‘Doodlepedia’
Published by Dorling Kindersley on 1st May 2012
RRP £8.99 (large paperback)
ISBN 9781409385264
Reviewed by Lynsey Evans
This book is brilliant fun! Adults will love it as much as the kids!
‘Doodlepedia’ is a book you can doodle in, draw in, write in and learn lots of fun and interesting facts at the same time. For example, you can draw your own TV shows, colour in a tangle of snakes, draw what you think you’d find inside a shark’s stomach, complete a train track to get to the seaside, draw and colour what you think exists in the solar system and much, much more.
This book is perfect for travelling, it will keep your children entertained for hours. I also think it’s quite ideal as secret santa gift, for any budding artist and if you have a phone table, one of these should be on it.
Warning … once you immerse yourself into ‘Doodlepedia’ it’s quite addictive, hours get lost, work piles up, but you don’t care it’s too much fun to resist!
As always the book cover images link through to the publisher's website - click through to DK's website to view a selection of the pages - fab!
Highly recommended for readers 7+
‘Not Bad for a Bad Lad’
By Michael Morpurgo
Illustrated by Michael Foreman
Published by Templar Publishing
RRP £5.99 paperback
ISBN 9781848773202
‘Not Bad for a Bad Lad’ is the tale of a grandpa who ‘was a bit of bad lad’ when he was younger, re-telling his life story for his grandchildren. Everyone thinks he’s bad, his parents, teachers, the local policeman and even him. He ends up in Hollesley Bay Borstal and here his life changes … forever.
Working in the prison stable, winning the trust of the horses and believing in himself again, proving you can change if you want to and work hard enough.
This is another great story from Michael Morpurgo. A tale of adventure, friendship, courage, redemption and self-discovery. Beautifully illustrated by Michael Foreman, this book is an inspirational and exciting read.
Recommended for readers ages 7-11 years
'Titanic: Death on the Water'
By Tom & Tony Bradman
Published by A&C Black on 29th March 2012
RRP £5.99 paperback
ISBN 9781408155813
Reviewed by Kate Tarrant
I picked this book up with trepidation. Another book about the Titanic, I thought. But as I turned the page, I became absorbed in this most tragic tale - written from the point of view of a young bellboy called Billy, you hear the story from a different angle. Death on the Water brings this historic story alive for young readers - it transports you into Billy's world as the tragedy slowly and inevitably unfolds. Children can relate to the main character - making the history accessible and 'real'. Rather poignantly the novel also makes a focus on some of the key issues surround the story of the Titanic - class, race, responsibility, secrets, power. With a particular insight into the plight of a third-class Polish family, the book also highlights what it was like for the poorer classes on board.
‘That’s Life’
By Professor Robert Winston
Published on 10th April 2012 by Dorling Kindersley
RRP £10.99 (hardback)
ISBN 9781405391504
‘That’s Life’ is the latest title in DK’s award-winning science series that includes ‘What Makes Me Me?’, ‘Can You Feel The Force?’ and ‘What Goes On In My Head?’. Professor Robert Winston bursts open biology of our living world to reveal the intriguing secrets of everything under the sun.
From the very big to the microscopic, ‘That’s Life’ explores the world around us, from the beginning of life, to evolution, ecosystems and life cycles as well as the features and characteristics of the main players in the animal kingdom. Full of fascinating facts and lively texts the book also includes vibrant graphics and pictures. Find out what it takes to survive on Earth, from finding a home, getting on with the neighbours and protecting what’s yours, to the sneaky tactics that some species use to protect their own way of life.
More than just a reference book ‘That’s Life’ tackles basic biological principles and covers key topics on the biology curriculum such as ecology, food webs and other nutrient cycles. This book brings biology to life and offers an understanding of mechanisms that support and sustain life, leaving no question unanswered for budding biologists.
‘That’s Life’ makes biology fun and accessible, bringing science to life and helping children understand and enjoy how the world around them works.
A thumbs up from us!
Recommended for readers aged 7+
'What Rhymes With Sneeze?'
By Roger Stevens
Published by A&C Black on 1st March 2012
RRP £4.99 paperback
ISBN 9781408155769
‘What Rhymes with Sneeze?’ is the latest fab poetry book from much-loved children’s poet Roger Stevens.
It’s such a great idea, a rhyming poetry collection combined with poetry know-how – so not only can you read entertaining rhymes you can learn how to write your own too!
