Leo and Ralph

Ralph is Leo’s best friend. The two are inseparable, sharing a deep fascination for space and that comfortable understanding which only comes with a close friendship. But Ralph is imaginary and Leo’s parents feel it is time for him to say goodbye to Ralph as the family is moving to a different town. It’s a time for new beginnings…but it’s not always that easy to move on.

‘Leo and Ralph’ is a lovely, gentle story which focuses on family and friendship. It is a book which highlights how confusing school and navigating the world can be for those who see things a little differently, enjoy their own pace and whose minds are full of their own trains of thought. Leo is a delightful little boy, who finds a best friend created by his own imagination with whom he shares the things he loves.

Leo’s family- his mother, father and little sister, Peg, all try to support Leo in their own ways. They offer well intentioned advice and Leo does try to act on this. However, he finds his own solution to the ‘problem’ of friends by creating Ralph. The author skilfully explores Leo’s feelings of confusion and anxiety as he tries to please his family, feels guilty when he can’t and then his relief when he ‘finds’ Ralph. The warmth and affection of their relationship is a joy.

However, the story is not just about an imaginary friend. In his own time and in his own way, Leo forms a friendship which is just as strong and affectionate as that he shared with Ralph. Although initially he struggles to decide between his two friends, he is able to move on and appreciate a friend who helps him to learn new things whilst listening to and appreciating the things which Leo has to share. Their differences help to make their friendship strong!

I loved this story, and like many teachers, recognise Leo in many children I have taught. ‘Leo and Ralph’ would make a lovely class story, offering reassurance and comfort to some whilst developing empathy and understanding in others.

Leo and Ralph

Peter Carnavas

Pushkin Press ISBN: 978-1782695233

Published on the 13th February 2025

Inkbound: Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo

On her tenth birthday, Meticulous- Metty- Jones, like other 10-year-olds, receives a magical tattoo on her hand which will indicate her fate. However, her excitement in discovering her destiny is dimmed when she sees an ink-black skull, held from underneath by a hand in a violet glove indicating her fate is to be a murderer. Hidden away by her father, Moral Jones, in a remote Welsh farmhouse, Metty tries to come to terms with this, but when Moral disappears, her Aunt Magnificent takes her to the magical city of New London, assuring her that she- Magnificent- will find Metty’s father. But rumours of a mysterious, dangerous society, known as the Black Moths, make Metty wonder whether they are connected to her father’s disappearance and begin to investigate for herself.

There is so much to enjoy in ‘Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo’ that is is hard to know exactly where to begin! It is a cracking read which bounds along at a pleasing pace, full of engaging characters and plenty of action. It’s quite amazing that I have managed to wait until now to review it!

Full of vim and vigour, Metty is a feisty character who shows courage and determination in the face of adversity and great love and loyalty to friends and family. She is an imperfect heroine, with strengths and flaws in equal measure, proving that our fates cannot be predestined, but made by our actions and reactions. As she comes to know Sundar, her aunt’s ward, they form a great partnership, their personalities complementing each other as their friendship develops. He is another very appealing character, enigmatic and cautious, the perfect foil to Metty’s impulsiveness. Faith O’Connell is another great character, once again proving the importance of forging your own path in life.

The world building is an absolute delight. Great attention to detail makes the story rich, increasing the reader’s enjoyment on every page. From the family names to the magic of ink, from the wonders of New London to the Dictionary of Fates, everything has been carefully thought about so the world flows seamlessly. It’s a world I look forward to returning to in future books!

Inkbound: Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo

Philippa Leathley

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0063376519

Published January 28th 2025

The Great Farm Rescue

Hannah and her family are facing tough times again as their landlord is threatening them with eviction and dad has had an accident. But Hannah is determined to save the farm once again by raising the money to buy it. Her family and friends rally round to support the endeavour, but how on earth will they raise over two million pounds?

This is the third story about Hannah and her wonderfully eccentric and loveable family. Every bit as enjoyable as the first two (‘The Secret Hen House Theatre’ and ‘The Farm Beneath the Water’), ‘The Great Farm Rescue’ pulls the books to a joyful conclusion, but could easily be read as a stand alone story.

When I was little, we used to stay on a farm in Devon where we helped to collect the eggs, feed the chicken and bring the cows in for milking. I am sure that my brothers and I were a far greater hindrance than a help, but we adored these holidays and still talk about them to this day. ‘The Great Farm Rescue’ captures all the joy we experienced on the farm, but Helen Peters cleverly weaves the problems faced by tenant farmers into the story, showing the reality of farming life and encouraging empathy and understanding in readers.

