Run by children's author, Rachael Davis
This is one of my most exciting and exclusive posts of the year! I am honoured to be sharing an in-depth interview and behind-the-scene early illustrations by Greg Stobbs, illustrator of the amazing Don't Ask the Dragon, written by Lemn Sissay.
It’s National Tell A Fairy Tale Day 2022 and I am delighted to be sharing six re-imaged fairy tale books as well as hosting an EPIC giveaway bundle.
For a short month, February has seen a whole heap of fabulous children’s books published. This month’s roundup includes some of our favourites new illustrated books across fiction and non-fiction.
Children’s publishing has started 2022 with a bang! There have been some incredible books published this year already and my January round-up features some of our favourites, as well as a few books from 2021 that we read over the festive break. It includes my first top pick of 2022!
Debut picture book, I am NOT a Prince by Rachael Davis and Beatrix Hatcher is an uplifting twisted fairy tale that challenges gender stereotypes and encourages children to be proud to be themselves.
I have reviewed lots of wonderful, inclusive books and I want to finish off the year by recommending 12 more outstanding picture books featuring characters of colour and/or about racism
Three wonderful, illustrated books celebrate difference, overcoming adversity and perseverance.
This stunning picture book is about the power of community spirit. Told in first person, through the eyes of a little girl of colour, this is the story of a woman who lives on a street corner with her dog. My daughter was hooked from the very first spread where we first meet the little girl walking along with her mum. She is the only one who can see the woman who lives on an abandoned plot for who she really is… A warrior queen!
I am a huge fan of Alok. Their podcasts, talks and Instagram are full of joy, inspiration and powerful messages on mental health and LGBTQ+ issues. In Beyond the Gender Binary, Alok gives an honest and heartfelt insight into life as a gender-nonconforming transfeminine person of colour. They eloquently explain what the gender binary is and what it means to be gender fluid.
In a fascinating illustrator Guest Post, Harry reveals how they created the opening spread. ‘Little Glow’ is a story all about a diverse, multicultural community, and the different festivals of light it celebrates throughout the year. It’s also about the importance of introverts, told through the eyes of a shy candle flame who watches all the celebrations and eventually discovers its own important purpose. It’s very lyrical, very cosy, and I’m very excited to share with you a little bit of the process of how the book came together.
When Violet is chosen to play Ariel from The Tempest in the school play, she is overcome with worry. But it isn’t about remembering her words that’s troubling her, it’s having to say them out loud. This beautifully illustrated picture book shines the spotlight on shyness and finding your voice.
This beautiful hardback collection of amazing idioms from around the world would make a perfect gift. For each idiom the book gives us the phrase in the native language, the literal and figurative meanings and the origins of the phrase. But what makes this book stand out is that it also describes the phrase’s cultural, scientific and historical context.
From oceans to mountains, deserts to grasslands, What a Wonderful World gives you the world’s best illustrated tour of our planet through the eyes of 35 Earth Shakers. Interviewed by author, Leisa, these inspirational scientists, eco-warriors and activists share their remarkable stories.
This September my daughter is starting school. It’s a big step and I’ve been on the hunt for the best books to help prepare her for the transition to school. Here are my top ten fiction and non-fiction books with emotional wellbeing and educational themes that will help children starting school. Plus a bonus bingo game!
I am thrilled to be sharing a multi-illustrator interview with the creators of the ground-breaking new picture book, Hey You!, written by the world-class, Dapo Adeola.
Interview with author of Sunflower Sisters. Thisis a story that follows two best friends, Amrita and Kiki, on their journey through self-love, sisterhood and the power of loving one another.
Five exceptional children’s books with LGBTQ+ themes. Nen and the Lonely Fisherman by Ian Eagleton and James Mayhew; RuPaul by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Wednesday Holmes; Grandad's Camper by Harry Woodgate; Princess Kevin by Michael Escoffier and Roland Garrigue; Have PRIDE by Stella Caldwell, Sue Sanders and Season of Victory
Picture books are an amazing way to help instil empathy in young children. They can help children (and adults) to step into the shoes of someone else. Often, they can convey complex emotions and situations in a simple way for children to relate to. Here are five outstanding picture books (and a graphic novel) that instil empathy.
This unique book for teens and adults provides a musical history of Modern Black Britain in 28 songs.
Interview with author Gareth Peter. My Daddies is a funny, heartfelt picture-book celebrating same-sex parents and shared story time, perfect for introducing children to the different kinds of family in the world today.
Picture Book Perfect 