NNFN2024: Big Book of Knowledge

For the final day of NNFN2024, this is the last post of the Review Tour. Many thanks to all those who have taken part and to all the wonderful publishers who have supported us.

‘The Week Junior Big Book of Knowledge’ offers a cornucopia of information, beautifully presented and completely fascinating! Perfect for browsing, this is a book to return to again and again and discover something new each time.

Different sections are crammed with true-stories and fantastic facts centred around a theme such as ‘Creature Features’, Brilliant Books’ and ‘Wonderful Wellbeing’. In the wealth of information included here are things you never knew you needed to know- until you read them! Did you know that rats ‘giggle’? Or that someone spent two weeks transforming the front of their home into a giant gingerbread house?

There are also activities to try like making some ‘foodie art’ in the shape of a fake cake or creating a sweet and savoury salad. Colourful photos make the book very appealing whilst succinct, clear explanations and lively text make it accessible and entertaining. A real must-have, this is sure to become a firm favourite throughout the year! Remember non-fiction is not just for November!

The Week Junior Big Book of Knowledge

Bloomsbury ISBN:978-1801995221

Blog Tour: Shadow Creatures

I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘Shadow Creatures’, the latest novel by Chris Vick, whose books are both inspiring and enjoyable.

When visiting her family in Norway, Georgy persuades her grandmother, Tove, and Great-Aunt Liva to tell her about Agna, an old woman, who Georgy saw in the woods. What was initially a ploy to avoid doing the dishes develops into a fascinating story of their youth and the horrifying experience of life under the occupation of the Nazis.

My very simplistic synopsis does nothing to capture the essence of this amazing story, but I didn’t want to fall into the trap of retelling the entire plot! ‘Shadow Creatures’ is a very powerful, compelling book, inspired by family history and incredible people.

Set in occupied Norway during World War II, the action is told as a duel narrative which moves between sisters, Tove and Liva. Fjernoy, a magical island special to the villagers, is turned into a desolate prisoner of war camp and many are forced to work there, seeing first hand the harsh treatment of those held prisoner. In the face of such evil, each individual has to decide what acts of resistance they are prepared to make and how they can balance their own and their loved ones safety with following their conscience. Each viewpoint is skilfully explored with the emotions and experiences of different character being vividly conveyed, filling the reader with great empathy and leaving them wondering how they might have acted if put in this position.

‘Shadow Creatures’ also celebrates Norwegian folklore as the sisters take inspiration from the Huldrefolk, the hidden people- nisse, nixie, huldra, trolls- who act in the shadows to cause mischief and bring trouble to those who cross them. Since reading ‘Shadow Creatures’, I have been hunting for books of Norwegian folklore and am determinedly planning a holiday…

Listening to family, valuing their memories, sharing family history and explaining the importance of family mementos- realising that older people were once young and lived fascinating (or very ordinary!) lives- is something which can be left until it is too late, but through his work, Chris Vick reminds the reader of the importance of sharing time and listening to family around us. Without the incredible memories and experiences of his family, this wonderful novel would not have been written- and that would have been a great loss.

Right and wrong, good and evil- sometimes these things are not as simple as they seem and decisions we make can be complex and have far reaching consequences. ‘Shadow Creatures’ would make an excellent novel to read with children in Y6/7/8, offering not only a wealth of historical and cultural detail, but plenty to consider and discuss. Beautifully written, deeply moving and inspiring, this is a brilliant book!

Shadow Creatures

Chris Vick

Zephyr ISBN: 978-1837933167

Many thanks to Zephyr for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour.

(I apologise if my review is a bit rambling, but I am struggling with Covid!)

Blog Tour: Open Wide!

Today, it’s my turn to dive into the ‘jaw-dropping mouths of the animal world’ on the ‘Open Wide!’ Blog Tour.

Let’s start by asking a few questions. Do you know which creature has fangs that fold flat to stop it accidentally biting itself? No? What about which creature can extend its tongue one-and-a-half times its body length? Me neither! If you don’t know, then this is the book you need!

From its tasty introduction onwards, ‘Open Wide!’ is bursting with those quirky and fascinating facts which children love to discover and share! Starting with human teeth (Science NC Y4: identify the different types of teeth in humans and their simple functions), the book moves to the commonalities of mammalian mouths before moving on to the eating habits of slugs and snails. I now know what a ‘radula’ is!

The contents page is full of tempting titles like ‘Tremendous Tusks’ and Gigantic Grins’, making the book perfect for dipping in and out of: however, it is very easy to be led from page to page as there are intriguing questions posed at the bottom of some which you just have to turn over to find the answer to! I wanted to know if I was right about how the Barbary macaques were feeling -I wasn’t!- but I was more successful with guessing which coloured tongue belonged to which animal.

Whilst the book is mainly illustrated by Ed J Brown, some photographs are also included, allowing children to see the sucker of a goby and krill up close amongst other things. One of the most popular features of the text will no doubt be the ‘Not for the Squeamish’ fact boxes which regularly appear containing those disgusting facts which children love to quote- usually in the middle of a lesson!

Having both an index and glossary, ‘Open Wide!’ will be a useful resource for teachers keen to enrich the science curriculum with fascinating facts about teeth, diet, food chains, habitats etc, perhaps using the quiz sheet available on the ‘What on Earth’ website along with some other resources for this title.

A really absorbing read!

Open Wide!

Dr Letizia Diamante and Ed J Brown

What on Earth ISBN: 978-1804661352

Blog Tour: Step into my Shoes

Today, I am very happy to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘Step into my Shoes’, a lovely picture book from Lantana, which paves the way for plenty of discussion!