One of the greatest joys of this book is that it depicts a very real family with all their messy feelings and relationships, differences and quirks, but also the strong bond of love which means they are prepared to support each other and work together to save the home which they all love. Each family member is beautifully drawn, full of personality, and thoroughly endearing, and they all feel like old friends by the end of the book!

As well as trying to save the farm, Hannah has also landed her dream part as Hermia in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and she finds herself acting alongside Miranda, who she has previously had problems with. The enmity between the two girls is well handled, with tension building until things reach crisis point for Hannah. The final conclusion to this part of the story is both satisfying and realistic.

‘The Great Farm Rescue’ is a wonderfully warm and ‘wholesome’ story- I mean this in a really positive, way. It’s not sugary sweet, but good things do happen to good people and the combined power of community, friendship and a love of nature make great things happen. Brilliant story, beautifully written!

The Great Farm Rescue

Helen Peters

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805131175

You can read my review of ‘Anna at War’ here, ‘Evie’s Ghost’ here and ‘Friends and Traitors’ here.

The Suitcase

When a little boy is left at his grandparent’s for the summer holidays, he expects to be completely bored as nothing ever happens there and there is nothing to do. However, when searching the attic, he finds a suitcase, full of mysterious things and photos of people having incredible adventures and doing exciting things. Determined to find out who they are, he starts to investigate…

This is such a lovely story, perfect for helping children to appreciate their grandparents - and perhaps their parents- as ‘real’ people who have lived interesting and varied lives in their own right as well as being the ‘boring’ people they see day after day. Readers will love spotting all the clues hidden in plain sight and piecing together the solution whilst the young lad puzzles over the evidence. There is plenty here to amuse adults as well as children- a tape of ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ is labelled as possibly being some sort of spying equipment, for example!

The story would make an excellent starting point for developing children’s interest in their own family history, encouraging them to talk to relations and learn more about their lives and perhaps discovering new interests which they can share. For some family’s looking at the past might not be possible, but the story could lead to creating their own ‘suitcase’ of memorabilia of a holiday or day spent together (whether at home or away!), forging new memories and strengthening bonds across generations.

I could wax lyrical for hours about the fabulous illustrations - the antics of the cat, the before and after photos on the end papers, the links between the grandparents past and present lives- there is so much to notice and enjoy!

Heart-warming and joyful, ‘The Suitcase’ helps readers understand that other people might be more interesting that we give them credit for!

The Suitcase Daniela Sosa

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398518698

Knowing the Score

Coming home from her Y6 residential, Gemma is really looking forward to seeing her mum. It’s always been just the two of them and they are very close. Deep down, however, Gemma feels she would really like to get to know her Gran and her mum’s brother, Uncle Joe, a bit better, but a mysterious falling out between them and Gemma’s mother makes this impossible. But when her mother is invited on a free holiday with friends, Gemma sees this as a golden opportunity to uncover the truth and put her family back together again.

Family relationships can be difficult with long standing tensions, rivalries and estrangements seeming unfathomable to those on the peripheries. In this excellent story, Ros Roberts explores the complexities of family ‘politics’ in a gentle, relatable manner. Gemma is a very likeable, genuine little girl who has a very close, loving relationship with her mother, but is curious about other members of her family. Her uncle turns out to be a fun-loving, generous, kind man who is delighted to be forming a relationship with her, leaving Gemma even more confused about the secrets she feels her mother is hiding from her. Her reaction as she pieces things together is sensitively handled, enabling readers to empathise with her.

Gemma is not the only one to be experiencing some family difficulties. Uncle Joe’s relationship with his girlfriend, Lexi, and her daughter, Minxie and Minxie’s relationship with her parents show the complexities of blended families and children navigating a path between separated parents.

Tennis is new to Gemma and although initially reluctant, she decides to have a go and ends up discovering something new which she really enjoys. The story really shows the importance of the focus being on fun in sporting activities rather than children being driven by their own- or their parents’- ambitions.

There is so much to enjoy and explore here with children in upper KS2/ lower KS3. It is a lovely book, sensitively written and full of positivity and hope. Great read!

