Author jillrbennett

On the Other Side of the Forest

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On the Other Side of the Forest
Nadine Robert and Gérard Dubois
Greystone Kids

Arthur a little rabbit, and his dad live with their dog Danton on a small farm in a forest clearing. No one goes into the dark menacing forest ,but Arthur’s dad, who doesn’t believe in the tales of such things as ogres residing therein, is keen to find out what lies beyond the forest. so, he thinks hard, comes up with a plan and starts putting it into action. He takes the wheat they have stored, grinds it into grain and bakes dozens of round loaves.

The following morning locals from the community start stopping by and Dad rabbit offers them each a loaf in exchange for four large stones. With the stones amassed Dad and Arthur start building a tower sufficiently tall that they can see beyond the trees.

Many days of work ensue but then a fierce storm knocks over all their hard work. Dad rabbit though is asleep exhausted and is unaware of the destruction. Meanwhile something wonderful is taking place: the community of rabbits join forces and rebuild the tower twice as tall as it was before. On waking Dad rabbit immediately starts baking again – lots of loaves are made, lots more stones are added to the tower and lots of hard work is done until at last the tower is complete.

Dad, little rabbit and Danton dog are the first to climb up to the top and what a surprise they get …

With its direct telling the story has a folk-tale feel about it and Dubois’ illustrations are a blend of vintage and modern elements and show the rural setting and the collaborative tower-building process. Hmmm! You can almost smell the aroma of bread baking as you read the book.

Come Back, Gosling

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Come Back, Gosling
Anne Booth and David Litchfield
Templar Books

I’m always attracted to a book with David Litchfield’s name on the cover so I couldn’t wait to read this one.
A little girl and her friend, a little gosling, love spending time together, especially their weekly visit to the library to choose new books. These they read together in their special tree house but one week they choose a book with a gosling on the cover. The little girl glances inside, closes it quickly before Gosling can see the contents and that night she hides the book so Gosling can’t find it.

Back to the library they go the following morning: the librarian allows them to borrow three more books and they return to the treehouse to read them. Again the little girl refuses to complete the first book; the second makes Gosling stretch out and flap his wings and so it too is discarded and they return to the tree house to share a fairy tale book. Inside is an illustration of a flying carpet: “That picture makes me feel all happy inside. It makes me want to spread my wings and jump up and down!” says Gosling. The little girl tries to stop her friend jumping but it’s too late. He tumbles over the edge of the tree house and in falling, opens his wings and … flies.

That night Gosling discovers the hidden book and reads it all the way through. The following morning, the missing book is on the table but there’s no sign of Gosling. Then overhead honking and flapping their wings is a large V shaped formation of geese, at the end of which is Gosling. Yes, Gosling can now follow his own path but it’s a path that the little girl is yet to discover until she does as Gosling says and reads the book right to the end.

The friendship endures with Gosling returning every spring to his much loved little girl.

A lovely story that celebrates friendship and the love of books, beautifully captured in many of the scenes. Right from the front endpapers, of the little girl and Gosling on their way to the tree house with a pile of books, David Litchfield’s illustrations are full of wonderful details. The back ones show the same scene in Autumn except that Gosling is now almost a goose. In between, children will delight in finding other books such as A Shelter for Sadness by Anne and David as well as The Wind in the Willows and other favourites.

A smashing book to share and discuss in EYFS and KS1 story sessions. It’s one wherein migration is an integral part of the narrative rather than an add on.

King School

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King School
Alexis Deacon
Otter-Barry Books

When the old king dies, he’s replaced by a new king – shock horror, he’s a child and even worse according to his subjects is that he doesn’t know how to be a king.

The lively little one is sent to a specially built King School where the instruction is, “Sit still, don’t move, keep quiet and listen.” The little king is then clad in heavy robes and golden chains and told important things about all all his predecessors. However, enough is enough. Our new little king rebels. Tossing off his robes he announces, “In King School, kings make the rules.” and he instructs his subjects to stand on their heads.

The people do so. “Now catch me!” cries the king and runs away with the people chasing after. The roles are then reversed and so it continues till everyone is reduced to laughter.

The king then asks to show the people some important things that he discovered for himself. Off into the wild dashes the little king with the people following after. Oh what fun ensues and the people cry, “Long live the king!” The new ruler announces, “This is our new King School” and what a wonderful place it is, for it’s a place where everyone can play together and all the people can learn like kings.

I love the wild abandon that the new king advocates in this somewhat anarchic tale that has at its heart discovering the most important things in life, one of which is joy, another of which is being able to let go. Long live this little king, say I. Alexis Deacon’s mixed media scene of the sombre-robed other worldly subjects standing on their heads is unforgettable as is that of the same characters déshabillé.

Toby Alone

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Toby Alone
Timothée de Fombelle, illustrated by Francois Place
Walker Books
Translated by Sarah Ardizzone

This book is the first part of a two part saga, a fable with an almost thirteen year old hero, Toby Lolness, just one and a half millimetres tall.

The narrative opens in the middle of things with Toby lying injured, a fugitive from the miniature community that populate the Tree. His predicament is on account of his father, Professor Sim Lolness’s refusal to share the secret of his discovery of a process that harnesses the tree’s energy, for the potentially devastating effect.

When greedy industrialist and dictator, Jo Mitch, learns this, he banishes the Lolness family to the tree’s lower dark, damp branches, then imprisons them and a death sentence is passed. Toby escapes and is on the run from an entire world that sees him as a threat to their way of life.

Eventually, near the Border between the Tree and the Ground beyond he finds a safe haven from his pursuers with a family that includes daring young Elisha Lee, The two form a special friendship and then set out to rescue his parents and divert an environmental greed-driven disaster as well as the personal one.

The author of this novel creates an immersive world, and there is betrayal, and occasional violence that may shock some readers. At its core is an ecological message that never becomes heavy, as it’s interwoven with themes of courage, friendship and love. There’s a satisfying, albeit rather abrupt cliffhanger conclusion that leaves readers, especially this one, eager to get hold of the sequel, Toby and the Secrets of the Tree. Making the whole adventure even more intriguing are Francois Place’s black and white illustrations.

Mighty Mega Pets: Freaky Food Fiasco!

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Mighty Mega Pets: Freaky Food Fiasco!
Gary Northfield,
Walker Books

A deliciously silly graphic novel that begins with a group of pets – Daisy the dog, Ginger the cat, Bubbles the goldfish and Arthur the tortoise eating their breakfast as usual when all of a sudden BOOM, they all (except Tortoise) acquire strange superpowers, thanks to a firing of laser beams from the next door moggy. So they form the Mighty Mega Pets, intent on discovering a) why they all got these powers b) whether other pets have also been similarly affected and c) the source of the so- called superpower pet food.

Meanwhile on the other side of Rumford inside a mysterious laboratory is Guinea Big – a guinea pig with huge ideas about himself and his experiments and his eyes set on world domination, no less. While he’s working on his enterprise, The Mighty Mega Pets have gained entry to Pete’s Pets shop. Wow! It appears to have the food they seek but there’s a problem with a parrot to contend with. There’s a surprise for the Mega Pets team as it’s Tortoise who they reluctantly allowed to act as their lookout, who discovers a buckle that could well have belonged to one of the Ruffians. Daisy thinks they are the likely ones behind the super-powered food. A recruitment drive for new Mega Pets members ensues as time is running out to … save the world! Possible or not?

Well, that would be telling; to find out what ensues, you’ll need (no use of superpowers allowed though) to get hold of your own copy of this crazy story wherein teamwork is essential, as is the ability to stand up to bullies.

You Are Nature, Too / Don’t Call Me An Insect!

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You Are Nature, Too!
Gillian Burke, illustrated by Rong Pham and Nguyen
Walker Books

Even in the busy towns and cities many of us live in there’s a wealth of nature just waiting to be discovered and that is exactly what this book encourages, indeed challenges, youngsters to do.
Author, Gillian Burke (a Springwatch co-presenter and biologist) reminds readers/listeners that rather than being separate from the natural world, we humans are a part of it, no matter where our home is. We join two young boys as they explore their city and discover the wonderful natural world, its sights and sounds – all around them – up in the sky, among the trees, between the paving stones and in other unlikely places.

There’s a wealth of new life, a plethora of animal homes, a multitude of natural patterns and a change in what is visible as the sun goes down and night descends.

The mindful text is calming and really does encourage youngsters to slow down, or perhaps stop and observe what surrounds them. The illustrations are a perfect complement to the verbal message, the seek and find challenge beneath each location spread encourages deeper engagement and the book ends with a spread of activities to try.

Don’t Call Me An INSECT!
Charlotte Guillain and Sally Agar
Words & Pictures

We join young Charlie and Bumble (a bee) as they set out on an insect search hoping to find a creature they’ve not seen before. Pretty soon they make their first discovery Charlie learns her first lesson: the minibeast with eight legs sitting on a web is not an insect but an arachnid (the factual explanation is given). Leaving the shed and moving outside they encounter another new creature – again not an insect. This one is a centipede. Further hunting leads to finding several other creepy crawlies – a woodlouse, a millipede and a scorpion but not one insect until at last among the trees they spot several. But how should they classify the caterpillar? It doesn’t quite fit the bill of having ‘three body parts, six legs, a tough exoskeleton’ and maybe wings; it’s time to find out about the life cycle of a butterfly.

With its rhyming narrative and straightforward information pages, this story cum fact book is just right for very young children who will enjoy Sally Agar’s gently humorous illustrations as well as participating in the learning process along with Charlie and Bumble.

Frank the Monster

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Frank the Monster
Mats Strandberg, illustrated by Sofia Falkenhem
Gecko Press

Friendless, bookish and very lonely, Frank Steen, the story’s narrator is bitten by neighbour Alice’s supposed guard dog, on his ninth birthday when offering Woof, a share of his birthday cake. What Frank doesn’t know at that moment is that henceforward, his whole life will change.

