Hunt for the Golden Scarab

Sim’s mum works as a cleaner at Sir John Soane’s Museum where the two live in the attic flat. They never stay anywhere for long but, for the first time, Sim is attending the local school instead of being homeschooled. When some sinister strangers appear at the museum one night, Sim is left with even more unanswered questions about who his mum is- and what she is hiding from. Learning that she has the power to open doors in time, he finds himself on the adventure of a lifetime to locate the golden heart scarab of Nefertiti before the mysterious Council of Keys lay their hands on it- and him.

Combining all the classic elements of exciting adventure story with time travel, ‘Hunt for the Golden Scarab’ is a fast-moving, action-packed romp of a read, rich in historical and locational details which will leave readers desperate for more. It is also one of those books which is so hard to review without spoiling for others!

Sim’s adventure starts in London before taking him to Egypt – ancient and modern. With his school friend, Nelson, supporting him at home and his newly found cousin, Jeopardy, accompanying him on his travels, well developed characters are a real strength of this story, including the adults. Sim’s mother, Callidora, has brought her son up on her own and is portrayed as strong (physically and mentally), capable and resourceful, facilitating her son’s development and taking an active part in the story rather than being killed off, kidnapped or somehow lost along the way. Similarly, her brother, Emmett, who she warns Sim is untrustworthy, is far more nuanced than many adults in children’s stories, enriching the plot and promising more in future books.

Locations are also well developed and engaging, sure to spark curiosity and interest. Sir John Soane’s Museum is a fascinating place, crammed with treasures, well worth visiting and yet, perhaps, one of London’s less well-known attractions. Details about Sir John and other historic places and events mentioned in the story are offered in Nelson’s ‘Time Traveller’s Diary’, included at the end of the book. Tutankhamun’s tomb and places in Egypt are also carefully described and there is a ‘Key’s Guide to Ancient Egypt’ which helps to explain some of the key figures and events relating to that part of the action.

A love of music and a fascination with history permeate the story, enhancing the reader’s enjoyment of this epic adventure!

Time Keys: Hunt for the Golden Scarab

M G Leonard, illustrated by Manuel Šumberac

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1035005963

Publication date: 30th January 2025

You can read my review of The Arctic Railway Assassin here and Sabotage on the Solar Express here.

FCBG Conference 2023 Day 2

Day 2 saw us up bright and early, off to explore Rugby town before breakfast! The town was already alive as the Saturday market was setting up and we enjoyed wandering around, on a mission to find the statues of Rupert Brooke, Thomas Hughes and William Webb Ellis and the bench in Jubilee Gardens which commemorates various authors. As none of these things are signposted, we were helped by the bin men who googled Rupert Brooke’s location for us!

Once fortified by a hearty breakfast, Conference began a-new. Saturday sees new day delegates arriving and the organisers- members of the Executive Committee and the Northamptonshire Book Group- work tirelessly to make sure everything is ready and everyone in the right place for the first session. Each delegate receives a Conference goodie bag, filled with donations from publishers as well as Conference information when they are greeted by those manning the reception desk.

The first session was the wonderful M G Leonard. Sadly, I missed this session as I was distributing information about NNFN to publishers, but people were buzzing about it, filled with enthusiasm by the inspiring energy of her talk. This was followed by a panel discussion with Alison David (Farshore Consumer Insight Director), Emma Dodds (Red Shed Senior Commissioning Editor) and Dr Ronx (doctor, TV presenter and author) about the power of non-fiction to make and inspire new readers. Coffee time celebrated the 10th anniversary of Red Shed!

After coffee, the perfect combination of Phil Earle and Clare Helen Welsh arrived, sharing their picture books which tackle divorce. The books took very different approaches to this sensitive subject, but each is a real gem and sure to support children going through this experience. Phil and Clare each spoke of their own experiences and how these helped them in the writing of their books.

