Rabbit and Bear: Rabbit’s Bad Habit

Bear is awoken early from her hibernation and decides that if she can't sleep, she'll make her first-ever snowman. Rabbit has never made a snowman either - and is determined to make one better than Bear's. However, when faced with a hungry fox, Rabbit learns that a friend in need is a friend indeed!

This is a great little book that is quite different, making it an excellent read aloud for children of any age. Humorous and informative, as well as learning about gravity and the workings of a rabbit's digestive system (yes, there are a lot of discussions about poo!), the reader watches as these two very different characters develop a firm friendship as they come to understand and value each other.

Bear is a wonderfully 'glass-half-full' personality. Someone has woken her up and stolen her food- well, it's a beautiful day and she's always wanted to build a snowman! Rabbit, on the other hand, is half-empty- a fairly joyless soul, who hates being a rabbit, thinks life is pretty awful - and is the one who stole Bear's food. The clever character development can be used to give children ideas about how to create their own as, although an excellent read aloud, there is so much more that this book could be used for!

Observation is a key part of scientific enquiry and should there be a school rabbit, then first hand observation of rabbit's bad habits might be possible! Instructional guides on how to look after pet rabbits could be created, illustrated with photographs, annotated drawings etc. 

The illustrations are absolutely wonderful, capturing the creatures' personalities perfectly and using a very simple range of colours. Several spreads could be used to encourage the children to make predicitions, gather vocabulary and develop ideas about character. The children could also make simple origami rabbits and bears and then use these as puppets to re-tell the story or to use as the basis for animations of their own stories based on the original. On Jim Field's website, children can read about how he developed his ideas for illustrating the book and perhaps be inspired to develop their own. http://www.jimfield.co.uk/Rabbit-Bear

The book is also just the right size for little hands. Perfect for both emergent and more confident readers, this is one of those special books that offers so much: humour, good writing, fabulous illustrations and two wonderful, mismatched friends that I hope are going to be at the heart of many tales to come. 

 Rabbit and Bear: Rabbit's Bad Habits

 Julian Gough, illustrated by Jim Field

Hodder Children's Books     ISBN: 978-1444929317

The Huntress: Sea

Mouse knows her destiny; 'the great green fire spirits dance and ripple' telling her Tribe the future and Mouse is destined to be a captain just as her brother, Sparrow, is a whale-singer.

Since the death of their Ma, she and Sparrow have grown up aboard The Huntress, their grandmother's ship, as their father is a trader, spending much time away from the family. Then Da goes missing and Grandma brings a new navigator on board. Things rapidly change and Mouse embarks on a quest to save her family and her ship.

From the first line, Sea is an amazing adventure story, set in a beautifully crafted world of fantastical creatures, people with magical talents and well drawn characters with their own customs and belief systems.

Mouse is full-on and feisty, always in the thick of the action, ready to take on the world to protect her family and her home. Strong and capable, she can run roughshod over others, making her not entirely likeable initially, although she develops over the course of the story. Her bother, Sparrow, is her opposite- 'little too-soon' is vulnerable, prone to shaking-fits, yet he sings with power and beauty, his high voice rising 'like a bell, to chime along with the whales.'

Written in beautiful, lyrical prose, the speech of the characters clashes against this like waves against the side of the ship. The use of kennings as part of this adds to this mix, creating a 'heart-bright', 'sizzle-bolt' of a story.

Perfect for children at the 'Moving On' stage, 'Sea' is a fantastic read with much to recommend it. Can't wait for the next part!

The Huntress Sea   Sarah Driver

Egmont     ISBN: 978-1405284677

A Tangle of Spells

The Widdershins sisters are finally leaving the Poacher’s Pocket, the home on Crowstone Island they  had believed they were cursed to stay in forever, and are setting off for Pendlewick, a village on the mainland. But as well as being neglected, Blackbird Cottage, their new home, is full of unexplained mysteries – trails of salt across each entrance and silver coins at the corner of each room. And although it looks picturesque, Pendlewick also has its peculiarities with stories of witches, the sinister Hungry Tree and Tick Tock Forest.

