Welcome to our school library page

Keep an eye out for exciting author visits, book reviews and much more! 

New Books in Library 

Mountain and Cloud by Jana Curll 

Mountain and Cloud are the Best of friends.  
When an enormous storm blows Cloud far away, they're lost without each other. Can the two friends face their fears and find their way back to one another? 
 
This positive picture book is a useful story to share with children who are experiencing being separated from friends, parents or carers when starting nursery or school for the first time. 

We are delighted to have been gifted a copy of Ocean by David Attenborough.

It is described as 'Gripping... the wildlife is so fantastical that the images on the page feel like works of the imagination.'

Dive into eight unique saltwater habitats, swim through kelp forests, mangroves and coral reefs and down almost 11,000 feet to the deepest corners of the most unexplored ecosystem on our planet.

Experience a journey of wonder and discovery, populated by green turtles and blue whales; clownfish and bioluminescent jellyfish; the vampire squid and the 'head-less chicken monster' - a strange form of sea cucumber that lives at the very bottom of the ocean.

Laugh Out Loud Book Awards 2024

Do you like books that make you laugh?

The Laugh Out Loud Book finalists have just been announced.

Have a look for some book recommendations to make you smile!

Lollies winners 2024

Award winning author comes to St John's! 

Reception and Year 1 were delighted to welcome local author, Alex Brooks who read her new book ‘Why, oh why, was I born a fly?’

The children loved the visit and had the opportunity to ask lots of questions, such as “How long does it take to write a story?, How many books have you written? and who is your favourite character in your book?”

The children thoroughly enjoyed the visit, and said, “It was very good and makes me want to be an author” and “I like how the book tells you that you can be whatever you want to be”

Teacher Picks

Mr Angus recommends Brightstorm by Vashti Vardy

I first picked this book up after an author visit to a school I previously worked at. Vashti Hardy visited and after hearing the blurb of this book, I was hooked and wanted to read it cover to cover.  

‘Arthur and Maudie Brightstorm are devastated by the news that their father, a daring explorer, has died in a failed attempt to reach South Polaris. But a mysterious clue leads the twins to question the story they’ve been told. To find the truth, they much undertake the journey of a lifetime.’ 

What I love most about this story is how determined the children are to find out the truth, and clear their father of any wrong doing, when they know the dangers of the adventure ahead of them. They meet another determined explorer (Captain Harriet Culpepper) who agrees to accompany them on their mission and is there for all the close calls and tricky encounters along the way.  

I was so gripped with this story that I read it, cover to cover, in just a week. If you love adventure stories and not knowing what is going to happen next (none of my predictions were correct by the way), then I urge you to grab a copy and get reading! 

Book Review 

An Eagle in the Snow by Michael Morpurgo 

Accelerated Reader Level – 5.2 

What is the story about? 

Barny and his mother flee from war in 1940 but on their escape the train is attacked by German fighters. The stranger in the seat opposite them tells a story to pass the time. A story about a youthful solider fearlessly fighting in the trenches of World War 1. In the moment, he chooses what he feels is right in the moment but it's the biggest mistake that will cause in many deaths. 

I didn't have a favourite character as they all had depth and different emotions/ opinions. 

I would recommend this book to year 4 and up because there are a few grown-up ideas involved. 

I would give it 5 stars!

A Huge Thank You 

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that supported the school by purchasing a book from the travelling book fair at the parent consultation evening. We were sent a wonderful selection of books, which was reflected in the book sales. We sold an amazing £915 worth of books, giving us an magnificent £457.00 to spend on books for the school.

Junior Librarians 

Year 5 children have the opportunity to apply to be a Junior Librarian. They have told us how they suit the role and all the skills they bring. We now have a wonderful team of Junior Librarians that come during the lunch break. They work to keep the library looking lovely and support the younger year groups in their weekly library time, by suggesting books and reading in small groups.

New book inspiration

If you are looking for some wonderful inspiration of new books to read, No Shelf Control, is a great place to start. Find the link here. 

If you are looking for book suggestions, The Reading Jackdaw has more book recommendations

The Reading Jackdaw

Does your child love stories? Have you tried E-books?

Please have a look at the BorrowBox and Libby apps.

These apps provide access to a large range of e-books for children and adults. The books are free of charge, you just need to download the app and enter your library membership number and PIN. If you have forgotten your PIN number, any member of KCC library staff can change it for you. Please search for Kent Country Council and the white horse!