Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
Watts and Whiskerton: Sabotage at the Fete Cake Bake
Watts is looking forward to seeing Pearl again at the Little Gossip Village Fete where his parents, the world’s greatest detectives, are judging the cake baking competition. However, disaster strikes when cake mix explodes out of the ovens and accusations of sabotage start flying around. Can Watts and Whiskerton crack the case?
I really enjoyed Watts and Whiskerton’s first case and so was delighted to read ‘Sabotage at the Fete Cake Bake’. Highly illustrated and colourful, this story is every bit as enjoyable as the first!
Watts and Pearl are very different personalities, but together, they make a great team, working together to solve this mystery. Pearl is impulsive and full of confidence whilst Watts is more cautious and methodical, but each contributes to solving the case and together, they expose the culprit. Having kept his detective activity secret from his parents, Watts - or rather Pearl!- shares this with them and is delighted by how supportive and encouraging they are.
The illustrations are an absolute joy, adding much to the appeal of the story and so much detail to linger over. They are completely integrated into the story, with speech bubbles being used. The teacher in me loves using stories like this to teach how to punctuate speech, using the illustrations to decide on what type of reporting clause to use to convey the action.
Watts’ notes at the end of each chapter help to summarise the action, allowing children to keep pace with the mystery and solve it alongside our two heroes. Let’s hope there are more adventures for Watts and Whiskerton to come soon!
Watts and Whiskerton: Sabotage at the Fete Cake Bake
Meg McLaren
Piccadilly Press ISBN: 978-1800786615
Published 24th April 2025
You can read my review of ‘Buried Bones and Troublesome Treasure’ here.
Adventuremice: Mice, Camera, Action!
When a letter arrives from Hollybush, the Adventuremice learn that a film is being made about their adventures. The team travel to the film set to watch the filming where things get a little too confusing for Pedro, who attempts to rescue the actress playing Juniper from the pretend otter threatening her. Luckily, Ivy is on hand to repair the otter, saving the day and the movie…but it turns out that the otter is very real, meaning a real-life Adventuremice rescue is needed!
I absolutely love the ‘Adventuremice’ books and this latest adventure- ‘Mice, Camera, Action!’- is every bit as enjoyable as the others. Fun, pacy stories and appealing characters mixed with incredible illustrations and quirky humour make these stories a joy from start to finish.
At the heart of these lovely stories are positive messages about teamwork, collaboration, friendship and self-belief. Characters learn from their mistakes and are prepared to take risks, showing perseverance and determination. These elements enhance the stories rather than intrude on them and there is plenty of humour to enjoy as the Adventuremice swing into action and save the day!
The perfect size for little hands, with illustrations- and drawing tips!- which are sure to inspire budding artists, this series is really is something special.
Adventuremice: Mice, Camera, Action!
Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre
David Fickling ISBN: 978-1788453363
You can read my review of ‘Otter Chaos’ here, ‘Mice on the Moon’ here and ‘Mice on the Ice’ here.
Blog Tour: Snails of the Unexpected
I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘Snails of the Unexpected’, the hilarious new book from Terrie Chilvers.
Apart from some jealousy about the mud jacuzzi for the slugs in next door’s garden, snails, Fergus and Shelby, are quite satisfied with their lot, living in Angela Miller’s garden and munching their way through her fruit and vegetables. However, when they learn that their home is at risk and the slugs seem to be taking over, they set off on an adventure to save their garden- and the world!
Seriously silly and deliciously daft, ‘Snails of the Unexpected’ is a laugh-out-loud read! Due to the puddle they were in being struck by lightning one night, our snail heroes have been gifted with mega-morphing powers, allowing them to change into anything they can think of. Although this skill is a revelation to Fergus at the beginning of the book, dreamy and easily distracted Shelby (my favourite!) is well used to transforming. Her random shape-shifting is sure to appeal to younger readers…as well as some slightly older ones!
Deciding that they should head to Downing Street to speak to the Prime Minister, the two snails soon discover that the Prime Minister is actually Nigella, the Slime Minister, a slug in disguise, who, with her Deputy, Marvin, is determined to not only rid the world of snails, but people too! Determined to foil their evil ‘cake in the park’ plot which will turn everyone who eats it into a lettuce, Fergus and Shelby avert Slugmageddon and return to their garden in triumph. There is much to enjoy in this story as adults, sharing with children, will laugh at the jokes alongside them, relishing the silliness of the humour.
