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.
The Colour of Revenge
For five years, Mortimer Folchart, the bookbinder, and his daughter, Meggie, have enjoyed living in peace with their family and friends, leaving past events behind them. However, Orpheus Gemelli is determined to wreak revenge on those he believes betrayed him. With the help of an artist, he traps them all in a grey book, making them disappear into ink and paper. But things do not go quite according to plan and Dustfinger, his stepson Jehan, and a young girl called Lilia must save them all.
Anyone who has read the ‘Inkheart’ trilogy knows what an incredibly complex, richly detailed and absorbing world filled with unforgettable characters Cornelia Funke created. ‘The Colour of Revenge’ takes readers back to the Inkworld - and it was such a joy to return.
For those who have not read the previous books, a summary is given at the beginning of the book along with a list of characters to help them orientate themselves. The summary is written by Orpheus, allowing the reader to understand his motivation and desire for revenge, cleverly setting the scene and instantly piquing interest. However, although this story can be read as a stand alone, I cannot believe anyone will be able to resist reading the others!
Cornelia Funke is a powerful writer, depicting all sides of human nature, and does not shy away from portraying darker emotions, violent deeds and their consequences. The dark power of words, the all encompassing destruction of the desire for revenge, the ease with which some slide form one evil deed to another is all here- and yet so is the power of love, the strength of the bonds of family and friendship, the colours of affection.
‘The Colour of Revenge’ is an absolutely compelling and engrossing read. Although pitched at 9+, I personally would recommend it to older children- those in Y6, 7 and above- to immerse themselves fully in this world and its characters.
Will there be another Inkheart book? I hope so. I thought there would be no possibility of a return after ‘Inkdeath’ and I was obviously very mistaken…so here’s hoping!
The Colour of Revenge
Cornelia Funke, translated by Anna Schmitt Funke
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1913696184
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…
Aliya to the Infinite City
Since the death of her parents, Aliya has lived in Cairo with her grandfather, Geddo. Recently, he has been acting strangely, disappearing for hours on end and forgetting her birthday. When a mysterious gift arrives, things change dramatically. Geddo is taken away and Aliya finds herself whisked off on a flying carpet by a relative she never knew she had. Finding herself in the Infinite City, she is enrolled as a student at the Infinitum School of Time Travel. But she finds herself a target for the evil forces her grandfather had tried so hard to hide her from- Dorian Darke, a master of time who wants to use Aliya’s special skills for his own devious ends.
Offering an absorbing read, ‘Aliya to the Infinite City’ is a fabulous adventure, full of magic and mystery. Set in an alternate Egypt, Laila Rifaat’s world building is vivid and colourful, seamlessly interweaving cultural details into the story. Mischievous magic carpets, sinister genies and knowledge turbans all feature in this exciting tale!
Discovering that she comes from a long line of time travellers, Aliya has to navigate an unfamiliar world full of mystery and magic. A likeable character, she shows great determination and courage as she tries to uncover details of her family’s past and find her own place in the world. The plot is full of action with many twists and turns keeping the reader well and truly enthralled as the story builds towards its exciting climax, paving the way for more adventures to come. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series!
Aliya to the Infinite City
Laila Rifaat
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1915026354
Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.
Winner Takes Gold
Pearl dreams of winning a place on the GB Mini Elite Squad. Her mother, who was a coach at the local club, Bagley End Butterflies, passed away the year before and Pearl is determined to ‘light up the world’ with her shine as mum would have wanted. When her friend, Ryan, wins a place at Leaping Spires training camp as part of the squad without her, Pearl is devasted until a place becomes available.
However, life at the elite training camp is incredibly tough with a strict regime focusing on being better than the best. Rumours about the ‘Curse of Leaping Spires’ start flying around as accidents and mishaps seem to dog the students, leading Pearl and Ryan to suspect sabotage. Just how far will someone go to take gold?
Once I started ‘Winner Takes Gold’, I could not put it down! There is so much to enjoy in these pages.
I have taught many children over the years with a love of gymnastics, some of whom have been involved at a competitive level, and a book like this would be an absolute winner with them. The level of technical accuracy employed in describing the moves will instantly appeal to those who are familiar with them, but these are worked into the plot so seamlessly that they are not off-putting for the non-gymnast. The strong sense of mystery, the thrill of the chase and uncovering the person behind the ‘accidents’ all make this a compelling story.
