WWW Wednesday

Hello hello book lovers,

I have decided to take the plunge and join in some blogging memes. I think it's a great way for me to start to get followers and build my blog.

So, without further ado, I'm starting with WWW Wednesday. The premise is really simple. I need to talk about:

• What I am reading now
• What I have just finished reading
• What I am going to be reading next.

This meme is hosted by Taking on a World of Words.

I am currently reading Pages & Co: Tilly and the Bookwanderers by Anna James.

I'm not far into this book yet, but Tilly is a little girl whose mother left her when she was a baby and so now lives with her grandparents in their bookshop. 

Already, the love that is shown between Tilly and her grandparents and also between Tilly, her grandparents and her missing mum has been portrayed beautifully. Just a small mention and granddad will be wiping a tear from the corner of his eye, or thinking about her mum's favourite book has Tilly and her granddad cuddling up on  the sofa, whilst Granddad reads it aloud to Tilly. I'm finding this aspect really heartwarming. 

I've also got to admit that I'm extremely jealous of Tilly. She's growing up in a bookshop and has her very own pick of what she wants. Who just wouldn't love that!

I'm looking forward to reading the rest and finding out just what or who the bookwanderers are and seeing how this all fits together. The scene has been set and I'm now ready for the action!

I have just finished reading The Train to Impossible Places by P.G.Bell.

Now please don't slate me, we all have our own opinions, but I wasn't a fan of Harry Potter and so have deliberately stayed away from those 'magical' type stories fearing that they would appear to be of the same structure but with a different type of magic or creature. I have to say however, that I found this book really enjoyable. Suzy is up one night and hears strange noises downstairs. When she goes down to investigate she finds her parents 'asleep' on the sofa and they won't wake up. Along comes a train (I know!) and before she knows it, is whisked off on a journey to Impossible Places. 

Whilst I was slow getting into the story, once Suzy was on board, I was completely hooked. The other characters characteristics came across really well and the story had a kind of 'fairy tale' like theme to it.

Do you ever get stuck reading or saying a word. I do, which is why I tend to not read fantasy or sci-fi books. I find that if I can't say a characters name I become disinterested. Well, I did trip up on Crepuscula a lot, but I'm glad to say it didn't deter me. In fact I noticed that I was often giggling to myself trying to say it. Maybe that stands me in good stead for choosing a wider variety of genre in the future.

I'm in 2 minds what to read next (that could even be 3, 4, or 6!). I have so many to choose from. Sometimes when I think I've chosen, I find myself back and picking another. I really do feel like a 'kid in a sweet shop' at times. But I think that I am going to read Cogheart - The Cogheart Adventures 01 by Peter Bunzl next. 

As usual, I'm late to the party with this one but I've heard so much about it. Being a teacher, I've noticed it's on a few recommended reading lists for upper key stage 2 children. Whilst I teach lower key stage 2, I'm still going to go for this one. I need to read it and find out for myself what all the fuss is about!

So there you have it. My WWW Wednesday is done.

What is on yours?

Happy reading,

Allison x

2020 Goals

I'm sure I'm no different from anyone else who, when it comes towards the end of the year, starts thinking about goals for the year to come. Not only are we nearing the end of the year in this case, but it will also be the end of a decade (gosh that makes me feel old!).

I've had quite a bit of time to mull this over and have some things to consider over the next few months. I absolutely love where I teach at the moment, but I moved house last summer and I am now a 40 minute drive away from where I work. So, do I stay where I am, knowing that I feel confident, liked, appreciated etc or do I think about moving school? At the ripe old age of 50 (soon to be 51 in 1 week 😮), do I really want to go through the interview process and put myself up against much younger teachers? Something for me to mull over me thinks.

What about reading goals... I don't really like to set a target of reading so many books a year. I just want to read, read, read and enjoy it. That is good enough for me. However, there are things I do want to do within that:

• I really want to build this blog; continue with book reviews and posting relevant content about children's books. I need to try and get, retain and gain followers.
• Build my Twitter feed.
• Review more on NetGalley
• Be in a position to review MG books, prior to their release
• Alongside the blog, I'm also thinking about keeping some kind of reading journal. I'm just weighing up whether or not I'm doubling up on what I'm doing, but I do love writing things down as well as typing.

