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We've loads of books to choose from !
The Wish Cat Ragnhild Scamell RRP £4.99 Publisher: 'Little Tiger Press' Stockist: Amazon
Oh, to be young and learning to read again. It's a wondrous time, and books like these can only enhance the experience. Not only is there a lovely story, but there are reward stickers and activities to reinforce knowledge too! These hardback treasures are incredibly well thought through, and immense value for money.
I'd Rather Be a Footballer Paul Cookson RRP £4.99 Publisher:'Macmillan Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
For me, poetry is an essential part of any childhood, be it resding or, indeed, writing. Of course, fun and humour is an essential part of being a kid too, so put both together and what do you get? A fantastic collection of gritty poems that keep it real. Each tells a story, straight from the heart, with an innocence yet worldly wisdom that is humbling. Cookson knows a childs mind probably better than they know their own.
Dino Egg RRP £5.99 Publisher:'Bloomsbury' Stockist: Amazon
Here's a book crammed full of crazy antics based around with the always popular dinosaur theme. Reluctant boy readers will love the fast pace and relaxed style that holds the attention throughout. The primary school setting makes it easily relatable for the intended age group of readers and clever word play make it fun from cover to cover!
Andy Griffiths RRP £4.99 Publisher:'Macmillan Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
Childhood should be crammed full of great books like this! Think of the cleverest rhyme, the quirkiest of humour, the funniest illustration and you have a sublime book. With chapters like 'Pinky Ponky: The Shonky, Wonky, Bonky Donkey' and 'Andy G, Terry D, The Brave Tea-Lady and The Evil Bee', this book is an education in itself. Buy it, love it and most of all, laugh lots!
Shoot To Win
Dan Freedman RRP £4.99 Publisher:'Scholastic' Stockist: Amazon
In a world of reluctant boy readers ,beloved football may well by the straw to break the camel's back. Dan Freedman is an expert in his field so writes with passion and accuracy. You will believe you are out there, living the dream, feeling the nerves and experiencing the glory. The chapters are small and sprinkled with enhancing illustration, so this is a labour of love in more ways than one. We love football, boys and girls love football, and if books like these encourage more reading, then the ball truly has hit the back of the net.
Katie: The Revolting
Holiday/The Revolting Baby RRP £4.99 each Publisher:'Bloomsbury' Stockist: Amazon
Katie is a girl with a little bit of attitude but oodles of style, making her the type of girl we’d like to be. There’s also enough realism in the stories for girl to relate to. But the overall feeling is a sense of fun. Both stories see Katie trying her best under not the most ideal of circumstances, and this makes them a refreshing read that is just that little bit different from the norm.
Glitterwings Academy: Flying High Titania Woods RRP £5.99 Publisher:'Bloomsbury' Stockist: Amazon
These books are beautiful! With gold embossing, these hardback books are bedazzling and entrancing. They are the perfect size for taking with you, and there is a lot of writing to read! Set in a fairy academy, the theme is sure to please, as have other similar books before. Fairy friendships often mimic real life friendships so are easy to relate and can teach valuable lessons in getting along.
Clover Twig and the Incredible Flying Cottage Kaye Umansky RRP £6.99 Publisher:'Bloomsbury' Stockist: Amazon
Not only does this book have a wonderful cover, but it continues to excite from the very first page. Clover Twig cleans for the local witch and by doing so, enters a world full of magic and mayhem. The thread of humour that runs through makes it a warm read that will entrance the reader, and the plot gives plenty to sink your teeth into. Our reader loved this and we have to agree – it’s independent reader heaven.
Blart 3: The Boy Who Set Sail on a Questionable Quest Dominic Barker RRP £5.99 Publisher:'Bloomsbury' Stockist: Amazon
This book has an adorable tongue in cheek quality that makes Captain Pugwash pale into insignificance. You can’t help but admire the fast pace which increases the humour, as if it needed it! Blart is a very lovable character, albeit without heroic traits, but flaws provide comedy, and great writing provides the rest. The fantasy/adventure at sea theme is perfectly played out, and if you children love to read, don’t deny them this book!
Max the Missing Puppy Holly Webb RRP £4.99 each Publisher: 'Stripes Publishing' Stockist: Amazon
This heart warming book lovingly explores the relationship between a little girl, Molly, and her new puppy Max. Determined to be together, Max spots an opportunity to go to Molly when she’s at school, and so the anguish as Max goes missing, begins. As always in this series, the books are written with a warmth and intelligence that means the young reader will enjoy every page.
