Whispering Hollow

Pippa Newton loves nature and loves the time she spends with her grandfather at his cottage in the woods. Her brother, Jed, used to enjoy these trips as well, but now lacks enthusiasm. However, they arrive to find their grandfather reluctant to let them stay and Pippa soon realises that something malevolent is lurking, causing Grandpa to be fearful and act strangely. When Pippa disobeys her grandfather and creeps out into the woods at night to use her night vision binoculars, things quickly spiral out of control.

In ‘Whispering Hollow’, Rachel Burge has created a spooky tale, full of suspense and menace, perfect for the darkening evenings- if you are someone who likes a good scare! The strange behaviour of her grandfather, his unkempt appearance, the sinister twig men hanging around the house create a tense atmosphere from the outset, leaving the reader wondering what might happen next.

Set in Cornwall, the story draws on the rich folklore and traditional tales of that area with hidden folk, spriggan and changelings and the narrative moves between the two worlds. But the story is also about siblings and the deep bonds they can share, of loss and change and family and the wonders of the natural world, making it a satisfying read as well as a dark and creepy one.

Whispering Hollow

Rachel Burge

Welbeck ISBN: 978-1804536179

Seawitch

As part of taking her ‘Sapling’ test and moving a step closer to becoming a fully trained witch, Cassie Morgan must take on the challenge of training a new witch; however, when one arrives, Robin Kendrick is not what she- or the rest of 1st Hedgely coven- were expecting. When a letter arrives from her cousin, Sebastian, asking for her help in solving a mystery, Oak Patrol- with their new member, head off to the Faerie border town of Porthmorven whose protector the Seawitch is nowhere to be found, leaving the town vulnerable. Can Cassie and her friend work out what is going on and foil the Erl King’s plans before it’s too late?

‘Seawitch’ is the third book in this magical series about Cassie- and each seems better than the last! Wonderfully atmospheric, both characters and scenery are vividly portrayed, offering a very satisfying and immersive read.

With the support of her friends, Cassie is gaining in confidence, determined to become a witch and find her parents. Level headed and fair, she still has some qualms about the acceptance of Robin- a boy- into the coven so that he can train to be a witch- something seen as a female role. Skye McKenna explores the young witches prejudices really well - ‘You’ve got to be resourceful and observant and well… they [boys] just aren’t.’- challenging stereotypical gender roles.

‘Seawitch’ moves at a very pleasing pace, with plenty of action and Cassie learning more about her parents whilst leaving tantalising clues and paving the way for more stories to come. Although magical stories, this series has so much to recommend it to any reader that those who claim not to be fans of this genre will find themselves enjoying the books just as much as those who are!

Seawitch

Skye McKenna, illustrated by Tomislav Tomic

Welbeck ISBN: 978-1801301282

You can read my review of ‘Hedgewitch’ here and ‘Woodwitch’ here.

NNFN2023: Boats! (and other things that float)

Perfect for introducing young readers to the world of boats, ‘Boats! (and other things that float) is an engaging and informative book. Each spread focuses on a different type of watercraft, fully illustrated and with plenty of details to spot on every page.

The range of boats - and other things that float- covered is impressive. Starting with a look at the different types of sails which are used, the parts of a boat are explained, using a carefully labelled diagram. Key words are given in bold, but used in a sentence which explains the meaning to the reader, perfect for supporting comprehension.

Information is presented in small sections, making it an accessible read, and appealing illustrations encourage the reader to look closely and notice details. From fishing boats to dragon boats, from submarines to pedalos, there is something here to interest everyone. The book ends with ten fun floating facts and a spread encouraging the reader to look for things to spot throughout the book.

Perfect for this year’s NNFN theme, Wonderful Water, ‘Boats! (and other things that float) is a book to be enjoyed time and time again!

Boats! (and other things that float)

Maria Brzozowska

Welbeck Publishing ISBN: 9781783128358

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.

Thirty Trillion Cells

When it comes to answering the questions children love to ask, Isabel Thomas is the person with the answers! In this amazing book, she takes complex scientific concepts and presents them in an amusing, lively way which is accessible to all.

One of the things I love best about teaching is that you are constantly learning- not only in an effort to keep up with the constantly shifting curriculum, but because children are such wonderfully inquisitive beings who pose fabulous questions about everything and anything. And books like this are an essential ingredient in satisfying their insatiable curiosity! For the teacher without a science background, ‘Thirty Trillion Cells’ is an absolute God-send in helping them understand some of the concepts they are expected to teach!

As one example, in Y6 children are expected to be able to identify and name the main parts of the human circulatory system, and describe the functions of the heart, blood vessels and blood. A double spread about blood cells clearly explains what blood does and explores the different types of cells it contains. Side headings and labelled diagrams are used to support the text, making it easily understood. This could easily be used for guided reading sessions to support learning across the curriculum or as part of the body of a science lesson.

Scientific terms are used throughout the book, but these are also explained in very down to earth, child-friendly ways! The ciliated epithelial cells (hairy lining cells to you and me) in the tubes leading to your lungs form part of a ‘snot elevator’, ridding the respiratory system of all the tiny particles of pollution taken in with air. This is very easy- and yucky- to visualise, understand and remember! A glossary and comprehensive index make the book useful for locating specific information if used for research, but the book is perfect for browsing. There is so much to discover in these pages- learning without realising!

‘Thirty Trillion Cells’ is a brilliant read, combining informative and attractive illustrations with fascinating, clearly explained text.

Thirty Trillion Cells

Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Dawn Cooper

Welbeck Publishing ISBN: 978-1803380131

You can read my review of ‘Moth’ here.

