The spread accompanying this text shows Isabel’s parents, united. The father has a protective arm around the mother. They smile as Isabel plays in the snow with her puppy.

The judging criteria call for the selection to be from a "wide and inclusive range" of publishers and for books which "recognise a broad range of perspectives, experiences and voices". Judge Theresa Gooda said "The rare opportunity for such reflective book talk with colleagues, which then translated into rich classroom conversations with students, has been invaluable professional development." It was never really the ‘stories’ as such that engrossed me so much in her books as the portraits of her characters that were all so vivid and alive I would often think about something that one of them had done and think that it was someone I actually KNEW who had done it. Isabel’s family does not have enough money to pay the rent and bills, meaning they have to move out of their home. Tom Percival handles this with the utmost care and compassion. Coffee house Caffè Nero has announced the 16-strong shortlist for the inaugural Nero Book Awards, recognising the outstanding books of the past 12... This story is loosely based on the author’s own experience with child poverty. He wants to make sure that children who don’t have much, are seen, and not ignored or forgotten. Isabel brings all The Invisibles together to help bring joy and beauty to their world.A couple of years before I was born my parents (and siblings) were in a house fire. They lost everything and my mother had not paid that week’s house insurance as she hadn’t managed to get to the bank the day it was due, which happened to be the same night as the house fire and so the insurance refused to payout. The Invisible is a wonderful book that, despite its heavy subject matter, is filled with optimism and hope. Through his book, Tom Percival nurtures a discussion around poverty and the importance of kindness and belonging regardless of circumstances, handling everything with the utmost care and compassion. What was your favourite book when you were a child?Tim and Tobias is the first book in the ‘Flight Path to Reading’ reading scheme and was written by Sheila K. McCullagh. It was the first book that I remember loving and was (guess what) atmospheric, magical and slightly dark.

This is a motto I’ve used throughout my entire life and I’ve taught my children the same. Just because someone can’t afford something you have doesn’t make them less of a person and just because someone has a mansion and untold wealth doesn’t make them any better than you are. This full colour picture book uses muted shades for much of the story – showing us just how cold and dark it is and how awful it is to be ‘invisible’. The beginning of the story has colour – but it is all edged with cold, and icy windows. It is not until the end of the book – when winter has passed, when the sun and spring add to the wonderful colour the new community has created by all working together. This is a very gentle story with a potent and persuasive message, that small acts can add up to a huge change. Whilst being selfless it also shows that Isabel and her family have all benefitted by the actions she has instigated.Isabel realises that those around her, bustling to jobs or fun activities she can’t afford – are completely ignoring her. As if she doesn’t exist! Isabel knows she must do something, before she is Invisible for real. Then she realises she can see other “invisible” people. She sets out to help them do small but good deeds. Their invisibility soon disappears and Isabel realises she and her new friends have made a difference.