Matou lives just outside Paris, in a place she dismissively thinks no one has ever heard of. Now that her mum works in the city, she walks to and from school by herself. One Friday, having been let out of school early, as she passes the mosque, she notices a ‘sea of shoes’, including a pair of sports shoes with orange laces. Tempted by the fact they are nearly her size, she tries them on. Having returned them, she notices the boy the shoes belong to and concludes the shoes are pristine because he doesn’t walk much. From then on, Matou regularly tries on different shoes outside the mosque and ponders on the lives of their owners until one day, excited by the fact that her mother will be home early, she goes straight home…only to become upset as her mother arrives late. But when she steps into her mother’s shoes, she gains a new perspective, learning what it truly means to ‘step into someone’s shoes’.

‘Step into my Shoes’ is a wonderful story for developing empathy and compassion. Matou literally explores the expression ‘to step into someone else’s shoes’, initially as a way of entertaining herself on her journey home, but ultimately coming to understand her mother better. Children will really relate to her curiosity as she wonders about all the footwear left outside the mosque as those inside pray. Initially, for those unfamiliar with this custom, there will be conversations about this practice, offering opportunities to deepen understanding - and make links with other religions and cultural traditions.

But the real joy of the story is that it encourages readers to pause and think - no matter how frustrated, angry or upset- that misunderstandings can be seen from another perspective and that ‘stepping into someone else’s shoes’ allows us to understand them better, an important lesson which many adults could do with learning! The illustrations add much to the text, making it easy for children to choose different pairs of shoes and explore their ideas about the owners and to pause and consider Matou’s feelings at different points in the story. Interest in France might also be piqued by various details in the pictures- the Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Coeur, the pyramid of the Louvre, signs for the Metro, the shop names, Lautrec’s Black Cat, the Mona Lisa- there is much to explore!

A lovely book to spend time with!

Step into my Shoes

Alkisti Halikia, translated by Konstantine Matsoukas, illustrated by Fotini Tikkou

Lantana ISBN: 978-1915244956

Blog Tour: First Big Book of How

I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘First Big Book of How’! Children are always bursting with natural curiosity about the world around them and this beautifully presented, chunky volume is the perfect place for them to find the answers they are looking for!

The book is divided into six clear sections: The Body, Machines and Buildings, Wild Animals, Bugs and Creepy Crawlies, Earth and Space. A contents page lists all the questions posed in each section and there is a comprehensive index at the end to help locate specific information, but this is a book which is perfect for browsing! A clear explanation is given in answer to each question, using straightforward language and in a good sized font, making it perfect for younger readers. Technical terms are explained within the text and a glossary at the back of the book offers further definitions. Fact boxes and diagrams add further details.

A lot of thought has been given to the presentation of this book. ‘Wow! What’s that?’ spreads are scattered throughout, showing close up images, offering a fascinating look at various things like the tongue or a dragonfly. Other spreads are called ‘Tell me how…now!’ which pose and answer specific questions- a chameleon’s tongue is up to 20cm long, the oldest tree in the world is almost 5000 years old, 280 people have been to the International Space Station… There is so much to learn here!

Some of the facts are truly disgusting- bogies can be green, brown or even pink depending on what’s trapped in it- which is sure to add to their appeal! There are questions here which you don’t know you want the answers to until you see them! How do worms know where they are going? Now I know! This is the sort of book which offers endless entertainment as it will be returned to again and again, allowing readers to share gleaned gems of knowledge. There is much in here which supports topics covered in the school curriculum, making it a useful book for home and school!

Illustrated with an appealing mix of photographs and pictures, ‘First Big Book of How’ is a real treasure trove of knowledge and discovery.

First Big Book of How

Sally Symes and Saranne Taylor, illustrated by Kate Slater

What on Earth ISBN: 978-1804661185

Blog Tour: Aliya Aboard the Time Train

Welcome to the third stop on the time travelling Silver Express on an exhilarating journey through Egyptian history and culture with Laila Rifaat, author of the Aliya series.

Letter 3: Read like a Ptolemaian (The Ptolemaic era, Ancient Alexandria)

Dear Geddo,

By now you might have received a chronogram with the news about Professor Fayruz. Poor old sphinx…It was so horrible seeing him lying there stiff and cold. We found him just as we were heading back to the train after our excursion to the Old Kingdom. Some travellers are saying that he was murdered! The whole matter is so disturbing, but please don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine and anyway, there’s no way of turning the train around now that we’re in the time tunnel.

In line with our present stop in the Ptolemaic era, the dining coach has been redecorated to fit the style, with the genie waiters, musicians, and coach attendants all wearing draped tunics with colourful sashes, leather sandals and headbands made of gold and leather. In an attempt to brighten the mood, the guests were given Ptolemaic headdresses to wear. Victoria got a ‘Crown of Isis,’ which had a sun-disk between a pair of cow-horns. I could tell she wasn’t sure whether to be proud or embarrassed to wear it. Aion and I got lotus-crowns which were really pretty. Soliman told us that the lotus flower which was sacred in ancient Egypt. Charlotte, our chaperone, got a headdress with cobras which I thought suited her well. She’s always hissing at us.

I hadn’t expected Ptolemaic fashion and food to be so like the one we had from Ancient Egypt. Soliman explained that this was because the Ptolemies, who came from Greece, took on a lot of the Egyptians’ way of life when they drove out the Persians and settled in Egypt. They seemed a bit divided about Egypt though, because while they liked to present themselves like Egyptian pharaohs, they refused to speak anything but Greek and only put their own people in positions of power. Soliman said they never really assimilated to Egyptian culture. Still, they liked to style themselves as Pharaohs.  Maybe they liked the outfits, or was it to win the Egyptians’ favour by adopting their culture? I’m not sure.

