Here are the Blackwell’s recommendations for June, I hope you enjoy them.

Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson: Blackwell Price £5.99

Age: 9-11

This is Eva Ibbotson’s most acclaimed book, having won the Nestle Children’s Book Prize and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.

It tells the story of a 13 year old girl named Maia who, following the death of her parents, is sent to live in Manaus in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest with her distant relatives. Her journey to Brazil brings her hope and joy as she makes a variety of friends along the way as she nears her destination. However once there, her dreams of the perfect new family and life are not quite what she expected. But when Maia meets Finn, a half English half Indian boy, he shows her how captivating the delights of the rainforest can be, and helps her to make this new magical place her home. 

This is an adventure story that explores the vibrant setting of the Amazon Rainforest and will ignite your imagination. An excellent read for any boy or girl.

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler: Blackwell Price £5.99

Age: Preschool

This much loved classic is back with a special tenth anniversary edition. It tells the story of a small mouse who, on his journey through the forest, manages to outwit the animals who wish to eat him with his tale of the Gruffalo. But the tale takes a surprising turn when the mouse discovers his imaginary Gruffalo is in fact not imaginary at all. Beautifully illustrated with fun and rhymes, this book is a must for all children’s bookshelves.

How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham: Blackwell Price £10.99 (Hardback)

Age: 4+

This absolutely lovely and moving picture book is in the shortlist for the Clip Kate Greenaway Medal. Bob Graham has written a very simple narration about a little boy who finds a dove with a broken wing in the middle of the city. Will decides to take the bird home and with help from mom and dad, and some patience, they help the bird to heal. Alongside the text, the illustrations are lucid, and portray with a sense of delight the importance of this little boys gift to want to make a difference. Do not miss this book!

How Dogs Really Work and How Cats Really Work, both by Alan Snow: Blackwell Price £5.99

Age: 3-7

These are two hilarious picture books, which, although suitable for 5 to 6 year olds, are quite engaging for adults too! Cats and dogs are shown as containing Heath Robinson-like contraptions, run by tiny cats and dogs inside the main animal. A mixture of facts about cats and dogs is combined with very funny anecdotes about their behaviour, how to look after them, and their relationship to each other and to humans. Parents and children, in particular cat or dog owning ones, will have hours of fun pouring over the diagrams and hilarious drawings.

Masha and the Firebird by Margaret Bateson-Hill: Blackwell Price £5.99

Age: 7+

This is the English Associations Award winning picture book and it really deserves to be. It is a delightful Russian folk tale about the Firebird who is the guardian of the eggs of the four elements, earth, water, air and fire. They have to be kept hidden from the evil witch Baba Yaga. Masha has to paint the eggs to keep them secret. Along with beautiful illustrations of the eggs that Masha paints, there are full page atmospheric and captivating illustrations of Masha and her adventures.

Amnesty Anthology by Amnesty International: Blackwell Price £6.99

Age: 10+

This Anthology, recently published, is following on the footsteps of the great success of “We are all born free”, about the declaration of human rights for young children. This anthology for older children and adults has stories by well known authors like David Almond, Theresa Breslin, Eoin Colfer, Michael Morpurgo, and many others.

Jacqueline Wilson opens the anthology with a foreword saying: “The authors contributing stories to this beautiful book have given us much food for thought. Life isn’t fair – but we can do our best to right the wrongs”

All royalties from the sale of this book go to Amnesty International, which works to protect human rights all over the world.

Many congratulations to Andrew Wint from West Byfleet, Surrey, who won our Brooke Bedroom, worth over £1,100.

Andrew’s email address was chosen at random from all customers who signed up to our regular GLTC emails between 13th April and 17th May.

Well done Andrew!

Here are the Blackwell’s recommendations for May, I hope you enjoy them.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Blackwell Price £6.99

Age: 11-16

The Hunger Games is about a deadly reality TV show in which 24 teenagers, chosen by a lottery system, compete in a desperate contest to the death.  The winner can be certain of a life of luxury, but all the other contestants must die.

Katniss knows that her chances of winning are remote, but once in the arena she displays a talent for survival. Her situation and chances are complicated by the presence of Peeta, a fellow competitor. A tentative friendship was established between them before the Hunger Games began. Both are keenly aware that their own survival requires the others death.

The Hunger Games creates a violent and frighteningly convincing world, and a callus society with disturbing similarities to our own. The story is dark, and the author doesn’t steer from gruesome descriptions, but he also has moving descriptions of friendship in the most unlikely circumstances. The Hunger Games is the first book in a trilogy, and is sure to leave readers eager for the next installment.