When Fliss, Granny and their father start to behave strangely, Betty and Charlie know they must uncover the village’s dark secrets and use all their cunning to save them.

‘A Tangle of Spells’ is the third book about Betty, Fliss and Charlie and the Widdershins girls are as fabulous as ever. The story is completely engrossing and brilliantly plotted with hints and clues throughout, which all come together for a very satisfying conclusion. Although I fail to see why anyone wouldn’t have read the two previous books, it is still possible to enjoy this story as a stand alone.  

Betty Widdershins is a force to be reckoned with. Intelligent and brave, she is determined to solve the mysteries of her new home and to save her family as things get darker.  Although things are changing for the girls, their sibling bond is second to none and once again they show how each brings their own strengths to protect and support the family. Charlie remains as mischievous and animal loving as ever, bringing touches of humour to the story with her wicked smile and mispronounced words.

There is a darker tone to this story as the girls face a more ominous threat than in the previous books, facing very sinister opponents and eerie locations. The story is full of vividly imagined places, creating a wonderful sense of atmosphere.

The choice of names used in this story is as wonderful as ever. ‘Pendlewick’ is surely a reference to the Pendle witch trials of 1612 and ‘pilliwinks’ were an instrument used for torture. The Splintered Broomstick, Peckahen Farm, Scally and Wags are just a few examples of the carefully chosen names which add to the whole.

Thoroughly enjoyable, ‘A Tangle of Spells’ is a brilliant read.

A Tangle of Spells

Michelle Harrison

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471183881

A Sprinkle of Sorcery

Having worked together to lift the ancient curse which tied their family to Crowstone, the Widdershins family are selling the Poacher's Pocket and leaving the island which has been their home. However, one night when the prison bell tolls announcing the escape of prisoners, a young girl called Willow accompanied by a wisp appears in the pub yard and the sisters are moved to help her free her father, imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. When Charlie is kidnapped in Willow's place, the sisters find themselves in the thick of a new adventure whose solution seems to be linked to an old legend, a map and a mysterious island.

'A Sprinkle of Sorcery' magically weaves together all the threads of an enchanting story and delivers more than a pinch of magic. As in the last book, the sisters glow with personality and new characters are added to the mix, including the ethereal Willow who will go to any lengths to see her father free from imprisonment and the loveable pirate, Spit, who is so much more than he first appears. Betty is forced to question what she would do in various situations, having to put herself in the shoes of others and realising that some choices are not as simple as they seem.

As the legend entwines with the girls' story, the excitement builds and once again, each sister plays her part as they piece together the puzzle. Once again, family is very much at the heart of this story and the warmth and love of their bond is a delight to see.

A Sprinkle of Sorcery

Michelle Harrison

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471183867

A Pinch of Magic

The Poacher’s Pocket is home to Betty Widdershins, her sisters, Fliss and Charlie and their grandmother. The pub is found on the dismal island of Crowstone, a place Betty dreams of escaping from as she longs for excitement. On her thirteenth birthday, whilst trying to leave the island on an adventure, Betty is stopped by her grandmother who explains that there is an ancient curse trapping the sisters on Crowstone; those who attempt to leave will die. Three magical objects have been passed down through the family - a magical bag which can transport the owner wherever they wish to go, a looking glass which shows the holder whatever they wish to see and a set of nesting dolls which offer invisibility.

Determined and resourceful, Betty will clutch at any chance to break the curse, but the bad luck of the Widdershins seems set against them…

A wonderfully magical and compelling tale, this story has all the elements needed for a thoroughly satisfying and riveting read.

The world Michelle Harrison has created is so lovingly constructed with plenty of detail, populated by memorable characters, that it stays with you long after you have closed the covers of the book. Betty and her sisters are very different, but each well defined and believable. Sibling rivalry and affection are captured perfectly as the bond between the sisters enables each to reach their potential and show the different ways to be brave in order to save each other. Charlie is particularly appealing - feisty and headstrong, but also vulnerable.

The threads of the story weave together perfectly to combine past and present, acts of love and betrayal. There are moments of humour and moments of peril as the darker side of human nature is contrasted with its finer points.