Knowing the Score

Ros Roberts

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788956765

The Tree that Sang to Me

Since his older sister, Jen, left home, Kai has been struggling. Believing it all to be his fault, he can’t stop compulsively tugging at his hair, leaving sore patches, and his parents, consumed by their own feelings, seem unaware of his emotional turmoil. Life at home and at school feels impossible, so he seeks solace in the branches of a tree on a patch of wasteland where he feels he belongs. Here, he meets Sky, a girl with brown hair that hangs in her eyes, wearing bright blue Docs covered in tiny yellow flowers and an unexpected and healing friendship develops…

Of the many, many books I read, I can only review a selection and sometimes, I miss some which I have really enjoyed. Serena Molloy’s first book, ‘Wider than the Sea’ is one of these so I was determined to review ‘The Tree that Sang to Me’ which tempted me the moment I saw its beautiful cover by George Ermos.

As a great poetry lover, I expect a great deal from a novel told in verse! In ‘The Tree that Sang to Me’, Serena Molloy has created something very special, telling Kai’s heart wrenching story with great compassion and care, allowing the reader to understand and empathise with his feelings as they unfold. He tries so hard to be a ‘better’ version of himself to gain his parents’ attention, desperate for them to notice him whilst carrying the guilt of his ‘secret’. He is sure that it is his fault that his sister is not living at home (I will say no more about this so as not to spoil the story!) and is sure that she hates him.

Whilst carrying his burden of guilt and feelings of loneliness at home, Kai also has to navigate some unpleasant bullies at school. When his mother shaves his head due to his trichotillomania, Josh and the other boys call him ‘Buzz’, but Kai feels this is better than the mean words they hurl at Caleb, another boy in their class, who is the main focus for their spite. Kai’s confused feelings towards Caleb are sensitively captured as he (Kai) struggles with wishing to stand up for Caleb and feelings of self-preservation and guilt as he is relieved the negative attention isn’t focused on him. There is so much to think about and discuss here.

Sadly, there are many children who will identify with Kai in one, or indeed, both of these situations and his story may help them to navigate their own difficulties. Full of hope, the healing power of nature love and friendship, the story is ultimately up-lifting and affirming. It is such a joy to see a sympathetic portrayal of a teacher as well- Mr P encourages Kai to explore his feelings, causing Kai to utter ‘I don’t think someone has to die to make you feel like that’, a moment in the story which had me sobbing! I also love the way Jen introduces Kai to the story of ‘The Children of Lir’- ‘the thing with stories….sometimes just sometimes there’s bits of truth buried way down deep in them.’

Perfect for sharing as a class story, there is so much to recommend this lovely verse novel which would make a brilliant starting point, not only for much discussion, but also for encouraging children to express their own feelings in poetic form. Oh- and if you haven’t read ‘Wider than the Sea’, you really should read that too!

The Tree that Sang to Me

Serena Molloy

Hodder ISBN: 978-1444968439

Eyes that Weave the World’s Wonders

A little girl considers her family photos in which everyone wears matching clothes, shoes and smiles. But one feature doesn’t match- her eyes are not like those of any one else in the pictures. As she spends time with each of her parents, she observes and reflects upon their eyes and the bonds of love which bind them. However, she knows that somewhere there is someone with ‘eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea’- eyes just like hers- and she knows that her eyes spin stories as they connect her birth culture and her adoptive culture.

Lyrical text is framed by glowing illustrations in this gorgeous book which explores the feelings of a transracial adopted child as she considers her connection to the family she is with now and the family of her past. In an introductory note, one of the authors, Liz SoHyeon Kleinrock, frames the book in the context of her personal experience as a transracial adoptee, offering much to reflect upon for those with no direct experience of adoption and support for those who have, both child and adult. Although never specified, there are clues in the text/ illustrations which indicate that, like Liz, the adopted child is Korean.

As the little girl wonders, recalling fragments of memories, both real and imagined, the story supports the way to discussion of quite complex questions and emotions- the balancing and reconciling of two lives, the importance of recognising different cultures, the ‘what ifs?’ of a life unknown. Told through the child’s eyes, these feelings are all the more poignant. The illustrations are gorgeous, full of details to notice. Swallows, symbols of joy and comfort in Korean culture, lift from the pattern of her duvet cover, leading her through her memories. A picture on top of the piano shows a child in a hanbok, presumably the little girl in the one which ‘travelled with me between lives’.

Sensitive and warm, this is a book full of love.

Eyes that Weave the World’s Wonders

Joanna Ho with Liz Kleinrock, illustrated by Dung Ho

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0063057777

You can read my review of ‘Eyes that Kiss in the Corners’ here.

Tiny Owl’s Scary Day

Tiny Owl doesn’t want to go to bed. She wants to explore the daytime, but Mummy Owl says it can be a scary time for a small owl. However, Tiny Owl is not to be deterred and sets off on an adventure.

