Tag Archives: Historical Setting

A Beautiful Lie by Irfan Master: What if you think the truth is too painful for someone to bear? Then it’s ok to lie, right?

Posted on October 25, 2012 by Yvonne Keen

Aren’t we always told to tell the truth?  It’s drummed into us right from the start by our parents, our teachers.  Look what happened to the boy who cried wolf, we are reminded.  But what if you think the truth … Continue reading →

Posted in Master, Irfan, Pre-teen | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Getting to grips with Shakespeare: Great resources for gently introducing the writings of the Bard to children plus a fun Shakespeare game

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Yvonne Keen

There’s no doubt that the retelling of Shakespeare’s stories to a younger audience presents a challenge.   In Shakespeare’s original tales, the language is not entirely straightforward and I can remember when studying Twelfth Night for O level getting very bogged down … Continue reading →

Posted in Age 6-8, Age 8-10, Matthews, Andrew, Mayhew, James, Pre-teen, Ross, Tony, Ryan, Patrick, Teenage, Williams, Marcia, Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Brotherband: The Invaders by John Flanagan. A Little Babbler review by Tom, aged 11, from High Wycombe

Posted on June 23, 2012 by Yvonne Keen

A very good book especially for adventure, pirate and nautical book enthusiasts. Although I did read the 2nd book first, it will help a lot more if you read the first book as well.   This is also the first book I … Continue reading →

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From India to London and back again: The Wheel of Surya by Jamila Gavin and Jasmine Skies by Sita Brahmachari (plus stunning images from The Arts of the Sikh Kingdoms, edited by Susan Stronge)

Posted on June 15, 2012 by Yvonne Keen

Our journey starts in the Punjab, north-west India, around the time of the Second World War.  Tensions between the different religious communities in India have been rising, fuelled by Britain’s declaration of war on India’s behalf and nearly a century of … Continue reading →

Posted in Brahmachari, Sita, Gavin, Jamila, Pre-teen, Teenage, Young Adult | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Demon’s Watch by Conrad Mason : A fast-moving adventure of pirates, magic and improbable heroes, perfect for ages 9+

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Yvonne Keen

The Demon’s Watch – a debut novel by Conrad Mason, published 1st March 2012 by David Fickling Books Port Fayt.  Trading heart of the Middle Islands.  Situated between the Old World and the New World, it has long been a safe haven … Continue reading →

Posted in Age 8-10, Mason, Conrad, Pre-teen, Teenage | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

5 children’s picture books celebrating storytelling from around the world. Lose yourself in beautiful artwork and touching stories.

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Yvonne Keen

I am always keen to feature traditional tales from around the world.  Stories often passed down by mouth, generation to generation, perhaps with variations to them depending on the storyteller and always unique to the cultures, the landscapes and the people … Continue reading →

Posted in Age 4-6, Age 6-8, Age 8-10 | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

American Children’s Classics 1: Little House on the Prairie: Books for Girls Age 9+

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Yvonne Keen

Say Little House on the Prairie and most people (well, those around my age anyway) will remember the NBC television series of the same name starring Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert. Actually, Little House on the Prairie is the second of a … Continue reading →

Posted in Age 8-10, Ingalls Wilder, Laura, Pre-teen, Teenage | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

5 Children’s Books Set During the Second World War (Plus Links to Teaching Resources)

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Yvonne Keen

                                War is not an easy or straightforward subject to talk about with children.  War is never simple, never black and white.    The stories featured … Continue reading →

Posted in Age 8-10, Bryne, John, Gleitzman, Morris, Pre-teen, Serrailler, Ian, Teenage, Westall, Robert | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

5 Thought-provoking Books for Teenage Readers

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Yvonne Keen

The books listed below are both ’real’ and thought-provoking.   I’ve read and LOVED all of them and think they are perfect for both avid and reluctant teenage readers. Once by Morris Gleitzman   Morris Gleitzman says he was inspired to write Once, Then … Continue reading →

Posted in Teenage | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

6 Children’s Books for Horse-Mad Girls

Posted on June 14, 2011 by Yvonne Keen

Don’t all girls sometimes dream of owning and riding their own horse?   My daughters do, always!   There is something magical about the relationship between a horse and its rider.   Three of these books are story books, all of which capture that … Continue reading →

Posted in Age 6-8, Age 8-10, Pre-teen, Teenage | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment