Circus Maximus: Race to the Death: Annelise Gray

There is something rather classic feeling about Circus Maximus; Race to the Death,, I don’t know whether it’s the pedigree and cultural significance of the inspirations; the ancient setting that contributes; or something else but there is something special about the way Annelise Gray writes that has this epic ‘future classic’ embedded in every word.  …

Wanda’s Words Got Stuck – Lucy Rowland & Paula Bowles

Lucy Rowland is a brilliant star for empathetic and thoughtful picture books, and coupled with the illustrative genius of Paula Bowles (one of our favourites) this tale of a little witch whose words get stuck is an absolute gift.  Speech and Language issues are a quiet but huge topic within parenting and childhood, with many …

Feast Of The Evernight – Ross Mackenzie

I am delighted to be launching the Feast Of The Evernight blog tour! Last year I was struck by the depth and breadth of the fantasy world Ross Mackenzie created in the original Evernight and so was hotly anticipating where Lara’s story would lead after she had defeated the ancient forces of the Evernight, and …

By Ash, Oak and Thorn – Melissa Harrison

Whispers on the wind, the smudge of the unexplained in the corner of your eye, hearing the singing of the trees, the tingles of being a part of something greater in a place of awesome nature, some of us have it, some of us long for it, and for those of us, Melissa Harrison’s By …

The Wizard in the Wood – Louie Stowell illustrated by Davide Ortu

We’ve been fans of Louie’s convention-smashing Kit The Wizard Series illustrated by Davide Ortu since whispers of The Dragon in the Library brought a proof to my doorstep and into my heart.  A perfect adventure and fun filled series snuggling into that post early chapter but not quite ready for full on middle grade range …

Tour & Author Feature: The Chessmen Thief by Barbara Henderson

I am so delighted to be hosting a stop on the blog tour for The Chessmen Thief by Barbara Henderson and even more so to be hosting content from the writer herself!  Barbara Henderson is a champion of both children’s historical fiction and Scottish history and heritage. Whilst my own close heritage is largely from …

A Shelter for Sadness – Anne Booth & David Litchfield

Anne Booth is a favourite in this house, her Lucy Books and Magical Kingdom of Birds have a gentle kindness woven into the pages even when they sometimes deal with situations children may find challenging, which is why it is lovely to see Anne turn her hand to dealing with emotions in a picture book.  …