Very different characters, Shelby and Fergus make a surprising and entertaining team. The short chapters and appealing illustrations are perfect for newly confident readers, but to really wallow in the laughs, this is one for sharing- whether with a class or at home!
Snails of the Unexpected
Terrie Chilvers, illustrated by Brenda Figueroa
Firefly Press ISBN: 978-1915444882
Don’t forget to look at the other stops on the Blog Tour and see what everyone else is saying about this lovely book!
You can read about author, Terrie Chilvers’ top 5 funny books for children here.
Tuck and Tina and the Lost Fortune
Tina lives in a hole in the wall of Room 123, Boone School, where she enjoys listening to lessons and watching the children enjoy their days. Wishing for a friend of her own, Tina is delighted when a new class pet, a mouse called Tuck, arrives. He’s not exactly what she had in mind and she’s sure he’s going to be nothing but trouble. However, when they discover that the school is facing closure, the two mice work together to locate the secret fortune rumoured to be hidden somewhere in the building, determined to save their home.
‘Tuck and Tina and the Lost Fortune’ is a delightful story, the first in a new series aimed at younger readers. Full of gentle humour and lovely illustrations, the adventures of these two mice are sure to engage and entertain.
Tuck is a bundle of energy, sure to cause chaos wherever he goes, the very opposite of the timid, well behaved Tina. As they work together to solve the mystery, however, Tina comes to realise that they make a good team, showing that opposites really can attract and form good friendships. Although it is easy to judge people on first appearances, getting to know them is so important.
Children are sure to enjoy spotting things which Tuck and Tina miss in their search for the lost fortune whilst giggling at their antics as they strive to save their home. I look forward to seeing what these two little mice get up to next!
Tuck and Tina and the Lost Fortune
Jess Brallier, illustrated by Jack Keely
Penguin ISBN: 978-0241704257
Call the Puffins: Tiny and the Cave Ghost
Muffin, Tiny and the rest of the trainee rescue puffins on the Island of Egg are all taking part in a special festival called Puffin Power. Tiny’s team has gained a new member, a little yellow chick called Flotsam, who has appeared and is determined to join in the fun. However, when Flotsam goes missing, all the young puffins rush to help- even though it means going into the dark caves where, legend has it, the Wandering Puffin lies in wait for visitors…
‘Tiny and the Cave Ghost’ is the fourth book in this delightful series about the Puffin Rescue Team trainees on the Island of Egg. Gorgeous illustrations combined with enjoyable adventures and firm friendships makes these stories ideal for younger readers- although I know several older children who absolutely love them!
Full of positive messages about friendship and teamwork, this adventure takes the young puffins on a rescue mission as they face their fears and work together to find little Flotsam who has wandered off and got into trouble. Tiny shows real leadership skills, combining an excellent idea with things learned on training to come up with a rescue successful rescue plan. The story involves just the right amount of peril and tension, making the story engaging, but not too worrying! Ella Okstad’s wonderful black and white illustrations capture the personality of each puffin perfectly.
Information about puffins is included at the end of the book, adding to the enjoyment of the story. In this book, readers learn that puffins’ beaks do glow- something which comes in useful whilst the team are in the caves!
Perfect for animal/ bird lovers or anyone who enjoys a good adventure, these wonderfully engaging little books are a real treat!
Call the Puffins! Tiny and the Cave Ghost
Cath Howe, illustrated by Ella Okstad
Welbeck ISBN: 978-1804536407
Published on the 13th March 2025
Squirrel and Duck: Mission Improbable
Although Squirrel and Duck have little in common- Duck being jolly and Squirrel somewhat cranky- they live together with Duck’s pet cactus, Mr Spikes, in a fibreglass tree in an abandoned theme park. As talking animals, they need to keep a low profile which is working well until they discover that the theme park is to be demolished to make way for luxury apartments. When they overheard a conversation between two strangers about where they have hidden the most expensive painting in the world, they decide to find the picture with Duck planning to return it to its owner and Squirrel thinking they could use it to buy a new home. What could possibly go wrong?
Wonderfully whimsical, ‘Squirrel and Duck: Mission Improbable’ is bursting with humour. Pacey, energetic narrative is accompanied by lots of illustrations which help to build the different personalities of Squirrel and Duck as their adventure continues. The two friends are nothing alike and yet together they can ‘do anything’, making them the perfect team.
There are many giggle-worthy moments in the story, not least when Squirrel tries to speak to the grey squirrels in the woods, but is out of practice in ‘speaking squirrel’ and utters offensive nonsense instead. Good triumphing over evil, friendship saving the day, and a series of happy misadventures make for an enjoyable story with more adventures to follow.
Squirrel and Duck: Mission Improbable
Tom Percival
Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526665638
Let Me Tell You a Joke
What’s the worst present you could give to a hedgehog?
A beach ball!
Ask any teacher and they will be able to tell you some of the many jokes they have been told over the years! Children love jokes - the cornier the better- and ‘Let Me Tell You a Joke’ is sure to be a winner!
Bursting with fifty jokes, the book offers a treasure trove of jokes in different forms, including good news/ bad news, why did the..?, what’s..? Not only will children learn the jokes and try them out on friends, they are sure to be inspired to try and create their own using these models. A QR code is included which can be scanned to access a free audio version of the book which also offers advice from the author on how to deliver the perfect joke!
Colourful, whimsical illustrations add greatly to the appeal of the book which is beautifully presented (I love the candy stripe hard cover under the jacket!). The pictures add a layer of visual humour to the jokes, perhaps supporting younger children in their understanding as well as being a joy in their own right!
Engaging and entertaining, ‘Let Me Tell You a Joke’ will be a firm favourite- and a great addition to bookshelves!
Let Me Tell You a Joke: A First Joke Book with Funny Pictures
Sean Hegarty, illustrated by Jim Field
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839949234
Published 26th September 2024
Huxley and Flapjack: Trouble at Sea
One hot day, when Flapjack is keeping cool, reading his book in the bath, Huxley has one of his bright ideas and decides that they should go to the seaside. Once there, they meet Winston, Wizz to his friends, who invites them aboard his submarine to search for a shipwreck called the Isabella. Huxley is keen to look for treasure, leading the more cautious Flapjack into trouble.
Adorable as ever, best friends, Huxley and Flapjack continue to demonstrate that opposites really do attract! Huxley is as impulsive and ever, seizing every chance to seek adventure with little thought to the consequences whilst Flapjack remains quite timid, far more reflective and often giving into his friend’s whims. But whatever their differences, their friendship remains true, strong and affectionate!
The story moves at a pleasing pace, keeping readers entertained and engaged whilst the plentiful illustrations are a joy to ‘read’ alongside the text. Readers will delight in noticing all the little jokes in the pictures and there are plenty of places where the illustrations are perfect for encouraging conversations to develop empathy and recognise where Huxley is mis-reading his friend’s feelings about situations.
A brilliant bedtime or class story, ‘Trouble at Sea’ also lends itself perfectly to being used to inspire a book group session. Huxley, Flapjack and their new little crab friend would all make lovely ‘jumping jack’ figures or stick puppets which could then be used to retell - or reinvent - the story. The story might inspire a sandcastle building competition, going on a picnic or creating a plastic-bottle submarine…
Like ‘Race to the Rescue’, ‘Trouble at Sea’ is a wonderfully funny, enjoyable story, perfect for newly independent readers and thoroughly enjoyable for adults too! Can’t wait for the next one!
Huxley and Flapjack: Trouble at Sea
Alan MacDonald, illustrated by Francesca Gambatesa
Little Tiger ISBN: 9781788956208
Published 4th July 2024
You can read my review of ‘Huxley and Flapjack: Race to the Rescue’ here.
Watts and Whiskerton: Buried Bones and Troublesome Treasure
Watts comes from a family of great detectives, but he is not sure he has what it takes to be one. So when his parents head off on their next case, he goes to stay with an old client of theirs at Whiskerton Manor. Here, he meets Pearl, Count Whiskerton’s daughter, a very curious kitten who really wants to be a detective. When strange things start happening in the Manor grounds, Pearl persuades Watts to investigate…
Proving that opposites attract, Watts and Pearl make the purrr-fect team! This is a delightful story, full of lovely illustrations, gentle humour and a brilliant mystery to solve!