After dessert we headed for the outfitting coach to get dressed for our visit to the Ptolemaic era. I got to wear a purple-striped tunic, and a cloak with a hood. It was really comfortable, and quite stylish too. Arsione, who is from that time, helped dress mine and the other girls’ hair with gold bands and headdresses.

The first portal took us to a spot on a hill, overlooking the ancient town of Alexandria. It felt so strange standing there, looking out over the city I know so well from my own time. But this was sometime around 330 BCE! So, no traffic jams or hotels lining the coastline. It did look impressive though, with a great harbour, countless temples, and a massive lighthouse.

Soliman told us that the city was founded and named by Alexander the Great who drove the Persians out of Egypt in 332 BCE. Ptolomy, founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty, was one of his generals who took over when Alexander died. He’s went on to make Alexandria an important port and an intellectual hot spot. The Ptolomies founded the Library of Alexandria and built a famous lighthouse, which is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and one of the highest buildings of the ancient world. Only the pyramids of Giza are higher.

Next, we headed to the library, to a complex known as the Mouseion which housed a research institute, an astronomical observatory, gardens, and even a zoo. While passing through we ran into scholars, scientists, and philosophers from all over the world that had come to Alexandria to study, experiment, and debate the hot topics of the day.

The Ptolomies who were the patrons of the library were really crazy about books, even more than you. They would go to great lengths to get hold of them, or the scrolls on which they were written, and would collect everything from cookbooks to maps to philosophical treaties. They would even send special agents to steal or barter for manuscripts. Once a Ptolemy ruler tricked some famous philosophers, saying he would ‘borrow’ their original texts to copy them for his library. He ended up sending them the copies and keeping the originals. I can’t imagine going that crazy over some old scrolls of philosophy to the point that you want to steal them!

The library was really cool though, I’ve got to admit. I visited last year during the assessments, remember? It would have been a fond memory, but now it’s tainted by the fact that the most evil magician in the travel world was there with me.

Anyway, before heading back to the train we got to see some of Alexandria’s wide, straight roads and massive grand temples, palaces, and monuments that mixed Greek and Egyptian styles. Soliman told us that the city often came alive with festivals, parades, and celebrations honouring the gods and goddesses of both cultures. So, the Ptolomies were party animals as well as intellectuals.

I got to go now. Charlotte’s making us take baths to wash off ‘dangerous ancient germs.’ I’ll write again as soon as I get a chance. Please don’t worry.

Your granddaughter,

Aliya

Useful links

• Ptolemaian fashion: https://rawi-publishing.com/articles/ptolemaic_fashion

• History of the Ptolemaic era: https://www.worldhistory.org/Ptolemaic_Dynasty/

• Library of Alexandria: https://www.worldhistory.org/Library_of_Alexandria/ https://www.britannica.com/topic/Library-of-Alexandria

About Laila Rifaat

Laila moved to Cairo, Egypt, in her twenties to explore her father’s native country. She fell in love with the country and has lived in Cairo for over 30 years now. It remains a main source of inspiration for her stories. She has an MA in English and Comparative Literature and has worked as an ESL and IGCSE teacher. Nowadays she’s a full-time writer and stay-at-home mum to her four kids. Find out more at www.lailarifaat.com

Aliya Aboard the Time Train

The spectacular sequel to Middle Eastern-inspired fantasy Aliya to the Infinite City. 

When sinister magic threatens Aliya’s world once more, she is sent away on a school trip for her own safety aboard the time-travelling Silver Express. But what is supposed to be an educational journey through Egyptian history becomes a deadly race to save it from evil time-twister and master of disguise, Dorian Darke. Find out more at

https://www.chickenhousebooks.com/schools/laila-rifaat/

My review will follow soon…

Blog Tour: Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins

I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for the very wonderful ‘Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins’ by the equally wonderful Claire Fayers! As a great lover of myths, legends, fables and folklore, I collect these stories wherever I go and am always thrilled when a new collection appears.

Before you have even opened it to discover the delights within, it has to be said that ‘Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins’ is a beautifully produced book. The green hardback perfectly complements the gold lettering and design of the cover by Becka Moor, making this a book to be gifted, treasured, loved and passed on. And (as one of those weird booklovers who can always be found sniffing books!) it smells great too!

In this collection, Claire has taken seventeen traditional Welsh tales and has used her own special magic to re-imagine them for a new generation. In doing so, she has created a treasure trove of tales, offering something new whilst acknowledging the old, allowing readers to investigate the stories which inspired her should they wish to do so.

Each story starts with an author’s note which sets the scene and sometimes offers guidance on pronunciation- essential support for anyone sharing these at a story time. I particularly enjoyed ‘The Green Lady of Caerphilly Castle’ which, inspired by the story, I am planning to visit very soon! But then, I am planning to spend quite a lot of time exploring Wales due to this book!

In some stories, such as the Green Lady, Claire has stayed fairly true to the original; others, she has cleverly altered to offer a new or different take on the tale. In ‘Sir John and the Dragon’, the addition of Mags, a lively, intelligent orphan, which allows a far more satisfactory conclusion to the story of Denbigh’s dragon.

I could easily write about each of the stories and how much I enjoyed them, but that would make this piece far too long. Suffice it to say that for those who love folklore, this is an essential collection. For those who don’t, this is the collection you need to change that!

