Category read it yourself

The Thing About Giants

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The Thing About Giants
Christopher Galvin
Walker Books

This book, the author’s debut, is inspired by Irish legends and what a cracker it is.

The first character we meet is Corman, a young giant living in fear of the metal birds that hunt giants, on his first trip above ground with his father. They are foraging for ‘jurtear’, much-needed healing herbs for his sister; but while so doing they come under attack from the flying spears of human hunters and become separated.

Enter twelve year old Jacq Dyer, who is the daughter of giant hunters living in Fathach, a tiered city built of giants’ bones. Having been raised to believe that giants are merely raw materials for expanding the city, she often wonders what it might be like beyond its wide protective wall.

The story is told through Corman and Jacq’s alternating voices and the two characters are soon to meet for the young giant catches the girl who falls from one of the machines sending out spears during a training mission. Lost and very frightened, the two decide that the only way to survive the fierce storm that is brewing, and find the way back to their respective homes is by working together: can they do so, even if it means Jacq has to eat worms?

With its rich world building, this is an exciting, thought-provoking adventure for older KS2 readers and beyond, that promotes acceptance, empathy and friendship while rejecting violence and prejudice. What we see is that under the surface, there is way, way more that connects humans and giants so long as both kinds are prepared to look for it.

I can hardly wait for Jacq and Corman’s next adventure.

The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia

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The Missing Magic of Sparrow Xia
Leia Ham
Puffin

Twelve year old Sparrow Xia lives in a world where children have magic but lose it when they become adults. Sparrow is a fire mage and is starting her first year at Zenith Academy for Magical Development, situated on the other side of the United Realms. However she feels inferior to her older brother Ainsley whose magic is far stronger than hers; he’s thriving at the Academy and is also her parents’ favourite, something she resents.

Hopeful that things might change once she settles in, Sparrow is determined to do her very best to strengthen her fire-magic, which is merely a tiny flame. Before long, she has started to form friendships with Lyndon an air mage and Orla, a nature mage, both of whom value kindness over strength.

As Sparrow endeavours to develop and master her talents, a mysterious illness starts to affect the school’s most powerful students, draining them of their magic. She and her friends take the opportunity to solve the mystery of its cause and search for a cure, and in so doing, win some respect from her brother who loves to belittle Sparrow.

With Sparrow’s unwavering endeavours to find self-worth, superb world-building, and powerful black and white illustrations at almost every turn of the page, Leia Ham has created a truly engrossing start to what promises to be a great fantasy series. I devoured it in a day and I’m sure readers around Sparrow’s age will love it too.

Where the Tide Lines Lead

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Where the Tide Lines Lead
Sophie Cameron
Little Tiger

Elio’s family owns a holiday resort on a Spanish island. Recently several teenagers have gone missing and as a result bookings in the town dry up and Elio’s parents decide to get rid of some of their staff. Then one day while walking on the beach, Elio unexpectedly sees a girl named Maria Riera. Despite his cries, she walks straight into the sea through its parting waves which then close over her. Expecting Maria to reappear, he waits a while but despite her being a champion swimmer, she doesn’t re-surface.

Nobody believes what he saw, other than Sam, a tourist whose sister Jess, had previously gone missing and so the two decide to investigate. That night they ‘borrow’ a boat and set off over the water and not long after, the sea starts to open just like it had for Maria and they are pulled under. They find a kind of underwater city ruled over by selkie-like beings that are in need to help from Sam and Elio, but are they to be trusted?

Just like the pull of the water, the pull of this story will quickly draw readers in to its mysterious happenings. Will Sam and Elio (and perhaps the others who are missing) be able to return to their normal lives or are they destined to remain below the sea?

With some great characters, themes of feeling alone, feeling different and learning to feel comfortable in your own skin, climate change and pollution, this is a book for those older readers who like mystery stories that blend fantasy and reality.

Edith

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Edith
Catharina Valckx
Gecko Press

When Edith is born she receives, at her parents’ behest, gifts from two fairies. The first fairy, Aisha is young and gives the infant the ability to bring things to life. The second, an old fairy, bestows on the baby the gift of everlasting childhood. However, remaining ten for ever eventually becomes boring so when she reaches one hundred, but with the appearance of a child, Edith decides that change is necessary.

Bolster her dog reminds her that she’s always wanted a friend but rather than one that wouldn’t understand Edith’s eternal youth, she decides to go against what her parents had told her. She animates a lemon from the fruit bowl and names it Squirt. Squirt is a fast learner and becomes extremely helpful as well as great friends with Bolster. The two of them decide that something needs to be done and that something is to find a fairy to undo the gift so Edith can grow up in the same way as other people.

A camping trip in the forest ensues and eventually becomes a quest to find the fairy whose name begins with A (the only remaining fairy, so a kindly gnome named Dwim tells them). Edith is determined and certain that what she wants is to grow old and eventually die and she tells her friends so. They stick together over land and sea, finally arriving on dry sand. Fortunately, Aisha, the fairy they seek, lives in one of the few houses there. She greets them, and not long after with a flick of her wand …

With an important philosophical question underpinning the story, this book celebrates determination, the changes during a lifetime, aging and eventually, death. Illustrated in soft hues this will generate much thought and discussion.

Crow: Thief of Magic

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Crow: Thief of Magic
Fiona Dixon
Harper Collins Children’s Books

Twelve year old Crow is a thief who barely makes a living working for the Reavers of the underworld, robbing the wealthy ruling class who live in the city. However, one day a seemingly mundane delivery takes him to a mysteriously quiet building wherein resides Viktor who says he’s a Dreamcatcher, a kind of sorcerer and he offers Crow a role as his assistant. Crow says he can’t accept but doesn’t forget the offer.

Then days later a planned heist goes horribly wrong, there’s a terrible fire and Crow is left alone, his friends gone and he’s nowhere to go except perhaps … the Dreamcatcher’s manor house. The Dreamcatcher discovers him asleep on his doorstep curled up with his cat, Nekima, takes him in and there, after drinking a herbal infusion, Crow falls asleep once more. Now Viktor is sure that this is the boy he’s been searching for, the one he wants for an apprentice.

At the start everything seems to be going well with the enigmatic Viktor who says among other things, that a Dreamcatcher has a responsibility to keep the balance between good and evil. But can this new master be trusted? Who is he really and what secrets is he hiding? What about the ghost that Crow keeps seeing. And what happens behind the door of the Nightmare Room? Then here’s the cat, Nekima, that the boy seems able to communicate with.

It’s not long before Crow learns of an ancient strain of nightmare magic that could devastate Stargard itself and everyone therein. With All Soul’s Eve fast approaching and the appearance of a new comet in the sky, Crow realises that he has to make a difficult decision: who can he really trust?

A thrilling, thought-provoking fantasy for older readers and a terrific debut novel for its author.