Pooh! Is That You, Bertie? David Roberts RRP £7.99 Book and CD Publisher: 'Little Tiger Press' Stockist: Amazon
Do you know a child who finds the subject of breaking wind hilarious? Then they will LOVE this! The book deals with all aspects of ‘trumping’ and ‘parping’, acknowledging the fact that we all do it! The accompanying CD means they can read along, and it even tells them when to turn the page with the help of a ‘ping’ sound.
Max Flash Mission 3: In Deep Jonny Zucker RRP £4.99 Publiher: 'Stripes Publishing' Stockist: Amazon
Yes, Max is back, and sure to be visiting boy’s bookshelves everywhere. In this third outing, we find Max, quite literally, in very deep water. The sketches and set out of the book are ideal for the intended age and probable sex of the reader, a target audience whose attention may wander if not kept interested. And there’s an underlying humour which is, quite simply, irresistible!
Angelina Ballerina 25th Anniversary edition Katherine Holabird illustrated by Helen Craig RRP £6.99 Publisher: 'Puffin Books' Stockist: Amazon
Can you believe that Angelina is 25 this year? This special edition comes with a mini ‘How to be a Ballet Star’ book, a treasure in it’s own right. The main book is as sugary pink and glittery as you would expect. The illustration is full of detail and the story is ideal for both independent readers and reading to younger children.
The extraordinary adventures of Ordinary Basil Wiley Miller RRP £9.99 Publisher:'Bloomsbury' Stockist: Amazon
This hardback book is quality personified. The glossy pages and colour illustration make the cover price amazing, and the story doesn’t let any other aspect down either. This is a lesson in imagination as Basil is taken from his “boring” life to one where anything and everything can happen. Dreams are made of such stuff.
Monster Makers:
Electrosaur and Slashermite RRP £3.99 Publisher:'Scholastic' Stockist: Amazon
This is boy’s fiction, good and proper and very perceptive about the way boys play together. When Jack and Lewis draw monsters, they actually come to life! We love the way the book doesn’t hold back, with the first sentence talking about ‘arms like skewers ..that skewer your head’ as the boys draw. This is very clever stuff and we love it.
Captain Underpants
and the attack of the Talking Toilets RRP £1.00 *World Book Day* Usual RRP £4.99 Publisher:'Scholastic' Stockist: Amazon
Yes, that’s right – this book is a pound! It’s a World Book Day title, so there is nothing compromised here. The usual mix of boyish humour, cartoons and humorous illustration is there, as Harold and George making talking toilets who are out of control. This is the stuff boys notebooks are made of.
Ruby Rogers In Your Dreams/Tell Me About It/Would
You Believe It RRP £4.99 each Publisher:'Bloomsbury' Stockist: Amazon
Ruby Rogers has a unique view on the world around her and presents her views with humour and warmth. In these books we see Ruby wanting a pet, Ruby worrying that her Mum is ill and Ruby having a day out with someone she doesn’t get on with. The contents are very much like every day family life which means the age group can easily relate.
The Boy who Could Fly RRP £8.99 Publisher: Orion Publishing Stockist: Amazon
Books and CDs are a great combination, with the Cd reinforcing the enjoyment of reading. The story is full of childish humour, imagination and that sense of magic that children have the ability to capture. Of course, all children have wished they could fly, and when Thomas finds he can jump extraordinarily high, the sky literally becomes the limit For further information on this audio and all other Orion audio titles please visit: www.orionbooks.co.uk
Horrible Geography
Handbook- Wicked Weather RRP £6.99 Publisher:'Scholastic' Stockist: Amazon
What a wonderful book! A smaller size than usual and with a superb ‘weatherproof’ cover! There are about 90 pages here all literally crammed with weather info, and of course, written in the ‘Horrible’ way that appeals to children so much. Find out how it feels to get struck by lightning , how to measure a tornado and much more.
Charlie and The Rocket Boy Hilary McKay RRP £3.99 Publisher:'Scholastic' Stockist: Amazon
Here is more from Charlie, a lovable boy but full of mischief. With a new boy in his class called Zachary, Charlie sets out to find out whether all his flamboyant stories are lies or the truth. These books are full of fun and will undoubtedly be enjoyed by the reader.
The Pain and the Great One : Soupy Saturdays Judy Blume RRP £7.99 Publisher: 'Macmillan Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
Macmillan have a good habit of publishing fun, quirky titles that match the mind set of the intended age group perfectly, and this is no exception. The bright hardback cover leads to a fun, fun book, with lots of great sketches to emphasise the storyline. It is written cleverly from the different view points of family members, with all the chaos that family lie brings. This is just an ordinary Saturday, but Judy Blume makes it an adventure.