Welsh Giants, Ghosts and Goblins

Claire Fayers, illustrated by Becka Moor

Firefly Press ISBN: 1915444707

You can find out more about Claire and her books on her website: https://clairefayers.com/

Many thanks to the lovely people at Firefly Press for inviting me to take part on this Blog Tour!

Blog Tour: Whisper to the Rescue

I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘Whisper to the Rescue’ today.

Whisper is the smallest, quietest dragon on the mountainside and although he notices everything, his family don’t seem to notice him. He sees how they are damaging the environment, making it unsafe and unpleasant for the other creatures who live there, but he cannot make his family listen. however, with a little help from his friends, Whisper finds a way.

Brave and determined, little Whisper is sure to find a place in readers’ hearts. Proving that the quietest amongst us are often those who notice things which pass others by, this lovely story shows how perseverance, teamwork and taking a new approach can solve seemingly impossible problems. Many children will empathise with Whisper’s feelings of not being listened to, but will take courage from the creative solution he and his friends come up with.

There is also an environmental message here with children trying to make their elders recognise the damage which they are inflicting on the planet and change their ways. The story is perfect for encouraging discussions and making children feel as if they can be heard. This gentle story has real strength at its heart.

Whisper to the Rescue

Rose Robbins

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978- 1915252203

Blog Tour: Bringing Back Kay-Kay

Today, I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘Bringing Back Kay-Kay’. Sensitively written, it is a beautiful exploration of sibling love, a gripping mystery and a celebration of the power of poetry.

For me, ‘Bringing Back Kay-Kay was a one-sitting read! Beautifully written, the story is about Lena, whose brother, Kay-Kay, goes missing whilst on a school trip. Overcome with grief, their parents put their trust in the police and hope that they will find him. However, Lena is sure that one of Kay-Kay’s friends knows more than he is letting on and so sets off on a quest to find her beloved brother and bring him home.

The story unfolds through Lena’s thoughts, actions and memories, building a picture of her complex family relationship. She feels like the ‘difficult’ child, somehow lesser than her perfect brother, almost, at times, unwanted and yet her closeness to her sibling is never in doubt. As she searches for Kay-Kay, she explores her memories and realises just how much her brother does for her- and starts to understand just how difficult things have been for him. Discovering his poetry, Lena discovers how he feels the weight of parental expectations bearing down on him and comes to understand her brother even more. I cannot recommend this book highly enough- it will take you on an emotional rollercoaster whilst engaging you fully in an excellent and carefully constructed adventure.

Poetry has always been very important to me, both personally and as a teacher, and it is a joy to see how Kay-Kay was able to express his inner feelings in this way and how his sister responded to his words. Below, Dev Kothari explains why she chose to use poetry in her story.

Magic of poetry

I’ve always found poetry magical. I still remember some of the poems I learnt at school, while growing up in India, like P. B. Shelley’s Mutability or Christina Rossetti’s Who Has Seen The Wind or Bhawani Prasad Mishra’s Satpura Ke Jungle. Even then, I was struck by the power of verse – it’s ability to connect with you at a deeper, emotional, instinctual level. Over the years, I’ve read a lot of poetry works. But it took me a while to figure out the kind of poetry that speaks to me. Verses that are simple yet profound, that make time stop for me, that make me feel. The poetry of Rumi and Mary Oliver, of Wisława Szymborska and Do Jong Hwan, of Gulzaar saab and Michael Rosen. My life is so much richer because of the gifts of poetry. And I think that’s why it makes its way into my writing too, in some shape or form. In fact, my very first attempts at writing, right from my childhood were in the form of poems. So, it’s probably not a surprise that there’s poetry in Bringing Back Kay-Kay too. When I began writing it, I didn’t particularly set out to make Kay-Kay a poet. It just turned out that way, when I wrote the scene about Lena finding one of his poems in an old copy of Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet (naturally!). Of course he’s a poet, I thought. In that instant, suddenly, Kay-Kay became real to me. I love that Kay-Kay is able to pen his thoughts and worries, dreams and fears through poetry. I love that Lena and the readers get to know him better through his poems. And I love that I get to spread some of the magic of poetry through this story. Wouldn’t it be an absolute joy and privilege, if reading this story inspires young people to read more poetry and write it too?

Bringing Back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari (£7.99, Walker Books) available now.

 Many thanks to Dev Kothari and the lovely team at Walker Books for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour. Keep an eye out for the other stops on the tour to find out more about this wonderful book!

Blog Tour: The Doll Twin

Since the death of her parents, Una has been living in a children’s home. Missing her lighthouse home and the moods of the sea, she find life here hard, her ways infuriating Matron who calls her ‘Una the Unwanted’ and ‘Una the Unstable’. When the Smiths arrive and decide that they want to adopt her, Una is thrilled both by being wanted and by returning to live by the sea. But her new home, Copperlins, although impressive, is strange and leaves her feeling unsettled. The villagers of Knifely Stifling are wary of the house- and its inhabitants- but Una strikes up a friendship with Mary, a village girl, giving her a feeling of belonging. However, she cannot pretend that the strange occurences and noises in Copperlins are not happening and one night, she comes face to face with life-sized doll which looks just like her…

Sounds intriguing? It most certainly is! ‘The Doll Twin’ is a deliciously spooky read which keeps the reader guessing with the plot making twist after turn as poor Una finds herself facing peril, unsure of who she can trust and how she will survive.