The ‘Fantastical and Magical’ panel was just as it sounds! Three excellent authors, Anna Goodall, Emma Norry and Nicki Thornton, gave readings from their books and talked about the inspiration for their writing, the settings and characters in a truly magical session.

Just before lunch, Laura Baker shared her gorgeous book, ‘All the Wonderful Ways to Read’, a perfect book for so many avid booklovers to hear!

After lunch, delegates were offered a choice of seminar sessions: ‘Celebrate with Me!’ with Laura Gladwin, ‘Explodapedia’ with Ben Martynoga, accessible retellings with Laura Wood or Humour Hooks with Derek Keilty, Jenny McLaughlin and Myles McLeod. It is always so hard to choose which to attend- and there is always lots of discussion and idea sharing afterwards!

From the seminars to the next panel session, ‘Representative Voices’. Candy Gourlay, A M Dassu and Ravena Guron discussed authentic representation, who they write for and their approaches to writing. They each read a section from one of their books- a real treat for people like me who love to hear authors reading their own words!

Just before the tea break, G M Linton told us a little about her new book, ‘My Name is Sunshine Simpson’ and we celebrated with cupcakes!

The FCBG is led by the Executive Committee which organises the groups at a national level and Conference is always when the AGM is held. Tricia, our Chair, led us through the agenda and this was then followed by the group meeting where ideas are shared and discussed. The busyness of Conference then stills for about an hour whilst everyone gets ready for the Gala Dinner.

This year, the Gala Dinner was held in the stunning Temple Speech Room, a very beautiful and historic setting for a lovely occasion! Before dinner, cocktails were served and we all raised a glass to the memory of Judith Kerr who was born 100 years ago. Slides of Judith were shown at this time and Jane made a lovely speech, echoing the feelings of us all about this iconic lady and her work.

Publishers Frances Lincoln were celebrating their 40th anniversary and we took part in a quiz. Guest authors, Mariajo Illustrajo and Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, joined us for the dinner along with some of the authors who had spoken during the day. The After Dinner Speaker this year was Children’s Laureate, Joseph Coelho, who had us joining in with his poems and laughing as the lovely evening drew to a close.

Some hardy folks stayed on to enjoy the bar, but many of us were worn out by the packed programme of events and headed back to the accommodation to re-charge for another fun-filled day!

Day three to follow!

The Arctic Railway Assassin

Hal is flying off to Sweden to meet his Uncle Nat. Together, they are going to make a special Christmas trip to the Aurora Sky Station to see the Northern Lights. Uncle Nat’s friend, Mortimer, has just won a Nobel Prize, and has been scared by a series of inexplicable events since the announcements. Although she is supposed to be accompanying them on the Narvik train, Morti has a sudden change of plans, leaving Hal and Nat to board alone.

But as they leave Stockholm, Hal and his uncle realise that they are being followed and things take a sinister turn as Uncle Nat’s past returns to haunt him, putting them both in danger.

This is definitely the most tense and fast paced trains adventure yet- and my new favourite! In this story, we learn more about Uncle Nat’s mysterious past and it seems that danger is catching up with him. There are moments of real peril and suspense as the action builds, raising serious concerns for the safety of all involved.

As readers have come to expect, ‘The Arctic Railway Assassin’ is full of wonderful descriptions of the trains and railways- a gift for any railfan. This attention to detail really makes you want to visit the locations involved- Kungsträdgården Station and the metro, Stockholm, the journey north to the Arctic Circle- leaving you with a strong sense of wanderlust, a longing to see the Northern lights and stay in the Ice Hotel! A section of notes at the end of the book offers more information about these places if the reader is interested.

Hal’s art work continues to be central to each story, but in this one, I feel there is a real sense of the development of his talent. The reader is told that he has been practising drawing at speed and is now ‘able to get down all the important lines at a breakneck pace’, loosely sketching in ‘a series of eggs for heads’ and other marks to guide his drawing. The addition of these details really adds to the story as it is through Hal’s considerable skill that the crimes are solved. Elisa Paganelli’s wonderful illustrations continue to give life to his sketches, allowing the reader to see each scene Hal captures and glean the same clues- if they can!