Chicken Dance Jacques Couvillon RRP £6.99 Publisher:'Bloomsbury' Stockist: Amazon
Wow! You know we love a book when we start a review with this, but we 110% mean it! Chickens and their welfare are huge news at the moment, and so the book’s release is perfectly timed. There are numerous threads to this book and this adds to its quirky but all enveloping theme. Warmth and humour dominated for us, with Don deciding he will be more accepted as an expert chicken judge. Trust us, there’s far more to it than that, but this is simply a must have read. Superb!!!
Fly, Cherokee Fly Chris D’Lacey RRP £5.99 each Publisher: 'Orchard' Stockist: Amazon
This is a wonderful read, full of differing emotions and extremely well written. The story sees Darryl nursing an ill pigeon back to health, but is far from the cute story that snippet may suggest. Aimed at ages 9-11, there is plenty here for them to get their teeth into.
First Greek Myths Arion The Dolphin Boy/Theseus and the Man-Eating Monster RRP £8.99 each Publisher: 'Orchard' Stockist: Amazon
These ideally sized glossy hardbacks tell their stories in a clear and concise manner. This will make them both enjoyable and of great educational benefit. We especially like the fresh illustration but back up the text perfectly. There are another 8 books in this series and these would certainly make a collection to treasure and pass on to future generations.
Animal Rescue:Dilly – The Lost Duckling Tina Nolan RRP £4.99 Publisher: 'Stripes Publishing' Stockist: Amazon
The latest in the ‘Animal Rescue’ series does cute to perfection. Dilly the duckling gets lost after crossing the road and Eva and Karl from the animal rescue centre need to find her. The cover is glossy and inviting and the text perfectly suited to the age group. We adore this series and just want more and more titles to be published.
It’s a 50/50 thing Chris Higgins RRP £5.99 Publisher: 'Hodder & Stoughton Childrens' Stockist: Amazon
The gorgeous girlie and glittery cover leads to a book full of things that pre-teenage girls love to read about. Therec are dysfunctional families, romance, friendship, fashion and attitude – and a whole lot of reading in there too! We think they will just love it!
‘Rumer Godden’ range Rumer Godden RRP £4.99 - £9.99 Publisher: 'Macmillan Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
If you like your children to read quality books with stories from an era gone but which stand the test of time, fill your boots! Rumer Godden books have a compelling innocence yet the storylines are far from simple and can often be darker than you would imagine. Available in both hardback and paperback, the covers are literally works of art that you can imagine being passed through generations. Suitable for an age where children can read and enjoy choosing their own fiction, these are just a sheer delight.
Sam the Stolen Puppy Holly Webb RRP £4.99 each Publisher: 'Stripes Publishing' Stockist: Amazon
Young readers take easily to animal stories which, in turn, helps the learning process. Sam is an adorable puppy who Emily loves to bits. When he is stolen, Emily is very upset but determined to get him back. The book is very engaging and the cute puppy picture on the cover will melt their hearts.
Stone Goblins David Melling RRP £3.99 Publisher:'Hodder & Stoughton Childrens' Stockist: Amazon
With names like “Chief Cheesyfeet” and “Snilbog”, the Goblins are definitely here to raise a smile! This is full of the yuk and slightly rude words that boys especially find hilarious. And as disgusting as they are, you can’t help but love them! Accompanied by sketch style black and white illustration, this is fantastic stuff.
Tiger Lily:A Heroine in the Making Maeve Friel RRP £4.99 Publiher: 'Stripes Publishing' Stockist: Amazon
This book is cleverly based on the one thing all children have without fail – a vivid imagination. A book about a girl who is obsessed with reading will without a doubt encourage others to read as well as write, so it’s a winner on all levels. There’s lots of sketches to help the story along, and the book at times is written in a diary format which encourages reluctant readers too.
'Pony Camp Diaries' series Kelly McKain RRP £3.99 each Publiher: 'Stripes Publishing' Stockist: Amazon
There is just something about girls and ponies that is aspirational, and these books tap into this perfectly. Of course, not many girls get to go to a pony camp, and this is where fiction can play a very important role and help them feel involved. There are lots of mini illustrations through the book that express a happy theme and will help keep their interest. If I was a little girl, I’d want to read these!
