Jo Cummins

Oh Lordy, it’s here! One of my most anticipated reads of 2026:

#TheHouseWithChickenLegsRunsAway by #SophieAnderson

Thank you @FrithaL for this sneaky peek and a copy of the original to give away…. @usbornebooks

"I would like to stress that these books are not just for dyslexic or ‘struggling’ readers. They are fantastic stories by fantastic authors and can be enjoyed by absolutely anyone."

Thank you @booksuperhero2.bsky.social for this fab review of our books! 📚

How gorgeous does this look?! I’m going in with high hopes… #AnyaAndTheLightAboveTheOcean by #AmeliaGiudici, cover by #PhilipHarris @andersenpress.bsky.social

A Barrington Stoke Bonanza In case you don’t know, Barrington Stoke are an amazing publisher who collaborates with some of the top children’s literature authors and illustrators. They specialise in creating short, snappy rea…

Over the past fortnight, I’ve enjoyed several new titles from the wonderful @barringtonstoke.bsky.social Take a look at my blog post for inspiration! #DyslexiaFriendly @stevecolewriter.bsky.social @alastairchisholm @TanyaLandman #LauraWood librarygirlandbookboy.com/2026/01/11/a...

I’ve seen this on a few ‘top reads’ lists so I’m going in…!

*update* I have only just realised it’s the sequel to #HeartSeer which I loved!

#MagpieGirl by @RowanFoxwood, cover by @crystalkunggggg 🐦‍🔥 @Usborne

#BookAdvent Day 23
#LastStopOnTheReindeerExpress by @mpowelltuck, illustrated by @kjmountford Enter a secret world within a mysterious postbox & head off on a sparkling, magical adventure. Gorgeous illustrations, peep-throughs & flaps. @littletigeruk.bsky.social

This weekend, I have throughly enjoyed reading #Quill and the Last Generation by #CMLewis, cover illustration by @KhadijahKhatib A thrilling fantasy adventure where humanity is at risk & the Light of the World threatens to stutter out. @macmillankidsuk.bsky.social

#BookAdvent Day 22

#YouChoose Christmas from the dream team of #NickSharratt and @pippagoodhart

Every child I’ve shared this with (young, teenage, & in between) has absolutely loved poring over the pagers of this book & picking their ideal Christmas. A fantastic series! @puffinbooksuk.bsky.social

#BookAdvent Day 21
#LeahsStar by #MargaretBatesonHill, illus. by #KarinLittlewood

A beautiful retelling of the Nativity story from the perspective of an innkeeper’s daughter. Littlewood’s illustrations capture the sense of awe & wonder felt by Leah in the bustle around her. @alannamax

#BookAdvent Day 20

#AChristmasDelivery by @andyshepherdwriter.bsky.social, @SarahWarbie

A gorgeous new festive tradition waiting to happen. Featuring snow dragons, sparking wit, & a pinch of Christmas magic, this is a must-have for little ones in the run up to Christmas. @templarbooks.bsky.social

#BookAdvent Day 19

A classic for you today… #TheTwelveDaysOfChristmas from @brian_wildsmith. His distinctive illustrations accompany the lyrics of what must Shirley be one of our most-sung Christmas songs! @oupprimary.bsky.social

#BookAdvent Day 18

#Snow by @meeratrehan.bsky.social , cover by @alexissnell.bsky.social

All is not as it first seems in the land of Mistmir. It’s Princess spends her days digging in the snow, looking for something to bring her kingdom back to life. @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social ❄️ 🦋 ❄️

#BookAdvent Day 17

#AReindeerCalledJoy by @farmgirlwriter, illustrated by @esillustration

I love this series - it’s ideal for animal lovers aged 7+. In this instalment, Jasmine is rushing to get Joy well again in time to do a very special job… @nosycrow.bsky.social

#BookAdvent Day 15

#WeDisagreeAboutThisTree by #RossCollins 🎄 Bear & Mouse seem to have finally overcome their differences, but then it’s time to decorate the Christmas tree… have they really learnt the art of compromise? Love this pair in a chunky board book format. @nosycrow.bsky.social

