The Consequence Girl

Cora and Seleen live in a cabin in the woods. Constantly vigilant, they live far away from others, although Cora is not sure who or what they are hiding from. When she breaks the rules they live by and rescues an injured boy, Kai, Cora’s life changes for ever. Possessed of an incredible ability to see back in time, see the cause of events and make tiny changes to alter future outcomes, Cora is sought after by those who would use her to their own ends. Ultimately, she must decide who to trust and what the future holds.

I absolutely loved ‘Adam-2’, Alastair’s last novel for this age group, and so had high expectations of this one. ‘The Consequence Girl’ does not disappoint, offering a thought-provoking, science fiction novel which you cannot put down.

As Cora discovers more about the world she lives in, the reader learns about the history of Colony and the reasons for its decline. Built by the Glories, who looked like humans, but had amazing powers, civilisation declined once they left without warning. Scare and valuable, Glory technology is much prized and hard to come by and corruption is rife. Led by Governor Thorsen and his head of Protection, Sisal, there is little room for disagreement with the powers that be in this ‘democracy’, immediately raising questions about policies made for the ‘good of the people’ and their consequences, linking the fantasy world with that in which we live.

Cora is easy to empathise with. Her complex relationship with Seleen is beautifully handled as she (Cora) begins to realise that she has her own choices to make. Caught in the middle of those who would manipulate her for their own ends, Cora seems in an impossible position yet finds the strength of character to navigate through and remain true to herself. The story challenges the reader to think about the consequences of actions and how changing one thing in the past could have disastrous results. However, the ending is full of hope for the future. Although we cannot alter the past, each of us has the power to change the future by small, considered actions and the choices we make.

‘The Consequence Girl’ is a compelling, challenging story- one not to be missed!

The Consequence Girl

Alastair Chisholm

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839941207

Orion Lost

Thirteen-year-old, Beth McKay, is with her parents on the colony ship, ‘Orion’, setting off to start a new life millions of miles from Earth on Eos Five. Facing the potential dangers of Scrapers (space pirates) and the Videshi (an alien species), life on the Orion is very different, but Beth soon settles into a pattern of school work, Command Training and making Jumps where the ship covers great distances whilst its crew Sleeps to keep them safe, all constantly monitored by the ever-present Ship, an artificial intelligence. Then an Event occurs and Beth and her friends are the only ones awake on the Orion with Beth being given the role of Captain. Their ship is badly damaged and the children have to navigate encounters with both Scrapers and the Videshi, all made worse by tensions within the group and the feeling that Ship might not be telling them the truth…

This was a one sitting read; I could not put it down! My first book of 2020 and so enjoyable. From the beginning, each piece of the puzzle is being laid and the story is fast paced and thrilling. All the clues are there, but there are twists along the way to keep the reader guessing. Is Ship lying? Or is there a greater threat Beth and the others should be watching out for?

Beth is a great character; feisty and full of spark, she is also lacking in confidence, making her an interesting leader. When things come out in the open and the reader learns more about what has happened, you can really appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of each character- but I can’t say more without spoiling it for anyone who has not read it yet!

The Videshi story line is also an interesting one (again, I don’t want to say too much!), offering food for thought about how humans treat the world- or in this case, space- around them.

A fabulous read- with plenty of potential for more adventures from this crew- ‘Orion Lost’ is an unputdownable space adventure!

Orion Lost

Alastair Chisholm

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788005920

No Ballet Shoes in Syria

Aya is an asylum seeker from Syria, living in Manchester with her mother and baby brother. A talented ballet dancer, she fears that has all been left behind her in the cold, unfamiliar world she has found herself in where she must care for her mother and brother. However, she is drawn to a ballet class in the community centre whilst they are waiting to see their case worker and her talent is recognised by the dance teacher. The potential to gain a ballet scholarship gives her hope for the future, but her family must fight to be allowed to stay in the country- and to try to find Aya’s father.

Beautiful, powerful writing encouraging empathy and compassion, ‘No Ballet Shoes in Syria’ would make an excellent quality text for inspiring work in class. Offering plenty of opportunities for developing writing, drama and debating skills, using a rich vocabulary and adding the colour of dance and its ability to express emotion. It is a glorious read!

No Ballet Shoes in Syria

Catherine Bruton

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788004503

Another Twist in the Tale

The story of Oliver Twist, his misfortunes and fortunes, is well known to many. But this is the tale of the other Twist, the abandoned twin sister, whose story has never been told…until now.

This is the story of Twill Twist, rescued from a rubbish heap by a kind hearted stranger, Baggage Jones, and brought up in the dubious establishment of Madam Manzoni and her Butterflies. Determined to give her girl a better life, Baggage protects and nurtures the child until her beauty is noticed and Madam Manzoni decides she is to join the Butterflies. Baggage sends her away to save her - and Twill finds herself caught up with The Artful Dodger and the Victorian underworld.

Fabulous from start to finish, ‘Another Twist in the Tale’ is just wonderful. As a huge Dickens’ fan, I was slightly nervous about what to expect, but Catherine Bruton has captured a feeling of the great man’s writing, making it accessible and engaging for a younger audience. Characters plucked from the original retain their foibles and eccentricities and new characters slot perfectly into the tale with deliciously Dickensian names. There are even lines which echo some of the original (and Shakespeare and others!) and chapter headings in keeping with the style.

Having said that, Twill is an excellent heroine in her own right, compassionate and caring, but streetwise and smart, lacking the fragility of her brother. Baggage is a delight and Madam Manonzi and Mrs Spanks perfectly awful! The mixture of old and new is beautifully combined with a satisfying result for both those familiar with the original and those new to the idea.

