playing the role of Poor Dead Edna on stage with her spirit-medium aunt, Signora Valentina, and theatrical uncle Barnabus – but when they all decamp to Beauchamp Manor to deal with a most dreadful haunting, she discovers she really can see ghosts! There she meets ghost boy, Edgar Wilde, who shares her love of supernatural snooping, and together they set about unravelling the case of The Ghosts of the Manor.

And finally, for our oldest children, I’ve picked Black Gables by Eibhlis Carcione; a deliciously dark and haunting read that is perfect for anyone who enjoy gothic tales with a supernatural twist. Eibhlis masterfully balances an unsettling atmosphere with an engaging mystery, creating a story that left me chilled to the bone.

Enter Black Gables and meet the world’s most sinister teachers and their pets!

When Rosella starts a new school in the eerie town of Black Gables, where crows croak menacingly and pale faces appear in the water of the lake, she knows that something is terribly wrong. Under the watchful eye of her new headmaster, Mr Edge, whose unsettling presence and appearance hint at something dark lingering beneath the surface of both the town and the school, Rosella must unravel the mystery of Black Gables before it’s too late!

Happy reading – don’t have nightmares!

Friday Library Recommendations: Recycle Week

Now in its 21st year, Recycle Week is Recycle Now’s flagship annual event, starting on Monday 14th October. A celebration of recycling across the nation to galvanise the public into recycling more of the right things, more often. And so this week, I have chosen books on this year’s theme of Rescue Me – Recycle.

The first, Somebody Crunched Colin by Sarah Roberts, illustrated by Hannah Jayne Lewin, is a thought provoking story about the trouble litter can cause in the environment.

Colin is no ordinary flower. Colin smells appealing – just like the other flowers around him. The only trouble is, he crackles and crunches and flutters in the wind. He can’t seem to find where he belongs, but he smells so delicious that all the animals want to eat him… But Colin is a crisp packet!

A beautifully illustrated picture book with a powerful message about plastic pollution and the benefits of recycling from environmental expert Sarah Roberts. The perfect story to introduce children to recycling. 

My next two choices help you to make new things out of household objects you might otherwise throw away.

Creative Crafting: A First Book Of Upcycling illustrated by Daniela Sosa has sixteen simple step-by-step upcycling craft projects for children.

Creative Crafting is an accessible introduction to upcycling for children from as young as five to enjoy. With bright engaging illustrations and easy to follow step-by-step instructions, there are sixteen fun projects that can be made from recycling and everyday items from around the house. Quick and easy makes, such as bedroom bunting from cereal boxes and juggling balls using odd socks to more complicated activities like tin can tea-lights and denim dog toys, mean there’s something for every child.

Perfect for crafternoons, rainy days and holidays, give your recycling a new lease of life and turn it into something to treasure for ever!

I Am Not An Old Sock by Sara Stanford encourages children to reduce, reuse and recycle! Gather up your odd socks and a few other bits and bobs, and turn them into a horse or octopus, or even a toy for your cat or one for your dog. This is the perfect book for fun projects to keep kids busy when they’re stuck indoors, using scrap materials from around the house.

With step-by-step instructions and handy cut-outs this book has ten brilliant projects (and a dozen variations) that are sure to keep kids happy and engaged with hours of fun. Animal lovers can make their own owl or bunny and budding performers could craft their first set of juggling balls. Those with the smallest of fingers may need a little help with cutting and gluing, but these projects are a fantastic introduction into crafting and perfect for kids to make on their own or fun for the whole family.

 

Friday Library Recommendations: Space Week

Today is the start of World Space Week, and so all of my books this week look to the stars. The first two are also told in verse to link with National Poetry Day, which was yesterday.

For our younger children I have chosen The Big Beyond by James Carter and Aaron Cushley, a brilliantly fun rhyming exploration of space travel.

Once upon a rocket, a countdown has begun,

from 10, 9, 8 to 7 and 6

to 5, 4, 3, 2, 1

Get ready for blast-off with this fast-paced poem that’s all about space travel. From the early humans who dreamt of wings to the Moon landing, and from spacecraft exploring Mars to the future beyond… Climb on board for an adventure into outer space!

My next book is a fabulous picture book for older children called We The Curious Ones by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated by Hari & Deepti, which is a celebration of curiosity, imagination, and the pursuit of knowledge. Birds sing. Bees dance. Wolves howl. But we are the ones who tell stories. Since the beginning, humans have created stories about the universe. From early mythology to modern-day science, we have always been curious to know more, yet 95% of the world “out there” remains a mystery. What will we believe tomorrow?

The lyrical poetry is utterly captivating, drawing us into the history and mystery of the cosmos, and how our understanding of it has changed over time. With each changing narrative about the universe we live in, Marion skilfully weaves together themes of curiosity, wonder, and the human desire to understand the universe’s vastness. It enables us to explore complex scientific concepts in a thought-provoking, yet accessible manner, while evoking a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world and our place within it.

Breath-taking cut-paper illustrations, full of intricate details and vibrant colours, bring the beauty and complexity of the universe to life, from swirling galaxies to microscopic atoms. Hari & Deepti create a visual narrative that echoes and enhances the scientific stories being told on each page.

Finally, for our oldest readers, I’ve chosen The Last Boy by Eve McDonnell, a captivating historical fantasy that brilliantly blends real-life history with elements of magic, making it an exciting and emotional read for young readers and adults alike.

