In the current political climate this book is a ray of light shining through the dark, highlighting how simple acts of kindness can make such a massive difference to someone's life. A must for school libraries.

Reviewed by Debbie Bradley on 20th February 2025

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Really does highlight the efforts made during World War 2 by the (secret) Special Operation Executive (SOE), the resistance, code breakers and of course, animals. Contains an old fashion charm in the writing and wonderful named characters: Bertie Bulldog (animal prime minister). Easy-reading with lots of funny illustrations, it's an exciting adventure, a daring rescue mission and working together for the greater good (don't eat chickens if you are a fox, especially if they are a genius code breaker and trying to help you!). Plenty of humour, some subtle, some obvious, it's accessible and perfect reading for pleasure. Would work equally well for libs, schools/topics. 

Reviewed by Michaela Owen on 13th February 2025

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In an alternative futuristic world where dragons are the souls of all the planets and moons, thirteen year old Lunar pairs with a new dragon to try to save the colony on Mars

A blend of genres works well to create an innovative, exciting space adventure. This is a gripping action from page one never lets up with characters that intrigue. A strong start to an epic new series and a brilliant read.

Reviewed by Peters team on 5th February 2025

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This clever, inventive book has great world-building and a plucky main character that you can't help but root for. A great mix of science fiction and thought-provoking social commentary around disability, health and inclusion combines with some creepy jump scares to make a really enjoyable read. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 29th January 2025

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Reed starts to make fake ID's for his school mates in a bid to generate money to help support his sister, Beatrice and improve their home life. Lots of discussion points raised; being a carer, taking responsibility, organ/bone transplants and dealing with a parent who can't cope, is depressed and becomes increasingly absent.

Reed's feelings about his mum's regular disappearing acts due to starting a new relationship is handled really well and very relatable. This book is full of empathy and you are with Reed all the way as he tries desperately to navigate incredibly difficult circumstances and with little support. That said, it's not a depressing read, the writing is solid and very readable and you do start to see the subtle threads of healing develop as the story unfolds. Great for empathy/discussion.

Reviewed by Michaela Owen on 22nd January 2025

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Taken from the view point of a young man and his father, this picture book memoir shows the determination, ingenuitity, and and sheer luck members of this Jewish family had in surviving the Holocaust and Nazi regime in WWII. A powerful and sobering reminder of the atrocities perpetrated in war, both in the past and present. A must for any KS2 history collection.

Reviewed by Debbie Bradley on 17th January 2025

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A little girl and her grandmother bond by making dumplings together, then when the grandmother is taken ill the little girl makes her dumplings to build up her strength and help her recovery.

This gorgeously illustrated ode to the deep bond between grandparent and child perfectly captures the changing seasons, from swirling autumn leaves to bright summer sunshine. The warm family life shared between the little girl and her adored grandmother is shown to the reader, along with some very yummy-looking dumplings! A beautiful read, ideal for snuggling up with. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 15th January 2025

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A simple and sweet tale about counting. Written in rhyming text, this has cute characters and delightful illustrations. A great addition to picture book selections.

Reviewed by Zeena Ark on 10th January 2025

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A good fun read with an exuberant dinosaur character, a sweet and sound message about confidence and lovely illustrations. Good for sharing

Reviewed by Laura Hayward on 8th January 2025

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A beautifully photographed travel book covering the whole planet, with bucket-list experiences that showcase our planet's most amazing places. Each destination features fascinating facts and there are some truly awe-inspiring places to experience - a robot restaurant in China, husky sledding in Norway, or feeding crocodiles in Australia to name a few. Sure to make you want to go on holiday, this book is a great dip-in read that youngsters will spend hours looking through. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 4th December 2024

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The illustrations are detailed and really encapsulate the time period/key aspects of the war brilliantly. We also get a strong flavour of daily living (including fun moments) and the way in which ordinary people demonstrated true resilience. There is enough text to keep engaged but not enough to overwhelm and coupled with the plentiful illustrations make this good for KS2 reluctant readers and would also be great for discussion. The author is working on the next instalment which continues the story of this family’s war experience and is centred around being an evacuee. A solid read, beautiful book production and well worth the money.

Reviewed by Michaela Owen on 4th December 2024

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With a stunning and vibrant front cover, this heartwarming and poignant romantic novel grips from the beginning with its painstakingly raw themes of love, healing and self-discovery. The two main teen characters are real, raw and relatable, and their love story isn't just about romance, but more about what it means to love, to lose and then to find yourself
An impressive debut novel.

Reviewed by Zeena Ark on 27th November 2024

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Lots of detail to look at in the illustrations and the story is an uncomplicated but versatile read. One the surface, it's a straightforward story of a birthday wish coming true but it could also used to highlight climate change as when King Winter's siblings are all together (and not where they should be) the seasons start to merge into one and create havoc with the weather which brings about an unbalance of nature. The Jewish author was killed during WW2 which adds a further discussion point and really puts everything into context. Very good for schools/topics as well as library shelves.

Reviewed by Michaela Owen on 27th November 2024

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The front cover is eye-catching and the illustrations striking but as well as being lovely to look at, the contents do deliver. The tales are short, engaging and it's a great way of introducing classical music to young readers. There are links for individual famous music pieces that could be played in the background as you read each story. Good for reluctant readers, as a different approach and would be great as a dramatic storytime session. Could also be used to inspire creativity/craft session. A useful book to add to collections

Reviewed by Michaela Owen on 20th November 2024

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This book is arranged as a guide to different UK habitats, showing the changes seen across each season. The beautiful illustrations clearly show the plants and animals that young readers are likely to spot at different times of the year, and most types of habitat are covered. Ideal for consulting after a hearty walk for those who enjoy naming the things they're seen, or it would work equally well as an armchair browser to inspire adventures. Anything from the National Trust and Nosy Crow partnership is of high quality and this book is no exception. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys the natural world. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 13th November 2024

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