‘A Pinch of Magic’ is a pinch of reading magic- a rich, fascinating and special story with the added benefit of names that Dickens would have been proud of!

A Pinch of Magic

Michelle Harrison

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471124297

Into the Sideways World

 The quest to prove a mysterious creature exists takes Willa and her friend, Manny, into a cave one moonlit night. As the tide rises, they find themselves swept into an alternative world- a ‘perfect’ one where war and pollution are things of the past and everyone, including Willa’s family, seem to be happier versions of themselves. However, when they return, no one believes that their adventure took place and the contrast of their own world with a looming global conflict with the Sideways World becomes all the more poignant as they seek to prove it exists to those around them.

With a book like this, it is essential that a review does not give too much away so I proceed with that in mind! Willa and Manny are both outsiders in their world and find themselves drawn together. Each has their own problems- Manny has been in the care system, has never met his father and has no idea where his mother is. Willa’s family is constantly fighting, with the family business under threat and the possibility of her father being called up to fight in the next war an ever-present threat. Each engages the reader, provoking empathy as they deal with their ‘real’ lives and are thrust into the seemingly perfect sideways alternative.

The story offers thought provoking philosophical questions to explore and presents some fairly mind-boggling scientific theories and concepts making it an appealing read for those looking for a read which offers a challenge and something a little different. An engaging and absorbing read.

Into the Sideways World

Ross Welford

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008333843

The Monkey Who Fell from the Future

The world in 2425 is a very different place. After a meteor struck the earth, technology has been lost and nature has reclaimed the land. London is now a hellish flooded wasteland, but a few cities, like Newcastle where Ocean Mooney lives with her Nanny Moo, still stand. When she meets Deucalion Smiff-known as Duke- and his monkey, Pierre, Ocean finds herself pulled into an adventure involving a 400-year-old computer tablet.

Meanwhile, in the present day, Thomas Reeve is coming to terms with the fact that his super-brainy cousin, Kylie, from Australia, has come to live with his family. Due to her invention, The Time Tablet, he finds himself on Andy and Des’s Ministry of Mystery, a television show which explores mysteries. But when the Time Tablet malfunctions, they find themselves in 2425 whilst Ocean- and Pierre- are in 2023 with only 24 hours to put things right.

From the prologue to the epilogue, ‘The Monkey Who Fell from the Future’ is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure with much to enjoy. As readers have come to expect from Ross Welford, the plot is cleverly constructed with plenty of humour – and plenty to think about.

The world of 2425 has been skilfully constructed, with evidence of ‘The Wonder Age’ (as life before the catastrophic events of 2044 is known) blended into their daily lives, making Ocean curious about the past and the stories she is told, but happy with the life she leads with her Nana. As the story moves between dates, landmarks and locations are shown in contrast, layering what the children know of each period, showing Thomas and Kylie’s present as it will become in the future and Ocean’s present as it was in the past.

The story is full of wonderful characters, not least of which are Deucalion- ‘better known among me more hintimate acquaintances as Duke’, his Uncle, travelling showman, Monsieur Lumiere and Pierre the monkey whose Caravan of Astonishments is bursting with ‘the most miracu-laculous marvels of the Wonder Age’. Popular television presenters, Andy and Des, are sure to make readers smile as readers will recognise their thinly veiled alter-egos and the villain of the piece, Duke’s step father Pinker, is extremely easy to loathe!

Home- and what it really means- is central to the story as the children try to get back to where they belong, realising the importance of the people they have left behind. Ocean finds herself in ‘The Wonder Age’, but longs to be back with Nanny Moo. Duke has found a home with his uncle and Pierre, safe from his cruel stepfather. The future is not what Kylie and Thomas expected, making them appreciate – and want to save- the home they know.

Perfect for those looking for something a bit different, with plenty of humour and excitement, ‘The Monkey Who Fell from the Future’ is a great read!

The Monkey Who Fell from the Future

Ross Welford

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008544744

Time Travelling with a Hamster

When Al Chaudhury discovers his (dead) father's time machine, he is set a challenge which involves going back to the 1980s. He quickly finds himself involved in breaking and entering, setting fire to a school, lying, stealing, and trying not to lose his hamster, Alan Shearer.

