Help! Aliens have invaded my blog! This is all thanks to the blog tour for Matt Brown’s latest book: ‘Aliens Invaded My Talent Show!’ Make sure you read Matt’s lowdown on his favourite aliens (good and bad!) Eric Doomsday just loves doing magic tricks. His best friend, Vinnie Mumbles, thinks they’re ace - even if … Continue reading ‘Aliens Invaded My Talent Show!’ By Matt Brown, illustrated by Paco Sordo.
Tag: Magic
‘The Huntress: Storm,’ by Sarah Driver, cover by Ray Tierney, map illustration by Joe McLaren.
It was with much anticipation that I cracked open the covers of ‘Storm,’ the third and final installment in the epic The Huntress trilogy featuring daring and courageous Mouse with her loyal crew. Following the breath-taking rescue of her father from the evil mystiks, Mouse is holed up in Hackles, the Sky fortress. When a … Continue reading ‘The Huntress: Storm,’ by Sarah Driver, cover by Ray Tierney, map illustration by Joe McLaren.
‘Star Friends – Mirror Magic,’ by Linda Chapman, illustrated by Lucy Fleming.
If you’re looking for something new to read, how about one of this foxy new title? Star Friends - Magic Mirror by Linda Chapman, illustrated by Lucy Fleming (Stripes Publishing) Mirror Magic is the first in a new series of books about Maia, her friends and the Star Animals (creatures who must learn to use … Continue reading ‘Star Friends – Mirror Magic,’ by Linda Chapman, illustrated by Lucy Fleming.
‘The House With Chicken Legs,’ by Sophie Anderson, cover by Melissa Castrillon, illustrations by Elisa Paganelli – with magical guest post.
Steeped in Russian folklore and infused with magic, ‘The House With Chicken Legs’ is a breath-taking story which will sweep you away on an incredible journey. I am thrilled to be part of the blog tour for this fabulous title, and to be hosting a special guest post from the author herself, Sophie Anderson. The … Continue reading ‘The House With Chicken Legs,’ by Sophie Anderson, cover by Melissa Castrillon, illustrations by Elisa Paganelli – with magical guest post.
‘Titania and Oberon – A Fairy Tale,’ written by Jo Manton, illustrated by Phyllis Bray.
A beautiful cloth-covered reissue of Shakespeare’s classic tale, originally published in 1945. When the Fairy Queen, Titania, and King of the Fairies, Oberon, argue about who should be responsible for a little changeling boy, Oberon and his servant, Puck, cast a mischievous spell on Titania. This spell causes her to fall madly in love with … Continue reading ‘Titania and Oberon – A Fairy Tale,’ written by Jo Manton, illustrated by Phyllis Bray.
‘Amelia Fang and the Unicorn Lords,’ by Laura Ellen Anderson.
This is the third fangtastic instalment in the brilliant series about a sparky little vampire in a dark and gloomy world. In this adventure, Amelia and her pals: Florence the yeti, Grimaldi the Death and Prince Tangine, plus pet pumpkin, Squashy must bravely enter the terrifying Kingdom of Light to try to find Tangine’s missing mother, … Continue reading ‘Amelia Fang and the Unicorn Lords,’ by Laura Ellen Anderson.
‘A Witch Alone,’ by James Nicol, illustration by Daniela Terrazzini.
It seems like I’ve been waiting for a lifetime for the second instalment in James Nicol’s ‘The Apprentice Witch’ series. But now it’s here and I’ve read it! Well safe to say, I wasn’t disappointed! In this second book, things have taken a darker turn in the village of Lull with a host of supernatural … Continue reading ‘A Witch Alone,’ by James Nicol, illustration by Daniela Terrazzini.
Unicorn Academy…Where Magic Happens.
Unicorns are currently riding high on a wave of popularity - there’s a constant queue of children clamouring for magical titles in our school library. That’s why I know they (and our librarian) will be delighted to learn about the sparkling new ‘Unicorn Academy’ series by Julie Sykes, illustrated by Lucy Truman and published by … Continue reading Unicorn Academy…Where Magic Happens.
Magical First Chapter Books from Hayley Daze.
I'm delighted to introduce you to a magical new series from author Hayley Daze and publisher Willow Tree Books. It features a range of cute and cuddly magical who whisk their human friends away for far-flung adventures. Cuddle the Magic Kitten - Magical Friends by Hayley Daze. The first story in the series sees new … Continue reading Magical First Chapter Books from Hayley Daze.
‘The Eye of the North’ Blog Tour with guest post from author, Sinead O’Hart.
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.
‘The World-Famous Book Of Numbers,’ by Sarah Goodreau.
Roll up! Roll up! Come and see ‘The World Famous Book Of Numbers!’ Sure to delight and enchant! Here on my blog for your reading pleasure! A truly magical counting book for little math-magicians! Packed full of fabulous pop-ups and confounding illusions, moving pictures and flaps to peek behind, this rather glamorous picture book is … Continue reading ‘The World-Famous Book Of Numbers,’ by Sarah Goodreau.
‘Twister,’ by Juliette Forrest, cover by Alexis Snell.
If you’re looking for a narrator who will transport straight into their world, look no further than Twister. Lushly written and pulsing with magic. You’re in for a treat. Following the mysterious disappearance of her father, Twister lives on a farm with her ill mother and Aunt Honey with her faithful dog, Point. Determined to help … Continue reading ‘Twister,’ by Juliette Forrest, cover by Alexis Snell.
‘The Huntress: Sky,’ by Sarah Driver, cover by Joe McLaren.
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.
Holiday Read #4 ‘The Dreamsnatcher,’ by Abi Elphinstone, cover by Thomas Flintham.
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.
‘The Legend of Podkin One-Ear,’ by Kieran Larwood, cover by Fernando Juarez, illustrations by David Wyatt.
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.
‘Harper and the Night Forest,’ by Cerrie Burnell, illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson.
I am very excited to have been invited to be part of the blog tour for this enchanting book. 'Harper and the Night Forest' is the fourth book in the Harper series (which includes a World Book Day title.) Many thanks to Faye Rogers and Scholastic for inviting me to participate. This latest instalment finds … Continue reading ‘Harper and the Night Forest,’ by Cerrie Burnell, illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson.
‘Gobbolino the Witch’s Cat,’ by Ursula Moray Williams, illustrated by Catherine Rayner.
I was very excited when I discovered that Macmillan's Children's Books were publishing a new hardback edition of this book. I have very fond memories of listening to this on story cassette when I was little. Gobbolino was born in the darkness of a witch's cave but was miserable with his job of being a … Continue reading ‘Gobbolino the Witch’s Cat,’ by Ursula Moray Williams, illustrated by Catherine Rayner.
Halloween Spooktacular!
Nothing beats a good scare at Halloween so what better than to curl up on a dark and stormy night and enjoy a beastly book by candlelight..... 1. Bella Broomstick - Halloween Havoc (by Lou Kuenzler, illustrated by Kyan Cheng) Bella's best friend Esme, and the rest of Merrytown, are getting ready for a wicked … Continue reading Halloween Spooktacular!
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.