Category read it yourself

Shadow Thieves

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Shadow Thieves
Peter Burns
Farshore

Born in a desolate workhouse, Tom Morgan has managed to escape and since then by using his wits, observation skills and fleet of foot, he’s survived on the London streets. When his friends from the street are taken by child snatchers, Tom promises himself that he’ll rescue them. He meanwhile, is approached by the Corsair, a man who offers him an opportunity not merely to survive but to thrive. Tom accepts and is taken to become a student at Beaufort’s School for Deceptive Arts or Thieves School, an elite international boarding school shrouded in secrecy.

From the outset he faces challenges – bullies, the amount of work he has to catch up with having joined mid year and making new friends. He learns about the Shadow League, which comprises four guilds – spies, thieves, assassins and politicos – that supposedly keep the balance in the world, and he’s taught to scam, practice deception and tackle tricky obstacles of the physical kind. In so doing he keeps alert, realises that not everyone is to be trusted and puts together some vital clues that will help his friends new and old.

Then, when he goes to the International Shadow Cup with the Corsair, Tom’s skills are tested to the limit.
What exactly is the threat that is constantly lurking as the plot twists this way and that?

Set in an alternative world where the major powers are la Grande République de France, the Japanese Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia, with action aplenty, an amazing brave, quick-witted protagonist in Tom and superb world building, this splendid story is one where you keep telling yourself, I’ll just read one more chapter before I stop and then you find you’ve finished the whole book. Now I’m eagerly awaiting the second in the series coming next year.

Flember: The Secret Book

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Flember: The Secret Book
Jamie Smart
David Fickling Books

Flember is a mysterious island, the setting for this story: it’s also the life force on which the island is dependent. On this island in a village called Eden lives Dev, who loves to invent things. We first meet him as he’s jumping from a steep cliff face wearing wings made of chicken feathers and cheese powered boots. He’s only sixty-three per cent sure these inventions will work, but work they do sufficiently well to enable him to chase and catch a flemberbug and land in the market place to the relief of his mother. (It’s from her that we discover that books are banned in Eden).

Further experiments ensue and following a carrot incident and its resulting chaos, the Mayor bans Dev from Flember Day, instructing him to clean out the antique shop he wrecked. In this shop Dev comes upon lots of books, in particular an ancient volume containing information about Flember, the life force and its titular Island. Excited by his discovery, he persuades little Mina, owner of a teddy bear to allow him to bring the bear to life to help clean up the mess and this he proceeds to do in true Frankenstein fashion.

This turns out to be his greatest invention in size at least. But despite Boja the robot bear being built to protect the village, with its unrestrained impulses, it ends up causing mayhem instead, and giving grief to both Dev’s mother and his elder brother Santoro, a member of the Youth Guild who has big ambitions. Moreover Dev and said Boja Bear with his Flember consumption have used up almost all that’s available. Now what? Can the village be fixed? Think waffles …

With crazy village characters aplenty, this story is overflowing with ideas, incidents and weird humour but equally important is the message concerning taking responsibility for your mistakes. I look forward to the next adventure of Dev and Boja.

Escape Room: Game Zero

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Escape Room: Game Zero
Christopher Edge
Nosy Crow

Absolutely overflowing with thought provoking ideas, this seems to be more complex than the author’s previous Escape Room books. It begins with Eden who has received an invitation through an online gaming forum from someone with the username AMI, setting off excitedly to play a new game, The Escape. Making her way to where she thinks the creating tech company is situated, and followed by her cat, she’s suddenly distracted by a bird entangled in a football net. Having freed the bird and watched it join others flying in a murmuration, things become weird as she’s swept upwards and transported to what she realises is the game landscape and that she’s now entered the game. Looking around there’s no sign of cat, Molly, but she sees almost immediately, a boy, Ted.

It transpires that he’s the son of the CEO of Escape Systems and is playing the game through a virtual headset from the safety of his own home and therefore doesn’t fear facing a wolf or falling off a cliff. Moreover, he refuses to believe that Eden is anything other than an element of the games, (an NPC) rather than a participant.

To get through the game it’s necessary to solve three tricky clues and find three keys. Despite finding it progressively hard to remember anything that went before the game, it’s down to Eden’s determination, competence in puzzle solving and ability to reman calm that they are able to work in tandem through the levels of the game even when things go wrong.

And go wrong they certainly do leaving Eden to complete the game. But will she remain trapped forever or will she be able to return to reality?

