Books Archives - Plutonium Sox

Natalie Ray September 6, 2019 Books

Book recommendations for primary school children September 2019

This month, the girls and I are continuing on our search for engaging books for primary school children. A summer of bedtime stories has finally got us through Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Without pausing for breath we’ve moved straight on to The Goblet of Fire. Aside from that, we’ve been looking for books they enjoy reading themselves to keep up their reading ability during the holidays. Plus, audio books have helped us out on long car journeys. We’ve found some really gorgeous, engaging books this month that I’m happy to recommend. As always, please do let me…

View Post

Natalie Ray July 8, 2019 Books

Book recommendations for primary school children July 2019

Reading is arguably the most important academic skill a child can learn. It’s the foundation all other subjects are based on. However when our girls reached primary school age, it became increasingly difficult to find books they engaged with. This post combines new releases with old favourites that our girls are loving at the moment. Please do leave me a comment with your own recommendations, we’re always looking for new ideas. Books for Key Stage 1 Little People, Big Dreams series My sister bought two books from the Little People, Big Dreams series for Lia’s birthday. We have Rosa Parks…

View Post

Natalie Ray March 1, 2018 Books

10 best bedtime stories for preschool to key stage 1

We’re not ones for routine, in fact life tends to be quite chaotic here. Days out and even holidays are often spontaneous. Best laid plans often descend into chaos and bedtime isn’t at the same time every day. But the one thing we do insist on is a bedtime story. Every night before bed, one of us will cuddle up with the girls in our bed and read our favourite books. These have changed over the years, but there’s one that I suspect will remain a favourite for years to come. Here are my top ten bedtime stories for children…

View Post

Natalie Ray November 21, 2017 Books

Children’s book review: The Great Cat-Nap

It is a sad reflection on the seriousness of second child syndrome in our house. For several months, our long-suffering youngest has been listening to bedtime stories aimed at much older children. In fact, the recommendation is that they’re for children age six plus – she’s three. So, it was time to redress the balance with an adorable new book for little ones. And it’s one she can wholeheartedly relate to. The Saccone Jolys and the Great Cat-Nap The Saccone Joly family consists of mum and dad, three children and six dogs. The girls giggled at the children’s activities that…

View Post

Natalie Ray April 13, 2017 Books

#StarWarsReads review and giveaway

To celebrate Star Wars Day on May the 4th, Egmont have released a selection of Star Wars branded books for children. They have kindly sent us a selection of the books to review and as you will see, Libby has got into the spirit of it! Star Wars The Force Awakens illustrated story book The illustrated story book of The Force Awakens is a brilliant introduction to Star Wars for younger children. The words are simple and there are fantastic pictures. It gives a little briefing about each of the characters as they are introduced. This is great for people who…

View Post

Natalie Ray October 15, 2016 Books

Thomas’ Big Pop-Up Journey – Review & Giveaway!

This is a collaborative post. All views, opinions and images are my own. The girls have been fans of Thomas and Friends for as long as I can remember. We often go to Thomas Land at Drayton Manor, in fact Lia has been going since she was four months old. The girls love both reading Thomas books and playing with the characters. So when we were asked to review Thomas’ Big Pop-Up Journey book and play scene, I knew they were going to love it. Thomas’ Big Pop-Up Journey – The Book I love reading with the girls and any book…

View Post

Natalie Ray October 10, 2016 Books

The Book of Everyone – Review & Win!

We all know at least one person who is difficult to buy for. Even the usual default gifts are out. Wine? They don’t drink. Chocolate? They’re on a diet. Gift vouchers? They lose them. So what CAN you get for people like that? Introducing the Book of Everyone If there’s one thing people are interested in it’s themselves. It doesn’t matter who they are, tell them an interesting fact about them they didn’t know and you’ve got them hooked. So a whole book about them and you’re onto a winner. Now for me, the usual ungrateful recipient of my misplaced…

View Post