'Minnie Piper' series Caroline Juskas illustrated by Kate Leake RRP £4.99 each Publiher: 'Stripes Publishing' Stockist: Amazon
Minnie Piper loves a good puzzle, and this translates into super fun fiction. There is plenty of reading in the books with quirky illustration scattered throughout. Both story and pictures portray a cheeky happiness which the intended age range will adore. The school backdrop makes it easy to relate to and the covers are so appealing, these make the perfect gift too.
'Max Flash mission' series Jonny Zucker RRP £4.99 each Publiher: 'Stripes Publishing' Stockist: Amazon
If you watch ‘Hollyoaks’, you will know of little Tom’s obsession with Max Mission, so when we were introduced to the ‘Max Flash mission’ range, we wondered if these were the inspiration. The books are highly illustrated in a sort of cartoon/annual type manner and they are set out in a way which makes them not only easy to read, but helps to engage interest too. Little boy literary heaven.
'Dirty Bertie' books David Roberts written by Alan Macdonald RRP £3.99 each Publiher: 'Stripes Publishing' Stockist: Amazon
Independent reading is a very exciting point to reach, and good books help to reinforce a love for books. Reading should be fun, and ‘Dirty Bertie’ is certainly that! This is perfect boy fiction, with snot, smells, cheekiness, yukky girls and more. Every book will make them laugh and cringe in equal amounts, but even more importantly, increase their language and love of literature.
'Death Run' Jack Higgins & Justin Richards RRP £12.99 Publisher: 'Harper Collins Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
Jack Higgins has a golden literary touch which guarantees quality reading. In this he teams up with Justin Richards to come up with another action packed belter. This follow on from ‘Sure Fire’ with Rich and Jade again caught up in a world of corruption. The child surviving in an adult world story line is bound to appeal to its target audience but there’s no doubt that Higgin’s adult fans won’t resist temptation.
Lost in the Storm Holly Webb RRP £3.99 Publiher: 'Stripes Publishing' Stockist: Amazon
Having a cute kitten is a dream lots of children have. However, unlike a puppy, kittens need their independence and go out on their own. When it starts snowing and Fluff doesn’t come home, Ella is really worried. The animal theme is very appealing to the age range and a great subject for the independent reader. There is emotion but a happy ending which will leave your child wanting to read more of the same.
The Lion Day-by-Day Bible RRP £12.99 Stockist: Amazon
We can’t put it better than the book – ‘here are the great stories and wise words of the Bible in one richly illustrated volume.’ There is an illustrated story for every day, just the right length to fit into even the busiest of days. We especially like the extras at the back which tell you what stories help with certain values, themes and occasions.
Sir Gadabout – Book & CD RRP £8.99 Publisher: Orion Publishing Stockist: Amazon
This is a delight of a book, crammed full of the type of humour that is ageless and about an age when knights were brave, unless you were Sir Gadabout. With characters such as Sir Felix the Flab and Sir Pas le Port, this is an incredibly funny book that is written so well it forms pictures in your mind. Clive Anderson is the perfect voice for the CD version and brings it to life for the intended age group.
Molly Moon, Micky Minus and the Mind Machine Georgia Byng RRP £9.99 Publisher:'Macmillan Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
From the stunning cover onward, this is genius. Molly Moon is an orphan with fantastic talents – not only can she hypnotise, she can also time travel and now mind read. The book is very well written and there is a lot of it too! It’s fun, it’s addictive, and our tester thought it was fab!
Alfie all Alone Holly Webb RRP £3.99 Publiher: 'Stripes Publishing' Stockist: Amazon
All children go through a ‘wanting a puppy’ phase, and so this book will easily find a place in children’s hearts. The story is one that is easy to relate to – Evie and her puppy Alfie are very close, that is until baby Sam comes along and Alfie starts to feel left out. The text is sympathetic, the storyline easy to follow and the simple pencil illustration provides the perfect accompaniment.
My Giant Sticker colouring book Publisher: 'Priddy Books' Stockist: Amazon
Priddy Books are exceptionally well thought through, with this being no exception. There are loads of pages here – each one contains a word, an accompanying picture, a space for a sticker which they find, and a picture to colour. Children learn by having what they have just been taught reinforced, and this book does that and more. To make it even better, the book comes with accompanying CD full of lots more pictures, colouring pages to print and more besides. Our tester truly enjoyed this and we had to drag them away – that is recommendation!
