Fright Bite

Club Loser are heading to Neon Perch, the place to go, for a night of celebrating Colette’s 13th birthday. With Songbird Karaoke, Galactic Golf, Battle Karts and a kitty of cash to spend, they are set to have the best night ever! However, as usual, nothing goes to plan and when the friends decide to experience Project Z, the brand-new, immersive, zombie escape room experience in the basement, they quickly realise that their old adversaries are back with more unpleasant surprises and horrors, including some vicious creatures with a poisonous bite…tick, tock.

A new book from Jennifer Killick is always a celebration- a new ‘Dread Wood’ book doubly so! Each book seems better than the last and although I might have been heard to say that ‘Deadly Deep’ was my favourite, I can now reveal that ‘Fright Bite’ has knocked it off the top spot!

One of the joys of these books is that you really feel part of ‘Club Loser’ and so are fully invested in the adventure before it starts. This unlikely group of friends prove that opposites attract and show the importance of getting to know others. Each of the gang is unique, each is flawed, but they really bring out the best in each other!

The story starts calmly enough. There is plenty of banter and if you haven’t read the previous books (why haven’t you read the previous books?), you quickly build a picture of each personality, including the very loveable Mr C, and the dynamic of the group. Having initially lulled you into a (very false) sense of security, Jennifer Killick quickly starts to build tension until the inevitable realisation dawns and the Latchitts are back!

As Club Loser face a series of terrors, culminating in venom-dripping rats controlled by Hickory Dickory Dock, the mixture of tension, humour and action keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, only breathing a sigh of relief in the last few pages when safety and sanity are once more restored. It’s a cracking read- and I can’t wait for the next one!

Dread Wood: Fright Bite

Jennifer Killick

Farshore ISBN: 978-0008657031

You can read my review of ‘Dread Wood’ here, Deadly Deep here Crater Lake here and Crater Lake Evolution here.

The Minute Minders

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

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

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

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

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

The Minute Minders Mary Murphy

Pushkin Press ISBN: 978-1782694229

Published 18th January 2024

Twice Upon a Time

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

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

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

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

Twice Upon a Time

Michelle Harrison, illustrated by Natalie Smillie

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471197673

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

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.

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

Jane Eyre

Being a huge fan of the Bronte sisters and their work (and member of the Bronte society!), I approach any re-telling of their work, whether book or film, with the greatest caution. And yet, I discovered ‘Jane Eyre’ through reading an abridged version of the book which I found on the classroom shelves when I was about 7 and was instantly captivated so the power of a carefully abridged, skilfully written classic should not be underestimated!

In a book which is about a quarter of the length of the original, Patrice Lawrence has managed to maintain both the atmosphere of the book and Jane’s character. Echoes of Charlotte Bronte’s original text can be heard (…with nipped fingers and toes, and a heart saddened by the chidings of Bessie the nurse…with cold-nipped fingers and toes to the grumbling complaints of the nursemaid, Bessie) capturing the appalling treatment of the young Jane at the hands of her aunt and cousins, the cruelty of Miss Scratcherd, the awful conditions of Lowood Institution, using the present tense to create a sense of immediacy and tension.

But ‘Jane Eyre’, like many books of this period, is full of references, comments and language which make uncomfortable reading for modern eyes. The appalling treatment of, and language used around, mental illness, the descriptions of darker-skinned people, Rochester’s treatment of Jane as well as the child cruelty and sexism have all been skilfully managed by Patrice Lawrence. Some things- John Reed, for example, ‘berates his mother for the darker tone of her skin which is similar to his own’- remain whilst others have been removed.

I finished the book satisfied that I had read ‘Jane Eyre’, not frustrated and furious as I often do! Not only does this version serve as a possible stepping stone to the original, it is also sure to support many for whom the original- in both length and language- is too much, allowing those readers to experience Jane’s story. Reader, I enjoyed it. (Sorry- couldn’t help it!)

