These titles are longer chapter books often with more challenging themes and plotlines. Best-suited to more confident readers aged 9+
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I absolutely loved the first instalment of this series, Hedgewitch, so was delighted to receive a special goodie box from the lovely people at Welbeck Books to help celebrate the publication of Cassie’s next adventure - Woodwitch. ‘Cassie has settled into life in Hedgely when, out of the blue, her troubled cousin, Sebastian, comes to … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Woodwitch,’ by Skye McKenna, cover by Tomislav Tomic.
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.
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.
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.
Today I’m sharing a magical adventure with dragons, poachers, and wildsmith magic. The first in a new series suitable for readers aged 7+. I also have a special piece from Liz about where her story ideas come from. "When war threatens her beloved city, Rowan and her mother must flee to the Dark Forest. There … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Wildsmith: Into the Dark Forest,’ by Liz Flanagan, cover by Joe Todd-Stanton.
‘Glitter Boy’ was one of my anticipated reads of 2023 so far! I love Ian’s wonderful inclusive picture books and was extremely excited to hear that a middle grade title was on its way. I was expecting an emotional journey and wow did I get one! I had the privilege of asking Ian some questions … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Glitter Boy,’ by Ian Eagleton, cover by Melissa Chaib.
You may have already read Libby’s first adventure, ‘Libby and the Parisian Puzzle,’ or perhaps you’re searching for a new middle grade mystery series to get your brain whirring. Either way, you are going to love the second instalment in Jo Clarke’s ‘The Travelling School Mysteries’ series! ‘After a tumultuous term in Paris, Libby and … Continue reading ‘Libby and the Highland Heist,’ by Jo Clarke, illustrated by Becka Moor.
This is my first read of 2023 and I had high hopes based on what I’d read online. I wasn’t definitely not disappointed - I read the whole book in a day as I was so caught up to Sashi’s story. ‘FACT: Octopuses have three hearts. FACT: Octopuses have BEAKS, like BIRDS. FACT: The octopus … Continue reading ‘The Octopus, Dadu and Me,’ by Lucy Ann Unwin, cover by Selom Sunu, illustrations by Lucy Mulligan.
If you are looking for a crisp, magical adventure to snuggle down with, look no further than the latest tale from Katherine Orton. Her writing is always exquisite and guaranteed to transport you right into the heart of the story. Katharine’s also written a special piece about what inspired the host of wonderful, fearsome creatures … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Mountainfell,’ by Katharine Orton, cover by Sandra Dieckmann.
People have long been fascinated by the highwaymen who used to strike fear into the heart of many a wealthy traveller. Lots of us will have studied Alfred Noyes’ famous poem ‘The Highwayman’ at school, and generations of children continue to do so. This book would be a great choice to read along side for … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Stand and Deliver,’ by Philip Caveney, illustration by Jill Tytherleigh.
I’m sure that some of us may be lucky enough to remember, as children, having a gorgeous collection of bedtime stories to pore over every night. And I’m also sure that lots of us will have had a particular favourite which we read time and time again before seeking out other titles by the same … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Faber Book of Bedtime Stories,’ illustrated by Sarah McIntyre.
I want to start with a disclaimer: Chris Riddell is my favourite illustrator and I’d buy any of his books just to pore over the illustrations. In fact, I preordered a copy of this from a bookshop who were lucky enough to have some of Chris’s beautiful illustrations to include them. Therefore, it is with … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Tiggy Thistle and the Lost Guardians,’ by Chris Riddell.
Chris Vick is a stunning writer - his debut novel ‘Girl. Boy. Sea.’ was shortlisted for the 2020 Cilip Carnegie award. When I was given the chance to read his newest title, I just couldn’t pass it up! I also have a special Q&A from Chris for you to enjoy! ‘From killers to conservationists, Carnegie-shortlisted … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Last Whale,’ by Chris Vick, cover by Jessie Price.
There’s a fantastic variety of spooky books for older readers to enjoy, whether they prefer the silly side of Halloween or want proper bone-chilling scares. This post shares some of the newer titles I’ve been sent which are made for reading on a dark and stormy night! ‘Monday 17th JanuaryIt’s finally time for the school … Continue reading Halloween Reads (ages 7+)
Whoop, whoop! My favourite reluctant superhero is back in another unlikely adventure. And this time she’s battling….herself! ‘BEING A SUPERHERO IS THE BEST THING EVER, RIGHT? WRONG!Everyone’s favourite 9¾-year-old reluctant superhero is back, and she’s facing her biggest challenge yet . . . EVERYONE (and EVERYTHING)! Will it all prove too much? Will Pizazz manage … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Pizazz vs Everyone,’ by Sophy Henn.
Library Girl and Book Boy 