Philip Ardagh’s Book of Absolutely Useless Lists for Absolutely Every day of the Year Philip Ardagh RRP £7.99 Publisher:'Macmillan Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
Let me tell you how funny this is – the tester picked out a page, that page being the date of his birthday. The list had thirteen items on. By number 5, he had collapsed in sever hysterics, the type where you worry about their breathing. And he was right to find it funny. This book contains 366 such lists, one for every day of the year including a leap year, and whilst we can’t guarantee you will double up in hysterics every day, the least you can expect is a huge smirk.
The Thousand Nights and One Night Jan Pienkowski – Retold by David Walser RRP £14.99 Publisher: 'Puffin Books' Stockist: Amazon
This book is based on the classic ‘The Arabian Nights’ and so contains such wonders as ‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’ and ‘Sinbad the Sailor’. If I tell you the pages are gold edged, giving you that wonderful gold block effect when closed, that will give you an idea of the quality of this book. Jan Pienkowski’s silhouette illustration sets the tales off perfectly, giving tem the same sense of mystery and awe as the text. This book reminds us so much of our own childhood, and who wouldn’t want their own children to experience a piece of that.
Animal Rescue:Bella Tina Nolan RRP £3.99 Publiher: 'Stripes Publishing' Stockist: Amazon
'The Black Book of Secrets' F.E.Higgins RRP £5.99 Publisher:'Macmillan Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
This is the type of book that totally sucks you in from the first sentence. The attention to detail is superb without being overpowering, making it 110% believable. The story can be grizzly but entertaining at the same time, concentrating on an ancient book which records the macabre confessions of the occupants of Pagus Parvus. It is a relevation of a book that older children will quickly become addicted to.
'Smart Girls Activity Set Fairytale
Princess' Publisher: 'Priddy Books' Stockist: Amazon
Let your little girl indulge in make believe whilst enjoying making things too! This mega book gives step by step instructions on how to make them look like a princess. Whilst a book can’t provide the costume, it can provide lots of ideas for the prettiest hair styles, most beautiful jewellery and oh, so much more too! With beads, jewels, a comb and even a press out tiara included, being a princess no longer need be a dream.
Cosmo’s Book of Spooky Fun Gwyneth Rees RRP £4.99 Publisher:'Macmillan Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
This is a fantastic book based on the ever popular Cosmo the witch-cat. There are loads of puzzles with a Halloween theme, along with a scattering of themed jokes too. We were impressed at the level of puzzles, ideal from aged 5 and over in our opinion and the perfect mix to keep them entertained. What better to give as a gift at Halloween than hours worth of ‘Spooky Fun’?
The Little Lost Robin Elizabeth Baguley illustrated by Tina Macnaughton RRP £10.99 Publisher: 'Little Tiger Press' Stockist: Amazon
Reading books to your child and then watching as they learn to read independently is a wondrous time. Books like ‘The Little Lost Robin’ enhance the experience even further. The story looks at the friendship between an ageing hare and a robin whose bright song brightens Hare’s day. It is a very tender story, brilliantly set off by illustration that conveys the surroundings to perfection. You will be amazed at the amount of wonderfully different greens that are used.
Freddie in a Spin Down Under Chris Cowdrey Publisher: Blue Cow Books
Listen all cricket fans! Freddie is a cricket ball with stories to tell as he is always on an adventure. He is also lucky enough to meet some real cricketing legends on his way. All this makes wonderful reading for children, whether they like cricket or not, and as the books are also written by a cricketing great, Chris Cowdrey, we know they are written from the heart.
A Long Way from Home Elizabeth Baguley illustratred by Jane Chapman RRP £10.99 Publisher: 'Little Tiger Press' Stockist: Amazon
Another delightful book from Little Tiger Press! Moz the rabbit finds that there’s not enough space at home and so leaves to find more space. However, he finds he misses home far more than he ever thought he would. The language in this book is gorgeous – for example, the Albatross affectionately calls Moz ‘Smallest Bun’. The illustration is truly out of this world – look out for Moz’s multiple reflections in the ice.
Earth IQ Publisher: 'Priddy Books' Stockist: Amazon
Sometimes books are just so cleverly put together that they are as much of a toy too. This educational book helps teach children about planet earth, and very much about things that really matter. Dealing with climate change and with hints on how to preserve the world we live in, it is very relevant to today’s children. Also included are a compass, jigsaw and giant wallchart, making it a one stop, non stop trip around our planet.
'Smart Girls Activity Set Hair Wraps
& Braids' Publisher: 'Priddy Books' Stockist: Amazon
Here’s something to keep them well and truly amused and put a smile on their face too! Forget holidays abroad when you want to decorate your hair, now they can do it at home also. Everything is here, down to comb, clips, beads and bands. There are lots of styles and designs to choose from and we especially like the difficulty ratings – not only do they have a good idea how easy it will be, but it adds goal setting and pride at achievability into the mix.
