I have been lucky enough to read a flotilla of amazing adventure stories crafted by debut authors over the past few months. I think we’re currently in the midst of a period of absolutely fantastic children’s novels and the breath-taking ‘Brightstorm’ is one which really stood out. When twins, Arthur and Maudie, are told the … Continue reading ‘Brightstorm,’ by Vashti Hardy, cover by George Ermos.
This blog post is celebrating the fourth and final gripping instalment of The Inventory series - an action-packed bundle of books, crammed full with high-tech gadgetry and dastardly villains. Without giving too much away, Dev is struggling with having learnt the truth about his troubled past deep in the Black Zone of the Inventory. He … Continue reading ‘The Inventory: Winter Storm,’ by Andy Briggs with exclusive guest blog post!
I am absolutely thrilled to be hosting Sinéad O’Hart on my blog today! I absolutely loved ‘The Eye Of the North,’ an action-packed adventure frosted with magic. Emmeline has never left Widget Manor, but one day her scientist parents mysteriously disappear and she’s bundled onto a ship to Paris to stay in a safe house. Aboard … Continue reading ‘The Eye of the North’ Blog Tour with guest post from author, Sinead O’Hart.
I am thrilled that the magnificent ‘Sky Song’ is my first review of 2018. I scurried out to purchase it with my book tokens yesterday, read it into the New Year and finished it off today. It’s also just been revealed as Waterstones’ book of the month, so you know you’re in for a cracking … Continue reading ‘Sky Song,’ by Abi Elphinstone, cover by Daniela Terrazzini.
Emmeline Widget has not had the most conventional upbringing. From an early age, she had been fairly convinced that her parents had been trying to kill her due to a number of close calls in the family home of Widget Manor. Emmeline has never left Widget Manor, but one day her scientist parents mysteriously disappear … Continue reading ‘The Eye of the North,’ by Sinéad O’Hart, cover by Sara Mulvanny.
So I've shared some of my top picture books choices for this Christmas, now it's the turn of chapter books. I absolutely LOVE picture books for readers of ALL ages, not just the little ones but sometimes you just a longer book to sink your teeth into or delay bedtime for a few minutes longer. … Continue reading Festive Chapter Book Fancies
Many thanks to Egmont for sending me the second instalment in the absolutely gripping 'The Huntress' trilogy. The first, 'Sea,' was one of my favourite début novels of the year (click HERE for my review) so I was thrilled have the next one to read as I was desperate to find out what was next … Continue reading ‘The Huntress: Sky,’ by Sarah Driver, cover by Joe McLaren.
I am doubly pleased today to not only be part of the blog tour for 'Michael's Spear' (the final part of the Hobbes End trilogy) but also to have an exclusive Q&A with the author himself, Hilton Pashley. All his life, Jonathan has been forced to hide his true identity - the only half-angel, half-demon. … Continue reading ‘Michael’s Spear,’ by Hilton Pashley – exclusive Q&A!
Welcome to the Maudlin Towers (School for the Not Particularly Bright Sons of the Not Especially Wealthy) blog tour. Step inside the pages of this gloom-laden, gargoyle-infested tome to learn about the bumbling, blubbering inhabitants of this historical (hysterical?) school. Best friends Mildew and Sponge are not the biggest fans of Maudlin Towers. They loathe … Continue reading ‘Maudlin Towers: The Curse of the Werewolf Boy,’ by Chris Priestly.
Is ancient mythology all Greek to you? If so, this brilliant new fun-filled series will help bring you up to speed. Written by Tarakson as a result of a childhood steeped in tales from Greek mythology, the ten book strong ‘Hopeless Heroes’ series introduces its readers to some of the mightiest Gods and Goddesses around. … Continue reading ‘Hopeless Heroes: Here Comes Hercules! (Book1) & Hera’s Terrible Trap (Book 2),’ by Stella Tarakson, illustrated by Nick Roberts.
Sometimes books arrive and are snatched out of my hands before I get a chance to read them, and Ludwig was one of them - I think it was the promise of adventure and the lure of 3D glasses! This is actually the second eye-popping adventure about Ludwig the dog (after 'Ludwig the Space Dog), … Continue reading ‘Ludwig the Sea Dog,’ by Henning Lohlein.
Today I am welcoming onto my blog a fantastic new title from Ruth Lauren and Bloomsbury which would be perfect for readers aged 11+ The cover itself only hints at the adventure which lies within... Valor has engineered her arrest so that she can attempt a feat which hasn't been managed in over three hundred … Continue reading ‘Prisoner of Ice and Snow,’ by Ruth Lauren.
I am spoiling you with two gorgeous picture books by illustrative powerhouses: Britta Teckentrup and Sam Usher. 'Moon: Night-time Around the World,' illustrated by Britta Teckentrup, written by Patricia Hegarty (Little Tiger Group) Teckentrup has established herself as one of the great illustrators of our time. In this book, she brings the nocturnal world alive … Continue reading The Moon and the Sun…
I have a confession to make. I have had all three of the Dreamsnatcher series on my bookcase for a little while. All signed. All with beautiful covers. And I was saving them for a rainy day, just to make sure I had something special stashed away when I was in need. Well, a year … Continue reading Holiday Read #4 ‘The Dreamsnatcher,’ by Abi Elphinstone, cover by Thomas Flintham.
Each year, I take a certain delight in spending all the loyalty points I have dutifully built up on my bookshop reward card in the preceding months with my many purchases. Hours can be whiled away as I contemplate how best to spend them. However, my first choice this year was an easy one. Featured … Continue reading Holiday Read #1: ‘A Place Called Perfect,’ by Helena Duggan, cover by Karl James Mountford.
I was first drawn to this book by its intriguing title and the glowing recommendation it had received from Philip Pullman (one of my literary heroes.) Upon commencing reading, it soon because clear that this was going to be a very special book indeed. Narrated by the amazing ape (and first engineer), the sea-faring Sally … Continue reading ‘The Murderer’s Ape,’ by Jakob Wegelius.
I first came across this book when it was nominated for the Blue Peter Book Awards 2017. When I read the opening, I knew that it was going to be an absolutely fantastic story. It seems that the Blue Peter judges agreed, as Podkin duly won its category. An epic adventure in a land where … Continue reading ‘The Legend of Podkin One-Ear,’ by Kieran Larwood, cover by Fernando Juarez, illustrations by David Wyatt.
Some stories truly do stand the test of time, delighting and inspiring generation after generation of young readers. So I am thrilled to be able to introduce you to two reillustrated classics packed full of bonus features from Alma Classics. 'Five Children and It,' by E. Nesbit, illustrated by Ella Okstad. I have fond memories … Continue reading Two Children’s Classics!
A traitor revealed. An invasion unleashed. A kingdom in peril. I was very excited to be asked to participate in the blog tour for this second instalment in the Defender of the Realm series. Following the shocking events which occurred at his coronation, the young King Alfred II (or Alfie, as he prefers to be … Continue reading ‘Defender of the Realm: Dark Age,’ by Mark Huckerby & Nick Ostler.
I was super-excited to be sent a copy of the third instalment of this prize-winning series. It still features Luke, StarBoy and all their superhuman friends, but with the genius addition of an inter-dimensional toilet! After crash-landing Zorbon the Decider's spacecraft in IKEA, Luke (aka Stellar, aka Evil Twin) sets off to find the parallel … Continue reading ‘My Evil Twin Is A Supervillain, by David Solomons, cover by Laura Ellen Anderson, inside illustrations by Robin Boyden.
Library Girl and Book Boy 