Children Book Reviews

Name: Rachel Bolton
02 July 2025;

Genre: Representation & Inclusion

There is so much to unpick in this novel: it's about running, which makes a change from football; it's about family relationships that aren't often written about (a pushy but adoring mother), and it's about fitting into a new school where racism rears its ugly head. It's edgy and at times make...

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Name: Amanda Shipton
02 July 2025;

Genre: Funny Stories

The latest creation from the Blue Peter Best Story Award writers does not disappoint. Wigglesbottom Primary is clearly the school that every young chapter book reader will want to go to! There is never a dull day, literally anything can happen. Wigglesbottom Pr...

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Name: Lorraine ansell
01 July 2025;

Genre: Magical Realism

Rosa's life is turned upside down when her parents are lost in an accident. A strange aunt and uncle arrive and take over her home and her life. As she grows, Rosa struggles to remember her real parents and a life full of love and laughter. With only a magical cat named Balthazar to keep her c...

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Name: Jacqueline Harris
01 July 2025;

Genre: Fantasy

Effra is a Larker, people who live on the river and have gills. For obvious reasons they keep away from people who live on land, who they call Lubbers. One day, the Rivermun snatches Effra's little brother and, to keep him safe, she is forced into a terrifying series of encounters to save not...

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Name: Emma Urbonas
01 July 2025;

Genre: Personal Growth

"A kickass guide to finding confidence in sport", indeed!! Shoot for the Stars is as creative as it is inspiring and I love how it contains biographies of real athletes and stories of them overcoming challenges to achieve their dreams. This book is a lesson in resilien...

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Name: Amanda Shipton
01 July 2025;

Genre: Friends and family

Destiny Ink: Baking Mix-Up is the newest addition to the fantastic Destiny Ink series by Adeola Sokunbi. This highly illustrated chapter book is perfectly pitched at the early chapter book reader with black and white illustrations which add de...

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Name: Jacqueline Harris
01 July 2025;

Genre: Fantasy

Four children live on a magical island. They have everything they need and only one rule; never go to the Island of Darkness. But one child breaks the rule and catapults his friends into a world called Wasteland, where there are no children and it is unbearably bleak. Grace wakes up with no me...

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Name: Sue Wilsher
01 July 2025;

Genre: Comics & Graphic Novels

The baddest hamster around, Mr Big Fluff, has decided that he is not as happy as he might be so he decides to steal some happy from Happy Hills. Will the Happy Hills gang be able to stop him? The third 'Happy Hills' book, Mr Big Fluff Rules, continues the bonkers fun and complete chaos...

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Name: Sara Sumner
27 June 2025;

Genre: Comics & Graphic Novels

It is wonderful to see Pandora in Puzzlevale making the leap from The Phoenix Magazine to book format. This book is engaging from start to finish, immersing readers into the story with puzzles and clues. It is definitely not one that cannot be finished quickly...

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Name: Stephanie
26 June 2025;

Genre: Animals

The Woodland Badger is a really gorgeous story for young readers which will inspire them not only to appreciate nature, but to fight to protect it, too. The book follows Poppy who loves spending time at her mum's allotment and spotting wildlife in the woodland behind it, inclu...

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