I love the face that the Sámi people have been included in this story. Katarina, who Hal meets on this trip, is a great character with observational skills and courageous spirit to match Hal’s. Details about the fascinating culture of her people, including clothing, food and their reindeer, add great interest to the story. I have been lucky enough to visit Sápmi and am ashamed to say that I did not know the Sámi people find ‘Lapland’ offensive. You really do learn - and should learn- something new every day.

The success of this series is not at all surprising as every book not only introduces the reader to a new location- and a new train- but also a brilliant new mystery to solve. I can’t wait to see what Hal gets up to next!

The Arctic Railway Assassin

M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1529072761

Published 13th October 2022

You can read my review of ‘Sabotage on the Solar Express’ here and ‘Epic Adventures: Explore the World in 12 Amazing Train Journeys’ here.

You can read a multi- review of each of the other four books here.

Children’s Book Award Winners 2022!

Yesterday, the winners of the 2o22 Children’s Book Awards were announced. The shortlist for each category was just wonderful and all the children I know who were involved in reading each title and voting really enjoyed the experience.

Here are my reviews for the winner of each category- with Octopus Shocktopus winning overall! Huge congratulations to everyone- and also to the amazing team at the Federation, led by Sarah Stuffins.

Books for Younger Children- and overall- winner: Octopus Shocktopus

One day, an octopus lands on top of a house and initially, no one is quite sure what to do. However, it soon becomes clear that having an octopus on the roof is great fun and everyone wishes they could have one too. When their friendly eight-legged friend disappears one morning, everyone misses him- but not for long!

Fabulous for reading aloud, ‘Octopus Shocktopus’ is told in bouncy rhyming text which is full of fun! There are so many wonderful things this octopus can do to help out and entertain that soon everyone, even the neighbour, Mrs Antrobus, is delighted that he is there. The story shows the importance of accepting others, how precious friendship can be and how helping others can spread happiness. There is a real sense of community and togetherness!

The illustrations are pure joy. Vivid colours fill every page, making the pictures eye catching and appealing. The amount of detail there is to notice on each spread is amazing! On every reading, there is something else to see and enjoy- I love Mrs A’s cat slippers and the baby’s bunny suit! Even the baker gets his wish with a squid rather than an octopus landing on his mill!

Full of imaginative joy and fabulous illustrations, ‘Octopus Shocktopus’ is just wonderful! Perfect for sharing again and again!

Octopus Shocktopus Peter Bently, illustrated by Steven Lenton

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788002684

Books for Younger Readers: The Highland Falcon Thief

When Harrison (Hal) Beck is told that he will be accompanying his train-obsessed, journalist uncle on the final trip of the Highland Falcon as she makes her last journey ever, he is less than impressed. However, when a priceless diamond brooch goes missing just a few hours into the trip, Hal begins to investigate with Lenny, the driver’s daughter. As accusations fly and the suspects list grows, will they unravel the mystery before the Highland Falcon reaches the end of the line?

Agatha Christie- eat your heart out! What a wonderful read this is! From the enticing characters, to the splendour of the train, to the Poirot-style denouement, there is so much to enjoy here.

Writing team, M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman have created an intriguing mystery with a trail of clues and misinformation, leading the reader to suspect each suspect in turn, all wrapped up in fantastic descriptions of this majestic train. Details about the wonders of these magnificent machines are woven seamlessly into the story adding to the excitement of the adventure.

The book is illustrated throughout by Elisa Paganelli, who captures the atmosphere and energy of the story perfectly. There is a wonderful picture of Hal revealing who committed the crime, surrounded by all the characters, for example and another looking down on Hal as he makes his way from the carriage to the tender.

The language is rich and evocative, offering plenty of description. ‘The Highland Falcon Thief’ would make an excellent read aloud, as a guided reader or as a key text to inspire and explore further. Let’s hope there are many adventures on trains to come.