Alice with a WHY Return to Wonderland

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Alice with a WHY Return to Wonderland
Anna James, illustrated by Matthew Land
Harper Collins Children’s Books

It’s March 1919 and many years have passed since Alice’s adventures in Wonderland, of which this book is a kind of reimagining. The story follows Alyce, her granddaughter who, while sitting beside a pond, is hit in the face by a strange, smudged invitation that she thinks is meant for her. It’s signed ‘Your old friend’ and three sets of initials. She then falls into the garden pond and finds herself in a very strange world inhabited by the original Wonderland tale her grandmother had once explored. There, she has some weird conversations with the Dormouse, Hare and Hatter.

These eccentrics beg Alyce to search for the Time Being, said to be the only one able to halt the war between the Sun King and the Queen of the Moon. The latter being accused by the King of stealing an hour from her and the resulting celestial battle means that day and night come according to who is currently winning.

Unsure of where she’ll find the Time Being, off Alyce goes, hopeful and determined. Her journey takes her into illogical, ridiculous situations encountering on her way, other of Carroll’s characters and some new ones too.
What will the outcome be? Will Alyce succeed in her mission?

Superbly written with lots of whimsical touches (you’d expect that from Anna James, author of the Pages & Co series) and themes including courage and determination. Making it even more special are Matthew Land’s iconic, wonderfully detailed black and white illustrations that have echoes of John Tenniel.

A delight: both existing fans of the Lewis Carroll original and new readers, will enjoy this cracking book. It would make a smashing class read too.

The Unchosen One

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The Unchosen One
Amy Sparkes
Walker Books

This is the first instalment of a new series set in the Isles of Peryll way back in time. At the start of this story twelve year old orphan, Tassalonia Monk, Tassie for short drops from a tree into the cart of a stranger who introduces herself as The Wisest of the Wise. The stranger takes Tassie to the tower to see the Chief Steward who is also the girl’s guardian. He informs his ward that according to an ancient prophecy she is the Chosen One, whose destiny being to save the people of Peryll from the awakening of a shadow banished around a thousand years ago. Could this be the adventure Tassie has been longing for?

Perhaps not, for her guardian goes on to tell her that the quest means that she will be locked in a highly guarded room at the top of a tower and have to read a protective spell every hour for the rest of her life. This feels like the exact opposite of everything this accident-prone girl would be suited for; she’s totally wrong for the task and equally unwilling. Surely she isn’t the Chosen One; however the supposed birthmark on her neck indicates that she is.

The answer she decides is to find somebody else for the job. She calls upon her best friend and inventor, Spin, a tiny golden griffin, to accompany her on her mission and off they set, two adventurers, or researchers, as Tassie calls them. Soon they encounter an elf, Darley; can he be trusted to lead them on the right path? Will they discover who is the true Chosen One?

Wonderful world-building, full of suspense and humour too; and with a well-meaning, kind-hearted, courageous protagonist, this is a captivating book for fantasy enthusiasts from around seven

The Ministry of Manners

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The Ministry of Manners
David Solomons, illustrated by Hazem Asif
Piccadilly Press

This story is set in a dystopian world that may remind adults of 1984. The author’s world-building is superb.

Meet siblings Margot and Alfie Hawthorne who have grown up under the regime of the Ministry of Manners where politeness is not a choice but the law. Just one wrong word can change your life and don’t even think about laughing. Margot has never been one for being quiet and obedient whereas her brother prefers to stay out of trouble and has learned how to survive Both their parents work for the Ministry, which has some perks but means their offspring mustn’t ask too many questions. So when Margot speaks up she is sent to a Manners Retreat, the purpose of which is to reshape her ‘impolite’ tendencies. Can she remain true to herself no matter what?

This leaves Alfie torn between sticking to the rules and love for his sister. Before long he becomes involved with a resistance group called the Unsilenced. He’s also shocked by some of the things he discovers about what his father actually does.

With two terrific protagonists in Margot and Alfie, themes of finding your own voice, courage and bravery, this is a thrilling, absolutely gripping read that on occasion feels just a bit too close to reality. It would make a great class read for older juniors. Just remind everyone to say thank you to the author and illustrator and the publisher or beware!

Buck & Ears Pirate Detectives

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Buck & Ears Pirate Detectives
Jennifer Bell, illustrated by Sarah Horne
Walker Books

As this story begins Buck and loyal leporine Ears, have been dubbed the worst pirates ever by some members of the gull fraternity and are already deciding that their career as pirates is over. Now they’ve headed to Scuttleflint Bay and are perusing the place for alternative occupations when they hear the sound of crying. It turns out to be Captain Bloodfang, reputed to be the most fearful pirate on the Seventy Seas; but fearful pirates are not supposed to shed tears over the lack of a letter from a best friend, Valentina, and certainly not get caught so doing.

Rather than lose their lives, Ears announces that she and Buck are professional pirate detectives willing to search for Valentina and Bloodfang agrees to hire them but gives them just three days to find her. Ears hears that the missing friend is none other than the famous mermaid chef, Valentina Vermicelli. The detectives strike a deal, acquire a ramshackle ship and advertise for crew and thus the Case of the Missing Mer-chef is launched.

Their first hirings as crew members are Huggable Pete (a prickly porcupine), and Priscilla Fontaine, both lacking experience; then comes Apprentice Professor Darwin Montgomery (Darwin for short) who volunteers to navigate but is unable to swim. They set sail and after an eventful trip, catch sigh of Valentina’s restaurant. Before long Buck and Ears are speaking to the assistant head chef of the establishment (a lobster) who tells them that Valentina went off in search of a secret ingredient and hasn’t been seen since. Time is running out before Buck and Ears become pirate stew.

Can the two, aided and abetted by Pete, Darwin and Priscilla, follow the clues, find Valentina and save their own lives to become the only pirate detectives sailing the Seventy Seas?

With a cracking Agatha Fishy crew that are at once lovable and very funny, and a narrative that will have readers giggling throughout, Jennifer Bell has written a smashing read for those who love high drama, detective work and humour, made all the more fn by Sarah Horne’s illustrations of the cast, especially Huggable Pete with those marshmallows on his spines.

Greek Boy

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Greek Boy
Tony Bradman
Walker Books

This latest story in the “Boy’ series begins in BCE 481 and centres around Nikos. The boy has just encountered his father, Kleon, back from a trip. Kleon is not happy with the fact that his son hasn’t kept up with his studies, nor shown an interest in how the society he belongs to actually works. Having decided to do better, Nikos takes on the role of man of the house, taking care of his mother and sisters when his father leaves once more. But then his father is accused of being a ‘Medizer’ a traitor who has betrayed the Athenians to their enemy, the Persians who are threatening to invade. However Nikos and the rest of his family are also dubbed as traitors and he agrees to accept help from Themistokles, a friend of his father, who offers his country house as a safe place for the rest of his family.

He meanwhile intends to do all he can to prove his father’s and his own loyalty to the city state. Thus he signs up to become a marine in the Greek Navy and ten days later he’s off in The Sea Serpent, destination Artemisium, the Hot Gates and thence into the middle of the fighting; and pretty brutal it proves to be.

Nikos is told he should be proud of himself: can he do enough to save not only himself but his loved ones, father included, from the threat of execution, especially when he learns of Themistokles’s betrayals?

A thoroughly captivating story with themes of loyalty, treachery and betrayal, a wealth of memorable details and some splendid black and white illustrations by Alessandro Valdrighi, as well as a historical note at the end. Highly recommended for Y4 readers and beyond.

