Books of the month page 2 (archive). For even more suggestions, see our daily new book recommendations on our Facebook page and our Twitter Feed.
December 2018
Fiction book of the month
The Storm Runner by JC Cervantes
An engrossing and fast-paced debut fantasy story set in a world based on Mayan mythology. When Zane explores a dormant volcano instead of going to school, he finds a gateway to another world – a world of evil, danger and an imprisoned god. This is a real page-turner with a thrilling finale. Ideal for reluctant readers aged 12+ in KS3.
Non fiction book of the month
The Human Body: A Pop-Up Guide to Anatomy by Richard Walker
A cracking pop-up book with a twist. Not just a visual spectacle, this book hand-holds the reader through a Victorian-era dissection under the careful instruction of Dr Walker, who guides and comments on every lift-up flap and 3D vital organ. The characterisation and storyline really add to the experience, and this book is bound to appeal to children aged 9-12 who are interested in science, history and medicine.
Picture book of the month
Cicada by Shaun Tan
Cicada has worked hard all his life, behaved well, done as he’s told, and done a good job. Yet he’s bullied, marginalised, excluded and not respected. However, he still dreams of escaping to a paradise forest. A great book to teach primary aged children, and their teachers and parents, the values of respect, acceptance and the meaning of life.
November 2018
Fiction book of the month
The Light Between Worlds by Laura E Weymouth
A stunning and atmospheric YA novel about sisters Evelyn and Philippa who return home after spending six years in a fantasy land living in a forest with trappings of myth and magic. Postwar Britain is unfamiliar and not at all what they expected. How will they adjust? Ideal for children in KS3.
Non fiction book of the month
Rivers by Peter Goes
A brilliantly realised non-fiction book that intertwines history, human development, world events and the animal kingdom through journeys along rivers, from source to sea. With fantastic and fun artwork, this will appeal to children in KS2.
Picture book of the month
Mika by Erik Kriek
Mika is a bear who doesn’t want to go to sleep, because to hibernate means missing the Northern Lights she has heard so much about. So instead of going to sleep, she sets out on an exciting journey. Ideal to read to children aged 3-5 at bedtime.
October 2018
Fiction book of the month
Armistice Runner by Tom Palmer
Ideal for reluctant teen readers in KS3, this is a gripping and tense account of Lily’s life dealing with her gran, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, at the same time as connecting with her great-great-grandfather’s inspirational war journals. An uplifting story of adversity, this YA book is a pacey page-turner to read in one sitting.
Non fiction book of the month
Absolutely Everything by Christopher Lloyd and Andy Forshaw
Full of answers to big questions this book really does try to include absolutely everything – from the year dot to the present day – to help explain the complicated world we live in. Chronological events and advances are presented in parallel from different parts of the world giving the reader a great and diverse overview of human development. Bright and detailed illustrations leap out from every page. A must-have book for keen Year 6 pupils.
Picture book of the month
A Year in Nature – A Carousel for the Seasons by Hazel Maskell
Part book, part work of art this new release is great to sit and stare at. Open it carefully with the pages at right angles and immerse yourself in a 3D pop-up panorama for each season – autumn, winter, spring, and summer. The illustrations are stunning and each vista is peppered with short poetic lines to read. A book to treasure.
September 2018
Fiction book of the month
The Lost Magician by Piers Torday
An inventive fantasy children’s novel suitable for 9-12 year olds. Set in 1945, four children exploring a library in an old house discover a secret portal to another world where the inhabitants are under threat from an army of robots. Can the children help save the day?
Non fiction book of the month
Planetarium by Raman Prinja
Jaw-dropping illustrations and pithy facts pepper this stunning science book. Reassuringly thick and heavy, it would make an excellent birthday or Christmas present. Ideal for a child interested in all things cosmic.
Picture book of the month
Storm by Sam Usher
The fourth instalment of this seasonal series comprising Sun, Snow, and Rain. A boy and his grandfather go outside to fly a kite. When the kite escapes in the wind, will they be able to rescue it before a storm comes? Amazing illustrations and ideal for shared reading.
