Have you been on a Bear Hunt? Invited the Tiger to Tea? Found the Gruffalo...? Once the beloved picture books have been read and read (and read...) where do you go next? Here is a selection of some of our favourite 'jumping up' books- perfect for little readers who still love a bedtime story but are ready for something a little longer. Highly illustrated, with characters to fall in love with, these books introduce children to 'chapters' and series where they can follow their favourite characters through many adventures.   Wigglesbottom Primary- The Sports Day Chicken Written by Pamela Butchart....

The journey from page to screen is much travelled and frequently sees what made the story special get lost along the way. (The Golden Compass, the absolutely awful adaptation of Philip Pullman's brilliant Northern Lights didn't so much lose its way as jump headfirst off a cliff) ). Over the last few years though, there's been some brilliant film and tv versions of YA books. Harriet, who joined us for work experience this week, has chosen her favourites and a couple to look out for... One Of Us Is Lying - Karen. M. McManus Five high school students alone in detention, but...

Ranging from the cosy to the frightening, folklore to feminist retellings, 2023 really is the Year of the Witch Book. From historical fiction to fantasy, YA to children, witches are popping up everywhere. Dissections of the witch myth, heroic women battling the patriachy and some plain old spooky fun and games. No black cats or broomsticks required, this reading list is for witches and non-witches alike. The Manningtree Witches by A.K. Blakemore Winner of the Desmond Elliot Prize and shortlisted for the Costa Award, The Manningtree Witches paints a darkly glimmering tale of fear and suspicion, as the women of Manningtree are...