Moving away from reading, I want to start baking again. The reason I haven't, and why I may still not, is that I live on my own. If I bake, I have to eat it! I know I could probably take my baking into school or something but then am I just throwing money away or would I say that that money is going towards my enjoyment (the actual baking) and my friends enjoyment (the eating)?

This next goal fights against my previous goal (or maybe even answers one of the questions)... I really need to lose weight. Again, living on my own isn't helpful with this as I have no-one to spur me on and I'm not one for going to weight loss groups so I guess I will end up seeing just how much I want this to work!

Finally, as I mentioned before, I only moved to this town last summer. I was working 2 jobs to bring more money in, but it wasn't doing my health any good; so now I have a little more time on my hands, I would like to start to somehow make friends here. Any ideas how to go about this?

So there we have it. Some things to aim for. I will look back in 6 months and take stock of how things are going. I may even add more as time goes on. 

Have you got any goals? Can we help each other in any way? I'd love to hear yours.

Happy reading,

Allison x

McDuff Moves In by Rosemary Wells and Susan J Jeffers

Book Review

Blurb

The little dog nobody wanted finds a loving home with Fred and Lucy - and all the vanilla rice pudding he can eat.

Review

This is such a sweet book. Poor little McDuff falls out of the dog pound van in search of a new home. We follow his little adventure to Fred and Lucy's house where they take him in. 

There is a lovely message here about rescuing dogs and showing how the personality of such a little animal can have an immediate effect on a family.

I particularly loved that it was set in the 1930s with delightful illustrations, with a little nod to detail such as the Clarice Cliff teapot on the table. 

A very warm and cosy book that I would love to read to a little one with them sat on my lap. There is added information about rescuing dogs in the back plus a recipe for vanilla rice pudding. Such a beautiful touch.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Happy reading,

Allison x

More recommended books

The website Words for Life has some lovely festive recommendations.

I have picked one book from each of their categories but you can see the full list here.

Baby to 3

Snowball

Written by Sue Hendra

Illustrated by Paul Linnet

Created by award-winning, bestselling duo Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet, Snowball is a brilliantly funny picture book, with wonderfully comical images illustrating the hilarious rhyming story - perfect for Christmas!

A lonely young snowball, stuck at the top of a mountain, decides to visit the local town for a bit of fun - but on his way he trips, falls, and starts to roll . . . and when a snowball rolls through snow, we all know what happens!

This snowball picks up not only snow, but a myriad of other odd things on his way down - a sheep, a line of washing, a bicycling bear, ending up in the Zoo.

3 to 5

Dear Santasaur

Written by Chae Strathie

Illustrated by Nicola O'Burne

Will Santa deliver to dinosaurs? Join the mighty T.Rex on a Christmas adventure in this Santa-stic tale about a little boy and his favourite dinosaur. This T.Rex-cellent tale of friendship is packed with letters and cards to read. Max and his favourite T. Rex are back with a bang in this gorgeous follow-up to DEAR DINOSAUR, and DEAR DINOSAUR: T-REX ON TOUR. Dinosaur fans will love this ROARSOME picture book full of detail and facts to discover.

5 to 7

How Winston Delivered Christmas

Written by Alex T. Smith

From Alex T. Smith, bestselling author of the Claude series, comes How Winston Delivered Christmas - the irresistible story of the brave little mouse who sets out on an adventure on Christmas Eve.Featuring beautiful colour artwork and Christmassy activities to make-and-do throughout, this gorgeous book is sure to become a festive family tradition that will be enjoyed year after year.

Winston the mouse is on a Very Important Mission. On Christmas Eve, he finds a letter to Father Christmas that did not make it to the post box - so, with no time to lose, he sets out to deliver it himself in time for Christmas Day! He has a lot of Very Exciting Adventures on his Very Important Mission and makes some wonderful friends along the way.

Each chapter includes it's very own festive activity for all the family to enjoy together - including writing a letter to Father Christmas, making mince pies, designing your very own Christmas cards, making presents, creating decorations, and so much more!