Nora Nightsky Double the Drama / Mirabelle and the Enchanted Sea Globe

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Nora Nightsky Double the Drama
Rebecca Lewis-Oakes, illustrated by Becka Moor
Scholastic

Nora Nightsky is no less keen to grant human wishes that she was in the first story but when she receives a wish letter handed to her by her sister Koko, seemingly sent by someone called From, she knows she must return to Earth. Her assumption is that the wisher, who wants to write comic books, is called From. Her intention is to convince the wisher that they can sort out their own wish. This time her Dad allows her to go so long as she agrees to write an essay on how humans behave when she returns.

On arrival Nora sees a little girl at a window holding up a sign saying, ‘Are you my star?’. Her name is Maya and Nora assumes that she is the one who wants to write comic books. However Nora’s efforts to get the girl interested in the appropriate tools to use rather that looking for the right shoes seems strange and their visit to the library is even more puzzling. Maya wants to look at books about mountaineers not comic books. On their way back to Maya’s home they see her neighbour, Mo, sitting on the doorstep doodling in a notebook. After some encouragement from Nora she speaks to Mo informing him that they are hoping to go to Tree City the following day.

That they do with Maya’s mum and to Nora’s surprise, Mo is also there and he talks about making comic books. Maya gets a funny feeling in her tummy and looks at the writing on his sketch book … then on the WishPost she pulls from her pocket. Has Koko been interfering and trying to get her sister in trouble?

With her stardust running out. Nora now has two humans to empower so their wishes do come true, if not she’ll end up on earth as a human for ever. Can she do it? …

With themes of perseverance, resilience and self-belief, with occasional black and white illustrations by Becka Moor this is a smashing story for young readers.

For slightly younger readers:

Mirabelle and the Enchanted Sea Globe
Harriet Muncaster
Oxford Children’s Books

I can hardly believe this is the fifteenth book in the series about the mischievous Mirabelle Starspell half witch, half fairy. It’s half term and Dad tells her that they’re all going to spend the holiday in a cottage by the sea. There they can all immerse themselves in nature and even do some cold-water dipping: a perfect spring break.”We are going to do things the HUMAN way,” Dad says.

However after a day without magic, come the night Mirabelle succumbs to temptation. What will be the outcome? Find out in this latest adventure. Fans will love to immerse themselves in the seaside doings of Mirabelle, Wilbur, and their parents.

Dexter Procter and the Case of the Disappearing Doctor

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Dexter Procter and the Case of the Disappearing Doctor
Adam Kay, illustrated by Henry Paker
Puffin

Ten year old prodigy Dexter Procter works as a paediatrician at Lilydale General Hospital and almost as soon as this story starts he manages to ride his scooter straight into Granny Bet causing her to suffer (despite her saying she’s fine) ‘a monomalleolar lateral fracture’ to her fibula; in other words, a broken ankle. As a result she has to wait in hospital for an operation. Being kind-hearted, she doesn’t spill the beans about the cause of her injury. Dexter decides to go home and change and on the way meets his pal Rupi in a state of distress, having been expelled from Elmwood School by the temporary head teacher.

Not long after said temp. (Mrs Rhubarb) appears on the scene. She mentions her sister Barbara Burnhall, an MP and it turns out, the very one who is soon to visit Dexter’s place of work. She’s also someone the hospital relies on for funding every year, Dexter later learns. He also learns that he’s to accompany Dr Marigold and show BB around when she visits. Unsurprisingly, things go badly from the start.

On the school front: what on earth is Ms Saeed, the proper head of Rupi’s school, doing in Azerbaijan? Hmm.

Then Dr Marigold disappears and the wretched Dr Drake appears wearing a sign that reads DR EDWIN DRAKE, ACTING METAL DETECTOR. You can guess what it’s meant to be. What he says about Dr Marigold is totally bonkers. Moreover, he refuses to believe what Dexter tells him about Barbara Burnhall. (I won’t say how he came by this information).

On the home front, Granny Bet is back at home with her operation delayed. At this stage we’re less than halfway through this book but rather than be a story spoiler I’ll merely say that I laughed all the way through to the final paragraph that contains the words ‘Downing Street’ during the course of a phone call to Dexter. I’m sure young readers will do the same and like me be eagerly awaiting the third book. I must add that Henry Paker’s drawings are thoroughly giggle-inducing too, and don’t miss the acknowledgements acrostic.

Word has it that there’s a BBC mini-series of the book later this year.

Kamizen: Fortress of Lost Memories

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Kamizen: Fortress of Lost Memories
William Yamaguchi Dobson, illustrated by Sawa
Scholastic

Stuck at home for the summer, twelve year old Jonty is more than ready for adventure when one Friday afternoon he encounters a bonobo in the woods near his Grandpa’s house. She asks him to give her a massage and introduces herself as Koku. She goes on to tell Jonty that she’s a satori and can read human’s minds; therefore she knows that his grandfather has dementia. “Your grandfather has forgotten many memories. You want to recover them, and help him finish his memoir before the sun sets on his life. Therefore gird your loins, fall seven times and get up eight.” she says. ‘I am here to escort you to the realm of lost memories. You have the chance to explore your grandfather’s memories from inside him mind. That’s if you so choose.” In other words he will enter a magical world behind a Japanese Memory gate. It’s there, Jonty must collect lost memories from the time when Gramps was a famous primatologist. Thus begins the boy’s adventure.

Along with Jonty, readers are introduced to a fascinating cast of magical creatures, some eerie, others evil, some cute and all memorable to encounter,

especially for those like myself who know very little about Japanese mythology.

With themes of family, love and courage, this unforgettable, pacy tale is poignant and superbly imagined, with the subject of dementia in older people well presented. Also splendid are Sawa’s black and white illustrations; they really help bring the mythological characters to life. I couldn’t put the book down, reading the longish first part in a sitting and saving the rest as something to look forward to the following day.

Hercules vs the Minotaur

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Hercules vs the Minotaur
Tom Vaughan, illustrated by David O’Connell
Scholastic

Written in his usual diary style, Hercules Braver shares what happens at the start of his second year in secondary school. The very first day of term is not good – Hercules soon finds himself in trouble and then back home his mum greets him with, “We’ve got a surprise that I think you’ll like!” Cousin Theseus, son of Poseidon, from Greece is going to spend the next couple of months with them. Shock horror for Hercules but demigod and son of Poseidon, anticipates otherwise – “It’s going to be so much fun, cuz!” Instead, rather than the role model Herc is anxious to be (at last), Theseus causes him to get into trouble at every turn both at school and at home.

Then an opportunity arises for him to perform the perfect good deed: Mr Geras tells the class about how the school will be involved in the town festival and there’s to be a competition to design and build the school’s float which must be shaped like the school mascot – a bull. Later the same day he spies a poster in town announcing a design a maze competition – something Ken would absolutely love to do. Back home Herc gets to work thinking of designs for the float and guess who starts interfering. Ken meanwhile starts thinking of maze designing.

