‘The Magical World of Amy Lee,’ from Scholastic.

I know you'll all be clamouring to read the 100% official debut book from Amy Lee, creator of a hugely popular YouTube channel and a Minecraft maestro. This super-shiny book is absolutely crammed full of a huge range of activities based around Amy Lee and her YouTube friends.  There's colouring, quizzes, crafting, character profiles, puzzles … Continue reading ‘The Magical World of Amy Lee,’ from Scholastic.

‘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.

Girl Power! ft. ‘Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World,’ and ‘Ada Twist, Scientist.’

There's been a lot of publicity recently, aimed at encouraging girls to pursue careers involving STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.) This post celebrates all things 'girl power' as I review some of the titles I've been sent which focus on inspirational women and breaking down stereotypes.  But don't worry - they're funny, endearing and … Continue reading Girl Power! ft. ‘Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World,’ and ‘Ada Twist, Scientist.’

‘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.

‘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.

‘Rent a Bridesmaid’ by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt

We were delighted to be sent a set of the fabulous new Jacqueline Wilson book before it had even been released on general sale, but not as delighted as the book group who got to review it.  You should have heard their squeals! Thank you so much to the Times Educational Supplement and Scholastic who … Continue reading ‘Rent a Bridesmaid’ by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt