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.
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.
When the Wild Calls
Juniper and Bear are now living in Ennerdale with their father, his new partner, Willow, and their baby, Fern. The life they escaped in the city should be in the past, but neither can rest easy knowing they left their grandmother, Annie-Rose, and friend, Ettienne, behind. When they learn that disease is spreading through the city, Juniper is determined to rescue them and bring them to safety.
Inside the city, there are signs that the tight control held by ruthless leader, President Steel, is weakening. But signs of rebellion by a group called the Polecats have made the authorities more aggressive. Etienne, determined to fight for freedom, soon finds himself in grave danger and in need of rescue from more than the city itself.
I am sometimes reluctant to read sequels, even though desperate to return to the world of a story which I have really enjoyed, just in case they do not live up to the original. However, I needn’t have worried in this case! ‘When the Wild Calls’ offers exactly the same absorbing, heartfelt, powerful read as ‘Where the World Turns Wild’ and it was a joy to revisit them and discover what happened next.
Both Etienne and Juniper’s voices tell this story in alternating chapters, allowing the reader to see events unfolding both inside the city and in the wild. Each has a clear and different voice, full of concerns about those they love, as they recount the events of their lives, one making their way back to the city, one desperate to leave it. Each shows huge strength of character and courage, fighting for what they believe in and remaining loyal to those they love.
The story is beautifully written, glowing with a love of nature and full of careful observations capturing the tiniest details as well as sweeping landscapes. Although Nicola Penfold makes it clear that the places she is writing about are her imagined interpretations, it is obvious these are locations she loves. I love the mention of the Wordsworths’ graves- another marker on Juniper’s journey for the reader to locate!
Like ‘Where the World Turn Wild’, ‘When the Wild Calls’ would make an excellent text for sharing in school, either as a class story, a guided reading text or to inspire work in English lessons. The quality of the writing, its vivid message about the importance of caring for nature and the appealing characters all make the book sure to capture the imagination.
A stunning read from one of my favourite authors!
When the Wild Calls
Nicola Penfold
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788956215
You can read my review of ‘Beyond the Frozen Horizon’ here
Rabbit and Bear: This Lake is Fake
Having been snowed in for weeks, Rabbit is looking forward to Spring. However, when it arrives, it is not as perfect as he imagined it would be. Bear suggests that if they do a little every day, they can soon have everything tidied up, but Rabbit is not interested in this plan. Instead, he sets off in search of his Perfect Vision of how things should be. However, when the island he finds turns out not to be made of chocolate, but something less pleasant, Rabbit realises that the real world might not be perfect, but it’s pretty close!
‘This Lake is Fake’ is the sixth adventure for best friends, Rabbit and Bear, and it is just as poo-filled and big-hearted as all the others! Rabbit is still as impulsive as ever, quick to act and perhaps a little slow to think whilst Bear remains constant and supportive.
In his quest for perfection, Rabbit ignores all the joys of the world he lives in- his friends, the beauty of nature, Bear’s singing- and pursues his unrealistic dream. When reality hits and he finds his vision of perfection to be nothing but an island of bird poo, he is overwhelmed by feelings of guilt and inadequacy, claiming he is a failure and that his life is over. Once again, it takes Bear’s steady, calming voice of reason to help him see that he needs to take one step at a time towards better things rather than expecting instant gratification and perfection! There is so much truth in these modern fables and many of us will see elements of Rabbit in ourselves!
Poo-centric books are not usually my thing, but these books are an exception to this rule and it is amazing how much information about the subject is contained in the Rabbit and Bear books. According to a note at the end of the story, guano islands really do exist- and a quick search on Google proves this to be true. I wonder where this topic will lead them next!
Full of gorgeous illustrations which add so much life and personality to the characters, ‘This Lake is Fake!’ is sure to be every bit as popular as the previous stories in this series- and I hope there will be many more to come. Everyone needs a little Rabbit and Bear style wisdom!
