I love Catherine’s writing so was excited to have been sent an early copy of this to read back in March. However, it is just about to fly the Nosy Crow nest and out into the world for everyone else to get swept away with. “After the tragic death of his mother, eleven year old … Continue reading ‘Bird Boy,’ by Catherine Bruton, cover by Oriol Vidal.
Category: Adventure
Blog tour: ‘Gargoyles: Guardian of the Source,’ by Tamsin Mori, cover by David Dean.
A crumbling mansion, a powerful magic source, and stone gargoyles that come to life? Just some of the ingredients for a fantastic read. Do you think you have what it takes to become a guardian? Read author Tamsin Mori’s special piece about the skills you’ll need… “A crumbling mansion A magical source A living gargoyle … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Gargoyles: Guardian of the Source,’ by Tamsin Mori, cover by David Dean.
Blog tour: ‘Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm,’ by Siobhan McDermott, cover by Yuzhen Cai.
Well there couldn’t be a better choice of read to usher in the advent of the Year of the Dragon! Paper Dragons is an intoxicating new adventure from Siobhan McDermott. Be sure to read Siobhan’s piece about how she developed the magical setting of Wengyuen. “An extraordinary destiny unfolds . . .Twelve-year-old Zhi Ging has … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm,’ by Siobhan McDermott, cover by Yuzhen Cai.
Blog tour: ‘November Witches,’ by Jennifer Claessen, cover by Heidi Cannon.
One of the things I love most about Autumn is the opportunity to cwtch up with a good book and a blanket so it seems very apt that I have a special post from author, Jennifer Claessen featuring her top tips for a cosy read. I have been very much looking forward to catching up … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘November Witches,’ by Jennifer Claessen, cover by Heidi Cannon.
Blog tour: ‘Sally in the City of Dreams,’ by Judi Curtin.
Today I’m sharing the story of two sisters who left their home in Ireland to start a new life in New York City. “Crossing the ocean for a new life I looked up and the American flags on the roof seemed miles and miles away in the blue, blue, sky. I looked along the street, … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Sally in the City of Dreams,’ by Judi Curtin.
Blog tour: ‘Scrap,’ by Guy Bass, illustrated by Alessia Trunfio.
Guy Bass is such a fantastic author that I always look forward to any new release from him. When I saw the cover of Scrap, I was even more excited as it was so dramatic - a silhouetted figure atop a mound of parts. And what’s that in the background? “The year was Something Something. … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Scrap,’ by Guy Bass, illustrated by Alessia Trunfio.
Blog tour: ‘Maggie Blue and the White Crow,’ by Anna Goodall, cover by Sandra Dieckmann.
Today I am sharing the second Maggie Blue adventure. I would highly recommend reading the first instalment (Maggie Blue and the Dark World) if you haven’t already, but readers who are new to the series will still be able to enjoy this latest instalment without any prior reading. “Maggie Blue is adjusting to a quieter … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Maggie Blue and the White Crow,’ by Anna Goodall, cover by Sandra Dieckmann.
Blog tour: ‘Kòkú Àkànbí and the Heart of Midnight,’ by Maria Motúnráyò Adébísí, illustrated by Simone Douglas.
At the moment, it would seem that children’s books steeped in African mythology are having a bit of a moment. This is very lucky for readers because wow, that’s a rich seam to mine! Adébísí’s Jujuland series is centred on West African lore and is jam-packed with feuding tribes, demons, and powerful magic. Make sure … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Kòkú Àkànbí and the Heart of Midnight,’ by Maria Motúnráyò Adébísí, illustrated by Simone Douglas.
Blog tour: ‘Nowhere Island,’ by Tania Unsworth, cover by Kimberley Walker.
When I read that Tania Unsworth was inspired to write this by the hidden, forgotten corners that no one ever noticed, I was intrigued. As a child, I spent a lot of time imagining what it would be like to set up camp in a secluded spot and live there. Luckily, I never had to … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Nowhere Island,’ by Tania Unsworth, cover by Kimberley Walker.
Blog tour: ‘The Wonder Brothers,’ by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steven Lenton.
Recently, the children I work with have become fascinated by a couple of old magic sets we have available for break times. Watching them try and master the ‘cup and ball’ trick or to guess my card has really brought home to me the power of magic to inspire awe and wonder. And those are … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Wonder Brothers,’ by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steven Lenton.
Blog tour: ‘The Wall Between Us,’ by Dan Smith, cover by Matthew Land.