The town float parade is a disaster and Mum tells Herc what he did was his worst thing ever and grounds him and Theo till her book launch party almost two weeks away. Soon after Herc begins to see his cousin in a new light which is just as well because it’s not long before the two boys are forced to work together. Zeus has been focussed on writing the book that the universe is in jeopardy as one of the most terrifying monsters has planned an escape from the Underworld and with both dads now pre-occupied, it’s up to Herc and Theo to track down and stop the Minotaur.

31st October, Hallowe’en is the day of Operation Minotaur. It’s also the day Herc learns something very unexpected about said Minotaur. But can order be restored to the cosmos? … And what will happen at the end of Theo’s two months with Herc? …
With lots of David O’Connell’s amusing illustrations, this is a terrific read that fans of the series will rapidly devour. KALAMATA!

The Genie Game

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The Genie Game
Jordan Ifueko
Piccadilly Press

The story begins on the thirteenth birthday of the narrator Valentine Adesanya when an unexpected birthday present flies through her window in a box – it’s a purple beret . Also in the box is a note ‘ THE SKY IS BLUE, VALLYBEAN.’ – surely this has come from her twenty three year old sister, Vanessa (aka Mango), who since her disappearance, has been forgotten by everyone in her family other than Valentine. These objects set Valentine off on a quest to find her sister.

All her parents (Nigerian immigrants to the U.S.) are anxious about is the future of Valentine who dreams of becoming a movie-maker, rather than working for the Trio Trust that comprises three mega-corporations which run the U.S. It’s these three – Bumblebell Foods, Gloss & Gleam Beauty, and Farafyte Technologies that Valentine suspects have something to do with the disappearance of her sister.

During her investigations, Valentine unintentionally becomes caught up in the Trio Trust’s Genie Game and learns that it’s the wishes granted by the genies trapped in bottles that have been powering her entire world. Having agreed to become a participant in the genie games she rapidly rises to the top of the leader board while also undertaking other quests relating to issues of social justice and the environment as well as capitalism, consumerism and AI. Will she find her sister though?

A powerful, action-packed adventure that leaves readers eagerly awaiting what comes next for Valentine and her family.
Make sure you read the author’s note that follows the story.

Fiddlehead Forest

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Fiddlehead Forest
Jana Curll
Greystone Kids

This book, which is a combination of fiction and fact, had me giggling from the very first chapter.

After a storm has raged through a forest the inhabitants notice that one of their number is no longer standing tall: a tree has come down. Fern address said tree asking, “Are you all right?” and the lack of response prompts a “He’s giving us the silent treatment!” from one of the lichens. Tree then states the obvious and it’s clear that he’s far from happy about this new situation, stating firmly that he doesn’t want to be a log. However Fern, eager to get things back to normal, confidently promises, she’ll do just that. “It’s her personal guaran-TREE! observes a lichen from nearby.

The endeavours of many of the forest residents including Millipede, Mushroom and Moth – the lurer of some rather larger creatures – try their level best to get Log back into a tree position but with little success.

So what about Slug? Slug’s slime (also sticky) gives Fern another idea: using the slippery slime to slide the fallen tree up close to another tree, making a rope from some of the sticky and using it, plus the slippery slime, to drag Log back into a tree again. Ingenious. The team are eager to get “GOO-ING! right away.

However Lichen tells the others “ … I’m going to GO OUT ON A LIMB” saying Log is now ‘GROUNDED!” But rather than merely accept this immediately, Fern is eager for something else. Supposing they do NOTHING though.

Eventually Fern suddenly notices that the fallen tree has now adopted a new role: as nurse log she is supporting the forest’s ecosystem by providing nutrients and shelter for insects, birds and mammals, promoting new growth in the forest and providing a growing surface for plants and other things . “I guess we FERN-ally figured it out.” “It was a LOG time coming.”

Not only does the author/illustrator provide a plethora of punny exchanges, the chapter titles are also puns – ‘SHROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT’ for instance And there’a fair bit of information thanks to cast member contributions -“ ‘MAZIN’ MILLIPEDE,’ “MOTHIN’ AROUND’, ‘A SLIME OF THE TIMES’, ‘LICHEN A LOT’, and others. These focus on the special role in the forest community of each one. Plus there are occasional purely pictorial word play pages.

Highly engaging and with a wealth of puns and other word play, this is exTREEmely educative. Deemed to grow many BUDding scientists among KS2 readers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The World’s Worst Alien Fights Back

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The World’s Worst Alien Fights Back
Alice Primmer, illustrated by Fred Blunt
Walker Books

Having created planet Earth for a school project, eleven year old Sky left it with a lot of problems – war, climate change, corruption and more. Now though, she must revisit Earth and clear up the mess so that she can get a pass grade from her teacher.

No easy task as she has only a day (3 weeks in Earth time) but at least she has one friend, Zana Jackson, on Earth, and so it’s to Zana’s bedroom that she returns, only to find her fast asleep. Four hours later though. both girls are awake and ready for school. Once there she receives a somewhat hostile welcome from the head teacher but Zana smooths things over.

After school that day Sky accompanies Zana and some others to a cricket match against another school, one that turns into a fight.

Before long, despite getting clonked on the head by a ball, Sky finds herself with an apology to make and several fights to stop.

However, one fight leads to another. So, what about a peace-making plan instead? Hmm! Several more fights later, Zana suggests apologies followed by peace talks. Could this be the answer? Or would pillow fighting be better?

Bursting with humour, added to by Fred Blunt’s black and white illustrations, this second story in the series is a great read for those gaining confidence as solo readers as well as a fun read aloud for KS1 classes.

Boy vs Reality

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Boy vs Reality
James Fox
Scholastic

Ethan Lacey’s family – mum, dad and elder brother Mason – are influencers. They film pretty much everything they do and upload it onto their vlog, Meet the Laceys. However Ethan detests the performative nature of his life at home and doesn’t even consider them a proper family, let alone a perfect one, any longer. All they’re obsessed with is ‘likes’ and pleasing their million subscribers, not real life. Real life is not just about freebies and having fun. Ethan has Fidget, a toy monster with a zipped mouth that he keeps in his pocket. He writes all his worries on paper and feeds them to Fidget and it’s no surprise that Fidget is nearly full.

Then Mason posts his first video on his own channel showing Ethan reacting to a ridiculous prank he’d set up concerning news of an alien invasion. Some days later Mason posts another video entitled Secrets From My Brother’s Anxiety Toy’. It’s time for Ethan to retaliate.

Add to all this the fact that Mum and Dad Lacey have been arguing a lot for some while and have decided to get divorced. That’s an awful lot for anybody to cope with and that’s without visits to Grandad at Sycamore Village when it’s likely as not he won’t even remember who Ethan is.

With cracks appearing all the time Ethan is set on persuading his family to focus on fixing the real world and not so obsessively on the online one. Can he do it?

Funny and full of heart, this is a hugely moving story about the importance of making the most of real, everyday life and its highs and lows. With children becoming ever more screen obsessed, it’s a timely book showing the adverse effects social media can have on people, whatever their age.