Watts is such a sweet character. Thoughtful and steady, but somewhat lacking in confidence, he believes that he will never be as good at solving mysteries as his parents. However, his new friendship with bubbly, talkative, impetuous Pearl helps him to realise that he is a skilful detective in his own right! So many of us can feel overshadowed by the achievements of others, but like Watts can find our own way in life and come to appreciate the skills we do have!
The story is really carefully plotted and Watts’ notes will help readers to follow each stage of the investigation as it unfolds. A perfect balance of text, illustrations, comic strip, labels and speech bubbles makes this an incredibly appealing book for younger readers, as engaging for those reluctant to read as much as those who devour books! There are many jokes to enjoy- for adults as well as for children- with plays on words like Dr Arty Fact and plenty of visual jokes in the pictures! I particularly like the fact that vocabulary like ‘archaeologist’ is also explained in the context of the story- and readers are given a little insight into how archaeologists work!
Both at home and at school, the book could be used as a starting point for many enjoyable activities. The little finger puppets (pictured above) help to make the story even more interactive as readers can act things out as it progresses or create their own little plays and mysteries and perhaps put on performances! Sections in the story where speech bubbles have been used are perfect for teachers to use to support their teaching of speech punctuation as well as developing speech clauses, drawing on the wonderfully detailed visual clues the pictures give to add the characters’ feelings/ actions. The book would also make the most wonderful prompt for a book group or library session, encouraging children to solve a mystery by following clues- or one which encourages children to create their own comic strips perhaps!
I love Meg McLaren’s picture books (The Station Mouse is my favourite!) and am delighted to discover that her talent for creating endearing characters through gorgeous illustrations and engaging storylines will support children in the next stage of reading. I can’t wait for the next case for Watts and Whiskerton!
Watts and Whiskerton: Buried Bones and Troublesome Treasure
Meg McLaren
Piccadilly ISBN: 978: 1800786592
Bertha and Blink: Rumble in the Jungle
After her BESTest friend and fellow inventor, Finnius, stole her invention, Bertha left the city and moved far away, to a workshop hidden high in the trees where no one could steal her ideas. Here, she busies herself working on new inventions until one day, a rumble in the jungle disturbs her work. To help her discover the cause of the disturbance, Bertha creates Blink, a highly-excitable mechanical bird who is bursting with questions! With Blink, Bertha finds the courage to leave her tree house and explore the world outside. Can they discover where the noise is coming from?
Bursting with lovely illustrations, ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ is a delightful little story, perfect for newly independent readers.
With Blink’s support, Bertha overcomes her fear of leaving her treehouse home and learns to trust again. The two characters are real opposites with Blink being outgoing, curious and little impulsive whilst Bertha is cautious, somewhat reserved and focused on her inventions. Together, they make a great team, complementing each other, and being ready for any mission! As the story ends, they are ready to face a new challenge, setting the scene for a new adventure- and a new book!
The story is told through both illustration and text, making it very engaging and offering plenty of opportunities for the reader to ‘read’ the additional visual details and develop their own ideas. Some of the speech is presented using speech bubbles, perfect for using to develop understanding of speech punctuation.
The engaging combination of friendship, humour and adventure is sure to make this new series from Nicola Colton as popular as her ‘Jasper and Scruff’ books!
Bertha and Blink: Rumble in the Jungle
Nicola Colton
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788956437
Rabbit and Bear: This Lake is Fake
Having been snowed in for weeks, Rabbit is looking forward to Spring. However, when it arrives, it is not as perfect as he imagined it would be. Bear suggests that if they do a little every day, they can soon have everything tidied up, but Rabbit is not interested in this plan. Instead, he sets off in search of his Perfect Vision of how things should be. However, when the island he finds turns out not to be made of chocolate, but something less pleasant, Rabbit realises that the real world might not be perfect, but it’s pretty close!
‘This Lake is Fake’ is the sixth adventure for best friends, Rabbit and Bear, and it is just as poo-filled and big-hearted as all the others! Rabbit is still as impulsive as ever, quick to act and perhaps a little slow to think whilst Bear remains constant and supportive.