Pearl shows the level of dedication and determination needed by those who long to be successful. Passionate, she shows a level of unswerving commitment to her sport, constantly pushing herself to achieve and be the best she can. But the story clearly shows that there is more to being successful in any sport than winning accolades and prizes. Friendship, family and personal wellbeing are essential, but just as important are staying true to yourself and being fair and honest.
The book would be an excellent choice for a class story time, sure to encourage plenty of discussion and debate about sporting attitudes and values amongst other things. Although Pearl is at the centre of the story, boys’ gymnastics is also key in the story as Pearl’s friend, Ryan, and the other boys in the squad are shown training and competing.
A great read!
Winner Takes Gold Eloise Smith
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1915026309
The Cloud Thief
Withering-on-the-Sand-Sea, like many other villages, is dependent on cloud deliveries from the Cloud Factory for its survival. With rising prices and smaller clouds, Mara and the other villagers are finding life harder. Worried about Old Bern, who is suffering from the Thwart, Mara overhears a conversation which suggests he might be cured by a piece of cloud. Determined to help, Mara sets off on a quest to the Cloud Factory where she finds things are far more complicated than she thought…
In ‘The Cloud Thief’, James Nichol has created a story which not only offers brilliant world-building and endearing characters, but also plenty to think about. It is thoroughly enjoyable and sure to be as popular with teachers looking for that perfect class read as it is with children choosing for themselves!
Mara intends to steal a cloud from the Cloud Factory to help Old Bern, creating an initial dilemma about whether doing the wrong thing for the right reasons can be justified. Once she sees what is happening to the clouds at the factory- how they are imprisoned, how they are treated- she finds herself faced with yet more questions. The villagers need the water the clouds produce, but does this justify the pain and suffering the process causes? James Nicol skilfully challenges the reader to question the arrogance and greed of humans and look for better solutions which are kinder to all.
On her travels, Mara meets Eban, who lives in the Cloud Factory and gradually, a firm friendship develops between them although each has their secrets. Both are very likeable, relatable characters, with good hearts and good motives, who don’t always get things right, but show determination and courage. Brume, the cloud, is bursting with personality- and I can’t help but hope that there will be more adventures set in this world!
An excellent read!
The Cloud Thief James Nicol
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1915026491
Out tomorrow!
Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.
Diamond Jack: Your Magic or Your Life
Bramble and her sister, Lena, have recently lost their parents and now live with their grandfather, helping out in his shop, ‘Mr Browning’s Emporium of Strange and Magical Things’. Left in charge, she and her best friend, Ernest, who lives next door with his mother at the dressmaker’s shop, discover a hidden box in the forbidden shed at the bottom of the garden. Inside is a red highwayman’s mask which Bram feels compelled to try on- and then can’t take off. When her Grandfather is taken, Bram discovers that the mask transforms her into the famous highwayman, Diamond Jack and she is thrust into a mission full of action, adventure- and magic!
A riotous romp of a read, ‘Diamond Jack’ has much to recommend it! The story bounces along at a pleasing pace with plenty of action and much to discuss. Bram is a great character. Thrust into a role which she did not choose, she overcomes her fears and rises to the challenges thrown at her, proving she is capable and resilient. Ernest is a joy and their friendship is really well captured and believable.
Humour is woven through the story- sure to appeal to any adults sharing the story as well as children. Mrs Kipling, for example, ‘does make exceedingly good cakes’! But the story also offers plenty do discuss. There are links to other stories like the Robin Hood legends which might be explored, research about real highwaymen and their exploits as well as considering how people ‘mask’ themselves sometimes just as Bram adopted the persona of Diamond Jack when wearing the mask. Family secrets might also be a topic of conversation, considering why certain characters chose to act as they did and the consequences of these choices.
However, above all this magical story offers an action-packed adventure- with the potential of more to come!