August 2018
Fiction book of the month
A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood
An evocative and tender love story set in deepest Cornwall in the 1920s. Teenager Lou finds herself in exciting and decadent surroundings when she meets the Cardews and their party house on an island. But, before long, she discovers all is not as it seems. Perfect for Year 9-11 (young adults aged 13-16), and a good counterpoint to I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
Non fiction book of the month
What’s the Difference by Emma Strack
A beautifully illustrated fact book with facing pages each detailed similar or confusing animals and objects. For example, what’s the difference between an alligator and a crocodile; or a wasp and a bee? Ideal for Key Stage 2 children aged 7-11.
Picture book of the month
I Dare you by Reece Wykes
Recently released as a paperback, this story revolves around two Gorillas who create increasingly extreme dares for each other. Edgy, imaginative and very funny, this is bound to appeal to reluctant readers aged 5-7.
July 2018
Fiction book of the month
The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd
Some people grow vegetables or colourful plants, but Tomas decides to cultivate a dragonfruit tree. When Flicker the dragon hatches, life at home will never be quite the same again. Funny, heart-warming and ideal for children aged 7-9.
Non fiction book of the month
Boats Fast and Slow by Iris Volant
This Flying Eye book explores boats throughout cultures, geography and history. With wonderful and vibrant illustrations, it’s the perfect book for any child interested in travelling on water.
Picture book of the month
Moth by Isabel Thomas
A picture book with a poignant message. The story explores natural selection, history and adaptation by chronicling the evolution of the moth. Strikingly illustrated, inside and out.
June 2018
Fiction book of the month
The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson
A distinctive and original story with complex characters and a well-crafted plot. Marinka sees an opportunity to change the course of her life but the house she lives in literally has a mind all of its own. An enchanting folk tale – ideal for 8-11 year olds.
Non fiction book of the month
Science Squad by Robert Winston
Lord Robert Winston and Dorling Kindersley have joined forces to create this exciting guide which answers big science and technology questions for children aged 5-7.
Picture book of the month
Elephants in the Custard by Samuel Langley-Swain
Every time Soloman tries to tell his family about something important at the dinner table, each one of them is just too busy to listen – even when it involves Elephants causing mayhem. Told in rhyme, this book is a funny and perceptive observation of family life, and ideal to read and discuss with 5-7 year olds.
May 2018
Fiction book of the month
The Lifters by Dave Eggers
A really imaginative and unusual story that sets up a series of ‘big questions’ as a mystery adventure, with the main character, Gran Flowerpetal, determined to find the answers. Imagine Stephen Hawking’s mind meets Narnia in a feast of imagination. We have a sneaking suspicion this one will fly off school library shelves. Perfect for KS2 and lower KS3.
Non fiction book of the month
Atlas of Football by Clive Gifford
A visual feast of football-related information – perfect reading for the month leading up to the 2018 World Cup. Lots of interesting and quirky facts with intricate illustrations – a real celebration of football around the world. This book will appeal to the 7-12 age range.
April 2018
Fiction book of the month
Beyond the Odyssey by Maz Evans
The third in the ‘Who Let the Gods Out’ series, this is bound to be a hit with primary aged pupils. Just when Elliot’s life has gone from bad to worse, a wonder cure presents itself. But at what cost?
Non fiction book of the month
A Year in the Wild by Ruth Symons and Helen Ahpornsiri
Magical illustrations entice the reader into a world of wild meadows, gardens and woods. Presented in intricate detail, this book examines the seasons and is ideal for reading with your child before exploring the countryside.
March 2018
Fiction book of the month
Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman
A startling debut YA novel about self-worth in the face of adversity. A teenage girl who finds it difficult to express herself starts to blossom when she is offered an opportunity to change schools in this uplifting story tinged with tragedy.
Non fiction book of the month
Bug Hotel by Libby Walden
A fabulous interactive book with lift-up flaps, unexpected information and clever illustrations. Ideal for children aged 5-9 interested in insects.
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