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2021’s World Book Day Books

In the previous blog post, I told you about what we were hoping to do for this year’s World Book Day.

I’m please to announce that these are the books you can choose from!

Remember, you can buy them with your special £1 WBD voucher, or you can buy them for a pound.
One token per child, as per the terms and conditions.
If you click on the picture by the book description, you will be taken to a sneaky-peek of the book.

 

 

 

There’s a Wolf in Your Book!

Written by: Tom Fletcher
Illustrated by: Greg Abbott
Publisher: Puffin Books

WOW!  Monster, Dragon, Alien, and Witch have made you a book! Jump in to explore the interactive adventure inside … but make sure you watch out for the BIG BAD WOLF!

Luna Loves World Book Day!

Written by: Joseph Coelho
Illustrated by: Fiona Lumbers
Publisher: Andersen Press

Today is World Book Day and Luna can’t wait. She has the whole day planned… Dress up as her favourite book character: a unicorn! Meet an author and an illustrator. Buy a new book with her book token. But – disaster! – Luna the Unicorn’s costume has ripped! Can Dad come to the rescue with a magic potato?

Celebrate World Book Day with Luna, from the Luna Loves series: Luna Loves Library Day and Luna Loves Art!

What the Ladybird Heard Play
Written by: Julia Donaldson
Illustrated by: Lydia Monks
Publisher: Macmillan

One clever ladybird, two bungling burglars… and a whole farmyard of fun!

Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len are two crafty robbers with a cunning plan to steal the farmer’s fine prize cow. But little do they know that the tiniest, quietest creature of all has overheard their plot, and she has a plan of her own…

The first story in the brilliantly funny What the Ladybird Heard series has been adapted by author Julia Donaldson into a fun and easy-to-read play script, with bright and distinctive illustrations by Lydia Monks — perfect for reading aloud, acting out and even putting on your very own play!

Gigantosaurus!

Written by: Jonny Duddle
Publisher: Bonnier

“I’ve made this thing I call a ‘BOOK’. I might let you three have a look. We’ll play my game called DINO-SPOT. To win, you’ll have to spot the lot!” Bonehead thinks he’s the best dino spotter. But can he find GIGANTOSAURUS?

Planet Omar: Operation Kind

Written by: Zanib Mian
Publisher: Hachette

One of Omar’s best friends, Daniel, has a little sister who goes to hospital regularly. He usually finds it easy to cheer her up when she’s there, but this time he feels he needs to do something extra special.

Enter Omar and their other best friend Charlie to help with Operation Kind! The boys try to come up with the perfect surprise for Suzy, and when they find out her favourite author is in the UK for just one day it feels like it was meant to be.

Can the boys overcome all of the ridiculous obstacles that get thrown in their path and face their fears, in a race against time to get a signed copy of the book for Suzy?

Protect the Planet

Written by: Jess French
Illustrated by: Aleesha Nandhra
Publisher: DK

Our planet is precious, and it’s up to us to take care of it. You may feel small, but your small actions can make a big difference. This book will teach you that by acting with kindness towards other people, plants, animals, and yourself, you can help to protect the planet.

The River Whale

Written by: Sita Brahmachari
Publisher: Hachette

Immy has always loved wild swimming; one day, she hopes to become a marine biologist. Tomorrow is the first step towards that goal – completing her entry level diving certificate.

But her plans for a good night’s sleep are ruined by a strange and vivid dream of a distressed whale in the river. At school she tries to shake it off, but discovers that her nightmare has leaked into reality.

Immy and her trusty friend Cosmo must head for the Thames on a mission to save the trapped river whale. Can Immy use her skills to release it from the rubbish-filled nets it’s caught in and guide it home?

Told in a mixture of free verse and prose, this is the beautiful new short adventure from Sita Brahmachari, with illustrations by Poonam Mistry.