Diamond Jack: Your Magic or Your Life
Anna Rainbow
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1913322724
Blog Tour: The Housetrap
Today, I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for the deliciously dark new novel from Emma Read, ‘The Housetrap’. A complete change of pace from her ‘Milton the Mighty’ books, this one is not to be entered lightly…
As Delilah McDeery’s best friend, Claude, is moving to Cornwall, she is visiting him to say goodbye. However, all Claude seems interested in is playing Escape Room II with his new best friend, Sam. Sent outside- ‘Devices are banned’- by Claude’s mother, they are joined by Amity, Claude’s little sister. Tension between the older children quickly mounts and an argument erupts during which Amity wanders off into Badwell Woods. Forbidden to the children, the woods are full of dangerous sinkholes- and stories of missing children. Determined to find her, the others follow and discover an abandoned mansion and although it gives Claude an uneasy feeling, a scream from Amity makes him and the others rush inside…
And for fear of spoiling the story for others, I shall stop my summary right there! Emma Read has created a novel full of atmosphere and tension which is both clever and frightening. It’s essential to know the child before you recommend them this one!!
I am not the biggest horror fan. Sinister things linger with me so it is usually best if I go no where near them, but in ‘The Housetrap’, Emma has managed to strike the perfect balance between thrilling adventure and all-out scary story, making this a thoroughly enjoyable, exciting read. In order to solve the house trap and set themselves free, the children have to face a series of puzzles to solve two mysteries: the disappearance of Hypatia Batstone, daughter of the inventor of the house puzzle, and the clues on each level which will allow them to leave the building. The reader is completely absorbed from the outset, willing the children to succeed as the house shifts and reforms around them on their journey through the ‘game’.
The story also explores friendships and how the dynamics can shift and change as children grow. Delilah and Claude have been friends forever so Delilah feels understandably displaced by Sam, the new best friend, who seems to take great delight in baiting her. As they are forced to spend time together and start to get to know one another better, things change and together, they make quite a team. Delilah’s mathematical ability and knack with puzzles is an obvious bonus, but each brings strengths to the challenge.
An excellent spine-tinglingly enjoyable mystery/adventure, ‘The Housetrap’ is a brilliant read! Are you brave enough to enter..?
The Housetrap Emma Read
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1913322786
Many thanks to Chicken House for inviting me to be part of the tour today. Make sure you have a look at the other brilliant stops on the tour as well!
You can read my review of Milton the Mighty here and Milton the Magastar 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.
Blog Tour: Call of the Titanic
I love historical fiction and so was delighted to be invited to take part in the Blog Tour for ‘Call of the Titanic’. Having really enjoyed each of Lindsay’s other books (see reviews below!), I was really looking forward to this new one- and as you can tell from what follows, I was not disappointed!
Young cabin steward, Sid, is proud to be working on the Titanic, the greatest ship ever built.
Clara dreams of adventure too, but she's a stowaway in the hold of a much smaller boat, Carpathia. Here she meets the biggest, best dog she’s ever known: Rigel, who is on his way to be reunited with his owner.
None of them could have imagined how they would need each other one ice-cold terrible night – or that an extraordinary sea creature might also answer their call ...
(Blurb from book)
To my mind, an excellent historical novel is one which immerses the reader in the period, accurately depicting the time/events, making history come alive. In skilled hands, it (amongst other things) teaches about the past effortlessly, allowing the reader to absorb details almost without realising whilst thoroughly enjoying the story. Lindsay Galvin has captured all of this and more, adding her own characters and mingling folklore with the facts to create a unique and gripping story.
The tale is cleverly presented through a range of text types, allowing events to be seen from differing viewpoints. This adds the feeling that the story has been pieced together from various historical sources, gathering evidence to create a picture of the past, just as historians do. This alone offers much to discuss and consider!
Everyone has heard of the Titanic and there are many excellent books for children on this topic. ‘Call of the Titanic’, however, focuses on the part played by RMS ‘Carpathia’, a cruse ship working at the same time, which played a major role in the rescue of passengers from the sinking Titanic. Tension mounts as all the tragedy and horror of the events of that fateful occasion are played out with the brave Captain and crew of the Carpathia making heroic efforts to save as many as they could.