In his quest for perfection, Rabbit ignores all the joys of the world he lives in- his friends, the beauty of nature, Bear’s singing- and pursues his unrealistic dream. When reality hits and he finds his vision of perfection to be nothing but an island of bird poo, he is overwhelmed by feelings of guilt and inadequacy, claiming he is a failure and that his life is over. Once again, it takes Bear’s steady, calming voice of reason to help him see that he needs to take one step at a time towards better things rather than expecting instant gratification and perfection! There is so much truth in these modern fables and many of us will see elements of Rabbit in ourselves!
Poo-centric books are not usually my thing, but these books are an exception to this rule and it is amazing how much information about the subject is contained in the Rabbit and Bear books. According to a note at the end of the story, guano islands really do exist- and a quick search on Google proves this to be true. I wonder where this topic will lead them next!
Full of gorgeous illustrations which add so much life and personality to the characters, ‘This Lake is Fake!’ is sure to be every bit as popular as the previous stories in this series- and I hope there will be many more to come. Everyone needs a little Rabbit and Bear style wisdom!
Rabbit and Bear: This Lake is Fake
Julian Gough and Jim Field
Hodder ISBN: 978-1444947571
Croaky: Search for the Sasquatch
Croaky Hopper is a fearless frog, desperate to follow in the hops of his TV hero, Tennessee Toad. When he joins the Woggle Scouts, he meets Sheena the mouse and Winston the puffin and is whisked off on his first adventure, Camping in Crystal Creek National Park. However, Croaky soon discovers that the real reason they are there is to search for a Sasquatch and the real adventure begins…
Full of humour and fun, ‘Croaky: Search for the Sasquatch’ is exactly the sort of book my son would have loved when he was younger! Engaging from the very first page, it offers adventure, lots of laughs and a very endearing main character, all enhanced by plentiful, lively illustrations. The text is bold and clear, standing out even against some of the stronger coloured backgrounds and presented in achievable chunks. There are also sections presented in the comic book style, making this a fabulous hybrid of graphic and early novel, sure to appeal to a wide range of readers.
Croaky is a wonderful character. Due to his longing for adventure, Croaky has struggled to make friends, but with in Woggle Scouts, he has found Sheena, a highly organised, badge-loving, clever mouse and the leader of the pack, former adventurer, Winston the puffin. He is a bit impetuous, but he is brave and kind and determined, completing the perfect adventuring team!
At the end of the book, the reader is able to ‘earn’ a pathfinder and looker badge by completing activity pages. Croaky is sure to become a huge favourite and, as this is the first of a series, have everyone looking forward to his next adventure!
Croaky: Search for the Sasquatch
Matty Long
OUP ISBN: 978-0192785183
Published 7th March
Adventuremice: Mice on the Moon
When Millie’s Uncle Bernie, inventor Professor Quartermouse, sends a message asking the Adventuremice to visit him on Scrabble Island, Pedro, Bosun and the other mice leave the Mousebase to rush to his aid. However, they arrive to find there is no emergency, just Uncle Bernie wanting to share his latest invention with them- a spaceship! Suddenly, Pedro, Millie and Fledermaus find themselves stuck in the capsule, heading into space. But will they be the first mice on the moon?
These stories just go from strength to strength! Imaginative adventures, endearing characters, plenty of humour and wonderful illustrations combine perfectly to make books full of appeal and charm.
In this story, the Adventuremice are not saving others, but saving themselves! Having been trapped in the rocket, Pedro, Millie and Fledermaus find themselves not on the moon, but on the minimoon, which circles the moon in the same way as the moon circles the Earth. Here, they meet Pontiki, another mouse who invented a spaceship, who is now stranded and surviving with the help of the starmice. These very sensible mice are welcoming, but quite different to the Adventuremice who come up with an ingenious plan which allows them to return to Earth, taking Pontiki with them.
Delightful illustrations accompany the text at every stage, really bringing the adventures of the mice to life. I love the cross section of Uncle Bernie’s rocket and, of course, the map of their journey through space. There are so many details to notice and enjoy in these pictures and as usual in this series, there is a step-by-step ‘how to draw’ at the end of the book, sure to encourage young readers to have a go - and perhaps create their own adventures.
Although I love these books as books and think there is nothing more important than a good book, I do think that they would make an excellent cartoon series and should have a wonderful range of toys to accompany it as they would inspire so much play, full of fun, imagination and learning. Let’s hope..!