A terrific, thrilling read,

Pirate Academy: Sword Echoes

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Pirate Academy: Sword Echoes
Justin Somper, illustrated by Teo Skaffa
uclan publishing

The third book in this terrific Pirate Academy series is the most breath-taking and action-packed so far. The three young buccaneering students find out more about one another and equally important, about themselves.

As the story opens Neo is sailing with Captain December Wilde and Pickle, her pet boar, following a trail of clues left for him by his legend mother, Captain Doll Darkwater. Neo’s formed a bond with Pickle but misses his Academy friends, Jasmine and Jacoby most of all, even more so as he has no idea when he will next see them.

Meanwhile, Jasmine and Jacoby are horrified to discover something unexpected about their much-loved teacher, Captain Victor Molina; he has defected to LOT P (the League of True Pirates). Whilst endeavouring to make sense of the betrayal, Jacoby discovers some evidence that one of his classmates could be the next target for LOT P : now Ocean (Jasmine’s best friend) falls under suspicion.

Then just as Jasmine, Ocean and Jacoby are preparing to head out to sea on a maverick mission, for Jasmine to reunite with her father, they’re stopped in their tracks by Captain Mayday Salt. Ocean is told she must stay at the Academy and that Mayday will join the voyage along with Cheng-Li, a voyage that takes them into extremely dangerous waters.

And there I’ll leave them and merely say that there’s intrigue aplenty and that Neo’s journey sees him receiving an awesome gift – a sword with as yet undisclosed powers which, in the right hands could change everything.

With a new journey awaiting, I can’t wait to see what unfolds in book four.

The Wish Switch

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The Wish Switch
Lynn Painter
Scholastic

Emma Rockford’s beloved Nana Marie had instilled in her granddaughter a belief in a magical faerie portal that supposedly grants wishes. Now Emma and her classmates are on a class field trip on the very day the magic portal is giving out wishes, its location being less than a mile from the portal. The plan is to steal away with her best friends Allie and Kennedy, find the magic spot in the forest and each make four secret wishes, wishes that would start coming true in four months time. While they’re so doing, Emma’s brother Noah and new boy, Jackson appear on the scene, seemingly for the very same reason.

Exactly four months later wishes have come true, one each for both Allie and Kennedy but not for Emma. Instead it appears that Jackson has received her first wish. And so it continues, leaving Emma endeavouring to cope with intense disappointment.

Could it be that in order to make her wishes come true she’ll need to team up with Jackson …

For older readers, this is an amusing tale of friendship, family and self-discovery laced with magic.

Kata & Tor

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Kata & Tor
Kevin Crossley-Holland
Walker Books

Set in 1066, the focus of this story is a failed invasion of York by the Vikings led by King Harald Hardrada of Norway and leader of the Viking fleet.. The king has sent his youngest son Tor and companion Eirik ahead as information-gathering scouts but an accident wrecks their boat and Eirik ends up dead. Unsure where he’s landed up and without a partner, Tor is at a loss to know what to do. He realises he must bury his friend but before so doing he goes wandering along the beach, discovers a hut and spends a couple of nights there before proceeding with his mission, telling those who ask that he’s come from Orkney in order to avoid suspicion.

Meanwhile Kata who knows very little about her parents, is hard at work in her village supporting herself and neighbours, yearning for something other than marriage at a young age within her Anglo-Saxon village and environs.

It’s fate that brings the two young people together and they’re immediately attracted to one another. However in such troubled times being in love with someone from so different a background and with rumours spreading about the imminent coming of Hardrada, Kata is constantly asking herself if she’s fallen for a Viking and if so, then what? Tor too has a difficult dilemma: he insists to Kata that he’s not a Viking – he certainly doesn’t want to fight – and is at odds with himself – but he has to decide where he really belongs. Can they find a way to be together?

History lovers in particular will enjoy this tale much of which, though not the titular characters, is historically accurate.

Wendington Jones and the Lost Legacy

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Wendington Jones and the Lost Legacy
Daniel Dockery
UCLan Publishing

I was unable to put down the first instalment of the series, Wendington Jones and the Missing Tree and came to this follow up with high hopes: I wasn’t disappointed.

The book opens with Wendington, restless after her first adventure desperate to ‘taste the mystery and thrill of that excitement again; to chase the unknown and fantastical.’ As she tries to pick the lock to her mother’s private study at 2am, she’s frustrated in her efforts by Rohan (her grandmother’s valet). Instead, unable to sleep she goes downstairs and having seen a strange light outside, follows and catches ups with a stranger in Grandmamma’s rose garden. He’s tending the roses, so he tells Wendington. However, this is no ordinary gardener, it transpires he’s actually Grigor Rasputin, a supposedly dead, monk, healer and close friend of the last Russian royal family.