Roger has used his own brilliant rhymes in the book as well as including modern and classic poems too, showing how diverse rhymes can be. So from ballads, limericks, sonnets and tongue twisters to fun facts and top tips ‘What Rhymes with Sneeze?’ offers so much more … reading pleasure and writing fun!
If that wasn’t enough Roger invites you to write your own rhymes and send them to him, with the possibility of it being published on his website, the award-winning Poetry Zone.
Highly recommended.
'Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend'
'Pumpkin Grumpkin: Nonsense Poems from Around the World'
By John Agard and Grace Nichols
Illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura
Published by Walker Books on 6th October 2011 (National Poetry Day)
RRP £6.99 paperback
ISBN978140630884
Reviewed by Lynsey Evans
'Pumpkin Grumpkin' is a fascinating collection of nonsense poetry from around the world. From famous UK poets you've heard of, such as Brian Pattern, Carol Ann Duffy, Kit Wright, Edwin Morgan, Wendy Cope and Roger Stevens to fab wordsmiths across the globe from Canada, Jamacia, Romania and Germany to name but a few.
It's a fun collection for any young reader and I'm pretty sure most adults will enjoy it too! Rhymes, limericks and utter nonsense, it's a great way to introduce children to poetry and culture at the same time. Challenge the children to write their own nonsense poems, to play with words and sounds to create their very own poem inspired by 'Pumpkin Grumpkin'.
Recommended for readers aged 7+.
'The RSPB Anthology of Wildlife Poetry'
selected by Celia Warren
Published by A&C Black and Bloomsbury on 19th September 2011
RRP £16.99 (large hardback)
ISBN 978 14081 31183
Reviewed by Lynsey Evans
This is a fab collection of all creatures great and small. A sure fire hit for lovers of poetry and of nature, with well-known poets, such as Benjamin Zephaniah, John Clare, Tony Mitton, Roger Stevens, Spike Milligan, Alison Chisholm, Robert Browning, Seamus Heaney, Edward Lear and Kenneth Steven, the anthology brings together both classic and modern poets, delighting us with their verse. The foreword is written by former Poet Laureate, Andrew Motion.
Complementing the wordsmith's offerings are beautiful illustrations depicting various wildlife and natural scenes. A gorgeous treasury for all the family and it's the perfect addition to the school library.
'100 People Who Made History'
By Ben Gilliland
Published by Dorking Kindersley on 1st February 2012
RRP £12.99 hardback
ISBN 9781405391450
Reviewed by Lynsey Evans
From discoverers and inventors to leaders and creative thinkers, this edition is packed full of interesting facts, tales, images and biographies of the people from all over the world who shaped the modern world. Discover who’s who in science, medicine, travel, writing, the arts, technology, food, religion, human rights, philosophy and so much more.
This book is bang up to date – with figures from history you’d expect, such as Shakespeare or Joan of Arc, but includes the likes of Facebook creator, Mark Zuckerberg alongside Elvis and Walt Disney.
Read for fun or to help you with your homework. Thumbs up from us!
Recommended for readers 7+
‘When Granny Won Olympic Gold And Other Medal-Winning Poems’
Chosen by Graham Denton
Published by A&C Black on 2nd February 2012
RRP £4.99 paperback
ISBN 9781408131497
This is a fun sports-based poetry collection celebrating sports and games on the run up to the London Olympics this summer. It includes poems from the likes of Roger Stevens, Coral Rumble, Chrissie Gittins, Graham Denton and Mike Barfield to mention but a few.
The poems are fun, silly, great entertainment and explore all sorts of poetry from rhymes, calligrams and acrostics to limericks, cinquains and riddles. We had a good giggle at all the poems, and in particular we really enjoyed reading ‘I Would Win the Gold if These Were Olympic Sports’ by Paul Cookson, ‘Virtually a Legend’ by Paul Hughes, ‘Holiday Print’ by Coral Rumble, ‘Unbelievable Sports Facts’ by Andy Seed and ‘When Granny Won Olympic Gold’ by Eric Ode.
What we love about this book, is it’s fun, funny, appealing for readers, and any budding artists would have a fantastic time creating pictures for this brilliant collection of poems. We’re pretty sure teachers will have a lot of fun exploring the poems with their pupils too!