I love Petr Horacek’s illustrations. They are so full of colour, energy and warmth, engaging little readers instantly- and Tiny Owl is a real joy! The story is a simple one as Tiny Owl boldly sets off on an adventure in the daytime. Initially, things are exciting, but readers will notice the dangers she fails to see as she explores. As she continues investigating, she is blissfully ignorant, not only of the perils she has escaped, but also of her mother’s protective presence in the background.

Children will enjoy joining in with the noises she hears as the story builds in a familiar pattern and are sure to feel comfortable with sharing things which they find scary and discussing these. The illustrations (as I have already mentioned!) are a real joy! I love the spread where, missing Tiny Owl who has taken off, hits the water with a huge splash and the feeling of how tiny and alone Tiny Owl is, surrounded by blues, before the comforting appearance of Mummy arrives.

Sure to become a firm favourite, this is a beautiful story!

Tiny Owl’s Scary Day Petr Horacek

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529509274

The Minute Minders

Stevedore Clipper (Stevie) and her father are fidders, tiny beings who spend their time helping humans. Humans can’t see fidders and there are all sorts of rules governing how fidders are supposed to deal with those they are helping. Stevie isn’t very good with rules, but she is excellent at helping others.

‘The Minute Minders’ is a completely captivating, thoroughly enjoyable read, full of warmth and humour. Having lost her mother and siblings in a terrible accident, Stevie is reluctant to leave her father and go off to boarding school and so begins to accompany him whilst he works as a Truth Revealer. However, Stevie cannot resist ‘helping’ which leads to problems, ending up with them having to leave their home near Linbradan and move to the town of Tassimity where her father has to work as a Minute Minder- a job he is not keen on!

Stevie is a wonderful character. Told from her viewpoint, the story captures the importance of considering how we approach others, how we tackle situations and above all, caring for them. Her curiosity and enthusiasm are infectious and she often notices things which others don’t, recording these as ‘vitally important points’ in her notebook. Her relationship with her father is beautifully captured, full of warmth and love.

Mary Murphy’s world building is brilliant, full of details of the fidders’ world and the role they play in caring for humans. There is plenty of humour in the story which is accompanied by lovely illustrations.

I can’t wait to read more books about these lovely characters!

The Minute Minders Mary Murphy

Pushkin Press ISBN: 978-1782694229

Published 18th January 2024

Twice Upon a Time

The Morrow twins, Merry and Spike, have an unusual connection with time. One born before midnight, one after, they are not only born on different days, but different years, with clocks in the house stopping to mark the time for each. When their mother, an art restorer, takes a job at Fox House, the twins are convinced they are in for a dreary holiday, but they soon find themselves caught up in mysterious happenings and unsolved mysteries which they begin to investigate using their own secret - the power to manipulate time.

I am a huge fan of Michelle Harrison’s books, particularly the ‘Pinch of Magic’ series. The brilliantly developed Widdershins sisters and cleverly drawn, well-imagined locations of these stories make them compelling reading and I was delighted to find that characters and settings are also strengths of ‘Twice Upon a Time’!

The Morrow twins might be identical, but they have very different personalities and tendencies. Merry (Meredith) is a dreamer, full of imagination and a love of words, constantly writing poems whilst Spike (Rose) has a fascination with poisons and as her nickname suggests, a somewhat prickly personality. Since having had meningitis a few years ago, Spike suffers with tinnitus, which affects her greatly, causing the reader to both develop an awareness of, and empathise with, her condition. They make a great team, using their talent occasionally for mischief, but more often to help unravel the mystery surrounding Fox House. Ben Gumbley, who lives at the house, makes an excellent addition to the group and is soon party to their secret.

The plot is perfectly paced, with clues and misdirection along the way, as it builds to a very satisfying conclusion. I have no wish to spoil the story for anyone else so won’t say any more about it, except that it is an excellent read. My only concern is whether there will be any more stories about the Merrow girls- and possibly Ben! It feels to me as if there should me more adventures for them- and yet, the book works perfectly as a stand alone. Perhaps I’m just being greedy!

Twice Upon a Time

Michelle Harrison, illustrated by Natalie Smillie

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471197673

You can read my review of ‘A Pinch of Magic’ here, ‘A Sprinkle of Sorcery’ here, ‘A Tangle of Spells’ here and ‘A Storm of Sisters’ here.

Juniper’s Christmas

When Juniper’s mum goes missing, she seeks help from Niko, who lives in her local London park surrounded by Christmas trees and reindeer that can fly. She suspects he is actually Santa and when she accidentally gets exposed to North Pole magic, Juniper finds that Skara, a young reindeer, has imprinted on her, forming a close bond between the two. With the park threatened by local councillor, Dafydd Carnegie and a Santa who has given up on Christmas, can Juniper find her mum and bring back the magic of the festive season?

