These are two recent titles from Scholastic: thanks to the publisher for sending them for review.

Tom Gates: Five Star Stories
Liz Pichon

In the latest hugely silly, enormous fun account by Tom Gates we find the boy pondering upon what story to write from his repertoire of hilarious happenings to gain a place in Oakfield School’s book of Five-Star Stories. Having heard about the book from his teacher, he takes his sister’s advice and goes to his room in search of inspiration. There he keeps his collections of odd objects – just what he needs when it comes to writing a funny story. First he remembers about Great Aunt Aggie’s fake bird hat, currently sitting up on top of his wardrobe. Or what about that special weird stone with a hole and how he found it. Perhaps an account of the cinema visit and the mystery of his favourite cinema snack – Chocoteezers might be a better option; but on fourth thoughts, could the saga of his very special pen be the one to go for.

His mind is buzzing with possibilities but he can’t waste any more time (other than doing a special five star doodle) or the closing date for entries will be gone. Which story will he write and will it be chosen for the book and who will get to read it?

Be prepared for giggles galore and comical doodles in abundance when you read this.

The Case of the Chaos Monster
Patrice Lawrence

Set in an alternative 18th century London, this sees the return of the Elemental Detectives,
Marisee and Robert with another mystery to solve. It’s six months after their first case and alarming things are happening to the city’s music. A young soldier’s bugle playing is stopped unexpectedly after a few notes and more music starts disappearing.’ Even the orchestra playing in the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens comes to a sudden halt.

A horrific monster, the Domedary has awoken and is threatening the city. Could this be connected to a stowaway Fumi – an air spirit – from Salzburg that had hidden itself in the musical box of Nannerl who is travelling to London with her family that includes child prodigy, Wolfgang?

Supported by the well-keeper Marisee’s Grandma, with the Fumis claiming back their favour from Marisee, the two young detectives must track down the thief that’s behind the disappearance of the music, a quest that involves visiting among other locations, the Isle of Dogs with its weird windmill as well as encounters with characters both human and elemental, some trustworthy, others definitely not.

Brilliantly imagined, this enthralling tale will keep older readers gripped throughout.