Jane Eyre

Charlotte Bronte, abridged by Patrice Lawrence

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529520415

Time Travelling with a Tortoise

Al Chaudhury has successfully travelled back in time and saved his father’s life. So, everything is back to the way Al thinks it should be…only somehow it isn’t. And then an accident leaves Grandpa Byron struggling to remember things, forcing Al to travel in time once more and leaving someone trapped in the past and a pre-historic tortoise in the present. Al must somehow rescue his friend from the past and save the future for them all.

Clever and compelling, ‘Time Travelling with a Tortoise’ is a worthy sequel to ‘Time Travelling with a Hamster’! Told in a chatty, engaging style, the reader feels as if they had never left Al’s company and yet, those who have not read TTWaH will be able to enjoy this just as much as those that have.

Grandpa Byron is as charming and unique as ever and his relationship with Al wonderfully highlights the role which grandparents can play in the lives of their grandchildren. In his new ‘old’ life, Grandpa Byron seems to be the one constant for Al, making the accident all the more shocking. Unable to piece together events which have led to his friendship with Paulie MacFaddyen, nephew of his arch nemesis Macca, also causes complications- and encourages the reader to look beyond preconceptions and first appearances.

There is so much to enjoy in this wonderful story that it is hard to put down. Teachers will enjoy reading this aloud to their classes as much as the children will enjoy listening to it. It is sure to encourage much conversation- about time travel and much more! Highly recommended!

Time Travelling with a Tortoise

Ross Welford

Harper Collins ISBN: ‎ 978-0008544775

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

You can read my review of ‘Time Travelling with a Hamster’ here, ‘The Monkey Who Fell from the Future’ here and Into the Sideways World here.

Pirate Academy: New Kid on Deck

In 2507, a new age of piracy has arrived. Water levels have risen and the Pirate Federation controls the oceans as well as running nine schools around the world- Pirate Academies. Each Academy will only take 15 students a year, the finest from the most famous, ferocious pirate families. Jacoby Blunt and Jasmine Peacock are two of the students in Barracuda Class, taking lessons in Knots, Sailing and Combat. But these are dangerous times to be a pirate and when Jacoby’s roommate, Wing, is removed from the school by his parents, a new student, Neo Splice, mysteriously appears to take his place. With him, he seems to bring peril from the outside world and Barracuda Class find themselves facing a new and very deadly enemy.

I have huge affection for Justin Somper’s ‘Vampirates’ series as my son read these avidly and we regularly went to hear Justin speak at festivals. These books were also really popular in school and we were delighted to be able to organise an event for ‘Talk Like a Pirate Day’ in 2015 with Justin and Huw Powell. With this in mind, I was very excited to discover that Justin had written the first in a new series and I was not disappointed!

‘New Kid on the Deck’ is engaging from the outset as the reader is quickly drawn into the lives of Jacoby, Jasmine, Neo and their classmates, their lives at the Pirate Academy, the importance of their ‘pedigree’ and the dangers lurking in the outside world. The characters- students and their teachers- are well developed, full of the flaws and complexities which make them engaging and encourage the reader to feel invested in their adventures.

Without wishing to give too much away, the plot concerned with family, friendship, loyalty, lies, adventure and ambition is really well-paced and its conclusion offers surprises and great potential for the future of the series. ‘New Kid on the Deck’ is sure to be as popular as the Vampirates books and will be a welcome addition to bookshelves everywhere!

Pirate Academy: New Kid on the Deck

Justin Somper, illustrations by Teo Skaffer

UCLan ISBN: 978-1916747111

Published 7th March 2024

Juniper’s Christmas

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

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

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

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

Juniper’s Christmas

Eoin Colfer, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

Harper Collins ISBN: 978- 0008475536

The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor: A Christmas Mystery

Flora and her mother are spending the Christmas holidays in a cottage found in the grounds of a decaying mansion in he seaside town of Helmersbruk. It’s their first Christmas without Flora’s father and things are strange and difficult for them so her mother thought the break would do them good. However, Helmersbruk is dark and rainy and when they arrive at the Gatekeeper’s Cottage, the gate seems locked and no one is around apart from Fridolf, who lives next door in the Washhouse. But as Flora explores the Manor grounds, her imagination runs wild and she comes to love it there. Strange whispers, mysterious porcelain figures and the occasional appearance of a boy called Egon increase her fascination with the place and she starts to uncover a fascinating mystery which links the past and the present.