I love the character of Una. Desperate to be a ‘good’ daughter, she struggles to mould herself to be the daughter she thinks the Smiths want whilst trying to hold on to being herself and doing what she thinks is right. Her curiosity, courage and loyalty are all severely tested yet she faces and overcomes many challenges, including being confronted by a life-sized copy of herself who she comes to know as ‘Ani’, an Animated Curiosity. I don’t want to spoil the story so I will say no more about this…

The story is wonderfully atmospheric, with locations and buildings taking on a life of their own, adding much to moments of tension or great emotion. The sea ebbs and flows through Una’s life, offering peril, sanctuary and home. ‘The Doll Twin’ is an excellent read- one not to miss!

The Doll Twin Janine Beacham

Firefly ISBN: 978-1915444479

Many thanks to Janine and the lovely people at Firefly for asking me to take part in this Blog Tour! Make sure you look at the other stops and find out what everyone else thinks about this brilliant story.

Blog Tour: Start Small Think Big

I am delighted to be taking part in Blog Tour which celebrates not only lovely books, but also National Non-Fiction November! ‘Start Small, Think Big’ is a fabulous series which is designed to engage and inspire young readers- and they certainly do!

‘Small, Speckled Egg’ follows the life cycle of the Arctic tern. The egg can be seen through the die-cut on the cover, engaging youngest readers from the outset. A clever mix of simple, easy to read text and more detailed information allows the book to be read and shared in different ways. This offers a text which can both support emergent readers and offer more challenge for those who need it, making it the perfect accompaniment for teaching parts of the KS1 Science or Geography curriculum. The same format is used for ‘Little, Brown Nut’ just as successfully.

Neither book shies away from using the ‘technical’ vocabulary connected with its subject, which is clearly explained and used. Thus the reader learns about the ‘agouti’, what ‘photosynthesis’ is and how long it takes the seed to ‘germinate’. All the information is supported by engaging illustrations, offering plenty of detail. A fold-out page at the end of the book offers a useful pictorial summary of the life cycle, a map of the world/ country relating to the topic, an I-Spy section and a ‘Think Big!’ fact box which includes additional information.

There is so much to learn and enjoy packed into each of these books, showing how essential high quality non-fiction texts are for young children to feed and inspire their natural curiosity about the world around them. The fact that these also offer plenty to interest older children- and adults- make them perfect for sharing and encouraging discussion with others.

Start Small, Think Big: Small, Speckled Egg

Mary Auld, illustrated by Anna Terreros Martin

Mama Makes Books ISBN: 978-1739774875

Start Small, Think Big: Little, Brown Nut

Mary Auld, illustrated by Dawn Cooper

Mama Makes Books ISBN: 978-1739774882

Many thanks to the team at Mama Makes Books for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour!

NNFN2023 Bloggers’ Tour: Mission Arctic

I am delighted to be sharing ‘Mission: Arctic’ as part of the NNFN2023 Bloggers’ Tour, perfect for the Wonderful Water theme.

In September 2019, ‘Polarstern’, a powerful ice-breaker research vessel, set sail for the Arctic with MOSAiC, a team of more than five hundred scientists from across the world on board on the largest expedition to the Arctic ever undertaken. ‘Mission: Arctic’ is a completely fascinating read, following these researchers on their mission.

Divided into three parts-The Biggest Arctic Expedition of All Time, Climate Research on the Ice and Our Arctic, Our Future- the book is beautifully illustrated with a mixture of photographs, drawings, annotated diagrams and notes, making it an incredibly engaging and absorbing read. Technical terms are carefully explained both as they occur within the text and in a comprehensive glossary at the end, supporting the reader’s understanding of the mission and the scientists’ discoveries.

‘Mission: Arctic’ would make an excellent text for guided reading sessions, offering plenty to investigate and discuss whilst offering challenge and interest. The varied presentation of information and the exciting content are sure to inspire interest and encourage children to take up the challenge to help save the Arctic.

A thoroughly absorbing read!

Mission: Arctic A Scientific Adventure to a Changing North Pole

Katharina Weiss-Tuider, translated by Shelley Tanaka, illustrated by Christian Schneider

Greystone Kids ISBN: 978-1771649568

Man-Man and the Tree of Memories

I am delighted to have been invited to take part in the Blog Tour for ‘Man-Man and the Tree of Memories’ today. Yaba Badoe is an amazing author- ‘A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars’ is a book I will never forget!- so I was really looking forward to reading this one and I was not disappointed.

Emmanuel- known as Man-Man- is really excited. It’s Carnival time and he, with his sister, Pan and best friend, Kareem, will be dancing to the beat of his dad’s sound system. As his mother, Trilby, is ill, Man-Man will be taking her place, leading the procession. His nan, who has come to England to help care for Trilby, doesn’t approve of their dancing, but the day arrives and knowing his mother is watching, Man-Man pleads for his mother to be made well again. To his amazement, The Queen of Revels appears and whisks him, Pan and Kareem away to Africa and shows him the Tree of Memories where they witness the the pain of their ancestors and begin to understand how it is causing their mother’s suffering in the present. Does Man-Man have ‘the courage to shape the future by soothing the scars’ of his family’s past?

‘Man-Man and the Tree of Memories’ is a powerful and poignant story. It captures the joy and energy of Carnival, the exhilaration and freedom of dance whilst also tackling serious topics of slavery, inequality and the impact the past can have on the present.