A week later, after dreaming of being a shaggy creature, running through the forest, Frank awakes to discover he has muddy feet that have left footprints in his room. But this is no dream. Upset that he’s troubling people, Frank visits the library to find out more about the supernatural, monsters especially. One he discovers, was called a werewolf and that the mixing of one’s own human blood with that of a werewolf could cause you to turn into one. From then on Frank deems himself a werewolf, albeit one that prefers tummy rubs to tearing people apart. Despite this, he scares his little brother, Oliver and then later a group of hunters sitting round a forest campfire. This encounter turns out to be more scary for Frank than the hunters.

Eventually, after a visit to his parents from the police, Frank goes to visit Alice again and they end up having a discussion about the monster that’s been frightening the locals. Locals that he frightens yet again when he visits the lakeside beach where they are partying. Will this scaring and being scared ever end? Possibly with the help of ghost Magnolia and Paola, the woman from the library, things might change …

This tale of a boy and his lycanthropy quickly draws the reader in as it gives details of young Franks increasing alienation, frustration and sometimes, anger. Occasional, slightly spooky striking black, blue and white illustrations by Sofia Falkenhem break up the text making it accessible for readers around Frank’s age.

This book, showing that it’s fine to be different, is the first of a series.

Read All About It!

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Read All About It!
Benjamin Hall and Martina Motzo
Harper

Both little Hedgehog and his father are anticipating busy days. Dad hedgehog sets off to his newspaper office ready to write “what new news the news brings.” Little Hedgehog is on holiday from school and packs his rucksack for adventures of his own. As Dad left home he’d reminded his son about the rules. “Don’t talk to strangers, don’t lose my bag, and never ever cross the river alone,” little Hedgehog recited.
However sticking to these rules is anything but easy. Little Hedgehog makes his way to the river bank and skims a stone over the water’s surface to the opposite side: the other side with its exciting possibilities. Suddenly there comes a hooting sound. It’s Baby Owl who’s fallen from her tree and has been spotted by a big hairy bear. Time for a bit of divergent thinking on little Hedgehog’s part. Eventually he manages to scare the bear away

and let Mama Owl know what’s happened to her little one; but the ursine hunter is still roaming about looking for prey. So Mama Owl and little Hedgehog work together to warn all the other forest dwellers of the danger.

Come the evening little Hedgehog apologies to his Dad for his rule-breaking behaviour but the response he receives comes as rather a surprise in more ways than one.

Martina Motzo’s watercolour and ink illustrations are a delight, especially those of little hedgehog as he does his upmost to make a difference in his community; making a difference being one of the important themes of the author’s text.

A story to share and discuss with KS1 children.

Rafi and Rita

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Rafi and Rita
Jarvis and Chris Judge
Walker Books

Meet twin giraffes, Rafi and Rita: likers of the same things and doers of the same things. In fact they’re exactly the same in every possible way. Or are they? Rafi insists he’s taller but so does Rita. To viewers probably the only slight difference is the shape of their markings. Both back up their claim with boastings – “I’m so tall those animals down here look like bugs” says Rafi.” “They are bugs,” Rita retorts, but the boasts grow ever more crazy. “I’m so tall that when an artist tried to do a portrait of me, they ran out of paint.” That’s Rafi’s claim which Rita counters with , “… when my hat fell off, it took three hours to hit the ground.” “I wear clouds as hats. That’s how tall I am. Clouds,” says Rafi and so on.

After Rita talks about feeling traumatised by almost being hit on the head by a shooting star, Rafi writes a song about his superior height.

Suddenly their bragging contest is interrupted by Mama giraffe: she’s come to put them to bed. Calling them, “Little ones” does not go down at all well and is immediately denied by both twins, who are yet to have learned about perspective. However, Mama then says something else, something that will likely set off another round of sibling rivalry and so it will go on and on and …

Readers and listeners will delight in this hilarious verbal wrangling written by Jarvis, and love the final twist. The text is made even funnier when set among Chris Judge’s wonderfully expressive, bold, bright scenes, some of which need the book to be turned through ninety degrees, so tall are the tales they are depicting.

Sockflea

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Sockflea
Laura Dockrill and Eva Byrne
Walker Books

The story’s young (five year old) elephant narrator is super excited: “We are going camping. I’ve never been before. I. CAN’T. WAIT. Marshmallows on sticks. Singing by the campfire! And sleeping under the stars!”

The little elephant’s parent suggests taking a teddybear along but the exuberant little pachyderm insists that no comfort toy is necessary; no Mr Conkie, Gladys the hedgehog, Sugarpie and most definitely not Bad Debbie. So off they go into the wilds.
To begin with all goes well and everything is a great adventure including making new friends.

“I’m like a happy bubble, playful and free” says our narrator. But then comes the night – the dark, dark night; moreover the sleeping bag is sludgy and sweaty, the ground hard beneath one’s back there are scratchy noises and eventually we hear, “WHY DIDN”T YOU MAKE ME BRING MY TEDDIES?”

Fortunately the grown-up is, despite being a tad annoyed, a resourceful carer that just happens to have brought along what looks very like a pair of socks. At first the offering is rejected as “just your normal bobbly, sticky socks!” However scepticism gives way to the unlikely charm of the teddies substitute,

all is well and the camping trip ends up a tremendous success.

I love the ending with a repositioning of the socks and the photo snapshot finale.
Delightfully droll humour from Laura Dockrill’s telling and equally delightful, playful scenes of the drama that unfolds though Eva Byrne’s art make for a book that one envisages becoming a firm favourite with both young children (however brave) and their grown-ups.

Relic Hamilton Genie Hunter: Door of the Dead

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Relic Hamilton Genie Hunter: Door of the Dead
Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Hyun Song We
Walker Books

Relic is now settling into his new genie hunter role and while out with some fellow members of the Hermitic Sodality, Buston a genie appears, saying that he’s been searching for him. He warns Relic that Ravenna has discovered the whereabouts of the lamp imprisoning the Archivist, an ally of the evil genie. Made to look like a book and hidden in a library it is hoped that nobody will discover it and start making wishes. Such wishes might result in the Archivist’s escape, the result being an immensely powerful ally for Ravenna. Consequently, it’s vital that Relic and the other humans locate this book-lamp before Ravenna.

Following the accidental release of the Archivist, the Sodality focus attention on recapturing the genie. However members of the Syndicate of Ghost Emancipators approach, informing them that the Archivist intends to Open the Door of the Dead using the granting of people’s wishes to do so thus allowing those who have died to return to the world. Relic and members of both Sodality and the Syndicate will need to work together to recapture both evil genies, if not disaster will likely follow.

Relic has become much more confident in his abilities since he discovered his genie hunter and Wielder of the Lamps role, something which allows him to work alongside the sprites that are held with the six lamps he owns; but faced with the threats posed by not one but two evil genies, can he cope with the much greater danger and problems he now faces? Can Relic and those of the two organisations work together to recapture both of them, and what will happen if they can’t?

Another element of the story is Relic’s awareness that Tanya is still missing. He is keen to try and find her but isn’t given the opportunity here, though readers hear from her occasionally during this book, paving the way for the next, which is heralded by a promise of Relic’s return at the end. With plenty of black and white illustrations, I strongly recommended the thrilling Door of the Dead for readers of nine and above.

We Are Dragon

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We Are Dragon
Alastair Chisholm
Nosy Crow

We Are Dragon, is Alastair Chisholm’s must-read cracking conclusion to his sci-fi trilogy.

At the heart of this is Rieka: she’s a tech. genius and has spent her entire life aboard Constructs (the gigantic mechanical creatures that battle with one another for territory.) However she is painfully aware that she’s always struggled to fit in with others growing up aboard her original Construct and this feeling of being an outsider has become enflamed now a combatant – DRAGON – has appeared. The true enemy though is Queenie, a computer system gone rogue that was designed to support humanity but is instead battling Constructs, turning them into Dragons and enslaving their crews by means of headsets that take away their free will.
Rieka’s sense of not belonging is further exacerbated in her dealings with those aboard the Construct Cub allied against Queenie. However she believes that only she can turn the course of the war, so she embarks on a path that is perilous not only for herself but also her allies.

What makes Rieka such a relatable protagonist is that alongside the external battling, she faces a very private, internal journey – a truth she must face – and this journey is one readers will find particularly poignant. Dragons’ talons hold readers in a tight grip from the very start of this hugely thought-provoking tale with its clever pacing and brilliant blend of mechanical marvels and human emotion at its most intense.

A book that could stand alone, but I urge readers who have not read I Am Wolf and I Am Raven to start with them. A definite to add to upper KS2 class collections.

Quietly … Quietly … Quack!

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Quietly … Quietly … Quack!
Jonty Howley
Happy Yak

When three little ducks wake up, their Mama is still sleeping so they take advantage of this and sneak put of the duck house to explore the farm. ‘Quietly … Quietly …QUACK!’ On reaching the field they hop along the fence ‘Carefully … Carefully … QUACK!’ Then, eager to smell the farmer’s breakfast but wary of his dog, they sneak along the washing line but emit a loud quack that disturbs said dog.

Despite not being allowed to enter the woods, the three ducklings best way to escape from the dog is to dash into the trees as quickly as they can, only to discover the reason why said territory is out of bounds. They creep past silently but one steps on a twig ‘CRACK!’ That arouses the sleeping creature so they hide in a badger’s den … Nervously … Nervously … QUAAACCCKKK!!! and then race back home … All, so we’re told, without their mother knowing they’ve been out, because they went – well you know how … But did she know, or didn’t she ? I wonder.

With a shortish text that cries out for little humans to join in and droll, arresting illustrations that extend the narrative, this is ideal to share with preschoolers and for beginning readers to try for themselves (once they’ve heard the story read aloud).

