Conkers (Barrington Stoke) ISBN 9781781125526 £5.99 One of Barrington-Stokes’ Conkers list of titles, this raucous tale from Jeremy Strong had me engaged from page one. The story is not complex: an ostrich appears in the grounds of Pudding Lane Primary School and causes mayhem; it becomes the school mascot; it is kidnapped…and rescued; it causes…
Oxford University Press ISBN 9780192739384 £6.99 Set back in the days when housemaids ran the show, Nancy Parker’s Diary of Detection is certainly not lacking in humour. Alternate chapters depict the thoughts of two delightful, yet contrasting, characters, with whom a young audience can relate. Nancy; a 16-year-old; newly appointed; and rather clumsy housemaid presents…
Wayland Books ISBN 9780750299428 £5.99 Ideal as a home reference book for KS1/2, this infographic sticker book is packed with non-glossy diagrams and information. The book lacks a contents and index page but covers topics such as the skeleton, digestion, respiration and the senses providing different ways of comparing humans and animals by using over…
wren and rook ISBN 9781526360007 £12.99 A stunning illustrated book that introduces young children to many different species of bird. Valério’s collage illustrations capture the distinctive features of a range of birds including the golden eagle, the great white pelican, the osprey, the snowy owl, the great cormorant and the Atlantic puffin. Each bird has…
O’Brien ISBN 9781847177584 £14.99 The writings of William Butler Yeats are infused with the rural landscapes and haunting tales and legends of his Irish homeland. Kyle-na-no, Dooney and Innisfree may be real, but they conjure up a timelessness and lands of enchantment. This collection includes many of his best loved poems: The Wild Swans at Coole, The…
Chicken House Limited ISBN 9781908435934 £6.99 When I started to read this tale I was unsure as to whether it would be a mystery, a modern fairy tale or both. I was intrigued to find out whether the story being in China would be a critical part of the tale. And a critical part it…
Orion Children’s Books ISBN 9781444016147 £4.99 Part of the blue Early Reader series from Orion Children’s Books, Emily Mouse’s Birthday Party is designed to be perfect for sharing and reading together. This is a lovely story which follows Emily Mouse as she prepares to celebrate her birthday by hosting a party with friends. Each page…
Frances Lincoln ISBN 9781847808264 £8.99 A companion book to Discover the Ancient Egyptians, this book explores Romans and the Roman Empire – but not Romans in Britain which is the focus of the National Curriculum history unit. Presented in exactly the same way as the Egypt book, this volume looks at Roman history, gods, heroes,…
Wayland Books ISBN 9780750296120 £12.99 One of a series of six KS1/2 non-fiction books about children from other countries, this book details clothing from different climates, special occasions, national costumes, as well as jewellery, shoes and even hats. Printed with vibrant colours, the photographs are eye-catching and appealing, featuring clothes as varied as yagushkas made…