Get on-board ‘The Highland Falcon Express’ as soon as possible!

The Highland Falcon Thief

M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli

Macmillan Children’s ISBN: 978-1529013061

Books for Older Readers: When the World was Ours

High above Vienna on the Riesenrad (Vienna’s Ferris wheel), Leo and his best friends, Max and Elsa feel as if they are kings of the world. It is 1936 and the children are celebrating Leo’s birthday. They are oblivious to the horror on the horizon which will see them divided.

Told from the differing perspectives of the three children- Leo and Elsa in the first person, Max in the third- ‘When the World was Ours’ is an incredibly poignant account of events during the Second World War. From three lives intertwined by the bonds of friendship, the children are divided by cruel and senseless politics and the heart-breaking consequences.

Each child has a unique voice, but the sense of bewilderment and horror experienced by each in different ways is powerfully drawn, allowing the reader a glimpse of the ugliness and brutality of the Nazi regime. Without wishing to give too much away for those yet to read the book, Max’s story is chillingly powerful and thought provoking.

Inspired by the true story of her father’s escape from the Nazis, Liz Kessler has written nothing short of a masterpiece. Deeply emotional, it offers glimmers of hope for the power of love and friendship at the darkest times. Simply brilliant.

When the World Was Ours Liz Kessler

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471196805

Sabotage on the Solar Express

Hal and his Uncle Nat are on an adventure down under as billionaire August Reza has invited them on the first trip aboard the Solar Express, winner of the Reza’s Rocket competition. Although excited about the trip, Hal is not too enthusiastic at being reunited with Marianne, August’s daughter; however, she is convinced that something is amiss and seeks Hal’s help with investigating. Shortly after departure, they discover the train has been sabotaged and is hurtling across the outback, out of control. Can Hal and his friends stop the train and expose the saboteur before it’s too late?

I love this series so much! Always full of action, each book is fast paced and absorbing from the off and Solar Express is no exception.

As with Hal’s previous adventures, the setting for his train journey is vividly brought to life. Here, the sights of the Australian outback form the backdrop to their adventure with attention and respect being given to sites sacred to the indigenous peoples. Uncle Nat might quote the guide book entry about Uluru, but Aboriginal beliefs about human relationships with the earth and the respect it should be given are simply, but clearly explained within the framework of the story. The damage being done to the land through mining is also explored and the invention of the Solar Express has come from young Boaz’s (the fourteen year old inventor of the train) desire to use greener ways of powering trains. (There’s even a ‘science bit’ at the end of the book for those who want to know more!)

It is always a joy to read a story which is not only a cracking adventure, but is also full of ‘naturally occurring educational snippets’! Sounds awful, I know, but it’s meant as a great compliment! Whilst reading this adventure, children (and adults) find out (amongst other things) that for children in the outback, remote education is completely normal; that flying doctors take medical care to those in need; that camels were used to help build the Australian railways as well as environmental and scientific facts, allowing the reader to absorb additional knowledge with no effort at all! This adds such richness and colour to a story, making it all the more worth reading.

One of the greatest strengths of this series is the relationship between Hal and his uncle. Built on mutual respect and affection, the two make perfect travelling and crime busting companions. Elisa Paganelli’s wonderful depictions of Hal’s notebook are also a brilliant way of allowing the reader to ‘see’ what Hal has noticed, leading to the solution of the mystery.

Keeping you guessing until the very end, the story is absorbing with many nail biting moments. ‘Solar Express’ would make an excellent read aloud - sure to keep a class hanging on your every word- without needing to have read the previous books. It would also make a brilliant guided reading text, offering plenty to discuss and explore along the way.

‘Sabotage on the Solar Express’ is out in February- and I am already looking forward to ‘The Arctic Railway Assassin’ which is due in October! I’d like to put in a request for an adventure through the Rocky Mountains, a rail trip I took some years ago and loved!

Sabotage on the Solar Express M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman

illustrated by Elisa Paganelli

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1529072655