Monsters: 100 Weird Creatures from Around the World by Sarah Banville Illustrated by Quinton Winter Wren and Rook ISBN 9781526363497 £20 An engaging introduction to monsters around the world. Each creature is given a page of text and an illustration. The writing is atmospheric and brings the creature to life. There is often factual text…
Dear Ugly Sisters and other poems by Laura Mucha Illustrated by Tania Rex Otter-Barry ISBN 9781913074791 £7.99 An original, creative anthology of poems that will be ideal in the classroom. The poems cover a range of topics, and are enhanced by Tania Rex’s illustrations. Dear Ugly Sisters is a reflection by Cinderella, and Three Bears…
Bigfoot Mountain by Roderick O’Grady Firefly Press ISBN 9781913102418 £6.99 This moving story for readers 8 to 12 years old is set against a background of family and environmental change. Minnie lives with her father in a small cabin at the foot of a mountain. She is coming to terms with the death of her…
As Large As Life by Jonny Marx Illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat Little Tiger Group ISBN: 9781838911799 £19.99 On the first page of the Introduction the author writes “This is a book that marvels at the size of some of the world’s most fascinating creatures. There are 26 habitats to explore, featuring more than 250 of…
There Are Reptiles Everywhere by Camilla De La Bedoyere Illustrated by Britta Teckentrup Big Picture Press ISBN 9781787416536 £12.99 A delightful exploration of the world of reptiles. The illustrations are stunning and the visual element of the book gives personality to many of the reptiles. The cover is embossed and the gold is appealing. The…
Sofia Valdez and the Vanishing Vote by Andrea Beaty. Illustrated by David Roberts, Amulet books ISBN 9781419743504 £8.99 Politics. Boring. That’s what I always thought at school. But, as you grow up, its importance and relevance to your own life becomes clearer. How can we get this message across to youngsters? In a story, is…
Razzmatazz: The Poetry World of Roger Stevens Illustrated by Mike Smith Otter-Barry ISBN9781913074418 £7.99 Varied and inviting, this collection of poetry has something for all readers, with a short Introduction by Roger Stevens about ‘How to read this book’ where he explains that while you can just open the book anywhere and start reading, he…
Fabulously Feisty Queens: 15 of the Brightest and Boldest Women Who Have Ruled the World by Valerie Wilding Illustrated by Pauline Reeves Wren and Rook ISBN 978152631905 £12.99 This is a book for all those who think the history curriculum is too full of stories about rich men! Meet 15 feisty – and not so…
Antigua de Fortune of the High Seas by Anna Rainbow and Oli Hyatt, Chicken House ISBN 978192626779 £6.99 Tiggy, (short for Antigua), wants to lead a life of adventure and perhaps even be a pirate. Unfortunately, she is a young lady and has to wear long dresses and even attend her first dance at the…