Things get progressively stranger: while Wendington and Cordelia, her friend from school are looking at a book together, Cordelia says that she’s pretty certain that the young Tsarina in a photo of the Romanovs, she who had supposedly died nearly three years ago, is the spitting image of Octavia Winchester, head girl of their school. The girls decide to go to school and a plan is formed, one which becomes blazingly hot.

Meanwhile her Grandmamma is about to hold a grand event for international dignitaries including some Russian notables- the revolutionaries. Just before though, Wendington discovers that her dead mother had Romanov connections.
As more is revealed, Wendington and the faithful Rohan are soon dashing across Europe towards Venice seeking Anastasia the Tsarina in an effort to save her from Rasputin. So doing will bring her back in contact with those who bear a huge grudge against her, the Dominos.

With perils aplenty, this cracking period adventure, superbly plotted, with some terrific and some terrifying characters, as well as a satisfying finale, is every bit as gripping as the first book.

The Doughnut Club

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The Doughnut Club
Kristina Rahim
Nosy Crow

There are a fair few children’s stories about blended families these days but this is the first I’ve read about donor parents.

Ollie and Quinn have always known that they were born to their mums by sperm donation and are both comfortable with this fact.

As the book opens the family is travelling to their annual holiday destination, a hotel at the seaside and the children learn from Mum and Mama as they call their parents, about a website giving more information about their sperm donor and that they have additional siblings, something neither has thought about before. Ollie doesn’t seem especially interested whereas Quinn, who is twelve and has always felt a bit different from the rest of her action-loving family, is eager to find out more. Maybe she can find a sibling who likes to take things more slowly and enjoys arty pursuits, as she does.

Mama in particular is adamant that Quinn is too young to make contact but she quickly becomes obsessed: perhaps there will be another red head with green eyes. She’s aware that tracking them down in secret involves doing things that are wrong, taking and using Mum’s bank card to pay for website access for instance, but she’s completely driven and unable to stop herself sneaking opportunities to do more research on the website without her mums knowing. Also staying in the same holiday hotel complex is Quinn’s arch enemy, Monika who starts getting rather too close to Ollie. When Quinn hears that she too had a donor, she begins to worry that Monika might turn out to be one of her donor siblings.

Before long Quinn’s focus is not on the family she loves so much and consequently she’s late to meet Olly, who ends up getting hurt. It’s pretty clear she’s out of her depth and needs to put things right with her mums but is she brave enough to talk with them before it’s too late?
Inclusive, humorous and tender, this thought provoking book will be enjoyed by children from year 4 up and should, I think, be in every primary school collection.

Finders of Silverthorn Forest: The Lost Treasures

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Finders of Silverthorn Forest: The Lost Treasures
Rachel Chivers Khoo, illustrated by Laura Catalán
Walker Books

As the story opens we meet almost simultaneously the two protagonists: a small boy, Max, and the more diminutive Tuft, who wears odd shoes. It’s partly on account of this footwear that the two meet. Tuft (a Finder) is looking for treasure and Max is a passenger in his mum’s car that almost crashes into what Max mistakes for a tea towel.

Back at Grandma’s, Max continues his mission- to help her find the time capsule she buried almost seventy years ago, before she has to move out of her home. The problem is Grandma can’t remember where she buried it; maybe it was in her garden, or perhaps in the surrounding woods, or even in a treehouse in an ancient oak tree. Off goes Max in an old faux-fur coat of Grandma’s to search the treehouse but is surprised to discover it’s occupied.

Occupied by Finder, Tuftorius Snook, the very creature that Max mistook for a tea towel. Finders are woodland creatures that ‘scavenge lost objects’ that their whiskers help them find and treat them as treasure, even keeping an inventory. “Finders keepers’ is their rule. The two start chatting over tea and a friendship begins. Suddenly a lot more Finders turn up including Tuft’s grandfather, Old Grey.

Tuft persuades his grandfather that Max means no harm and on the way back through the woods, he tells Max that the next day is Domesday. When they arrive at Grandmas’s cottage Max asks Tuft for his help and a plan is formed.