#BookAdvent Day 14

Time to delve in to #TheSecretHistoryOfChristmas by #CatherineSaunders, illustrated by #LenaAddink I’d never realised that so many historical events happened on. Christmas Day! Explore those, and lots of other winter celebrations on this fascinating book! 🎄 @hachette

#BookAdvent Day 13

#MurderAtChristmas by @FleurHitchcock, cover by @elisaupsidedown When a murder occurs at the hotel Grace & her family are staying at, she’s determined to solve the mystery. With the help of her brother, will they be able to do it in time for Christmas? 10+ @nosycrow.bsky.social

#BookAdvent Day 12

#TheOtherFatherChristmas by @SerenaHolly, illustrated by @ShanabShamshirsaz
@storymixstudio

A heart-warming tale about the hunt for the next Father Christmas & one boy’s wish to help his grieving grandfather love Christmas again. Sparkly & gorgeous! 🎅🏼

#BookAdvent Day 11

#TheLittleChristmasTree by @AndreaSkevington, illustrated by @LornaHussey

A beautiful take on the Christmas story through the eyes of a group of woodland animals sheltering under a little fir tree. 🎄 🦡 🐇 @SPCKpublishing

#BookAdvent Day 9

#TheWinterSnowGoose by @gill-lewis.bsky.social , illustrated by @IrivaAvgustinovich 🪿 ❄️

The crash landing of a goose signals the start of the worst winter in years. Tia & Nat have an idea to lift people’s spirits and celebrate friendship. @barringtonstoke.bsky.social

#BookAdvent Day 8

#AnyasQuest by @jasbinderbilan.bsky.social, illust. by @janespictures

This book is a lyrical call to arms to heal our fragile planet. Set in the icy Himalaya & featuring the mighty Goddess Ganga, this story will sweep you off on a snowy adventure❄️ @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social

#BookAdvent Day 7

Time for #AWellyFullOfChristmas - a festive collection of poems from @attielime.bsky.social There’s a great variety of moods and forms which would be perfect to share during lulls in the Christmas chaos. Illustrated by #nadinelicence @tinytreebooks.bsky.social

#BookAdvent Day 6

The ‘That’s not my…..’ series is surely legendary?!

The #WinterWonderland edition features a foiled holographic cover, touchable texture patches, & a show-stopping light display. Guaranteed to delight babies & toddlers across the land this #Christmas @Usbornebooks

#BookAdvent Day 3

There’s nothing like a ‘Can you Spot?’ book to keep children entertained on a soggy afternoon or whilst waiting to head off on a festive adventure. This Wintertime edition is a great way to pass the time and sharpen observation skills. @usbornebooks

Two hardbacked books with filter covers.

#BookAdvent Day 2

A classic anthology always makes an excellent Christmas gift for readers young or old. @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social have two to pick from: Classic Nursery Rhymes with foreword by @chrisriddell50 or Classic Fairy Tales from Hans Christian Andersen & The Brothers Grimm.

#BookAdvent Day 1
#Robin by @sarahannjuckes, illus. by #LindeFaas

A moving tale about Eddie -a boy trying to work out who he is besides ‘Scarlett’s brother.’Deep in the forest surrounding his uncle’s house, Eddie finds a monster. A monster who’s determined to fly free. @simonandschuster.bsky.social

Thank you to the Queen of #Kidlit Christmas - @meltbessant for hosting the most fabulous Christmas party. It has become the official mark of the start of festive season for me! I didn’t take many photos but had a great time catching up with friends in the kidlit world. @authorfy.bsky.social

Feeling lonely – KS2 book topic Use Britta Teckentrup’s beautiful picturebook, When I Feel Lonely, to sensitively explore difficult emotions with your class...

Books can be a great way to help pupils manage difficult emotions, such as feeling lonely. This download contains a PDF full of classroom activities from literacy expert @booksuperhero2.bsky.social based around the picturebook When I Feel Lonely

I loved having the opportunity to think up activities to accompany this beautiful book from @brittateckentrup.bsky.social

"Hickes expertly ratchets up the tension page by page ... A brilliant read for any readers aged 10+ who don’t scare easily!"

Thank you @booksuperhero2.bsky.social for starting off our Halloween blog tour with this fabulous review of #TheLastDayOfOctober! 🎃