‘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

‘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

‘Petunia Paris’s Parrot’ by Katie Haworth, illustrated by Jo Williamson

Petunia Paris's life is practically perfect in every way - perfect parents, perfect birthday parties and perfect presents.  Until, for her fifth birthday, she asks for a parrot... Every birthday, whatever Petunia asked her perfect parents for she got: a swimming pool, a personal chauffeur, a bicycle.  By her fifth birthday, she had no idea … Continue reading ‘Petunia Paris’s Parrot’ by Katie Haworth, illustrated by Jo Williamson

‘Self-destructing Science – Space’ by Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Nikalas Catlon

My Super Sidekick was very excited when we received a copy of this fantastic interactive book to review from Bloomsbury.  Thank you! 'Self-destructing Science - Space' allows budding astronauts to explore wormholes and the big bang theory through a series of amazing interactive challenges and games.  Cutting, scribbling, folding and experimenting - it cleverly combines … Continue reading ‘Self-destructing Science – Space’ by Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Nikalas Catlon

‘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

‘Rebel Science’ by Dan Green and David Lyttleton

It is brilliant to see non-fiction books starting to be produced in the same eye-catching way as many picture books and fiction titles already are.  Authors and publishing companies are beginning to understand that today's young readers want innovative layouts and great illustrations in the books they choose to read. 'Rebel Science' aims to introduce … Continue reading ‘Rebel Science’ by Dan Green and David Lyttleton

Dear Diary…

Diary-style stories are incredibly popular amongst young readers at the moment, mainly thanks to the 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' series.  If you're looking for looking for some new books to explore, you might like one of these: Diary of a Taekwondo Master by Shamini Flint   After some prompting from his dad (and against … Continue reading Dear Diary…

‘The Secret Seven – The Humbug Adventure’ by Enid Blyton and Tony Ross

Enid Blyton's classic, 'The Secret Seven' series has been reimagined for a new, and younger, audience in a fantastic collection of specially adapted 'colour short stories' aimed at independent readers.  They have been beautifully illustrated by the master, Tony Ross. In 'The Humbug Adventure,' Peter and the gang are not looking forward to going star-gazing with Professor Wills that night. Little … Continue reading ‘The Secret Seven – The Humbug Adventure’ by Enid Blyton and Tony Ross

‘Hubble Bubble – The Glorious Granny Bake Off!” by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Joe Berger

I am a huge fan of all Tracey Corderoy's picture books, and love the 'Hubble Bubble' series.  Imagine my excitement when I discovered that there are also chapter book versions for more independent readers! Young book lovers will enjoy the humour, wit and colourful illustrations in the original picture books, all about a young girl called Pandora and her slightly unusual … Continue reading ‘Hubble Bubble – The Glorious Granny Bake Off!” by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Joe Berger

‘Squishy McFluff – The Invisible Cat!’ by Pip Jones, illustrated by Ella Okstad

When Ava's new imaginary friend, the cuddly and mischievous Squishy McFluff,  arrives to play one day, Ava's days become packed with fun and adventures.  The pair get up to all kinds giggles and games, but Mum's not impressed.  Will Squishy learn to behave before he's forced to eat only invisible dog food! This book is written … Continue reading ‘Squishy McFluff – The Invisible Cat!’ by Pip Jones, illustrated by Ella Okstad