The following morning Mr Pellington, the new owner of Grandma’s cottage arrives telling her that diggers are a coming and she must be out by noon. When they discover his real reason for buying the cottage, Max becomes desperate to see Tuft despite their having said their goodbyes to each other. Can they still do something to stop the entire wood being demolished and most importantly save the oak tree with that treehouse?

Another entrancing story from Rachel (I’ve loved both her previous books) with detailed illustrations by Laura Catalán adding to the pleasure at almost every turn of the page. Woven into the tale is a vital theme about tree preservation.

Soni and the Life Drinkers

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Soni and the Life Drinkers
Shiko Nguru
Lantana

With just a few days to go, twelve year old Soni has her sights firmly fixed on winning first prize at the annual middle school dance competition, Vunja Mifupa. To that end even after her fellow members of the dance squad have left, she remains behind in the studio to continue practising. While so doing she hears a heartbeat that makes her blood run cold; it’s no ordinary one but that of a shiqq, an underworld monster.

As Soni leaves, her father greets her with devastating news. Her beloved mentor and teacher, the already ailing Mr Lemayian, has taken a turn for the worse. It must be the malevolent Life Drinker that is the cause. Mr Lemayian has helped Soni and the other Intasimi Warriors—Mwikali, Odwar, and Xirsi—come into their powers and defeat evil, so now these powers must be used to save their beloved teacher. Soni calls a meeting with her friends and tells them the awful news. During the meeting there’s an unexpected arrival – it’s a hybrid (part human, part shiqq ) claiming to be able to help them, saying her name is Thandiwe and that the Final Battle is nigh. Moreover Thandiwe hands Soni a brass bracelet saying, “ … it belongs to our family. It’s your Entasim.” But can Soni trust her to help find the Life Drinker that’s draining Mr Lemayian of his life force? Then Soni learns that her mum has a twin sister who has a dark secret – a key to finding the identity of the Life Drinkers perhaps?

With their mentor growing weaker all the time, surely they can’t refuse Thandiwe’s help, despite the Intasami Warriors already having been betrayed? Maybe it’s the only way to go so long as when working with others, Soni can manage to moderate her impulsive nature.

The book ends with the Final Battle yet to happen, leaving readers eagerly waiting for the next episode.

Alex Rider Stormbreaker

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Alex Rider Stormbreaker
Anthony Horowitz
Walker Books

This is a silver edition celebrating the very first of the Alex Rider novels. The story begins with an ordinary fourteen year old boy being woken from his slumbers by the doorbell ringing. It’s the police with the news that his only known relation, Uncle Ian has been killed in a traffic accident. However, suspicious of the explanation he’s given, Alex starts his own investigation and discovers his uncle’s car full of bullet holes. Why kill a banker, he wonders, having just missed being crushed to death himself when his uncle’s BMW is tossed into the crusher.

When Alex climbs through a window to gain access to his uncle’s office it transpires that Uncle Ian was not a banker at all but a field agent for MI6 – a spy in other words. Before long Alex finds he’s been dragged into the world of cloak and dagger intrigue and espionage Then, having undergone an intensive programme of training, he reluctantly becomes MI6 youngest ever spy. His mission revolves around one Mr Herod Sayle and Alex sets about infiltrating Sayle’s operation and the revolutionary Stormbreaker computers set to be given to schools.

To call the assignment action-packed is a complete understatement: it’s totally gripping and has spawned a series that has become something of a rite of passage for pre-teen readers.
This 25th anniversary edition includes a brand new Alex Rider short story but you’ll have to get your own copy to discover what happens therein.

Afia in the Land of Wonders

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Afia in the Land of Wonders
Mia Araujo
Scholastic

In the remote desert village of Dafra, sixteen year old twins Afia and Aya are about to become crystal merchants like their parents. On the eve of their ewende ceremony (coming of age) Afia encounters a mysterious young carver at the monthly market and he makes her an offer. Unlike her dutiful sister, Afia does not want to follow in her parents’ footsteps; instead she wants to see the world. Consequently she flees from the initiation ceremony and heads to the forest. where she joins Bakame, the carver on a journey that takes her far from her familiar homeland community. She’s intrigued by what he tells her of Queen Ukiwa and her palace in Ijábù. What he doesn’t tell her however, is that the Queen’s palace and her entire kingdom are built on the cruel, cunning ensnarment of the lives and dreams of her courtiers.