Feather Vane

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Feather Vane
Beth O’Brien
Harper Collins Children’s Books

In this unusual story we’re introduced to twin trainee sorcerers born to the amazing enchantress, Ceridwen, who, on account of her exceptional ability with potions, is sent all around the country to put to rights magical issues. Ceridwen and her offspring head off to a village called Greeth-Under-Edge, where magical creatures – fiery salamanders, a river hag, gnomes that guard the earth and sylphs (wind sprites) have descended. Rare creatures all being found in a single location is hitherto unheard of.
However, as chaos is on the rise, Ceridwen uses a powerful potion in an effort to banish the creatures and is ordered to stand trial before the Consort of Paracelsus, charged with breaking The Code of Magic. The result is that the twins are left to don their mother’s mantle and deal with the creatures.

It becomes a fantasy quest to seek out the rare ingredients for a nigh on impossible potion in a world filled with forests, fairies, giants (and a beanstalk) and hags, where nothing is quite what it appears. It involves having to conquer fear, feel proud of who you are and accept help from unexpected sources.

Totally immersive – I read this book in one day – and I know I shall never look at undulating rural landscapes in the same way again.

Mr Norton’s New Truck

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Mr Norton’s New Truck
Huw Lewis Jones and Corey Egbert
Little Tiger

One Monday morning Mr Norton is about to set off for work when he discovers that a bear has been using his bicycle and has left a note to that effect. However, both wheels are now wonky and there’s honey dripping from the basket of the bike. Not one to make a todo, he does his best wobbling all the way but it takes a long time. On Tuesday Mr Norton tries to catch the bus but it’s jam-packed with all manner of creatures and so he walks the entire way in the rain with a few passengers hitching a ride.
Riding a scooter on Wednesday, with even more passengers, or should we say hangers on, he’s late for work ‘because the scooter was small, the bus was too busy, and the bear had been on his bicycle.’
Thursday’s option is a rickety wagon and Friday’s, a pair of roller skates but unsurprisingly he’s late again.

Come Saturday, Horace Norton doesn’t have to go to work and while having a relaxing soak in the bath he has a great idea. Outside in the barn is his grandfather’s old truck where it’s been for a fair few years. The truck has plenty of room for passengers but it’s not in any state to be driven. So on Sunday, he sets to work to make it roadworthy. By evening, he’s exhausted and the truck still isn’t working so he closes his eyes for a quick nap.

During his time of shut-eye, some friends carrying tools, Bear included, creep into the barn and get busy ‘bashing and buffing, welding and waxing, stitching and scrubbing’ throughout the night. Horace Norton is something of an avuncular character and come Monday morning his forbearance has resulted in him being gently woken with a welcome cuppa and a wonderful surprise.

A cracking, crazy cumulative story with repetition children will love to join in with, and dramatic, splendidly expressive, giggle-inducing illustrations. Likely to become a story time favourite in foundation stage/KS1 settings.

Dadbot: Rise of the Badbots / Pandora in Puzzlevale: Call of the Crow

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Dadbot: Rise of the Badbots
Jack Noel
Piccadilly Press

Dadbot returns in a second zany graphic novel story. It begins as Josh and Daisy are going back to school after the summer holidays. However, much as Dadbot would like to join then, Dad assures Josh and Daisy that with the school having banned smartphones, there’s absolutely no chance that “a massive robot with a butt printer” would be allowed so Dadbot must stay at home without them. When the doorbell rings, it’s not as expected their neighbour, but a representative from a company called Rust In Peace showing an interest in and offering loads of money for Dadbot. However Dad sends the rep. packing, but is suspicious of the turtle’s motives.

While Josh and Daisy are at school Dadbot has, with the best will in the world, interrupted Dad and his work but then there’s another ring of the doorbell and a large parcel is left by a delivery guy. It’s not the air fryer Mum has ordered; it’s an AI home assistant, something called a Honey. Dadbot is thrilled to have some company, especially as it’s another robot device. But then things start to go wrong: the internet for the entire town is down and Josh and Daisy are sent home as apparently the school can’t function without whiteboards and computers. Moreover they’re not sure about this new arrival; it feels as though she’s watching them and, her voice keeps on changing. Even worse, Dadbot seems totally besotted with Honey. Things get even weirder.
Dad takes Josh and Daisy to Silicon Valley to follow up on a label that was attached from one of the little robots that has appeared and to discover what exactly is going on.

However they find themselves face to face with a surprising character with a mission; and, Dadbot is definitely in danger. Things escalate and Josh and Daisy need to act super-fast to save not only Dadbot but their whole town; can they do so? Maybe with help from an unexpected source …

With plethora of puns and robots, this is huge fun especially for young tech. enthusiasts.

Pandora in Puzzlevale: Call of the Crow
Paul Duffield, Siobhan McKenna & Poqu
David Fickling Books

We’re back in Puzzlevale, the curious town where virtually everything is a mystery. Trapped there in a weirdly eerie mist that seems to transform whatever it touches, is Pandora, lover of mysteries. She knows that if she’s ever to see her parents again, she must unravel Puzzlevale itself and escape its clutches. There are twenty five mysteries in all to unravel in the story and to do so, she’ll need to crack codes, work through mazes, locate hidden objects and solve riddles, aided and abetted by readers.

This is a graphic novel and puzzle book all rolled into one, with intriguing puzzles that make for a thoroughly entertaining read. (At the end of the book are hints and answers called Pandora’s notes, some of which have visuals.)

The Bear and the Seed

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The Bear and the Seed
Poonam Mistry
Templar Books

Poonam’s latest book has an environmental theme and is a neo folk tale with a little bear as the main character. Bear lives in a large, dense forest with an abundance of stunning flowers and plants admired by the creatures from near and far who come to appreciate its beauty. One day though, all the flora of this forest vanishes and the creatures start to leave too. Not so Bear despite his grief, for he discovers a single tiny seed in a tuft of grass and he undertakes to keep it safe and help it grow. Having planted it in the ground he pokes it around but nothing happens except Worm pops its head up and when asked, offers some advice to the planter. Bear follows the advice but still nothing seems to happen. This is only the first animal that Bear asks for advice; then come Frog,

Bird and Fox; he even seeks help from the stars. Eventually one morning as the sun appears so does a tiny sprout from the seed. Bear guards and nurtures the little plant night and day but with the coming of winter’s cold, Bear begins to tire and eventually it’s time for him to hibernate. He falls into a deep sleep for several months until spring arrives and joy of joys, when he opens his eyes once more, there stands a sapling with branches reaching out into the sky. Time passes and eventually the tree produces seeds of its own bringing with them hope that Bear’s efforts will mean that a forest will once again return.

It’s well worth buying this book for its breathtakingly beautiful, intricately patterned illustrations alone. I loved exploring all the mandala-like designs and various shapes that make up the scenes large and small, and the patterns surrounding many parts of the text.

A book to share, discuss and to cherish.

The Sheep That Stole The Farmer’s Hat

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The Sheep That Stole The Farmer’s Hat
Tim Saunders and Carla Martell
Allen & Unwin

The animals that live on the farm are up to mischief appropriating items from the farmer’s washing line and using them for various purposes of their own, starting with the titular sheep.

The hens use his socks (not on their feet) for sneaking up on a fox, the goat utilises the coat to make a sail for his new boat, the dog wears the farmer’s trousers, the goose uses a boot to store root vegetables and as for the horse, she eats his shorts which make her sick so she has to miss a special event at school,

and so on. As a result, the poor farmer is so upset that he’s unable to work and remains inside for the entire day.

Then for some reason known only to herself, the sheep that started all this stealing decides to give back the farmer’s hat and with the other animals in agreement, the farmer has all his clothes returned, all that is apart from one item and we know its fate.

With Carla Martell’s hilarious illustrations of the farmer’s clothes being put to unconventional uses and Tim Saunders’ playful rhyming tale with repetition and silliness aplenty that reads well aloud, I suspect this will be requested over and over. Great fun.

Aya Has Never Seen A Bear

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Aya Has Never Seen A Bear
Gerelchimeg Blackcrane and Jiu’er
Greystone Kids

This story translated from the Chinese and set in the 1970s, features Aya and her grandparents who are members of the Oroqen tribe living a traditional life in the forests of Northern China.

One autumn morning Aya is woken by her Grandma’s calls and the return of her Grandpa to the camp with food and plans. It’s the plan that really interests Aya, for Grandpa wants to take her searching for bears in the deep woods after breakfast. Never before has she seen a bear so she’s really excited as she and Grandpa set off together on ponies. On their journey they see the leaves on the trees changing colour, birds migrating southwards and then a hare family in the bushes. Further on they see roe deer, an eagle owl and on the edge of the pine woods, a family of foxes.

As they arrive at the river valley between the mountains, Grandpa indicates the pine woods where the bears live. They dismount and continue on foot. stopping to sit and stare after a while. It’s a long wait till eventually a mother bear and her three cubs appear.

The cubs make for a rotten, mattress abandoned among scattered rubbish and the family snuggle together for a nap.
When the bears leave Grandpa and Aya burn all the rubbish to discourage the bears’ dependence on humans.

In keeping with its theme of patience, Gerelchimeg Blackcrane’s straightforward, gently told story that moves slowly in harmony and Jiu’er’s warm hued illustrations of the humans and the animals, are perfectly in tune with one another, A beautiful book that shows the importance of conservation and the intergenerational bond between Grandpa and Aya.

Further information about the Oroqen people is given in the back matter.

The Brave Little Whale

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The Brave Little Whale
Charlotte Manning
Otter-Barry Books

Fiction and fact come together in this book featuring Uki, a young Humpback Whale. Acting as narrator, Uki explains at the outset that his name means survivor and that his grandpa Yuka has looked after him for as long as he can remember.

One day Yuka informs Uki that he’s going to teach him his sea songs. The reason being that his grandfather isn’t going to lead the pod on the Polar journey that spring but will remain in the warm tropical seas and instead kind, gentle Cousin Amka will act as guide. As they depart Grandpa reminds Uki not to forget his songs and to be brave, but the little whale is feeling anything but brave.