Relationships play a key role in the story. Man-Man and Kareem have a close bond of friendship , each valuing the other for who they are. Pan is a prickly older sister, yet one who obviously cares for her brother. Man-Man enjoys a close, loving relationship with his parents which is beautifully captured. His love for his mother shines through, pushing him to dance harder and channel all his energy, and her love for her children is ultimately her salvation. The relationship with their grandmother, Fedora, is more complex. Strict, unyielding and opinionated, Fedora disapproves of Man-Man’s father whose heritage and beliefs are different to her own. And then there is the relationship with the past- how our heritage can shape our lives. The story offer so much to consider and discuss, encouraging empathy, reflection and developing awareness.

‘There’s always more to us than meets the eye, more than what we see or touch.’

The story is brilliantly illustrated. Joelle Avelino’s bright pictures perfectly capture the energy and life of Carnival so vividly described by Yaba Badoe’s text. As the story moves to the magical, the illustrations seem to convey this energy as well with silhouetted, less-distinct figures and swirling shapes, echoing the branches of the Tree of Memories. Children will love exploring and discussing these as much as the story itself!

Many layered, evocative and poignant, ‘Man-Man and the Tree of Memories’ is a wonderful read, offering much if used as a guided reading or class text. It is a unique story to be enjoyed again and again.

Man-Man and the Tree of Memories

Yaba Badoe, illustrated by Joelle Avelino

Zephyr ISBN: 978-1837930074

Many thanks to the team at Zephyr for asking me to take part. Find out what everyone else thinks by following the rest of the reviews in the tour!

You can read my review of ‘A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars’ here.

Blog Tour: How to Chat Chicken

With the help of this book, you can become like Dr Doolittle and talk with the animals-gossip gorilla, babble bee, gab gecko or chat chicken as the fancy takes you!

The lively introduction from author, Dr Nick Crumpton, sets the tone for the book perfectly, encouraging readers to listen to, and observe, their pets and other animals carefully so that they can communicate with them.

Six sections- Prattling with Primates, Noisy Neighbours, Murmuring Minibeasts, Commotion in the Ocean, Wild Words and Wild on the Wing- are bursting with descriptions of how creatures communicate. Cats use chirruping noises when they are excited, croaking gourami fish make frog-like sounds to attract a potential partner and adult crows use a cooing noise to calm their young. It’s a fascinating read and sure to have everyone attempting to chat to the animals around them- and sharing their new found knowledge with anyone who will listen! A wonderful range of creatures is covered with careful explanations, not shying away from the use of technical vocabulary such as stridulation and pheromones which is explained in the glossary. The book also considers how some animals communicate in other ways, such as by the use of smell- and even the use of dialects in some species.

The bright, cartoon-style illustrations are very appealing and easy to dip in and out of. An index makes it easy to locate specific animals, but it is very easy to find yourself reading this one from cover to cover! As National Non-Fiction November approaches (but also at any time of the year!), it is great to remember that there are all styles of information texts to appeal to all styles of readers of all ages. There is as much to engage the 70 year old as the 7 year old here! Any book which encourages children (or any reader!) to really understand their fellow creatures and develop a sense of empathy and understanding can only be a good one!

How to Chat Chicken

Dr Nick Crumpton, illustrated by Adrienne Barman

What On Earth Books ISBN: 978-1804660423

Make sure you take a look at the rest of the stops on the Blog Tour! Many thanks to What on Earth for inviting me to be part it!

Blog Tour: Dexter! The Amazing School Dog

Today, I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for this very special book!

It’s Dexter’s first day as ‘School Dog’ and as soon as he is through the gate, he is busy supporting everyone who needs him. As the days go by, he helps Flynn find the courage to leave his Grandma and go into class, he sniffs out Blake’s lost lunch box and encourages George to read to him, naturally finding ways to support every child who needs him. At end end of the book, he is rewarded with a brand new, golden collar for being the best school dog ever!

Having worked with three school dogs, I know that they really can work magic with some children. Empathy is at the heart of this story, gently showing the reader how challenging some situations can be for some children, emphasising the uniqueness of each individual and the importance of gently validating their feelings and allowing time and space for them to flourish. It offers the perfect way to introduce children - and adults- to all kinds of feelings and responses, paving the way for really positive, inclusive discussions.

My favourite illustration in the book- although they are all lovely- is that of George and Dexter in the Book Nook. Dogs make the perfect audience for a story, gazing with devotion at the person who is reading and cuddling close or sitting by their side as needed. Children feel an incredible sense of achievement and well-being when allowed to do this and the experience should not be belittled as sadly it often is.

The illustrations are wonderful, capturing Dexter’s loveable, warm nature perfectly as he spreads happiness and confidence across every page. I hope there are more books about Dexter being planned as these stories will resonate with and reassure all who read them!

Dexter! The Amazing School Dog

Lucy Plunkett, illustrated by Sian Bowman

Owlet Press ISBN: 978-1913339500

Thank you to the lovely people at Owlet Press for inviting me to be part of this Blog Tour.

Blog Tour: Strange Tales- Bear Sister, Wolf Sister

I have had the great pleasure of hearing amazing storyteller, Daniel Morden, perform more than once, most recently at Hay Festival this year (you can read about it here), so I was delighted to be invited to take part in the Blog Tour for ‘Strange Tales’. This new collection focuses on the spookier side of life, offering deliciously dark stories to read, enjoy and re-tell again and again.