This flapped paperback features a festively foiled cover and artwork on beautiful paper, making it the perfect Christmas gift.

7 to 11

North Child

Written by Edith Pattou

A beautiful, epic story of destiny, magic and love... Reborn for a new generation of readers.

Rose is an unusual child, a North Child. For Rose was born facing north, and the old stories say she is destined to travel far from home on a dangerous journey. Making a pact with an enormous white bear, Rose travels on his back to a mysterious castle that holds a dark enchantment, a darker temptation, and the key to her true destiny... A spellbinding adventure to curl up with on long winter nights.

Some lovely books there I think.

Happy reading,

Allison x

Non-fiction books for Christmas gifts

Today I thought I would give non-fiction a bit of a showcase.
Here are some non-fiction books that would make lovely Christmas gifts this year.

Atlas of ocean adventure

Written by Emily Hawkins
Illustrated by Lucy Letherland

Set your spirit of adventure free with this journey to the world's great oceans, discovering the diversity of life that exists in the deep blue sea. Whether you're travelling long haul with leatherback turtles across the Pacific, snoozing with sea otters or ice bathing with a walrus, this book celebrates the very prescient topic of the world's oceans with Lucy Letherland's animal characters.

A natural history lesson in an adventure book, each spread features 10 captions and and facts about every destination. The 5th title in the best-selling Atlas of Adventures series that has now been translated into 31 languages.

TFL: The story of the London underground

Written by David Long
Illustrated by Sarah McMenemy

When the first passengers climbed aboard the earliest ever underground train in 1863, it would have been impossible to imagine how the London Underground would change and grow over the next 150 years. From smelly steam trains running along a single track to the innovative electric tube system speeding through a vast network of tunnels beneath our feet today, the London Underground keeps this busy city on the move. The Story of the London Underground tells the extraordinary history of the world's most famous underground railway. Explore Victorian London as the Brunels dig deep under the Thames. Take refuge in the tunnels during World War II and discover which world leader's bath was found in an abandoned station. Marvel at the famous fossil wall, deserted ghost stations and unusual spiral escalators that are all part of the London Underground's fascinating history. Published in association with TfL, this beautiful book from Blue Peter Award-winning author David Long and exceptionally talented artist Sarah McMenemy tells a captivating story of the London Underground that will delight children and grown-ups alike.

See Inside Your Body

This astonishingly inventive title allows young children to discover the inner workings of the human body in a gently humorous, yet wholly accurate way. Bright, original colour illustrations and diagrams display all the major organs of the human body and are accompanied by witty, clear and informative factual text. It contains over fifty flaps, which children can lift to reveal extra detail. Entertaining and authoritative, this is human biology for children at its very best - a book both educational and enjoyable.

Lift the Flap Questions and Answers about Plastic

Written by Katie Daynes
Illustrated by Marie-Eve Tremblay

Why is there so much plastic in the world? How does it help us? What's the problem and how can we solve it? These are just some of the 60+ questions answered in this timely and topical book. The facts are presented in a friendly and quirky way, helping kids to understand this global predicament and inspiring them to be part of the solution.

Guinness World Records 2020

Celebrate the dawning of a new decade with the fully revised Guinness World Records 2020.

To kick off the '20s, we've created an electrifying new cover and curated a record-breaking edition packaged with thousands of new, updated and classic superlatives, hundreds of never-before-seen images, and a selection of eye-opening photo-composites that put a new spin on record-breaking...

A new decade means it's time for a fresh approach, so starting with our front cover, we've re-booted record-breaking with an all-new design. There's a new look inside, too, and thanks to our team of digital artists, we've created mind-blowing poster pages that will reveal some of our classic record holders in a whole new light. Our ever-expanding pool of international consultants and experts help us make sense of the world around us, so join us as we explore the vast spectrum of record-breaking in 11 superlative-packed chapters.

As always, we're committed to bringing you record-breaking from the cutting edge of science, and this year we've produced a feature chapter on remarkable robots with the help of award-winning tech blogger Evan Ackerman. We've also been out on the road, adjudicating records at events as diverse as the UK National Pet Show, Skill Con in Las Vegas and BubbleFest in Wales.

