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.
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
Two Rabbits
When Little Grey Rabbit and Little Brown Rabbit argue, their unkind words are carried by the wind. They go off in separate directions, each angry and upset, but sad and alone, they realise how much they are missing their friendship and both seek to make amends.
This delightful story captures the quarrels typical of so many childhood friendships. Quickly spoken, thoughtless phrases like Don’t be so mean! I’m not your friend anymore! I don’t like you! are exchanged before the story of the two little rabbits is told in parallel as they struggle with their frustrations and anger until this fizzles out, leaving each keen to forgive and be forgiven.
Perfect for starting discussions and developing ways of dealing with inevitable squabbles, this is a story for both home and school, encouraging children to value their friendships and acknowledge their role in disagreements. The illustrations are lovely. Simple and uncluttered, their focus is on the little rabbits and their emotions with the colours of the weather reflecting their changing feelings. The endpapers show a map, allowing readers to follow each little rabbit on their journey.
A lovely story!
Two Rabbits
Larissa Ferenchuk and Prue Pittock
EK Books ISBN: 978-1922539656
Published 13th February 2014
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
Tiny Owl’s Scary Day
Tiny Owl doesn’t want to go to bed. She wants to explore the daytime, but Mummy Owl says it can be a scary time for a small owl. However, Tiny Owl is not to be deterred and sets off on an adventure.
I love Petr Horacek’s illustrations. They are so full of colour, energy and warmth, engaging little readers instantly- and Tiny Owl is a real joy! The story is a simple one as Tiny Owl boldly sets off on an adventure in the daytime. Initially, things are exciting, but readers will notice the dangers she fails to see as she explores. As she continues investigating, she is blissfully ignorant, not only of the perils she has escaped, but also of her mother’s protective presence in the background.
Children will enjoy joining in with the noises she hears as the story builds in a familiar pattern and are sure to feel comfortable with sharing things which they find scary and discussing these. The illustrations (as I have already mentioned!) are a real joy! I love the spread where, missing Tiny Owl who has taken off, hits the water with a huge splash and the feeling of how tiny and alone Tiny Owl is, surrounded by blues, before the comforting appearance of Mummy arrives.
Sure to become a firm favourite, this is a beautiful story!
Tiny Owl’s Scary Day Petr Horacek
Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529509274
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 Bee Connection
Meet Mason B. Chandler, owner of Stemville’s private detective agency. In her first case, Mason follows the clues to solve a sticky situation which has caused Bug Borough to come to a standstill. Not only does she reveal the truth about what happened, Mason introduces readers to the fascinating world of bees along the way.
Combining story, information and appealing illustrations, ‘The Bee Connection’ is an absolute must-have for any curious nature lover, class bookshelf or library. There is a feeling of Richard Scarry’s ‘Busy World’ to some spreads, drawing the reader into Mason’s world and encouraging them to linger over each spread, absorbing the details whilst other pictures really help to support and explain the text.
Following Mason on her investigation, readers are encouraged to notice details and develop their factual knowledge of the different varieties of bees and their lifestyles. So much information is given, but in such a readable, easily digested style, brilliantly supported by the illustrations, that there is never a feeling of being over-loaded or overwhelmed by facts. Paragraphs, labelled diagrams, captions and short snippets of text keep the reader interested and attentive.
The book concludes with practical suggestions for how to be ‘bee friendly’, encouraging readers to value and look after these incredible creatures. These would be simple to follow at home or in school and the book would make an invaluable resource for teachers, supporting the science curriculum, developing interest in STEM subjects and modelling information writing as well as perhaps inspiring children to draw and design their own bee characters who might live in Bug Borough!
Anyone familiar with the very excellent ‘Professor Astro-Cat’ series will have high expectations of this - and they will not be disappointed. Informative and entertaining, ‘The Bee Connection’ is an bee-rilliant read!
STEMville: The Bee Connection
Ben Newman
Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838741266
Published February 1st 2024
You can read my reviews of Professor Astro-Cat’s ‘Human Body Odyssey’ here and ‘Deep Sea Voyage’ here.
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
A Horse Called Now
Now the horse is enjoying the peace of the field where she lives when she hears the hammering heartbeats of frightened animals. First, Rabbit and her babies are scared about Fox, then Hen and her chicks arrive, full of fears about Magpie and next Sheep and her lambs appear, terrified of a new sheepdog. Now calmly listens to their fears, reassuring them that these things might not happen and encouraging them to enjoy the moment. When a storm blows in, they find shelter in the barn, only to be faced with the animals they were running from. But, perhaps, everything is not as frightening as it first seemed…
Gentle and reassuring, this lovely story encourages readers to overcome their worries and enjoy the present moment. As each group of animals arrive, Now calmly listens to their concerns with no judgement, before offering simple, comforting advice and suggesting something positive which they might do to help them enjoy the moment. Now shows them how breathing helps her to release feelings of fear, reminding them that nothing lasts forever. The story is perfect for sharing, with adults and children able to practise breathing with Now and perhaps referring to it in difficult situations, encouraging children to look for something to enjoy in the moment rather than focusing on their fears.
When faced with the creatures which had caused such anxiety, the rabbits, sheep and chickens find that once they get to know them, the fox, dog and magpie are not so frightening after all. Each spread is beautifully illustrated with plenty to notice and enjoy and children are sure to comment on Now’s name, making the link with her attitude to life! This lovely story is sure to become a firm favourite with adults and children alike.
A Horse Called Now
Ruth Doyle, illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839946851
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.
The Shape of Rainbows
‘The Shape of Rainbows’ is packed with wealth of poems which are prefect for sharing and performing, savouring and contemplating. There really is something for everyone to be found in these pages, all accompanied by Will Hughes’ witty illustrations.
Classes would have great fun performing poems like ‘Brother versus Sister’ and could easily be inspired to create addition ‘verses’, exploring comical opposites as the siblings bicker or creating their own versions using other opposing voices- perhaps cat and dog! ‘Fright’ is another poem which would work really well as a performance piece, encouraging children to consider the pitch, volume and pace of their performance as well as possible actions and effects they might choose to use! ‘Echo’ is another which would work well like this!
There are so many poems here which would make excellent models to inspire children to create their own poems and plenty which offer food for thought. There are those which help them to explore poetic techniques like ‘Metaphor Man’ and ‘Adam’s Apples’ which uses a mixture of alliteration and tongue twister, but above all the collection shares a love of language and word play which excites the imagination and engages the reader/ listener with the musical possibilities of poetry and the joy of expression through this medium. A must-have for every class and home bookcase!
The Shape of Rainbows
Neal Zetter, illustrated by Will HUghes
Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1915659163
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.
