@daydreamin_star and I have set up a site to connect school/class/ward libraries in need with their very own Santas. Please spread the word we are in need of more libraries and generous book donating Santa's www.schoollibrarysanta.wordpress.com

I'm sure many if you, like me, have fantasised about being Belle in this scenario but have you ever thought of being the beast? Have you ever considered the pleasure he felt giving that beautiful gift? More and more I read of teachers paying their own money to stock class/school libraries to give their students that same gift. Think of the library's we could create if we all gave one book! Coming soon www.schoollibrarysanta@wordpress.com

No it's not Elphaba it's just my 2yo after enjoying her veggy pasta

Inspired by Litsy @daydreamin_star and I have started a new feature over at www.bigbooklittlebook.com Witch Born was the first book to undergo the two ticks treatment. Each Tuesday we will post two more reviews of books we've enjoyed that are quick write and even quicker to read. You are welcome to join us but please link back to www.bigbooklittlebook.com as creator and leave us a comment so we can come and visit your post # TwoTicksTue

SRB's sparkling dialogue, laugh out loud quips and loveable charismatic characters make you wish that you could visit Sorry-In -The -Vale, become a member of the Scooby gang and fight blood thirsty sorcerers. Despite having experienced SRB‘s own brand of evil genius before (book 1&2) I was unprepared for each gasp of shock, cringe of horror and snot bubble of sadness.
A series for people who like their angst sprinkled with snorts of laughter.

I can‘t tell you how totally refreshing it was to pick up and devour Melinda‘s rule breaking, second instalment. I love how she so unceremoniously tosses in opinion changing, gasp out loud, head spinning plot points with nothing more than an casual unapologetic shrug. Oh so you though it was going to go differently? While a fantastic edition to the Sin Eaters series it stands on its own merits and could be enjoyed without reading the first

This zippy little read takes place over Pride week. While the book alludes to some serious themes and introduces the characters at povital moments in their young adult lives, overall the book felt fresh and light and I was happy to be sweep up within its pages. I loved the premise that someone on the outskirts of your social circle, essentially a stranger, can at the right moment in time be exactly the person you need in your life.

This was a perfect autumnal read, sitting warm and cosy under a blanket while our protagonist, Alyce found herself in ever more uncomfortable (usually cold and wet) and dangerous situations.
I really enjoyed how debut author Bowling played with history, taking a very real and very tense political situation and very recognizable historical figures and deftly overlaying the fantasy elements of his story.

The beautiful cover snagged my attention while the blurb reeled me in. A one click buy that went straight to the top of my TBR & didn't disappoint. I loved the portrayal of the power of story telling. The stories sprinkled throughout made me feel as though I was privy to a delicious secret . Ticks all of my boxes- Absorbing world building& plot✔️ fleshed out side characters & relationships✔️kick ass protag✔️ personal journey ✔️dragons✔️cute boy✔️

I really loved Zoe Marriott's urban fantasy trilogy. From its diverse cast of likeable characters, it's Japanese influences through to a plot and world building so absorbing I almost missed my flight, this trio delights, entertains and enthrals.

http://www.bigbooklittlebook.com/2013/06/the-night-itself-ya-book-review/

Really enjoyed the way the author highlighted everyday sexism in a humorous way but, as with the previous books in this trilogy, still managed to address serious element in a sensitive and informative way

Inspired by Bruce Bogtotters adventures with Truchball's chocolate cake #NovelNibbles http://www.bigbooklittlebook.com/category/novel-nibbles/

#NovelNibbles is a feature I used to write over at Big Book Little Book. These #SteamPunk #cupcakes were inspired by meeting Gail Carriger and reading Soulless http://www.bigbooklittlebook.com/2012/04/novel-nibbles-steampunk-cupcakes/

My favourite book from my favourite author.
Still getting the hang of Litsy and blurbed this earlier rather than quoted 🤦‍♀️

My favourite book by my favourite author.
#NovemberCakes #MurderousHorses

My full Fall TBR.
I planned to read Grave Matter for my Halloween read but I have quiet finished my last read.

