The Ginger Cat Children’s Bookshop Book Reviews

The Gecko and the Echo

ISBN 9781408356074

By Rachel Bright

Illustrated by Jim Field

Hachette Children’s Group

Paperback publication 02/02/23

Goldy the Gecko loves to sing wherever he goes, the only thing that is important to him is to be a STAR! But is fame really all that important? When things start to go wrong for Goldy he discovers that friendship is so much more important than fame. When you treat the world with love, then love will come echoing back. With bright and beautiful illustrations throughout, this is a wonderful rhyming story of love, friendship and kindness from the creators of The Lion Inside. Perfect for ages 3+

Blow a Kiss, Catch a Kiss: Poems to Share with Little Ones

ISBN: 9781839131363

By Joseph Coelho

The Curse of the Tomb Robbers

ISBN: 9781788009652

by Andy Seed

Illustrated by James Weston Lewis

Nosy Crow Ltd in conjunction with The British Museum

‘Welcome to ancient Egypt. The year is 1422 BC, and a terrible crime is about to unfold..’ A gang of ancient Egyptian robbers are planning to raid a royal tomb! Can you help best friends Nub and Iteti stop them and stop the deadly curse from being unleashed?! Decipher hieroglyphics, solve the puzzles and learn about ancient Egypt in this exciting adventure story. Puzzle solutions are included at the end of the story along with a fold out code breaking guide and hieroglyph charts. Highly recommended for age 7+ code breaking adventurers.

“Sometimes Social Media blows my mind!!”

Illustrated by Nicola

Killen Andersen Press Ltd

Over 40 beautiful poems for little ones to join in and interact with by the awardwinning Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho. This anthology of fun and heart-warming poems are perfect for sharing everyday feelings and experiences..

‘Blow a kiss, Catch a kiss when we are apart. Blow a kiss, catch a kiss put it in your heart’

Bunny Vs Monkey: Multiverse Mix-Up!

ISBN: 9781788452922

By Jamie Smart

David Fickling Books

The ever popular Bunny Vs Monkey graphic novel series is back once again and is bringing monkey mischief from every dimension!! The gang are shocked to meet different versions of themselves when they open up portals to a parallel universe. Will they be able to make it back to the woods after travelling to the very ends of existence?! The perfect series for fans of Dog Man and Investigators.

So things have been a bit crazy lately. I posted a similar post on twitter about the shop being quiet and it got picked up and shared..a lot !! Even by a certain Mr Richard Osman which has led to lots of lovely online sales and a couple of phone orders.

A lovely man phoned and said that he didn’t have anyone to buy for, but he wanted to support the shop. He asked if I could choose a book, he would pay for it and could I gift it to the next child to come into the shop. Which is exactly what I did!!

Top Marks for Lucy

At our first assembly of the new term, we were delighted to be able to congratulate Lucy M (SV) on achieving equal top mark in the 2022 SQA National 5 Physics course. To mark this amazing achievement, the Institute of Physics Scotland presented Lucy with an Excellence in Physics certificate. Excellence Beyond

the Classroom

Many of our pupils also achieve excellence in their chosen activities beyond the classroom.

In December, we were delighted to learn that Callum H and Sophie H (both SV), had been selected to represent Scotland in the World Schools Debating Championships being held in Vietnam next summer. While Sophie has already represented Scotland at this competition, this will be the first time that she will get to experience it in person.

Sophie, along with Anna T (SVI), also won the regional finals of the Cambridge University Debating Competition and will proceed to the finals at Cambridge University in the Spring.

Three teams of Public Speakers took part in the Gryffe Valley Rotary Club Youth Speaks competition. Lucia G, Emma V and Orla O (all SIV) won the Senior competition. While in the Intermediate competition, Cameron R, Oliver J and Oliver N (all SI) were victorious. Both teams now progress to the District finals in February.

The Ethics Cup team were also won their regional heat. Sorcha K (SVI), Grace T, Callum H, Anna L (all SV) and Lilly D (SIV) secured a place in the finals at St Andrews University in May.

Callum H, Emily B and Sasha C (all SV) have successfully auditioned for both the West of Scotland Schools Symphony Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland Symphony Orchestra, Callum on bassoon and Emily and Sasha on clarinet. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest Columban news.

Howwood Curling Club

Come & Try Session

Howwood Curling Club are always looking for new members to join our friendly curling club which meets at Greenacres, near Howwood. It is a great way to keep fit and socialise with people in a friendly atmosphere. Current club members come from Renfrewshire, Glasgow and North Ayrshire. We are now looking for new players to play for the 2023/24 season.

We have organised a Come & Try session on Wednesday 1st March at 7.30pm at Greenacres Curling Club. Anyone who is interested is welcome to come along and try out curling. No experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome, whatever your age or ability. We will provide qualified coaches to give you the tuition you need. You will also meet with our club members and get to play. If you continue to be interested, following the Come & Try, we will invite you to our closing bonspiel for the 2022/23 season on the 29th March. We will provide further coaching then. You will also get a chance to meet and curl with more of our club members.