At Libraries 4 Schools we love books with wintery and Christmassy themes, so we thought we would give you our suggestions of stories to enjoy as the days get longer and darker. Come back every day in the run up to Christmas to see what tales we’re curling up with in our festive children’s book advent calendar!
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Non-Fiction November | Roots of Happiness | Book Review
Written by Susie Dent, illustrated by Harriet Hobday (Puffin Books, 2023)
Continue reading “Non-Fiction November | Roots of Happiness | Book Review”We have so many words for sad thoughts and emotions, which means it is much easier for us to moan rather than celebrate. In fact, many more positive words did once exist, but they have been left behind over the centuries, and others have been forgotten altogether.
Non-Fiction November | The Magnificent Books Review
We cover a lot of fiction books here at Libraries 4 Schools, so we wanted to take this month to shine a light on a couple of the great non-fiction books out there for children right now!
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The Clackity | Happy Halloween! Book Review
Written by Lora Senf, illustrations by Alfredo Cáceres (published by Atheneum Books, 2022)
Continue reading “The Clackity | Happy Halloween! Book Review”In the far corner of the abattoir, on the other side of the back wall below the shaft, the shadows were unnaturally dark. And they shifted and churned. Something was there. Something else was in the abattoir with my aunt.
“Des!” I screamed it. “Get out!”
I couldn’t see her face, but the terror in my aunt’s voice told me everything I needed to know. She didn’t scream at me, or even yell. Instead her voice came out as a wailing sort of moan.
“Baby. Run.”
Drawn to Change the World | Book Review
By author Emma Reynolds and various illustrators listed at the end of the review (published by HarperAlley, September 2023)
Continue reading “Drawn to Change the World | Book Review”This book is not about putting the sole responsibility on young people’s shoulders to fix this crisis. It’s about celebrating the activists who are doing incredible things, and encouraging whoever is reading this book that you can make a difference too, no matter your age. You are not too old, and you are not too young, to begin.
The Song That Sings Us | Book Review for Older Readers
By Nicola Davies (published by Firefly Press)
The sounds of hard breathing and the scrunch of footfalls enclose them as they run. There are shouts behind, voices yelling orders, more shots. Harlon gives Xeno and Ash a stream of small orders and encouragements to stop them thinking.
In Harlon’s head, her ma’s voice speaks.
When you are in danger, the most dangerous thing is to wish you weren’t. Accept the reality of danger, then you can survive it.
Climb, she tells herself. Get away.
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‘The Wolves in the Walls’ | Little Angel Theatre takes on Gaiman and McKean | Play Review
“For you know what they say… If the wolves come out of the walls, then it’s all over.”
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The Song Walker | Book Review
By Zillah Bethell (published by Usborne Publishing, 2023)
Continue reading “The Song Walker | Book Review”The bottle is removed from my lips. I try calling out for it to be returned, but then a hand – wet with water – runs over my brow, cooling my forehead. It feels so good.
“Wait here,” the voice says. “I will be back soon. A few minutes. Don’t move.”
I hear feet scrunching against the dirt. Running. Away from me. I raise my arms in the air. Please don’t go, I try saying, but nothing comes out of my mouth. Please stay. Don’t leave me alone here.
Light-Hearted Reads | Review
We’re keeping it light this month with some fun reads featuring the first entries for a variety of new monsters and fantastic creatures, and all with the most eye-catching front covers!
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Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good | Book Review
By Louie Stowell (published by Walker Books, 2022)
Continue reading “Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good | Book Review”In which case I may as well be honest in these pages. There’s a first time for everything.
My tragedy began with a trick involving the goddess Sif, her long, golden locks, a pair of scissors and an ill-timed nap. I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say that no one in Asgard can take a joke. Or a haircut.