Accidental stowaway, Clara, finds herself aboard the Carpathia and is at the heart of the action. It is here she meets the wonderful Rigel, a giant Newfoundland dog, which is being shipped off to its new owner. The two form a deep connection and are central to the events surrounding the rescue. Clara is wonderfully feisty and impulsive, with a heart of gold, whose curiosity and kindness make readers fully invested in her story. Rigel is just adorable! Whilst they are entirely fictional, Sidney Daniels, another voice telling this story, was a real person. He was a young steward aboard the Titanic who escaped the disaster, but was never called to give evidence. The ‘testimony’ he gives here is fictionalised by Lindsay Galvin, adding much to the story. The author’s note at the end of the book makes it clear which of the characters are based on real people, giving more detail about them as well as giving more information about things such as Morse Code and radio codes.
The mysterious sea serpent adds yet another layer to the story, appealing to those fascinated by the mysteries of the deep and adding to the adventure. There is so much to recommend this story, which could easily be used as a key text for classwork or as a guided reading text as well as being enjoyed as a shared or individual story. It is both excellent and enjoyable!
Call of the Titanic Lindsay Galvin
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1913696696
Many thanks to Chicken House for asking me to take part in this Blog Tour. Make sure you catch the other posts listed on the banner at the top of this one- and make sure you read the book!
You can read my review of ‘Darwin’s Dragons’ here , ‘My Friend the Octopus’ here and ‘The Secret Deep’ here.
Blog Tour: The Way of Dog
I am delighted to be part of the Blog Tour for this very special book. It is one which I will not forget in a hurry- and am sure to read again soon.
Be strong. Be fierce. Life is more than a concrete floor.
Born in a harsh, grey world, a pup is taken from his mother and locked in a cage with the rest of the litter. As the others are chosen, he yearns to belong to a family, but finds himself alone until he meets a manpup who shows him affection- and gives him a name, ‘Scruffity’. Set free from his cage by this boy who is as unloved as he is, the two run away together and Scruffity gains a taste of both love and freedom…until tragedy strikes.
Told in verse, this is a deeply poignant and utterly beautiful novel. From the opening page, it completely absorbs the reader in Scruffity’s story, shocking them with the callous, casual cruelty of the ‘Shoe-legs’ whose only interest in the dogs is financial gain. The innocent, optimistic, loving nature of this young pup serves only to underline the neglect and the use of verse cleverly frames his thoughts, capturing them in a way which prose would not have done.
Scruffity’s devotion to ‘MyManpup’ (as he calls his boy) and delight in the world outside the cage, his curiosity and excitement are captured perfectly, allowing the reader to share each new discovery about ‘the way of dog’ which Scruffity makes. His loyalty to the humans he meets along his way- the boy who befriends him, OldOne, the little girls, LilaMay and Pippa and their mother, and CharlieMan- is testament to the trusting, faithful nature of dogs and their longing for companionship.
The story also highlights the plight of humans who have been victims of human cruelty. Seen through Scruffity’s eyes, their stories unfold to the reader, the cruelty and neglect shown to them as incomprehensible as that shown to Scruffity. There is so much to discuss here- so much to develop empathy as the loyal true heart of a dog helps others to heal. The ending is just perfect- if requiring a whole box of tissues!
The text is punctuated in places with gorgeous illustrations which are as atmospheric as the verse. Scruffity is beautifully shown in his happiest and darkest moments with shadowy human shapes emphasising the threat they pose.
I am not ashamed to say that I cried many times as I read this story. Zana Fraillon is well known for her powerful writing and tackling ‘difficult’ subjects. ‘The Ones that Disappeared’ almost finished me completely, but the beauty of her writing and the poignancy with which she handles the subject matter are unquestionable. ‘The Way of Dog’ is an outstanding book, a story of love and hope, a story of cruelty and compassion- a masterpiece.
The Way of Dog Zana Fraillon, illustrated by Sean Buckingham
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1915026231
You can read my review of ‘Wisp’ here.
Blog Tour: Vita and the Gladiator
I love historical fiction and have been a great admirer of Ally Sherrick’s writing since reading her debut, ‘Black Powder’, a fabulous adventure set at the time of the Gunpowder Plot. Today, I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for her new book, ‘Vita and the Gladiator’, a thrilling adventure set in Roman London.
Daughter of a high-born Roman, Vita lives a life of luxury and privilege. She longs to write plays like those she sneaks off to watch at the Forum, but is destined to marry the man chosen for her. When her father is murdered, her life changes completely. Taken for a slave, Vita ends up working at the gladiators’ arena, sharing a cell with female gladiator, Brea and her wolf. Both are seeking justice from a common enemy and form an unlikely pact as they work together to defeat him.
