Including news, book reviews, recommendations and events
Welcome to the Children’s Room – a whole room of our bookshop dedicated to children’s books suitable for all ages from babies through to end of primary.
We have fiction and factual books as well as learning guides, children’s classics and first books for children. There are a host of puzzles and jigsaws, colouring pencils, sticker books, paint and toys, hand puppets and finger puppets,
We update our stock regularly and can order in any special requests. Next day delivery if required. We also take part in the annual World Book Day, and try to visit a local school each year with the range of books suitable for all ages and reading levels.
Storytime with Jill
The Dinky Donkey read by Jill Myers
Look out for more Storytime with Jill over the next few weeks on this page!
Watch Out For!
The Bolds Go Wild by Julian Clary Our price £5.99
Out in paperback on 2nd July 2020 it’s time for monkey business in this fifth outing for Teddington’s wildest family, the Bolds! The Bolds are very surprised to be visited by Fred’s mother, Granny Imamu. She’s travelled all the way from the Serengeti, and now she’s here, she does not approve of what she finds. Hyenas, living as people – whatever next! Granny Imamu starts to stir up mischief with twins Bobby and Betty
Book Review
Fire Girl, Forest Boy by Chloe Daykin
Maya has to escape. She’s on the run in a country she doesn’t know and has no idea who to trust. Raul is escaping too – travelling back to his home where a terrible tragedy happened, ready to stir up trouble.
When their paths collide in the middle of the jungle, the sparks begin to fly.
‘This book was amazing; the detail, the descriptions and the whole story kept me hooked from the first page. I would like to see a second book to see what happens next’ Highly recommended *****
Review by Tyler McDonagh Age 8
Also by Chloe Daykin, Fish Boy and The Boy Who Hit Play
If you would like to read and review a pre-published book come in and talk to us at the shop.
World Book Day 2020 is on Thursday 5th March
The World Book Day book tokens are valid from
Thursday 27 February – Sunday 29 March 2020.
Check out these video books for the ‘little – ies’
Books to look out for!
The Smeds and The Smoos by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Soar into space with this glorious love story of alien folk, from the creators of The Gruffalo and Stick Man. The Smeds (who are red) never mix with the Smoos (who are blue). So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love, their families strongly disapprove.
But peace is restored and love conquers all in this happiest of love stories. There’s even a gorgeous purple baby to celebrate! With fabulous rhymes and breathtaking illustrations, this book is literally out of this world! On sale now at £10.99 (RRP12.99)
The Train to Impossible Places by P.G.Bell
When Suzy hears a strange noise in the middle of the night, she creeps downstairs to find a train roaring through her house. But this is no ordinary train. This is the magical delivery express for the Union of Impossible Places.
The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundell
Fresh off the boat from England, Vita Marlowe has a job to do. Her beloved grandfather Jack has been cheated out of his home and possessions by a notorious conman with Mafia connections. Seeing Jack’s spirit is broken, Vita is desperate to make him happy again, so she devises a plan to outwit his enemies and recover his home. This is a novel is of a heist as never seen before – the story of a group of children who will do anything to right a wrong.
Evie and the Animals by Matt Haig
Eleven-year-old Evie has a talent. A SUPERTALENT. A talent that can let her HEAR the thoughts of an elephant, and make friends with a dog and a sparrow. The only problem is, this talent is dangerous. VERY dangerous. That’s what her dad says.
But after a face-to-face encounter with a lion, things start to go very wrong. Her dad – and every animal in town – is now in danger.
Greta’s Story by Valentini Camerini
The story of Greta Thunberg, the schoolgirl who inspired a worldwide climate change movement. It’s 20 August 2018, late summer in Stockholm, and it feels incredibly hot in the city. The TV news reports rising temperatures, and there have been numerous fires throughout Sweden. Fifteen-year-old Greta Thunberg decides she can’t wait any longer: politicians have to do something to save the environment. Instead of returning to school, Greta takes a placard and goes on strike in front of Sweden’s parliament building.