'Smart Girls Activity Set Beads and
Bracelets' Publisher: 'Priddy Books' Stockist: Amazon
There are a few ‘make a bracelet’ type books out there, but as the adage goes, you get what you pay for. If you don’t want their hard work to go ‘ping’ within a day, you need quality. This definitely is – you can tell on first glance. Glossy, sturdy pages include clear instructions and vivid pictures with wearable and fashionable items to make. There is even a board to record your friendship bracelets on. How friendly is that?
'My big animal world' Publisher: 'Priddy Books' Stockist: Amazon
If this book doesn’t tell them all they need to know about animals and the world they live in, we have no idea what will! This spiral bound book is full of crisp photos, clear text and information that is easy to digest without condescending a child’s understanding. It is very thorough and covers a whole range of topics that will fascinate and educate. There is even a web directory so they can continue to investigate.
'Learn with Dr Seuss – I can do Maths today!' RRP £4.99 Publisher: 'Harper Collins Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
'Absolute Power-New Heroes' Michael Carroll RRP £5.99 Publisher: 'Harper Collins Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
A stunning cover is almost worth the book price alone, and this is definitely one to draw you in. This is the third and final book in ‘The New Heroes’ trilogy and is just as fantastic as the two before. This is serious fiction and in this outing, Colin has lost a friend. Action packed drama rips through every page and the author isn’t worried about taming down subject matter for it’s audience, making it all the more appealing.
'Fifi and the Flowertots:I Can Read!Fifi’s Busy day ' RRP £3.50 Publisher: 'Harper Collins Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
Every parent loves the moment their child learns to read. This Fifi book is designed for those first steps, and what a better way to start than read about their favourite character! Fifi is having a very busy day as Aunt Tulip is coming to visit. The book is full of colourful pictures to hold their interest and clear text to help them on their way.
'Fifi and the Flowertots:Activity Case' RRP £4.99 Publisher: 'Harper Collins Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
It’s Fun Time with Fifi! Stingo and Slugsy have puzzles galore, Violet and Primrose want you to colour and Fifi and Bumble love stickers! Equipped with 3 crayons and a poster, this is Fifi fan heaven!
'Fairy Friends – My Best Friends Secrets Notebook' Claire Freedman Illustrated by Gail Yerrill RRP £5.99 Publisher: 'Little Tiger Press' Stockist: Amazon
Now when I was young, a book with a padlock and key was the ultimate possession! I am sure that has not changed. This is scrummily padded and inside you can write all about yourself, your friends and what you all like and dislike. There is also a calendar and space for memories. I still love this type of stuff and as a mother, want my daughter to love it as much. Luckily, it is so gorgeous you can’t fail to love it!
'Fairy Friends – Friendship Wishes' Claire Freedman Illustrated by Gail Yerrill RRP £5.99 Publisher: 'Little Tiger Press' Stockist: Amazon
If I was a little girl, and I had a special friend, and she was having a party, I would want to give her this as a present, but only after Mummy had bought me my own first. This ultra cute filofax type folder has a notebook with pink heart paper, a special compartment with stickers, notelets and envelopes and then a little book all about Fairy Friends with things to do and how to be a good friend. Infact, I’d have it as an adult too!
'Fairy Friends' Claire Freedman Illustrated by Gail Yerrill RRP £6.99 Publisher: 'Little Tiger Press' Stockist: Amazon
With a gel filled cover full of glittery stars and speckles, it is hard to move away from that and open the book! Quite reminiscent of the original ‘Flower Fairies’ series from many years ago, the illustration is fresh and magical. The text of course is the rhyming of dreams and as cute as cute can be. This is a book that’s as beautiful to give as to own.
'Disney Fairies:Activity Case' RRP £4.99 Publisher: 'Harper Collins Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
The ideal companion for holidays, days out, rainy days and a fantastic gift, this case contains not one, not two, but three activity books, with a poster and crayons too! With the cutest of colouring books, the prettiest of puzzle books and the sassiest of sticker books, you really can’t go wrong!
'Disney Fairies:Meet the Never Fairies – Sticker Activity Book' RRP £3.99 Publisher: 'Harper Collins Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
This activity book is little girl heaven and also very well thought through. The illustrations and stickers are truly beautiful and just as fairies use your imagination, this book gives lots of opportunities for your little fairy’s imagination to be used to the full. This isn’t a book to flick through – this will keep them busy for ages whilst stimulating their minds. There really is fairy magic between the covers.