Skysteppers

Written by: Katherine Rundell
Publisher: Bloomsbury

High above the streets of Paris live the rooftoppers, a secret gang of children who eat, sleep and tumble amongst the chimney pots. It’s a perilous life, but for Matteo and Mercedes the adventure is only just beginning. Caught up in a long-standing feud that threatens their existence amongst the stars, they find themselves on a hunt across Paris, tearing across the roofs of Versailles and the Louvre, searching for hidden treasure in a race against Henri Danglars – the enemy who would seek to destroy that which they love best.

From bestselling and multiple-award-winning author Katherine Rundell, this joyful new story of the rooftoppers of Paris is full of her trademark bravery and adventure. It’s a treat just waiting to be discovered.

Little Badman and the Radioactive Samosa

Written by: Humza Arshad and Henry White
Illustrated by: Aleksei Bitskoff
Publisher: Puffin Books

You’ve heard of Little Badman, right? No? Oh. Well. . . Doesn’t matter. You will do one day. He’s gonna be big.

Twelve-year-old Humza Khan, aka Little Badman is, amongst lots of other things: Eggington’s greatest rapper, a ninja, an all-round legend. That’s all according to Humza. And, to be honest, Eggington (his home town) is quite small. He has saved the word a couple of times though – from alien slugs and evil time-travelling teachers.

They are very cool adventures, and we’ll tell you about them some time, but this story will blow your mind. Humza and his two friends, Umer and Wendy, have narrowly avoided being hit by rock from outer-space. What does get hit, though, is a box of delicious samosas, which turn . . . radioactive. The three friends wake up the next day to find they have superpowers, which is pretty cool. What’s less cool is the giant hamsters roaming the town. Looks like a job for Little Badman and his crew . . .

Football School: 20 Amazing Football Stories

Written by: Alexander Bellos and Ben Lyttleton
Illustrated by: Spike Gerrell
Publisher: Walker Books
Discover 20 mind-blowing football stories in this awesome collection created for World Book Day 2021.

Find out the true stories of the star players, top teams and game changers who have shaped football history. Stories include:

- The secret behind Lionel Messi’s success
- The footballer who pooed on the pitch
- The greatest goat in football
- The incredible story of women’s football after World War I

The bestselling Football School series explains the world through football. This collection is packed with fascinating facts and super stats, so you’ll learn loads about football, as well as other amazing subjects such as history, science and geography.

Make reading even more fun by downloading these great activities from the Football School series:

Football School Biology Activity Kit
Football School Geography Activity Kit
Football School Physics Activity Kit

Stories for Older Readers

Kill Joy

Written by: Holly Jackson
Publisher: Egmont

Pippa Fitz-Amobi is not in the mood for her friend’s murder mystery party. Especially one that involves 1920’s fancy dress and pretending that their town, Little Kilton, is an island called Joy.

But when the game begins, Pip finds herself drawn into the make-believe world of intrigue, deception and murder. But as Pip plays detective, teasing out the identity of the killer clue-by-clue, the murder of the fictional Reginald Remy isn’t the only case on her mind . . .

Find out where it all began for Pip in this prequel to the best-selling A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and Good Girl, Bad Blood.

NB: Contains mature content. Not suitable for younger readers.

Skulduggery Pleasant: Apocalypse Kings

Written by: Derek Landy
Publisher: Harper Collins

Three ancient gods are freed from their prison with only one desire: to destroy the planet and everyone on it. 

To save us all, Skulduggery Pleasant and Valkyrie Cain must go undercover in a Dublin school. Skulduggery has to blend in with the teaching staff, while Valkyrie has to pass for an ordinary schoolgirl. Above all else, no matter what happens, they both must act completely and utterly normal. 

We are so dead. 

Please note: Not suitable for younger readers.

 

World Book Day logo - a bookmark with eyes in the letter Os

The Sneak-peek inside feature is called Book2Look and has been made possible by Nielsen Book, who provide a unique range of services, enabling books to be discovered by book buyers everywhere.