Four Tales by Philip Pullman
Four stories of myth, magic and adventure from the master teller of tales. The Firework Maker’s Daughter, I Was A Rat!, Clockwork, and The Scarecrow and His Servant. A devilish inventor, a girl who must face a Fire Fiend, a scarecrow brought to life by a bolt of lightning, and a boy who can only say the words ‘I Was a Rat!’ . . . Age 9+
The prestigious Carnegie Medal 2019 shortlists are as follows. The winners are announced on Tuesday 18th June 2019.
- The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (Electric Monkey)
- Rebound by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile (Andersen Press)
- The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli (Usborne Books)
- Bone Talk by Candy Gourlay (David Fickling Books)
- A Skinful of Shadows by Frances Hardinge (Macmillan Children’s Books)
- Things A Bright Girl Can Do by Sally Nicholls (Andersen Press)
- Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Chris Priestley (Faber & Faber)
- The Land of Neverendings by Kate Saunders (Faber & Faber)
Recognising a diverse range of voices and perspectives is a core mission of the Awards, and this year’s shortlists comprise books by authors and illustrators from across the globe, offering multiple perspectives – from suffragette to slam poet, tribesman to basketball player – and settings as varied as Coney Island, the East End slums of 1920s London, an Indian forest and a remote mountain village in the Philippines. Female voices are strongly represented across both lists, with 11 of the 16 shortlisted books written or illustrated by women, and around half the books featuring female protagonists.
The Kate Greenaway Medal 2019 shortlist
- The Day War Came illustrated by Rebecca Cobb, written by Nicola Davies (Walker Books)
- Ocean Meets Sky illustrated and written by Eric Fan and Terry Fan (Lincoln Children’s Books)
- Beyond the Fence illustrated and written by Maria Gulemetova (Child’s Play Library)
- The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse illustrated by Jon Klassen, written by Mac Barnett (Walker Books)
- Julian is a Mermaid illustrated and written by Jessica Love (Walker Books)
- You’re Safe With Me illustrated by Poonam Mistry, written by Chitra Soundar (Lantana Publishing)
- The Lost Words illustrated by Jackie Morris, written by Robert Macfarlane (Hamish Hamilton)
- Suffragette: The Battle for Equality illustrated and written by David Roberts (Two Hoots)
Several illustrated books dealing with a child’s sense of safety, or the lack thereof, appear on this year’s Kate Greenaway shortlist, including shortlisted artwork by Rebecca Cobb for The Day War Came, Jon Klassen for The Wolf, The Duck & the Mouse, Poonam Mistry for You’re Safe with Me and Maria Gulemetova for Beyond the Fence. Proceeds from The Day War Came go towards Help Refugees, whilst Beyond the Fence aims to help children vocalise issues around controlling behaviour with teachers and therapists.
Jon Klassen is the only previous winner to appear on a 2019 Medal shortlist, having scooped the 2014 Kate Greenaway Medal with This Is Not My Hat. Former shortlistees to make it onto this year’s lists are Frances Hardinge and Kate Saunders for the Carnegie Medal, and Rebecca Cobb, David Roberts and Jackie Morris for the Kate Greenaway Medal.
World Book Day 2019 exchange your voucher for one of these fantastic FREE books
You have until the 31st March to redeem your vouchers.
Dino Babes
These little fellas pitched up here earlier today – lovely soft corduroy for ages 0+ 3 types in red, blue and green. Only £7.99 each. We have a selection of soft toys and hand puppets. Choose a book and a soft toy to make it a special present.
We have 12 titles in our Nosy Crow books offer
Buy one get one half price
- Max the Detective Cat 7. You Can’t Make Me Go to Witch School
- Running on Empty 8. Ella on the Outside
- Jamie Drake Equation 9. Spectre Collectors
- Zoe’s Rescue Zoo 10. Sophia and Rainbow
- There’s a Werewolf in My Tent 11. My Brother is a Superhero
- A Sheepdog Called Sky 12. Saving Sophia
A new book by local author Denise Jones and illustrator Valerie Vernon
Sophie in Chapel en le Frith
Sophie the cat likes to explore. Today she is in Chapel en le Frith looking for food.