The Great Paper Caper by Oliver Jeffers: Blackwell Price £11.99 (Hardback)

Age: 4+

Now out in paperback is Oliver Jeffers’ tale of deceit, intrigue and paper aeroplanes. Someone is chopping down trees, but WHO? And WHY? A team of gloriously deadpan animals are on the track of the criminal, equipped with all the ecoutrements of policing. Jeffers’ illustrations are lovely, pastel, imaginative things. They bring this woodland thriller to humorous, quirky life.

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes: Blackwell Price £9.99

Age: General 

This classic story written by one of the most well known and loved Spanish writers comes to life in this edition, illustrated by Chris Riddell. The classic tale by Miguel de Crevantes is being retold by Martin Jenkins in such a way that it retains all its humour and moving descriptions.

Don Quixote is the story of a Spanish gentleman who loves books, and whose imagination gets him into all sorts of fantastic adventures and troubles during the 16th century in Spain. Don Quixote dreams of being a knight and in the company of his friend Sancho, and his horse Rocinante, he seeks to save and rescue damsels in distress. Follow the adventures of Don Quixote and enjoy his amazing imagination.

Around the World with Mouk by Marc Boutavant: Blackwell Price £12.99 (Hardback)

Age: 4+

Mouk is awesome. It has the best illustrations ever, and the story will blow your mind. There are so many things to see in each page, it doesn’t matter how many times you have looked at them, you find something new every time. The characters are very expressive and happy; they’re either enjoying a day at the beach or having a hot bath while the snow is falling around them. Mouk goes everywhere.

Mouk travels around the world, making new friends, trying out new things, learning about new places and from each destination he sends you, the reader, a letter.

The Savage by David Almond: Blackwell Price £7.99 (Hardback)

Age: 7+

The Savage has just been shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal. The illustrations of this fantastical and scary book are by Davis Mckean, and he brings Blue’s thoughts out in a vivid and vibrant way. The combination of words and pictures deal blows to the reader throughout, such is the power of Almond’s writing. Blue’s internal monologue begins to meet reality as he struggles with a bully at school. As he finds his way to salvation, his savage becomes real in his anger.

Almond takes us from despairing lows to glimmers of hope, and Blue’s voice is a simple expression of pain and experience.

Many congratulations to Deborah Sanders from North Ayreshire, Dalry, who won our Northcote Playroom, worth over £650.

Deborah’s email address was chosen at random from all customers who signed up to our regular GLTC emails between 9th March and 12th April.

Well done Deborah…….we hope your son loves his new room!

Here are the Blackwell’s recommendations for April, I hope you enjoy them.

The Summoning, Kelley Armstrong: Blackwell Price £7.99

Age: 12+

When Chloe Saunders starts seeing people who aren’t there, everyone – herself included – think she is having a mental breakdown. When she is diagnosed with schizophrenia, she is sent to Lyle House for disturbed children, and knows she will have to adjust to a life that will never be the same again.

Gradually she realises that she is not seeing hallucinations, but ghosts. As she gets to know the other patients at Lyle House it seems that they may also have ‘unusual disorders’. She thinks that surely it can not be a coincidence that they have all ended up in the same place. So what is the real agenda of Lyle House?

This is Kelley Armstrong’s first young adult title after a highly popular series of novels featuring the supernatural for adult audiences. Her new series is set to be just as popular as Armstrong once again sets the story in a very realistic ’supernatural’ world, with an intriguing plot and attractive character voices.

This is definitely one to read for those teenagers who enjoy mysteries and the supernatural.

Flood and Fang - The Raven Mysteries, Marcus Sedgwick: Blackwell Price £7.99 (Hardback)

Age: 6-12

Marcus Sedgwick is a well known author of young adult books, and has won several prizes including the Booktrust Teenage Prize 2007 for My Swordhand is Singing. This is his first book for a younger audience. His titles are well known for the depth of the stories and eloquence of his writing. This book also adds a bit of humour.

The story is narrated from Edgar’s point of view, but Edgar is a raven, and not just any raven – but the Overhand family’s raven. Edgar is their secret weapon, their guardian who lives with the family in the Otherhand Castle. Sedgwick himself writes in Chapter One: “Castle Otherhand is home to all sorts of oddballs, lunatics and fruitcakes.”

A very original book, full of bizarre dangers and comic moments, the characters, specially the raven are very likable. This is the first nook in the series, and it has black and white illustrations by Pete Williamson, whose drawings add to the magic of the book.