Time Travelling with a Hamster is a very clever story, combining lots of science, interesting facts, humour and a very well-plotted story. Full of twists and turns, plenty of adventure and wonderful characters, the book leads to a very satisfying conclusion.

Family relationships are at the heart of this story, particularly those between the male figures. Without wishing to give too much away, the relationship between Al and his father is cleverly explored and developed. Al's grandfather, Byron, is a delightful character who adds much humour and love to the story.

A challenging read, this will appeal to anyone who likes a read that keeps them on their toes and offers plenty to think about.

Time Travelling with a Hamster

Ross Welford

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008156312

A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars

Saved as a baby from a terrible shipwreck, Sante lives with her adoptive family of Mama Rose and her circus performers and a golden eagle named Priss. They live ‘off the grid’, roaming from country to country, performing as they travel and, although hard, life is good. With Cat- wild and feisty knife thrower- and Cobra- snake charmer and her possible future husband- Sante is the star of the show.

A ‘mind whisperer’, Sante can tune into the thoughts of others and has a mystical connection with those who died in the wreck she survived, the unquiet dead in search of peace. When the children rescue a young girl called Scarlett, tension mounts as they become mixed up with evil, and past and present collide.

No synopsis of this book can even begin to do it justice. It is the most original, amazing read, painful in places, but beautifully written. Haunting brutality and exploitation contrast starkly with the magical and supernatural.

Quite simply- this is one you must read.

A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars

Yaba Badoe

Zephyr ISBN: 978-1786695482

The Hippo at the End of the Hall

Receiving an invitation to the mysterious Gee Museum 'containing the wonderful works of nature and curious works of science', Ben is intrigued by the message: Come now or come never! Despite his mother's reluctance for him to go, Ben is drawn to the museum where he finds the exhibits come to life and are desperate for his help as the museum in under threat from a property developer. Ben is their last hope at saving the museum, but has he come in time?

Reminiscent of museums like the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford or Snowshill Manor in Gloucestershire, the Gee Museum is a celebration of the wonderful nature of museums- items people have collected together which are fascinating, mundane, beautiful, rare or curious. The story encourages you to value and explore these places and Helen Cooper has drawn on her love of museums and items she has discovered to create the Gee Museum. Sengi is based on an exhibit in the Natural History Museum in Oxford, the hippo from the Peabody Museum in Boston and Flummery from the Tring Natural History Museum.

The story is beautifully told, using a rich vocabulary and entwining folk tales into Ben's narrative. There is much to explore and enjoy here with the story offering many opportunities for inspiring a range of writing and challenging children to explore the carefully chosen vocabulary. 

Bursting with beautiful pencil sketches, 'The Hippo at the End of the Hall' is a charming, exciting read, perfect for engaging the most reluctant reader.

The Hippo at the End of the Hall       Helen Cooper 

David Fickling Books    ISBN: 978-1910989753

Emily Lime Librarian Detective: The Pencil Case

Emily Lime is back! St Rita’s School for Spirited Girls has a new headmistress, Miss Woolley, whose previous school, Wolfridge Manor, has a a reputation for extreme discipline. However, the changes she brings are not the ones expected and her decision to do away with library systems and assistant librarians does not go down well with Emily Lime, Daphne or George! Determined to keep an eye on their new head, the trio sign up for a trip to the art gallery which throws them headlong into their new mystery- who stole one of the paintings and how are they going to prove that the school handyman, Mr Thanet, is innocent?

Every bit as enjoyable as the first mystery, ‘Emily Lime Librarian Detective: The Pencil Case’ is a cracker! Nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted in as the Assistant (and Assistant Assistant) librarians pick their way through clues and red herrings to solve the case.

Dave’s dry sense of humour captures the ‘St Trinian’s’-style chaos and romps of the St Rita’s girls perfectly, although the scenes in the library made me feel quite weak! The story is full of larger than life characters - George , Daphne and Emily are of course centre stage and as unique as ever. Emily Lime remains one of my favourite book characters- completely obsessed with books and reading, oblivious to social niceties, impatient with anyone or anything that comes between her and a book!