Eventually though, Afia witnesses her awful cruelty, which changes her initial impression of the Queen and she realises that she’s made a terrible mistake. Determined to leave Ijábù. she agrees to a bargain proposed by Ojike, a spirit of a boy who’s wearing a carved cat mask: He’ll help her find her way back home if she helps him overthrow the evil Queen. But is she sufficiently brave and resilient to free not only herself but those trapped by the queen’s controlling power? She’ll certainly face terrific danger, but she will discover allies willing to assist in her mission to return and make amends to her precious twin.

Celebrating curiosity, family bonds, independent thinking, friendship and compassion, this fantasy with its stunningly beautiful colour illustrations, draws both on African folklore and on elements of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Older readers who have read the Lewis Carroll classic and have an interest in folklore from around the world will get the most from this fascinating story.

Higher Ground

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Higher Ground
Tull Suwannakit
New Frontier Publishing

In this highly visual story we follow the lives of a grandmother, a brother (the narrator) and sister and their pet rabbit who are stranded in their city apartment as a result of what Grandma calls The Great Flood. Everybody else left before the water came and so there was nobody to see their rooftop message pleading for help. Thus this space becomes their entire world but Grandma tells the children they must never lose hope.

Day by day she teaches them everything she knows: things about sowing and planting, making repairs, fishing, reusing and recycling, observing their changing surroundings and more. The children seize upon her teachings with enthusiasm, optimism and creativity. The seasons change but so too does Grandma: little by little her strength diminishes. With the waters continuing to rise, the children start building a raft and loading it with produce.

Grandma knows she has little time left so she encourages the children to sail away leaving her to protect their garden: ‘with each ending a new beginning unfolds’, she tells them giving her necklace to her granddaughter and saying that she’ll always be with them.

Weeks later, having been completely lost, battered by fierce stormy waters and on the point of despair, a seabird flying overhead reminds the siblings of Grandma and with lifted spirits they struggle on, eventually finding dry land and a new home among other people. Using their experiences they then show compassion towards other people who also find themselves lost, stranded.

Tull Suwannakit uses predominantly mixed media visual imagery to convey the story, skilfully blending wordless graphic novel sequences, some in black and white, beautiful softly hued landscapes

and double spread diagrams of instructions for such things as catching a fish. The result is a hugely moving account of how even under the very worst of circumstances, like those two protagonists, we should never give up on life.

Embracing such themes as home, belonging, loss, grief, refugees, self-sufficiency and the consequences of climate change, this is a book that deserves to be widely read at home and in classrooms.

I Am Raven

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I Am Raven
Alastair Chisholm
Nosy Crow

You really need to have read I Am Wolf before embarking on this sequel. Herein the main protagonist is Brann, once a member of the Raven crew but with the destruction of her construct by Dragon, she is now searching for any members of her tribe that may have survived and for answers. Desperately determined, she and members of the atypical Cub crew are intending to head northwards both to look for clues as to what happened to Raven and to find the source of the strange signal, Rieka one of the crew has been tracking. However there are more besides Reika, Brann and others aboard looking for answers and it’s not long before Cub’s crew find they’re on a mission that is of importance to other Constructs as well as themselves.
From a tiny Construct steps a stranger informing them that Brann (or Leondra) as the woman calls her) is ordered by the High Constructs to attend an interview.

Following this meeting during which they learn more about the realm wherein they all live, Cub is invited to travel with the enormous Bear and they continue moving until they reach Puma territory and there they come upon Dragon: dead. At least it looks to be Dragon but Brann insists it isn’t. The closer they get to where they believe the information they seek can be found, they will find that truths much darker than they envisioned hidden there. Brann, a very complex character not supposed to feel fear, is convinced that Raven’s fate is due to her actions and this makes her committed to track down this construct and atone for what she did.

With its themes of loyalty and friendship, readers are quickly drawn into the terrifying world of Cub and crew. I read late into the night to finish this brilliant book. It ends on an enormous cliff-hanger leaving us desperate to know what happens next.

Hercules Hero to Zero

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Hercules Hero to Zero
Tom Vaughan, illustrated by David O’Connell
Scholastic

Hercules Braver returns for a third set of adventures presented in the usual diary form and taking place during the school summer holidays. With his stepdad Ken having set off on an expedition to Canada, and his pals all going for holidays abroad, Hercules is sure he and his mum are going to have a great time, but then he hears his mum say that her job as a translator is now precarious, though he’s not really sure what this means. Could it be something exciting maybe? Not so, when Mum says she’s selling the family car.: Hercules decides he must make some money to help the situation, after all it can’t be that difficult to become mega-rich.

