The Newsletter

Book List

Books mentioned in my newsletters. Sign up here if you would like to receive my newsetter updates which contain round-ups of all my latest videos, blog posts and resources, as well as the best things I've been discovering in the world of children's literature and learning. Members also get access to all of my free resources!

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Mid-October 2020

'Gender Swapped Fairy Tales' by Karrie Fransman and Jonathan Plackett

These traditional tales have not been tampered in any other way aside from swapping the genders and the difference is said to be dazzling! Out on the 5th of November from Faber & Faber.

'Julian at the Wedding' by Jessica Love

'The Book of Hopes: Words and Pictures to Comfort, Inspire and Entertain' Ed. by Katherine Rundell.

133 children's authors and illustrators contributed to this collection to provide hope to children in these troubled times. Packed with stories, poems and pictures.

'The Lost Spells' by Robert McFarlane and Jackie Morris

And this time he is part of the wedding party for his two aunties. Jessica Love's joyfully expressive illustration brings us another feast for the eyes. Watch out on my Instagram and Youtube for a closer look!

'Troy: Our Greatest Story Retold' by Stephen Fry

If you haven't had the pleasure of reading or listening to any of Fry's recent books on the Greek myths, then you are missing a treat. I was lucky enough to see his Mythos show live and he has a wonderful storytelling style. Making myths accessible to all, he is engaging and delightful and I can't wait for this latest installment.

Described as 'kindred' to their stunning surprise hit 'The Lost Words', the author and illustrator bring us more magical poetry and pictures of nature in a pocket-sized hardback.

'Black and British' by David Olusoga

This is definitely one of the best books I have read recently and I think it is crucial for all classrooms to have a copy. I often struggle to find British focussed books in Black History Month and this is a refreshing and necessary book which details Black British history from the time of the Romans through to the present. Highly recommended!

'What We'll Build' by Oliver Jeffers

Described as the companion to his beautiful love letter to the world, 'Here We Are'. A father and daughter begin laying the foundations for the life they will build together.

'On the Move: Poems About Migration' by Michael Rosen, Illustrated by Quentin Blake.

In his new poetry collection, Michael Rosen explores his own family's experiences with migration, the Second World War and the Holocaust and global experiences of migration. A timely anthology.

'Ollie's Lost Kitten' by Nicola Killen

Ollie and her cat Pumpkin find a kitten lost in the autumn leaves. This stunning picture book is my next Joy Book Club pick so subscribe to my YouTube channel for an update when my free story time plan is out! 🎃

'Serpentine' by Phillip Pullman

Returning to the world of His Dark Materials, this short story from Phillip Pullman follows Lyra and Pan on a journey to the North to visit an old friend. A hardback illustrated by Tom Duxbury.

'We Wish We Knew What To Say: Talking with Children About Race' by Dr Pragya Agarwal

A book I am eagerly anticipating from one of the UK's leading behavioural and data scientists. Practical advice with questions, scenarios and resources to support us to give children the tools and vocabulary to talk about difference and tackle unfairness.

Mid-September 2020

Pirate Stew by Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell

Long John McRon and his crew of pirates take two children on a ridiculous adventure.

The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Rauf

Rauf has proven herself to be an author who can tackle on big issues, such as the refugee crisis and domestic violence, with sensitivity and heart. This latest book is no exception, exploring homelessness and bullying told from the perspective of a bully.

What Are Little Girls Made of? Nursery Rhymes for Feminist Times by Jeanne Willis

This looks hilarious! A clever re-vamp of traditional rhymes in which Georgie Porgie gets a lesson in consent and we find out that little girls and boys are mostly made of the same things.

Noor Inayat Khan (My Story) by Sufiya Ahmed

The true story of British muslim World War Two hero, Noor-un-Nissa Inayat Khan, who became an undercover agent in France, transmitting vital information back to the Allies as a radio operator. An important and woefully overlooked hero an excellent historical figure study.

Just One of Those Days by Jill Murphy

We return to the family from 'Peace at Last' in their third book. The loveable Bear family have a day we can all relate to where it seems nothing is going right!

Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan by Shrabani Basu

Not a children's book but if you are looking for further information on the heroic Noor Inayat Khan, this biography looks fantastic.

'Robobaby' by David Wiesner

From the supremely talented, triple Caldecott winner author of 'Tuesday', 'Flotsam and 'Mr Wuffles', this is a story about a new baby arriving in a robot family.

Poems to Save the World With, Chosen and Illustrated by Chris Riddell

Not a children's book, but a collection of classic and modern poetry selected and illustrated by Chris Riddell with contributions from Nikita Gill, Maggie Smith and Neil Gaiman and many others. These are poems of 'hope, happiness, rebellion and living through a pandemic'.