The story is told in twenty-four chapters, making it perfect for reading as an advent book in the countdown to Christmas Day- but I challenge anyone to be able to read it like this! The story is so compelling and absorbing that it is impossible to put down! Carefully placed clues, engaging characters and evocative writing make this a fabulous read- one which is sure to be enjoyed again and again despite the mystery having been solved!

Each chapter beings with a black and white illustration, adding to the atmosphere of the story. Flora is drawn to the Mansion and there are shivery moments, carefully placed to intrigue and pique the reader’s interest and imagination as the Manor’s secrets are revealed. Flora is reeling from the loss of her father, struggling with the rejection of her once-best-friend, Johanna, and the bullying of the horsey girls at school and Helmersbruk Manor offers her peace and a feeling of belonging. She learns to trust again, finding friendship as she strives to save the Manor from a threatened re-development as a hotel complex.

An excellent story, ‘The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor’ is a brilliant, gripping story- perfect for Christmas, but a great read at any time of year!

The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor: A Christmas Mystery

Eva Frantz, translated by A A Prime, illustrated by Elin Sandstrom

Pushkin Press ISBN: 978-1782694182

Stepfather Christmas

Harper, Will and mum have always managed on their own, with mum going as ‘full-on for Christmas as her budget will allow’. So when mum announces that this year her boyfriend, Nick, will be joining them, it’s a bit of a shock. He seems nice, but Harper can’t help noticing that Christmassy things happen whenever he’s around. Convinced he’s actually Father Christmas, she is determined to uncover the truth…

Subtitled ‘A Festive Countdown in 25 Chapters’, ‘Stepfather Christmas’ is a wonderfully charming and humorous festive treat, perfect for sharing a chapter a night in the run up to Christmas Day. The idea of a family read each day of Advent is a joy - when my son was little, we used to read a festive picture book each day- and a lovely way to bring everyone together. The chapters are the perfect length and the characters are wonderfully engaging.

Jovial and kindly, Nick works with the reindeer at the petting zoo, makes the perfect hot chocolate and seems to receive an awful lot of post. As the clues mount up. Harper becomes increasingly suspicious that he is indeed Father Christmas in spite of Will’s scepticism when she tries to discuss it with him. Her doubts and anxieties about Nick becoming part of their tight-knit little family will resonate with many children in a similar situation whilst the mystery about his identity brings plenty of festive fun!

Whether read day-by-day or consumed in one sitting, ‘Stepfather Christmas’ is a delightful, thoroughly engaging read!

Stepfather Christmas L P Lapinski

Orion ISBN: 978-1510112698

All That It Ever Meant

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

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

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

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

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

All That It Ever Meant

Blessing Musariri

Zephyr ISBN: 978-1035002477

Man-Man and the Tree of Memories

I am delighted to have been invited to take part in the Blog Tour for ‘Man-Man and the Tree of Memories’ today. Yaba Badoe is an amazing author- ‘A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars’ is a book I will never forget!- so I was really looking forward to reading this one and I was not disappointed.

Emmanuel- known as Man-Man- is really excited. It’s Carnival time and he, with his sister, Pan and best friend, Kareem, will be dancing to the beat of his dad’s sound system. As his mother, Trilby, is ill, Man-Man will be taking her place, leading the procession. His nan, who has come to England to help care for Trilby, doesn’t approve of their dancing, but the day arrives and knowing his mother is watching, Man-Man pleads for his mother to be made well again. To his amazement, The Queen of Revels appears and whisks him, Pan and Kareem away to Africa and shows him the Tree of Memories where they witness the the pain of their ancestors and begin to understand how it is causing their mother’s suffering in the present. Does Man-Man have ‘the courage to shape the future by soothing the scars’ of his family’s past?