Perfect for those looking for something a little different, ‘Emily Lime Librarian Detective: The Pencil Case’ is a brilliant read.

Emily Lime Librarian Detective: The Pencil Case

Dave Shelton

David Fickling ISBN: 978-1788451031

The Book Case: An Emily Lime Mystery

After an 'unfortunate incident' at her old school, Daphne is on her way to St Rita's, a girls' boarding school. Being a bookworm, she is delighted to be offered a post in the library which is where she meets the unique, quirky Emily Lime, the librarian's assistant, who just happens to be a crime solving genius. Daphne also meets George- the only boy in the school. With strange things happening around them, the three find themselves teaming up to solve the mystery.

Full of fabulous characters, 'The Book Case' is a brilliant read. The school could be compared to St Trinian's in its cast of larger than life pupils and staff. Evidence of failed chemistry experiments, chaos in lessons and midnight feast raids on the kitchens create a fantastic impression of what this school for 'Spirited Girls' is all about! The irascible Emily Lime is just brilliant- her wonky glasses and beret, her 'sour expression', her complete lack of comprehension that anyone might not like books, her outrage when one is damaged- all build a very quirky, individual and unlikely 'Holmes' figure for the story. George- the only boy at an all girls' school- is an unexplained mystery in himself who explains much of the craziness to Daphne (and the reader). 

The story romps along at a pleasing pace, littering the path of the reader with clues about the mysterious goings on until it reaches its conclusion. It is very well written with lots of wonderful description. George, for example, is described as having 'an odd smell about him, of something faintly exotic but distinctly unpleasant; his hair was enthusiastically berserk.' 

Feeling at times like a tongue in cheek Malory Towers, set at some time like the 1930's, 'The Book Case' is a rompingly good read, with lots of black and white illustrations throughout. Spiffing really!

The Book Case - An Emily Lime Mystery     

Dave Shelton

David Fickling Books       ISBN: 978-1910200544

Malamander

Proud of his job of ‘Lost and Fouder’ at the Grand Nautilus Hotel in Eerie-on-Sea, Herbert Lemon does his best to reunite lost belongings with their rightful owners. However, when a girl - Violet Parma- appears declaring he is the only one who can help her, Herbert finds himself drawn into solving the mystery of Violet’s missing parents. The trail seems to lead them to the legendary Malamader, a monster supposed to lurk on the shores of their town. Is the monster real and is it responsible for the disappearance of Violet’s parents?

With vivid descriptions and plenty of action, this is a brilliant fun-filled adventure. Herbert and Violet are wonderful characters. Herbert is loyal and conscientious and find plenty of courage when it’s most needed. Violet is impulsive and keen on action and together they make a dynamic pair as they set about solving the mystery.

Eerie-on-Sea is created with such imagination! I love The Book Dispensary and all the colourful characters who inhabit the town, like Jenny Hanniver and the wonderful Erwin, the dispensary cat. The eccentricity of the town’s inhabitants and locations adds greatly to the charm of the story, absorbing you into its world.

With wonderfully wicked villains and the mysterious Malamander, this is a brilliant story. Read it now!

Malamander Thomas Taylor

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406386288

The Eye of the North

Emmeline is convinced her life is in danger. Clutching her satchel full of things to keep her alive, she makes her way through life, ready for anything! One breakfast time, she receives a letter from her parents which changes everything.

Put on a ship to sail to Paris where she would find safety, Emmeline meets a young boy called Thing, a scruffy stowaway, and an unlikely friendship develops between them. Chased by the criminals who kidnapped her parents, Emmeline is caught and taken to a villainous scientist, who is determined to summon an ancient creature from the icy depths of the north...

Desperate to save his new friend, Thing seeks help from a secret organisation and sets off in pursuit. 

What follows is an amazing story, combining the adventures of Emmeline and Thing as the one races to save the other. Fast paced and exciting, the book is peppered with fantastic characters and magical creatures, making this an enchanting read. 

