Mr Tom Slattery
@slatterymr.bsky.social
👨🏫 Primary Deputy Head Teacher in Burton
📚 Children’s book blogger.
🏡 Live in Birmingham (proud Brummie)
Check out my blog at tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
📚 Children’s book blogger.
🏡 Live in Birmingham (proud Brummie)
Check out my blog at tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
Pinned
2024: Books to Remember
The end of the year is always a great time for reflection and is always jam packed with bloggers identifying their favourites from the year. Last year I decided to go against the grain and wait a m…
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
So last year went against the grain and posted my favourite reads of the previous year in Feb rather than end of Dec. And it continues. Some brilliant reads of 2024 and hopefully something in there you haven’t read yet.
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/02/01/2...
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/02/01/2...
A brilliant whodunnit - Christie worthy - by Tom Hindle. isolated bunch of guests, a death, and then the aftermath… who did it? You decide! Delicious! @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social here’s my review 👇 tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/11/01/d...
Death in the Arctic by Tom Hindle
The Book in Rhyme… “Like the delicious whodunnits of the golden age, An isolated group, with murder centre stage. The maiden voyage of a luxury airship, A whole host of characters along…
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
November 1, 2025 at 7:39 PM
A brilliant whodunnit - Christie worthy - by Tom Hindle. isolated bunch of guests, a death, and then the aftermath… who did it? You decide! Delicious! @penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social here’s my review 👇 tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/11/01/d...
Reposted by Mr Tom Slattery
The Second in this epic trilogy recently bought by Disney! The poisoned king by Katherine Rundell is nail biting and brilliantly tense yet sublimely magical!Can’t recommend this series enough! @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social Here is my review 👇 tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/10/31/t...
The Poisoned King – Impossible Creatures 2 by Katherine Rundell
The Book in Rhyme… “The Archipelago since it’s last outing, Has had a great deal of evil sprouting. Haven to mythical creatures of old, but dragons are dying – disappearing gold! …
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:58 PM
The Second in this epic trilogy recently bought by Disney! The poisoned king by Katherine Rundell is nail biting and brilliantly tense yet sublimely magical!Can’t recommend this series enough! @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social Here is my review 👇 tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/10/31/t...
The Second in this epic trilogy recently bought by Disney! The poisoned king by Katherine Rundell is nail biting and brilliantly tense yet sublimely magical!Can’t recommend this series enough! @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social Here is my review 👇 tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/10/31/t...
The Poisoned King – Impossible Creatures 2 by Katherine Rundell
The Book in Rhyme… “The Archipelago since it’s last outing, Has had a great deal of evil sprouting. Haven to mythical creatures of old, but dragons are dying – disappearing gold! …
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:58 PM
The Second in this epic trilogy recently bought by Disney! The poisoned king by Katherine Rundell is nail biting and brilliantly tense yet sublimely magical!Can’t recommend this series enough! @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social Here is my review 👇 tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/10/31/t...
How the houses are decorated in Boston 🇺🇸. Extra isn’t even the word!
October 28, 2025 at 7:49 PM
How the houses are decorated in Boston 🇺🇸. Extra isn’t even the word!
Reposted by Mr Tom Slattery
Letters from the Upside by Katya Balen -a wonderful story of hope that really showcases the struggle of young people who face real struggles and adversity. I saw so many children I’ve taught in these pages. A wonderful book! @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/10/18/l...
Letters from the Upside by Katya Balen
The Book in a Rhyme… “Con is very angry, he has been for some time, His dad up and left, no reason or no rhyme. And after an altercation with another child, Con finds himself excluded, …
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
October 18, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Letters from the Upside by Katya Balen -a wonderful story of hope that really showcases the struggle of young people who face real struggles and adversity. I saw so many children I’ve taught in these pages. A wonderful book! @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/10/18/l...
Letters from the Upside by Katya Balen -a wonderful story of hope that really showcases the struggle of young people who face real struggles and adversity. I saw so many children I’ve taught in these pages. A wonderful book! @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/10/18/l...
Letters from the Upside by Katya Balen
The Book in a Rhyme… “Con is very angry, he has been for some time, His dad up and left, no reason or no rhyme. And after an altercation with another child, Con finds himself excluded, …
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
October 18, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Letters from the Upside by Katya Balen -a wonderful story of hope that really showcases the struggle of young people who face real struggles and adversity. I saw so many children I’ve taught in these pages. A wonderful book! @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/10/18/l...
