• Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi
    What I'm reading

    Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi {book review}

    January 17, 2020 - By 

    2019 was the first year I decided to join up to Goodreads and take part in a challenge to read more books. I found it fun to share my book reviews and recommendations and discovered lots of great books to read. Last year I aimed to read 12 books but ended up reading 50, this year I hope to do even better. My first book of 2020 was the delightful Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi. Gingerbread by Helen Oyeyemi Perdita Lee may appear your average British schoolgirl; Harriet Lee may seem just a working mother trying to penetrate the school social hierarchy;…

  • The Photographer of the Lost by Caroline Scott
    What I'm reading

    The Photographer of the Lost by Caroline Scott

    November 10, 2019 - By 

    Today seems like the perfect day to share my latest book recommendation with you. It is Remembrance Sunday here in the UK and today I have been thinking a lot about the Great Uncle I lost in the First World War. His name was Alfred Young, he was only 21 when he died and he has no known grave. Last week I finished reading The Photographer of the Lost by Caroline Scott which is my favourite book of the year, it was both heart breaking and poignant. The Photographer of the Lost by Caroline Scott Until she knows her husband’s fate, she…

  • Win a copy of How To Build A City
    competition - Family Life

    Win a copy of How To Build A City

    November 9, 2019 - By 

    With two little bookworms in the house I am constantly trying to find new books which my children will enjoy. Little Tiger Press recently sent us a copy of How To Build A City to review. Perfect for children budding architects and young city planners aged 6 – 8, this book will delight and amuse. How To Build A City by Isabel Otter From solar panels to sewers and from trams to tower blocks; follow this step-by-step guide and watch the city transform from a cluster of houses to a magic metropolis. Gentle illustrations  by new talent Harry Woodgate takes the…

  • Craftfulness - mend yourself by making things
    Craft book review - Crafts for adults

    Crafts books to add to your Christmas list

    November 1, 2019 - By 

    I’ve been sent some lovely books to review recently. I always love to share books as we are a family of bookworms. Hopefully the books I feature on my blog will inspire some of your Christmas wishlists or even purchases for family and friends! Craftfulness – mend yourself by making things The first book was Craftfulness – mend yourself by making things by Arzu Tahsin and Rosemary Davidson. What is that unique feeling that goes hand-in-hand with making something from scratch? Do you ever wonder where the time goes when you’re lost in drawing or working with clay? Are you happiest when…

  • The Women at Hitler’s Table by Rosella Postorino
    What I'm reading

    The Women at Hitler’s Table by Rosella Postorino

    October 23, 2019 - By 

    For me half term = time to read. I love working in a school, especially when I get holidays with my kids, and time to read is a definite bonus. The latest book I picked to read from NetGalley was The Women at Hitler’s Table by Rosella Postorino. I really enjoy reading historical novels and this book is set in the Second World War, inspired by the powerful true story of Margot Wölk. The Women at Hitler’s Table East Prussia, 1943. Hitler hides away in the Wolfsshanze – his hidden headquarters in East Prussia. The tide is turning in the…

  • The Kids' Book of Paper Love: Write. Craft. Play. Share
    Crafts for kids - What I'm reading

    The Kids’ Book of Paper Love: Write. Craft. Play. Share

    October 16, 2019 - By 

    We love to read and share books here at the gingerbread house blog. We were recently offered the chance to review a new book called The Kids’ Book of Paper Love: Write. Craft. Play. Share. Both my children love to be creative so I knew they would enjoy this book. The Kids’ Book of Paper Love The Kids’ Book of Paper Love is overflowing with 180 pages of fun and pull-out activities for writing, drawing, folding, crafting, playing and sharing. There’s a paper goody on every single page! The authors Irene Smit and Astrid van der Hulst are the creative directors…

  • Lockwood-packshot
    What I'm reading

    The Animals at Lockwood Manor by Jane Healey

    October 6, 2019 - By 

    I know I’ve been reading this one for a few weeks, but over the weekend I finished The Animals at Lockwood Manor by Jane Healey. It was a great book, I’ve just struggled to make time to read over the last few weeks. I received a copy of the book to review via NetGalley, read on to find out more about it. The Animals at Lockwood Manor by Jane Healey A terrible secret lies buried at the heart of this house. August 1939. As the world goes to war, Hetty Cartwright arrives at Lockwood Manor, to take up her new…

  • Win a copy of Michael Rosen's Book of Play
    competition

    Win a copy of Michael Rosen’s Book of Play

    October 2, 2019 - By 

    I’ve followed Michael Rosen for quite a long time on Facebook. I’m sure that all parents, and non-parents, will have heard of him. He’s one of the best-loved figures in the children’s book world, renowned for his work as a poet, performer, broadcaster and educational campaigner. We’ve been huge fans of his fiction books for children, which include We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Chocolate Cake. About Michael Rosen He was Children’s Laureate from 2007-2009 and is currently Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths University of London. He’s written books for adults, books to help people write poems, and…

  • Mythologica: An encyclopedia {book review}
    What I'm reading

    Mythologica: An encyclopedia {book review}

    September 29, 2019 - By 

    I always encourage my children to read a wide range of books. Thankfully they enjoy fiction and non-fiction so I was delighted to be gifted a copy of Mythologica: An encyclopedia of gods, monsters and mortals from ancient Greek. I know that my daughter will be learning all about Greek history and culture as it is covered in KS2 in the Summer term of Year 3, I am excited she can get a head start on the topic. Mythologica: An encyclopedia of gods, monsters and mortals from ancient Greek An illustrated encyclopedia of Greek mythology like no other, Mythologica features…