‘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.

‘Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam – The Diamond Chase,’ by Tracey Corderoy and Steven Lenton.

Shifty and Sam are back in their third picture book adventure.  This time they have stolen jewels and penguin pandemonium to deal with! These former bad dogs turned bakers have been asked to cater Lady Kate's birthday ball at Woofington Hall. They're very excited to note that she's wearing her birthday tiara made of real … Continue reading ‘Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam – The Diamond Chase,’ by Tracey Corderoy and Steven Lenton.

‘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.

‘The Knight who wouldn’t Fight,’ by Helen and Thomas Docherty.

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour of the daring tale 'The Knight who wouldn't Fight,' the story of a young mouse knight named Leo.  This has been written by the awesome husband and wife team, Helen and Thomas Docherty who have also brought us such delights as 'The Snatchabook' and 'Abracazebra.' Leo isn't … Continue reading ‘The Knight who wouldn’t Fight,’ by Helen and Thomas Docherty.

The ‘Bella Broomstick’ series by Lou Kuenzler, illustrated by Nicola Slater and Kyan Cheng.

Part One - Bella Broomstick Bella + Magic = Trouble! Or does it? Bella (aka Belladonna Bat-Ears Broomstick) is, by all accounts, a totally hopeless witch. After failing the entrance exam for Creepy Castle School for Witches and Wizards a third time, Bella's evil Aunt Hemlock despairs and decides to send her to live in … Continue reading The ‘Bella Broomstick’ series by Lou Kuenzler, illustrated by Nicola Slater and Kyan Cheng.

‘Leo – A Ghost Story,’ by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson.

Most people cannot see ghosts.  Can you? Leo has lived by himself in a house on the edge of the city for many years, reading his books and drawing pictures.  When a new family move in, they are terrified by Leo's efforts to welcome them to his house.  Leo decides to become a roaming ghost … Continue reading ‘Leo – A Ghost Story,’ by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Christian Robinson.

‘Captain Crankie & Seadog Steve,’ by Vivian French, illustrated by Alison Bartlett.

Ahoy there, landlubbers! Captain Crankie and his best friend, Seadog Steve are sick and tired of the other villagers dumping their rubbish in their back gardens and streets.  They decide they simply MUST take action... The only problem, is that Captain Crankie's solution ends up upsetting all the marine creatures who inhabit the sea he fishes … Continue reading ‘Captain Crankie & Seadog Steve,’ by Vivian French, illustrated by Alison Bartlett.

‘The Book of Beasts – Colour and Discover,’ by Jonny Marx, illustrated by Angela Rizza.

Everybody loves the fascinating creatures of myth and legend.  With their magic powers, fearful strength and sometimes terrifying appearances, children and adults alike have been enthralled for centuries. This could be the perfect book for them- cleverly combining the relaxing (and increasingly popular) pastime of colouring detailed illustrations with plenty of information about more than 90 beasts from folklore … Continue reading ‘The Book of Beasts – Colour and Discover,’ by Jonny Marx, illustrated by Angela Rizza.

‘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.

‘Full Speed Ahead! How Fast Things Go,’ by Cruschiform

Have you ever wondered just how quickly a tortoise actually goes? Or just how fast you'd need to be to be faster than a speeding bullet? Then this is the book for you! This glorious picture book is crammed full of striking illustrations and fascinating facts to tantalise young minds. My my trusty sidekick dived in headfirst … Continue reading ‘Full Speed Ahead! How Fast Things Go,’ by Cruschiform