Rabbit and Bear: This Lake is Fake
Julian Gough and Jim Field
Hodder ISBN: 978-1444947571
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.
The Magician Next Door
Callie and her father have moved away from London, away from her friends, away from her memories. Struggling to settle into her new life in Northern Ireland, she is staring out of her window one night, unable to sleep, when a loud BOOM announces the arrival of an upside-down house in her back garden. When this disappears, Callie is convinced she has been seeing things until the arrival of a magical paper plane brings a message from Winnifred Potts, the magician linked to the house, who is in desperate need of help. She has lost her Wanderlust, the magic which charges everything in the house, protecting it from attack from magical creatures. Can Callie and her new friend, Sam, offer the help Winnifred and her house need?
‘The Magician Next Door’ is -as the title suggests- a story full of magic, imagination and adventure, but it is also about ‘home’, friendship and a sense of belonging.
Having moved for her father’s new job, Callie is overwhelmed by homesickness as well as the loss of her mother. The Rose Building where she lived in London offered not only a home, but a bustling community, with friends and neighbours where everyone knew each other and were like ‘one big extended family’. In the middle of the Mourne Mountains where she is now living, things seem the complete opposite. This sense of loss and longing is vividly conveyed and yet, Callie comes to realise that home really is where the heart is and that, although new friends and new experiences can never replace those we have lost or are missing, they certainly help you work through those emotions and offer hope for the future. Author, Rachel Chivers Khoo, has done a wonderful job of sensitively balancing Callie’s raw emotions with magic and adventure, so the story never feels swamped by these feelings.
The magical house with the turquoise roof and its special connection to Winnifred is a wonderful one and ‘Wanderlust’ is something which we all need a sprinkle of from time to time! The story also touches on the world of Irish folklore and the map at the front of the book is a copy of ‘Sam’s Seven Wonders of the Mourne Mountains’, the one which he gives to Callie, which shows the location of the Leprechaun Tunnel and Finn MacCool’s Rock amongst other things. The illustrations throughout capture the wonderfully quirky nature of the story perfectly, offering plenty of details to enjoy.
I hope there are more stories to come about Callie, Sam, Winnifred and her house as it seems to me that there are so many adventures which they could share! A great read.
The Magician Next Door
Rachel Chivers Khoo, illustrated by Alice McKinley
Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529507911
You can read my review of ‘The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice’ here.
The Secret of the Moonshard
Orphan Domino lives with the Science Barons in the Scientarium Celestis, a floating laboratory. Allergic to magic, she is forced to stay here, tormented by the other children, a complex problem for the Barons to solve. However, when a Science Baron returns and requests Domino as his assistant, she discovers that everything she has been told is a lie and escapes to Abzalaymon, a city full of wonders. Pursued by the Barons, Domino discovers magic, secrets and a sinister plot.
This is a breathtakingly good fantasy which no attempt at a summary can possibly do justice to! Domino’s world is so vividly created with such attention to detail and imagination that the reader is immediately captivated and drawn deeply into this compelling adventure.
Domino is a fabulous heroine. Feisty and impetuous, she is trapped in the Scientarium from where she can see the city beneath which she longs to visit. Constantly bullied and despised by the other children and described as ‘an intolerable nuisance’ by the Science Barons, she strikes back by devising pranks to gain revenge, allowing her to feel some small measure of control. She is just one of the many memorable characters who come to life in these pages.
Should you read this one? Absolutely!
The Secret of the Moonshard
Struan Murray, illustrated by Vivienne To
Puffin ISBN: 978-0241535585
First reviewed for Reading Zone.
The Past Master
When they are notified that there is trouble in 1999 on New Year’s Eve, Elle and the Leaplings find themselves facing the evil Millennia. They must thwart her plans to manipulate time and save the world.
In the fourth and final book of The Leap Cycle series, Patience Agbabi draws everything together to an exciting and satisfying conclusion for Elle and her friends. A diverse, interesting group, the Leapings face new dangers and old enemies as they work together in the past, present and future to defeat Millennia’s new plan.