On the journey the whales will face dangers many on their – hungry sharks, noise pollution and storms included.
After a storm, they encounter strange, unfamiliar objects in the sea – plastic pollution is causing a huge hazard to the whales. Amka sings to the other whales doing what Grandpa Yula had called ‘whispering’. Then comes a ‘click-click – squeeeeeak! sound: a pack of hungry Orcas had heard the migrating Humpbacks. Amka calls, “Scatter”, dives down and the other Humpbacks flee in all directions.

When Uki comes up to breathe, he’s safe but alone save for seabirds so he sings a calling song grandpa had taught him and gradually the pod reassembles but there’s no sign of Amka. Later he’s discovered entangled in a piece of fishing net, deep in the seaweed but the Orcas have found the Humpback pod. “Be brave” was what Grandpa Yuka had told Uki and so he sings loudly causing the Orcas to move right close. However rather than attacking, they follow their queen’s instructions and free Amka in return for something Grandpa Yuka had done long ago. The Orca queen also gives another instruction – what could it have been and will it help the Humpback pod to reach their Polar destination?

With bold, collage style illustrations and text with a powerful message about polluting the oceans, this fascinating book is one to add to KS1and KS2 collections

Bear and Bird: The Cloud

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Bear and Bird: The Cloud
Jarvis
Walker Books

This is essentially a prequel to the Bear and Bird short story books and it begins with Bear being a newcomer to Woody Wood Forest where he’s searching for a friend. However, it appears that all the other forest dwellers already have someone, which makes Bear feel sad. However, suddenly he hears a small voice saying “… My name is Bird and I’m looking for something. I wonder if you’ve seen it?” Bird is on a quest for the illusive Puffy Fluffy Octopus Cloud and although Bear has not seen what Bird seeks, he knows this is a chance for him to find the friend he desires.

The two join forces with Bear suggesting various ideas that might help Bird. Together they read a book about clouds,

share a storybook and even organise an octopus party. Thus the cloud search turns into a connection undertaking. Could it be that eventually they’ll discover something far more wonderful than the elusive cloud?

Full of warmth, tenderness and subtle humour, this is a story of yearning for friendship and belonging that young children will relate to while enjoying the adventures the two characters share. Jarvis’s illustrations with their playful details, depictions of Bear and Bird’s expressions and body language, and the pastel colours are a delight and both children and adults will want to spend time enjoying each and every page.

A book to share and talk about both at home and in preschool/ KS1 classrooms.

Mari and the Great Market Swap

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Mari and the Great Market Swap
Janelle Springer-Willms and Juliana Eigner
Barefoot Books

This story is set in Barbados where Mari and her Granny live on a backyard farm.

The ‘cock-a-doodle-doo’ of a rooster in the distance signals that it’s time for the two to load up the rusty van and set off to the market to sell their freshly picked guavas. They drive along narrow roads carefully avoiding the potholes, past fields of sugarcane and brightly painted houses to the small village where they park, unload and are warmly greeted by other vendors who are ‘like one big family, laughing and talking the whole day through.’

After a while, Mari’s friend Wendy arrives with some unwelcome news: “A sugarcane truck toppled upside down and blocking up de main road. So de customers can’t drive into town.” This meant that if they didn’t sell their goods everyone would struggle the following week. Suddenly though, the enterprising inclinations of Mari and her friend set to work: taking a basket each, they walk along to the ‘top road’ hoping to sell their goods to anyone. However, this is not what happens. Mari tries offering free samples but they have competition in the form of “free cane givin’ way up de road.” Suddenly along comes Granny saying she’s going for the van and what Wendy says next gives Mari her best idea yet. So begins a trading operating that everybody then joins in,

swapping with one another for what they need most. On her return Granny is overjoyed at what Mari has achieved

With Juliana Eiger’s vibrant, textured illustrations that are full of details to enjoy and the author’s use of Bajan creole in parts, readers really get the cultural vibe as they read this delightful book with its strong message of the importance of community.
(A final spread provides further information about Barbados, Bajan creole, markets and ways of trading.)

Whirby

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Whirby
Molly Harris and Jacob Souva
Harper 360

Robot, Whirby, loves school where he excels in such subjects as magnetics, circuitry and tinkering (I love the descriptive alliterations used) but his favourite subject is gadgeteering because this provides opportunities to engage in ‘bot battles’ with other students.

One night so excited is Wirby about the prospect of the next day’s battling tournament that he stays awake the whole time practising, rather than climbing onto his charging base for a battery recharge. The following morning he feels less that 100 percent: his gears feel gritty, his buttons ‘busted’ and his cranks ‘extra cranky’. Worse is to follow.

At school Whirby starts to malfunction

and by the time it’s his turn in the sporting ring, his battery is completely flat making him ‘officially wiped out’. His teacher, Dr. Whizzbang sends him back home to recover and recharge.

Devastated at his lost opportunity, that night Whirby focuses on his body and realises that something needs to be changed. He codes a new sequence to follow each night

and makes sure he sleeps properly so that when asked again by Dr Whizzbang if he’s ready for a rematch, a fully charged Whirby should be all systems go against Dottie the Destroyer.

Weaving technical vocabulary into the narrative, Molly Harris’s story reads aloud well and with Jacob Souva’s striking illustrations, makes for a fun book that reminds young readers about the dangers of over-exertion both physical or mental.

The Heart of the Storm

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The Heart of the Storm
Teresa Heapy and Kate Read
Otter-Barry Books

Ruby the fox and Growl the wolf live not far from one another deep in the forest and they’re sworn enemies.
One day a fierce storm hits the forest, ripping branches from trees and hurling them to the ground causing all the animals including Ruby and Growl to run for cover. Then suddenly Ruby trips. After a brief altercation between the two, a tree trunk is damaged and the tree begins to fall. Ruby grabs at Growl’s fur and just manages to pull him out of the way as the tree crashes to the ground.

The erstwhile enemies decide to stick together, temporarily at least. With Ruby on Growl’s back, they travel through dangerously muddy terrain with Ruby giving directions and Growl struggling onwards, eventually skidding and slithering towards a huge tree. Using her paws, Ruby manages to hold on while also grabbing a branch and bringing them to a halt, temporarily. But then a powerful river wave causes Ruby to lose her grip on Growl’s coat and she’s sent spinning upstream in the wind. Growl turns and begins swimming towards her. Still clinging to a branch Ruby, Ruby tells Growl to leave her behind but Growl pays no heed. “Jump, Ruby!” comes his urgent voice

and so she does, right into Growl’s outstretched paws.

Finally the rain stops, dawn breaks in the forest bringing with it promise, hope and appreciation and love between Ruby and Growl forever ridding them of their enmity, and now they live happily together.

Teresa Heapy’s descriptions of the events really make readers feel that they’re caught up in the storm along with the two protagonists, while Kate Read’s collage style illustrations capture the drama of Teresa’s telling brilliantly in this enemies become friends story of courage and kindness.

The Elementals: Wanzu Sets Sail / Marty Moose: The Great Stamp-ede

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The Elementals: Wanzu Sets Sail
Love SSega, illustrated by Erika Meza
Little Tiger

Eight year old Wanzu lives on Sealand with his wise grandma, Jjajja. Every child on this island is linked to one of the elements: air, earth, fire, water but whereas all his friends have found their powers, Wanzu hasn’t. Then one day he notices that his grandma is worried. It’s on account of the unsettled weather and unusually high tides. Out on his raft he starts playing his harp and singing, when a dolphin appears. Mr Dolphin has a message for Wanzu’s Jjajja about the rising waters and an impending storm. The dolphin adds that Wanzu has an important role to play.

It’s not long before he finds himself leading a perilous rescue mission, travelling by sea, that takes him and his friends on a hazardous journey away from the island. They travel to such magical places as Taiaroa Heights where they meet some helpful albatrosses and Beaver Island where they learn useful things, all the while working (and sometimes singing) together to solve the problems they encounter. Can they find a way to prevent the water from rising? Will Wanzu discover his element during the adventure and if so what is it?

Teamwork is key in this unusual story and there’s an important environmental message about managing the waterways, not only for the present but also for future generations. Recommended for readers around Wanzu’s age who are taking off as solo readers.

Marty Moose: The Great Stamp-ede
Claire Powell
Walker Books

This is a very funny follow-up, or should we say chase-up to First Class Mischief starring a Postmouse and his sidekick Nibbles. On any normal day Marty would be setting off on his round but today is not a normal day. It’s the annual Fastest Feathers Race, a strictly birds only event. Little Ditch’s post office is closed. Excitement is extra high as the prize this year is a golden egg, with Betty Beaker the absolute favourite.

With a large number of Little Ditchers gathered on the sidelines, Hurricane Honk official race judge, approaches Marty in a bit of a bother. He hasn’t received the golden egg (apparently he’d gone for a quick quiff and missed the delivery. He asks Marty to retrieve the prize and get it back to the finishing line before the end of the race. ‘Panicking postbags’ thinks the mouse but agrees to go.

Off he sets with loyal Nibbles on a madcap chase that entails navigating a dangerously shaking tree – THUNK, TWACK, negotiating a foggy forest, a set to with a pair of dastardly ducks that aren’t really ducks at all but ferret bandits, hitching a ride on Tank the bull and a surprising prize for the winner.…

A ridiculous romp that races along (in places) with highly dramatic illustrations; it will have readers wriggling on their rears.

Bun / Dog Stayed

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These are both recent Allen & Unwin books – thanks to the publishers and Laura Smythe for sending them for review

Bun
Hana Kinoshita Thomson

When Bun wakes up she brushes her teeth and gets ready to head out to her vegetable patch. There she pulls up some of her very best carrots to use later on – well she can’t resist eating one there and then. Off she goes to visit her friends for other things she requires; first she gets eggs, followed by cream cheese and walnuts. With everything she needs, back she goes to her kitchen where she sets out the ingredients and utensils and starts work. It’s clear she enjoys baking, after which she washes up and hangs some bunting outside ready to welcome her friends who come to share in the tasty treat what awaits them.