Ally Sherrick writes brilliant historical fiction, balancing factual details with exciting, immersive adventure. Set in Roman London in 125 CE, ‘Vita and the Gladiators’ also offers a gripping murder mystery to solve as Vita pieces together the events surrounding her father’s death.
The story is rich in detail, vividly contrasting Vita’s former life as a magistrate’s daughter with being a slave working with the gladiators. Appropriate vocabulary and terminology is used in context, enriching the reader’s experience and understanding of the period. The scenes of the gladiators training and fighting are well developed, emphasising the blood-thirsty nature of these events and their cruelty as well as the fascination they held for audiences. The story also explores the treatment the army meted out to those they conquered.
‘Vita’ would work extremely well as a read aloud or as a key text to inspire work. Not only is the story bursting with details about the period, it offers much to discuss and many opportunities for writing in role, research, drama and role play. Above all, it is a compelling, immersive read, skilfully written and well researched with notes from the author at the end.
Vita and the Gladiator Ally Sherrick
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1913696535
Thank you to Chicken House for asking me to take part in this tour. Make sure you continue to follow the tour with Books for Topics and Miss Cleveland tomorrow!
Blog Tour: No Place for Monsters
Today, it’s my turn on the Blog Tour for ‘No Place for Monsters’, the perfect read for Hallowe’en (or any time really!). Deliciously sinister, it offers a perfect balance of graphic novel and traditional text as the illustrations spread across each page, through and between the text, making for an engaging read.
Used to the bustle of the city, Levi is struggling to settle in to his new home in Cowslip Grove. Whilst his older sister, Regina, younger sister, Twila and mother seem happy with the change, Levi starts his new school without having made any friends. When partnered with exuberant, wayward Kat Bombard for a school project, things change. Determined to investigate some strange goings on, the pair suddenly realise that things in Cowslip Grove are not what they seem. Children are disappearing and Twila becomes the next victim…
‘No Place for Monsters’ contains the stuff of nightmares. Scratch the surface of seemingly perfect Cowslip Grove and all manner of nastiness lurks beneath. But this story offers far more than ‘just’ a horror story: it offers plenty to think about and discuss.
Levi and Kat are an unlikely partnership. Levi is withdrawn and self contained- even his artistic mother depicts him as a turtle, ‘safe in his shell’. Kat is a wild card- given to making up elaborate stories and giving her teacher grey hair, she bursts into his life, dragging him unwillingly into her adventures. But, as often happens, these very different characters come to value each other, supporting and saving one another as their nightmare develops. Their home lives are also very different. Levi’s father has been away for a long time after arguments with his mother, yet his family are close and supportive; Kat’s background is less clear, but her impressive, perfect house is clearly far from a safe, loving home.
As the inhabitants of Cowslip Grove try to make their village perfect, the story explores the dangers of conformity and of trying to subdue the natural world. As the villagers manicure their lawns, hack their hedges into perfect cubes and seek to destroy wildlife, they fail to notice the very real dangers threatening their lives. In fact, by saturating their lawns with weedkiller and fertilizers, they are helping… but I might say too much and spoil things! The story also considers who the real ‘monsters’ might be as looks can be deceiving and help comes from some unexpected sources.
The illustrations are just incredible. Full of atmosphere and detail, they add much to the story, with pictures often working in place of sections of text as well as in harmony with them in others. Both setting and characterisation are developed through the illustrations and the use of dramatic black backgrounds on some pages adds to the sinister feel of the story as the tension mounts.
Now, I have to admit that this would not normally be the type of book that I would reach for myself. It’s definitely one I would read with a view to matching it to children, but I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed it and how much I felt it had to offer! With the right group, it could be an excellent guiding reading text. Just shows, you should never judge a book by its cover!