Elle has grown wonderfully over the course of the four books. She is still curious and determined, but her confidence has grown with her ability to use The Gift and the support of the other Leaplings. As an autistic character, she is completely convincing, something has been sensitively handled throughout the series by the author.
The complexities of time travel, its consequences, its possibilities, its temptations…everything is skilfully explored, creating a pacy, exciting story which brings the series to its conclusion. Perfect for children who enjoyed science fiction, these stories also offer much to enjoy for those who enjoy an exciting adventure with strong, appealing characters.
The Past Master
Patience Agbabi
Canongate ISBN: 978-1838855819
You can read my review of ‘The Infinite’ here and ‘The Circle Breakers’ here.
Croaky: Search for the Sasquatch
Croaky Hopper is a fearless frog, desperate to follow in the hops of his TV hero, Tennessee Toad. When he joins the Woggle Scouts, he meets Sheena the mouse and Winston the puffin and is whisked off on his first adventure, Camping in Crystal Creek National Park. However, Croaky soon discovers that the real reason they are there is to search for a Sasquatch and the real adventure begins…
Full of humour and fun, ‘Croaky: Search for the Sasquatch’ is exactly the sort of book my son would have loved when he was younger! Engaging from the very first page, it offers adventure, lots of laughs and a very endearing main character, all enhanced by plentiful, lively illustrations. The text is bold and clear, standing out even against some of the stronger coloured backgrounds and presented in achievable chunks. There are also sections presented in the comic book style, making this a fabulous hybrid of graphic and early novel, sure to appeal to a wide range of readers.
Croaky is a wonderful character. Due to his longing for adventure, Croaky has struggled to make friends, but with in Woggle Scouts, he has found Sheena, a highly organised, badge-loving, clever mouse and the leader of the pack, former adventurer, Winston the puffin. He is a bit impetuous, but he is brave and kind and determined, completing the perfect adventuring team!
At the end of the book, the reader is able to ‘earn’ a pathfinder and looker badge by completing activity pages. Croaky is sure to become a huge favourite and, as this is the first of a series, have everyone looking forward to his next adventure!
Croaky: Search for the Sasquatch
Matty Long
OUP ISBN: 978-0192785183
Published 7th March
Dreamstalkers: The Night Train
Bea Grimspuddle lives in a cottage on Thunderheart Tor with her mother, Ula, and Pip, the owl which Bea has nurtured since finding her as a fledgling. Treated with suspicion by the other villagers, Bea feels more at home with nature. When their dreams disappear, the decision is made to abandon the settlement, but Ula falls ill, leaving Bea determined to remain with her.
Realising her mother has been keeping secrets from her, Bea is amazed by the sudden appearance of a mysterious steam train with a stranger at their cottage. Seizing a chance to save her mother, Bea- and her former friend, Martha Heathsweep, are catapulted into an incredible adventure.
‘The Huntress’ trilogy is one of my favourite series, evocative and beautifully written; ‘Once We Were Witches’ and its sequel, ‘Twice We Make Magic’, are wonderfully magical and imaginative so I had high hopes for ‘Dreamstalkers’- and I was not disappointed!
From the first page, Bea is a captivating character whose devotion to her mother, curiosity, determination and tenacity, make her both believable and engaging. Ostracised by her peers, she has sought comfort in the natural world, becoming distrustful of her peers and so her renewed friendship with Martha is prickly and uncomfortable at first as she learns that she can rely on others and seek their help as she overcomes jealousy, faces danger and uncovers secrets. Martha is also an appealing character whose good heart, loyalty and courage are to be admired.
The world of the Dreamstalkers is one so richly imagined and enjoyable that I closed the book with reluctance when it came to an end. There are so many things details which make it unforgettable and enjoyable - and I can’t wait for the next instalment!
Dreamstalkers: The Night Train
Sarah Driver
Farshore ISBN: 978-0008595029
You can read my review of ‘The Huntress: Sea’ here.
Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel
Stitch Head lives in Castle Grotteskew with his creator, mad scientist Professor Erasmus. As the Professor continues to experiment with increasingly dangerous ingredients, Stitch Head works hard to keep the Professor safe whilst feeling increasingly ignored and abandoned. When a stranger comes knocking at the Castle door, Stitch Head is torn between the life he knows and the possibility of being unforgettable.
The ‘Stitch Head’ books were very popular in school when they were first published so I was delighted to see that a graphic novel version has been created. Stitch Head himself is a wonderfully endearing character. When first created, he and the young Erasmus did everything together until it was time for Erasmus to become the next mad professor of Grotteskew and Stich Head was forgotten about. Lonely and unhappy, he is desperate for some affection from his master, inspiring empathy from readers. Despite his neglect, Stitch Head rises to the occasion, saving his master and the Castle, proving that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.
There is plenty of humour in the story, both through the illustrations and the text, but the book also explores the importance of friendship, building trust and not judging others on their appearance. Fulbert Freakfinder, owner of the Travelling Carnival of Unnatural Wonders, makes the sort of sneaky, devious villain who is very easy to dislike whilst Arabella Guff (a girl from the village of Grubbers Nubbin), Creature (another of Erasmus’s creations) and Stitch Head make an excellent team.
The excellent, atmospheric illustrations add much to this brilliant story!
Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel
Guy Bass, illustrated by Pete Williamson
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788956376
Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.
Pablo and Splash
Although she’s a penguin, Splash is finding the Antarctic a bit chilly. Her friend, Pablo believes they live in a blissful utopia and can’t understand what she is unhappy about. However, being a really good friend, he agrees to help plan a luxury holiday in the sun. But everywhere is krilly far away, they can’t fly, it’s too far to swim… how will they get there?
After falling down a hole in the ice, the penguin pals find themselves captured by Professor O’Brain. Whilst trying to escape, they find themselves inside Time Bender, a time-machine which takes them to a beach…in the Cretaceous period. With dinosaurs everywhere and a damaged Time Bender, will they ever make it home?
There is so much to love about this book that it’s hard to know where to start! I absolutely adore Splash whose curious, slightly impetuous nature reminds me strongly of someone I know! She is perfectly tempered by Pablo who is more cautious and very sensible (who doesn’t love a list!), making them an excellent pair! Children are sure to see themselves in one or the other- or perhaps as a mixture of the two- and love the warmth of their friendship.
The illustrations are joyful, encouraging the skills of interpreting and analysing images to develop understanding as well as adding to the humour. There are many spreads which would lend themselves to being explored with a class to investigate emotions, develop scene setting, consider how to develop reporting clauses- all without destroying enjoyment of the original text!
Although this might be perceived as an ‘easy read’, being very accessible and (obviously!) highly illustrated, Sheena Dempsey uses plenty of challenging vocabulary and puns. Additional pages at the end of the book offers the reader information about the creatures Pablo and Splash encounter and the time period they find themselves in as well as well as an explanation about why penguins huddle and the Southern Lights. There are also some absolutely and completely true facts from Pablo and Splash as well as instructions for how to draw them- even I can do it!
Impossible to resist, ‘Pablo and Splash’ is a brilliant book, sure to quickly become a favourite in school and out! I can’t wait to read the next one.
Pablo and Splash Sheena Dempsey
Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526662606
The Clockwork Conspiracy
Isaac Turner lives with his dad who is the Keeper of the Great Clock in the Palace of Westminster, tending the clock everyone thinks is called Big Ben, but isn’t. On the night the clocks go back, Isaac’s father disappears from the belfry, leaving only his broken pocket watch behind. Isaac is determined to find him and, with the help of Hattie, daughter of his godfather, follows a trail of clues across London, uncovering a sinister plot as they race against time.
