Island life, with its puffins and small community fails to impress a young newcomer; so why not take him to the 'ghost island' by kayak? What could possibly go wrong? For ages 8-11. (NB publ... read more
Weirdo the guinea pig, still sporting his judo kit, heads outside... Another clever, kind story from Smith and Laird. Ages 3-7. (NB published mid-September so no good for the holidays...)
A mysterious painting leads a young boy to investigate the fate of one soldier on the Normandy beaches. By the author of War Horse and much else. Ages 7-11.
Charming and gentle tale about a mouse who sets off down the river in his red rowing boat to visit a friend; the journey takes a day and night. Flaps reveal the deeply cosy dwellings of the ... read more
A Childrens edition of the complete Shakespeare, carefully abridged to be performed by eight or so children at twenty minutes per play. Lovely illustrations. For precocious thesps ages 7-12.
A novel set in 1846, during the Great Famine in Ireland: a young woman works in the big house and must struggle to help her family. A doomed romance, love and tragedy. For ages 12 and over.
Alexander's life interwoven with myths and legends from the countries he conquered. Gavin is a wonderful storyteller. First published in hardback in 2012 and long out of print. For ages 8-12... read more
Flora lives in her garden with Robert the Bird, who can fly away to see the world. Two friends join them and they make a house out of paper - but then the wind gets up... A gentle story with... read more
A delicate exploration of the busyness of trees, and of the origins of plants: excellent and approachable non-fiction, beautifully illustrated. For ages 5-7.