The Village by Eleanor Watkins

Good morning bookaholics. Sorry I haven't been around lately. Life has been busy and I've been at 2 conferences. More about them later. In the meantime I have a review of a fabulous YA book for you..

The Village is set in an English Village during the time of the plague. It is seen from the viewpoint of three different children - Ellen, William and Sam. Each child is unique and I love the way we see the village and the effects of the Black Death through their different perspectives. The book is well researched and great attention paid to historical detail. However, do not be fooled into thinking that this is a dry book as it is not. The story is fascinating and kept me reading to find out what happens next. I genuinely could not put it down.

The attention to detail in this book is exquisite. At the top of each chapter there is a small illustration. This illustration is repeated on the page number. The icon is different for each character so emphasizes the character who is speaking in the particular chapter. I love this. It demonstrates that a great deal of thought has gone into it's production. All kudos to the publisher, Books to Treasure. 

This is a book which I can highly recommend. Children will love it and I am sure adults will too. 

Amazon UK The Village

Amazon USA The Village

There we have it for another week bookaholics.  See you back here soon.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in return for an honest review. At no time was I asked to provide a positive review. This is based on my reading, and enjoyment, of the book. 

Button Books by Joyce Mitchell

I continue the surprise in my eclectic reading collection today by bringing you three adorable little children's books. Yes, I know that's unusual but these books deserve to be reviewed. This Bookaholic is never surprised to shy away from something different. 

Button.

It says in the book blurb that Button the dog is adorable and he is. In fact the's the cutest dog ever. In this book we are introduced to Button and his owner, Buffy. The simple words will be easy for pre school children under 5. It will help the older children to learn to read. In this book Button is learning some simple tasks, like counting to three and going up and down stairs, amongst others. This will help children to learn and reinforce what they are learning in real life.

The supporting illustrations are superb and really bring Button and Buffy to life. A great little book which would be enjoyed by both boys and girls of pre school age.

Button Goes to Hollywood

In this book Button wins a competition and goes to Hollywood. The book mainly describes his trip so this book is useful for discussing different modes of transport. As he does the trip on his own Buffy, does not feature heavily in this book. I really enjoyed the book and it would be great for pre-school children. The one thing I will say, is that the concept of Hollywood may be a little too difficult to grasp for British children under 5. However, the concepts in the book still translate well having travelled across the atalantic. A great addition to the Button Books.

Button Goes to the Doctor

In this book in the series button has to go to the Doctor. Trying to keep him calm, Buffy suggests that he take his favourite bag of red buttons. It is raining, which should resonate with UK readers. On the way they see birds in the park and talk about what they can see. Button is examined and given a clean bill of health and a button shaped biscuit. He also learns to talk in human language. This is a lovely little book and children under five are sure to love both the book and Button the dog.


This book series is fabulous. It will help children of under 5 learn many different concepts. Button the Dog is delightful and children are sure to love him. The illustrations are superb and really bring the books and the characters to life. Joyce Mitchell is a highly talented children's author and I am looking forward to seeing more books in the series.

As an added bonus the books are free at the moment so well worth downloading. The links are below for UK and US

Button UK
Button US

Button goes to Hollywood UK
Button Goes to Hollywood US

Button goes to the Doctor UK
Button goes to the Doctor US


There we are for another week. For all those who read to children it is well worth grabbing these books now. See you all again soon for another review. Till then keep reading, and get those children reading. Bye.

Slimy by Karen Arnpriester - An Honest Look at Bullying

I bring you a completely different book today on Bookaholic. Bullying is becoming a increasingly large problem in Western Society. Many children have to live with this day after day. Today's book takes an honest look at how this had an effect on one young girl.

Karen Arnpriester is a talented author of several books and loved by many people. What many people may not know about her is that she was severely and repeatedly bullied as a child. This book, the story of her schooldays and her bullying, is for children. It is written for those whoa re being bullied but also for the bullies to help them recognise the effect that this has on a child.

This is an emotional tale but at the same time is very powerful. It is definitely one worth reading. Karen has opened up her heart and her past to us as readers and this must have been extremely difficult for her to do. The impact that the bullying has had on her self esteem is evident. However, this is also a tale of overcoming and testimony to the person she is now.

Although this is a book for children, I as an adult found it compelling. There will be a an adult version coming out in the future. This sia book which all parents should buy for their children. There are discussion questions at the back of the book aimed at both the bullied and the bullies.

I was given this book in return for a fair and honest review. At no time was I pressured into writing a positive review and the rating I have given is based on my reading of and response to the book.

I will leave you there for today. This book is well worth buying and reading for everyone. If you have been affected by bullying then this book may help. 

I post this blog today with prayer for anyone who is affected by this post.