First, aided and abetted by Hatty, Pav and Natthew, he tries a genius invention he calls VegFund, a safe for valuables but he ends up making a loss and owing money. He then ‘borrows’ the money from the sale of Mum’s car, the intention being to buy raffle tickets and win a super-duper car.

Then comes a phone call from Zooey aka Zeus; he’s furious about people writing bad things about him on the internet, Natthew in particular who is unaware of the true identity of Herc’s Dad. There follow surprise news about the raffle winner; the next money-making project (Toybay website), Mum’s announcement about the Young Explorers Camp where she’s to be a camp leader and Herc. a participant, a discovery that others besides Natthew are writing about Zeus on the internet and shock horror! Mum has been busy writing a book, one that Hercules wants to get rid of pronto.

Once at the camp Herc decides it seems ‘kind of all right’ but that’s before he and Pav cascade over a waterfall and find themselves face to face with a a prankster saying he’s been sent by Zeus. It’s Hermes and he’s looking for the self-same hard-drive that has on it both a special book and the toybay website.
All this and we’re less than halfway through August. There’s still the camp play – A Midsummer Night’s Dream, more donkey dramas than the one in the play

and lots more.
Will Mum find out that Hercules.took her £400 and what of her book? 


Loosely based on the next three labours of Hercules, this is exceedingly funny, made even more so by David O’Connell’s liberal sprinklings of illustrations.


Gargoyles: The Watcher

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Gargoyles: The Watcher
Tamsin Mori
UCLan publishing

With the evil ghasts defeated and the Source purified, Callen is eagerly embracing his Guardian training with his gargoyle, Zariel. As a novice though, he still has a great deal to learn and when Oculus (the organisation that oversees all the magical Sources) learns that Callen has been made a Guardian, they send a Watcher to assess his skills. Callen is only too aware that if he fails, he risks losing both his new home and his gargoyle. However with ghosts prowling, a missing kelpie to find and tainted magic spreading beyond Gargoyles Rest, Callen’s courage, friendships and his resourcefulness will all be put to the test. However the Watcher has decided that Callen is worth training and stays on to help him and his friends.

Who will Callen trust and when faced with choosing between defending the Source and protecting his friends, what will he do? The choices he faces will push him to his very limits for he cannot bear to see any creature suffer. Teamwork and loyalty area key factors for Callen when it comes to finding the right path.

With it’s fast-paced action and dangers aplenty, Tamsin Mori’s wonderfully imagined, multi-layered second Gargoyles adventure is totally gripping and packed with magical realism. Don’t miss this one.

The Seaside Sleepover

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The Seaside Sleepover
Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Rachael Dean
Puffin

This latest addition to the Sleepover series takes place during the summer holidays. (For those who haven’t read the previous ones, Daisy’s elder sister Lily is a wheelchair user and uses Makaton to communicate.) Daisy wonders what she’ll find to do with her best friend, Emily having gone on a seaside holiday in a caravan.

Next door to Daisy’s family lives old Mr Norman and his dog, Scruff. She’s very fond of the dog but Mr Norman is standoffish and proud so resents interference from other people. However when he takes a tumble and has to go to hospital there’s really nobody else to take care of Scruff and reluctantly Mum agrees that the dog can stay with them. This makes the school holiday a rather more exciting prospect. Then Daisy starts wishing they could take Scruff to the seaside; she’s sure he’d enjoy that as much as she would.

That evening Daisy’s Uncle Gary face-times them and is very excited: he’s putting on a family friendly comedy show at the seaside. He’s staying in a posh hotel that has additional holiday homes including one he thinks would suit them. At last Daisy’s parents agree and on the Saturday, they’re off, accompanied by Scruff and Lily’s friend, Natalie who uses a support for walking.

What an eventful time they have especially being in the front row for Uncle Gary’s performance when he cross-dresses and becomes Gloriette; but there are surprises, new friends

and some difficult situations to deal with too.

There are few authors who both understand children so well and portray them so credibly in stories as Jacqueline Wilson. Rachael Dean’s light-hearted illustrations further enliven the drama.

KS2 readers will devour this and I throughly recommend it for classroom collections and home bookshelves.

Solving Crimes Is Not My Superpower

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Solving Crimes Is Not My Superpower
Nathanael Lessore, illustrated by Simran Diamond Singh
Little Tiger

Everybody living in the town of Walsham has a superpower, everybody except Sara (narrator) whose parents are members of the IPA (Incredible Protection Agency). Her mum can control the wind and her dad has super strength. Her best friend, Georgie can smell fear and is a football fanatic as well as captain of the school team; the mayor emits multicoloured farts and an old lady can levitate squirrels (albeit waist high only). Although she’s great at cracking really funny jokes, Sara is still waiting for her power to appear (she’s around the age it usually happens).