On sale now at £5.99
More Harry Potter Quiz Final pictures
Books and More Books to get your hands on!
For the first time there has been a category for best children’s book in the Costa Book Awards 2017
The winner is The Explorer by Katherine Rundell – The Wolf Wilder.
From his seat in the tiny aeroplane, Fred watches as the mysteries of the Amazon jungle pass by below him. He has always dreamed of becoming an explorer, of making history and of reading his name amongst the lists of great discoveries. If only he could land and look about him.
As the plane crashes into the canopy, Fred is suddenly left without a choice. He and the three other children may be alive, but the jungle is a vast, untamed place. With no hope of rescue, the chance of getting home feels impossibly small.
Except, it seems, someone has been there before them …
Books from the shortlist
Moonrise by Sarah Crossan
They think I hurt someone. But I didn’t. You hear? Cos people are gonna be telling you all kinds of lies. I need you to know the truth.
Joe hasn’t seen his brother for ten years, and it’s for the most brutal of reasons. Ed is on death row. But now Ed’s execution date has been set, and Joe is determined to spend those last weeks with him, no matter what other people think …
From one-time winner and two-time Carnegie Medal shortlisted author Sarah Crossan, this poignant, stirring, huge-hearted novel asks big questions. What value do you place on life? What can you forgive? And just how do you say goodbye?
Wed Wabbit by Lissa Evans
You’re called Fidge and you’re nearly eleven. You’ve been hurled into a strange world. You have three companions: two are unbelievably weird and the third is your awful cousin Graham.
You have to solve a series of nearly impossible clues. You need to deal with a cruel dictator and three thousand Wimbley Woos (yes, you read that sentence correctly). And the whole situation – the whole, entire thing – is your fault.
Wed Wabbit is an adventure story about friendship, danger and the terror of never being able to get back home again. And it’s funny. It’s seriously funny.
The Island at the End of Everything by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Amihan lives on Culion Island, where some of the inhabitants – including her mother – have leprosy. Ami loves her home – with its blue seas and lush forests, Culion is all she has ever known. But the arrival of malicious government official Mr Zamora changes her world forever: islanders untouched by sickness are forced to leave.
Banished across the sea, she’s desperate to return, and finds a strange and fragile hope in a colony of butterflies. Can they lead her home before it’s too late?
Harry Potter:History of Magic continued . . . . . . chapter showcases a treasure trove of artefacts from the British Library and other collections around the world, beside exclusive manuscripts, sketches and illustrations from the Harry Potter archive. There’s also a specially commissioned essay for each subject area by an expert, writer or cultural commentator, inspired by the contents of the exhibition – absorbing, insightful and unexpected contributions from Steve Backshall, the Reverend Richard Coles, Owen Davies, Julia Eccleshare, Roger Highfield, Steve Kloves, Lucy Mangan, Anna Pavord and Tim Peake, who offer a personal perspective on their magical theme. Readers will be able to pore over ancient spell books, amazing illuminated scrolls that reveal the secret of the Elixir of Life, vials of dragon’s blood, mandrake roots, painted centaurs and a genuine witch’s broomstick, in a book that shows J.K.
Rowling’s magical inventions alongside their cultural and historical forebears. This is the ultimate gift for Harry Potter fans, curious minds, big imaginations, bibliophiles and readers around the world who missed out on the chance to see the exhibition in person.
The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell
Get a signed copy of the book now while stocks last! This is sure to be another great series to get your teeth into after the 12 book How to Train a Dragon stories.
And the winners of the Harry Potter Quiz are . . . . . .
Team Basilisks who won by a margin of just 2 points!. Our congratulations to all the team members, Isobel Rayworth, Jayne Rayworth, Sophie Mackenzie, and Sammy Barton. They will be travelling to London for the final of this national quiz. Huge thanks to all the other teams for supporting us and well done – your knowledge of the Harry Potter books amazed us!