'The Anti-Colouring Book' Susan Striker and Edward Kimmel RRP £4.99 Publisher:'Scholastic' Stockist: Amazon
A book like this will stimulate their imagination to the full and keep them amused for hours and hours. You don’t have to be a master of art to enjoy this either and it will encourage those who wouldn’t normally choose to sit down and draw. There are lots of pages and each has something printed on the page to lead into what to draw. However, there are no rules and you are in total control. The last few pages are blank to let your mind run riot. We think this is fantastic and cannot recommend it highly enough.
'Kick Off' Dan Freedman RRP £4.99 Publisher:'Scholastic' Stockist: Amazon
Football fans sit up and listen – you will love this book! OK, the main character is a boy but it’s appeal isn’t exclusive. Complete with scores, dates, sketches and more, it’s a light and enjoyable read that will strike a chord with future football stars around the country. Jamie’s dedication and determination will surely win in the end?
'The Fairy House - Fairy Friends/Fairy for a Day' Kelly McKain RRP £5.99 Publisher:'Scholastic' Stockist: Amazon
These hardback books are from a set of four, each with the most exquisite of covers featuring a fairy with petalled skirt. The content is supreme younger girl’s fiction, full of magic and fantasy but with that realistic modern attitude of bickering and rivalry, as true to life now as years ago but providing humour and appeal. They are so beautiful you will want to collect all four and keep them for ever and ever.
'Horrible Histories – Awesome Activity Book' Terry Deary RRP £7.99 Publisher:'Scholastic' Stockist: Amazon
Terry has literally revolutionised children’s enjoyment of school subjects over the last few years by making it fun. This activity book is crammed full of info about the Egyptians, Greeks and Incas with over 200 stickers too. Quizzes and puzzles throughout reinforce the knowledge learnt, with kids being truly happy for this to happen. The series will undoubtedly be with us forever.
'Horrible Histories – Woeful Second World War' Terry Deary illustrated by Martin Brown RRP £4.99 Publisher:'Scholastic' Stockist: Amazon
Anything that keeps the Second World War in the memory of her children is great by us. The fact that they will love learning facts about it is even better. The way Terry Deary describes what can be atrocious things at times is a gift. Yes it’s funny but what always comes through strong is a desire for the kids to know about these things. Genius stuff.
'Horrible Histories – Vile Victorians' Terry Deary illustrated by Martin Brown RRP £4.99 Publisher:'Scholastic' Stockist: Amazon
Another triumph in this ever popular series of books. It seems amazing that life for people just over one hundred years ago was so amazingly different than that today, especially through the eyes of children who can’t believe how different their own parent’s childhoods were. It makes a fascinating insight, again portrayed with humour and passion.
'Urgum the Axe Man' Kjartan Poskitt illustrated by Philip Reeve RRP £5.99 Publisher:'Scholastic' Stockist: Amazon
This is a heavyweight paperback with wonderful sketches combining with the text. If you tried not to laugh whilst reading this, you’d fail by the end of page one. It is very visual and reminds us of a television programme – not many books are that vivid. Being set in the era of barbarians gives oodles of opportunity for riotous humour that children, and undoubtedly adults, will just love!
'Darkside' Tom Becker RRP £6.99 Publisher:'Scholastic' Stockist: Amazon
It is a well known fact that children like to be scared and this book will certainly do that. The main character is a teenager so easy to relate and warm to. This is essential with the dark subject at times, although it is always age appropriate and very cleverly written. We liked the fact that ‘Darkside’ is ruled by Jack the Ripper’s children, adding a gruesome reality that will keep them hooked in at all times.
'Charlie and The Cat Flap/Charlie and The Great Escape' Hilary McKay RRP £3.99 each Publisher:'Scholastic' Stockist: Amazon
Charlie has just the right balance of mischief and cuteness to make him a very lovable character and is very typical of a lot of seven year old boys. In ‘Charlie and the Cat Flap’, Henry comes for a sleepover. Naturally, two boys together are a recipe for double trouble. In ‘The Great Escape’, Charlie is feeling hard done by and unwanted, so comes up with the clever plan of running away, but just not too far!
'An Urgent Message of Wowness' Karen McCombie RRP £7.99 each Publisher:'Scholastic' Stockist: Amazon
This book is written in a slightly wacky style that teens will love, with snippets of emails from Heather to her Dad being used to portray life when parents split up. It is a book full of warmth, humour and charm that mimics teenage insecurities very well indeed. Family separations are an important part of modern teenage fiction and this one shows how people can adapt and move on.
