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.
Category: Adventure
‘The Girl of Ink and Stars’ by Kiran Millwood Hargrave.
** 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.
‘Defender of the Realm’ by Mark Huckerby and Nick Ostler
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 and the Wolf’s Den’ by Aimee Carter
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
‘Oy Yew’ by Ana Salote
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
‘A Boy Called Christmas’ by Matt Haig
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
‘Return to the Secret Garden’ by Holly Webb
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
‘The Marvels’ by Brian Selznick
I was buzzing round a bookshop today when I spotted this beautiful book glimmering in the corner of my eye. I loved Selznick's previous book, 'The Invention of Hugo Cabret' which is definitely worth a read. What makes both these books so fantastic is that the stories are told through a clever mix of prose and illustrated sections, … Continue reading ‘The Marvels’ by Brian Selznick
‘Goblins’ by Philip Reeve
As superheroes, we spend a lot of our time battling loathsome beasts but none as foul and disgusting as the goblins of Clovenstone Keep. This book has one of the most gripping openings I've ever read, with the hero plummeting from the tallest tower of the keep. It also features a chapter called 'The Bumwipe Heaps' - … Continue reading ‘Goblins’ by Philip Reeve
Library Girl and Book Boy 