 

Remember to follow us on social media and tag us to share your stories  on instagram, twitter and facebook – remember to @nickelbooks and @worldbookday, and hashtag #shareastory #10minutesaday #worldbookday2021 #worldbookday #nickelbooks

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Black History Month (October)

October is Black History Month – this is an annual event where the history of black people is highlighted – people from African countries, people scattered all over the world because of slavery, forced immigration or invitation.

There’s an amazing website dedicated to Black History Month – https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/ (opens in a new tab), so I hope you’ll take some time this month to have a look at the facts, stories, archives, evidence and personal accounts that are on there.

I’ve made a small list of books that you might be interested in – all are available now, either in stock or through Send My Book – just “search” through the site for the listing (if I haven’t been able to link directly)

Please note that many of these books are focussed on American Black History, but I’ve included worldwide ones where I can.
If you would like to order any other book about Black History, then please complete the form or send us an email.

How to Be Extraordinary by Rashmi Sirdeshpande

Your little reader will discover the real-life stories behind some of the most extraordinary people. From Nelson Mandela and Abdul Kalam to Mo Farah, Michelle Obama and many more, all of these people have done amazing things – and with this colourful and easily-digestible read, you can explore their stories together.

 

 

 

Little Leaders: Exceptional Men in Black History by Vashti Harrison

All throughout history, Black men have stood up and fought for justice and what they believe in. This book tells the stories of 40 Black men, from campaigners, athletes, fashion journalists and musicians who realised their dreams and made the world a better place. Read about the amazing lives of Prince, Paul Stephenson and Kofi Annan with your own future little leader and learn about these great men together.

 

 

The Extraordinary Life of Mary Seacole

A nurse in the Crimean war, Mary Seacole cared for the wounded soldiers on the battlefield, despite being turned down to work alongside Florence Nightingale. Mary did invaluable work during the Crimean War, where she rode into battle on horseback to treat soldiers of both armies. She is a maginificent figure, and led a very interesting life.

 

 

 

Timelines from Black History : Leaders, Legends, Legacies

A veritable encyclopaedia of important (and unknown) people throughout black history – with timelines, so that children can see the journeys from pre-history, through ancient civilisations to the modern world.

 

 

 

Africa, Amazing Africa: Country by Country by Atinuke

Discover the amazing diversity of the African continent in this beautiful book, with words by Atinuke and lively illustrations from Mouni Feddag.
A celebration of all 55 countries on the African continent! Her beautifully-written text captures Africa’s unique mix of the modern and the traditional, as she explores its geography, its peoples, its animals, its history, its resources and its cultural diversity.
The book divides Africa into five sections: South, East, West, Central and North, each with its own introduction. This is followed by a page per country, containing a delightful mix of friendly, informative text and colourful illustrations. The richest king, the tallest sand dunes and the biggest waterfall on the planet are all here, alongside drummers, cocoa growers, inventors, balancing stones, salt lakes, high-tech cities and nomads who use GPS!

Image for Josephine Baker : 16Josephine Baker

Meet Josephine Baker, the world-famous entertainer, activist and French Resistance agent in this true story of her life! This board book version of Josephine Baker – from the beloved Little People, BIG DREAMS series – follows the incredible life of Josephine Baker, from growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, during segregation to defying expectations and performing on the stage in Paris, where audiences fell in love with her.

Josephine Baker was born for the stage. But growing up in segregated St. Louis, she didn’t have the same opportunities as white entertainers. So, she moved to Paris where audiences fell in love with her. Josephine worked as a dancer, an actor, and even a spy. She then spent the rest of her life spreading the word that people of all colors can live together in harmony.

(available in Hardback for older children or in a board book with simpler text for younger children)

Wilma Rudolph

New in the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the life of Wilma Rudolph, the remarkable sprinter and Olympic champion.