‘Man-Man and the Tree of Memories’ is a powerful and poignant story. It captures the joy and energy of Carnival, the exhilaration and freedom of dance whilst also tackling serious topics of slavery, inequality and the impact the past can have on the present.

Relationships play a key role in the story. Man-Man and Kareem have a close bond of friendship , each valuing the other for who they are. Pan is a prickly older sister, yet one who obviously cares for her brother. Man-Man enjoys a close, loving relationship with his parents which is beautifully captured. His love for his mother shines through, pushing him to dance harder and channel all his energy, and her love for her children is ultimately her salvation. The relationship with their grandmother, Fedora, is more complex. Strict, unyielding and opinionated, Fedora disapproves of Man-Man’s father whose heritage and beliefs are different to her own. And then there is the relationship with the past- how our heritage can shape our lives. The story offer so much to consider and discuss, encouraging empathy, reflection and developing awareness.

‘There’s always more to us than meets the eye, more than what we see or touch.’

The story is brilliantly illustrated. Joelle Avelino’s bright pictures perfectly capture the energy and life of Carnival so vividly described by Yaba Badoe’s text. As the story moves to the magical, the illustrations seem to convey this energy as well with silhouetted, less-distinct figures and swirling shapes, echoing the branches of the Tree of Memories. Children will love exploring and discussing these as much as the story itself!

Many layered, evocative and poignant, ‘Man-Man and the Tree of Memories’ is a wonderful read, offering much if used as a guided reading or class text. It is a unique story to be enjoyed again and again.

Man-Man and the Tree of Memories

Yaba Badoe, illustrated by Joelle Avelino

Zephyr ISBN: 978-1837930074

Many thanks to the team at Zephyr for asking me to take part. Find out what everyone else thinks by following the rest of the reviews in the tour!

You can read my review of ‘A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars’ here.

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.

The Taming of the Cat

Brie is an unusual mouse. Unlike the other mice in the cheese shop colony, he prefers breadcrumbs and grain to cheese and has a head full of stories. These things do not endear him to the other mice and he finds himself lonely- and cold. Seeking warmth, Brie finds himself caught in the paws of the fearsome, Gorgonzola, the cheese shop cat. In this life-or-death situation, Brie decides to distract her by telling her stories inspired by the labels on the different cheeses. Caught between the animosity of his mouse community and the threat of death by cat, he must weave a tale which will change his life.

In the tradition of Scheherazade, the tales told by Brie are framed by his own life story, making this a wonderfully rich and entertaining book with plenty to recommend it. The nature of cats and their predator/ prey relationship with mice is not shied away from, but this is an important part of the story, building a clear picture of Gorgonzola’s personality and increasing the sense of tension and the feeling of peril for Brie’s situation.

Brie is a wonderful character. Different from the other, he is victimised by the other mice for being different, for having his own interests. Although his relationship with Gorgonzola begins through necessity as Brie wishes to survive, it develops into a true friendship, something which is lacking in his fellows, offering plenty to discuss. In Gorgonzola, Helen Cooper has captured a real essence of cat which is a joy to read!

The story which Brie tells is shaped and developed in response to Gorgonzola’s interests and whims as much as it is inspired by the pictures and names on the cheese labels. It is a magical tale and one which is sure to inspire children to create stories of their own- perhaps as a collaborative activity, sparked by things around them.

Lavishly illustrated, the book is full of pictures to linger over and enjoy, the perfect complement to the story.

The Taming of the Cat Helen Cooper

Faber ISBN: 978-0571376018

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

You can read my review of The Hippo at the End of the Hall here.

A World Full of Winter Stories

In the latest book in this wonderful series, Angela McAllister introduces her readers to a brilliant collection of stories, perfect for sharing on winter evenings. Gathered into six sections- Birds and Beasts, Tricks and Troubles, Ice and Snow, Quests and Journeys, Spirits and Magic and Christmas- there are fifty tales here from countries and cultures across the world.

