'Imagine' by John Lennon is not new of course but this beautiful hardback book is published by Hodder for the always powerful Amnesty book collection. It's a reminder of the power of this song and the pages show the journey of a young pigeon spreading the message of peace and love-one that we seem to need more than ever.
'Do you Speak Chocolate' by Cas Lester is a pertinent, moving book for our time (10+). It's moving, funny, spot on in terms of girl friendships and just the book every Yr 6 upwards book corner should have IF NOT the book that should be read aloud at the end of the day. It's about the arrival of Nadima who speaks no English and is thrown in at the deep end in Yr 7. Jaz makes friends through sharing a square of chocolate (hence the title) and the story roll-on quickly. We learn much more about Nadima but also about the other girls and the things they face and how barriers can be broken down with kindness and understanding. It's important, it's relevant and it's written in a very 'down to earth' easy to read style which makes you want to read on.
'The Legend of Podkin One - Ear' by Kieren Larwood (9+) is my bed time reading at the moment. It's a great action fantasy read. It seems to move on really quickly as, to celebrate special festival a storyteller arrives at a warren...he tells the story of Podkin One-Ear from the start. Everyone listens, rapt, as they are drawn in to this rabbit legend and consequently we get drawn in as the reader too. It's a fast paced read and very enjoyable. It's not all lovely cute rabbits - there's a merciless iron clad group called 'the Gorm' who gradually turning all the warrens into evil. It is up to some very young rabbits to try and stop them. I can't wait to read more when I've stopped blogging!