As a Mum to three teenagers I know how tough it can be to entice the children away from their screens and into a book. I am aware I repeat this a great deal but I truly believe that it does not matter what the children are reading as long as they are reading... I struggled for years trying to get my son to discover the joy of a good book....then I got him a subscription to the Beano and after six months of the Bash Street Kids he started looking for bigger stories and he is now an avid reader......as long as there is a zombie apocalypse involved or some dystopian magic..... I can heartily recommend Charlie Higson, Pittacus Lore and Sebastien De Castell for those with similar taste.
For younger readers who might not yet be at the junior novel stage I can heartily recommend the adventures of Claude and his best friend Sir Bobbly Sock by Alex T Smith. The stories are delightful yet modern and the graphics simple, sharp and witty. Once Claude has been devoured you might like to suggest The Adventures of Mr Penguin also by Alex T Smith, again full of enchanting graphics and brilliant storylines.
For young readers embarking on their first novel series then of course there are the timeless classics such as Mrs Pepperpot, Milly Molly Mandy, My Naughty Little Sister and, of course, The Faraway Tree. As well as the Murder Most Unladylike series by Robin Stevens, The Lady Grace Mysteries, Alex Rider and Percy Jackson.
My personal favourite on the shelf today is The Boy at The Back of the Class by Onjali Q Rauf. Winner of the Blue Peter Story Award 2019 it tells the story of nine year old Ahmet, the new boy who has run away from a war.
For smaller children its all about the characterisation and the illustrations and we have a wonderful collection of picture books and story books from Dr Seuss to Mighty Maurice and Katie Morag to The Teeny Weeny Genie - the latest offering from Julia Donaldson.
Do come in and browse, sit amongst our daffodils and look at the pictures, read a page or two. We are delighted to give you suitable recommendations and advice for every age.
See you all soon.