Do Dogs Dream?, Geraldine Taylor: Blackwell Price £9.99 (Board Book)

Age: 0-5

After the amazing success of “Why is the Sky Blue”, Ladybird has come up with another great novelty book full of easy to understand information about animals. Using pop-ups and lift-the-flaps we get information like: why does my cat purr?, why do cows moo?, do elephants drink through their trunks or why are flamingos pink?

The illustrations throughout the books are quirky and fun without being silly. If custumers enjoyed the first in the series they will find many surprises in the second book.

This is London, Miroslav Sasek: Blackwell Price £10.99 (Hardback)

Age: 4-8
 
This is London is one of the famous titles by Sasek, this delightful classic picturebook takes you along a trip through the best sights in London. Sasek became famous in 1958 with This is Paris and published This is London the year after. His books have been reprinting since 2004 and this is the 10th edition.

The images that go alongside the text are 50’s illustrations, full of character and detail. You will see the main sights seen through the eyes of the people wondering the streets, doing their shopping in W.H. Smith, or a Scotsman walking outside Selfridges, or happy people at the pub. The text informs the reader about the main tourist sites in London, from museums to gardens and from docks to London Bridge. It is a perfect companion for children visiting this amazing city. Other titles by Sasek include: This is Edinburgh, This is Rome, This is New York and many more.

Winter Song, Jean-Claude Mourlevat: Blackwell Price £6.99

Age: 13+

Winter Song was originally written in French and translated by Anathea Bell. Mourlevat is a well known children’s author in France, this is his first book for young adults and won the Prix Saint Exupery 2007.

This new fiction title deals with a group of teenagers fighting a tyranny that has killed all their parents who fought the tyrannous rule. After more that fifteen years imprisoned in a boarding school, four teenagers discover the real reason behind their stay at the school. They have until then been treated like prisoners, have to follow cruel and inhumane rules and have no knowledge of their past. They decide to escape and seek out their histories and recover the memories that they have lost about their parents. They are being chased by human dogs that at the mention of one word would kill without mercy.

Will they find what they seek? Will they stop the new regime from destroying their dreams and freedoms? Follow this well written and intense story to its dramatic ending. Highly recomendedd for over 12 year olds.

Chick, Ed Vere: Blackwell Price £7.99 (Hardback)

Age: 0-5

As pop-up books go, this one is a brilliant simple one for 0-5 year olds. It goes well with the spring and Easter mood. Follow the day in the life of a new born chick, first as it comes out of the egg, then as it cheeps, eats and generally finds its way around. Vere has accomplished a lovely book with his usual witty characters.

Many congratulations to Julie Poultney from Dudley who won our 7 night break at the Bedruthan Steps Hotel with the following joke:

Q: How do you get five donkeys in a fire engine?

A: 2 in the front, 2 in the back and 1 on top going “Hee Haw, Hee Haw, Hee Haw”

Have a relaxing time Julie!

Here are the Blackwell’s recommendations for March, I hope you enjoy them.

Auslander, Paul Doswell: Blackwell Price £10.99 (Hardback)

Age: 6-12

When Hitler invades Poland, Peter loses his parents and his home and finds himself in an orphanage. The Polish boys are to be taught German before being adopted into German families. Peter is lucky that his parents had German blood, so he is know as a “volksdeutscher” and test runs show that he is a fine example of perfect Nordic Youth. In fact, he looks just like the kid in the Hitler-Jungend poster.

Professor Kaltenbach, an expert in the filed of racial purity, adopts Peter and takes him to Berlin. While in the heart of Nazi Germany he is surrounded by people who tell him of the importance of eugenics, and like all his classmates he joins the Hitler Youth. But when Peter begins to have doubts about Nazi ideals his thoughts lead him to dangerous actions.

This novel opens up a window to the reality of life in Nazi Germany, without patronising the audience or letting the message get in the way of the story. This book should appeal to readers that like, not only history, but also a gripping tale of action. Paul Doswell manages to create a tense atmosphere of danger, which builds to a terrifying and action-packed ending.

The Snail and the Whale, Julia Donaldson: Blackwell Price £5.99

Age: 2+

Not as well known as her popular picture book “The Gruffalo”, The Snail and the Whale is in a league of its own. The alliterative power of the poetry is catching, carrying one through an exhilarating and engaging adventure with a travel hungry and resourceful snail, as he hitches a lift on an ever smiley whale around the world, until he runs into  trouble with humans that is. However the problem is resolved by the snail engaging the help of one and all. Success is finally achieved, to the extent that all his fellow snails want to partake in similar adventures.