Tickets for Murder

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Tickets for Murder
Niyla Farook
Piccadilly Press

This story is told from alternate viewpoints: Ani’s and Riri’s. It’s about six months since twins Ani and Riri solved the Mrs Kossas murder mystery, and have now become good friends as well as siblings. However with Riri and her mum living in LA and Ani and their Dad living in Yorkshire, staying close is anything but easy, particularly as Ani appears to have lost interest in sleuthing.

Now though, it’s the summer break and they’re all together in LA to enjoy an exclusive holiday in Deadwood Manor theme park but from the outset tension between the siblings starts building. Why Ani wonders has Riri’s best friend, Adora, plus their elder sister Valentina and her boyfriend Simon come on what is supposed to be a family trip. Then there’s the issue of Riri being on her phone so much: who is she calling? And why has Ani stopped sleuthing?

On their first evening everyone is to meet Finn Glynn, their personal VIP tour guide for Deadwood Manor Park so that he can set up their personalised itinerary, but for some reason he’s late to arrive and when he does so, he seems preoccupied.

The next day as the twins are in the maze they hear a scream, followed by glass shattering and having run out they see before them a body: it’s Finn and he’s dead. Accidental death or murder? That is the question. Riri and Ani think it’s murder and so begins their next investigation.

There are so many twists and turns in the story that like the twins, readers have to keep their wits about them all the time until the murderer finally is unmasked.

With humour, great characters and surprises aplenty, this is terrific sequel to Murder For Two.

Enola Holmes and the Clanging Coffin

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Enola Holmes and the Clanging Coffin
Nancy Springer
Hot Key Books

It’s February 1891 and in London, Enola Holmes, (a Scientific Perditorian), the younger sister of Sherlock and Mycroft is attending a funeral when she hears the faint sound of a ringing bell in the distance. Not one to ignore such strange a happening she goes to investigate and discovers something horrific: the bell is attached to a tombstone over a recent grave and somebody inside it is pulling the string and making the bell ring in alarm.

Enola and her companions unearth the coffin and discover inside a young woman named Trevina Trairom clad only in a white dress. She cannot remember much at all, not who she is nor who buried her and definitely not why. Enola takes the girl in, learns from a doctor that she’s been drugged and takes it upon herself to solve the mystery. Her investigations result in her being involved in one of Sherlock’s cases.

Little by little, with the help of friends, Enola works out that the person at the root of all the terrible happenings is the master criminal of all London, none other that Professor Moriarty. No wonder Sherlock had warned her not to get involved. Now she’s even more determined than ever to keep digging until the secrets surrounding Trevina are unravelled.

I’d not read any of the previous Enola Holmes stories but thoroughly enjoyed this one, finishing it in a day. I loved Enola’s determination and caring attitude and the plot is intriguing. With themes of friendship, family, lifestyle, abuse and the expectations and treatment of women, this will keep older primary readers turning the pages eager to find how things are resolved.

The Misadventures of Mina Mahmood: School Inspectors

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The Misadventures of Mina Mahmood: School Inspectors
Farhana Islam, illustrated by Simran Diamond Singh
Farshore

Mina Mahmood and her best friends Reema and Mobeen are back for further misadventures and mayhem in the second book in the series. Mina and her class are super excited when they hear from their class teacher, Miss Khan, that 6K’s post-exam ‘Party Bonanza’ will include such things as a school disco, a water balloon fight and best of all, a trip to Fisbo’s Circus. Suddenly however, all this changes when Mr Aku, the headteacher announces that inspectors are coming to the school.

Tension rises at the news, even more so for Mina and her buddies who are selected to act as school ambassadors to show the inspectors around and are under strict instructions from the head that they mustn’t embarrass him. This in itself is a huge challenge but then, Barney’s pet tarantula (actually his brother’s) escapes just as the announcement comes from the school office of the inspectors’ arrival.

With Miss Kahn having said they might still be able to go to the circus if they impress the inspectors with their ‘EXCEPTIONAL behaviour’, this somewhat sweetens the pill, giving terrific incentive to the friends but putting a huge weight on Mina’s shoulders.

Chaos follows as you might expect if you met Mina et al in the first book of this hugely entertaining series. This one is even more hilarious and like the author, I’ve spent many years in primary education mainly in multi-ethnic schools, so recognise much of what’s written herein. I strongly recommend this for KS 2 readers and it would make a terrific class read aloud.

Watts & Whiskerton: The Great Glacier Hotel Heist / Dream Keepers: Song of the Midnight Meadow

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Watts & Whiskerton: The Great Glacier Hotel Heist
Meg McLaren
Piccadilly Press

The third in this series sees the two detectives and best friends on holiday with no thought of any detecting whatsoever. However, things don’t quite turn out as they’d planned./ the best laid plans of dogs and cats. Watts’ parents have been hired by the hotel after a string of robberies had taken place at nearby ski resorts and it’s thought that the Ice Crystal, a priceless necklace might be the thief’s next target.

Soon to Watts’ horror, the necklace is stolen and his parents have become the prime suspects. That can’t possibly be right, so who is the robber? It looks as though Watts and Whiskerton have their toughest case yet and it turns out an advantage that the latter has hurt her paw and so is confined to the hotel. She spends her time speaking to the other guests and making notes about everything with the aim of solving the mystery. Cut off by thick snow their objective is to recover the stolen jewels and find the important guest who has disappeared. Can they do so before the snow melts and guests and any suspects depart along with the necklace? Could it be an inside job? A terrific adventure for the young detective duo.

Visual storytelling is a vital element of the tale with the illustrations adding much to the drama, making this book one that will also be enjoyed by younger graphic novel fans.

Dream Keepers: Song of the Midnight Meadow
Rebecca Lewis-Oakes, illustrated by Anastasiya Kanavaliuk
Piccadilly Press

Moon Wood is the magical night-time version of Mai and her friends’ town, Sunny Wood. Having banished the Queen of Nightmares, Mai and friends have become Dream Keepers; they have to craft the sweetest dreams for their sleepy town. Now though, Mai has just become a big sister and however much she loves baby Cam, the cutest most adorable thing ever during the day, she’s having problems sleeping on account of her baby sister’s all night crying. She feels a bit left out: being an only child was much easier, Mai thinks to herself. She even misses out on having one of her parents reading her a bedtime story.

With a solo performance in the upcoming show in Sunny Wood, Mai is set on becoming the centre of attention once more.
However on the night of her first performance, after promising to be in the audience, Mai’s Mum has to stay at home to look after Cam. Then during the show Mai’s prop- an umbrella – malfunctions and later on when she goes to meet her Dream Guardian, Crystal, in Moon Wood, the creature is missing. Has she done something to annoy her, Mai wonders. Everything appears to be going wrong: is the Dark Queen of Nightmares meddling with their dreams again?

Can Mai and her friends get to the bottom of things and prove that there’s power in kindness before it’s too late and Moon Wood’s magic fades away?

With magical moments aplenty, fantastical creatures and characters, this latest in the Dream Keepers series will be a winner with young fantasy fans.

Where The Dragon Waits

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Where The Dragon Waits
Tom Moorhouse
David Fickling Books

When out sailing, twelve year old Ed and his dad are involved in a crash. When the boy comes round, he’s on an almost deserted beach but his dad is nowhere to be seen. The only person anywhere around is a rather bossy girl named Steff. There’s also a white butterfly that perches on his thumb. “There’s weirdness afoot,” Steff tells Ed as they sit together under a strangely white sky.