Thing is a wonderful character. Haunted by his past, he is loyal and resourceful- a perfect companion for Emmeline, whose upbringing and experiences have made her more reserved and cautious. Rich, atmospheric language describes the settings beautifully and Emmeline's world comes vividly to life. With dangers at every turn, this will appeal to those who love fantasy and adventure.

The Eye of the North       Sinead O'Hart

Stripes Publishing      ISBN: 978-1847159410

Rosie Raja: Churchill’s Spy

Half-Indian, half-English, Rosina has had to move to England where she is miserable. Her father took her from India when her mother died and she misses the palace she lived in and her aunt, Rani-K, the queen of their kingdom. Things take a dramatic turn when Rosie learns that her father is a spy for the British government and she stows away on a plane to be with him. Finding herself in Nazi occupied France, Rosie needs to be on her guard if she is to help her father with his mission- and survive.

Courageous and loyal, Rosie is an excellent heroine. Left reeling by her mother’s death and angry and confused by her father’s apparent lack of grief and concern for her wishes, Rosie is determined to find out what he is doing, launching herself into the heart of danger. Smart and capable, she is keen to learn the ‘skills’ of spying and quick to take action when needed.

The story does not shy away from some of the harsh realities of life in occupied France, exploring the role of the resistance and the risks they faced in opposing the Nazis. There is tragedy within the unit Rosie’s father is leading and tough decisions have to be made, considering ‘the greater good’.

Rosie’s mixed heritage of her Indian mother and English father also introduces the role of the British Raj in India, the struggle for independence and Gandhi’s non-violent teachings, sure to encourage readers to further investigate this part of history. I wonder whether the final version of the book might include some suggested reading material as there is so much to learn from (as well as enjoy in) this story. I believe this is the first in a series of adventures for Rosie and I look forward to seeing what she gets up to next!

Rosie Raja: Churchill’s Spy

Sufiya Ahmed

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1801990059

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

Milton the Megastar

In our 2020 Read Aloud winner, ‘Milton the Mighty’, Emma Read introduced us to this loveable little arachnid and his friends, teaching us all not to be scared of spiders! In this, his second adventure, Milton is finding his superstardom is all too stressful and is missing his dad who was last seen in Hawaii. Whilst his friends are as supportive as ever, they can’t help feeling that he has become a bit of a diva. Zoe is also finding things difficult. Although she likes dad’s new girlfriend, Greta and home has been happier recently, so much change takes a lot of getting used to. When a trip to Hawaii comes up, Zoe is determined to take Milton along- it could be his chance to find his dad! But an active volcano and a dodgy hotel developer mean that this might not be the relaxing holiday they were hoping for!

This wonderful story has so much to recommend it! Milton’s anxiety is dealt with sensitively and he is supported by his friends, but not completely indulged as they help him to deal with his feelings. Zoe is also supported and reassured by her father as she struggles to come to terms with her very mixed emotions about her changing situation. The story shows that sharing your feelings and not bottling them up is so important.

Caring for the environment is a strong theme running through the book. Spiders continue to be championed, but this book also raises questions about the impact of travel and tourism. Bradley O’Hair’s extreme views have rubbed off on his son, Dillon, but once presented with another point of view, he is prepared to listen and develop his own ideas.

With wonderful touches of humour and lots of spidery facts, ‘Milton the Megastar’ is every bit as delightful as ‘Milton the Mighty’. Another must read for spider-lovers and arachnophobes alike!

Milton the Megastar

Emma Read, illustrated by Alex G Griffiths

Chicken House ISBN: 978-1912626069

Milton the Mighty

Branded a deadly killer by the media, tiny false widow Milton decides to clear his name. Working with his arachnid friends, Audrey and Ralph, he must make contact with his house human, Zoe, and convince her that he is harmless. But with her father terrified of spiders and Felicity, the owner of BUGKILL, having moved into their street, can this tiny troupe achieve the impossible?

Milton is possibly the loveliest spider in fiction since Charlotte appeared on her web! A wonderful tale of friendship and of what can be achieved by teamwork and perseverance, ‘Milton the Mighty’ also presents a compelling case for respecting spiders and trying to understand rather than fear them. Perhaps #NotScaredOfSpiders should become a real campaign!