Part and parcel of each double spread is a snail and little humans will have fun finding the tiny mollusc in the engaging scenes at every turn of the page. A sweet story about sharing.

Dog Stayed
Tammy Forster and Margeaux Davis

One morning after a slight altercation between gruff old Mr Hindbottom and a door-to-door sales person, a dog appears by the old man’s front door. Despite him not wanting the creature, it stays no matter what Mr Hindbottom does and so eventually against the odds, they become companions and friends. The old man takes good care of the dog and is more welcoming to other people,

but little by little he becomes worn out and he leaves the dog forever.

Dog remains in the house with his quilt promising he’ll never love anybody again. People come and move out Mr Hindbottom’s furniture and new people move in, including a little girl but despite her efforts, things are never the same again. I wonder if Dog ever grows to love the child.

A sensitive story of love and loss beautifully illustrated in watercolour and pencil by Margeaux Davis.

Bad United: Team Spirit / The Gumdrops: Quest for Bravery

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These are both recent graphic novel style books from Little Tiger – thanks to the publisher for sending them for review.

Bad United: Team Spirit
Louise Forshaw

Such are the skills of Bad United that after a series of wins they get some exciting news: Uni-Horn Roamers – a pro league team have invited them to play a friendly match. As you’d expect Bad United are thrilled to bits though manager Serena is not available to coach them; instead she leaves Bones, the captain, in charge of getting them ready for the event. Everyone is enthusiastic until they realise that their captain seems to be taking things rather more seriously than other members of the team, criticising almost their every move. “Up your game” and “Try harder” they’re told.

Tensions rise … and rise as match day approaches. Then when the big day dawns, back comes Serena. Can the team hold it together and make her proud or has exhaustion wrecked their chances. After things have gone badly, come half time Bones makes a revelation and Serena reminds them what matters most in a game. Could this be the turning point of the match and who will win in the end?

The fourth book in the super silly graphic novel series is every bit as fun as the previous ones and will certainly have fans cheering for Bad United.

The Gumdrops: Quest for Bravery
Elissa Elwick

Meet the Gumdrops – Hope, Bubbles, Sparky and Rainbow – guardians of magical Yummy Gummy Land. One day they receive a letter from seven year old Daisy; she’s just moved to a new town and needs an imaginary friend to play with so she feels less shy. The Gumdrops head off to the library where they create a recipe to make her ideal companion. After some investigation they decide on a heap of kindness, a dash of silliness, a pinch of patience and a sprinkle of bravery.

However when they go to the Imaginary Friend Factory to look for the ingredients, they discover a note written by Evilee informing them that she’s destroyed all the Bravery. Intent on helping Daisy, the Gumdrops set off on a quest to find more Bravery, a quest that takes them to the top of the tallest mountain in Yummy Gummy Land.

With its delightful characters (mostly), this brightly illustrated story where interaction is encouraged by the narrator, with readers being asked to do such things as, blowing the page, inverting it, thinking of passwords and shaking the Gumdrops dry after they fall into the Story Swamp, celebrates friendship, determination and creativity.

Mo’s Stick

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Mo’s Stick
Fiona Lumbers
Little Tiger

Mo had a stick, a very special stick, but then it was lost. Without that favourite stick Mouse will be unable to draw very good pictures, fly high in the sky, he won’t have a mast for his sailing boat, no fishing rod, and no implement for poking dragons: in fact nothing amazing at all. Poor Mo feels very sad, certain that no other stick could possibly be its equal.
But Mouse is a creature with a big imagination and uses it in creative play and that is what he’s been using that lost stick to do.

I have often I seen a young child picking up a stick and doing just what Mouse was doing, but though it’s the vital element in their creative activities, it’s the ideas they have, sparked by the stick that open up that wealth of possibilities.

Mo is a very endearing little character and it’s lovely to see how the external narrator gently supports the creature’s ideas so that eventually he’s able to see that it’s him, not a particular stick that is key.

This superbly crafted, uplifting child-centred story needs to be shared in every nursery/preschool setting and in families with young children: it’s simply splendid.

Unexpected Guests / Lion in a Hurry

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Unexpected Guests
Mariajo Ilustrajo
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

This story is told from the viewpoint of a mouse, one of many that inhabit the house that a family of humans move in to. Said mouse calls a meeting and informs all the other mice about the arrival of ‘visitors’. No one knows what to do, though there are rumours about humans circulating thanks to Uncle Rupert’s stories, so the narrating mouse decides to investigate and is assisted by a few friends. What they discover are some interesting objects such as an electric toothbrush and a trainer boot, a whole lot of delicious edibles and a large box of ‘other stuff’. Having explored thoroughly the mice leave everything just as it was, so they say. Really?

The following day, eager to have one more sampling of the ‘yummy’ human food, off they go again. However, there’s a young human around and one of the mice ends up rather too close for comfort. This human then proceeds to get busy with a cardboard box and some bits and pieces. Meanwhile other members of the mouse family plan a rescue operation that seems to the narrator, to be dangerous

and they end up joining the one they were hoping to release from its confinement. Happily though, their captor turns out to be a human of the good sort. Have the mice come to mouse paradise? Maybe …. or maybe not!

With a clever twist in its tail, interactive elements (a gatefold and die-cut holes) this story will have young humans squeaking with delight at these rodent residents, their curiosity and its outcome.

Lion in a Hurry
Tiphanie Beeke
Graffeg

One afternoon when out exploring, Lion notices a sign about the Main Street parade to be held at 6pm. He’s particularly keen to go so he can see the Big Red Truck and as the jungle clock strikes four, off he sets through the jungle in his yellow jeep. Suddenly he hears a loud noise: cheetah has hurt his paw and needs a ride to the parade. Soon after Snake asks for a lift too and then so does Crocodile. By now Lion is somewhat agitated but still he stops to pick up Croc. When they reach the waterfall Elephant is struggling along on his achy legs. Somehow they manage to accommodate the pachyderm too, but then the wheels of the jeep get wedged in the rickety bridge just as five o’clock strikes.

So upset is Lion that his tears fall down towards the river just as Hippo approaches on his raft. Hippo is happy to help so Lion and friends board the raft. Then they hear a small voice calling, “Wait for me!” It’s Potto.

By now it seems that they can’t possibly reach their destination in time to see the Red Truck but nonetheless Lion’s friends tell him to keep going. Lion has a dilemma; should he stop for Potto or not? The jungle clock strikes six. Despite all Lion’s efforts, are they too late or will his kindness be rewarded?
Steamy, soft focus watercolours capture the animals’ anxiety throughout the journey until they finally reach their destination in this tale of good will and friendship. Young listeners will have their fingers crossed for Lion et al throughout the story.

Luna Grace Girl From Outer Space: Sea Safari

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Luna Grace Girl From Outer Space: Sea Safari
Julie Sykes illustrated by Emily Jones
Piccadilly

Luna Grace, her Earth scientist parents, little brother, Leo, and Twizzle, her moon cat and best friend who communicates with her tail, are settling in to life on Earth having come from Starbright, their home planet. As this second story opens, Luna is excited about their visit to Puffin Island. Her Mum and Dad want to investigate the flora and fauna – dolphins and puffins included – respectively; Luna though has decided to look for a mermaid.


All the family, especially Luna, get excited when dolphins appear as they cross to the island. Once there some misunderstandings become evident, what it says about puffins in their Galaxy Traveller being one. Puffins do not puff, rather as the Graces and we readers learn, they make a purring sound. Another is that mermaids use empty mermaid’s purses to keep their coins in.

After lunch, when ‘pesky gulls’ make themselves a big nuisance, Luna has to wait for her swim and passes the time crafting a sand mermaid but at last she and Dad are ready – Dad to make notes on the shore, Luna to look for a mermaid in the sea. Some time later Luna hears a terrified squeak; a little dolphin is caught up in a rope. It’s an emergency so she decides to take matters in her own hands. Can she, with Twizzle’s help, rescue the creature before the tide is too far out and the boat is stuck in the harbour mud? And seeing a mermaid? What do you think?

This story is a delightful combination of words and pictures that together show much about Luna’s family and their relationships, mixing in gentle humour and a little risk-taking. With pops of colour in the illustrations and no spread without a picture, it’s just right for new solo readers.

Whack A Moley / Follow The Leader

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These are both recent books from Little Tiger – thanks to the publisher for sending them for review.

Whack A Moley
Bethan Clarke and Anders Frang

This is a laugh-out-loud sequel to Holey Moley that features Mavis Mole and Gus Goat. The two are an unlikely pair of friends: Gus exudes energy whereas Mavis only likes static activities. So, when Gus asks if they can play a game Mavis chooses tiddlywinks – her favourite. Gus wants something much more bold and active – ouch-inducing Whack A Moley. That or various alternatives that sound not dissimilar such as ‘quack a moley’, ‘snack a moley’ and stack a moley.

A wonderfully crazy comedic concatenation of suggestions that rely on wordplay and rhyme combined with the deadpan humour of Anders Frang’s splendidly stylish, deliciously dramatic scenes of the fun and games.

With a final twist, Bethan and Anders’ nonsensical, giggle inducing book is just the thing to show children that language is fun. Definitely one that will be enjoyed over and over.

Follow The Leader
Harriet Howe and Ariel Landy

It’s a sizzling hot morning in the jungle so Bear, Monkey and Armadillo decide to take a trip to the lake to cool off. The three enthuse about their destination and as it was Monkey’s suggestion, he insists on leading the way. This results in a bit of squabbling but after a while the other two fall in line, especially as Monkey has the map. Then though, a mishap occurs that ends up with Panda becoming leader and some time later, the map is ruined. Further disagreements occur, and three very sweaty animals eventually reach their destination where they finally come to understand about the importance of teamwork.

This rhyming tale is full of energy and fun and the illustrations of the animals and their somewhat hazardous journey ramp up the drama.

