One of the things I love most about children’s authors, is the seamless way they blend challenging and sensitive issues with humour to make the subject matter approachable for children. ‘Walls’ fits brilliantly into this category with its main character Ned struggling to come to terms with his parents’ divorce and break-up of peer friendships. … Continue reading ‘Walls,’ by Emma Fischel, cover by Sarah Darby.
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.
”All girls should read The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis.” Malala Yousafzai. This novel centres around eleven-year-old Parvana and her family, who live in one room of a crumbling, bombed out apartment block in Kabul, Afghanistan. Her father was a history teacher before he was injured and would tell Parvana stories of their country’s past whilst … Continue reading ‘The Breadwinner – A Graphic Novel,’ based on the novel by Deborah Ellis.
Ella is the new girl at school and she’s hiding a secret. A secret so terrible that surely no one would want to be friends with her anyway, even if they did notice her existence! When Queen Bee, Lydia, decides to grace Ella with her friendship, Ella can’t believe her luck - suddenly all the … Continue reading ‘Ella on the Outside,’ by Cath Howe, illustration by Nicola Theobald.
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.
Every so often a book comes along which perfectly mirrors life in the society about which it is written. I am very sad to say that ‘Running on Empty’ does just that. Focussing on the timely issues of modern-day poverty and young carers, it sharply brings into view the pressures faced by children and their … Continue reading ‘Running on Empty,’ by S.E.Durrant, cover by Rob Biddulph. Plus exclusive guest post.
I am delighted to welcome ‘Planet Stan’ to my blog today to round off its blog tour. I am even more delighted that I had the opportunity to ask author, Elaine, some quizzing questions. The story revolves around the tricky sibling relationship between space-loving Stan and his disgusting younger brother Fred. Stan is struggling to … Continue reading ‘Planet Stan,’ by Elaine Wickson, illustrated by Chris Judge plus exclusive Q&A.
When I was younger, I was a huge fan of the tv show, ‘Knightmare,’ and of the ‘choose your own path’ adventure books. So imagine my excitement when the newest Fighting Fantasy adventure popped through my letterbox! ’Part story, part game - you are the hero!’ Based on the successful Fighting Fantasy series by Steve … Continue reading ‘Fighting Fantasy: The Gates Of Death,’ by Charlie Higson, cover illustration by Robert Ball.
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.
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.
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.
Today I am welcoming onto my blog a fantastic new title from Ruth Lauren and Bloomsbury which would be perfect for readers aged 11+ The cover itself only hints at the adventure which lies within... Valor has engineered her arrest so that she can attempt a feat which hasn't been managed in over three hundred … Continue reading ‘Prisoner of Ice and Snow,’ by Ruth Lauren.
A plague is spreading across modern day Britain. People and birds are dying. Legend has it, if the ravens leave the Tower of London, the kingdom will fall. Luca Broom could never have imagined that a school trip to Winchester would result in him being magically transported to the legendary kingdom of Camelot where he, … Continue reading Holiday Read #6 ‘The Final Raven,’ by Finian Black, cover by Ed Bettison.
'Anne of Green Gables' is a beloved classic of children's literature with films and stage shows made based on it. Alma Junior have released a newly re-illustrated version with additional bonus material. Set in Canada, the story follows flame-haired orphan, Anne, who gets sent to live on Green Gables Farm with the Cuthberts (who had … Continue reading ‘Anne of Green Gables,’ by L.M. Montgomery, illustrated by Susan Hellard.
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.
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.
I was first drawn to this book by its intriguing title and the glowing recommendation it had received from Philip Pullman (one of my literary heroes.) Upon commencing reading, it soon because clear that this was going to be a very special book indeed. Narrated by the amazing ape (and first engineer), the sea-faring Sally … Continue reading ‘The Murderer’s Ape,’ by Jakob Wegelius.
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.