I love Dan Smith’s historical fiction; it always has such depth and emotion, alongside thrilling storylines. I would recommend taking a look at She Wolf (Vikings) and Nisha’s War (Second World War) once you’ve finished ‘The Wall Between Us’ as I know you’ll be wanting more! “Anja and Monika live opposite each other. They play … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Wall Between Us,’ by Dan Smith, cover by Matthew Land.
Blog post: ‘Call of the Titanic,’ by Lindsay Galvin, cover by Gordy Wright.
Lindsay Galvin is quickly becoming one of those writers where I know that, whatever she writes, I’m going to enjoy it. Her meticulous mix of history, heart, and courageous creatures always hits the mark. Safe to say then that I had high hopes when I received a copy of ‘Call of the Titanic’ to review. … Continue reading Blog post: ‘Call of the Titanic,’ by Lindsay Galvin, cover by Gordy Wright.
Blog tour: ‘Vivi Conway and the Sword of Legend,’ by Lizzie Huxley-Jones, illustrated by Harry Woodgate.
If you’re looking for an explosive combination of mythical beasts, Welsh legend, and magical powers, look no further than this brand new title from Lizzie Huxley-Jones. “The lake has been calling to twelve-year-old Vivi Conway. On the day she and her Mams will move from Wales to London, she sneaks out to investigate what is … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Vivi Conway and the Sword of Legend,’ by Lizzie Huxley-Jones, illustrated by Harry Woodgate.
Blog tour: ‘Bigfoot Island,’ by Roderick O’Grady, cover by Jess Mason.
Whether you’ve read ‘Bigfoot Mountain’ or not, you will definitely want to visit ‘Bigfoot Island,’ its sequel. But do Bigfoot’s really exist, you ask? Well, perhaps reading author Roderick O’Grady’s special piece on that very topic might help you make up your mind… ‘When Minnie spots a white boat bringing strangers to the cove below … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Bigfoot Island,’ by Roderick O’Grady, cover by Jess Mason.
Blog tour: ‘Wild,’ by Ele Fountain.
A new title from Ele Fountain is always a reason for celebration. Her writing is guaranteed to draw you in and take you on a journey- in the case of ‘Wild,’ literal and metaphorical! ‘Jack craves adventure, even if it means getting into trouble at school. He thinks he can get away with it as … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Wild,’ by Ele Fountain.
COVER REVEAL: ‘The Song That Sings Us,’ by Nicola Davies, cover by Jane Matthews.
If you want fantastic writing with a strong environmental theme, look no further than Nicola Davies’ epic new novel: Nominated for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing. “When animals talk, it's time humans listened: Harlon has been raised to protect her younger siblings, twins Ash and Xeno, and their outlawed power of communicating with animals. … Continue reading COVER REVEAL: ‘The Song That Sings Us,’ by Nicola Davies, cover by Jane Matthews.
Blog tour: ‘Lost on Gibbon Island,’ by Jess Butterworth, cover by Rob Biddulph.
I have always been a fan of Jess’s writing. I love how it is rooted in the natural world and takes the reader alongside the main protagonist on a wonderful journey, often to a faraway place. ‘Lost on Gibbon Island,’ is no exception. As soon as I started reading, I was swept away to a … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Lost on Gibbon Island,’ by Jess Butterworth, cover by Rob Biddulph.
Blog tour: ‘Moonflight,’ by Gill Lewis, illustrated by Pippa Curnick.
Are you ready to be whisked away on a breath-taking adventure? Dive into Moonflight and follow timid rat, Tilbury as he embarks on a life-changing quest… ‘Can a timid rat ever become a hero? Tilbury is about to find out on the adventure of a lifetime, journeying across the sea to the realm of the … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Moonflight,’ by Gill Lewis, illustrated by Pippa Curnick.
Blog tour: ‘Into the Faerie Hill,’ by H.S. Norup, cover by Thy Bui.
Looking for a new read featuring dark fae, activism, friendship, and activism? You will love the new title from H.S. Norup! ‘As soon as Alfred arrives at his granny's cottage, he feels like he's being watched. There are steep cliffs and dark forests all around, teeming with unfamiliar life - even odd little faerie creatures … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Into the Faerie Hill,’ by H.S. Norup, cover by Thy Bui.
Blog tour: ‘The Time Tider,’ by Sinéad O’Hart.
I love the dimension-hopping element of Sinéad’s brilliant writing and was delighted to find it featuring in her newest title too. It was so interesting to read Sinéad’s piece about the inspirations behind The Time Tider - have you ever thought about who’s measuring time and why? ‘Mara and her dad have lived in their … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Time Tider,’ by Sinéad O’Hart.