I am absolutely delighted to welcome the magnificent Lou Kuenzler to the blog as part of her 'Finding Black Beauty' blog tour - a beautiful version of the classic 'Black Beauty' with a twist. As well as getting read and review her book, I got to ask Lou about where her desire to work with … Continue reading ‘Finding Black Beauty.’
Category: Middle Grade Chapter Books
These titles are longer chapter books often with more challenging themes and plotlines. Best-suited to more confident readers aged 9+
‘Chasing Danger,’ by Sara Grant
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
‘Foxcraft,’ by Inbali Iserles
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
A Holly Webb Special!
Everyone's favourite animal author has just released these two fab new titles about children struggling to fit in to new schools. Furry Friends - Sophie's Squeaky Surprise (illustrated by Clare Elsom) Sophie and her family have just moved to Paris from England and Sophie's having a hard time making friends - the girls at her new … Continue reading A Holly Webb Special!
‘Jim Reaper – Saving Granny Maggot,’ by Rachel Delahaye, illustrated by Jamie Littler.
Jim is back in another death-defying (literally) adventure that will make you laugh your socks off! Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride! Jim Wimple has just about come to terms with the fact that his father is, in fact, the Grim Reaper and not an accountant as he had previously believed. To help him … Continue reading ‘Jim Reaper – Saving Granny Maggot,’ by Rachel Delahaye, illustrated by Jamie Littler.
‘Poppy Pym and the Double Jinx,’ by Laura Wood.
Welcome to my stop on the Blog Tour for the daring 'Poppy Pym and the Double Jinx' by Laura Wood and thank you to Scholastic for inviting me to take part. Double, double, toil and trouble.... Mystery is afoot in the sleepy town of Brimwell so naturally, Poppy and her friends decide to investigate. But … Continue reading ‘Poppy Pym and the Double Jinx,’ by Laura Wood.
‘Crimson Poison,’ by Susan Moore.
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.
‘The Jungle Books,’ by Rudyard Kipling, illustrated by Ian Beck.
Everyone knows the famous story of the man-cub Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves in the jungles of India. This new edition from Alma Classics contains all the Jungle Books and added bonus material for young readers. If if you enjoyed the real-life action film version which has just been released on DVD (or love … Continue reading ‘The Jungle Books,’ by Rudyard Kipling, illustrated by Ian Beck.
‘Rose Campion and the Stolen Secret,’ by Lyn Gardner.
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.
‘Indigo’s Dragon,’ by Sofi Croft.
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.
‘Malkin Moonlight,’ by Emma Cox.
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.
‘Dara Palmer’s Major Drama,’ by Emma Shevah, illustrated by Helen Cranford-White
Dara Palmer's life is one big drama. She knows that she's destined to end up on the big screen as a world-famous movie star, so can't understand why she never gets even the tiniest part in her school's plays. Dara is starting to think that the reason she never gets any of the big parts is because … Continue reading ‘Dara Palmer’s Major Drama,’ by Emma Shevah, illustrated by Helen Cranford-White
‘Robyn Silver – The Midnight Chimes,’ by Paula Harrison, illustrated by Renee Kurilla.
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.
‘Six,’ by M.M. Vaughan.
Parker Banks has moved with his family from London to New York and is struggling to fit in and make friends at school, unlike his younger sister, Emma (who happens to be deaf.) His dad is at the forefront of pioneering technological advances and is constantly at work for a top-secret corporation. It seemed like … Continue reading ‘Six,’ by M.M. Vaughan.
‘The Emergency Zoo,’ by Miriam Halahmy
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
‘Wolf’ by Tommy Donbavand
#TommyVCancer I'm writing this review as part of a month-long blog tour packed with special features, reviews and giveaways to raise awareness of author Tommy Donbavand as he battles cancer. Tommy is the author of the popular 13-book Scream Street series for 7 to 10 year olds, published by Walker Books in the UK and Candlewick … Continue reading ‘Wolf’ by Tommy Donbavand
‘The Whispers of Wilderwood Hall,’ By Karen McCombie
We are thrilled to be kicking off the blog tour for the fabulous Karen McCombie's newest book, 'The Whispers of Wilderwood Hall,' with an awesome giveaway! **One lucky reader is in with the chance to win themselves a brand new copy of this brilliant book! To be in with a chance of winning, all you … Continue reading ‘The Whispers of Wilderwood Hall,’ By Karen McCombie
‘The Inventory – Iron Fist’ by Andy Briggs
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
‘Elspeth Hart and the Magnificent Rescue’ by Sarah Forbes, illustrated by James Brown.
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.
‘Monster Slayer’ by Brian Patten, illustrated by Chris Riddell
'One dark night, the music and singing woke a monster from a swamp....' Aaaaand, I'm hooked! This gorgeous re-working of the classic Anglo-Saxon tale, 'Beowulf,' is cloaked in dark magic and mystery from the very beginning. I defy any reader not to be sucked into this tale of maniacal monsters, malevolent magic and heroism after … Continue reading ‘Monster Slayer’ by Brian Patten, illustrated by Chris Riddell
Library Girl and Book Boy 