As we're now safely in March, we're springing into our new monthly feature, sharing bite-size reviews of some of the books that have been keeping us entertained in the Cheshire ELS headquarters. This week we're being baaaad with Jory John and Pete Oswald's The Bad Seed, climbing trees with Natasha Farrant's The Rescue of Ravenwood, … Continue reading Reading for the weekend: 3rd March 2023
Primary fiction
The power of poetry and dogs!
There are few things we love more in life than dogs. Add in poetry and you have some very happy librarians. Luckily for us, Cheshire author Ros Roberts has combined the two in her wonderful children's book, Digger and Me. In her guest post, Ros discusses faithful dogs, inspiring poetry, and her special connection to … Continue reading The power of poetry and dogs!
Book review: Saving Celeste by Timothée de Fombelle
As World Kid Lit Month – the annual celebration of children’s books from across the world – draws to a close, ELS library assistant Rosie reviews Saving Celeste by French writer Timothée de Fombelle. Translated into English by Sarah Ardizzone, Saving Celeste is an example of how translated books can unlock doors, taking readers into … Continue reading Book review: Saving Celeste by Timothée de Fombelle
Book review: The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks by Emily Kenny
Following several futile attempts to communicate with her cats, ELS librarian Samantha reviews Emily Kenny's debut novel The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks. Alice Tonks was having the worst day ever. Emily Kenny does not waste a single second in her debut novel The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks, introducing us to Alice, an autistic … Continue reading Book review: The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks by Emily Kenny
Book review: Show Us Who You Are by Elle McNicoll
To celebrate World Autism Acceptance Week 2022, ELS library assistant Rosie reviews Elle McNicoll's ground-breaking science fiction novel, Show Us Who You Are. Show Us Who You Are by Elle McNicoll is a sci-fi book set in the near future, suitable for children from about 9 to 14 years. It is a story of friendship … Continue reading Book review: Show Us Who You Are by Elle McNicoll
Dyslexia Awareness Week 2021
To celebrate Dyslexia Awareness Week 2021, we've chosen three of our favourite books recently published by Barrington Stoke. With over twenty years of experience publishing dyslexia-friendly books, Barrington Stoke have a huge list of titles to choose from, including picture books for early readers, illustrated chapter books, magical middle-grade stories, gripping Young Adult novels, and … Continue reading Dyslexia Awareness Week 2021
Reading all over the world…
Books can take us anywhere. They can sweep us away on grand adventures, or take us somewhere to quiet to think. In this post, we will be taking a closer look at children's books that have a strong sense of place. As well as deepening understanding of curriculum topics, such as habitats and conservation, these … Continue reading Reading all over the world…
MATHS + FICTION = GREAT LEARNING
A review of maths based picture books It's often the case that we learn more when we feel relaxed so why not add some picture books to your maths lessons? This review, compiled by ELS librarian Sarah Merison, highlights some gems that can be shared with your class whilst at the same time teaching about … Continue reading MATHS + FICTION = GREAT LEARNING
Author interview: Anna Goodall
The most exciting thing about reading the first book in a new series, especially one from a debut author, is that you know that there is more to come – more magic, more humour and even more adventure. After reading Maggie Blue and the Dark World, we had to find out more about the story and … Continue reading Author interview: Anna Goodall
Author guest post and interview: Joanne O’Connell
We are delighted to welcome our first author, Joanne O'Connell, to the ELS blog. Joanne's debut novel, Beauty and the Bin, is a warm, funny and timely story, exploring food waste, fast fashion, friendship, and very embarrassing parents. Full of quick and practical ideas for greener living, Beauty and the Bin is an inspiring read … Continue reading Author guest post and interview: Joanne O’Connell
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