The second instalment of the Chronicles of Whetherwhy by @acaseforbooks.bsky.social absolutely superb fantasy writing - so original, entertaining, action packed and unrelenting! This is quickly becoming a favourite 🤩 @harpercollins.bsky.social tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/10/11/c...
Chronicles of Whetherwhy – The Season of Flames by Anna James
The Book in Rhyme… “In Whetherwhy, a land of magic and mystery, Is about to uncover a long forgotten history. Young Elio, a circus helper by trade, is to travel the road, not often strayed. his upb…
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
October 11, 2025 at 6:41 PM
The second instalment of the Chronicles of Whetherwhy by @acaseforbooks.bsky.social absolutely superb fantasy writing - so original, entertaining, action packed and unrelenting! This is quickly becoming a favourite 🤩 @harpercollins.bsky.social tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/10/11/c...
Reposted by Mr Tom Slattery
Here is a roundup of my rhyming reviews over the summer. Some epic reads and completely memorable books! Check it out for some reading inspiration and bang average poetry. 🙈 tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/10/04/s...
Summer 2025 – Rhyming Review Roundup
One of my favourite parts of writing my blog is writing the rhyming reviews for each book. Now don’t get me wrong, there are times when the words (and the rhymes) just aren’t coming and I curse mys…
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
October 4, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Here is a roundup of my rhyming reviews over the summer. Some epic reads and completely memorable books! Check it out for some reading inspiration and bang average poetry. 🙈 tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/10/04/s...
Here is a roundup of my rhyming reviews over the summer. Some epic reads and completely memorable books! Check it out for some reading inspiration and bang average poetry. 🙈 tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/10/04/s...
Summer 2025 – Rhyming Review Roundup
One of my favourite parts of writing my blog is writing the rhyming reviews for each book. Now don’t get me wrong, there are times when the words (and the rhymes) just aren’t coming and I curse mys…
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
October 4, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Here is a roundup of my rhyming reviews over the summer. Some epic reads and completely memorable books! Check it out for some reading inspiration and bang average poetry. 🙈 tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/10/04/s...
Reposted by Mr Tom Slattery
#Competition Time. Win a signed copy of my new Picture book ‘My Friend Billy Whiskers’. All you have to do is Like, Repost and Follow me to be in with a chance. I’ll pick at random a winner on Monday 6th October. Good Luck all 🤞🦁👦🏻
#giveaway #picturebook
#giveaway #picturebook
October 2, 2025 at 7:15 AM
#Competition Time. Win a signed copy of my new Picture book ‘My Friend Billy Whiskers’. All you have to do is Like, Repost and Follow me to be in with a chance. I’ll pick at random a winner on Monday 6th October. Good Luck all 🤞🦁👦🏻
#giveaway #picturebook
#giveaway #picturebook
The Brilliant Legend of Viking Thunder by @mglnrd.bsky.social absolutely awesome time travel series that is literally a race against time at breakneck speed! Love this series perfect for KS2 @macmillankidsuk.bsky.social Here’s my review 👇 tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/27/t...
The Legend of Viking Thunder by M.G. Leonard
The Book in Rhyme… “Sim, mum and Jeopardy return from the past, An Egyptian Adventure that left them aghast. But Uncle Emmett is nowhere to be found, With the council after him, has he gone to grou…
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
September 27, 2025 at 6:06 PM
The Brilliant Legend of Viking Thunder by @mglnrd.bsky.social absolutely awesome time travel series that is literally a race against time at breakneck speed! Love this series perfect for KS2 @macmillankidsuk.bsky.social Here’s my review 👇 tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/27/t...
The Brand New @mazevansauthor.bsky.social masterpiece! When Will finds out he’s a direct descendant of Shakespeare, characters of old come out to play to help turn Will’s life around. Full of heart and hilarity! My Review 👇 @chickenhousebooks.bsky.social tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/20/t...
The Last Bard by Maz Evans
The Book in Rhyme… “Young Will Davenant, it seems to appear, Is related to one William Shakespeare. Having travelled to the coast after grandpa’s death, He never thought he’d meet Lady Macbeth! But…
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
September 20, 2025 at 6:40 PM
The Brand New @mazevansauthor.bsky.social masterpiece! When Will finds out he’s a direct descendant of Shakespeare, characters of old come out to play to help turn Will’s life around. Full of heart and hilarity! My Review 👇 @chickenhousebooks.bsky.social tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/20/t...