It’s not long before the two of them are are fleeing from a swarm of butterflies. They find themselves in the Realm on a curious quest in search of a dragon that rules this magical land and lives at the top of a rocky spire. Protecting the Realm is grumpy, armoured pangolin named, Astolpho.  The creature informs the children that in order to return home, they must obtain the tears of the dragon. Further danger in their quest comes in the form of bloodthirsty wolves. These wolves are on the hunt for Ed and Steff as their presence in the Realm draws butterflies that the wolves are deathly afraid of, so Astolpho tells the children.

Meanwhile we readers realise that Ed’s parents are waiting anxiously by his hospital bed as he lies in a critical condition. With further perilous situations to contend with, will he ever return to them. And Steff: what is her fate to be?

Utterly engrossing, this twisting, turning amalgam of fantasy and reality is hugely thought-provoking, exploring as it does the importance of courage, loyalty, ingenuity and family There’s humour too and plenty of excitement and intrigue. Who could ask for more?

The Night I Borrowed Time

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The Night I Borrowed Time
Iqbal Hussain
Puffin Press

Eleven year old Zubair is a seventh son, his sextuplet elder brothers are often a pain but he loves them all the same. His parents’ marriage is falling apart so when his Gran from Pakistan arrives to stay and gives him a strange black velvet pendant that allows him as the seventh son of the family, to travel back in time, he decides to use it to try and change things in his parents’ pasts that will mean that they’re happy in the present. Once Gran is settled in she begins regaling the family with amazing stories every night. After one tale something weird happens to him; this he tells his best friend, Fozia, and in so doing comes to think about how best he can use his new, powerful gift.

Convinced that the failed relationship between his parents has been caused by his father’s accident while driving a cab and if that hadn’t happened all would be well between them, he fails to stop and consider whether his perception of how things are is based on what he wants to be the truth or the evidence that is right before his eyes. So when his attempts to change things fail to have the desired effect, he tries something different. However, each trip back in time affects something else and Zubair’s ever more desperate actions threaten to eradicate the life he knows. Is it possible to put things right, or has he not only destroyed the present for himself and his family, but their futures too.

This amazing and gripping tale of family and friendship is hugely thought-provoking, seamlessly weaving in as it does information about Partition and arranged marriages in Pakistani culture. (Further information about these comes after the story).

Iqbal Hussain is a very exciting new voice in children’s books this book being the first title published under Puffin’s new list, Puffin Press and I look forward to his next novel.

The Man Who Wore All His Clothes

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The Man Who Wore All His Clothes
Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Katharine McEwen
Walker Books

The Gaskitts are a pretty normal family. Mr Gaskitt gets up in the morning, dons three pairs of socks, three vests, three pairs of pants, three shirts and two pairs of trousers and four jumpers plus a tie. After breakfast he adds four coats, After that, this very bulky person heads outside, squeezes into his car and as the snow starts falling, off he goes.

At school Gus and Gloria’s usual teacher has had a fall and is replaced by a rather out of practice curmudgeonly supply teacher who has it in for the siblings.

By this time, Mrs Gaskitt, who drives a taxi, has picked up a suspicious-looking character who left the bank in a hurry carrying a large bag. And so it goes on with all manner of craziness until eventually the robber is apprehended, in no small way thanks to Mr G. who eventually drives off to be Santa in a department store. Oh and I forgot to mention Horace, the Gaskitt’s cat who’s fond of comfy chairs from where to watch movies and cat food ads.

All this unfolds in eleven short chapters after which there are a further three action-packed stories about the family to laugh over: The Woman Who Won Things, The Cat Who Got Carried Away and The Children Who Smelled A Rat.

Perfect for new solo readers and equally great for reading aloud but adult readers aloud, make sure you let listeners see Katharine McEwen’s liberal scattering of black and white illustrations that add even more humour.

The Secrets of Wild Hill: Lottie’s Dream

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The Secrets of Wild Hill: Lottie’s Dream
Olivia Tuffin
Nosy Crow

I first came across Olivia Tuffin’s horse stories when I was sent a copy of The Horse Who Danced and absolutely loved it, so I expected a lot from this one. The author has a great deal of knowledge about horses and eventing and she carefully knits together factual information and fiction, the result being another terrific book – one that I couldn’t put down.

The protagonist, Lottie has deliberately failed the entrance exam to an elite school in order to spend more time at Wild Hill, the livery yard belonging to her grandparents; it’s there that her beloved pony, Patch, lives. However, her father, still set on his daughter going to Telsteads instead of the local comprehensive where’s she happy, has appealed for her to be allowed to retake the entrance exam. He also hopes that with support from Lottie’s mother, he can persuade her aging parents to sell Wild Hill, something else that deeply troubles Lottie.

On a visit to her Granny, Lottie takes Patch out and she has an encounter with another rider , slightly older that herself who introduces himself as Felix McCavendish and they have a short talk. Felix is the grandson of Ralph McCavendish, her family’s enemy, owner of the adjoining yard. A tentative friendship forms between the two – something that horrifies her gran – and Felix encourages Lottie to join the local pony club, her main aim being to compete at Badminton Grassroots. Then comes news that her grandad has been involved in a serious accident and is in hospital. Lottie’s parents call her older brother Harry to return from Florida where he’s pursuing his own riding career and instead help at Wild Hill. Unfortunately for Lottie, Harry agrees with their parents that it’s a liability and they should put it on a firm footing and then sell it.

Lottie makes it onto the Pony Club team, participates in a riding competition and Patch amazes everyone when he sails over the advanced jumps. In the meantime her brother has come under they influence of Ralph McCavendish who has promised that he can ride one of his horses, something that greatly troubles Lottie. She’s determined to work out what exactly is going on before it’s too late; but can she? And can she completely trust Felix? What happened long ago between her family and the McCavendish family that is threatening her future? So many questions …

An absolute cracker of a story and the final page sets the stage nicely for the story to continue in a sequel. I hope we don’t have too long to wait to see Lottie continuing to follow her dreams. There’s no need to be a horse fanatic to enjoy this, it will appeal to those who enjoy a good mystery story.

Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged

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Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged
Eve Wersocki-Morris, illustrated by Honie Beam
Little Tiger

This story is set in London in the summer of 1951. Twelve year old Clem Fatale, the city’s youngest crook, and her best friend, Gilbert, eleven, now at an upmarket boarding school, are excited as they’re going to see their favourite singers Betty and Judy Wade in their first UK performance at the London Palladium. But then suddenly the two friends are ‘picked up’ and told that Betty, one of the sisters has gone missing. Clem and Gilbert are hired to find Betty.

This proves to be much more problematic than Clem first thought. It’s almost impossible to know who can be trusted as their investigation sees them encountering the dark side of the theatre scene, crossing paths with some very dodgy actors, visiting all manner of establishments from The Ritz with its ‘cream of London society’ clientele to the decrepit abandoned warehouse building bearing the sign Rumple’s Red Tomato Sauce. Add to that a motorbike chase courtesy of Konrad who is like an older brother to Clem and drives them there.