This is a book to instil a sense of awe and wonderment with the world and our place in it. It is written in a joyful, celebratory way but with an almost poignant underscore. This book is a favourite to read aloud with the whole family… oh, and the pictures are wonderful too.

Ice Shock, M G Harris: Blackwell Price £6.99

Age: 10-12

Josh is back with even more adventures! Following in the success of Joshua Files, M G Harris delivers another fantastic story of action, travel and danger. Follow Josh on a new quest as he leaves Oxford again to search for more answers around his father’s death. The story is full of historical details and great information around the ancient Mayas and other Latin American countries. Ice shock has a very dramatic and poignant ending that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the 3rd book

This is the second book in the Joshua Files series.

The Knife of Never Letting Go, Patrick Ness: Blackwell Price £7.99

Age: 12+

Prentisstown is a settlement of Men and one boy, left ravaged by a germ that killed all the women and left the Men able to hear each other’s thoughts. Within this constant din of Noise – the relentless, overwhelming minutiae of other minds – Todd finds a moment of utter silence. How the silence infiltrated their isolated outpost of twisted community and the ramifications of this discovery thrusts Todd into a journey to reveal the secrets that have weaved the Men together for so long.

With prose powerful, savage and mercilessly compelling, Ness will grab you by the throat and the heartstrings. Simply brilliant.

Tales from Outer Suburbia, Shaun Tan: Blackwell Price £12.99 (Hardback)

Age: 7+

Award winning Australian author and illustrator Shaun Tan, creator of The Arrival and The Red Tree, has come up with a fascinating collection of tales of childhood memories. They have the strange feel of stopped time that happens when you are a child, hanging out, playing with friends or siblings, not much really happens but a lot happens.  An exchange student stays with the family, they call him Eric. He is represented as a small leaf like character that kind of blew in and out of their lives. Eric was interested in small things he found on the ground. Eric is shown as being about the same size as these small things, like bottle tops and plug holes and dice. He leaves them a surprising and remarkable leaving gift.

There is a story about what happens to the little bits of poetry people write. It’s all done as scraps of paper and tiny atmospheric drawings.

This is a strange and wonderful collection of stories about old memories, odd bits and pieces, childhood games, stories grandparents told and odd occurrences. Shaun Tan is a remarkable illustrator and storyteller.

Whatever, William Bee: Blackwell Price £5.99

Age: 4+

This delightful picture book should appeal to adults and children alike. The story is simple but it represents a common experience in the relationship between parents and their children. Whatever narrates through very straight forward images and language the lack of enthusiasm children can sometimes show despite the greatest efforts of their parents. Billy’s dad goes out of his way to show Billy some amazing things of this world: something very tall, something very small and other adventures but Bill can only say “whatever”! The ending though is very unusual and funny.

Here are the Blackwell’s recommendations for February, I hope you enjoy them.

The Surprise, Sylvia van Ommen: Blackwell Price £8.99 (Hardback)

Age: 1+

The story in this picture book is told only through images. It is all about a sheep who has  great idea for a surprise gift for a friend. SO sheep spends sometime measuring the growth of the wool in her body, charting and weighing it until it is ready to dye. Sheep goes out to get a very red dye to put all over the wool. Of course then the red wool needs to be sheared from sheep’s body; who then takes it to be spooned by sheep’s friend: a very professional looking french poodle! Sheep then gets on with the weaving of the gift, the wrapping and deliver of this amazing surprise for a long necked friend. There is no simple way to describe this tale of friendship; but we are sure the readers will delight with the story.

Sweets, Sylvia Van Ommen: Blackwell Price £7.99 (Hardback)

Age: 5+

An interesting look at how children may speak to each other about heaven and friendship. Simple and straight forward it has a charming dialogue, with matching line illustrations.

Pink Piglet, text Marcin Brykczynski, illustrations by Joanna Olech and Marta Ignerska: Blackwell Price £9.00

Age: Preschool

A very unusual book about a pig who needs to find out why he is such a boring pink colour. Pig then goes off in search of his identity. During the quest he will encounter a frog, a Stork, a Lamb, a Raven and a chameleon. Will they be able to help? Discover the endearing journey that pink piglet is having, enjoy the most pink and frenzied images that warm your heart.