‘Another Twist in the Tale’ is a the sequel Dickens meant to write to Oliver Twist!

Another Twist in the Tale

Catherine Bruton

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788005999

A Recipe for Trouble

Alice Éclair might only be thirteen, but she is also an expert pâtissière and France's youngest, keenest spy. For the past year, she has been receiving cryptic messages and puzzles to solve and, although she does not know who they are from, she has her suspicions - which are realised when a final code leads her to a secret meeting.

Alice learns that all the puzzles have been to train her in espionage in the hope that she will undertake a mission to uncover a cunning enemy agent.  Alice sets off on this dangerous assignment aboard France's most glamourous train, posing as a pastry chef. But soon everyone on the train is under suspicion and Alice must use all her baking skills and her cunning to crack the case.

There is much to enjoy in this adventure, Alice Éclair, Spy Extraordinaire! Alice is a wonderful heroine; resourceful and intelligent, yet fallible, she launches herself into her investigation with enviable energy and enthusiasm. There are twists and turns a-plenty and scatterings of red herrings as Alice engineers opportunities to investigate her fellow passengers.  The reader learns to crack codes and can test their own sleuthing skills as the mystery develops - only to be surprised by a sudden shock! There are some tense moments along the way as Alice finds herself facing peril as well as baking pastries.

The story offers plenty to discuss with its Parisian opening, attitudes to women and 'serving' classes and, of course, its many cake references. With a new adventure, A Spoonful of Spying, on its way, Alice is sure to become a firm favourite.

Alice Éclair Spy Extraordinaire: A Recipe for Trouble

Sarah Todd Taylor

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839940958

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: The Missing Masterpiece

In their latest adventure, Shifty and Sam are in Paris where they are going to bake a huge gingerbread Eiffel Tower for Gallerie Bonbon, an upmarket art gallery. But a master criminal is at large and when sneaky fox, Cunningham Sly, steals a precious painting from under their noses, the chase is on. Can our brilliant bakers save the day- and get their gingerbread tower built in time?

Our lovable duo are off on their adventures again. Tracey's lively text is a real joy to read aloud- the pace and energy are perfect. In keeping with the Parisian setting, there are French words and expressions woven into the story, adding that extra 'Je ne sais quoi' to the tale! This was also developed through the illustrations and led to wonderful conversations about Paris and its landmarks with my class, clearly demonstrating how a fabulous book can offer so much more than a brilliant story!

As ever in these stories, so much character is conveyed in very few words. Shifty and Sam's new adversary, Cunningham Sly, is a great example of this. If using this as a class text, a great deal of character building and language development could be done based on him- as well as Shifty and Sam, of course- and even their little spider friend.

Talking of the spider, I was so pleased to see that the traditional spider hunt on each page has been maintained - with some very challenging hiding places! Every illustration in the book is an absolute joy- full of detail and humour. Steven has played with some famous masterpieces, giving them a doggy make-over, once again encouraging discussion and further investigation of the originals. As events take place around them, the sharp-eyed reader will delight in noticing changes in each painting.

Each 'Shifty' adventure leaves me longing for the next one and this is no exception! Fun and light-hearted humour are guaranteed, but the quality of both text and illustration make them something really special. I hope they are going to work their way round Europe!

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: The Missing Masterpiece  Tracey Corderoy,

illustrated by Steven Lenton

Nosy Crow     ISBN: 978-0857639745 

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Santa's Stolen Sleigh

Everyone’s favourite baker dogs are back in a new adventure! They’re heading to Lapland to create a feast for Father Christmas. However, when they arrive, they find that all of the elves are covered in spots. Help appears in the form of Flo Frost, a polar bear with lots of helpful gadgets. Whilst the boys bake a feast fit for Santa, Flo sets to work, but does she have a sneaky plan which could see the end of Christmas..?

I love Shifty and Sam so much! Since the first title appeared in 2015, these lovable dogs have been firm favourites. ‘Santa’s Stolen Sleigh’ is a fabulous festive treat, just right for sharing. As with each of these stories, Tracey’s wonderful rhyming text is a joy to read aloud. Bursting with moments of humour, the lines trip along perfectly and the story lends itself perfectly to encouraging children to tell their own Christmassy adventures for these adorable dogs!

Every spread is full of details to notice and offers plenty to discuss. As with the other books, there is a spider to spot on every page. I really feel they need a book all of their own as they are bursting with a cheeky personality and an adventurous spirit! The whole thing is a delight from start to finish and I can’t wait to share this!

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Santa’s Stolen Sleigh

Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Steven Lenton

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788007771

Welcome to our World

Welcome to our World

Customs, traditions, culture and languages from all round the world are celebrated in this wonderful book.

The introduction explains that we are all different, but all have things in common. It encourages the reader to make friends with others, to have fun, to share what is different and what is the same. It encourages them to have a go at other languages, using the pronunciation guide in the book, looking them up online or trying to hear them 'spoken by a native speaker' It promotes a sense of excitement and discovery which permeates the whole book.

From greetings to mealtimes, from family to pets, school to clothing, this joyous book explores all areas of life, asking questions of the reader along the way. 'What special hats do people wear in your country?', 'How do you get to school?', 'Do you have any clothes you like to wear for special occasions?'. 

There is so much in this book which could be used in school. The section on playtime games called 'My Turn!' would be great fun to try out and build upon to create a bank of alternative games for playtime. Drinks and recipes from around the world could be made and tried, encouraging everyone who has a favourite to share it with their friends. 

The illustrations are wonderful- full of joy and colour- adding to the appeal of this lovely book.

Welcome to our World   

Moira Butterfield, illustrated by Harriet Lynas

Nosy Crow     ISBN: 978-1788001373