'I Spy:Colours in Art' Lucy Micklethwait RRP £6.99 Publisher: 'Harper Collins Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
Amazing! Fantastic! Unbelievable! This is such a refreshing type of book that we are literally left in awe. Somewhat reminiscent of the 3D magic eye books that used to be so popular but in a far more simplistic form for children, the game of I Spy is combined with Art with great effect. Our 4 year old tester managed to find the objects with great enjoyment but this is a different type of challenge to the normal. Our tester also has visual problems and we would definitely recommend this book for similar or as an educational tool. Superb!
'Shrek the Third' Quest with Shrek £9.99/Jigsaw Book £7.99/Mad Libs £2.99/Sound Book £9.99 Publisher: www.ladybird.com/www.dk.com Stockist: Amazon
Shrek is a registered trademark of
DreamWorks Animation L.L.C. Shrek
The hugely popular Shrek movie is back for a 3rd outing, and Ladybird and Dorling Kindersley have brought out a range of tie in books that are utterly out of this world! We see many books and trust us, these are stunners! Quest with Shrek’ is an incredibly well made book containing 6 different board games. How this book inclusive of slime has been made at the price is astounding! The astonishment continues with the ‘Jigsaw Book’, 6 sturdily made theme based jigsaws in one book!If you haven’t experienced the ‘Mad Libs’ range before, do so now – this is as much as you can ever get out of a few pages. Last but no means least, the Shrek ‘Sound Book’ brings the fun and magic of the film to your home – the sounds will amaze and amuse! If we ever find a tie in range this good again, we will be very happy indeed.
'Graduation Summer' Mary – Kate and Ashley Olsen RRP £6.99 Publisher: 'Harper Collins Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
Anything the Olsen twins do has popular written all over it, but this can only ever be possible if the quality is there to start with. The book is a substantial read at 390 pages of full text pages and 3 new stories, telling the tale of the girl’s leaving high street and facing the challenge of summer. American proms are the stuff of British schoolgirls dreams and make exciting reading matter by themselves but this book contains far more compelling stuff too. The girls are all grown up, but just as fun as ever.
'Rotten School' Dudes, the School is Haunted/Let’s Lose this Teacher! R.L.Stine RRP £3.99 each Publisher: 'Harper Collins Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
Hands up who loves the Rotten School series? We certainly do! And as the latest books are numbers 7 and 8 in the series and more to come, loads of other people do too! This is just what childhood is about – humour, mischief and the right amount of naughtiness. In ‘Dudes, the School is Haunted’, Bernie spooks Joe as revenge in the hope he will be a nicer person. In ‘Let’s Lose This Teacher!’, the new stand in teacher is the stuff of nightmares, and Bernie tries to get their old teacher back. Supremely entertaining fiction on a grand scale.
'Hunky Dory' Jean Ure RRP £5.99 Publisher: 'Harper Collins Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
It’s a well known fact that girls mature quicker than boys, so while 11 year old Dorian is still enjoying dinosaurs, immature jokes and the only girl he actually has a friend is a tomboy, girls are giggling at him and watching him and he doesn’t know why. It is all very annoying. Dorian certainly has no idea that they actually fancy him. Girlfriends are an alien concept. The book has fantastic humour and is written from the uncannily realistic viewpoint of Dorian, both in language and outlook. The first year of high school brings many changes and maybe Dorian is about to grow up also.
'The Monkey with a Bright Blue Bottom' Steve Smallman Illustrated by Nick Schon RRP £10.99 Publisher: 'Little Tiger Press' Stockist: Amazon
A cheeky monkey finds a box of paints and paintbrushes and decides he will paint the other animals while they are having a nap. However, if you do mischief, always be prepared that others may want to get their own back! This is incredibly well written and immensely enjoyable. The humour and fun rhyme will leave a huge smile painted on your face – unlike Monkey!
'W.I.T.C.H : A choice is made' RRP £4.99 Publisher: 'Harper Collins Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon
Hoorah, more new W.I.T.C.H. titles, bringing the total to an unbelievable 25! The first titles still finds Nerissa causing grief for the girls, but can it truly be that all is about to change? You would have to read all four titles to find out! The books are great, easy reading and jam packed full of highly likeable content. With a website www.clubwitch.co.uk too, they can satisfy their W.I.T.C.H craving whenever they like!
'Transformers:The Movie Storybook' RRP £4.99 Publisher: 'Harper Collins Children's Books' Stockist: Amazon |
