Having loved the first book in this trilogy (Beetle Boy), when I found out that there was a limited edition of Beetle Queen with sprayed edges, I was straight on-line ordering myself a copy. And it was worth it! The yellow ladybird spots are a true delight. Let me just fill you in quickly … Continue reading ‘Beetle Queen,’ by M.G. Leonard, cover illustration by Elisabet Portabella.
Welcome to my stop on the 'The Everything Machine' blog tour. I was very excited to be able to get my hands on a copy to read and review. Have you ever wished you could print yourself anything you wanted? Rare Pokémon cards, strawberry ice cream, a brand new bike? How about a mountain of … Continue reading ‘The Everything Machine,’ by Ally Kennen, illustrated by Chris Jevons.
I'd like to share a delightfully odd duo set in a world where the odd is the ordinary: 'Alistair Grim's Odditorium,' by Gregory Funaro, illustrated by Chris Mould The unlikely hero of this piece is Grubb, a twelve-year-old orphan scraping a living as a chimney sweep in Victorian England. After an unfortunate accident … Continue reading ‘Alistair Grim’s Odditorium,’ by Gregory Funaro.
I know they say you shouldn't judge books by their covers, but this one was calling out to me from across the bookshop. It truly is a thing of great beauty! Written by the masterful Neil Gaiman and illustrated by the Children's Laureate, Chris Riddell, you would be right to expect great things from this … Continue reading ‘Odd and the Frost Giants,’ by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell.
Welcome to my stop on the 'Chasing Danger - Mystery at the Ice Hotel' blog tour. You are lucky enough to have reviews of both action-packed adventures in this new series from the fabulous Sara Grant. Book 1 - 'Chasing Danger.' In the first instalment in the series we are introduced to Chase (aka Charlotte) as she is seemingly abandoned … Continue reading ‘Chasing Danger,’ by Sara Grant
I AM FEARLESS. I AM FOX. Welcome to the magical world of the fantastic Foxcraft series by Inbali Iserles. Foxcraft - The Taken (book 1) Isla and her brother, Pirie, spend their days blissfully happy. They play, romp and stalk through the woods and fields surrounding their den - taking care not to bump into … Continue reading ‘Foxcraft,’ by Inbali Iserles
In futuristic Hong Kong, Nat Walker (an orphan heiress) lives on a junk boat with her robot dragon and legal guardian. Nat spends her time zooming through Hong Kong's crowded highways on her slider (electronic hover board), racing between school, home and martial arts lessons. Life becomes more complicated when her guardian, Jamuka, suddenly gets … Continue reading ‘Crimson Poison,’ by Susan Moore.
Set in murky Victorian London, this story follows Rose Campion, adopted daughter of Thomas Campion (owner of Campion's Palace of Variety and Wonders), as she tries to unravel a series of mysteries and deadly coincidences. Rose was abandoned on the doorstep of Campion's Music Hall as a baby and she loves it there - the greasepaint, … Continue reading ‘Rose Campion and the Stolen Secret,’ by Lyn Gardner.
The front cover of this book oozed magic and mystery to me, so I was thrilled to get hold a copy to review. Upon opening the book, I wasn't disappointed! Slate-topped mountains, towering crags and silvery becks greeted me as I was introduced to the wild-hearted main character, Indigo. Indigo who dreams of exploring and of … Continue reading ‘Indigo’s Dragon,’ by Sofi Croft.
We were delighted to recently be sent copies of the magnificent 'Malkin Moonlight' to review on behalf of TES Online. As a kitten, Malkin escapes the clutches of death and is touched by the moonlight – he’s destined for something special. Now on his third life, Malkin falls in love with Roux, a domestic … Continue reading ‘Malkin Moonlight,’ by Emma Cox.
Life was simple for feisty ten-year-old Robyn Silver, until she suddenly started seeing strange creatures around her town. Creatures that were invisible to anyone else... Robyn is the often-ignored middle child of five. Her main worries are how to secure the last slice of pizza and survive sharing a bedroom with her annoying little sister. … Continue reading ‘Robyn Silver – The Midnight Chimes,’ by Paula Harrison, illustrated by Renee Kurilla.
I love books with a historical setting, particularly the Second World War. When 'The Emergency Zoo' arrived through my post box, I was intrigued to see it centred around real events of the run-up to the Second World War that I knew nothing about - households being advised by the government to have their household … Continue reading ‘The Emergency Zoo,’ by Miriam Halahmy
We are very excited to be included in the blog tour for the action-packed, 'The Inventory - Iron Fist' by Andy Briggs. Thank you to Faye Rogers and Scholastic Publishers for inviting us to participate. In this post, we bring you a review of the book and an awesome Question and Answer session with screenwriter, producer … Continue reading ‘The Inventory – Iron Fist’ by Andy Briggs
I was very excited to be sent a review copy of this third and final instalment of the amazing Elspeth Hart series by Sarah Forbes. Thank you to Stripes Publishing for my copy. For those of you who've missed the first two books, Elspeth Hart is a clever and resourceful heroine who embarks upon a series … Continue reading ‘Elspeth Hart and the Magnificent Rescue’ by Sarah Forbes, illustrated by James Brown.
** DOUBLE NEWSFLASH!!! ** More congratulations in order - the author of this fabulous bbook has just won British Children's Book of the Year at the #Nibbies Awards! Absolutely not surprised! *NEWSFLASH!* Huge congratulations to Kiran Millwood Hargrave on being awarded the prize of overall winner of the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2017 last night.* … Continue reading ‘The Girl of Ink and Stars’ by Kiran Millwood Hargrave.
Alfie is just a normal boy who spends most of his time trying to escape from 'prison' (aka the illustrious Harrow School.) Normal, that is, except for the fact that the clumsy fourteen-year-old is next in line for the throne and his every move is watched by his personal bodyguard, Brian. At the same time … Continue reading ‘Defender of the Realm’ by Mark Huckerby and Nick Ostler
Simon Thorn is different. He knows it and the bullies at school know it too. Simon can talk to animals but he can't let anyone know, particularly not his uncle, Darryl, who has forbidden him to go anywhere near any animals. When one day a hoard of terrifying, hungry rats swarm his apartment and kidnap his often-absent mother, Simon … Continue reading ‘Simon Thorn and the Wolf’s Den’ by Aimee Carter
This brilliant book centres around the main character, Oy, who is a timid Waif surviving on crumbs and the smell of bread from the nearby bakery. One day he's grabbed off the street and whisked away to work in a factory before being chosen to go and work in the towering Duldred Hall. Master Jeopardine is a cruel … Continue reading ‘Oy Yew’ by Ana Salote
Father Christmas is definitely worthy of the title 'superhero,' think of all the amazing things he does! But have you ever wondered what his life might have been like as a child? This funny but heart-breaking tale will make you see Father Christmas in a new light. Beautiful illustrations by the talented Chris Mould add … Continue reading ‘A Boy Called Christmas’ by Matt Haig
It finally arrived! I became so absorbed that I read it all in one sitting! This brilliant sequel to the original 'The Secret Garden' is perfect for reading whilst snuggled up under a blanket on a winter's day. Set at the start of World War 2, the story follows a group of children who are … Continue reading ‘Return to the Secret Garden’ by Holly Webb
Library Girl and Book Boy 