There is so much to love in this story that no synopsis of it could possibly do it justice! My son (and I!) loved the ‘Artemis Fowl’ series, thoroughly enjoying the quirky originality and humour of the books and Eoin Colfer has managed to sprinkle the same magic on this book.

A book with a grieving, disaffected Father Christmas who has stopped fulfilling his duties and a mother and daughter bereft at the loss of their husband/ father doesn’t really sound like much of a festive treat yet not everyone is happy at Christmas - a time when the world assumes everyone is. Juniper’s much-loved father loved celebrating Christmas and Juniper herself is a Christmas baby, making the season all the more poignant now that he is no longer there. The story also includes Duchess, one of the homeless people who shelter in the park and who Niko has been offering help and support to and who are now under threat from the machinations of Carnegie and his criminal ally, Trude Madden, who are quite happy to destroy donations for homeless people.

However, the story is peppered with humour, hope and happiness, reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas, offering plenty to discuss and plenty to enjoy. ‘Be the change’, empathise with and care for others, the importance of family (real and ‘adopted’) all ring clear through the inventive, magical technicalities of the workings of Christmas. ‘Juniper’s Christmas’ would make an excellent class story - sure to inspire lots of writing and creative ideas- with many drama opportunities and much to talk about. The book would also make an excellent film..!

Juniper’s Christmas

Eoin Colfer, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

Harper Collins ISBN: 978- 0008475536

All That It Ever Meant

Devastated by the loss of their mother, Mati, her siblings and father set off on a trip back to their father’s home in Zimbabwe. Each member of the family is struggling with their bereavement. Their father struggles with his own grief as well as the responsibility of looking after his children; seventeen-year-old Chichi is getting in trouble at school and picking on her siblings; ten-year-old Tana seeking escape, drinking Heineken to help him sleep with Mati, the thinker and observer of the family, tries watches everything carefully. Whilst on the trip, Mati finds herself joined by Meticais, a rather grumpy, mysterious and fabulously dressed gender-neutral figure who only Mati can see and talk to. Reluctantly, Mati comes to realise that Meticais is guiding her to come to terms with what has happened, slowly finding her way towards acceptance.

‘All That It Ever Meant’ is a stunning novel about love and loss, family and belonging. The complexities of human nature, relationships and emotions are all sensitively explored in this beautifully written, cleverly constructed and gripping story.

It is never clear whether Meticais is a figment of Meti’s imagination, a spirit, a ghost or something else, but their presence and conversation allows Meti to explore the complexities of her mother’s feelings about trying to assimilate to her new life in England- something which she never came to terms with and which affected the family dynamic as well as her mother’s mental health. As the family shares the road trip, the close proximity of their travelling and accommodation as well as the landscape they find themselves in force them to face up to past events and start to look to the future and cope with their loss.

Deeply poignant, this is an intriguing and compelling novel with one of those endings which just…

It’s a must read- and re-read- and re-read.

All That It Ever Meant

Blessing Musariri

Zephyr ISBN: 978-1035002477

Monster in the Woods

Frith and her family live in a village on the edge of the woods- woods which people claim are home to a monster. With cows disappearing and crops being destroyed, this is what the villagers believe. Frith isn’t convinced, but her little brother, Spuggy, is worried about his imaginary friend, Edward, who also lives in the woods and might be in danger. When Frith goes on a delivery journey with her father through the Barren Wasteland and on to the city where the king lives, little does she know it will start her on an exciting adventure in which she discovers monsters are not always what they seem.

‘Monster in the Wood’ is another fabulous read from Dave Shelton. The ‘Emily Lime’ stories have always been very popular with children I’ve taught and this is every bit as enjoyable. From start to finish, the story is completely engaging and full of humour- swearing good as mum might say!

Frith is a wonderful character whose curiosity and spirit lead her into - and get her out of- many a scrape. Impulsive as she may be, but she has a kind heart and plenty of courage when the need arises. Her relationship with her family is delightful- they might have very little, but they have each other and their wonderful dog, Cabbage. Mum’s tendency to use colourful language is depicted by the use of the word ‘swear’- swearing swear…burned my swearing hand- which adds to the humour when reading aloud in particular!

Although the story is bursting with humour and is a pacey, light-hearted read, there is plenty to discuss and think about here, not least what a monster really is. It is so easy to judge people on first appearances and be fooled into believing things based on this lack of knowledge. Friendship can be found in the least likely places and it is always worth taking time to get to know others.