In the second story in the book, ‘Bear Sister, Wolf Sister’, a dark magician decides he wishes to marry one of two sisters who live at the foot of a mountain. Having turned her livestock into rocks and stones when she declined him, the magician turns the object of his desire into a bear and her sister into a wolf. When they find a human baby, the wolf sister sees it as food whilst the bear sister decides to nurture it and so they care for the child. Meanwhile, at the palace, the young prince has gone missing…

Skilfully told with themes of good and evil, of not being deceived by appearances and actions having consequences, this tale- like all those in this collection- begs to be read aloud. Committed to the page in very much the same way as a storyteller might perform it, there is an immediacy and energy which makes it a joy to read aloud- or to adapt and ‘tell’ in turn.

The story is sure to provoke much discussion. Every spell comes at a cost- the magician fails to realise that his casual use of magic to fulfil his own wishes is unwise and suffers the consequences. So many actions need consideration and those which grant our ‘wishes’ might not be the best path to follow! The ending of this story also offers an interesting twist- one sister chooses to stay in her animal form, feeling that this better suits her true nature…

With Hallowe’en and darker nights drawing nearer, ‘Strange Tales’ is perfect for this time of year. However, it is by no means limited to a seasonal treat. These tales speak of darker deeds, of stranger happenings, of twists of fate, of mystery and magic. It’s a wonderful collection, sure to be returned to again and again.

Strange Tales Daniel Morden

Firefly Press ISBN: 978-1915444172

Thank you to the lovely Firefly Press for asking me to take part in this tour. Make sure you follow on to find out more about the other stories in this collection.

Blog Tour: Curious Creatures Talking Together

I am delighted to be taking part in the Book Review Blog Tour for this wonderful book. In fact, I was so keen to share my thoughts that I jumped the gun with my review- but am delighted to share it again - with some additional thoughts - as part of the tour!

Third in the ‘Curious Creatures’ series, ‘Talking Together’ offers another fascinating look into the world of animals and how ‘curious creatures’ communicate. All the signs and signals they use are explored here!

The book explores a whole range of communication skills which animals employ from body language to special sounds, from dazzling displays of colour to pungent pongs. The book also highlights the work of biologists like Jurgen Otto, who has discovered new species of the peacock spider which communicates by performing a hypnotic dance to attract a partner and the work of scientists, Dorothy Cheney and Robert Seyfarth on the differing cries of vervet monkeys. It would be fascinating to use for Guided Reading sessions, with succinct sections of text, full of specific vocabulary, offering plenty to discuss and explore. Sections might also be used as models for children’s own writing of non-fiction whilst the varied habitats included might inspire some map work, locating the places mentioned. The nature of the series- being curious about the curiosities of the animal kingdom- might also lead to researching the most curious facts that can be found, like why wombats have cube- shaped poo!

With ring-tailed lemurs secreting smelly chemicals and whales singing mysterious songs, there is so much to learn about and relish in this book as the author looks at creatures from across the world from tiny ants to gentle, giant elephants. It is a fascinating look at the wonders of the world around us. Perfect for the curious creatures in your own life!

Curious Creatures: Talking Together

Zoe Armstrong, illustrated by Anja Susanj

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740351

Many thanks to the lovely Maryam at Flying Eye Books for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour. I look forward to reading the other reviewers thoughts about the book!

Blog Tour: Zeina Starborn and the Emerald King

Today, I am thrilled to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘Zeina Starborn and the Emerald King’.

I absolutely loved ‘Zeina Starborn and the Sky Whales’. The sequel, Zeina Starborn and the Emerald King’ is every bit as excellent, offering a very satisfying continuation of the story.

From the first page, the reader is pulled back into this incredibly vivid, captivating world. The corruption of those in power and their complete disregard for the safety and wellbeing of the sky whales and other people is very relevant, making this a thought-provoking as well as enjoyable read.

Zeina is a wonderful character. Warm-hearted, trusting and kind, she is supportive of those around her and determined to see things through. Jackson really comes into his own in this story, focused on correcting the wrongs of his family and freeing all the sky whales. The reader also learns more about Sparks in this story as she increasingly finds her voice with those she trusts.

Compelling story, engaging characters, excellent writing all combine to make an excellent story. I can’t wait to see what Zeina and Jackson get up to next- and I hope we don’t have to wait too long before we find out!

Now, I am delighted to welcome author, Hannah Durkan, to the Bookshelf to share a Q and A about her wonderful books.

1. Please can you introduce us to your characters Zeina and Jackson?

Zeina Starborn is brave and adventurous; she knows what she wants and doesn’t worry too much about bending (breaking) rules to get it! As a Below, she should be happy to work in her polluted city for the rest of her life, yet she dreams of exploring the skies and is determined to do that, no matter the consequences. On the other hand, Jackson Willoughby can be quite sensitive and cautious. As an Above, he is destined to live a life of luxury aboard an airship or sky whale hotel, but what he really wants is to find friends and a family who cares about him. Zeina and Jackson clash completely as characters, but they must begin to trust and learn from each other if they are going to discover the hidden truths in their world.

2.       Where did you get the idea for sky whales? Did you consider any other animals?

I had been dreaming of sky whales long before I started writing Zeina Starborn. I think the idea originally came from visiting the Natural History Museum as a child and seeing ‘Hope’ – the skeleton of a blue whale that now hangs high above visitors’ heads as they enter the main hall. I can remember feeling tiny in comparison and in complete wonder of how she appeared to be flying. I think there are similarities between the oceans and the skies and I can certainly imagine writing about other flying ocean-dwellers in future.

3.       If you could travel anywhere in the world on a sky whale, where would you go and why?

My favourite type of holiday is when I’m exploring somewhere new, a location that I’ve never visited before. If I could choose, then I’d love to go to Sweden, as I’ve never been anywhere like that before and I have been researching ice hotels for Zeina Starborn and the Emerald King. I think watching the Northern Lights aboard a flying sky whale would be pretty special – that’s if the sky whale was ok with it, obviously!