Full of humour, the book really tackles the issue of ‘fake news’ and challenges the reader to dig deeper, find out more and use some common sense before believing everything they read. Individuals taking action and standing up for what they believe in, even in the face of ridicule is such a powerful message, beautifully embodied in Milton who has to overcome his self-doubt and feelings of insignificance to achieve his goal.

Just as humans judge spiders, spiders themselves seem to judge one another and it is Ralph who realises that not all garden spiders want something as One Short (who wishes she was called Petal) becomes a valuable ally - and friend, showing the importance of not being prejudiced against others, but getting to know them.

‘Milton the Mighty’ would make a great read aloud, offering plenty to discuss and consider along the way. Hopefully, this ‘teeniest superhero’ will have more adventures very soon!

Milton the Mighty

Emma Read, illustrated by Alex G Griffiths

Chicken House ISBN: 978-1911490814

The House of One Hundred Clocks

When Helena’s father gets a new job, it takes them away from London and the life she knows. Taking Orbit the parrot, her constant reminder of her deceased mother, with her, Helena prepares for a new life in Cambridge. However, her father’s new job is not as simple as it seems and the house they are now living in is not only full of clocks, but full of mystery too. In their bid for a new life, will they end up losing everything?

I loved A M Howell’s first book, ‘The Garden of Lost Secrets’ and ‘The House of One Hundred Clocks’ was no disappointment. Inspired by the clock collection of Frederic Gershom Parkington, it is a fascinating story full of description, detail and colour. The atmosphere in the house is decidedly eerie with family mystery and heartache threatening to take everything from Helena and her father should the clocks falter.

Grief at the loss of a loved one permeates the story yet the girls find solace and strength in their new friendship and work together to make things better. The villain of the piece comes as a surprise, but encourages the reader to think about questions of inequality and how people are treated can make them act in certain ways. Orbit is a delight- a little flash of mischief and humour!

‘The House of One Hundred Clocks’ is an atmospheric, enchanting read, perfect for sharing and reading aloud. Can’t wait to read it to a class!

The House of One Hundred Clocks

A M Howell

Usborne ISBN: 978-1474959568

Bone Talk

Living high in the mountains of the Philippines in 1899, Samkad's world is his tribe, his village. Now he is about the have the Cut and become a man. He is desperate to play his part in keeping the tribe safe from their enemy, the head-hunting Mangili, even if it means he will no longer be able to enjoy a good scrap with his friend, a girl called Little Luki. But soon Samkad's life is turned upside down. The manhood ritual he has been eagerly awaiting goes wrong, leaving him confused, and his father leaves the village to locate family Samkad barely knows. When he returns, he brings with him a strange white man, an American with different ways and different ideas. As more Americans appear, things for Samkad and his tribe will never be the same again.

I am ashamed to admit that I knew nothing of the Philippine-American War before reading Bone Talk, nor of the people of the Cordilleras. Candy Gourlay has skilfully blended history and narrative to create a fascinating, compelling story which respectfully explores the traditions and beliefs of the people of Bontok. Their treatment at the hands of the Americans is painful reading; their callous exploitation and mocking of the tribe is starkly portrayed and is all the more poignant for being seen through the puzzled eyes of Samkad.

The story is full of well developed characters. Little Luki is my favourite; feisty, determined and loyal, she defies the tribe's conventions about the role of women and plays a truly heroic role. In contrast, for Samkad, the traditions of his people are not to be questioned. His longing to be a great warrior like his father, to please the ancients and the ancestors, are all evident, yet he is also impulsive and quick tempered when these values are threatened. Kinyo is also an intriguing character; his fascination with the Americans, his initial wish to distance himself from his own people, offer a contrast to Samkad and Luki's suspicions.

The settings in the book are brilliantly described, celebrating the natural beauty of the world. Bone Talk is an amazing story, combining breathtaking adventure with historical detail. The perfect read for inquiring minds!

Bone Talk Candy Gourlay

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788450171