Recommended for readers aged 8+
'Star Wars Character Encyclopedia'
Published by DK on 3rd October 2011
RRP £14.99 hardback
ISBN 978 1407373586
Reviewed by Lynsey Evans
Wow, this is one big book! Over 200 pages and 300 character profiles, this book is all you'll ever need to know about any Star Wars character. The characters have been immortalised as Lego minifigures and there is a free Han Solo Lego minifigure with the book too (as seen in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope). In case you're wondering Darth Vader (all 9 versions), Yoda, Darth Maul and the Ewoks make cool figurines!
The encyclopedia also catalogues the characters in the order they appeared in the films, giving facts about the character, the film(s) they appear in, their minifigure outfit and sometimes a data file too.
I'm not a huge Star Wars fan - but I found this encylopedia a fun read. I imagine boys in particular would enjoy reading this as well as fans of the films.
'My Tourist Guide to the Solar System … And Beyond'
By Dr Lewis Dartnell
Published by Dorling Kindersley on 1st February 2012
RRP £8.99 hardback
ISBN 9781405391429
Reviewed by Lynsey Evans
This is a fab guide, full of facts, brilliant images and a cool solar system map that shows you exactly where you are in relation to other planets. The ‘tourist tips’ are a great touch, encouraging the reader to imagine exploring the planets and beyond.
Another fun read that will make homework much more appealing!
Recommended for readers 6+
‘Star Wars The Phantom Menace – The Expanded Visual Dictionary’
Published by Dorling Kindersley on 19th January 2012
RRP £14.99 large format hardback
ISBN 9781405392532
Since the release of the first film in 1977, Star Wars has captivated audiences worldwide. The Star Wars experience gains a new dimension this year as Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace 3D arrives in cinemas. Star Wars The Phantom Menace – The Expanded Visual Dictionary is the definitive guide to the first chapter of the galactic story of Darth Vader.
The book details everything you could ever want to know … Jedi, Sith, creatures, weapons, costumes and equipment of Episode I, with photography used from Lucasfilm’s extensive archives. Characters are analysed, places and equipment looked at in minute detail. A must-have for any Star Wars fan!
Recommended for readers 7+
‘Ninjago Ultimate Sticker Collection’
Published by Dorling Kindersley
RRP £7.99 large format paperback
ISBN 9781405398251
‘Ninjago Ultimate Sticker Collection’ is exactly that – a high-end sticker album for fans of the Lego series Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu.
With over 1,000 stickers depicting the characters, their moves, their logos and their weapons, this is one cool book! To make the sticker album element a bit different there are outlines of the characters etc with a clue to help you find the sticker needed to go in the space. The stickers can be peeled off and used again. There are also plenty of bonus stickers you can stick where you like! This is a perfect companion for the summer holidays - travelling entertainment! We foresee hours of fun and we’re off to finish our stickering!
Recommended for ages 6+
'Charles Dickens: A Lifetime of Storytelling; A Legacy of Change'
Published by Templar Publishing
RRP £14.99 hardback
ISBN 9781848771178
Reviewed by Lynsey Evans
This collection is similar in design to the hugely popular ‘Ology’ series Templar produce. This format works brillinatly for this title. It brings Charles Dickens' biography to life, teaching us about the Victorian era Charles lived and worked in. Dickens’ novels are big old things as they were usually published in serialised format – so an ‘episode’ printed every so often. This means his work is full of drama and action, portraying the gritty, hard life a lot of Victorians lived.
This book will surely inspire you to read a Dickens’ book, or even break yourself in gently by watching a film or TV adaptation of one of his many fabulous books! We love this book and are sure readers will have many happy hours exploring the fascinating world of Charles Dickens.
Recommended for readers 8+
‘Cauldron Spells’
By C J Busby
Published by Templar Publishing March 2012
RRP £5.99 (paperback)
ISBN 9781848770850
‘Cauldron Spells’ brings you more thrills, spills and spells. This is the second book of the Frogspell series of magical Arthurian adventures.
Max Pendragon is not looking forward to attending Morgana Le Fay’s summer Spell School and when there, Max ans his sister, Olivia, discover Morgana has more in store for them than they ever imagined.
‘Frogspell’, published in 2011, was the first in the series C J Busby and was chosen for the ‘Richard and Judy Kids’ Book Club 2012’ as one of ten books appealing to both girls and boys. ‘Cauldron Spells’ is the next fun instalment, that girls and boys will love.
There’s nothing like a little magic in a story to keep us entertained and ‘Cauldron Spells’ certainly does that!
