Books are absolutely crucial in getting us to think about new worlds': we speak to the award-winning author, Onjali Q Rauf There are currently four books in the Dave Pigeon series, and I hope they keep coming. The stories are perfectly pitched at younger readers, with cheeky humour and an engaging first person narrative coupled with hilarious illustrations. Like Dave and Skipper, Swapna and Sheena make the perfect team! The winners of The Farshore Reading for Pleasure Teacher Awards 2023, highlighting the work schools are doing to encourage a love of reading, have... A very funny story about friendship and teamwork told from the point of view of Dave, a pigeon who is not quite as clever as he thinks he is.

Frank Cottrell Boyce on why reading for pleasure is the most important thing you can pass on to a child How to choose books you'll love - a fun animation to share with children to guide them through the process of choosing a book and inspire them to explore the bookshelves. The third book in the brilliantly funny Dave Pigeon series continues its light-hearted focus on friendship and the trials and tribulations younger children can face. In this instalment, Dave and Skipper have to face a too-cool-for-school gang of other animals at Dazzle, a far fancier vet’s down the road, and Dave realises that perhaps his dad is just human – or, pigeon – like everyone else. The humour is silly and full of punny jokes, and the final message about believing in yourself is perfect for younger children. Who could resist a story that makes you laugh and is crammed full of chocolate? This adventure is a joy from start to finish, as we follow Jelly on her quest to stop the chocopocalypse. It also features my favourite fictional grandma! 3. The Giggler Treatment by Roddy DoyleFor me it’s a rollercoaster of emotions that I’m trying to manipulate the reader into’ - Alex Wheatle on fictional world building, creating new language and seeing yourself in a book Night Mayor Franklefink has vanished from the Transylvanian Express - and it's up to you to solve the case! Part of the Solve Your Own Mystery seri...

In the Who Let The Gods out series, Maz Evans cleverly makes us laugh and cry in equal measure – something that takes great skill - and has resulted in her building a huge following of devoted fans. There are lots of standout characters to enjoy, but for me, Hermes steals the show. Bosh! Hello Yellow - 80 Books to Help Children Nurture Good Mental Health and Support With Anxiety and Wellbeing - The first Dave Pigeon book was the winner of the North Somerset Teachers’ Book Award, Read Aloud Category 2016, the winner of Surrey Libraries’ Children’s Book Award 2017, and a winner of the Fantastic Book Awards 2018. Swapna then moved to New Zealand where she continues to write, loves to read and eats Jaffa Cakes. Consult our directory of authors and storytellers to help plan a school visit (virtual or in-person) in the coming year.Armistice Day: A Collection of Remembrance - Spark Interest and Educate Children about Historical Moments

Dave Pigeon needs his wing fixed, so it’s off to Pawsville Pets for him and Skipper, who’s just going to keep him company (and type up their adventure, as usual). The two pigeons aren’t quite sure what to make of the vet's, but Jet the dog, Gary the hamster and the gang soon make them feel at home while Dave gets his new prosthetic wing fitted. WINNER of the Greenhouse Funny Prize; SHORTLISTED for the Sainsbury's Book Award and numerous regional awards, this hilarious series is adored by its readers! WINNER of the Greenhouse Funny Prize; SHORTLISTED for the Sainsbury’s Book Award and numerous regional awards, this hilarious series is adored by its readers! This book is absolutely ridiculous, in the funniest way. The Gigglers are such a brilliant creation, and the way they punish grown ups for telling off children is genius. Prepare yourself for a lot of sniggering! 4. Iguana Boy by James Bishop and Rikin Parekh For ages 5 to 8, the World Book Day Dave Pigeon Draw-along was led by author/illustrator duo Swapna Haddow and Sheena Dempsey, creators of the World Book Day title: Dave Pigeon: Bookshop Mayhem. During the event they shared details of how they get their ideas, top tips for creating stories, and led a classroom draw-along.

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Our Premier League Takeover Footy & Booky Quiz ran for a third consecutive year, and was hosted by top sports presenter Kelly Somers, along with Football School authors Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton. The quiz was aimed at pupils aged 8 to 12, and featured two rounds of questions (one football-themed, one reading-themed). You can still access all the footy fun by watching the quiz recording.