4.       As an author, do you have a specific place to write, or can you write anywhere?

I need relative peace and quiet to write. (Relative because with two small children, quiet can sometimes be hard to find!) I also get bored easily so I have to break up a full day of writing with some location changes. I might start at my desk and then move to the kitchen table, but best of all is when I make it out to a café! It doesn’t happen very often, but when it does, a cup of coffee, a slice of cake and the background hubbub is writing perfection.

5.       What do you hope readers take from this series?

I hope that the series inspires its readers to be curious about the world around them, to ask big questions and to have the strength to make a stand when they don’t like the answers. Zeina, as a character, is far from perfect, but she’s brave, determined to follow her dreams, she cares for others and is learning all the time. I wrote her that way because that’s the advice I would give my children on how to best make their way in the world.

Many thanks to Hannah for sharing this and thanks to Hachette for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour. Make sure you read this series- and enjoy the rest of the posts on the Tour!

You can read my review of Zeina Starborn and the Sky Whale here and you can find teaching resources here.

Blog Tour: The Sundae Delivery Service

Today, it is my great pleasure to be taking part in the blog tour for ‘The Sundae Delivery Service’ by Holly Rivers. Below is my review…

After their previous adventure, life for Orinthia and the others have settled back into life working for Grandy Brock and his animails at The Mailbox Menagerie. However, the offer of free ice cream is too much for them and this leads to a new friendship with Dotty, daughter of the owners of the ‘Penny Lick’ ice cream van and the ‘Two Scoops Creamery’. Soon, the children are helping with the ice cream parlour’s entry for the prestigious Golden Udder ice cream awards and training cows to deliver their entry to the judges. However, the world of ice cream making is more devious than they would ever have believed and they find themselves at the heart of a mystery!

With so many fabulous books around, sometimes you find you’ve missed a real goodie… and I have to confess that I haven’t read the first book in this series- ‘The Boy in the Post’- but will be rectifying this immediately! Whilst it is absolutely possible to read ‘The Sundae Delivery Service’ without having read the previous book, it seems to me I’ve missed a treat by not doing so!

Full of quirky originality and charm, the story is a joy to read. The children are very ‘real’ with their own idiosyncrasies, interests and personalities which creates a cast of engaging characters. Orinthia and new friend, Dotty, are at centre stage for this adventure, but each of the others feels like a fully formed character, not just an add on. The friendship between these two is lovely- an immediate, uncomplicated relationship which survives fallings out and comes back stronger. Both girls are resourceful, curious and determined to solve the mystery surrounding the competition- they make a great team.

The story is also very well written, full of carefully chosen vocabulary and vivid descriptions. It would make an excellent guided reading text as it offers plenty to discuss and explore whilst thoroughly enjoying the story. I very much hope there are more adventures to come for these characters.

The Sundae Delivery Service

Holly Rivers

Chicken House ISBN: 978-1912626052

Many thanks to Chicken House for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour. There are plenty more post to go so make sure you follow on and enjoy them all!

Blog Tour: The Wall Between Us

Anja and Monika live on opposite sides of a street in Berlin. They see each other every day and are not just cousins, but best friends, sharing everything, including Otto, Anja’s cat. One night, they wake to find soldiers erecting a huge barbed wire fence down the middle of the street. Horrified, the girls realise they are to be permanently separated and the wire is replaced by a brick wall.

For Monika, life on the East side of the wall quickly becomes frightening, with spies and secret police everywhere. But Anja finds a way for them to communicate and then discovers a way to slip across the wall to see her cousin. When she finds herself trapped on the wrong side, what seemed like a harmless adventure becomes terrifying real…

I remember when the wall fell and have visited Berlin, seeing the remains and some of the memorial sites associated with the division of a city which lasted for almost thirty years; however, I am ashamed to say that prior to visiting, I knew little of the events which led to the building of the wall or the impact it had on its citizens. Actually seeing how the city was sliced, it was evident how families and friends had been ripped apart and lives changed forever- a dark and terrifying time when many lives were needlessly lost. Dan Smith has taken this very significant historical event and has used it as the back drop for an accessible and gripping story, which allows readers to discover more about this time.

And what a story it is! Through the use of ‘official documents’, newspaper cuttings, Anja’s diary and letters from Monika, Dan Smith skilfully builds a story in which the reader understands this could have happened to anyone. The girls are very ‘normal’ children, living very normal lives- lives separated by twenty-three paces from each side of the street- and yet lives altered so drastically by this event. Twenty-three paces into the East and Monika’s life has taken a far darker turn, allowing the experiences of those living on each side of the wall to be contrasted.

By using a range of sources to tell the story, the reader feels as if they are piecing the events together much as an historian does as they build a picture of the past. The sense of tension is palpable in places, evoking feelings of the hostile presence of soldiers, the threat of faceless spies, the ominous sensation that your every move is being watched. Dan Smith does not shy away from the harsh realities of the period yet the story is perfectly pitched for its target audience.

This is historical fiction at its best where meticulous historical research, clever storytelling and compelling characters come together to engross the reader, pulling them deep into the lives of others. It may well encourage children to discover more, it might help to bring to life something being studied at school, it might inspire a trip to Berlin… Above all, it offers an excellent, satisfying read.

The Wall Between Us Dan Smith

Chicken House ISBN: 978-1912626762

You can read my review of ‘Nisha’s War’ here.