‘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

‘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

‘The Story of a Seagull and the Cat who Taught her to Fly’ by Luis Sepulveda, illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura

I was very excited to receive a copy of this newly re-illustrated translation from Alma Books. 'The Story of a Seagull and the Cat who Taught her to Fly' was originally written in Italian and has been translated into over 40 different languages!  Its author, Luis Sepulveda, was born in Chile and worked for several years … Continue reading ‘The Story of a Seagull and the Cat who Taught her to Fly’ by Luis Sepulveda, illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura

‘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

‘The Girl of Ink and Stars’ by Kiran Millwood Hargrave.

** DOUBLE NEWSFLASH!!! ** More congratulations in order - the author of this fabulous bbook has just won British Children's Book of the Year at the #Nibbies Awards! Absolutely not surprised! *NEWSFLASH!* Huge congratulations to Kiran Millwood Hargrave on being awarded the prize of overall winner of the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2017 last night.* … Continue reading ‘The Girl of Ink and Stars’ by Kiran Millwood Hargrave.

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 D’Evil Diaries – Hell’s Belles’ by Tatum Flynn

Tommy's in Hell. Literally. Ever since she was sucked down into the afterlife, all the locals have refused to accept her. She may have saved Hell from carnivorous carousel horses and hoardes of hell-beasts, with the help of her best friend, Jinx (the actual spawn of Satan) but the other demons just won't accept a … Continue reading ‘The D’Evil Diaries – Hell’s Belles’ by Tatum Flynn

‘Return to the Secret Garden’ by Holly Webb

I'm so excited!  I love the classic book,'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson-Burnett and have just ordered an amazing-looking sequel by the talented Holly Webb. In this story, a group of children are evacuated to Misselthwaite Manor during the Second World War and find a mysterious diary written by a girl called Mary.  They learn … Continue reading ‘Return to the Secret Garden’ by Holly Webb