perambulator (noun) Plural: perambulators Definition: an old-fashioned word for a pram Example: ‘Slowly, almost lazily, the shark opened its mouth (which was big enough to have swallowed a perambulator) and made a lunge at the peach.’ – James and the Giant Peach Did you know? Perambulator means ‘around walker’. It comes from Latin ambulare … Read more
Looking up an unfamiliar word in the dictionary can be a daunting task for many children. Without specially written definitions suited to their reading level, using a dictionary will be frustrating and discouraging, with each new definition containing more confusing words than the last! Encouraging children to use an appropriate dictionary on their own terms … Read more
A Kalle Blomkvist Mystery: Living Dangerously By Astrid Lindgren Suitable for readers aged 9+ and fans of the Murder Most Unladylike series. Kalle Blomkvist returns in another gripping middle-grade mystery from the internationally bestselling author of Pippi Longstocking. Get your budding young detective on the case, and join Kalle Blomkvist and his friends for a … Read more
The Demon Headmaster: Total Control By Gillian Cross Suitable for readers age 8+ Prepared to be hypnotised . . . The Demon Headmaster is back with a brand new look and a brand new adventure! To celebrate the hotly anticipated return of The Demon Headmaster, we’re giving away a complete set of Demon Headmaster books … Read more
Knighthood for Beginners Elys Dolan Age 7+ HUZZAH! What do you do if you fail your dragon certificate? Become a knight, of course! Join Dave the Dragon and Albrecht, his trusty (goaty) steed, on a fantastically funny quest to convince the court that being rather small, distinctly green, and, frankly, A DRAGON, is no barrier … Read more
Growing up isn’t easy, with girls facing an increasing range of pressures, whether that’s fitting in with peers, or standing out for parents. Talking is important, but books are an excellent way to explore some of these issues, as well as simply giving girls space and ideas to work out who they are, and who … Read more
Dressing up is a brilliant way to encourage empathy. Here, Maudie Smith – author of The Dressing-Up Dad – gives us some fun ideas and easy ways to dress up with our kids. When I visit primary schools I tell children that books are magic. They’re not just books – paper, board and ink – … Read more
Guest blogger, Clare Turner, is a Primary School Librarian with a passion for books and reading for pleasure. She has two children of her own. I still remember visiting my local childhood library with my mum. It was a place to explore; a treasure trove containing the keys to hundreds of different worlds. I may … Read more
Mold and the Poison Plot Lorraine Gregory Cover artwork by Tom Mead Age 9+ He’s got a big heart…and a NOSE to match! Dumped as a baby, Mold has only ever been looked after by potion-maker Aggy, and when she’s wrongly arrested for poisoning the king, he’s determined to rescue her. With his strangely huge … Read more
Take some time to relax with a good book this holiday, with these recommendations for ages 2 to 11. Spring fiction Mr Bunny’s Chocolate Factory Elys Doran Suitable for children aged 2+ Go behind the scenes of Mr Bunny’s chocolate factory! An irresistible look at the workings of Mr Bunny’s chocolate factory, packed with cross-over … Read more