When We Lived in Uncle’s Hat, Peter Stamm and Jutta Bauer: Blackwell Price £8.00

Age: 5-7

This is a story about a family constantly on the move. Once they lived in a house, then a forest, a church roof, in the rain, in a cinema, and even on a bus. Once they lived nowhere, they even lived on the moon. Each page explores not only an environment but a different way of being. There is a suggestion that this family are refugees or even homeless sometimes. Their transient life style provides much material for the imagination, and accompanied by great illustrations that are comical and atmospheric and full of quirky characters and hilarious set ups. Mum brushes her teeth in a tree, they hang washing on the brim of Uncle’s hat, and sunbathe on a church roof! Nowhere is a strangely powerful scene of the family huddled in an orange space watching birds fly over. This book is beautiful and bizarre and there is a sense of freedom and adventure in this family’s unusual lifestyle.

The Grey Boy, Lluis Farre and illustration by Gusti: Blackwell Price £8.00

Age: 5-7

This story of a boy who feels no emotions, he has been born Grey, until one day when he faces the loss of his friend Gustau. The thought of losing him overwhelms him so much that all of a sudden his feelings come pouring back and he is able to express the feelings he has not been able to show before. And the grey boy is renewed.

Here are the Blackwell’s recommendations for January, I hope you enjoy them.

Eon, Alison Goodman: Blackwell Price £12.99 (Hardback)

Age: 12+

Set in Ancient China, this is the story of Eon, a young boy learning about the power and magic of the Dragonmaster Art. To achieve his goal of becoming a Dragoneye he must pay the high price of hiding his true identity; if his secret is discovered, he faces the death penalty.

Immersed in a world of power, rivalry, and the secrets of the Imperial court, Eon will confront his fears and prove his worth. He must forge new alliances and determine the right moment for revealing the truth of who he really is.

A Night-Time Tale, Alexandra Junge: Blackwell Price £11.00 (Hardback)

Age: 5-7

This is a story about why it has to be night-time sometimes and not daytime all the time! What would be the point of lamp posts? How would hens know when to lay eggs? The sun would be exhausted and there would be no moon to deliver dreams. Wonderful illustrations show hens aiming eggs into tiny egg cups below, people chopping down lampposts and the wonderful dreams that come to us at night. A truly enchanting and funny tale.

Stories for Young People, Leo Tolstoy: Blackwell Price £9.99 (Hardback)

Age:  10-14

Five powerful short stories for children by the Russian master. An introduction to each tale sets it in its context and explains how Tolstoy came to write it. Herve Blondon’s atmospheric pastels throughout are perfect in presenting the setting and meanings of these spare and fateful tales.

The Moon Has Written You A Poem, Jose Jorge Letria/Andre Letria: Blackwell Price: £12.99 (Hardback)

Age: 4+

Jose Letria is a well known author in Portugal. He and his son Andre have worked together on several beautiful picture books. This book is dedicated to a newborn baby, and is about the power and magic of words that make us see, feel and create new worlds in our imagination. This lyrical picture book is illustrated with simple yet symbolic and evocative images floating against a starry night sky.

Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide Book to the Galaxy, Matthew Reinhart: Blackwell Price £25 (Hardback)

Age: 8-12

A great joy of children’s books lies in the world of pop-up books. In recent years they have become increasingly sophisticated, ranging in theme from story book to non-fiction. One of our favourites at the moment is this Reinhart book that depicts in dramatic 3-D some of the most well known characters from Star Wars like C-3PO and  R2-D2.

The last page has a phenomenal large image of Darth Vader, where as the page is turned, the face of the real man can be seen lurking behind the mask…

Fairies and Magical Creatures, Matthew Reinhart and Robert Sabuda: Blackwell Price £19.99 (Hardback)

Age: 5+

This book is a part of the Encyclopedia Mythologica, and this time Reinhart and Sabuda have created a lovely book with fairies popping up as their wings flutter and turn. Not only are the figurines and wings made with charm and delicacy, but the book also covers all sort of facts around the well-loved world of Fairies. A must for pop-up collectors.

Many congratulations to Jacob Jones (age eight) and Zach Jones (age eleven) from Broseley, Shropshire who won our Lapland competition with their ultimate toy entry of a Father Christmas - we especially liked the ‘Advent Calendar arms’, ’sing along microphone’ and ‘Christmas crackers stored in his legs’ - well done!

Please click here to see Jacob & Zach’s winning entry.

Well done to everyone who entered our competition to see Father Christmas in Lapland - we had over 100 entries which was great. And there seemed to be some ideas that kept cropping up - robots who could do homework, rocket skates and fairies who could grant wishes! It looks like Father Christmas will be kept very busy this year!