I was thrilled to be asked to participate in the blog tour for ‘Drone Racer’ because I knew that it was just the kind of book that Book Boy would love, and because I knew that Andy Briggs really is a master of science fiction writing. His ‘The Inventory’ series was some of the first … Continue reading ‘Drone Racer,’ by Andy Briggs, cover illustration by Matteo Cuccato.
I purchased this beauty a little while ago and have been lovingly looking at it on my book pile ever since. I decided that my summer holiday would be the perfect time to crack open the cover (very carefully!) and enter the wonderous world of Nevermoor. Morrigan Crow is the only daughter of Chancellor Corvus Crow, … Continue reading Holiday Read #1 ‘Nevermoor – The Trials Of Morrigan Crow,’ by Jessica Townsend, illustrations by Beatriz Castro.
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.
I am very excited to see more fantastic stories from around the world being translated into English so that we can enjoy them in this country too. It’s very important to value work from other counties and cultures, as well as our own. That’s why I was so pleased when Firefly Press gave me Dog … Continue reading ‘Dog Town,’ by Luīze Pastore, illustrated by Reinis Pētersons, translated by Žanete Vēvere Pasqualini.
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.
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.
After ‘THE EVENT THAT MUST NEVER BE SPOKEN OF AGAIN,’ Sam has gained the unfortunate nickname of ‘Scaredy-Cat Sam.’ He needs a plan to clear his name! Following an unfortunate incident during a school trip to the space museum, the class bully, Ralph Philip Zinkerman the Third, christened Sam with his much-hated nickname. Sam decides that … Continue reading ‘Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts,’ by Katie and Kevin Tsang, illustrated by Nathan Reed.
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.
It was with much anticipation that I awaited the arrival of ‘The Light Jar’ - after the brilliance of ‘The Goldfish Boy,’ I knew that I was going to be in for a treat. My patience was rewarded when a copy was finally delivered by my friendly postlady. I'm also thrilled to be hosting an … Continue reading ‘The Light Jar,’ by Lisa Thompson, cover by Mike Lowery.
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.
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 delighted to be today's stop on the 'Stand by Me,'blog tour. I am always on the look out for new titles which might tempt fans of Jacqueline Wilson or Cathy Cassidy and think I may just have found one here. 'Stand by me' is the brilliant sequel to 'Time After Time' and follows … Continue reading ‘Stand by Me,’ by Judi Curtin, cover by Rachel Corcoran.
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.
Another lovely edition of a children's classic from Alma Junior. This time 'Pollyanna' gets their magic touch. Pollyanna is a young orphan girl forced to move in with her strict aunt in New England. Although the two don't get off to the best of starts, Pollyanna's positive attitude affects everyone that she meets. After tragedy … Continue reading ‘Pollyanna,’ by Eleanor H. Porter, illustrated by Kate Hindley.
This month, I've been enjoying scaring myself with some of the newest spooky releases for readers aged 8+ and have a ghoulish prize for one lucky book-fan. 'Vlad the World's Worst Vampire' by Anna Wilson, illustrations by Kathryn Durst (Stripes Publishing) Firsty up is this little book with bite which would be perfect for readers … Continue reading Happy Halloween!
There was MUCH excitement in my house when I opened this parcel of Football Heroes books. The Giggs title was borrowed to be read straight away (my son had actually just finished the Messi one on holiday.) So it is, with much fanfare, that I introduce you the brilliant Football Heroes biography collection. … Continue reading ‘Football Heroes,’ by Matt and Tom Oldfield, covers by Dan Leydon.
Strictly speaking, this isn't just a holiday read as it was actually started as my son's bedtime story back in England and we've just finished it tonight. But I think I can allow a little flexibility on the 'holiday read' point. It was the title of the book which first attracted me and the premise … Continue reading Holiday Read #2 ‘The Bookshop Girl,’ by Sylvia Bishop, illustrated by Ashley King.
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.
Library Girl and Book Boy 