No Place for Monsters Kory Merritt
Chicken House ISBN: 978- 1913696085
Many thanks to Chicken House for inviting me to take part in this tour! Watch out for the other posts…
Blog Tour: Once Upon a Fever
Disease begins with a feeling…
Sisters, Ani and Payton Darke, live with their father who is a Methic at the hospital of King Jude’s. Since ‘the Turn’ when people’s feelings first started making them ill, Methics have worked hard to help those made ill by emotions- including the girls’ mother whose grief has made her succumb to water fever. Both girls want to find a cure for her sickness and are frustrated by their father’s lack of progress, but that’s where the similarity between them ends. When Ani finds an imprisoned boy who turns everything he touches gold, she is determined to help him, leading the girls on an unexpected and dangerous path…
Instantly engaging, ‘Once Upon a Fever’ is a breath taking story of intrigue, deceit and magic.
Sisters, Ani and Payton are very different personalities. Ani has to take medicine to control the anger that bubbles inside her whilst Payton is studious and far better behaved than her impulsive sister. Since leaving the Isles and coming to Lundain to seek treatment for their mother, the girls have grown apart, but the distance between them is never more obvious than when Methic Guild Master, Jenipher Blake comes into their lives. Having long admired Blake, Payton is sure that if she can learn under Blake’s guidance, she will find the cure her mother needs which leaves to a rift, further separating the sisters and taking them from King Jude’s.
In the girls’ world, controlling- stifling- emotions is seen as essential to good health, but only once she experiences the healing power of nature and gives in to her emotions does Ani really feel alive and in control. The importance of this ‘holistic’ approach, of finding balance and experiencing emotions is key to our well being and the story explores this beautifully. The clinical ‘methic’ approach upheld by Blake is in stark contrast to the beliefs of the last Wilders, one of the guilds disbanded after the Turn, who Ani meets having escaped from the medical attentions of the Methic Guild Master. Living in Hyde Gardens, hidden from the rest of society, Henrich, Tally and a young boy called Estlin, keep the traditions and knowledge of their guild alive. Tally tells Ani:
But we mustn’t forget other important, healing things. Things like diving into cold water, sleeping beneath the stars, eating fruit that’s grown warm under the sun. Lying on the grass and thinking of nothing except the shapes of the clouds. that’s what the methics have forgotten…’
Thought provoking and powerful, ‘Once Upon a Fever’ is a must read story, combining a skilfully crafted world with a compelling plot. Make sure you add it to your summer reading list!
Once Upon a Fever Angharad Walker
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1912626984
Many thanks to Angharad and Chicken House for inviting me to be part of this tour. Make sure you look at the other posts about this wonderful book.
Blog Tour: Orla and the Wild Hunt
Rather than go to France with her father, his fiancée and two sons, Orla decides go and stay with her Gran in Ireland. To her surprise, her bother, Apollo, elects to go with her. The two are still grieving the death of their mother and look forward to the comfort and familiarity of the tiny ramshackle cottage on the edge of the Tangled Woods. But Gran is not herself, seeming nervous and watchful, although she still makes her tiffin and shares the tales from Irish folklore. Then Gran vanishes one night and with the help of a local boy called Conor and a strange creature they found locked in Gran’s shed, they set off on a perilous and magical mission to find her and save her from the Wild Hunt.
‘The Mask of Aribella’ is a huge favourite of mine so I was very keen to read Anna’s new book. Rich in folklore, imagination and love, ‘Orla and the Wild Hunt’ is an incredible story- and one which I will return to again and again.
Orla is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her mother and resents the fact that everyone else seems to be able to move on with their lives, lashing out at her brother in particular. She denies herself the joy music and singing brings, having believed that maybe, if she had practised hard enough, her mother would have got better, and has withdrawn from her friends. When her Gran is taken, she has no choice but to take action and move forwards as she cannot bear the thought of losing someone else. Kind hearted, thoughtful and empathetic, Apollo copes with his sorrow in a different way. As they search for their grandmother, he helps Orla to find her voice once more and their sibling bond becomes stronger than ever and Orla finds the courage to confront her grief, just as she confronts the Wild Hunt.
The story is completely compelling, beautifully twisting Irish mythology with stories from other traditions. The children encounter merrow, fairies, water sprites as well as the pooka they found locked in Gran’s shed. My favourite by far, however, is the giant, Fionn, of the Giant’s Causeway fame, although Anna has adapted the tale. He adds plenty of gentle humour as does the pooka’s acerbic wit and rude comments! Their loyalty to the children and the (initially reluctant) support they offer them on their quest is heart warming.