The top of my autumn TBR.
What are you looking forward to curling up with in November?
*having to make do with leaves alone as the unseasonably warm weather has resulted in the local horse chestnut tree refusing to drop its spike enclosed shiny seeds* #conkershortage #firstworldproblem #InstagramMakesThisShizLookEasy

What are you doing with your extra hour this fine autumnal morning? I'm indulging in a little #feminist #YA and a home made #DairyFree latte in my brand new massive mug from Tiger

I love Holly's writing. She deftly managed to combine the struggle of living with a long term condition, and a heartbreaking crisis with loveable characters and snort out loud humour. Holly's books deals with friendships and relationships like the older, wiser sister every woman wishes she had had to guide her through her teen years and young adulthood. Really informative & thought provoking. A gripping first person insight in to OCD.

Absolutely loving this series. Raced through this in a single sitting. Despite the heavy back story I didn't find this as intense as the first and it was even funnier. Could really relate to Ambers Britishness. I continued to love Lottie's insights, they work well within the story and don't feel like info dumps. A fabulous way to introduce feminist principles & ideas to young people. I plan to gift this series to every tween and teen I know.

This cover is so beautiful and haunting. Such a talented pairing of author and Illustrator. I've got high hopes for this gorgeous book. *adds to TBR*

The cover is what immediately drew my attention, it put to mind a kind of 1900‘s Buffy.
What I got was a much subtler, but no less enjoyable, character driven story. I would recommend it for people that like slow building character driven novels about female familial relationships and the many different strengths of young women. Full review at http://www.bigbooklittlebook.com/2017/10/odd-and-true/ #fantasy #historical #paranormal #YA

A real favourite with my sight impaired 2 yo (we've read it nightly for over six months!) who likes to complete the simple rhymes from memory. Its uncluttered illustrations in bold colours with thick lines and the addition of different textures on each page hold her attention. The board book formate encourages and enables her to participate in holding the book and turning the pages and prolongs the life of this much loved book. #LowVisionToddler

This one was a grower. I really disliked Max, the male protagonist, and his actions and almost gave up on the book midway through. However, despite my inability to really connect with the characters and their love story, I still ultimately enjoyed this story. The dramatic devises held the story together and had me racing to turn the pages late in to the night. The final third of the book surprised and delighted me.

This book was so much more than I anticipated; it had more energy, more action, more gruesome ends and more pulse raising horrors- from the shudder inducing cave dwellers to the horrific aftermath of war. A gripping, fast paced read. Fair warning- parts of the book make uncomfortable reading, particularly those with a gentle disposition and a completely understandable aversion to our eight legged friends!

From Dimples and Rishi‘s refreshing first meeting (literal and figurative), until I turned the final page, what felt and inconceivably short time later, I sat with a goofy grin on my face, loving every awkward, romantic and snort out loud moment of it. A thirst quenching summer Rom Com which I gulped down in a single sitting

Really great read with an interesting premise, fantastical world building and likeable characters all topped with a tense mystery. I really loved the clever use of simple illustrations to give a glimpse in to the past and to add another "voice" to this first person present tense narrative. Like the smoky nocturnal city itself, this book invites you in to its constantly moving world of magic and stomach twisting entertainment.

This well written and well-researched book aligns so well with my professional philosophy of care and information provision as a Midwife and antenatal educator, that I am happy to recommend this book with no hesitations. In fact I have already gifted a copy to a soon to be birthing mother!

I love the premise and style of this book. Lovely clean and minimalist pages with easy to follow recipes and great photography. The pictorial ingredients list is a hit with the kids who have been helping to locate ingredients from around the kitchen. Every recipe has been a massive hit with the entire family. Recycled the pea, mint and potato mash with some lamb tonight. Clean plates all round.