I don’t know about Clem and Gilbert but my head was spinning by the time I got to that point; however with less than twenty four hours to go before the curtain goes up on the sisters’ show, the two friends are absolutely determined to get to the bottom of what is going on. Can they do so and perform an astonishing rescue before a terrible accident takes place?

With humour aplenty, and a fair sprinkling of dramatic black and white illustrations by Honie Beam, this is a cracking, fast paced tale crammed with action and heart, wherein the bond of friendship between Clem and Gilbert grows even stronger. I can’t wait to see what they get involved in next.

Jake in the Middle / My Happy Life

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Jake in the Middle
Michael Catchpool, illustrated by Shanarama
Otter-Barry Books

This is the first of the new Maple Street series and what a delight it is.

Meet Jake, who is the central character of four short stories. His family comprises his mum and dad, older sister, Ellie, younger brother, Sam and Grandpa who has his own flat downstairs. The stories are interlinked and are in order Shoes, Shoes, Shoes!, Catch of the Day, The Class Museum and All Fall Down!

In the first story Jake is excited about his new trainers, but Sam also loves them and this causes upsets on both sides. When Grandpa discovers there’s a shoe issue, he comes up with a plan. Will it work?
Catch of the Day takes place on a Saturday: Jake, Grandpa and Sam visit the city farm and Sam’s soft toy, Coco ends up in the wrong place a couple of times.
In the third story, Jake’s teacher asks class members to bring items for a class museum – something old and special to them. Jake borrows something without asking and then it disappears …
In the final story, the discovery of Grandpa’s old cricket bat in his shed leads to some family fun.

There’s an illustration by Shanarama on every spread; her depiction of the characters enhances the author’s sensitive portrayal of the relationships between the characters.
Ideal for new solo readers.

My Happy Life
Rose Lagercantz, illustrated by Eva Ericsson
Gecko Press

This reissue of a story was first published over fifteen years ago and is translated from its original Swedish by Julia Marshall. Herein we meet young Dani and read of some of the ups and downs of her life, a vital one being when she starts school, something she has been eagerly anticipating. On the way with her Dad, she suddenly becomes scared: What if she doesn’t make any friends? Happily though, on the second day Dani meets Ella who quickly becomes her best friend.

However at the start of her second term Dani’s happiness turns to unhappiness when she learns that Ella is moving away. Things will never be the same again despite her father’s best efforts, his daughter still feels sad and shows it by becoming angry at school. Fortunately though things improve and one day Dani receives a letter. She responds and soon after happiness returns and a new chapter is about to begin in Dani’s happy life.

A gentle tale full of emotion that is brought out even more through Eva Eriksson’s black and white illustrations. There’s a lot to discuss after sharing, this with an individual or class and it’s also ideal for new solo readers. I loved the idea of children counting their happy times but was less happy to read that one parent bribed her child with money to get him to school on the first day.

Stop! Gangster Koala! / Barking Bake Off!

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Stop! Gangster Koala!
Barking Bake Off!
Jenny Moore, illustrated by Berta Maluenda
New Frontier Publishing

In the first of Jenny Moore’s Pawprint Productions series for younger readers, cuddly koala actor Archie has landed the role of gangster Hoodlum PIE Claw in the popular drama series Squeaky Minders. His big concern is that he won’t be sufficiently scary to give a convincing performance as the town’s meanest menace. However during the filming of the opening scene, Archie trips and knocks himself out. Upon waking, he believes he’s a real gangster and he rampages through the studios hurling squidgy lemon meringue pies at anyone crossing his path. Having stolen all the fresh pies from another series and sending patients leaping from their beds in fear on Emergency Vets, Archie ends up storming into a live recording of Beastly Buzzers. Will he stop at nothing to procure all the prizes?

Who doesn’t enjoy a baking show so Barking Bake Off! is sure to be loved. The contestants facing one another are Poppy Seedcake and Corgi Joe. Whatever the secret ingredient in Corgi Joe’s barkwell tarts is, it’s not what the contestant intended. Indeed it’s an absolute calamity. The same is true in the second round. Seems Joe has lost his touch: maybe not as week three sees a vast improvement and a score of ten barks. But then disaster strikes in the form of the poisoning. Something decidedly unsavoury is surely going on behind the scenes of Pawprint Productions. It’s a bizarre mystery but can Meek and Squeak in police guise discover a culprit and save the whole series? Now that would be telling …

Berta Maluenda’s amusing black and white illustrations are a vital ingredient in the stories, making them even tastier.

Snow

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Snow
Meera Trehan
Walker Books

This story is set in Mistmir, a kingdom which is empty save for the Princess Karina who spends all her time digging Snow. This snow is not the ordinary precipitation, rather it has been scientifically modified to be self-replenishing in response to her wish for ‘perfect’ snow on her thirteenth birthday. As a consequence the Princess has been continually labouring and now she and her father, the King, are the only ones who haven’t fled.

One day as she shovels, the Princess discovers her precious fluttery toy, made by the strangers who created the Snow. A sign of hope surely, but before she’s been able to show her father, she encounters a girl, Ela, who has accidentally entered Mistmir from our world. Ela can hardly believe that this is the Princess from the Snow Princess book that her mother used to read to her every night.

Princess Karina realises that the unexpected visitor is key to saving Mistmir and invites Ela to her castle. Ela travels with Karina, hoping that she will discover the truth that lies behind the Book and the strange mental memory-like images it conjured. As they travel on the look out for menacing hounds on the prowl, the girls form a bond of friendship and work together to find answers and save the snow-immersed kingdom.

Combining magic and science, Meera Trehan has crafted a story with themes of loneliness, belonging and forgiveness that is perfect for the chilly winter months. The world building is throughly convincing and the climax of the tale satisfying. Altogether a thoroughly enjoyable, haunting read.

Flember: The Golden Heart

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Flember: The Golden Heart
Jamie Smart
David Fickling Books

Jamie Smart brings his superb Flember series to a close with a spell-binding adventure, full of inventiveness surprises at almost every turn of the page, as well as illustrations of characters and diagrams that add to the story.

On account of the heinous Iola Gray and her sinister plans, Flember Island is in grave danger. Can Dev P. Everdew and his lovable red giant robot bear, Boja possibly save the island and restore it to a place of peace and magic? Assuredly he will face numerous challenges, both physical and mental. Imagine having an angry wolf standing over you glaring with its red eyes, and baring its sharp black teeth with strings of spit glistening between them.

Yes there are scary moments aplenty but also lots of humour, not to mention a fair few farts courtesy of Boja. Add to all this, that the book is great for empathy building; and what Jamie Smart has done yet again is to create an unputdownable, thought-provoking book with a hugely satisfying conclusion that Flember fans will love.

Dev. his brother Santoro and Boja will be greatly missed but you can always go back and start reading the entire series over again.

Murder At Christmas

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Murder At Christmas
Fleur Hitchcock
Nosy Crow

Having been at boarding school in England while her mother (a diplomat), father and younger brother, Billy, have been living in Australia, Grace is excited to be spending Christmas in Bath, staying in her Aunt Mollie’s hotel with Mum and Billy. (Aunt Mollie is mum’s twin sister.)