The Indestructible Tom Crean

‘The Indestructible Tom Crean’ is a fascinating biography about Irish born Tom Crean, one of the brave adventurers involved in what became known as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. It is an inspiring, absorbing read, greatly enhanced by the wonderful illustrations.

Many children in Y5/6 learn about explorers and the exploits of Ernest Shackleton, using William Gill’s excellent ‘Shackleton’s Journey’, have become a favourite focus for study. This book would not only work brilliantly in conjunction with this text, expanding the children’s knowledge of the expedition, or as an alternative book to build a unit of work around for both English and History/Geography.

Having joined the Royal Navy, Tom Crean joined Scott’s Discovery expedition as a last minute replacement. The book charts his progress on this journey, showing why, six years later, Scott invited him to take part on his quest to be the first to reach the South Pole. Not chosen to be a member of the team to make the last 150 miles of the journey, Tom and two others must return to base camp before starvation and exhaustion overcome them. When his fellows are too ill to continue, Tom makes the journey to fetch help alone. He saves their lives, although the team Scott took on further all perish. These events are sensitively, but clearly told, with the text supported by illustration at every step. There are many opportunities for role play activities, writing in role and further research and investigation to be developed.

The book continues with Crean joining Shackleton’s Endurance expedition as Second Officer. At times, the language used is almost poetic- even when describing the appalling conditions the men had to endure- and the illustrations are sure to inspire artwork. Crean’s role in the ‘James Caird’ trip, his bravery and determination, contributed to the rescue of the men left behind on Elephant Island. The use of the present tense throughout is very effective, making the reader feel that they are keeping pace with him on his adventures.

At the end of the book, there is additional information about the Antarctic, its wildlife and a timeline of events. There is also an afterword which seeks to explain why- perhaps- this courageous man never sought to draw attention to himself after the war, settling down with a family to run a public house. This is an excellent book which brings Crean’s story to life. Brilliant for topic boxes, library shelves, personal interest… a must have!

The Indestructible Tom Crean: Heroic Explorer of the Antarctic

Jennifer Thermes

Welbeck Publishing ISBN: 978-1803380957

Aesop’s Fables

Fables are short stories, often with animal characters, which have a moral at their core offering the reader- or listener- wisdom. Aesop is probably the best known teller of these tales with stories like ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’ and ‘The Lion and the Mouse’, familiar to us all. In this new collection, Caroline Lawrence has interspersed the tales with sections from an ancient biography about Aesop, allowing the reader to learn more about the man himself whilst enjoying his stories.

Each fable has been concisely told, making the collection perfect for dipping in and out of, with a fable being specially selected for discussion (or simply for pleasure0 or for reading from end to end. Many of the stories feature talking animals, but living in ancient Greece, Aesop’s tales also make reference to the gods- ‘Zeus and the Honeybees’, ‘Heracles, Athena and Strife’ and ‘Zeus, Hermes and the Ostraka’, for example. Originally, these fables would have been told and retold through the words of storytellers, embellished and coloured as the teller saw fit down through the ages, but in this edition, Caroline Lawrence has returned to the surviving Greek and Latin manuscripts, translating from these ancient texts rather than re-telling the stories in her own words. This offers possibilities for comparing different versions and discussing how they have developed and altered over the years as well as enjoying the ‘flavour’ of each story as Aesop intended.

Set in a world we no longer recognise, these translations contain words which are no longer familiar to us and so a comprehensive glossary of ‘Aesop’s Words’ at the end of the book helps the reader understand terms like mormolukeion, gymnasiarch or ostraka. Pronunciation guides are included which is very helpful for anyone reading the fables aloud.

The whole collection is beautifully illustrated by Robert Ingpen whose pictures enhance the fables. Little vignettes are scattered throughout whilst some pages are devoted to full illustrations, capturing the feeling of those ancient times.

Great for sharing at home or at school, this edition of ‘Aesop’s Fables’ is one not to be missed!

Aesop’s Fables

Caroline Lawrence, illustrated by Robert Ingpen

Webeck Publishing ISBN: 978-1913519902

Blog Tour: Let’s Go Outside!

I was delighted to be asked to be part of the Blog Tour for this lovely book which celebrates the joy of spending time outside! On yesterday’s stop, you can read an interview with author, Ben Lerwill, offering an insight into his writing. The spotlight today is on Marina Ruiz’s fabulous illustrations which accompany Ben Lerwill’s text. She has very kindly shared a sneak peek into her sketchbooks, showing how her images were created.

‘Let’s Go Outside1’ shows the fun that can be had exploring the outdoors and includes discussion prompts and activity ideas at the end for adults and children to enjoy together. Throughout the book, Marina’s joyful illustrations show the excitement and pleasure of imaginative play and being active before cosying up warm at home-until it’s time for the next adventure.

The picture above shows the development of Marina’s work from her initial sketches to the final image. Her work is full of little details which allow children to create their own stories about what might be happening. There is such joy on the children’s faces as they notice things and explore their surroundings.

Marina’s work is full of texture and colour and her love of printmaking is evident in her illustrations. Each spread is delightful, making this a very special book, both in terms of its message and its pictures.

Perfect for sharing at home or at school, ‘Let’s Go Outside’ not only offers a lovely reading experience, but also encourages children to get outside and explore all the adventures the natural world has to offer!

Let’s Go Outside Ben Lerwill, illustrated by Marina Ruiz

Welbeck Publishing ISBN: 978-1913519803

Many thanks to Marina for sharing her wonderful work.

The Blog Tour continues tomorrow with A Page Turner, @KellyLBuxton.