Inspired by the harrowing true story of George Brewster, the last recorded child chimney sweep in England, Eve has crafted a tale that is both touching and thrilling. Her enthralling story expertly weaves the grim realities of child labour in Victorian times with the enchantment of a magical world where the promise of a wish holds immense power.

At the heart of the story is Brewster’s wish to be the last climbing boy ever, a wish born out of desperation and a desire for freedom, not just for himself but for all children forced into this brutal line of work. His life is dictated by the dangerous and suffocating work of climbing inside chimneys to clean them, a task that risks his life daily. His escape comes from his astounding mathematical abilities and secret trips into a library full of the information he needs to complete his calculations. Eve does not shy away from portraying the harsh conditions child laborers faced, and the devastating effects their job had on their health.

A story of resilience, magic, and the enduring human spirit, The Last Boy is a must read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a twist of fantasy.

Happy reading!

Friday Library Recommendations: Food banks

This week, children in school have had an assembly about Coventry Food Bank, as that is where our harvest donations will be going this year. They have asked for items with long dates, such as tinned tomatoes and vegetables, tinned meats and fish, cooking sauces for the hob, and UHT long life milk. If you could attach a coin to a can too, they are also working with a charity in Bolivia to help feed street children too. We would be extremely grateful for anything you feel you can donate. We  will be accepting donations from Monday 30th September to Friday 4th October.

Our harvest collection has inspired my book choices for this week, which delve a little deeper into the lives of children who don’t have enough food.

The first is a picture book called, It’s A No Money Day by Kate Milner.

Mum works really hard, but today there is no money left and no food in the cupboards. Forced to visit the local food bank, Mum feels ashamed that they have to rely on the kindness of others, but her young daughter can still see all the good in her day like reading and drawing, and even the food bank.
Maybe one day things will be different but for now together they brighten up even the darkest of days.

A moving insight into the sad rise and necessity of food banks from the perspective of society’s most vulnerable, and an essential book to help develop empathy in younger readers.

For Year 3 and up, I’ve picked The Great (Food) Bank Heist by Onjali Q. Rauf

On Thursdays, Nelson, Ashley and Mum head out to the bank. But not just any old bank – the food bank. With its shining tins and packets of food stacked from floor to ceiling, Nelson thinks it’s the best kind of bank there is. But there’s a thief in town, and the shelves of the food bank are getting emptier each day, leaving people hungrier than ever. For the sake of his family and everyone else’s, Nelson needs to make them stop. But can he and his friends really be the ones to catch the bank robber?

Written with great empathy and Onjali’s trademark humour, The Great (Food) Bank Heist is a moving story that gives a child’s-eye view of the increasing problem of food poverty.

And finally, I have chosen a chapter book for Year 5 and up called, The Boy In The Suit by James Fox.

It’s not easy to fit in when you’re the boy in the suit…

Ten-year-old Solo – embarrassingly, that isn’t short for anything – just wants to be normal. He wants a name that doesn’t stand out. He wishes he had a proper school uniform that fitted him. He dreams about a mum who doesn’t get the Big Bad Reds, like his mum Morag. But most of all he longs to stop crashing funerals for the free food. But when Solo and Morag crash the funeral of a celebrity and get caught, the press are there to witness their humiliation. The next day it’s splashed across the papers. Before Solo knows it, he becomes a viral sensation, and life may never be normal again.

The Boy in the Suit is a remarkable debut that tackles important issues such as mental health, poverty, and the quest to fit in with sensitivity and grace. James has crafted a story that is not only a page-turner but also a life-affirming testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and is a timely reminder of the importance of empathy, community, and the strength found in the unlikeliest of places.

Happy reading!

Friday Library Recommendation: Gratitude

This week, I have chosen a picture book that focuses on gratitude – an important character strength that we all need to foster to improve our wellbeing and help us through trickier moments in life.

Thank You by Jarvis is an enchanting picture book that serves as a gentle reminder to pause and appreciate the seemingly ordinary things that often go unnoticed. From the very first page, Jarvis’s picturebook delivers a heartwarming experience, both visually and emotionally, that is sure to resonate with children and adults alike. Its vibrant collage art and simple, rhythmic text combine to create a captivating read that will leave a lasting impression on young readers.

The book follows a young child who joyously gives thanks to the various elements of his everyday life. This simple yet profound narrative guides readers through a series of delightful illustrations that capture the essence of each item the child appreciates—from the warm embrace of the sun and the thrill of riding a bicycle to the simple pleasure of jelly in a bowl. The central theme of gratitude is woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story, encouraging children to recognise and appreciate the small joys in their own lives.

Jarvis’s artistic approach is nothing short of mesmerizing. The illustrations, crafted through vibrant collage art, create a visual feast that complements the book’s theme perfectly. Each page bursts with colour and texture, drawing children into a whimsical world where the wonder and enthusiasm of the child  is thoughtfully captured. The text is simple yet effective, with rhythmic, repetitive phrasing that reinforces the theme and encourages participation. As the child expresses thanks for each small joy, the repetitive structure invites readers to join in, fostering a sense of inclusivity and sharing.

More than just a picture book, Thank You is a celebration of the art of gratitude. It not only teaches children the importance of saying “thank you” but also encourages them to reflect on the things that bring them happiness, providing a valuable lesson in appreciating the small joys in life.

Happy reading!

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