On the blog this week we will be looking at books that encourage children and young people to think about the natural world and the small, everyday things we can all do to protect it. In our first post, ELS library assistant Sarah finds inspiration from The Tindims of Rubbish Island. Printed in dyslexia-friendly font … Continue reading Book review: The Tindims of Rubbish Island by Sally Gardner and Lydia Corry
Primary fiction
Book review: Maggie Blue and the Dark World by Anna Goodall
ELS librarian Samantha follows a one-eyed cat into the unknown in Anna Goodall's debut novel Maggie Blue and the Dark World. Maggie Blue is an outsider, both at home and at school. She lives with her eccentric aunt Esme, and has no friends other than the irascible Hoagy, a stray cat who can talk to … Continue reading Book review: Maggie Blue and the Dark World by Anna Goodall
Keep those bright sparks shining bright!
To mark Children's Mental Health Week taking place 1-7 February 2021, ELS library assistant Sarah selects a range of picture books that offer comfort to young children and encourage positive conversations about mental health and wellbeing. Looking for a gentle and positive way to open a conversation with your children about mental health? Then look … Continue reading Keep those bright sparks shining bright!
Festive reads: middle grade and YA edition
Following our post on Christmas-themed picture books, we've rounded up a selection of shiny new chapter books for older children and teenagers. We've also sneaked in a few of our all-time favourite wintry reads – perfect for reading with a mug of hot chocolate and a festive treat or two! For younger readers The Miracle on … Continue reading Festive reads: middle grade and YA edition
Festive reads: picture book edition
Whether you're reading to your class or snuggled under a blanket at home with family and pets, there's something extra special about sharing stories during the festive period. In this spirit, we've chosen a selection of the wonderful Christmas and wintry-themed picture books currently brightening up the shelves at ELS. The Snowflake written and illustrated … Continue reading Festive reads: picture book edition
Book review: The Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgomery
ELS librarian Samantha goes on an epic adventure with Ross Montgomery's latest novel, The Midnight Guardians. When evacuee Col’s childhood imaginary friends come to life, he discovers a world where myths and legends are real. But they bring dire news: Col's sister is in danger. Together with his guardians – a six-foot tiger, a badger … Continue reading Book review: The Midnight Guardians by Ross Montgomery
Book review: I, Cosmo and My Life as a Cat by Carlie Sorosiak
ELS librarian Samantha falls head over paws in love with Carlie Sorosiak's middle-grade novels, I, Cosmo and My Life as a Cat. Are you more of a cat person or a dog person? While I personally think there’s only one answer to this (both, always both), Carlie Sorosiak’s novels, I, Cosmo and My Life as … Continue reading Book review: I, Cosmo and My Life as a Cat by Carlie Sorosiak
Book review: A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
ELS librarian Samantha reviews Elle McNicoll's debut novel, A Kind of Spark. A Kind of Spark tells the story of 11-year-old Addie as she campaigns for a memorial in memory of the witch trials that took place in her Scottish hometown. Addie knows there's more to the story of these 'witches', just like there is … Continue reading Book review: A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
Book review: The StrangeWorlds Travel Agency by L.D. Lapinski
ELS librarian Samantha reviews L.D. Lapinski's newly released middle-grade novel, The StrangeWorlds Travel Agency. When 12-year-old Flick Hudson accidentally ends up in the Strangeworlds Travel Agency, she uncovers a fantastic secret: there are hundreds of other worlds just steps away from ours. All you have to do to visit them is jump into the right … Continue reading Book review: The StrangeWorlds Travel Agency by L.D. Lapinski
Book review: Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell
ELS librarian Sarah reviews Katherine Rundell's modern classic Rooftoppers. This award-winning novel did not disappoint. The story is of Sophie and her guardian Charles, both survivors of the sinking of the Queen Mary, and their quest to find her mother and avoid the authority’s attempts to place Sophie in an orphanage. The book is quirky … Continue reading Book review: Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell
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