A wonderful cast of characters, including Spuggy, Edward and the special Big Wise Head, a brilliantly witty and wise plot and the fabulous illustrations found throughout the book, make this a story not to be missed! Highly, highly recommended!

Monster in the Woods Dave Shelton

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452212

You can read my review of Emily Lime: The Book Case here and Emily Lime: The Pencil Case here.

Wild Song

Things are changing in Luki’s village; the ways and beliefs of the occupying Americans are creeping into everyday life. One thing which has not changed, however, is the ancients’ expectations for a young woman. Caught hunting once too often, Luki is told she should marry her friend, Samkad. Determined to be free, Luki decides to take an offer to go to America to be part of the World Fair in St Louis. However, it soon becomes obvious that this wonderful adventure is not all it promised to be and she finds herself living in little more than a human zoo where the ‘Igorot’ are seen as savages, exhibits to be gawped at. Will she ever be able to find her way home?

Returning to the characters of Candy’s previous novel, ‘Bone Talk’, ‘Wild Song’ is an incredible book. Although not a sequel as such, it continues the stories of Samkad and Luki, highlighting how the lives of the Bontok people were affected by the Philippine-American War.

Once again, Candy Gourlay skilfully weaves historical figures and events into her narrative, creating a powerful story which depicts the shameful event which was the St Louis’ World Fair. The contemptuous treatment of human beings, the lack of respect for, and understanding of, cultural differences and callous exploitation is both shocking and uncomfortable to read- particularly when it is remembered that these attitudes and behaviours are hallmarks of any country guilty of colonisation.

Vividly told, the action is seen through the eyes of Luki, recalled as if she is speaking to her deceased mother, offering a very personal, immediate feel to the story. The reader shares her frustration with the ancients and the expectations placed upon her because she is a woman, and watches as the realisation dawns on her that Truman Hunt is manipulative and has little care for those he has persuaded to travel to America for the Fair. As she experiences loss, humiliation, fear and prejudice, her belief in herself and the ways of her people, their traditions and customs emerges stronger than ever.

‘Wild Song’ is a powerful, poignant and moving story which, like its characters, is unforgettable. Essential reading!

Wild Song Candy Gourlay

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452076

You can read my review of ‘Bone Talk’ here.

Blog Tour: My Mummy is a Witch

This lovely book is a glorious celebration of all the special moments shared between a mother and her daughter. Told through the eyes of the little witch, the story shows just how special spending time together can be. The illustrations clearly show the close relationship they share as the little witchling gazes at her mother in adoration.

The endpapers are peppered with pumpkins and potions, bats and bottles, snails and flowers, creating a suitably spell-like feel to the story and children might enjoy spotting these objects as they read the story. Fascinating facts, such as that holly used to be known as ‘bats’ wings’ in the Middle Ages, are scattered between these pictures. Throughout the book, the illustrations are delightful as they capture the pair foraging in the woods, enjoying the fun of bath time and snuggling down for a bedtime story.

The gentle rhyming text captures all the things the little girl loves about her mummy and the things which they enjoy doing together, including cooking. A recipe for the dandelion ice-scream they make is included at the end of the book so that readers can try making their own.

Owlet Press are well-known for their original, diverse and beautiful books and this is no exception.

My Mummy is a Witch

Helena Garcia, illustrated by Jess Rose

Owlet Press ISBN: 978-1913339463

Thanks to Catherine Ward for inviting me to join the tour and to Owlet Press for a copy of the book.

‘My Mummy is a Witch’ is out on the 27th April.

The Nowhere Thief

Elsbeth lives in the quiet seaside town of Lewesby with her mother. Their antique shop is failing and, with the landlord demanding rent money which they don’t have, Elsbeth has started to use her extraordinary power to solve their problems. Elsbeth can travel to parallel worlds and has been bringing objects back to sell in the shop, but could this be attracting unwanted attention from a mysterious stranger? Then when visiting another world, she meets Idris, a boy who confesses he has been following her, and the two find themselves in danger…

‘The Nowhere Thief is a compelling, fast-paced adventure, full of twists and peril, surprises and revelations, which, once started,  is impossible to put down!

Curious and resourceful, Elsbeth’s close bond with her mother and her desire to help lead her to use her ability to explore the Somewheres she is able to visit, an ability which she is unsure about and learning to use, allowing the reader to learn with her. She is also deeply loyal, something which becomes increasingly evident through her developing friendship with Idris. As the reader learns more about them, the contrast between the warmth of Elsbeth’s relationship with her mother to that Idris shares with his intimidating and distant grandmother, Racine, makes the reader empathise with him.