So when their school’s all important soccer trophy is stolen just four days from the final match, Sara has no choice but to solve the crime using only her powers of deduction. As well as a notebook in which to jot down clues and suspects, she has her two pals Georgie and Javier close at hand to help investigate.

Sara is especially determined as Walsham’s school team has never lost to Ramsdale in eighty years due to the power of the soccer trophy.

During their investigation the three uncover some town secrets but will they recover the all-important trophy and will Sara discover her superpower. (I love what Sara’s dad says to her early in the story, “And remember: the only TRUE powers are … a lovng heart, a helping hand and the courage to do what’s right.”)

This funny story is witty and warm and the dialogue is great: it will have young readers laughing frequently as they whizz through the story perhaps solving the mystery before the threesome.
It’s the first in a new series and has lots of lively drawings by Simran Diamond Singh. I look forward to the next adventure, Time Travel Is Not My Superpower.

Dungeon Runners: Sky Battles

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Dungeon Runners: Sky Battles
Kieran Larwood and Joe Todd-Stanton
Nosy Crow

This is the powerful sequel to Hero Trial featuring team Triple Trouble: Kit, (not the most optimistic character), Sandy – the mage and more upbeat, and Thorn the vegan vampire healer. In this story they’re off to Cloudroost, a city in the clouds to participate in a competition as real Dungeon Runners.
Shortly after arriving at their destination, they’re surprised to find someone offering them sponsorship. Her name is Gilda Grubfoot and she’s the owner of a product called Troll Bogeys. (It actually makes excellent glue.) As well as the possibility of any amount this (yuck), she gives them an old steel shield on which has been sprayed the name of her product. Surprisingly Kit is quite pleased to receive this despite the words thereon.

During the introductions by commentators Jenna the Giant and Dirk the Ork, team Triple Trouble are made to feel objects of derision, but thanks to words of support from the captain of one of the other teams Kit feels slightly more positive. Then it’s time to head to the actual dungeon deep inside the mountain.

What will be their fate, a downfall thanks to ghastly threats and cheating by other teams, or, with a little help from kindly gobrots and a touch of magic from a staff courtesy of Grandpa Klot, can Triple Trouble prove they’re worthy of a place at the next level? They’ll definitely need to keep their wits about them all the time.

There’s a gripping storyline with excitement aplenty, characters familiar and new, humour and Joe Todd-Stanton’s terrific illustrations that are full of atmosphere, sprinkled with humour too, all of which make this a book that older KS1 / younger KS2 readers will love.

The Bird Thief

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The Bird Thief
Rachel Keating
Cadno Graffeg

Twelve year old Erin has OCD with symptoms including continually checking things and counting. Her mother is depressed and has been since her much loved sister, Erin’s aunt Sophie, died in an accident some years ago.

Now it’s the summer holiday and Erin, her parents and younger sister, Lena, are staying in a static caravan in the Welsh countryside near to a spot that was special to Erin’s mum and Aunty Sophie and near to where Bampi (the girls’ grandad) lives.
Before long strange things begin to happen: first Erin sees a girl lying face down beneath the caravan next door and then later that day the woman staying in the same caravan is screaming in alarm about there being snakes in her son’s bedroom.

The following day Erin has a through the fence encounter with the girl she’d seen under the caravan, only this time she’s telling Erin not to feed bread to the ducks. The girl introduces herself as Bess, says that she’s thirteen and offers to show her a nest with chicks in. Despite Bess’s somewhat unkind behaviour Erin feels drawn to her and with Lena, ends up going through a hole in the fence surrounding the caravan park and into the woods beyond. Several times she goes and eventually Bess tells her the truth about the ‘snake’ episode. Later she takes them to the Goldfinch nest. Erin climbs up to get a closer look and ends up falling to the ground. It’s then her bird experiences begin: not only do the goldfinches heal Erin, they pass on some if their avian nature. Erin finds she’s able to fly, to slow down time and to communicate with one of the goldfinches, calling it Fable as it reminds her of her soft toy comforter.
Over the next few days Fable and Bess (despite some misunderstandings) lead Erin to realise that there’s something threatening the goldfinches and they find themselves caught up in a very dangerous situation when a forest fire breaks out.