Adventure Mice: Mice on the Moon
Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre
David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452700
Published on the 7th March
You can read my review of Otter Chaos! here and Mice on the Ice here
Murray and Bun! Murray the Viking
Murray the cat lives with Fumblethumb, a rubbish wizard, who is terrible at magic. Bun is a bun transformed by Fumblethumb into a rather sticky bunny with a cherry for a tail. Together, Murray and Bun have adventures when they travel through the enchanted cat-flap which sometimes leads into the garden, but often leads elsewhere! On this occasion, they find themselves in the land of the Vikings where they are sent on an important mission to Troll Island.
‘Murray the Viking’ is a wonderful story! Packed with wonderful illustrations, there is plenty of action and plenty of humour, making it a thoroughly engaging and entertaining read.
In Murray, Adam Stower has captured so many of the adorable cat-characteristics which make them such fantastic companions! A great lover of snoozing, endowed with plump parts and very fond of a snack or two, this loveable feline makes a very different kind of hero. Fortunately, he is (probably!) able to draw on the wisdom and experience of his relatives when faced with challenges and brilliantly solves his mission. Bun is a ball of energy, pinging all over the place and frequently getting stuck, adding much humour along the way.
The illustrations are absolutely brilliant, cleverly used in places to develop and move the story forwards, really engaging readers and adding to the enjoyment of the reading experience. Children (and adults!) will love spotting the differences between the spreads where the trolls wait for Murray to acknowledge that he is expected to go and investigate! At the end of the book, there are pages showing the reader how to draw Murray and a bun and information from Murray’s family album amongst other things.
Sure to be incredibly popular with readers of all ages, this is sure to be a wonderful new series and I can’t wait to read the next one!
Murray and Bun! Murray the Viking
Adam Stower
Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008561246
The Story Shop: Detective Dash
In Puddletown High Street, there is the most unusual shop- The Story Shop- which sells stories you can actually BE in. When shopkeeper, Wilbur and his assistant, Fred Ferret find a sleepy sloth in the shop, they decide the best kind of adventure for her is a mystery where she can play detective. With Fred to guide her, Suzy Sloth sets off to solve a puzzling mystery in a museum, locate a missing chef by the seaside and uncover the truth about the Demon Duck of Doom in Watery Bottom.
This is the fourth adventure in ‘The Story Shop’ series from Tracey Corderoy and Tony Neal, although each book can easily be read as a stand alone. Each of the books contains three adventures, presented in chapters which are achievable and offer a sense of satisfaction and encouragement for newly independent readers whilst the enjoyable plots are sure to keep the attention of older siblings should these stories be shared at home.
Humour in both illustrations and text make these stories very appealing. Fred Ferret has his work cut out trying to keep Suzie Sloth awake during their investigations, but together they manage to solve each case and escape back to the Story Shop where he can have a well deserved nap! Children will enjoy spotting the clues and trying to solve the mysteries alongside detectives, Suzy and Fred!
Tracey’s lively writing uses a rich vocabulary and the text is a pleasure to read aloud, offering plenty to discuss and enjoy. This series would make excellent class stories for children in KS1 as well as a very enjoyable bedtime book. Great fun!
The Story Shop Detective Dash!
Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tony Neal
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788953337
Marnie Midnight and the Moon Mystery
Marnie Midnight is really excited to be starting at Minibeast Academy where she hopes to follow in the footsteps of her heroine, Lunora Wingheart, the famous Moonologist who used to be a pupil there. But, to her disappointment, Marnie soon finds out that nobody believes in moon magic anymore. Determined to get to the bottom of this mystery, Marnie and her new friends, Star and Floyd, decide to search for the truth…
From her introduction, portrait gallery of characters and map of Thimbledown to the end of the story, this new story from Laura Ellen Anderson is a charming, captivating adventure, perfect for fans of her ‘Amelia Fang’ and ‘Rainbow Grey’ series.
The detailed world building is wonderful and there are plenty of mini-beast facts woven into the tale, making this delightful story the perfect starting point for discovering more. Marnie, Floyd and Star are great characters- each personality is well-developed, showing how different natures can complement each other, each bringing their own strengths to a friendship, offering support.