RT

The Street Art Mystery / You vs The Poison Plot

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The Street Art Mystery
Sharna Jackson
Puffin

It’s nearly the end of the holidays and Margot (narrator), Wesley and Josephine have planned an exciting weekend before they start secondary school. Nothing they insist, will get in the way of their plans in London; it’s going to be a big adventure. However, when they’re staying in Notting Hill with Margot’s mum and her new boyfriend, Teddy, something happens that they can’t possibly ignore. The three children follow clues across West London on the trail, they hope, of a very creative murderer and also some amazing street art.
From skate parks and tower blocks to canal towpaths, their investigations take them to the Notting Hill Carnival where they become part of a float. Can the three connect up all the bits of evidence in time to solve this mystery?

I’d not read Sharna’s previous novel but I certainly will do so now and I recommend that readers around the age of Margot, Wesley and Josephine read this twisting, turning story.

You vs The Poison Plot
Josh Hicks
Walker Books

It’s up to the reader to decide how this, the first instalment in the author’s new interactive mystery series unfolds. On the eve of the school talent show (the biggest event of the year) the drama teacher, Mr Rosso collapses suddenly – poisoned maybe?
You the reader, as the school newspaper’s main investigative journalist and editor, must crack the case. You’ll need to make the right decisions, decide who to interview, what evidence you collect, where you explore, watch out for red herrings and eventually unravel the mystery before tomorrow’s show.

With a wealth of clues to follow, characters to profile and avenues to take, humour that prevents things getting too heavy, as well as lots of black and white illustrations, many acting as puzzles or clues. this book is just right for fans of graphic novels and comics, especially murder mysteries and choose your own adventure stories. Prepare to be gripped from the outset.

The Subject Society: The Pythagoras Puzzle / Ham Ed and Chips

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These are both new titles from Tiny Tree Books – thanks to the publisher for sending them for review

The Subject Society: The Pythagoras Puzzle
Sarah Surgey, illustrated by Larisa Ivanković

Seven year old Mabel, who aspires to be a doctor, is fed up with being bossed around by her brothers Tom and Stan. She decides to turn the small shed at the bottom of the garden into a clubhouse. Her Dad agrees so long as it’s a place that grows her mind. Mabel ponders on this not really understanding what he meant. Science doesn’t seem to hold the answer but what about other subjects? Maybe her friends could help: on Monday morning Mabel’s Subject Society is formed. But do any of them have a problem to solve?

In dashes Theo telling his friends that he has a violin exam in a week and his teacher has told him he’s out of pitch with his violin. Being deaf, Mabel thinks this is something she can help with. At last: a problem that needs solving. Then Uma picks up a book called Pythagoras and Pythagorean Tuning. The latter ‘is all about the number 5. To find the perfect pitch, you have to count in fives (fifths) Nora writes in her notebook. Could this be the answer to helping Theo? If so, come exam day, will he be able to remember what he’s been told and not let his nerves get the better of him? Could maths help him pass?

STEAM, friendship, teamwork and determination are all important elements of the Subject Society in Sarah Surgey’s tale and with illustrations by Larisa Ivanković adding to the fun, this book is ideal for those just taking off as solo readers.

Ham Ed and Chips
Tom Phipps

This story is set in, around and over the village of Ham Green in the countryside of SW England. Therein reside a cat-like, squirrel-like alien, Ham, that crash landed on Earth, Ed, a blue-tit and Chips, a small dog that lives in Ham Green Pub and Restaurant with his family – Mum (i/c the business) , Dad (i/c the kitchen) and young Molly who views rules as things to be broken, especially those in the rule book Mum has compiled for her.

Ham too has rules, the first being, Saturday must include an egg and cheese sandwich. She’s also quite inventive (when needs be anyway) and her latest invention is a remote controlled sofa. It’s on this contraption that, much to Molly’s alarm, Chips is sent into space and lots of other dogs have also gone missing, seemingly vanishing into thin air. The following morning chaos breaks out on the Green and Molly is accused of being responsible for the dogs’ disappearance and confined to her room. Things get curiouser and curiouser and we meet the said villain of the story, one Treacle, a little pug that insists on being called Tre and owner Petunia Botton-Wells aka peculiar Bottom-Smells.

Eventually Molly’s time runs out and she has to face the now, exceedingly angry villagers in the pub restaurant when suddenly the old barn full of dogs floats past the window. How will all this end? Will the floating barn crash land on the pub or elsewhere? And the dogs – stinky or not?

The whole thing is decidedly daft with a smattering of canine logic. Altogether it’s lots of fun, has a fair few rules, is an easy read, and its presentation is spot on for new solo readers

Big Bear is Coming!

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Big Bear is Coming!
Anuska Allepuz
Walker Books

In the heart of the forest lives a family of four bear cubs and at sunset, their senses alert, they hear ‘shuffle-shuffling, scratch-scratching, stamp-stomping’ and a low sounding “GRRRRRR!” Surely that signifies Big Bear is coming. Down to the river to hide scramble the cubs and jump, jump across the stones, thinking they are safe. Wait though; they smell ‘fishy breath, a very stinky bottom and the strong stench of wet. soggy fur’. That must certainly mean BIG BEAR is coming!

Up the rocks they scamper and then down the hill they roll. Now there’s no sound of Big Bear and no smell of Big Bear but just to be on the safe side, so they can spy Big Bear’s lumbering approach, they climb up to the top of a tree. There they spy a scary creature with large staring eyes, a sharp beak and they hear “TWIT-TWOO!” It must be a monster, but what? Down jump the cubs, down, down to where something big and soft cushions their landing and helps save the day.

Part of the fun for young listeners is that to begin with Big Bear is a shadowy being but little by little as the tale progresses he becomes visible. Perhaps the observant among them will guess the true identity of Big Bear.

Anuska Allepuza’s green, purple and blue hues really bring the forest to life and little humans will love joining in and shouting the repeat refrain. This tale is great fun, full of suspense and contains a gentle life lesson: use all your senses when trying to interpret what is going on around you. I envisage repeat reading being demanded by young audiences.

Death by Chocolate

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Death by Chocolate
Anna Brooke
Chicken House

Having to move to France and leave her best friends Kate and Rose behind in England is only the start of Coco Bean’s limited new life. Her Francophile parents have given up their teaching jobs, taken a bank loan and bought a run down French hotel in a village named Mont-Lavande, surrounded by lavender fields. Her mum and dad describe it as full of potential but to Coco it has nothing to offer, especially as she’s unable to speak French. That at least is when she first arrives but it’s not long before weird things begin to happen: for a start an icy wind, a swinging lampshade and the smell of chocolate in her bedroom during the night. It’s not a ghost surely, Coco tells herself, but her parents are too busy preparing for the opening of Hotel Framboise and trying to get themselves noticed on social media to take much notice.

Meanwhile on the staircase there sits a ghost contemplating how he can get rid of the family that’s just moved in. Then, Coco encounters a boy named Louis at the boulangerie who asks her if she’s seen the ghost. Unsurprisingly she starts to feel confused and a little scared.

The ghost, Monsieur Isidore Framboise, knows a great deal about chocolate and agrees to share his famed skills with Coco and her new found friend Louis in exchange for their help in finding out the truth behind his murder.
Enter Atticus Carmichael, celebrity chef and presenter of Coco and her friends Kate and Rose’s favourite TV baking show, Bake the Day. He tells Coco’s parents that he’s looking for ideas for a new TV show and was considering featuring their hotel and straight away he’s given a room and made welcome. Are his motives exactly what he says though? Could there possibly be a link between Carmichael and Monsieur Framboise?

To say this is a sweet story would be inaccurate although chocolate is one of its main ingredients, it’s also a race against time and an intriguing mystery in which love plays a part. It should go down well with older KS2 readers, many of whom, like this reviewer will devour it in a single day.

Where Are You, Eddie?

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Where Are You, Eddie?
Michael Rosen and Gill Smith
Walker Books

Michael Rosen has already given us the Sad Book about the loss of his son Eddie and now he’s written another picture book wherein having asked himself, “Where are you, Eddie? Are you here?” he talks to the cat, Meg, about his feelings.

To begin with the author feels that Eddie is not coming back. He’s not anywhere. “Is that the end?” he asks Meg. Meg’s response sends him out and onto a bus where he sits and thinks. He thinks about how Eddie wriggled on bus rides and played a special tickling game. “Are you there, Eddie” asks the author. He’s not there physically on the bus, nor is he tossing chips and catching them in his mouth as they walk along past the fish shop. He’s not being mischievous on school photo day, nor playing goalie in the hockey game, not building sandcastles on the beach with his siblings, nor playing a trick with the cat food.

However, the boy’s father sees that because he is remembered and loved by everyone who knew him (and still is to this day), Eddie is still with him.

Essentially, then, rather than a loss or an ending, this is a special way to keep a loved one forever close. This is a deeply profound book about grieving and remembering that will likely bring tears to your eyes, so make sure you have a box of tissues to hand. Your loved one has left things in the world as a message that says, I’m no longer visibly there but I will always be there for you, in your mind and your heart. Gill Smith captures sadness and happiness both, in her touching scenes of the special memories.

This is a book to share with all children not just those who may have lost a loved one.

Bear Worries

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Bear Worries
Natalia Shaloshvili
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

The bear protagonist in this tale is a worrier and always anticipates the worst when he undertakes something. On this occasion we first meet him with an almost empty packet of cookies in his paw, worrying in case he’s eating the last one. On discovering it is, he rushes out, already worrying about the shop being about to close, missing the bus and having to walk through the scary forest. This all happens and our narrator finds himself lost in the forest. He then starts a new concatenation of what ifs, finally arriving at the end of a very long line of customers waiting outside the cookie shop.

As luck would have it, the very last cookie is sold to a duck; poor Bear. However, Duck has a kind heart and a generous nature so decides to share his purchase with Bear; but that isn’t quite the end of the story. There’s a surprise final twist …

The lesson Bear learns in this story is that keeping your worries to yourself can make them grow, but sharing them with another person will likely make them shrink. This is an important life lesson for young humans to learn too. Natalia’s book with its ursine character and expressive smudgy mixed media illustrations offers a good starting point.

