It’s that time of year when I look back at all the incredible books I’ve read and reviewed. It’s a thing a lot of reviewers do at this time of year but how do I choose? Every book that has crossed my path in the last twelve months (and more) has been incredible in its own unique way. Illustrations that dazzle, text that jumps off the page and plots that have me awake into the wee small hours just so I can read one more page…
Being a children’s book reviewer is magical. I get to glimpse the before AND the after of a book launch. It’s wonderful to see books you’ve reviewed on bookshop and library shelves, ready and waiting for new owners to come along and take them home. Debuts, second novels, ninth collections and so on. Thank you to every creative, publisher, agent and reader who has sent us books to review, it really is quite something to be a part of the publishing adventure.
I lost the first half of the year to recovering from surgery and consequent treatment for breast cancer so it’s fair to say my head was a little elsewhere for a while. However, I still managed to read 62 outstanding books this year, from picture books to poetry and chapter books to crime. Some I review for My Book Corner, some I read for myself. Some are not new out but they’re all new to me.
For every book I read from Jan to Dec, I put £1 into my jar, donating the final amount on the 31st December to a charity of my choosing. This years amount of £62 has gone to The Rock Trust, a Scottish charity that helps young people between the ages of 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
I finally managed to select a few of my favourites from 2024, across all age ranges:
The Super Sunny Murder Club (Middle Grade – 8 to 12 years), curated & edited by the fabulous Serena Patel and Robin Stevens, this is a must-read collection of crime stories from creatives across the children’s book world. Fabulous cover by Harry Woodgate too!
The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey (adult), set in the time of The Yorkshire Ripper, this novel is told from the point of view of two teenagers who aren’t allowed out due to what’s happening in their town. They take it upon themselves to solve the murders by investigating those within their community. Based on the author’s experiences of living during that time. I read this months ago and yet I’m still thinking about it. Absolutely fantastic storytelling. Cover by Shutterstock images.
Tsunami Girl by Julian Sedgwick (Young Adult), illustrated by Chie Kutsuwada is part prose/part Manga. A heart-breaking yet stunning depiction of the 2011 Tsunami for its fictional characters, and the devastation and ghosts that it left in its wake.
Deep written & illustrated by Stephen Hogtun (picture book) is a beautiful example of how non-fiction elements to storytelling can capture the imagination. A superbly illustrated and informative guide to the underwater world for anyone who wishes to dive in.
The Hoolet Thit Couldnae Fly by Emma Grae (5 to 8 years), illustrated by Bob Dewar, is a fantastic Scots chapter book about a girl looking for her bird – a hoolet called Brodie. Enchanting and well-paced, this is a fantastic story to read over and over again.
Let the Light Pour In – morning poems by Lemn Sissay with a fantastic cover by Gill Heeley (adult). I can’t think of a better way to start my day than to read from this lovely poetry collection. It got me through some interesting times when a little shove was needed to make it through the day. Like welcoming an old friend in for a blether.
I post about every book I read, so if you’d like to see other reviews I’ve written then you’ll find them all here, with my children’s book reviews on My Book Corner too.
Here’s some tips if you’re reviewing and posting your thoughts about children’s books on-line:
- If you’re part of a book launch blog tour, take the time to read the book well before your specified date on the tour, rather than running late. Try to give yourself as much time as possible to prepare your review, ready to go.
- Depending on the age group of the children it’s aimed for, tailor your review for that readership, perhaps keeping plot twists and the ending a secret so young readers get that joy when they read the book themselves.
- Be honest, if it’s not for you then perhaps refrain from reviewing or add some thoughts on the aspects you did like. Not one single published person out there appreciates a bad review. It doesn’t help anyone, especially on the week/day of the launch. If you still wish to give your thoughts, contact the author/agent/publisher off-line. Not all books are for everyone, please be kind.
- Acknowledge everyone involved in the books creation in your post(s) – author AND illustrator, cover designer (if used), publisher, PR copy received from etc. It takes a village and all that.
- Add ALT TEXT wording to each photo you post, anyone using a reader will then have your images deciphered, giving an inclusive and accessible reach for all.
- Use correct social media handles for everyone involved, not just the author.
- Try to post on as many social media outlets as possible. If it’s a fantastic book then it deserves the time spent promoting it.
- A job well done, get the kettle on.
p.s if you can, grab a jar and put some pennies in as you go (it doesn’t have to be a £1 per book you read, anything and everything counts).
All the best for your reading year ahead.