Dragon Cat by Pie Corbett, illustrated by Tom Morgan-Jones (Otter-Barry Books)

Poems from the master! If you’re a teacher you will have come across Pie through the Talk for Writing project and his many books to help teachers and children develop their creativity in the Jumpstart series. His book Catalysts is bursting with ideas for writing, alongside poems of his own. His new collection, Dragon Cat, contains a wealth of wonderful poems which children will relate to – such as ways to put up your hand in class. (Who knew there were so many alternatives?) Pie’s way with words is a delight. The beginning of Draco for example:

I sing the perfection of silence / My guide is the moonlight

Full of surprises, riddles, word games and magic, this book is thoughtful and fun and would make a great Christmas present for your favourite children (and teacher).