Tick-Tock Around the Clock

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Tick-Tock Around the Clock
Ruth Brown
Scallywag Press

The pendulum clock strikes seven bongs rousing Tick-Tock a marmalade moggy, from his slumbers. Having munched and crunched through breakfast, he exits the house through the cat flap, out into the garden with its abundance of wildlife. Squirrels bombard the cat with acorns, some of which are consumed by a little mouse but unfortunately, it’s too quick for the cat that pursues the rodent into the shed.

There, the cat pounces causing all manner of paint tins, flower pots and garden tools to come cascading down, while the mouse dashes away as fast as its tiny legs will carry it – wheeee! Eventually the cat, now covered in what looks like compost, comes out into the descending darkness of the garden and has a wash. An adult appears to call the moggy in for tea, which is followed by a cosy snuggle and then it’s time for bed, purr, purr, purr.

With its minimal onomatopoeic text that echoes the ticking of the clock and Ruth Brown’s realistic depictions of Tick-Tock and the surrounding environment, this is ideal for sharing with an individual or small group who will enjoy joining in with all the sounds and perusing the detailed scenes of Tick-Tock’s day.

Locked in the Museum

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Locked in the Museum
Leisa Stewart-Sharpe and Acapulco Studio
Templar Books

When Liam is accidentally left behind on a school trip readers, along with the boy, are taken behind the scenes of the Most Marvellous Museum as new rooms and artefacts mysteriously appear. There follows a surprising adventure visiting nine galleries and exploring more than one hundred artefacts from almost forty countries.

The fascinating items encountered in the Nature Gallery include an enormous African elephant that lets out a loud trumpeting sound and comes to life before you, as does a Japanese spider crab with a leg span just under four metres, and a giant squid.
In the Ancient Egyptian Room an Egyptologist introduces some mummies and moving on to the Art Gallery there’s Maman – a massive steel spider nine metre high (taller than a giraffe)

as well as some other wonderful works of art including a painting by Mary Cassatt and a ginormous world-famous masterpiece by Michelangelo. In the Transport Gallery travelling by air, sea and land are covered and it was great to see mention of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott and its outcome.

Exhibits from all over the world are gathered together in each section and each item’s real location is given at the end of the book in the Museum Credits spread. Ideal for encouraging children to visit them for real should they be in the appropriate place.
It’s good to read that many countries and museums now recognise that some items in their collections including human remains should be returned to their rightful owners and precious objects are gradually being returned to their original homes.

With several fold out spreads extending the number of objects available to view, there is an absolute wealth of fantastic exhibits to discover and linger over, and readers are also introduced to the conservators, palaeontologists and others who work in the museum.

A book to add to home and school collections.

Terrible True Tales: Saxons / Terrible True Tales: Victorians

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Both books are published by Bloomsbury Education: thanks to the publisher for sending them for review.

Terrible True Tales: Saxons
Terrible True Tales: Victorians
Terry Deary

Continuing the Terrible True Tales series, Horrible Histories author Terry Deary presents two new four in one titles, each accessibly written in his chatty style.

The four Saxon Tales are set in turn in Yorkshire, Maidstone (Kent) and the Kingdom of Mercia (the Midlands of today). The first is related by Ardith Hutton whose father, a tanner died from plague. Ardith, narrowly escaped being burnt alive in their home and was taken in by Wilfred a kind neighbour, became his apprentice and then almost got burnt alive again. Eventually after Wilfred died, Ardith took on his role and in turn found an apprentice.

Fictional children are the main focus in each of the other tales so readers are given a glimpse of what it was like to be a youngster in Anglo Saxon times. Figures from history include King Offa (of Mercia), King Athelstan (of England) and the foolish King Vortigern and topics mentioned are medicine, magic and healing, bandits and the work children did.
Following each story comes an afterword that puts the tale into a historical context and some ‘You Try’ activities for children.
With Tambo’s black and white illustrations further illuminating the text, this is a smashing way to encourage primary age children to engage with history that could otherwise perhaps be dull and dry.

Also told in Deary’s captivating style and bursting with information is Victorians wherein the focus is on travel during the Industrial Revolution.
The stories are about in turn, the first powered airship set in Paris invented by Henri Gifford, the first steamship the Sirius, to travel to America, the Staplehurst rail crash in Kent (Dickens features herein) and finally, the Big Stink that tells the story of the London sewers and related to it, the invention of the London Underground.
Like the previous book, children play an important role in each tale and this book is illustrated in an appropriately dramatic style, by Helen Flook

The Lost Robot

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The Lost Robot
Joe Todd-Stanton
Flying Eye Books

Not so much lost as deposited in a rubbish dump has been the fate of the broken robot at the heart of this story. Said robot has no idea from where it came but knows that it doesn’t belong on the dump so it starts walking. On its journey it passes a woman wearing an eye-patch; she has a baby on her back and is sorting through rubbish. Continuing on its way, the robot goes through a hole in a wall, on the other side of which are lots of people. This reminds the robot that it once had a person too but it wasn’t any of these. Then up on a billboard, it notices a robot not unlike itself and it’s advertised as ‘Your new best friend’. Seeing this initiates a memory of when the robot was given to a boy as a present and the exciting things the two did together.

But then the robot recalls a less pleasant memory: the boy’s parents gave their son an updated version of the robot. Now the protagonist is determined to find its friend but would he recognise his old robot? Perhaps a quick fix might help?

After a long, long walk the robot reaches a house that it remembers; however something is different. Inside, the boy is having fun with one of the new robots. Telling himself he had woken up right where he was supposed to be, back goes the little robot to the piles of rubbish where it falls fast asleep. When it wakes up, several years have passed: the baby seen on its mother’s back is now a little girl; she notices the robot, claims it and she and her mother drive the long distance to their home where they transform their find into a colourful robot full of love and joy, just like its new family.

A wonderful fable of renovations and restoration wherein Joe Todd-Stanton provides lots of visual cues in his illustrations so that readers can make connections as the story unfolds. This is a treasure of a book to seek out and return to over and over.

I am Ray’s Imaginary Friend

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I am Ray’s Imaginary Friend
Brian Moses, illustrated by Bethan Welby
Scallywag Press

Written in verse by poet Brian Moses, this is an intensely moving, sensitive story about coping with change. Its narrator is one of the star pupils from the School for Imaginary Friends who is given the name Jacob when he responds to eight year old Ray’s call of distress.

Ray loves his life in Pratts Bottom village but then he overhears his parents talking about moving away because his Dad has a new job. Horrified by the idea he even contemplates running away. Instead he calls into being an imaginary friend. Jacob. Jacob takes his role very seriously, even going so far as to deliver difficult messages to Ray, knowing that in the long run they will help the boy. In addition to being there for him, Jacob particularly likes to say ‘yes’. ‘I like to say yes, / even if I ought to say no. / Saying yes makes Ray feel good / and makes me feel good too.’ we read.
To begin with Ray does lots of everyday things with Jacob as well telling his mum off when she almost drives into him. It’s merely a phase, is what his parents think.

A little while later at his new school, Ray’s teacher talks about what’s happening in Ukraine and this leads to two things: first Ray writes a poem about it which is put on the school website and then his family decide to open their new home to two Ukrainian refugees.

As he hears about and processes what the mother and son have endured, Ray realises that his own problems are not so bad after all and it’s then that Jacob knows it’s time for him to find someone else to help.

Quietly brilliant, this is a book that explores coping with change and becoming mentally stronger and the powerful influence of empathy. The latter in particular is brought out beautifully in Bethan Welby’s black and white drawings. It’s a must read for older KS2 readers either at home or as a shared class book.

Wirtz / We

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Wirtz
Matt and Tom Oldfield
Dino Books

This latest addition to the Ultimate Football Heroes tells the story of current Liverpool star Florian Wirtz and his footballing journey from the school playground to the hallowed turf of Anfield.
Liverpool fans and avid young followers of football alike, will doubtless enjoy reading how having become the youngest goal scorer in the history of Bundesliga, Wirtz later went on to win the German title with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Having grown tremendously as a player under the management of Xabi Alonso, Wirtz was signed by Slot’s Reds in the summer of 2025 and is now seeking to take his place in Merseyside folklore. I highly recommend you get you hands on a copy of the book and discover how you too might be able to follow in Florian’s footsteps.
(This review was written by 10 year old Sam who is an avid soccer fan.)

Interestingly the first woman featured in the next book is a soccer player too.

We
Yu Yi, designed by Yu Rong
Fox & Ink Books

This picture book focuses on women who have become highly successful in a wide range of fields from maths to music and space travel to soccer.

First off we meet world-famous footballer Marta Vieira da Silva who grew up in the Brazilian town of Dios Riachos and played football in the streets with the other children. She always yearned to be a football player and her favourite player was Rivaldo. She became her school soccer team’s top scorer and as a teenager saved up and travelled to Rio to try out for the Vasco da Gama club. Since then she’s played in five world cups, scored seventeen goals and become the top scoring player in World Cup history. Described as the biggest name in women’s football, she was honoured as FIFA’s Player of the Year six times – amazing!

Other women featured include Wang Yaping who became China’s first woman space walker and Nobel prize-winning scientist Carolyn Bertozzi.
All these women and the others included – the titular ‘We’ – followed their dreams, took risks and their contributions have changed the world we live in today. A book to inspire young readers to dream big too and not be put off by naysayers.

Igor and the Mending Mice

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Igor and the Mending Mice
Alexander Mostov
Ivy Kids

In a little town where fashion was everything, people threw clothes away that weren’t perfect and bought new ones. That meant anything torn, faded, stained or no longer fashionable enditfked up on the scrap heap. This meant that for Igor, the owner of the towns’s biggest garment factory, business was booming.

However unbeknown to him, as he worked, a family of mice studied his techniques through a crack in the wall. What they saw inspired the mice to teach themselves to darn, sew, embroider and hem using the abandoned garments. Soon their cupboards were full of amazing made-to-measure clothes.