Guinness World Records is nothing without its dedicated record-breakers, so we've also selected the best of the newly approved claims from the 50,000 applications received from the public over the past 12 months. If you want to be one of those lucky few, look out for the Do Try This At Home challenges in the VIRAL SPORTS chapter - you might even make it into next year's edition!

There you have it. A lovely little selection for those big minds waiting to be filled with information.

Happy reading,

Allison x

Recommended Reads

I've only just started doing this blog and I'm already doing tonnes of research. If I'm not teaching, I'm immersed in the children's book world.

It's a festive time of year so I will shortly be bringing you some festive reads, some great books from 2019 and a look ahead to 2020. I don't know about ou, but I really can't wait to see what delights the children's book world will bring next year.

Whilst researching, I came across a more winter reading list than festive, by the The Publishers Association. The link for the original pdf I came across is here.

These books are in no particular order, but I will link each title to Waterstones, where the books can be bought,

I haven't listed all the the books here, just a selection. The reasons I really liked this list of books are because:

• I haven't heard of all of the titles
• They are not Christmas related (except two)
• Poetry is included

I've picked those with a nature theme (even if it's a little tenuous! So let's just dive right in with my picks ...

Pick A Pine Tree

By Patricia Toht

Illustrated by Jarvis Walker Books

Pick a pine tree from the lot - slim and tall, or short and squat! Long straight limbs or branches bent... Mmm! Just smell that piney scent!

From the winner of the V&A Best Illustrated Book 2017

From Alan's Big, Scary Teeth creator, Jarvis, and author Patricia Toht, comes a beautiful, irresistible Christmas gift book that all begins with ... picking a pine tree! Brimming over with the excitement of being with family at the festive season, a gorgeously rhythmical, read-aloud narrative accompanied by warm, joyful art celebrates all the familiar rituals of decorating the tree - from digging out jam-packed boxes of trimmings, stringing tinsel, to, at last, turning on those twinkly fairy lights.

I am the seed that grew the tree

 A Nature Poem for Every Day of the Year

 By Fiona Waters

 Illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon

A dazzling, soaring compendium of illustration and verse, I Am the Seed That Grew the Tree presents a poem for every day of the year – including those that leap.

Capturing themes of the natural world, this sumptuous volume gathers together an exciting sweep of names, including works from Ted Hughes, William Carlos Williams, Emily Brontë, Carol Ann Duffy, John Updike, Grace Nichols and William Blake. From ice-dusted birch trees on a January night to an autumn glimpse of a hawk in flight, this landmark anthology sings with the power of language to capture the magic of our changing world.

These thoughtful poems have been gathered from all around the world, and specifically chosen to suit each individual day of the year. The selections were curated by Fiona Waters, a passionate champion of children’s literature. Waters has worked with children’s books all her life as a bookseller, publisher, author and reviewer, and won the CLPE Poetry Prize in 2005. In collecting the poems for I Am the Seed, Fiona and the publisher Nosy Crow have maintained regional spellings and usage, in order to preserve the integrity of the originals.

The captivating and playful illustrations are provided by Frann Preston-Gannon, who was previously shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize in 2013 for The Journey Home. She has brought life and imagination to every page, enough to make children and adults alike stop in their tracks.

The Wonders of Nature

 By Ben Hoare

 Illustrated by Angela Rizza and Daniel Long

Every page reveals a surprising story from the natural world that you just won't forget.

Discover the wonders of planet Earth and learn about some of the most amazing animals, plants, rocks and minerals, and microscopic life that live here.

The storybook descriptions and close-up images let you discover the myths and legends of living creatures and minerals, as well as key facts about their natural history. Find out how the prowling jaguar uses spots to avoid being spotted, why a sticky sundew means big trouble for insects, and what on Earth a radiolarian is. From opals to orchids and tapirs to toadstools, this beautiful collection brings more than 100 remarkable items from the natural world to life.

With a decorative foil cover, gilded edges, and a ribbon for keeping your place, The Wonders of Nature is an irresistible gift for children who can't get enough of nature.

