Engaging reads for children, from Books go Walkabout

Month: February 2025

Surviving Vesuvius by Beth Waters and Christopher Harrison

This narrative non-fiction book brings to life the powerful story of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the destruction of Pompeii, based on the first-hand account of Pliny the Younger.  It is packed with accessible information through exciting and descriptive text and illustrations.

The year is 79 AD. Seventeen year-old Roman student Pliny the Younger is at his home across the bay from the bustling town of Pompeii, where people are going about their daily business. The tremors that sometimes shake the ground are coming more frequently than usual, but all are unaware of the cataclysmic event that is about to unfold. Meanwhile, underground, pressure is building beneath the mountain that looms over the surrounding towns and villages. What follows is one of the most extraordinary and frightening natural distasters in recorded history.

This dramatic retelling is based on letters written by Roman historian Pliny the Younger after the event, and is reimagined featuring characters from the town of Pompeii who are known to have existed, such as the businesswoman Julia Felix and politician Julius Polybius.

The story describes the various stages of the eruption, as well as detailing how the history of Pompeii was later uncovered by archaeologists. A timeline and glossary provide extra information, ideal for history enthusiasts.

Beth Waters is an illustrator and printmaker originally from Yorkshire now living and working in Cambridge, UK. She is a graduate of the MA in Children’s Book Illustration at Cambridge School of Art, her first book, Child St Kilda, was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal.

Christopher Harrisson is a writer, artist and animator living in Bristol, UK.

Wide Eyed are an imprint of the Quarto Group and publish excellent and beautiful books on a wide range of topics for children and young people.

Sue Martin Children’s Literacy Specialist

The Pinchers and the Curse of the Egyptian Cat by Anders Sparring & illustrator Per Gustavsson

Super readable book in a great format, a really lovely book to hold and to read! The first in a funny chapter book crime series about a well-behaved child who doesn’t fit in to his family of criminals—featuring a prison break, a diamond heist, and a lie that saves the day.

Theo is good at most things. He can almost count to a thousand, knows several French words, and can operate the washing machine. But he can’t lie or steal.

“You must try harder,” says his mother sternly.

The Pincher Family love to steal things. It’s what they are born for! When his parents leave to visit the diamond exhibition, Theo’s heart sinks. After breaking Grandma out of prison (his little sister needs someone to read her bedtime story), Theo sees no alternative but to stop his parents stealing the diamond. His shout of “Stop! Police!” brings them only delight—Theo’s lie has shown he is a true Pincher.

A mix of adventure, silliness, and everyday family life, and with bright and funny illustrations, this is a perfect chapter book for beginning and reluctant readers.

Anders Sparring lives in Sweden, he writes children’s books and is a screen writer as well as being a stand up comedian.

Per Gustavsson is an illustrator and author with his books translated into other languages.

Gecko Press hand-picks books by some of the best writers and illustrators in the world—books of good heart and strong character, excellent in story, illustration and design.

Sue Martin – Children’s Literacy Specialist

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