Retold with great thought and care, each story is the perfect length for a bedtime story, offering plenty to enjoy and discuss. Each is accompanied by lovely illustrations which capture the frost and chill of the cold weather contrasting with the warmth and safety of indoors. There are so many wonderful tales here- ‘Salt on a Magpie’s Tale’, ‘The Silver Flute’, ‘The Ice Man’ and ‘The Spider and the Christmas Tree’. Some of the stories contain familiar characters- Anansi, Thor and Loki- whilst some seek to explain how or why things are as they are. There really is something to appeal to everyone in this collection!

The anthology also makes an invaluable addition to any teacher’s bookshelf. The stories are perfect for guided reading sessions, engaging and achievable with plenty to talk about and investigate. The stories are also wonderful for enjoying at the end of the day- and sure to encourage children to share traditional tales they have enjoyed at home.

I can’t recommend this series highly enough!

A World Full of Winter Stories:

50 Folk Tales and Legends from Around the World

Angela McAllister, illustrated by Olga Baumert

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711277908

You can read my review of ‘A World Full of Nature Stories’ here and ‘Once Upon a Hillside’ 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.

Legends of Norse Mythology

‘Legends of Norse Mythology’ is a fully illustrated guide to some of the legendary characters and stories of Norse folklore.

Starting with the story of the ‘Nine Worlds’ of the Norse cosmos, the book then offers a gallery of the Gods. Each deity is given two pages, one presenting an evocative illustration and the other, a short biography including their godly powers and where they lived. Many of these are familiar names- Thor, Loki, Baldur- but others are possibly less well-known such as Mimir, Gullveig, Bragi and Idun.

The book then explains the story of poetry and its importance to the Norse people before moving on to some of the giants, monsters and mythical beings of their world. Perfect for supporting any topic on the Vikings or for reading for pleasure, it may also encourage children to explore comparisons between mythologies and faiths. The Norns of the Norse could be compared to the Moirai of Greek mythology, the role of Hel with that of Hades/ Pluto.

The story of Thor’s Hammer and that of Ragnarok are also included, retold in an accessible (bearing in mind how blood-thirsty these tales can be!) manner, making the book a very enjoyable introduction to the world of Norse mythology.

Legends of Norse Mythology: Enter a World of Gods, Giants, Monsters and Heroes

Tom Birkett, illustrated by Isabella Mazzanti

Wide Eyed ISBN: 978-0711260771

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

Animal Tales from India

On Saturday, I had the great pleasure of listening to Nikita Gill, talking at the Bath Children’s Literature Festival about her new book, ‘Animal Tales from India: Ten Stories from the Panchatantra’. She explained how these stories had formed an essential part of her childhood and she now wished to share them with other children as her grandmother had shared them with her. Originally written in Sanskrit, these ancient stories are a collection of interwoven animal fables, full of wonder and wisdom, humour and heart.

Each tale speaks directly to the reader, creating that intimate feeling of storytelling which is such a feature of old stories, told and re-told through the generations. As with all fables, there is a clear moral to each tale, a thought which is presented at the end of the story, often with a touch of humour, keeping the tone light hearted. ‘The Blue Jackal’, Nikita’s favourite, reminds the reader about the importance of loyalty and family whilst ‘The Monkey and the Crocodile’ is about choosing your friends carefully. The stories are a joy to read aloud with plenty of opportunities to ‘do the voices’ and so much to discuss and enjoy!

The book itself is a thing of beauty. The jacket is wonderfully tactile with gold embossing, but this lifts off to reveal a glorious orange hardback with purple lettering and illustrations. An orange ribbon bookmark means you will never lose your place and every spread is beautifully illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat whose pictures are delightful.

This is a treasure of a book, perfect for sharing time and again, but also a collection of stories which will be revisited independently, as familiar friends.

Animal Tales from India: Ten Stories from the Panchatantra

Nikita Gill, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839944628