Absolutely one of my favourite books of 2024, ‘The Best You’ is now publishing in paperback. I’m delighted to share this review with you, as this is a book I have repeatedly enjoyed using in school book clubs, including in school library orders, and reading to children in my Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop during weekly storytime sessions. 

Children reading these stories will discover the incredible bravery, kindness, loyalty, daring and power of animals whether they are in the wild or pets at home. Without many of their adventures, some of our battles, advances in space exploration, or even human lives may have been lost. You’ll discover some new heart-warming stories from around the world to inspire you for the rest of your days.

Ian Eagleton’s deeply personal connection to the subject matter, including his own diagnosis of OCD as a youth adds an extra layer of authenticity. This is a gripping tale that masterfully blends the real and the supernatural, offering readers both an exciting ghost story and a powerful exploration of mental health, friendship, and resilience.

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!!

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.

Literally the most comedy you’re going to find in a chapter book for young readers!! In this latest Grimwood adventure, it all starts with a dream. Many dreams, but one in particular - Nancy’s dream. She is having a recurring dream, a memory trying to resurface according to Dr Khan (highly recommended pigeon psychologist over in Twinklenuts). Could it be that she’s finally remembering what happened to her parents?

Based on the true events that took place in Paris during WW2, of a community of heroic and compassionate North African-heritage Muslims who selflessly risked their lives to ingeniously hide Jews (and sometimes British soldiers) from the Nazis, then helped them to escape; I simply cannot wait to share it with you.

A powerful true story of the WW2 Holocaust everyone should read. Greene’s illustrations seep into the reader’s consciousness emotions of surprise, disappointment, confusion, ignorance, bewilderment, pain, starvation, triumph, hope, love and more. Dronfield has masterfully retold the Kleinmann’s story.

A brilliant debut from Townsend!! A lonely human soul, 12 year-old Orla lives in a simple wooden shed in her garden away from the rest of her water-side rural village of Thorn Creek. She's grumpy, stubborn, closed, hurt, conflicted...and she has a lot to live up to. I will never forget Orla's story and the underlying legacy and importance of female healers and wise-women.

Meet Charlie and his dads!! They're about to adopt a little sister for Charlie, but Charlie's not sure he's going to be the best big bro!! He had no idea how brave and awesome a kid he was until he met magical fox, Cadno, and had to go on adventure to save him from some rather otherworldly baddies!! Exciting adventure set in Wales.