As we're now safely in March, we're springing into our new 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, summoning … Continue reading Reading for the weekend: 3rd March 2023
book reviews
Book review: Boy Queen by George Lester
With the winners of the Cheshire Schools' Book Award 2022 due to be revealed on Wednesday 29th June, ELS library assistant Rosie revels in the colour and joy of George Lester's shortlisted novel Boy Queen. George Lester’s Boy Queen captures the attention right from the first look. Rachel Vale’s eye-catching cover sets the tone for … Continue reading Book review: Boy Queen by George Lester
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
Book review: The Tindims of Rubbish Island by Sally Gardner and Lydia Corry
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
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
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