The illustrations are delightful, adding much to the book and sparking imagination and interest. Whether sharing as a class story, a bedtime read or for children to love as an independent read, ‘Marnie Midnight and the Moon Mystery’ is a real joy!
Marnie Midnight and the Moon Mystery
Laura Ellen Anderson
Farshore ISBN: 978-0008591335
Magic Ever After
Bea Black is still enjoying life in Little Spellshire. Things are much easier now her dad knows she is a witch-in-training and is happily in a relationship with Taffy Tallywick. But something’s up- her father seems obsessed with learning magic and Taffy is distracted by some Very Important Thinking which she has to do. Finally, Bea learns that they want to get married (there was kissing) which is wonderful, but means there is much to do…
Full of magical mishaps, strange situations and hilarious happenings, this is such an entertaining and engaging series! Bea is a delightful character, who is easy to identify with. Keen to do well, fit in and have fun, she makes mistakes and can be overly anxious about things, but is full of good heart and determination and is surrounded by good friends (and a loving dad!), meaning everything comes right in the end.
The story is presented in a diary format, highly illustrated and in easily read sections, offering a read which is both achievable and enjoyable and reassuringly familiar to those who have read the other books in the series. The focus of each shifts slightly, keeping the reader interested in Bea’s world and showing the importance of her home and school lives. In this story, more is learned about activities at school with a game of GO with Cats and the very entertaining Eggy Day where each egg delivers a truthbomb, but there is also plenty about her homelife as the wedding approaches and everything finally comes together for the perfect day.
A fabulous mix of magic and mischief, family and friendship, ‘Magic Ever After’ is a great addition to the series!
Diary of an Accidental Witch: Magic Ever After
Perdita and Honor Cargill, illustrated by Katie Saunders
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788956109
You can read my review of ‘Ghostly Getaway’ here.
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!
Max and Chaffy: Search for the Ice Chaffy
It’s a snowy day on Animal Island and Max and Chaffy have lots to do. A new visitor, Jacob arrives on the island in search of one of the rarest chaffies in the world to impress the Chaffy Finding Club- the Ice Chaffy! Max and Chaffy are keen to help- and so can readers!
Bright, cheerful and bursting with fun, the ‘Max and Chaffy’ books are perfect for younger children. Instantly appealing, short sections of text- mainly in speech bubbles- are easily accessible and written in a clear font, making the words easier to decode and allowing early readers to tackle the stories independently.
The illustrations are full of humour and encourage readers to interact fully with the story as they are regularly invited to help find Chaffy and to help Deputy Constable Chaffy round up the islands birds so they don’t get too chilly in the snow. Children are sure to enjoy drawing Chaffy for themselves, perhaps creating their own varieties!
Hugely appealing, this is the third book in this brilliant series! I hope there are many more to come!
Max and Chaffy: Search for the Ice Chaffy
Jamie Smart
David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452632
Published 2nd November!
You can read my review of Max and Chaffy: Welcome to Animal Island! here.
Call the Puffins! Tiny’s Brave Rescue
On the island of Egg, Tiny is training to be a rescue puffin with his friend, Muffin. But Tiny is really worried as he feels that he is not good enough to be part of the team. With the support of the other puffins, Tiny finds he can rise to any challenge.
This is the second in this lovely series which is perfect for younger readers. Taller than the other puffins with long legs and wings, Tiny is a sweet natured puffin who is keen to do his best and help others, but things always seem to go wrong for him. Children are sure to empathise with Tiny as he gets lost, makes mistakes and is slower than the other puffins- and sure to celebrate with him as he gets the better of the wild cat!
This book- like the first- emphasises the importance of working as part of a team and supporting each other. A little extra help from Flight Officer Faroe makes all the difference to Tiny, helping him gain confidence. There are facts about puffins at the end of the book to encourage children to discover more about these fascinating creatures.
Full of gorgeous illustrations which add much to the story, ‘Tiny’s Brave Rescue’ is a delightful book and the next in the series, ‘Muffin and the Shipwreck’ is coming out next year!
Call the Puffins! Tiny’s Brave Rescue
Cath Howe, illustrated by Ella Okstad
Welbeck ISBN: 978-1801300599
You can read more about ‘Call the Puffins!’ here.
