Inspired by a true story of enslaved African women in Colombia braiding maps to freedom, this is a stunning book to behold. As a Black History book, honouring enslaved Africans in the Americas who fought for freedom, this is a story that will give the younger reader an age-appropriate soul-deep awareness of Black liberation during the Transatlantic Slave Trade era (c.1526-1867) as the story is told through the eyes of a young enslaved girl called Nemy.

Lucy and James Catchpole share heartfelt stories that reflect their experiences as disabled parents. In ‘Mama Car’, the child narrator shares family moments, offering insight into life with a wheelchair-bound parent. This sweet story fosters understanding, showing both everyday adventures and the comfort of a loving family.

Onjali Q. Raúf's debut picture book is a heartwarming story about welcoming a new child who has fled her homeland. With Pippa Curnick's stunning illustrations, it beautifully captures the emotions of fear, sadness, and friendship. Perfect for ages 3+, this story encourages empathy and offers tips on making refugee children feel welcome. A must-have for every school and library.

This book deserves a place on everyone’s bookshelf, especially in schools. This book is a fantastic resource for parents, carers, and teachers to read with children throughout primary school. It’s a great tool to help teach kids about online behaviour, especially the concept of ‘trolls.’

Spend the night time hours in the company of the jolly hardworking animals of ‘Motor Isle’ in this fascinating, colourful, sweet storybook.

Excitedly it’s Shakespeare’s The Tempest that gets a Louie Stowell-style makeover for the second in this picture book series, and it is beautifully illustrated by Isobel Lundie with a really cosy autumnal seasonal feel. Great story for emotional development AND learning about our British bard at the same time!!

Clive the penguin is bloomin’ freezing!! He decides enough is enough and he’s off… he’s going to find the warm orange tropical island paradise of his dreams… only, something floating by catches his eye, and it will just as well!! Hilarious, witty and gorgeous illustrations.

Matou learns not to judge others by appearances after trying on shoes outside a mosque, especially when her mum has to stay late at work and misses their movie afternoon. A beautifully illustrated tale about empathy and understanding, perfect for sparking classroom discussions.

A murder mystery following all the traditional plot developments - detecting, discovering a body, looking for a murder weapon, witnesses, suspects, and motive - it’s all here in spades. However to take a veritable Agatha Christie style whodunit and wrap it up in a post human vs giants fairy tale world is super genius.

An unforgettable, powerful and all-consuming story of two Year 7 children (one autistic, one non-binary) struggling with their first term at Secondary school, puberty, friendships, dysfunctional family life, discrimination and bullying.

A special welcome to those who have found my review today through the official Usborne Blog Tour - so happy to see you here! As the second of ‘The Book of Stolen Dreams’ adventures publishes in paperback, I get a chance to celebrate this unforgettable story all over again!!

It’s Father-Son time! See the world from up high on dad's shoulders. Then see the park, walking together after a picnic. It’s quality time well spent.

Book 2 in the lovely ‘My Small World’ series. Vivid and engaging, rhyming underwater adventure story for children to learn about our oceans and think creatively for a crafty project afterwards. Amazing detail in the artwork by Harry Woodgate!!

I read this in one sitting! Meet Will, or Poundland as the bully squad refers to him as. The black & white almost-manga style strip illustrations are so impactful. Poverty + Will's sense of responsibility to look out for his dad means that he makes some bad choices in a moment of desperation… This is a powerful, punch of a book that's unputdownable, relatable, grows empathy, and speaks to struggles going on in playgrounds + school corridors everywhere.

It’s a sci-fi warzone out there! A world built in the future, humans have found a way to be at one with machines as hosted creatures called Constructs. Wolf is one such Construct. Wolf tribe member 12 year old Coll survives from one day to the next with the help of his magical anthryl-infused posthetics. A huge battle leaves him displaced, and together with his new band of misfits they use brains and brawn to bring about an end to this age of chaos and destruction.

A story told in verse is an exciting way to walk in someone else’s shoes. Leaving behind a horrendous experience of racism by her teacher in her school, Estie travels north to Scotland where she finds her truth, acceptance, love, family and community… and an exciting mystery to solve!

Book 14 in this adorable collectable series!! Kitty has a new mystery to solve through her love of libraries, love of books and the reading community, helping others and making sure books are accessible!! It’s a swashbuckling dream of a story!!

Book 6 in this super fun adventure series! It’s super-suit time!! Marv’s friends still have no idea that together with his robot friend Pixel, he’s the awesome superhero that saves the day - it’s time to shrink that hamster back to it’s normal size and save everyone from Dr Boom!

The first in a lovely new graphic novel series about friendship, accepting others, feeling valued. Pocketville is cute, the artwork is superb, and the text well-spaced for an enjoyable, calm and cosy reading experience.

What a super fab story! Sun just won't go to bed, there's far too much fun to be had - hide and seek you name it… oh and of course (eye-roll) the classic… I need a drink (heard that one about a million times)!! Relatable, great read-aloud, good fun!