Studies show that children who engage with educational books are 30% more likely to develop a lifelong love for learning. You might wonder which titles truly make a difference in a child’s formative years. The right books not only entertain but also impart valuable lessons and spark curiosity. As we explore the top five educational books every child should encounter, you’ll discover how these stories can shape young minds and inspire a deeper understanding of the world around them. What makes these selections stand out? The Very Hungry Caterpillar Often regarded as a classic in children’s literature, “The Very Hungry…
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Have you heard of the The Emmy Lake Chronicle Series by AJ Pearce? The fourth book is Dear Miss Lake, following Dear Mrs Bird, Yours Cheerfully and Mrs Porter Calling. From the author of the Sunday Times bestseller Dear Mrs Bird, Dear Miss Lake returns us to wartime London, where Emmy Lake is facing her greatest challenge yet. Dear Miss Lake by AJ Pearce London, July 1944. Journalist Emmy Lake’s career is soaring: Woman’s Friend magazine is a huge success, and she is finally realising her dream of becoming a Lady War Correspondent. On the personal front, Emmy’s husband Charles has been posted closer to home, and they and their friends…
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Did you watch Miss Austen, a recent tv adaptation of the book by Gill Hornby? I love a period drama and really enjoyed seeing the story come to life with some great actors. Gill Hornby also wrote Godmersham Park which is inspired by the real life friendship between Anne Sharp and Jane Austen. I was delighted to see Gill Hornby has written another book based on real life events in the world of Jane Austen. The Elopement by Gill Hornby The Elopement tells the story of Mary Dorothea Knatchbull, the step-daughter of Fanny Austen Knight (late of Godmersham Park and…
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I was happy to have the latest book by Dinah Jefferies to read whilst we were away during the Easter holidays. Titled The Greek House by Dinah Jefferies, this story is set in Corfu in the 1930s. I’ve enjoyed reading her previous books and was excited to read this one. The Greek House by Dinah Jefferies Can one house hold a lifetime of secrets? Corfu, 1930 The moment Thirza Caruthers sets foot on Corfu, memories flood back: the scent of jasmine, the green shutters of her family’s home — and her brother Billy’s tragic disappearance years before. Returning to the Greek…
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I love to try new crafts so was delighted to receive a copy of Bouquet in a Book by Prudence Rogers to review. This clever book has pre-punched pages to press out and make the flowers. Bouquet in a Book by Prudence Rogers Unlock your inner artist and create a stunning, everlasting floral arrangement with The Bouquet in a Book. This innovative press-out and make book of ready-to-use press-out paper pieces offers step-by-step instructions to help you craft an exquisite paper bouquet that will never wilt. Inside this book, you’ll find: Diverse Floral Designs: From classic roses and blooming peonies to bright anemones and…
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A few years ago I received a copy of The Housekeepers by Alex Hay to review. I really enjoyed the historical heist and the story and characters stuck with me ever since. So I was delighted to be offered Alex’s second book to review, The Queen of Fives. This is the second book I’ve read this year out of my target of 35 books. The Queen of Fives by Alex Hay Nothing is quite as it seems in Victorian high society, in the twisty and original new novel from the author of THE HOUSEKEEPERS… They whisper her name in every…
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We recently received a copy of Britain’s Ghosts: A spine-chilling tour of our most haunted places by Anna Groves, published by National Trust Books, to review. I’ve always enjoyed reading ghost stories, Uncanny is my favourite podcast, and thought this sounded a good read over Halloween. Britain’s Ghosts: A spine-chilling tour of our most haunted places Discover the stories of Britain’s greatest ghosts and ghouls with this spooky supernatural page turner, the perfect gift this Halloween. Supported by the National Trust, who look after many of the haunted locations. Beautifully atmospheric illustrations. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these…
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I feel like I’ve been on a bit of a roll with my reading recently. Every year I challenge myself to read a certain number of books, and this year my Goodreads 2024 Reading Challenge is set at 35 books. Now I no longer read with the kids (sob) I have more time to read my own books. I miss those young adult books but my TBR pile is huge 🙂 I was delighted to receive an ARC of The Story Spinner via NetGalley. The Story Spinner by Barbara Erskine The land of the Silures, 382 AD Elen is a…
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I’ve been working my way through some of my collection of Persephone books recently so was delighted to receive a copy of The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier to read and share with you. The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier Venice, 1486. Across the lagoon lies Murano. Time flows differently here – like the glass the island’s maestros spend their lives learning to handle. Women are not meant to work with glass, but Orsola Rosso flouts convention to save her family from ruin. She works in secret, knowing her creations must be perfect to be accepted by men. But perfection may take…