• boy reading Reign of Terror
    Family Life

    Reign of Terror {a Minecraft graphic novel}

    June 22, 2019 - By 

    My 9 year old loves playing Minecraft so I’m always keen to give him any Minecraft books to encourage him to keep reading. He’s enjoyed official Minecraft books, such as guides and annuals, Minecraft: The Island and Minecraft: The Crash. But he loves the unofficial books too, including the Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior series and The Elementia Chronicles. He’s recently discovered graphic novels so I was excited to be #gifted a copy of The Reign of Terror: the epic graphic novel adventure in a Minecraft world from Carlton Books. The Reign of Terror {a Minecraft graphic novel} Reign of…

  • The Warehouse book cover
    What I'm reading

    The Warehouse by Rob Hart

    May 29, 2019 - By 

    I was looking for something to read recently when I came across The Warehouse by Rob Hart. The blurb grabbed my attention so I had to read it, even though it wasn’t the type of book I would normally go for. I’m so pleased I tried something new! The Warehouse is a dystopian novel set in America. The Warehouse by Rob Hart Gun violence, climate change and unemployment have ravaged the United States beyond recognition. Amidst the wreckage, an online retail giant named Cloud reigns supreme. Cloud brands itself not just as an online storefront, but as a global saviour.…

  • Doodle Cat Wears a Cape {review and giveaway}
    competition - Family Life

    Doodle Cat Wears a Cape {book review and giveaway}

    May 7, 2019 - By 

    The Bank Holiday weekend was a great opportunity to catch up on some reading. We spent yesterday clearing out the children’s playhouse of toys, and turning it into a chill out den for them. They hoovered, put up posters and added a little desk and chair and beanbag. It was lovely to see them enjoying their playhouse and I hope they spend lots of time in it as the weather warms up. We were recently #gifted a copy of Doodle Cat Wears a Cape by Kat Patrick and Lauren Farrell. This is the third book in this cheeky and beloved series.…

  • The Paper Florist by Suzi McLaughlin {book review}
    What I'm reading

    The Paper Florist by Suzi McLaughlin {book review}

    May 5, 2019 - By 

    A Bank Holiday weekend is a great time to catch up on some reading. A few weeks ago we were gifted some lovely craft books, such as Make and Mend, which we’ve already featured here. The other book we received was The Paper FloristL create and display stunning paper flowers by Suzi McLaughlin. The Paper Florist by Suzi McLaughlin Paper flowers are not only beautiful, but incredibly versatile. From simple home decorations and gorgeous gifts to unique centrepieces and one-off bouquets, all made from basic materials, Suzi McLaughlin’s step-by-step tutorials cover an array of flowers such as bluebells, peonies, poppies,…

  • Sara Collins’ The Confessions of Frannie Langton {review}
    What I'm reading

    Sara Collins’ The Confessions of Frannie Langton {review}

    April 9, 2019 - By 

    I love a good book and so am delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for The Confessions of Frannie Langton which is out now! I’ve been reading a lot lately and really enjoy historical fiction so I knew I would enjoy this. The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins Slave. Whore. Seductress. Murderer?  They say I must be put to death for what happened to Madame, and they want me to confess. But how can I confess what I don’t believe I’ve done? 1826, and all of London is in a frenzy. Crowds gather at the…

  • Win a copy of The Girls by Lauren Ace
    competition - Family Life - International Women's Day

    Win a copy of The Girls by Lauren Ace

    March 9, 2019 - By 

    Did you celebrate International Women’s Day yesterday? The school I work in went all out for World Book Day but in comparison there was little mention of International Women’s Day (IWD) which was a shame. International Women’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world on March 8th and is a day when women are recognised for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. In honour of IWD I have a lovely picture book to giveaway today. The Girls by Lauren Ace When four little girls meet under an apple tree they…

  • When You Read This by Mary Adkins
    book review - What I'm reading

    When You Read This by Mary Adkins

    March 2, 2019 - By 

    I am really enjoying reading at the moment. I’m sure it has something to do with working in a school where literacy is encouraged amongst staff, students and teachers. I seem to be reading all of the time, which is brilliant!  I’ve read quite a few books already this year and am going to smash my Goodreads target this month. My latest book is When You Read This by Mary Adkins, the cover really caught my eye and I was delighted to receive a copy from NetGalley to review. When You Read This by Mary Adkins Iris Massey is gone. …

  • Eco Kids Self-Sufficiency Handbook review
    book review - Crafts for kids - STEM activity - What I'm reading

    Eco Kids Self-Sufficiency Handbook review

    February 21, 2019 - By 

    Over the last few weeks I have been reading the Eco Kids Self-Sufficiency Handbook: STEAM projects to help kids make a difference by Alan & Gill Bridgewater. I love a craft book and this has a great mix of projects for crafty kids like mine. Eco Kids Self-Sufficiency Handbook The Eco Kids Self-Sufficiency Handbook offers a wide range of ways to capture the imagination and make a positive contribution to the world around us. Twenty-eight exciting projects support integrated STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, art, maths), all with easy to follow step-by-step instructions and photographs. By cleverly combining creativity with eco-awareness, this…

  • Threads of Life: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle
    book review - What I'm reading

    Threads of Life: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle by Clare Hunter

    February 15, 2019 - By 

    Did you watch the Great British Sewing Bee on Tuesday evening? I attempted to watch it, but I was interrupted so many times by my children that I gave up. I will watch it again when they are both out! I’ve always loved sewing so have been looking forward to reading Threads of Life: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle by Clare Hunter( I got my copy via NetGalley). Threads of Life: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle  For the mothers of the disappeared in 1970s Argentina, protest was difficult. Every…