There are so many reasons for reading this story, not least Anna’s fabulous writing style. Full of vivid descriptions, the plot moves at an excellent pace with plenty of tension, offering a mesmerising tale of love and loss. Anna set the bar high with ‘The Mask of Aribella’ and has succeeded in creating another story which is just as unique and engaging. I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
On a final note, the story has started something of a ‘tiffin war’ here! I was going to share my favourite tiffin recipe because ‘tiffin is the best’, but this has led to deep debates about the differences between tiffin, Rocky Road and a tray bake! Help to settle this would be much appreciated!
Orla and the Wild Hunt Anna Hoghton
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1912626113
You can read my review of ‘The Mask of Aribella’ here.
My Friend the Octopus
When her mother, a successful milliner, suddenly whisks Vinnie away from everything she knows in London to live in Brighton with her Aunt Bets, her world is turned upside down. The two have never been separated yet now her mother has travelled to Paris on business, leaving Vinnie to a very different life with far more freedom and many new experiences. Vinnie is particularly drawn to the aquarium where she is enchanted by the newest acquisition, a ‘rare gargantuan devil-fish’- a giant octopus. Through observation and patience, Vinnie gradually comes to know this creature, using her sketching skills to capture her unusual friend.
‘My Friend the Octopus’ is a fabulous, many layered story which is full of colour and historical detail. Set in Victorian times, the novel offers much to enjoy, both as a read aloud and as a key text to inspire work from a class, including the attitude of ‘collectors’ and animal well being, working conditions, the role of women and racism.
The aquarium shows the stark contrast between those who care for animals and are keen to learn about them and consider their well being and those who see them as possessions or as a way of making money. Along with Vinnie, Mr Lee, the aquarist in charge of the animals, and his nephew, Charlie, show patience and curiosity, a willingness to learn about the octopus whilst caring for it. For Captain Bickerstaff, the octopus is a ‘slippery beast’, a way to generate income for the aquarium. There is so much to discuss and explore here, considering how attitudes have (or have not) changed and no doubt inspiring a fascination for these amazing creatures to equal Vinnie’s.
Child labour during Victorian times is something children are regularly taught about, but which often focuses on chimney sweeps or factory workers. By introducing the girls caught in the fashion trade, Lindsay Galvin exposes the cruel conditions endured and the consequences of fulfilling the caprices for a certain style or trend. Parallels can be drawn with today’s ‘fast fashion’ and the exploitation of cheap labour to meet this demand.
The book is rich in historical details which make it a delight to read. The risqué nature of bathing and riding a bicycle show how women like Aunt Bets are enjoying new freedoms, but the story also exposes the frustrations of the rigid expectations for women at this time. Notes from the author at the end of the book allow the reader to learn more about some elements of the story and there is a recipe for ‘Petits Fours à thé’ which I have every intention of making when I have a moment!
At the heart of the story is Vinnie, who blossoms into believing in herself under the care and nurture of Aunt Bets who constantly encourages her to ‘get doing’- a positive message for all of us. Her friendships with Charlie and Temitayo are beautifully developed and each character has a fully developed personality and ‘story’ of their own. The ‘baddy’ is truly sinister- no one would want to meet him anywhere- making the twists of the plot full of tension.
I really enjoyed ‘Darwin’s Dragons’ (and ‘The Secret Deep’), but in ‘My Friend the Octopus’, Lindsay Galvin has written an absolute treasure! The cover is beautifully illustrated with fold out flaps to explore, making an enticing start to an excellent book.
My Friend the Octopus Lindsay Galvin
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1913696405
You can read my review of ‘Darwin’s Dragons’ here and ‘The Secret Deep’ here.
Blog Tour: The Map of Leaves
I am delighted to be part of the blog tour for this fabulous book and share my review. ‘A Map of Leaves’ is a must read so I hope you will borrow or buy a copy and enjoy it as much as I did!
Living alone since her Ma died, Orla tends her beloved garden, listening as the plants whisper to her. When sickness comes to the village of Thorn Creek where she lives, Warden Atlas claims that the wild is the cause and must be destroyed. Armed with her Ma’s book, ‘Plants and their Medicinal Uses’, Orla is determined to find a cure and prove the warden wrong and hides on a boat heading upriver to find the truth. Used to being alone, she finds herself unwillingly teaming up with Idris and Ariana, who are also keen to find a cure for this mysterious illness, on a dangerous adventure from which they might never return.