This kaleidoscope of worlds is well developed with each having a very different feel, even when visited briefly, with small descriptive details adding much to the overall picture. The story races towards a satisfying conclusion with some final surprises to keep the reader engaged to the very end. It seems to me that there is the possibility of more from this world- and I hope there is!

The Nowhere Thief Alice M Ross

Nosy Crow ISBN: 9781839943768

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

Faruq and the Wiri Wiri

There was no better smell in the world than Ajee’s cook-up rice.

Faruq longs to be a chef when he grows up, but his family expect him to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a doctor. However, Mrs Joseph from next door offers to teach him to cook, starting with lime cookies ‘cause they easy peasy’. Every day, he slips through the fence and learns to cook, learning about new ingredients including the wiri wiri pepper and how to handle it carefully. When Ajee falls ill one day, Faruq decides to prepare lunch for his family. Cooking for his family fills Faruq’s heart with love and opens his family’s eyes to a different plan for his future.

This lovely story is a real celebration of family, food - and the importance of following your dreams. Faruq has a real passion for cooking and it is a joy to see him helping Ajee in the kitchen, preparing food for his family. His question, ‘Why can’t boys learn to cook?’ offers an excellent starting point for discussion about finding and developing passions and pursuits which follow interests regardless of pressure or influence to the contrary.

The story is rich in family love and a real celebration of Guyanese culture, even including a recipe for lime cookies- a treat which just begs to be baked and enjoyed and spreading Faruq’s joy in cooking! The illustrations are bright, colourful and engaging, showing the joys of cooking, eating and family life- all the ingredients needed to accompany this delicious story!

Faruq and the Wiri Wiri: A Celebration of family and food!

Sophia Payne, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat

Templar ISBN: 978-1800782624

Blog Tour: The Octopus, Dadu and Me

I am absolutely to be starting my Blog Tours this year by being part of this one for ‘The Octopus, Dadu and Me’. I freely admit that I shed more than a few tears over this one and really recommend it as an excellent read, but also as a book to support those who find themselves in Sashi’s situation.

In this post, Lucy Ann Unwin shares her Top Five Books to help children relate to an older generation- excellent choices one and all- and I would like to suggest one of my own, ‘Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge’ by Mem Fox. Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge is a little boy who lives next door to a nursing home. When he finds out that his special friend, Miss Nancy Alison Delacourt Cooper, is losing her memory, he tries to discover what a memory is and help Miss Nancy find hers once more. It is the most delightful story, showing the warmth of a ‘cross generational’ relationship and the special bond which can be formed.

Top 5: Books to Help Kids Relate to an Older Generation

In The Octopus, Dadu and Me I’m celebrating one of my favourite relationships — between children and their grandparents.

You can never take too much time thinking about what things might be like from an older person’s perspective — whether it’s a grandparent, neighbour, family friend, or just someone you happen to meet — I think these books really encourage that…

1.     The Tale of Truthwater Lake, by Emma Carroll

This book reminds me of when you see black and white photos from the past that have been re-coloured. Stories set in historical periods can feel like those monochrome pictures: safely assigned to “The Past”.

The magic of The Tale of Truthwater Lake is that a girl from the near future actually becomes a girl from the past … she sees through her eyes, uses her body, feels her feelings and learns from her strength. Like those coloured in photos.

2.     Bad Nana, That’s Snow Business!, by Sophy Henn

For younger readers, you can’t do better than Bad Nana. She has long been a favourite in our house and I fully aspire to be just like Bad Nana if I ever have grandchildren of my own!

The joy here is that Bad Nana is just a brilliant character full stop, and as far away from stereotypes as you could hope. In this particular book of the series, she gets bit carried away with her passions and makes as many bad choices as any child protagonist might!

3.     Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu, by Maisie Chan

To start with, it’s not that instinctive to feel empathy for Wai Gong — main character Lizzie Chu’s grandparent and carer — as he’s not doing a very good job at looking after her. But Lizzie loves and cares about her wai gong, so we do too.

As the story goes on, the reader can’t help but feel for him as his grief and dementia combine. But it’s also a joy to see his enthusiasm in the things he loves, and his love and pride for Lizzie is incredibly moving.

4.  Grandpa Frank's Great Big Bucket List, by Jenny Pearson

This book is just hilarious and joyous, and takes a refreshingly direct approach to helping kids relate to an older generation, while being packed full of charm, humour and adventure. There’s even a chapter called: “Never Underestimate Old People”.