Recommended for readers 7+
'Journey to the Centre of My Brain'
By James Carter
Illustrated by Chris Garbutt
Published 5th January 2012
Published by Macmillan Children's Books
RRP £4.99
ISBN 9780230751958
Reviewed by Lynsey Evans
'Journey to the Centre of My Brain' is the lastest poetry collection from award-winning children's poet James Carter.
James' lastest collection will delight its readers as it shows how much fun you can have with words, with rhymes and free verse, to funny, atmospheric and just plain lovely poems on various subjects from gorillas and stars, to school and James' guitar called Keith, it's a great read indeed!
If you think poetry is boring, well shame on you and think again! With James' wordsmith magic he's not just created a poem, but poems of different shapes and patterns that entertain your eye as well as your mind. To finish, there is a dusting of Chris Garbutt's fab illustrations, which equals a charming book, sure to delight primary school readers, and I'm pretty sure teachers and parents will love it too!
'Tales from India'
By Jamila Gavin
Illustrated by Amanda Hall
Published by Templar Publishing on 13th September 2011
ISBN 978 184877 2021
RRP£14.99 (hardback)
Reviewed by Lynsey Evans
Learn the ancient Hindu stories, from how the world began, why there is day and night, how the River Ganga came to Earth to the birth of Lord Krishna and the 3 steps to save the universe.
The stories celebrate the author, Jamila Gavin's, cultural heritage in a timeless way. The stories are engaging, exciting and delightful to explore. Amanda Hall's illustrations are beautiful and the book is bursting with energy and colour. Only one word can summarise this collection ... stunning.
Highly recommended for readers 7+ and particularly for shared reading as a class or family.
'Star Wars - The Clones Wars Incredible Vehicles'
Published by DK
on 15th September 2011
RRP £12.99 hardback
ISBN 9780756686918
Reviewed by Lynsey Evans
This guide is a must-have for all Star Wars fans. It's beautifully laid out, with fantastic pictures and descriptions.
Whether you want to know facts and figures, the names of all the intricate parts of the vehicles, checking out the cross section views or just enjoy reading about Star Wars in general this book is for you.
This is a fun and informative book, which will appeal to Star Wars fans, but also to children who have an interest in how things works or aren't particularly interested in reading fiction.
This title is one of several DK have published about Star Wars. Click on the book image above to visit their website for further information.
'The Boy in the Dress'
By David Wailliams
RRP £6.99 paperback
ISBN 978-0007279043
Reviewed by Lynsey Evans
I really enjoyed this book. It's not hilarious as I imagined, but a heart-felt tale that reminds me of Jacqueline Wilson books.
Dennis lives with his macho dad and macho brother. They love football. Dennis plays for his school team and is the star striker. His home life isn't great, his dad's depressed as his mum left them. His dad never hugs them, works a lot and burnt all of his mum's stuff. Dennis rescued a singed photo and hid it, the only thing left to remind him of his mum.
Dennis discovers he adores fashion, thanks to reading a copy of Vogue. He's befriended by the hottest girl at school after ending up in detension. Lisa loves fashion, has every copy of Vogue and makes clothes as a hobby. Somehow Dennis is pursued to dress as a girl in one of Lisa's creations and mayhem ensues.
I love how Dennis is just a 12-year-old boy, confused, no one to talk to and he finds a way to express himself that is harmless, yet not 'normal'. As Lisa says, why can't boys wear dresses?
The story is witty and charming, the characters genuine and believable. My personal favourite is Raj, the wheeler-dealer newsagent. Happily he pops up in other Walliams' tales.
A thoroughly enjoyable read and highly recommended.
‘An Egyptian Escape’
By K.A Gerrard
Drawn by Emma Dodd
Published by Templar Publishing
RRP £6.99 paperback
ISBN 9781848776289
‘An Egyptian Escape’ is the eagerly awaited sequel to the brilliant ‘A Roman Rescue’. Join Charlie and Bandit the dog on their time-travelling adventure to Egypt in 1906, to an excavation of a mummy’s tomb where Charlie meets Jack and Poppy and tries to find Bandit. Poppy manages to fall through a wall of a pyramid, the others follow her and before they know it they’re in Ancient Egypt where much more adventure and mayhem occurs!
‘An Egyptian Escape’ is a great story and being a graphic novel makes it more fun, and especially appeals to those who may not enjoy or struggle with reading traditional children’s novels. We loved this second adventure, a big thumbs up from us and we look forward to the next one!
Recommended for readers 7+