‘The Map of Leaves’ is a wonderful adventure, set in an atmospheric world. Nature is key to the story and the healing power of plants and the importance of wild spaces are celebrated on every page. Each chapter begins with a plant, its Latin name and a brief description of its properties, encouraging the reader to learn more about the plants around us and reminding us of just how much nature gives us. These early remedies and cures are completely fascinating, sure to spark interest and encourage conversations about the development of medicines we have today.
The story also makes us reflect on the impact humans can have on the environment- how nature needs its wild spaces to thrive and for us to thrive in return. It also considers how those with power and wealth can abuse this in pursuit of personal gain and how those who set the rules do not always follow them- sound familiar?! Warden Atlas is ruthless, showing scant regard for anyone or anything, making him easy to despise.
Orla has a deep connection with nature and a deep distrust of those around her. The loss of her mother from the mysterious sickness is so raw that she has closed in on herself, shunning support or comfort from others. As the story develops, she gradually grows to care for and trust Idris and Ariana, although initially she is quite prickly and difficult to be with. Fiercely determined to find a cure for the sickness-Mapafoglia (‘the map of leaves’ named for the lines like an inky map which appear on the skin of those infected)- and to restore her beloved plants to health, she makes mistakes along the way, but learns from them and becomes a stronger person- and one that is far more likeable at the end.
The book would be excellent for guided reading, offering much to think about and discuss as well as a gripping story which children will love. As well as following a quest, the story also shows how Orla changes as a result of her experiences, finding her place in the world, surrounded by the plants that she loves. The book could also be used very successfully as a class text, offering many opportunities to pause and reflect, write in many different ways, research and enjoy a cracking story; however, for me, the attention rich setting of guided reading would work best!
‘The Map of Leaves’ is definitely one not to be missed!
The Map of Leaves Yarrow Townsend, illustrated by Marie-Alice Harel
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1913696481
Many thanks to Laura for inviting me to join this blog tour! Make sure you enjoy some of the other stops in the tour as well!
Nisha’s War
When Nisha and her mother have to flee the war in Malaya, they receive a cold reception from Nisha’s paternal grandmother in the north of England. When her mother falls ill shortly after their arrival, Nisha is left to face her formidable grandmother and racist locals alone. Scared, lonely and haunted by memories of the past, Nisha finds herself drawn to the Weeping Tree where she meets Twig, who tells Nisha she has to find three treasures and bring them to the tree before the full moon turns from gold to silver and all will be well.
Beautifully written, the haunting opening of this novel is instantly captivating. Nisha and her mother are so vulnerable that the reader is filled with compassion and the desire to know more about them. Dan Smith then skilfully builds their story, mingling the present with the past in the form of ‘Nisha’s Truths’- diary sections where she recounts the events which have led her and her mother to this point.
Thrust into a new and alien world, Nisha shows great determination and resilience in the face of hostility. The fact that she is ‘different’, coming from Indian/ English parentage, being an ‘outsider’ and having partially lost her hearing due to a bomb blast all add to the wave of prejudice she encounters from many villagers. The contrast between scenes of the stark landscape of Barrow Island and the vibrancy and colour of Malaya, the threat of the Weeping tree and the safety of the banyan tree even with its ghosts, the sense of life before and life after skilfully emphasis her vulnerability and deepen the reader’s empathy for her situation. She would be a wonderful character to explore with a class.
The novel is richly written and there are many descriptive passages worth lingering over and sharing. Although the story would make an excellent class story, some of the passages about the war are quite graphic and so the audience would need careful consideration- Year 6 and above- before reading. A ‘Did You Know?’ section and glossary of terms further enrich the reader’s experience.
The atmospheric cover illustration by Matthew Land is sure to tempt readers in and the end papers continue the interest, showing a range of pictures, posters, notes and objects which offer tantalising clues about the story ahead. The passage of time to the full moon- so significant for Nisha in the story- is marked by chapter headings and full page illustrations showing its changing face and emphasising the sense of urgency felt by Nisha as time passes.
A stunning story!
Nisha’s War Dan Smith
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1912626755
Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.