The mice then decided on a new challenge – mending the discarded clothes – so they set to work creating funky garments from them. The townsfolk were thrilled and gave the mice delicious cheese to thank them. Moreover they stopped buying brand-new clothes, which meant that Ivor’s business started to fail.

One night when everyone was asleep, Igor crept out and set a trap for the mice comprising mendable clothing outside his factory. The following morning there was a chase as the mice hurried through the town with Igor hot on their tails and just as he was about to catch them, he tumbled into a thorny bush, tearing his favourite coat that had been passed down through generations of his family. The sight of the heartbroken Igor is a turning point for both the mice and the factory owner: can you imagine what happened?

The importance of re-using and re-cycling is at the heart of this story. A sharing of the book could well be the starting point for a discussion with young listeners; it’s never too soon for them to become responsible citizens aware of how crucial re-using and recycling are for the environment.

My Tiger

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My Tiger
Joy Cowley and David Barrow
Gecko Press

We first encounter the young boy narrator’s tiger as the two of them are wandering down the road just outside a cake shop. The window is full of the tiger’s favourite food: cake. They enter and the baker is anxious to know whether the tiger is dangerous. “He only eats cake”, his friend replies and the feline proceeds to sample some of the cakes. Almost inevitably after a diet of sweet confectionary, the tiger gets a bad toothache.

Time for a visit to the dentist. Clearly alarmed like the baker, the dentist inquires whether the tiger is dangerous. She receives the same assurance as the baker and so the tiger is coaxed into her chair. The drill makes the patient howl and growl but eventually the tooth is fixed. “Tell him he’s not to have cake again,” the dentist tells first the boy and then the tiger.

So what is the tiger supposed to eat: what do you think is best suited to his needs? …

The hilarious, dark ending will likely satisfy young human listeners to Joy Cowley’s dead pan, simple but very funny telling, In contrast David Barrow’s wonderfully expressive watercolour illustrations portray the tiger as truly intimidating with its vast size, and those jagged teeth that we see in some close up views.

Rumpelstiltskin

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Rumpelstiltskin
retold by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Carson Ellis
Scholastic Orchard Books

In this retelling of the classic fairy tale, Mac Barnett uses a modern chatty stye. and understated humour. ‘Her father , a poor miller, was a nice enough guy, but he had a big mouth. He told wild stories and bragged all the time. Here, I’ll give you an example.’

One morning, said miller was on his way into town to sell his wares when he encountered the king coming the opposite way. The two got talking and in an endeavour to impress the king, Tom (as he introduces himself to the king) tells a big lie, claiming that his daughter can spin straw into gold. Unsurprisingly the king wants to meet the girl and then comes the classic tale about demands to use the spinning wheel and spin the straw she’s given into gold; if not she’ll have her head chopped off. (How can any woman be stupid enough to marry so cruel a person, one wonders)

Three times this happens, with the girl doing a deal with the little man who conveniently appears on each occasion. On the third night the king promises to make the girl his queen. And in true classic style she becomes a queen, bears him a son and in her joy, forgets that she’s promised this child to the straw spinner. However her happy life is about to be disrupted for back comes the little man and seeing the queen’s tears makes one more deal. The name guessing starts the next morning after the queen has collected a long list of names. Failure ensues twice and a thoroughly distraught queen decides to take a walk in the dark forest with her little one.

On the way back she hears the vital information she seeks and on day three, well, you know what happens. Thank goodness her highness enjoys walking in the woods.

Carson Ellis’s painterly gouache illustrations, inspired by 18th century fairy tale art and portraiture of the Renaissance era are a great complement to the telling, while the black and white illustrations resemble wood-block prints.

Doubtless both old stagers and youngsters will enjoy this, though for different reasons and the latter will likely demand re-reads.

The Call / Control Alter Delete

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The Call
Peadar O’Guilin
David Fickling Books

Vanessa Doherty (Nessa) is fourteen and attends Boyle Survival College, an Irish institute the main purpose of which is to teach its attendees how to survive The Call of the Sidhe. Young humans start training to survive The Call from age ten. Long, long ago the Sidhe were banished from Ireland to live in a hellish underworld and in their quest to win back Ireland from the humans, have placed a magical seal around the whole island.

To get revenge the Sidhe use The Call to kidnap Ireland’s young and transport them to a horrendous underworld. However, if a pupil can evade the faerie Sidhe for a whole day (three minutes in the human world), their life is saved, though they may well be sent back badly maimed.

Nessa, a fiercely determined, quick-witted, brave hero, permanently disabled from polio who does her training using crutches, and wants to be treated like her fellow students is less likely than most to survive the ordeal but she’s spent all her life preparing, so maybe … It’s from her viewpoint that much of the story is told. But will she or will she not survive The Call. And will the Nation survive?

Well paced, with credible characters and excellent world building, this is a truly gritty tale that blurs the boundaries between Irish mythology, fantasy, science fiction and horror, and will appeal to readers around Nessa’s age.

Control Alter Delete
K.L. Kettle
Little Tiger

Thanks to tech genius Francis Knox and the pioneering work done by her company, Halcyon Green (Hal) lives in the seemingly perfect World 2.0 and is fully engrossed therein, having pretty much everything she wants apart from her family. There’s one thing remains that Hal really desires though, to win the hugely competitive Knox Cup; however she lacks to funds to enter. Then, unexpectedly, her guardian challenges Hal to prove herself and arranges for her to compete.

If she manages to win, she will meet Frances Knox and then there’s a possibility that her real wishes might come true. As she moves through the competition rounds, Hal finds some thoroughly unpleasant things buried deep beneath the world’s seemingly perfect facade. As a result she must decide what it is that she truly wants.

A hugely thought-provoking, timely Young Adult story, superbly crafted, with great world-building that really draws you in, and a wonderful protagonist who finds herself in a complex situation.

Murder at the Ivy Hotel

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Murder at the Ivy Hotel
Emily Hourican, illustrated by Paula Escobar
Scholastic

Sisters Macy (ten) and Meredith (twelve) love living in Dublin’s Ivy Hotel where their mother is the General Manager and the hotel staff feel like their extended family. The girls’ mother has been feeling very stressed because the new owners are business people who want to make a lot of changes – it’s a case of profit over keeping the hotel’s friendly character – and that puts her job at risk. Clearly it would impact on their family’s lives if they lost their home.

Then one night an unknown elderly man books in and is found dead in his room the following morning. Nobody knows who he is, from where he’s come or how he died. However a post-mortem shows that there’s been foul play and everybody is a suspect. Meredith and Macy with their intimate knowledge of the hotel, and their new friend, Colin (the note-taker) who also lives at the hotel, decide it’s up them to take the lead and solve the mystery as well as discover the truth about some of the peculiar things happening in and around the hotel. No easy task as they’re supposed to keep a low profile.

A pacy, thoroughly intriguing, twisting, turning story with red herrings, suspense, danger and a cleverly constructed plot. Cosy crime for KS2 readers to lose themselves in.

Amari and the Metalwork Menace

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Amari and the Metalwork Menace
B.B. Alston
Farshore

In this fourth book we find 8th grader, Amari, one of the very best magicians ever, deciding she’s had enough of magic. Unexpectedly she’s found swimming has a calming effect on her and has had an offer to take the sport further, so she’s decided to retire as a Junior Ranger from the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. She’s still traumatised by having lost a mentor on her last mission and retiring will assuage the feeling of terrible grief. However so doing will also mean giving up on her friends in the face of a huge crisis: the Metalwork Menace is overtaking the supernatural world and she’s already seen the Bureau’s recruitment and also retirement officer, Mr Ware’s hand suddenly turned to metal.

It’s when a close friend starts turning to metal and is sent to the clinic, that Amari decides she must defer her decision and plunge back into the supernatural world. If she’s to save those she loves from disaster, she will have to work with Dylan Van Helsing, her arch enemy, break all the rules made by both the Bureau and the Government, and generally create chaos. However breaking rules may be the only option if she’s to save the world. With ever more people being truck by the terrible curse, what will be the outcome?

The action is truly gripping though sometimes unpredictable and readers will be on the edge of their seats, rooting for Amari throughout the book.

Something that struck me particularly was part of a speech given by Elsie towards the end of the book: “None of us are born good or bad. It’s our experiences that shape us. We shouldn’t look only to punish those who’ve done wrong but also to rehabilitate them. If we remove the negative, sometimes even traumatic, experiences that push our worst offenders on to the wrong path, they can become better citizens, and our world will become a safer place to live.”

A marvellous mix of magic, mystery, friendship and danger: the whole thing ends on a cliff-hanger that will leave everyone eagerly anticipating the final book.

Poetry Pizza

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Poetry Pizza
Simon Mole, illustrated by Tom McLaughlin
Otter-Barry Books

There’s a plethora of playful poems and some more serious ones to be found in this first collection for older children by Simon Mole.

Of the light-hearted offerings, one I particularly like is The Blop. It starts by describing a hot bath and its effects: ‘When the bath’s so hot / that your cheeks turn pink / and the steam is so thick / you can’t see.And your eyes are only half open anyway / because they feel so droopy / because you feel so droopy / that you can’t get out of the bath / … In our house, we call that / The Blop.’ If anything should encourage children to invent their own words for things, that’s surely it.
I love too the playfulness of LOL, which begins thus: Lemurs On Lawnmowers! LOL! / Labradoodles on Lavatories LOL!’
There’s further fun in BRB, a great demonstration of the use of abbreviations: examples given are ‘Baking Raisin Biscuits’ and ‘Babysitting Ryan’s Buffalo’.

Of the more feeling centred poems my favourites are I Need A Hug and 60 Second Spell For Being Here And Being You – that’s one for people of all ages.

I could go on enthusing but I’ll finish by saying, there’s lots here for everyone, some accompanied by a fun drawing by Tom McLaughlin and whether or not you’re already a poetry enthusiast, get your hands on a copy of this, it’s full of tasty offerings.