Wilma was born into a family with 22 brothers and sisters, in the segregated South. She contracted polio in her early years and her doctors said she would never walk again. But Wilma persisted with treatment, and she recovered her strength by the age of 12. At school, Wilma showed a talent for basketball and sprinting, earning the nickname ‘Skeeter’ (mosquito) as she ran so fast. Wilma was in college when she went to the 1960 Olympics. She not only won gold in sprint events, but also broke world records with her sprinting skill. She had beaten polio to become an Olympic champion. She is a huge inspiration to many women in sports around the world. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the athlete’s life.

Rosa Parks (Little People Big Dreams)

Discover the incredible life of Rosa Parks, ‘ The Mother of the Freedom Movement’, in this inspiring story. In this true story of an inspiring civil rights activist, Rosa Parks grew up during segregation in Alabama, but she was taught to respect herself and stand up for her rights.
In 1955, Rosa refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her decision had a huge impact on civil rights, eventually leading to the end of segregation on public transport. With stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, this empowering series celebrates the important life stories of wonderful women of the world. From designers and artists to scientists, all of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream.
These books make the lives of these role models accessible for children, providing a powerful message to inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world!

I Am Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks dared to stand up for herself and other African Americans by staying seated, and as a result she helped end public bus segregation and launch the country’s civil rights movement. This book tells the story of one of America’s icons in an entertaining, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers.

 

Remember to share with us anything you post on social media – we’re on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook – please use the tag @nickelbooks, and hashtags #nickelbooks #blackhistorymonth.

 

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Roald Dahl Day (13th September)

Roald Dahl Day is this Sunday!

The wonderful people at the official Roald Dahl website have created a party pack for you to download and use, so you can find that by clicking here.

And yes! They’ve also made one for titchy toddlers – click here to download that one

 

 

 

There’s even more interesting activities, videos and downloads provided by Puffin Books, all based on Roald Dahl’s fabulous stories!

Here’s a video of a storytime of The Witches (an excerpt) – opens in a new tab

What about activity ideas based on Charlie and The Chocolate Factory? Click here to download that one!

This whipple-scrumptious activity pack is filled with fun inspired by Roald Dahl’s story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Did you know Roald Dahl used to be a chocolate tester for a rather well known chocolatier while he was at school? Perhaps that’s when he first started dreaming about oompa-loompas and chocolate rivers . . . .

This pack includes:

  • Roald Dahl book quiz
  • Inventing room challenge
  • Golden ticket maze
  • Willy Wonka’s pick ‘n’ mix wordsearch
  • Character dress up ideas
  • Top hat template
  • Golden Ticket template
  • Wonka Bar template

Or you could join Quentin Blake in drawing Willy Wonka or an Oompa Loompa!

If Matilda’s your favourite, you could download her paper ball activity, a writing prompt thinking about the future , make a newt float, or download a diary for you to fill in (this one’s big, so maybe ask your parents if it’s okay to print pages out!)

 

Puffin also created a learning pack all about George’s Marvellous Medicine – it was aimed at schools, but we’ve looked through it and there are some awesome activities in there that we think you’ll love, and can do at home!
Download that one here

 

You can print out and make some fabulous Bookmarks (print them out onto card and they’ll be sturdy)

There’s an Enormous Crocodile Word Game to make (Here’s the direct link to the Puffin website, because it’s got a lot of instructions!)

 

As always, we’d love to see what you’ve been up to, so please hashtag #RoaldDahlDay #nickelbooks and @nickelbooks mention us on social media!

And the websites we’ve used for the links are: www.roalddahl.com, www.penguin.co.uk/puffin and https://www.puffinschools.co.uk

 

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Hangman

We love wordgames, and when I realised just how much paper we were going through with Hangman, I thought I could make something more permanent.

We have laminated ours, but if you don’t want to create more plastic, you could place your sheet under a piece of glass or perspex that you’ve already got, blutack it to the other side of a window, or even use it under tracing paper!

As it’s a PDF, you can print it out as small as you like – this is A4 size, but if you go to the Print dialogue box you can print 2 or 4 to a sheet to save paper.

It’s really simple to use – just draw your letter lines on the green lines, and use the faded hangman to draw the gallows.

Download Hangman Game