29. Rare Singles
Benjamin Myers
Bucky Bronco, a one-time soul singer, is invited to Scarborough for a weekender. Here, he is supported through his grief, his addiction, and his listlessness. A lovely story of friendship, hope and music.
28. The Story of Art Without Men
Katy Hessel & Ping Zhu
A fabulously detailed take on art’s history, focusing on female artists who should been more recognised today. A rare non-fiction book for children that includes actual photographs and images of the art.
27. The Future Book
Mac Barnett & Shawn Harris
Hilarious, silly, a book that’s desperate to be read aloud with children. Please forgive me Susan!
26. The Boy From the Sea
Garrett Carr
Really enjoyable wander through 1970s/80s Ireland, involving a close fishing community that’s rocked by the arrival of a foundling, apparently from the sea. Wry humour, gorgeous observations on life - thoroughly enjoyed.
This is one of my favourites so far this year 🙂
I’m going for Raymie Nightingale, please!
#KidsBooksFriday
Poem reads: He tells us that it will not change That there is nothing he can do His shoulders don’t quite fully shrug But the message is coming through And even though we’ve said our piece Declared that this feels so wrong There’s something good to come from this It’s important to belong
Poem
25. The Dawn of Adonis
Phil Earle
@andersenpress.bsky.social
A brilliant prequel to When the Sky Falls - a sinister underground of London criminals, featuring the trafficking of a baby gorilla. A brilliant villain and a story of friendship and love.
24. Gloam
Jack Mackay
This was read quite some time ago but children at school have been borrowing it. Really atmospheric - like a sinister Mary Poppins meets A Monster Calls. Great read aloud for Y6.
23. Tender
Harry Baker
This is such a lovely collection of poetry. 100 poems about the first 100 days of being with a newborn - the confusion, frustration, difficulties, but most of all, the unconditional love.
Representation matters.
Books read in February.
22. The Map of Me
Nicola Davies & Olga Shtonda
Thanks to @jobowers.bsky.social for this recommendation. A beautiful picture book about the uncertainties brought about by moving to live somewhere else…but connections can be found. A lovely one to share in class.
#KidsBooksFriday
We are reading The Final Year at the moment and plan to create something with our Y6 children using Matt’s poetry and Joe’s illustration style. We have Bethan visiting the week after, and the Zeno Sworder book is a recent favourite I’ll be sharing 🙂
21. The King of Birds
Alexander Utkin
A graphic novel of a traditional Russian folktale - really enjoyable and visually brilliant. I have part 3 but have lost part 2 😭
20. Rumplestiltskin
Mac Barnett & Carson Ellis
A creative dream team retell this traditional tale - readers will not be disappointed.
19. Once I Was a Giant
Zeno Sworder
A story of environment and one that considers the importance of nature to creators. A whimsical picture book that will entrance readers.
18. The Elixir
Lindsay Galvin @lindsaygalvin.bsky.social
A really enjoyable historical tale that takes in Isaac Newton, witchcraft and more than a hint of magic.
17. The Book of Dust: The Rose Fields
Philip Pullman
Such a wonderful world to be a part of. 600+ pages that just flew by.
I really loved this book but a spelling mistake got right under my skin.
16. The Galileo Heist
Sam Sedgman
@bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social
Really enjoying this series. This time, Isaac finds himself on the other side of the law as he begins to concoct a plan to steal a piece of jewellery. But who can he trust? Fast-paced, exciting storytelling.
Cartwheels in wheat fields
Stolen kisses in the sun
Happiness? All day
Signed shirts and board games
A fine last day tradition
Memories made, kept forever
Six weeks - not too long
The perfect amount of time
To find one another
Impromptu games with
all the dads, slide tackles and
nutmegs. Simple life
Here’s a few. Hope that’s ok.
Daisy chain bracelets
Under a scorched summer sky
Endless days, stretching on
#KidsBooksFriday
After the Fall - one that we can all learn from, no matter what age
The Golden Rule - gentle, empathetic look at world faiths, teaching us respect and kindness
Isn’t Everything Great - relentlessly positive; a joy to share
Tadpole’s Promise - hilarious and conversation starter
15. Over the Line
Tom Palmer
@barringtonstoke.bsky.social
A moving journey, based on real events, of a footballer called up to duty in WWI. Some harrowing parts - this doesn’t shy away from the grim reality.
schoolsweek.co.uk/job-cuts-loo...
Here’s what my Trust have been up to…
A poem for Valentine’s Day