The Little Island

By Smriti Prasadam-Halls

Illustrated by Robert Starling

The Tree That's Meant To Be

Written and illustrated by Yuval Zommer

A gorgeous Christmas picture book that's destined to become a festive classic.

A little fir tree is too small and too imperfect to be chosen at Christmas time. But being left alone in the forest brings more rewards than the tree could ever have hoped for ...

This is a charming and classic-feeling Christmas picture book with a heartfelt message about love and embracing what makes us different. Families will love sharing the story and talking about kindness, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas. Award-winning author Yuval Zommer puts the living world at the heart of his powerful storytelling.

Frostheart

Written and illustrated by Jamie Littler

Way out in the furthest part of the known world, a tiny stronghold exists all on its own, cut off from the rest of human-kin by monsters that lurk beneath the Snow Sea.

There, a little boy called Ash waits for the return of his parents, singing a forbidden lullaby to remind him of them... and doing his best to avoid his very, VERY grumpy yeti guardian, Tobu.

But life is about to get a whole lot more crazy-adventurous for Ash.

When a brave rescue attempt reveals he has amazing magical powers, he's whisked aboard the Frostheart, a sleigh packed full of daring explorers who could use his help. But can they help him find his family . . . ?

There you have it. I hope there's something there that tickles your fancy or that of your child.

Happy reading,

Allison x

The Dot by Peter H Reynolds

Blurb

"Just make a mark and see where it takes you."

Vashti says she can't draw.

Her teacher says she can.

She knows that there's a creative spirit in everyone and where there's a dot, there's a way ...

"A wonderfully liberating book ... The small line drawings, set in clear white space, convey everything they need to say with the utmost simplicity."
The Guardian

Review

I love this book! I love the message that even if you think you can't then maybe you can. As a teacher, this resonates with me as there are so many children that will readily say they can't without even trying; or they get really frustrated if what they have planned in their heads doesn't show it the way they want it to on paper. Yet this book shows that whilst it might be different to everyone elses, that's OK. Through someone elses eyes it might just be the best thing ever!

This is a great read aloud story that can be read at home or to a class which children can easily identify with and learn from.

Happy reading,

Allison x

The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson

Blurb

Marinka dreams of a normal life, where her house stays in one place long enough for her to make friends. But her house has chicken legs and moves on without warning.

For Marinka's grandmother is Baba Yaga, who guides spirits between this world and the next. Marinka longs to change her destiny and sets out to break free from her grandmother's footsteps, but her house has other ideas...

“Enticing, a little bit dangerous, and thrumming with possibilities.”Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Girl of Ink and Stars

Review 

When I first started this book, I couldn't quite work out quite what was happening. There were many references to death, guiding souls and Yaga. However, as the book got going I started to understand the premise. 

This book can be a bit dark in places, so if you are uncomfortable with reading about helping dead souls accept their fate then this might not be the book for you. If you're a child that has recently experienced death, then this may trigger some emotions.

Having said that, the book is beautifully written and Sophie has done a wonderful job researching different Slavic folk tales to help her set her story. 

The descriptive writing paints a super vivid picture in your head. So much so, I really felt the tension when Marinka went through the gate herself. 

I didn't know anything about the Yaga before I read this but actually became intrigued as I worked through the book. I loved the glossary at the end as well so the reader really understands all the different Slavic foods!

For me, this is a book about history and tradition. Culture and love. Friendship and happiness. But the overarching theme is about being happy and accepting who you are. Is the grass greener on the other side? Will those things that seem just out of reach make you a happier person if you actually get them?

You can explore all those emotions and and maybe come to realise that what you have in life is actually great. It did for me!

I also wish I had a house that 'spoke' to me because it knew what I was feeling or wanted and would just take off and run for another setting whenever it wanted. How idyllic would that be?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading another culturally rich tale from this author. 

What are your thoughts on the book and the subject matter? 

Keep reading!

Allison x 

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to my brand new blog where I will be reviewing children's books for readers from 5 upwards.

I can't wait to get started and I hope you will follow me on my book journey.

Happy reading

Allison x