Our Children's Book Blog | Parrot Street Book Club – Tagged "Children's book recommendations"

An interview with Loris Owen about The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith and her favourite fantasy books for kids

April 16, 2021

This month our Cockatoo subscribers are on a thrilling, magical adventure with Kip and his friends in The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith. Here we quiz author Loris Owen on what inspired the book, her favourite fantasy reads and, most importantly, who she would want on her team in a quest.

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An exclusive extract from The Elephant by Peter Carnavas and our recommended books about mental health for kids

April 13, 2021

The book we sent our Parakeet subscribers this month tells the beautiful and ultimately uplifting story of Olive, whose family is in the midst of a terrible grief. We're delighted to be able to share an exclusive extract from The Elephant as well as our recommended books for kids about grief and mental health.

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An interview with the Brothers McLeod about Knight Sir Louis and funny books for kids

March 15, 2021

This month our Parakeet subscribers are reading Knight Sir Louis and the Damsel in Distress, a laugh-out-loud tale written and illustrated by brothers Greg and Myles McLeod. Here Myles ('the writey half') tells us all about working with his big brother and which other funny books for kids he would recommend you read next.

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An interview with Ele Fountain about Lost and her favourite adventure books for kids

February 16, 2021

The book we sent our Cockatoo subscribers this month is a thrilling, atmospheric and very moving adventure story set in a vibrant city in the midst of an epic monsoon. It really had us on the edge of our seats! Here we quiz author Ele Fountain on what inspired the dramatic setting and which other adventure stories she would recommend you read next.

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An interview with Sophie Wills about The Orphans of St Halibut's and her favourite funny books for kids

January 29, 2021

This month our Cockatoo subscribers have been reading The Orphans of St Halibuts by Sophie Wills. We love the book’s quirky humour, David Tazzyman’s amazing illustrations, and especially the brilliant and brave cast of characters. Here Sophie tells us what inspired the book and which other funny books for kids she would recommend you read next.

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An interview with Derek Keilty about Flyntlock Bones: The Sceptre of the Pharaohs and his favourite pirate books for kids

January 12, 2021

Our Parakeet subscribers are kicking off the year with a fantastic, swashbuckling adventure story, brilliantly illustrated by Mark Elvins and combining two of our favourite themes for this age group: pirates and detectives! Here author Derek Keilty tells us what inspired his new series and which other pirate books for kids he would recommend you read next.

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An interview with Sally Gardner about The Tindims of Rubbish Island and writing environmental books for kids

December 16, 2020

This month we sent our Parakeet subscribers the first book in a delightful new series by Sally Gardner, The Tindims of Rubbish Island, which explores our impact on the environment and inventive ways to recycle. Illustrated by Sally’s daughter, Lydia Corry, the book introduces a fun new world of characters and adventures perfect for keen young ecologists. Here we talk to Sally about what inspired the book.

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An interview with Jenni Spangler about The Vanishing Trick and her favourite historical books for kids

December 15, 2020

The book we sent our Cockatoo subscribers this month is a magical adventure story with a fascinating historical setting, packed with atmosphere, drama and intrigue. We loved it! Here we quiz author Jenni Spangler on what inspired the book and which other books with historical settings she would recommend you read next.

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6 of the best Christmas books for kids

December 1, 2020

Of course, reading together is for life, not just for Christmas! But there’s something particularly special about the books we share with our kids at Christmas. Getting out the box of Christmas books is as much a part of our pre-Christmas preparations as decorating the tree.

There are so many brilliant Christmas books for kids to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here we share our top recommendations for a bit of festive reading this holiday season.

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An interview with Chitra Soundar about Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister and her favourite books for kids set in India

November 23, 2020

The book we sent out Parakeet subscribers this month is a lovely, gentle tale about life in a lively Indian family and the very relatable feelings Sona has about becoming a big sister. It was an easy pick for our boxes, not least because it has the most beautiful cover! We asked author Chitra Soundar to tell us more about what inspired the book and which other books set in India she would recommend for kids and parents.

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5 books that make perfect Christmas Eve box fillers

November 18, 2020

The idea of making Christmas, and particularly Christmas Eve, a time of books has been growing here in the UK over recent years and it’s something we completely support. There are few things better than snuggling up with your loved ones and reading – whether that’s aloud to each other or simply being together whilst lost in your own book. We think no Christmas Eve box would be complete without a book, or two. Any book that kids will enjoy is a great book to include but if you’re after something festive and short enough to enjoy on Christmas Eve itself, we're sharing 5 great suggestions.

Children's book recommendations

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An interview with Roopa Farooki about The Cure for a Crime and her favourite crime books for kids

November 14, 2020

This month we sent our Cockatoo subscribers a brilliant book starring a pair of super-sleuth twins who set about solving a medical mystery. Here author and real-life doctor Roopa Farooki tells us what inspired the book and which other crime books for kids she recommends you read next.

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