After the fantastic ‘Adventures on Trains’ series, I expected Sam Sedgman’s new book, ‘The Clockwork Conspiracy’ to be an excellent read- and it was! Not only is this a gripping, action-packed mystery, but the whole story is scattered with interesting facts, trivia and history, making it a richly satisfying read.
Isaac and Hattie make an excellent team. Complete opposites, they bring out the best in one another and make a formidable duo, as they face every challenge and puzzle thrown at them. Hattie is quick-witted, rebellious and impetuous whilst Isaac is cautious, methodical and conscientious.
As the minutes tick by (shown by the chapter headings), Isaac and Hattie scramble across the rooftops of London, deciphering clues and solving puzzles to save Isaac’s father and defeat those plotting to change time and take over the world! Tension builds as the story reaches its very satisfying conclusion, leaving the reader wanting another mystery for Isaac and Hattie to solve which there is a sneak peak of at the end of the book.
Notes at the end of the story by Sam Sedgman clarify some elements of the story, explaining where he has ‘strayed from the truth’ and which are real, all of which adds to the enjoyment of this excellent story. We’ve booked the guided tour of Queen Elizabeth Tower to see Big Ben..!
The Clockwork Conspiracy Sam Sedgman
Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526665386
You can read my reviews of ‘The Arctic Railway Assassin’ here, ‘Sabotage on the Solar Express’ here and Epic Adventures: Explore the World in 12 Amazing Train Journeys’ here.
Adventuremice: Mice on the Moon
When Millie’s Uncle Bernie, inventor Professor Quartermouse, sends a message asking the Adventuremice to visit him on Scrabble Island, Pedro, Bosun and the other mice leave the Mousebase to rush to his aid. However, they arrive to find there is no emergency, just Uncle Bernie wanting to share his latest invention with them- a spaceship! Suddenly, Pedro, Millie and Fledermaus find themselves stuck in the capsule, heading into space. But will they be the first mice on the moon?
These stories just go from strength to strength! Imaginative adventures, endearing characters, plenty of humour and wonderful illustrations combine perfectly to make books full of appeal and charm.
In this story, the Adventuremice are not saving others, but saving themselves! Having been trapped in the rocket, Pedro, Millie and Fledermaus find themselves not on the moon, but on the minimoon, which circles the moon in the same way as the moon circles the Earth. Here, they meet Pontiki, another mouse who invented a spaceship, who is now stranded and surviving with the help of the starmice. These very sensible mice are welcoming, but quite different to the Adventuremice who come up with an ingenious plan which allows them to return to Earth, taking Pontiki with them.
Delightful illustrations accompany the text at every stage, really bringing the adventures of the mice to life. I love the cross section of Uncle Bernie’s rocket and, of course, the map of their journey through space. There are so many details to notice and enjoy in these pictures and as usual in this series, there is a step-by-step ‘how to draw’ at the end of the book, sure to encourage young readers to have a go - and perhaps create their own adventures.
Although I love these books as books and think there is nothing more important than a good book, I do think that they would make an excellent cartoon series and should have a wonderful range of toys to accompany it as they would inspire so much play, full of fun, imagination and learning. Let’s hope..!
Adventure Mice: Mice on the Moon
Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre
David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452700
Published on the 7th March
You can read my review of Otter Chaos! here and Mice on the Ice here
Murray and Bun! Murray the Viking
Murray the cat lives with Fumblethumb, a rubbish wizard, who is terrible at magic. Bun is a bun transformed by Fumblethumb into a rather sticky bunny with a cherry for a tail. Together, Murray and Bun have adventures when they travel through the enchanted cat-flap which sometimes leads into the garden, but often leads elsewhere! On this occasion, they find themselves in the land of the Vikings where they are sent on an important mission to Troll Island.
‘Murray the Viking’ is a wonderful story! Packed with wonderful illustrations, there is plenty of action and plenty of humour, making it a thoroughly engaging and entertaining read.