At the end, it includes a quiz about impressive old people and things you can do to help the older generations in your community.

5. Wished, by Lissa Evans

At the start of Wished, characters Ed and Roo are bored at the prospect of spending time with their elderly neighbour Miss Filey… they marvel at her ancient telly and her assumption that “WiFi” is a type of biscuit.

In the end, the transformation in their relationship is a total joy as through the book we see Miss Filey — Rosanna — as the fully rounded character she is, with a fierce sense of adventure, hopes and dreams still to achieve and friendships still to make.

I hope you enjoyed the list! I like to think The Octopus Dadu and Me would fit here too. Dadu means the world to my main character Sashi. When he develops dementia, her world starts to unravel.

She projects how she thinks her dadu must feel, alone in a care home, with how an octopus must feel, trapped in a tank — which is why she tries to set the octopus free. Hopefully, by the end, she’s gained a greater understanding of each of their lives, and how she can love and help them best.

Thank you so much to Lucy Ann Unwin for this excellent post and to the team at UCLan for inviting me to be part of the tour. ‘The Octopus, Dadu and Me’ is a gorgeous book, perfect for encouraging empathy and understanding, perfect for paving the way for conversations, perfect for enjoying. It really is a must read- make sure you do!

The Octopus, Dadu and Me Lucy Ann Unwin, illustrated by Lucy Mulligan

UCLan Publishing ISBN: 978-1915235039

All Four Quarters of the Moon

Making mooncakes with Ah Ma for the Mid-Autumn festival was the last day of Peijing’s old life where everything and everyone was familiar. As her family starts their new life in Australia, everything is different- new home, new school, new language, new customs- but her family also seem to be changing. Ma Ma is no longer smartly turned out and stays in the house; Ba Ba is home more, but retreats to his study; little sister, Biju, needs support and Ah Ma keeps forgetting things. Peijing feels she needs to help everyone else whilst feeling lost and alone herself.

This is a lovely story for many reasons. The bond between the two sisters is beautifully captured as it matures and develops in response to the girls’ new circumstances as they have to reevaluate the cultural traditions and familial obligations they have been brought up with in light of the new world they find themselves in . Each chapter is punctuated by stories told by Biju, her versions of the traditional tales told to her by Ah Ma, stories which unite the children and help them make sense of the world. The ‘Little World’ the girls create also changes in their new environment, eventually becoming something the whole family shares in.

The story is told in four part- through the four quarters of the moon- and as the moon changes so does Peijing and those around her. Big-hearted and loyal, Peijing is a wonderful character whose relationships within her family and with her new best friend, Joanna, show how empathetic and caring she is. It is a really comforting, reassuring read, as everyone comes to find their place in the end, being valued for who they are as they adapt and change to their new lives.

There is so much to discuss and enjoy in this lovely story, making it perfect for guided reading or for reading aloud. The rich cultural references, the wonderful characters, the sense of how we are all similar no matter how ‘different’- everything mingles perfectly, making this a story not to be missed.

All Four Quarters of the Moon Shirley Marr

Usborne ISBN: 978-1803704326

A Storm of Sisters

When cousin Clarissa needs looking after, the Widdershins sisters and their Granny set off for the Wilderness to look after her. The girls are excited to find that there is not room for them all to stay ta cousin Clarissa’s house and they will be staying at Echo Hall-without Granny. With the mysterious legend of a highwayman, a winter market to explore and the possibility of masked ball to attend, there is much to enjoy, but the town has an eerie past and the girls find themselves caught up in the ghostly happenings at the Hall.

I have loved each of the books about the Widdershins sisters, but I think this is the best yet! Betty, keen to travel and adventurous as ever, is enthralled by the legend of the highwayman surrounding Echo Hall and delighted to find an unsolved mystery in the very place they are staying. Fliss is more concerned with the prospect of a masked ball, having her fortune told and perhaps falling in love whereas Charlie remains as Charlie-like as ever! Together, they make a formidable team, but all their determination and love for family might not be enough to keep them safe in the face of ghosts and devious goings on.

Wintery Wilderness is the perfect backdrop to this story. Atmospheric descriptions help build tension as eerie events develop and the girls find themselves entwined in the mystery of the highwayman. As ever, evocative place names are carefully chosen to enhance the atmosphere.    

Gripping from the outset, ‘A Storm of Sisters’ is an excellent, absorbing read, full of mystery and magic. Just brilliant!

A Storm of Sisters Michelle Harrison

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471197659

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.