The Wood Where Magic Grows by @andyshepherdwriter.bsky.social is a wonderfully nostalgic and whimsical magical story perfect for Lower KS2. @piccadilly-press.bsky.social Here’s my review 👇 tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/18/t...
The Wood Where Magic Grows by Andy Shepherd
The Book in Rhyme… “Have you known a tree to join you in a game? Or have you ever given a tree its very own name? Have you ever looked at a tree for a face to stare back? Or for it to unfurl its br…
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
September 18, 2025 at 6:47 PM
The Wood Where Magic Grows by @andyshepherdwriter.bsky.social is a wonderfully nostalgic and whimsical magical story perfect for Lower KS2. @piccadilly-press.bsky.social Here’s my review 👇 tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/18/t...
The realities of teaching Year 1.
Half way through a storming maths lesson on the carpet.
The children do talk partners
I ask for someone to feedback
Their feedback:
“I love you Mr Slattery.”
You can’t actually be mad!
Half way through a storming maths lesson on the carpet.
The children do talk partners
I ask for someone to feedback
Their feedback:
“I love you Mr Slattery.”
You can’t actually be mad!
a woman with long blonde hair is smiling and wearing a white jacket and a pink shirt .
ALT: a woman with long blonde hair is smiling and wearing a white jacket and a pink shirt .
media.tenor.com
September 15, 2025 at 8:18 PM
The realities of teaching Year 1.
Half way through a storming maths lesson on the carpet.
The children do talk partners
I ask for someone to feedback
Their feedback:
“I love you Mr Slattery.”
You can’t actually be mad!
Half way through a storming maths lesson on the carpet.
The children do talk partners
I ask for someone to feedback
Their feedback:
“I love you Mr Slattery.”
You can’t actually be mad!
#SundayMorningBookChat this week is celebrating PictureBooks! Tok percivals new book ‘This Way Up’ shows how people can see things from others views and learn to compromise. What other picturebooks are your go-tos for teaching children important concepts tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/12/p...
#PictureBookFriday – This Way up by Tom Percival
The Book in Rhyme… “Imagine going through life being clear on your views, Where reds are reds and blues are blues. Thinking you got it nailed from day to day, Certainty is key, no shades of grey. W…
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
September 14, 2025 at 8:42 AM
#SundayMorningBookChat this week is celebrating PictureBooks! Tok percivals new book ‘This Way Up’ shows how people can see things from others views and learn to compromise. What other picturebooks are your go-tos for teaching children important concepts tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/12/p...
Hilarity &chaos ensues in this new book by @stubbleagent.bsky.social @puffinbooksuk.bsky.social Alex vs Axel- The Thief of Time. such a funny series with so many quips &witty retorts. Absolutely chuckling through every page. Review here 👇 tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/13/a...
Alex Vs Axel – The Thief of Time by Sam Copeland
The Book in Rhyme… “In order to save the world we need two teams, to enter two nightmares wrapped in screams But who will help Alex with this Cliffhanger? Well Axel of course, his brawny dopp…
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
September 13, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Hilarity &chaos ensues in this new book by @stubbleagent.bsky.social @puffinbooksuk.bsky.social Alex vs Axel- The Thief of Time. such a funny series with so many quips &witty retorts. Absolutely chuckling through every page. Review here 👇 tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/13/a...
Reposted by Mr Tom Slattery
Kate Winter - the most exciting talent in NF? Adored The Fossil Hunter and her style perfectly suits the discovery of prehistoric paintings in Lascaux a century ago in The Cave Explorer. Engrossing art (+gatefolds), enticing questions and key knowledge - Kate has produced a serious work of art!
September 13, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Kate Winter - the most exciting talent in NF? Adored The Fossil Hunter and her style perfectly suits the discovery of prehistoric paintings in Lascaux a century ago in The Cave Explorer. Engrossing art (+gatefolds), enticing questions and key knowledge - Kate has produced a serious work of art!
#PictyreBookFriday this week is the BRAND NEW @tompercivalbooks.bsky.social a brilliant picturebook about compromise and finding common ground. A great intro into seeing things from a different point of view! @kidsbloomsbury.bsky.social tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/12/p...
