Today, I’d like to introduce you to the first in a brand new series of monstrously funny books for readers aged 8+ Monster Hunting isn’t as easy as it looks. And Jack should know. Because an ogre has just appeared in his garden and tried to eat his aunt. (She was the winner of the … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Monster Hunting for Beginners,’ by Ian Mark, illustrated by Louis Ghibault.
Today I’m sharing the first in an eye-popping new series of magical early chapter books packed full of curious creatures and whirlwind adventures! Introducing the wonderful world of Indigo Wilde..... ‘Indigo Wilde and her little brother, Quigley, live at 47 Jellybean Crescent, a crazy and colourful house full of magical Creatures that her parents, World-Famous … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Indigo Wilde and the Creatures of Jellybean Crescent,’ by Pippa Curnick.
Today is publication day for the deliciously monstrous ‘Monster Doughnuts’ - an excellent new chapter book for readers aged 7+ and created following the spark of an idea by Gianna’s young daughter (read her exclusive piece below to find out how this happened.) ‘Ten-year-old Grace likes doughnuts and cakes as much as the next kid … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Monster Doughnuts,’ by Gianna Pollero, illustrated by Sarah Horne.
Today I’m sharing an exciting new book for teen readers packed with daring exploits and audacious crimes. AND I have the second part of Chapter Two for you to enjoy. If you’ve missed reading Chapter One and the first part of this chapter, check out which stops on the blog tour to visit on the … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Outlaws Scarlett & Browne,’ by Jonathan Stroud, cover by Tom Cole.
Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this funny, silly, reassuring not bedtime story, bedtime story! Make sure you read Eoin’s piece about why he finally conceded to his young son’s taste for monsters with this scary (but not really) tale. Get ready for ‘The World’s Scariest Monster’ and his friends to take … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘This Book is Not a Bedtime Story!’ by Eoin McLaughlin and Robert Starling.
Today I have a deliciously creepy title from Carnegie-nominated author, Pádraig Kenny for readers aged ten and up. Mirabelle has always known that she’s different. A monster. But she has always felt safe and loved behind the magical enchantments shielding her and the rest of ‘the Family’ from the human world. The House of Rookhaven … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Monsters of Rookhaven,’ by Pádraig Kenny, illustrated by Edward Bettison.
I had been saving Frostheart for one of my Christmas holiday reads as I wanted to be able to fully enjoy reading it and immerse myself in its world. It was definitely worth the wait. Ash has never really fitted in with the rest of the Fira people, being passed from one guardian to the … Continue reading ‘Frostheart,’ by Jamie Littler.
After the success of her debut novel, ‘Mold and the Poison Plot, Lorraine is back with her second title: ‘The Maker Of Monsters.’ Fans of her first book will not be disappointed; there’s still the warmth and wit of Mold, interlaced with a layer of lurking menace and fear! The story begins with Brat, isolated … Continue reading ‘The Maker Of Monsters,’ by Lorraine Gregory, illustrations by Meg Hunt.
Learning to read can be a tricky (and sometimes tedious) business. Although it can be beneficial to read a series of books based on familiar characters, the stories can end up being a little formulaic and uninspiring. My years of teaching (and parenting) experience have shown me nothing if not that variety is the spice … Continue reading Maverick Early Readers – Purple to Gold.
The very nature of myths mean that their re-tellings are varied and ever-changing, with tens or hundreds of variations on the same story. Myth Atlas introduces its readers to some of the most fascinating cultures on the planet with beliefs about human existence which are now part of history or still held sacred to this … Continue reading ‘Myth Atlas,’ by Thiago de Moraes.
“They must have come from under beds, out of mirrors, up from caves, and down from attics; all out of the darkness and into the moonlight. They were the Night Folk, and this was their world.” When out-spoken Emily’s parents both mysteriously disappear, it soon becomes clear that she is going to have to be … Continue reading Festive read #1 ‘The Midnight Hour,’ by Benjamin Read and Laura Trinder, cover by Hannah Peck.
If you’re searching for a read packed with just the right balance of laughs and scares, look no further than ‘Witch Girl.’ Twelve-year-old Evangeline and her gran form a witchy ghost-busting duo (although Evangeline is still just an apprentice.) Together, they hunt down all manner of creatures that go bump in the night, magically ridding … Continue reading ‘Witch Girl,’ by Jan Eldredge with an exclusive post about why we like being scared! Illustrations by Risa Rodil.
‘Dear Mr Wright, I am writing to you as librarian of Hardacre Manor, Berkshire, about an extraordinary discovery that I have made on the estate....’ Followed the discovery of a collection of antique maps and notes locked away in a secret hidey-hole dating from the 15th century which seem to detail the whereabouts of the … Continue reading ‘The Atlas Of Monsters,’ by Stuart Hill and Sandra Lawrence.
My next spooky choice for little ones is the delightful 'Monster & Son' by David LaRochelle. This tale takes a look at the softer side of some of the world's most feared monsters. Have you ever wondered what a daddy Frankenstein and his son get up to when they play together? Or how Yeti and … Continue reading ‘Monster & Son,’ by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Joey Chou.
'I'm Naughty, Naughty Monster! Are you ready? Here I come!' Monster likes nothing better than rampaging through the woods striking terror into the hearts of its inhabitants. This carries on until Monster meets his match - an extremely unimpressed fairy with a rather fancy tiara, who is determined to teach Monster some manners. But will Fairy … Continue reading ‘Naughty, Naughty Monster,’ By Kaye Umansky and Greg Abbott.
A Halloween must-have for all would-be monster hunters aged 9-11 years old (or above). But BEWARE , this horrifying handbook is only for the very bravest of readers... Lurking within the pages of this terrifying tome are loads of tips and trivia about ghosts, ghouls and zombies (to name but a few.) A humorous guide … Continue reading ‘The Horror Handbook,’ by Paul van Loon, illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
Library Girl and Book Boy 