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.
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+
‘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
‘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.
‘Create Your Own Spy Mission’ by Andrew Judge and Chris Judge -Talking Their Top Ten Spies
Andrew and Chris Judge are a dynamic duo of brothers who have been collaborating on a thrilling, action-packed spy adventure, 'Create your own Spy Mission.' We're very excited to be kicking off the blog tour of this brilliant book with a review and special guest post by the authors themselves, who'll be sharing their top 10 … Continue reading ‘Create Your Own Spy Mission’ by Andrew Judge and Chris Judge -Talking Their Top Ten Spies
‘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
‘The Pig Diaries’ by Emer Stamp
We were lucky enough to be invited to review these three fab books by Scholastic Children's Books as part of a blog tour, ahead of the release of the newest in the series, 'Seriously Extraordinary diary of a Pig.' There are currently three books in the series, which focus on the antics of the loveable but … Continue reading ‘The Pig Diaries’ by Emer Stamp
‘Jim Reaper Son of Grim’ by Rachel Delahaye, illustrated by Jamie Littler
Jim Wimple's family seem fairly ordinary: annoying (and devious) little sister, health-freak Mum and an accountant Dad. That is, until Jim becomes desperate to own one of the awesome new Bazoom! scooters. Everyone in town just HAS to have one of the brand new mega cool Bazoom! scooters. When Jim discovers that Fiona (the cool big sister … Continue reading ‘Jim Reaper Son of Grim’ by Rachel Delahaye, illustrated by Jamie Littler
‘Freddie Mole Lion Tamer’ by Alexander McCall Smith, illustrated by Kate Hindley
Freddie Mole was a kind boy who dreamed of being able to make money to help look after his twin brother and sister, who were always eating or growing. His mother was away working on a cruise ship and his father worked as a washing machine repairman. He hoped he might find a nugget of … Continue reading ‘Freddie Mole Lion Tamer’ by Alexander McCall Smith, illustrated by Kate Hindley
‘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
‘Nancy Parker’s Diary of Detection’ by Julia Lee
Stolen treasures, sneaking around and a potentially murderous mistress...... Young Nancy Parker could hardly have imagined that her very first job as a housemaid (for the thoroughly modern Mrs Bryce) would turn into a situation worthy of a plot in one of the sixpenny detective novels she loved to read. The plot unfolds through an engaging mixture of diary … Continue reading ‘Nancy Parker’s Diary of Detection’ by Julia Lee