The team are in the final at Foyles bookshop in London on Saturday 20th January
English Association Picture Book Awards 2017
The winners are as follows, and are all on sale in the shop.
Fiction 4-7
Oi Dog! Kes & Claire Gray, illustrated by Jim Field.
Fiction 7-11
The Journey Francesca Sanna Flying Eye Books.
Non-Fiction 4-7
The Big Book of Bugs Yuval Zommer & Barbara Watson
Non-Fiction 7-11
The Stone Age: Hunters, Gatherers and Woolly Mammoths Marcia Williams.
The awards, established in 1995 are presented annually. The English Association was founded in 1906 and is a registered charity which received a Royal Charter on its centenary. It is the oldest UK association whose aim is to further knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of the English language and its literature and to foster good practice in its teaching and learning.
THE STORY OF BLUE JOHN BY BERLIE DOHERTY
Blue John is created by the Queen of Darkness from the purple-blue heart of a glacier and the gold of the sun to live with her in the caverns under the mountain. He must never leave the darkness for the light, she warns, or he will turn to stone. But the sound of children’s laughter and games outside is impossible to resist.
Berlie will read and sign copies of her book which will be on sale at a special price of £5.99
“I am very proud to tell you about a lovely set of felt hangings depicting the story, and inspired by Tim’s illustrations in the picture book edition. They have been made by members of High Peak Community Arts, and they are a feast of jewel-like colours now gracing the walls of Buxton Library, which will be their home.” Berlie
WORLD BOOK DAY 20
Thursday 2nd March 2017
We will be at St James’ School, Kettleshulme from 3pm.
The shop will be open all day too, bring your £1 voucher.
Cressida Cowell, author of How to Train Your Dragon books
Books 1 to 12 on sale here – get stuck in!
From time travel, fantasy and shocking stories of survival to fantastically funny football facts, this year’s Blue Peter Book Awards shortlist explores a diverse range of themes.
The 2017 Blue Peter Book Award shortlist
and the winners are . . . . Podkin One Ear and Survivors
Super Readable Books for reluctant or challenged readers.
Come in and see the titles in the Barrington Stoke, Little Gems and Super Readable books range. We are continually increasing our stock of these books, and are identifiable by an orange band on the spine and a dot on the cover, see picture. They are all integrated with the rest of the children’s fiction. If you need assistance, we are happy to help.
The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots
Beatrix Potter sent the story to her publisher in 1914, saying it was about “a well-behaved prime black Kitty cat, who leads rather a double life”.
The Tale of Kitty-in-Boots also features an appearance from an “older, slower” version of Peter Rabbit.
Jo Hanks, a publisher at Penguin Random House Children’s, found a reference to Potter’s letter to her publisher and the unedited manuscript in the 1970’s literary history about the author.
Three manuscripts were then found in the V&A Museum archive, handwritten in school notebooks – a rough colour sketch of Kitty-in-Boots, a pencil sketch of villain Mr Tod and a dummy book, with some of the manuscript laid out.
Potter said in letters, also kept in the archive, that she had wanted to finish the story but “interruptions began”, including the First World War, her marriage and illness.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35407846
Surviving Crosby Beach by James Mooney
Inspired by a day out to Crosby Beach – you know, where the statues are in the sea, James Mooney wrote a story for the National Short Story Writing competition run in conjunction with the BBC.
Having been very touched by the suffering of refugee children from Syria and children in Britain, James decided to publish his story to raise awareness and funds for Childline.
James’s story is very well written and very perceptive for a young lad. Maybe it could teach us all a lesson when we argue with loved ones just what is most important in our lives. Well done James!
His story is on sale in the shop for £2. Please support James in his very worthwhile cause to do something for others knowing he is very fortunate.