Mum goes to visit their Gran who lives nearby in a residential care home but after several hours she hasn’t returned so Grace and Billy start worrying and their aunt isn’t around either so the siblings are left on their own. To add to their worries, a body is found on the hotel stairs: something is definitely wrong.
On the positive side, Grace and Billy make two new friends, Olive and Doug; but with each passing day, Grace suspects something terrible has happened to their mum, especially as Aunt Mollie is acting strangely.

Determined to find their mum as well as solving the murder before Christmas, the siblings, working with new friends,Doug and Olive, start searching for clues.

Eventually they discover where their mum is but getting her free safe and sound, plus finding out the truth behind her disappearance is a real challenge.

Superbly plotted with lots of twists and turns, several red herrings, suspense and two young protagonists who really prove themselves, this is a compelling seasonal adventure at the heart of which is family and its importance.

Snuggle up and read this as you drink a cup of hot chocolate in the run up to Christmas.


Flipped!

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Flipped!
Philip Caveney
Fox and Ink Books

This story takes inspiration from both the COVID pandemic and Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations. Set in 2020 during a COVID lockdown, its main protagonist is fifteen year old Flip. His mother is a nurse practitioner at the local hospital and after on-line lessons undertaken with no enthusiasm during the summer term on Flip’s part, the school holiday has begun. He can neither spend time with his friends, nor enjoy a week or two abroad with his mum. He’s not a keen reader and so with little else to occupy him, Flip has taken to walking out onto the nearby North Kent Marshes.

On one of those walks, he comes upon a derelict house and curious, he decides to investigate. He heads inside and to his surprise a strangely dressed girl, seemingly of a similar age to himself, speaks to him. She says this, “So here you are at last. It’s about time. I’ve been waiting for you for ages.” Flip learns that her name is Estella. Estella is bemused by the mask he has and Flip is concerned that she has no awareness of social distancing nor any of the other rules introduced to stop the spread of the pandemic, though she does mention that there’s no cholera where they are. Estella leads Flip to a room where he must work on listing and ordering a collection of books, a task set for him by a Miss H. However Flip causes some chaos, escapes and goes home. There he does an online search for the name Estella, a search that leads him to the book Great Expectations. Rejecting that the strange girl in the house is part of the story, Flip returns, only to discover that he too seems to be a character in the story.

Unintentionally, his actions start affecting Dickens’s narrative: Flip really needs to find a way to set things right and leave the book once and for all: either that or remain forever trapped within its pages.

In addition to coping with this problematic situation, Flip is at the same time coping with consequences of his parents’ break-up, so many readers will find plenty to relate to in his story. It matters not that most will be unfamiliar with Great Expectations as Philip Caveney’s explanations of the Dickens’ characters are so well done. So too is Flip’s character who is utterly believable and easy to empathise with. A mystery story, with witty touches; strongly recommended for upper KS2/KS3 readers

Lionborn

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Lionborn
Sharique Zea

The story begins in London with two mysterious figures, Abigor and Baka standing over a sleeping infant attempting to extract its blood and becoming frustrated at being unable to do so because just prior to their arrival protective light entered his body. Their intended victim is Fionn Hurley and they have identified him as a Lionborn.

Fast forward to when Fionn is twelve. He has nightmares, vivid ones that seem ever more real when he wakes up with injuries that soon disappear. His parents don’t believe what he says about the dreams and his peers mock him, some calling him ‘monster boy’; however Fionn knows that these are more than mere nightmares.

When he talks to a classmate, Tiny, the boy is interested and suggests the two team up. His closest friend is Ella whose mother is missing, so the team becomes a threesome. Being with Ella and Tiny makes Fionn feel normal again, so he says. But far from normal is the appearance of a lion cub that nobody else can see. Strange things are also happening to Ella and it takes some persuasion but she reveals to Fionn that she’s been receiving riddles that she thinks are coming from her mother; but are they?

It’s not long before the three friends find themselves in the dangerous world of Arborea, not a dream but a world where monsters from Fionn’s dreams want his blood. With Tiny’s confidence, Ella’s determination and Fionn’s intelligence, the three must then work together to stay alive, a desperate task, but one during which they learn things about themselves and one another, things they never thought possible.

The author cleverly weaves together the human world and the fantasy world with its enchanted forests, labyrinths and menacing beasts immersing readers in an environment where boundaries are highly permeable. With Fionn emerging as a hero as the book ends, we’re left wondering what comes next.

The Cloud Kingdom

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The Cloud Kingdom
Máire Zepf, illustrated by Andrew Whitson
Little Island Books

Nancy is a bibliophile and spends almost all her time reading. Then one summer’s day so engrossed was she in her book that she failed to notice a fox enter the garden with a faery on its back. The faery takes a cake from the plate beside Nancy and rides away into the woods. The following day a similar thing happens, but on the third day it’s her beloved cat, Pangur that is seized. Determined to retrieve her pet, Nancy gives chase and eventually comes upon the Faery King. Her initial requests for the return of Pangur are turned down but eventually she strikes a bargain with him and becomes the human storyteller to the Faery Kingdom.

What follows are seven further interconnecting tales featuring such wonders as Beyvinn, a dream-weaving giantess, a hat shop with magical hats crafted by wizards, a ghost dragon

and a mechanical jellyfish.

A charming combination of words and pictures: Máire Zepf’s inventive short tales that are perfectly pitched for reading aloud and Andrew Whitson’s illustrations which have an ethereal, whimsical look, make this an ideal pre-bedtime book or to share with a KS1 class over a couple of days. Great for stimulating children’s own imaginations.

Small Wonder

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Small Wonder
Ross Montgomery
Walker Books

Tick, who is ten and his younger brother Leaf, (fivish) were cared for by their grandfather in a cottage on the farthest edge of the forest until he died. Thus far their life had been peaceful but then a fleet of black-sailed ships appeared on the horizon – the Drene warships – and what Tick calls a Hunter is on the prowl: it’s time to leave, destination the King’s Keep.Grandfather had warned that this day might come and now they have just six moons to reach the mighty fortress built by the previous ruler, Good King Avery, before the drawbridge is pulled up.

Readers follow the boys’ journey on their trusty steed, a dapple grey mare, Pebble, as they flee from all they’ve known. A terrifying and testing journey it truly is, full of adventure and with only a rough idea of how to reach King’s Keep, they travel through forest, grassland and around mountains. There’s snow to contend with, bandits, strangers who may not be what they seem, and more; but all the while Tick has in mind that he must honour his Grandfather’s last words,”If you have one chance, then you have to make it count.”

Can they both reach their destination in time or will the Hunter or the snow get them first? Assuredly it will take all Tick’s determination and courage, but eventually arrive, they do, in no small measure thanks to Pebble. By the time they get to the Keep, Tick has learned more than he ever imagined possible and is ready to face whatever comes next.

With the twist at the end, this is a truly brilliant adventure story, Ross’s best yet in my book. Thoroughly recommended for older readers and it would make a terrific read aloud to share with an upper KS2 class.