#PictureBookFriday – This Way up by Tom Percival
The Book in Rhyme… “Imagine going through life being clear on your views, Where reds are reds and blues are blues. Thinking you got it nailed from day to day, Certainty is key, no shades of grey. W…
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
September 12, 2025 at 6:03 PM
#PictyreBookFriday this week is the BRAND NEW @tompercivalbooks.bsky.social a brilliant picturebook about compromise and finding common ground. A great intro into seeing things from a different point of view! @kidsbloomsbury.bsky.social tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/12/p...
The ECTs learned what it’s like to teach during a thunderstorm today:
a man in a suit and tie is making a funny face in front of a woman .
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is making a funny face in front of a woman .
media.tenor.com
September 11, 2025 at 7:40 PM
The ECTs learned what it’s like to teach during a thunderstorm today:
Who needs colour coordination when you can go to the gym dressed like a pack of chewits!
September 7, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Who needs colour coordination when you can go to the gym dressed like a pack of chewits!
Reposted by Mr Tom Slattery
Generally stay away from ‘celebrity’ books but Marvellous Messages: The Amazing Story of Communication by #roseaylingellis #andreamills #lenaaddink is not only an important book but brilliant fun to read time-travelling around the globe to see communication develop and meet key deaf people. Superb!
September 7, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Generally stay away from ‘celebrity’ books but Marvellous Messages: The Amazing Story of Communication by #roseaylingellis #andreamills #lenaaddink is not only an important book but brilliant fun to read time-travelling around the globe to see communication develop and meet key deaf people. Superb!
#SundaymorningBookChat this week is about difficult subject matter. Yesterday I blogged about the new book by #onjaliqRauf who tackles dementia in a grandparent with authenticity and warmth. What would you recommend? tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/06/t...
The Game I will Never Forget by Onjali Q. Rauf
The Book in Rhyme… “When you love nothing more in life than the games that you play, Until you find out your grandma is coming to stay. “Where’s she staying?” You ask. The attic maybe? “Your room!”…
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
September 7, 2025 at 8:37 AM
#SundaymorningBookChat this week is about difficult subject matter. Yesterday I blogged about the new book by #onjaliqRauf who tackles dementia in a grandparent with authenticity and warmth. What would you recommend? tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/06/t...
The awesome brand new title by #OnjaliQRauf is simply sublime, heartfelt and tackles theme of dementia from a child’s point of view watching her Nani slip away. Sad but also uplifting. You will need some tissues for sure @hachettechildrens.bsky.social tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/06/t...
The Game I will Never Forget by Onjali Q. Rauf
The Book in Rhyme… “When you love nothing more in life than the games that you play, Until you find out your grandma is coming to stay. “Where’s she staying?” You ask. The attic maybe? “Your room!”…
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
September 6, 2025 at 6:06 PM
The awesome brand new title by #OnjaliQRauf is simply sublime, heartfelt and tackles theme of dementia from a child’s point of view watching her Nani slip away. Sad but also uplifting. You will need some tissues for sure @hachettechildrens.bsky.social tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/06/t...
Highlight of the week - a child came to me today:
- “you’re my third favourite teacher”
Gee thanks!
- “you’re my third favourite teacher”
Gee thanks!
a man says " you are literally the nicest person " in front of bowling balls
ALT: a man says " you are literally the nicest person " in front of bowling balls
media.tenor.com
September 5, 2025 at 7:44 PM
Highlight of the week - a child came to me today:
- “you’re my third favourite teacher”
Gee thanks!
- “you’re my third favourite teacher”
Gee thanks!
Nate Yu’s Blast from the past is a brilliant book about heritage and identity by @maisiechanwrites.bsky.social and is a wonderful book to build empathy and understanding in our young people as well as some forgotten history @bonnierbooks.bsky.social tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/01/n...
Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past by Maisie Chan
The Book in Rhyme… “ Nate Yu Riley doesn’t know Chinese, but could reel off a fact about ants with ease! Doesn’t know the customs or spoken mandarin, But people just so assume from his name and his…
tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com
September 1, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Nate Yu’s Blast from the past is a brilliant book about heritage and identity by @maisiechanwrites.bsky.social and is a wonderful book to build empathy and understanding in our young people as well as some forgotten history @bonnierbooks.bsky.social tomsbookcorner.wordpress.com/2025/09/01/n...