In Murray, Adam Stower has captured so many of the adorable cat-characteristics which make them such fantastic companions! A great lover of snoozing, endowed with plump parts and very fond of a snack or two, this loveable feline makes a very different kind of hero. Fortunately, he is (probably!) able to draw on the wisdom and experience of his relatives when faced with challenges and brilliantly solves his mission. Bun is a ball of energy, pinging all over the place and frequently getting stuck, adding much humour along the way.
The illustrations are absolutely brilliant, cleverly used in places to develop and move the story forwards, really engaging readers and adding to the enjoyment of the reading experience. Children (and adults!) will love spotting the differences between the spreads where the trolls wait for Murray to acknowledge that he is expected to go and investigate! At the end of the book, there are pages showing the reader how to draw Murray and a bun and information from Murray’s family album amongst other things.
Sure to be incredibly popular with readers of all ages, this is sure to be a wonderful new series and I can’t wait to read the next one!
Murray and Bun! Murray the Viking
Adam Stower
Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008561246
Lore of the Stars
Divided into six sections-The Sky, The Sun, The Moon, The Stars, Planets, Comets and Shooting Stars and The Cosmos, ‘Lore of the Stars’ is bursting with fascinating tales of ancient wisdom. Following the structure of the two previous books in this series, ‘Lore of the Wild’ and ‘Lore of the Land’, each section is opened by a traditional tale from a different culture like the Nigerian tale which explains why the sky is so far away and the Indian Santal folktale of why the moon was created.
There are spreads which take a general theme- moon lore, auroras…- and explore beliefs from different cultures, allowing readers to see the similarities and differences between myths and legends from around the world. There is so much here to enjoy- so many different tales to explore. Some are more familiar like the tales of the ancient Greeks, but there are many less well known stories to discover.
The book is beautifully illustrated, marrying perfectly with the other titles in the series and adding brilliantly to any collection of books on mythology, legend and folklore. This is a must-have series to be returned to again and again.
Lore of the Stars: Folklore and Wisdom from the Skies Above
Claire Cock-Starkey, illustrated by Hannah Bess Ross
Wide Eyed ISBN: 978-0711282001
Lie or Die
Feeling guilty for kissing her best friend Thea’s ex, Kass Kennedy is tricked into auditioning for a new reality TV show, Lie or Die, where contestants are pitted against each other as they try to discover who is a murderous agent and who is innocent. However, when players start dying, Kass realises that this is a fight for survival.
From the outset ‘Lie or Die’ is an absorbing read, exciting and gripping. Reluctant to appear before the camera but determined to show Thea that she is a real friend, Kass quickly finds herself caught up in the excitement of the game. She is an excellent protagonist, observant and quick-witted- and a loyal friend! The other characters are equally well considered, making an interesting mix for the Lie or Die game show where you can ‘trust no one’.
Combining the current fixation for reality television shows and a locked room mystery, the plot builds a claustrophobic feeling of tension as realisation dawns on the contestants that they are trapped in the ‘game’. As events unfold, there are little twists which make the reader reassess their burgeoning suspicions, constantly keeping them on their toes alongside the characters!
Dark and twisting, Lie or Die is a brilliant read!
Lie or Die A J Clack
Firefly Press ISBN: 978-1915444417
Published 7th March 2024
Mirror Me
Freya loves being behind the camera, capturing images, a passion she shares with her father. However, since former supermodel, Bella Wilde, appeared in their lives, Freya’s life seems to be changing quickly. Impossibly flawless, Bella seems to mesmerise those around her, but she makes Freya uncomfortable. When Freya discovers they are getting married and she (Freya) is to be shipped off to boarding school, she knows she must take action and discover the truth.
Drawing on Snow White with touches of ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’, ‘Mirror Me’ is a clever, thought-provoking, enjoyable read. I have no interest in the fashion world, but found the story both compelling and engaging.
The chapters are relatively short which, combined with the use of the present tense, keeps the plot fast-paced. Interspersed throughout the chapters are pages of italicised text, adding to the story in an anonymous voice, hinting at what is to come and what has been.
