A STORYMIX book.
When Santa announces his retirement, Mikey nominates his grandfather to take over the reins. Four thrilling tasks await the contestants in Christmasland. Can Mikey help Gramps rediscover his festive spirit in time to become the next Father Christmas?
Illustrated by Shahab Shamshirsaz.
Who is sabotaging the Rainhill Trials?
It is 1829. Everyone is talking about the exciting new railways and young Edward Entwistle cannot believe his good fortune: a chance encounter sees him offered a job at the Stephensons’ Steam Locomotive Manufactory.
The Stephensons are preparing for an important competition – The Rainhill Trials. A race of innovation and daring which will award the winner a contract to run the new Liverpool & Manchester Rail Way. Edward must protect the father and son inventors’ latest creation – their precious Premium Engine – but strange and dangerous accidents keep stalling construction.
Edward and his new loco-mad friend Prudence soon realise someone is trying to scupper the Stephensons’ chances. It is up to the friends to spot sabotage and chase down spies in a thrilling race against the clock.
Inspired by the Rainhill Trials.
High above a mountain village, tucked away in the clouds, lies Qing Qing’s indigo workshop. The vibrant blue cloth crafted here is famous far and wide, but only one family knows the ancient secrets hidden within the dye. This charming story is translated from an original Chinese folktale from the Miao culture, about the traditions of batik printing. The narrative focuses on a young girl, Qing Qing, and her family.
The narrative tells us of the history and traditions of batik and its importance to the people. The process begins when the indigo pickers gather the materials from the fields to dye the cloth that special hue of blue, through to the spinning of the material in their home, the tracing of intricate patterns of wax and the dying of the material. Every stage of the process from inception to a range of finished products is detailed and allows a special window into a magical and mystical world which still unfolds every year today.
This story is quite unique and the delicate and enchanting illustrations, invoking a spiritual landscape, and the engaging crafting of the words make this a truly special book, suitable for young readers and adults alike. The end notes were extremely informative expanding on the details of this important cultural heritage. A sheer delight.
Tiger’s Don’t Eat Jelly! is a wonderful expression of individuality and curiosity. Tiger loves to eat jelly but is curious to know what else she might enjoy. She goes on an adventure meeting lots of different animals and trying their favourite foods. From burrito loving flamingos and frogs to a bear that loves sushi, Tiger tries them all.
The book demonstrates friendship, open-mindedness and challenges stereotypes in an age appropriate way. The story uses repetitive phrases and colourful illustrations to engage readers along the way.
Inspired by Corinne Bailey Rae’s award-winning hit song, this picture book celebrates music’s unique power to soothe or energize us when we need it most.
“Today I’d like to do something I’ve never done before,” Bea tells her great aunt Portia during one of their Sunday visits. And before she knows it, she’s being led upstairs to an attic room she didn’t know existed–a wonderful haven full of Portia’s cherished items, including shelf after shelf of records. “There’s a song here for every emotion–for the whole rainbow of feelings,” Portia tells Bea. Then they listen together, dancing to a celebration song, laughing along with a circus-happy song, and feeling held by a song that comforts them during a thunderstorm. Bea heads home at the end of the day, excited to continue learning about herself and her world through music.
Corinne Bailey Rae’s “Put Your Records On” is a multi-platinum anthem about freedom and joy. Now, in this beautiful storybook, the Grammy Award-winning musician brings that empowerment and exuberance to children.
Meet Wanda!
Things about me: I don’t go to school (even though I’m 12), I have ADHD (my mum says I don’t), me and my mum travel around the world (with backpacks), I’m homesick (for a home that doesn’t exist) and I’ve just discovered a HUGE secret (and I need to find out if it’s true)! Maybe it’s time for me to have an adventure of my own. You’ll never guess what, but something mind-melting has just happened to my family – or should I say a SOMEONE happened!…
When two young dragons accidentally set fire to The Witchy Wood, firefighting unicorn, Blaze, and her emergency vehicle, Quench, race to the scene. As they struggle to get everyone to safety and stop the flames from spreading, a witch called Jinx decides her magical abilities are exactly the help they need to stop the inferno. But Jinx’s magic only spells one thing – disaster, and soon the flames are raging towards a treehouse full of powerful potions. Can Blaze and Quench get everyone out before the whole of Witchy Wood goes up in smoke?
Baxter and Rory see the world differently. Rory often wants to race ahead, while Baxter likes to stop and experience the world around him. This book explores how Baxter and Rory journey to the playground with Mum, and Rory learns to see things from Baxter’s view.
Seeing things through Baxter’s eyes means Rory can learn to slow down and appreciate the amazing things around. Baxter has his sensory needs, but he sees and feels things others can, too, if they take the time. The following week, when it’s park visiting time again, it’s evident that Rory has learned that by slowing down, you can see exciting and wonderful things.
As well as celebrating neurodiversity, this engaging, earnest story gently encourages everyone to slow down and take time to see the beauty of the natural world. A book to share and discuss in EYFS and KS1 classrooms as well as with family members.
With heartfelt storytelling and stunning illustrations by Murphy’s Sketches, this book shows that if you slow down, you will see some wonderful things.
The Yeti’s Sneeze is playful, bright, and full of energy — but it also quietly champions empathy, inclusion and emotional understanding.
This is one of those books that feels delightfully silly on the surface but has a surprising amount of emotional and curriculum – friendly depth underneath. It follows the Unicorn School crew as they deal with a gigantic, chaotic sneeze from a very anxious yeti — and everything that sneeze sets off.
As both a primary teacher and a parent of an SEN child, it hits that sweet spot where fun, feelings and learning all sit together comfortably.
A mysterious labyrinth. A desperate king. A rebellious princess.
Being stuck in a crumbling old villa in Crete with her annoying, history-obsessed little brother Remy isn’t exactly Netta’s idea of a fun summer holiday. But before she can even get bored, Netta starts having very real dreams where she is dragged back thousands of years to Ancient Greece. Here, King Minos is preparing for the opening of his precious labyrinth, and there are rumours that a monster lurks inside.
As Netta becomes more drawn to the past, her present-day self starts slipping away. Netta and Remy must figure out what is pulling her back before they run out of time – and if they don’t solve the puzzle soon, Netta might just become history herself.
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
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Curriculum links (if relevant)
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