Schools & Libraries Book Reviews

Name: Louise Gahan
18 April 2025;

Genre: Personal Growth

I Am Strong Just Being Me is a thought-provoking picture book that redefines what it means to be strong. Through the curious voice of Bean and the gentle wisdom of their Nanna, Laura Dockrill opens a thoughtful dialogue about courage, compassion, and self-acceptance</s...

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Name: Beverley Somerset
17 April 2025;

Genre: Adventure

Donna, Arun and Sam are currently separated for the summer holidays. The boys are at home, bored, while Donna is with her mum visiting family in Trinidad. As Donna's birthday is approaching, Arun and Sam decide to make a surprise visit to see her, using their super machine MANDROID to get them...

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Name: Sue Wilsher
16 April 2025;

Genre: Historical Fiction

Stuck on a train full of younger children being evacuated, there are four who do not want to leave the city. Gradually, each comes to realise that they could simply get up and leave the carriage - and so they do. First to go is the Gremlin, followed by Lawrence, Olive and Franklin. Linked by t...

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Name: Jo Thomas
16 April 2025;

Genre: Funny Stories

Letters to a Monster is a heartwarmingly funny book about the friendship between a little girl and a monster. Sophie just knows there’s a monster hiding under her bed and she decides to write them a letter to give them a final warning to leave! This begins a b...

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Name: Sue Wilsher
15 April 2025;

Genre: Environment & Nature

Offering a closer look at the 'muddy, magical, marvellous miracle' that is soil, Wonder World: Earth is a fascinating and enjoyable read. The first in a new series, it is perfect for bringing natural science alive for younger readers. <...

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Name: Jessica Bunney
15 April 2025;

Genre: Baby & Toddler Books

My First Story Orchestra brings us Four Seasons in One Day. My toddler and I have REALLY enjoyed such a different and musical take on a sound book.  It is clear to see why this is a best-selling series internationally. This book makes classical music even more...

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Name: Jessica Bunney
15 April 2025;

Genre: Picture Books

This book is a great support for any child who may be fearful of the dark, and for any child who enjoys seeing a character go on a big adventure of discovery. Leila isn't fond of the dark - it makes it impossible to see anything! But when Leila looks up at the moon and...

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Name: Jo Thomas
15 April 2025;

Genre: Environment & Nature

Rabbit wants to go fishing, but does not like the rain! To stop the rain spoiling his plans he decides to catch the rain cloud with his rod and hide it in his bag! Duck on the other hand loves the rain and sets out to show Rabbit why the rain is so important. The Rabbit, the Clo...

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Name: Sue Wilsher
14 April 2025;

Genre: Real life

Nate is about to start secondary school. After a challenging final year at Primary, things seem to have settled for him and he is ready for a fun-filled summer before a fresh start in September. However, a new school brings new challenges - and some old. Avoiding Turner, conforming to endless...

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Name: Jane Rew
14 April 2025;

Genre: Mystery & Detective

This fast-paced mystery set in post-WWII London, which centres around the theft of a diamond called The Fool's Canary by Jimmy Fatale's Spider, has a diverse cast of colourful characters. Readers will have their own favourites, chief among them 12-year-old Cle...

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