Freya is an excellent character, very believable and easy to relate to. Her insecurities and worries initially hold her back, making her question herself, her mistrust of Bella and her choices, but as the story progresses, her growing self-belief, devotion to her father and determination to thwart Bella’s schemes are convincing and have the reader cheering her on. Her friendship with Sam is also a real strength of the story!
At the heart of the book is the importance of being yourself and throwing off the demands and expectations imposed by the fashion industry and social media, embracing difference and individuality. Jan Dunning’s background in modelling adds a voice of authenticity to the fashion led scenes, with much to initiate discussion and provoke much needed conversations.
An immersive, satisfying read!
Mirror Me Jan Dunning
Scholastic ISBN: 9780702323751
I Turtley Love You/Don’t Ever Smile at a Shark
Today, I’m reviewing two delightful books from Little Tiger which take little readers under the sea, both written by Harriet Evans, but illustrated by Bryony Clarkson (Turtle) and Michael Slack (Shark).
‘I Turtley Love You’ is a beautifully produced board book. Sturdy board pages and colourful illustrations are enhanced by both cut outs and raised sections, offering plenty of tactile interest for little fingers to enjoy. The gentle rhyming text focuses on the love between adult and child as different sea creatures are introduced.
As well as emphasising a feeling of love and being special, the illustrations and text could lead to conversations about these sea creatures and finding out more about them. Little ones who have seen ‘Finding Nemo’, for example, may make the connection between Marlin and Nemo and the clownfish in the story. The interactive element of the cut outs allows them to play peek-a-boo with the young clown fish by flipping the page back and forth. There are also plenty of details to spot, like the heart shapes made by the crabs claws. It is a delightful little book with much to recommend it!
I Turtley Love You: A sea-riously cute Book of love!
Harriet Evans, illustrated by Bryony Clarkson
Little Tiger ISBN: 9781838915681
Also under the sea, ‘Don’t Ever Smile at a Shark’ is a wonderfully interactive read! Clever paper engineering means the pop-ups move in different ways as an array of sea creatures leap off the page.
The rhyming text is fun to read aloud with plenty of opportunities for little ones to join in with the story, making noises and perhaps actions to suit. As with the previous story, this one might lead to further investigation about the creatures pictured here. Children are sure to enjoy manipulating the book to make the pages move - and older children (and some adults!) are sure to want to investigate how the movement is created. Sure to become a firm favourite!
Don’t Ever Smile at a Shark
Harriet Evans, illustrated by Michael Slack
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838915292
The Story Shop: Detective Dash
In Puddletown High Street, there is the most unusual shop- The Story Shop- which sells stories you can actually BE in. When shopkeeper, Wilbur and his assistant, Fred Ferret find a sleepy sloth in the shop, they decide the best kind of adventure for her is a mystery where she can play detective. With Fred to guide her, Suzy Sloth sets off to solve a puzzling mystery in a museum, locate a missing chef by the seaside and uncover the truth about the Demon Duck of Doom in Watery Bottom.
This is the fourth adventure in ‘The Story Shop’ series from Tracey Corderoy and Tony Neal, although each book can easily be read as a stand alone. Each of the books contains three adventures, presented in chapters which are achievable and offer a sense of satisfaction and encouragement for newly independent readers whilst the enjoyable plots are sure to keep the attention of older siblings should these stories be shared at home.
Humour in both illustrations and text make these stories very appealing. Fred Ferret has his work cut out trying to keep Suzie Sloth awake during their investigations, but together they manage to solve each case and escape back to the Story Shop where he can have a well deserved nap! Children will enjoy spotting the clues and trying to solve the mysteries alongside detectives, Suzy and Fred!
Tracey’s lively writing uses a rich vocabulary and the text is a pleasure to read aloud, offering plenty to discuss and enjoy. This series would make excellent class stories for children in KS1 as well as a very enjoyable bedtime book. Great fun!
The Story Shop Detective Dash!
Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tony Neal
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788953337