Click on the link to find out more about Anthony Gormley’s creation ‘Another Place’
http://www.visitliverpool.com/things-to-do/another-place-by-antony-gormley-p160981
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Based on an original new story by J K Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne this is a new play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the eighth story in the series and the first to be presented on stage. The world premier in London’s West End on 30th July 2016.
This Special Rehearsal Edition will be available here from Monday 1st August for £15.99 (RRP £20) Reserve your copy NOW!
Book review
Poppy Pym and the Pharaoh’s Curse by Laura Wood
10/10 5 STAR!! *****
I enjoyed this book because it has a very clever plot and storyline which kept me entertained throughout the whole book. I have recommended it to many of my friends and they said they would like to read it as it sounds very interesting and funny. My favourite part was when it was PE and Annabelle was showing off doing a cartwheel on the balancing beam and then she tried to make Ingrid have a go but Poppy shouted NO! and stopped Ingrid from doing it because Ingrid hates PE and then Poppy did a full twisting double layout! (Where you tumble over and over in the air like a pair of socks in a washing machine). There was nothing I disliked about the book because it was amazing!
By Maya Sarwar, Age 9 ¼. thank you Maya
WATCH OUT FOR THE NEXT BOOK IN THE POPPY PYM SERIES.
Out on the 1st September 2016
Stanley the Amazing knitting Cat by Emily Mackenzie
Stanley LOVES to knit. He knocks up pom-poms at breakfast time, whips up bobble hats at bath time. He even knits in his sleep! And what does Stanley do with his wonderful woollies? He gives them to his friends of course – balaclavas for bunnies, neck warmers for giraffes and much more besides.
But when Stanley gets carried away with his dream of winning the Woolly Wonders Competition, he has to decide what’s more important – his knitting or his friends? Another fabulously funny story from the creator of Wanted! Ralfy Rabbit, Book Burglar. Perfect for creative kids everywhere!
Yes, the latest David Walliams book is out now and in stock. RRP 14.99 our price 11.99.
Meet five Beastly Boys and five Gruesome Girls. Like Sophia Sofa – a TV superfan so stuck to the sofa that she’s turning into one. Or Dribbling drew – a boy whose drool gets him into terrible trouble on a school trip, plenty more characters to meet and be disgusted by!
Eleven year old Joe can’t remember life outside of his hospital room, his condition means he’s not allowed outside, even for a moment and his few visitors risk bringing life-threatening germs inside his ‘bubble’. But then someone new enters his world and it changes forever.
Look out! The whole Gates family are going on holiday. How will Tom keep himself busy on the most boring camp-site ever? By doodling of course! An exciting new story – with doodle your own elements.
And the winners are . . . . .
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36396168
Six years ago, Chris Evans had a dream: to get children excited about reading and writing. All children, no matter what their ability. 500 Words is now one of the most successful story-writing competitions for kids in the world. Nearly half a million pupils have written a story for us; that’s over 215 MILLION words!
It’s very simple. Entrants write an original story on any subject or theme in 500 Words or fewer and submit it online. If they win, their story will be read live on the radio by a superstar celebrity…like Sir Kenneth Branagh, Jeremy Irons, Hugh Bonneville or Sherlock himself – Benedict Cumberbatch. Each year, 10 million Radio 2 listeners hear, read and love these stories.
Winners will rub shoulders with the world’s biggest celebrities and massive pop-stars performing at the final. Plus in 2016, 500 Words is delighted to welcome back real-life royalty to the competition: Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cornwall, who returns in 2016 to support the competition as our Honorary Judge! She’ll be reading and debating the top 50 stories of the competition with our amazing author panel: Malorie Blackman, Charlie Higson, Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Francesca Simon.
AND in the year of Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary, our final will be live from the home of British story-telling,Shakespeare’s Globe, on the 27th May.
The 2016 competition is now closed for entries. We now have our 50 finalists who will be whisked off to Shakespeare’s Globe for the final.
Click on the link to read and listen to the top 50 stories.
short list 5 to 9 and short list 10 to 13
enjoy and maybe next year YOU will enter with your story!