Can Erin save herself, her friends and family, with or without her special powers?
Erin is a fascinating character and the author draws on her own childhood experiences both for her protagonist and her magical tale wherein mental health, the natural world and friendship are explored. There are occasional strategically placed black and white illustrations by Naomi Bennet that add to the emotional power of the telling.

Gargoyles: Guardians of the Source

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Gargoyles: Guardians of the Source
Tamsin Mori
UCLan Publishing

When Callen and his parents move into a ramshackle country mansion in need of restoration that used to belong to his grandmother, he’s far from happy. Every ledge has gargoyles frowning down, there’s a secret tunnel and weird sounds coming from the basement, as well as locked rooms. Seemingly there are secrets nobody has told him about. Then he comes upon an old journal in one of the rooms and learns of protector gargoyles and how human guardians are able to summon all the gargoyles to their aid.

The sense of unease Callen feels about the place is proved correct when come midnight he’s awoken by what he thinks is the sound of claws: the gargoyle from his bedroom windowsill has come to life. This precipitates events that see him endeavouring to take on the family role of Guardian, the ability for which the gargoyle doubts because it takes years to train. Callen will certainly need to win the trust of said gargoyle, Zariel and find lots of courage to undertake especially with a threat of evil magic poisoning the source creating a sense of urgency.

As he meets new friends with experience of magic, Callen begins to realise his own potential.

With themes of friendship, hope and the power of dreams, and dangers aplenty, this action-packed fantasy ends with the promise of more; KS2 readers who enjoy adventures infused with magic will eagerly await the second book.

Bree Boyd is a Legend!

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Bree Boyd is a Legend!
Leah Johnson, illustrated by Mirelle Ortega
Scholastic

Thirteen year old Bree Boyd spends her life trying to live up to her father’s high expectations and the shining examples set by her older sisters Lex (state debating champion) and Christian (at law school); Boyd Black Excellence is what it’s called. Dad a college professor is currently campaigning to become the next state senator. Her mother has left the family home. Bree, an ace speller and winner of spelling bees, studies with her tutor leaving little time to spend with her closest friends, Sammy, Abby and Ellie.

Having reached the next level in the spelling competition she starts feeling distracted and when a lightening strike knocks out the power to her home, she flips a switch on the breaker and gets an electric shock that gives her telekinetic powers. With this new-found ability Bree is able to help her friends and have some fun but with the approach of the district spelling bee, Dad ups the pressure and she’s completely torn between loyalty to her Dad or her friends with whom she’s agreed to perform. Even worse, the final spelling bee and the talent show are on the same day. It feels like her life is spinning out of control. However she has to decide whether to stick to her father’s plan or follow her own path.

Infused with humour, this is a very credible portrayal of the inner turmoil suffered by youngsters who have huge adult pressure put upon them and it’s wonderful to see the protagonist working out the true meaning of ‘being best’. There are many poignant moments and it’s great the way the Boyd siblings support one another; how each of them continues to grow despite everything and how they eventually work out how to communicate with their dad.

Recommended for readers from around eleven.

Cafe Chaos

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Cafe Chaos
Catherine Wilkins, illustrated by Katie Abey
Nosy Crow

On Hope’s first day at secondary school, she and her best friend Leila are shocked to find that Skyla, the bully from primary school has not moved abroad as she’d told everyone but is also there. As if Hope doesn’t already have a great deal to contend with: her family’s cafe, Cafe Crumble, needs to start making a profit and then her Auntie Rita turns up, announcing that she’s come to visit for a while.

Moreover, she’s to share Hope’s bedroom. Rita’s son Connor is already living with them and thinks he knows all there is to know about running a business. Then there’s her elder sister who is only interested in acting. Hope’s life is descending into chaos and nobody at home, especially her mum, has time to listen to her.

Thank goodness for Leila who is ready and willing to help her deal with bullying Skyla and her cronies. As for the cafe, could it be possible that dressing up as a giant ice-cream can help make sufficient money to pay off the bank loan and finally become solvent. That and Grandma Margery’s skills in baking pastries perhaps.

A heart-warming story engagingly written, delivered with a large slice of humour thanks in no small part to Kate Abey’s sprinklings of amusing drawings. With a cast that includes several quirky characters, this book will definitely tickle the taste buds of readers around Hope’s age, especially those who have a penchant for cake.

Rex Dinosaur in Disguise: Museum Mystery

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Rex Dinosaur in Disguise: Museum Mystery
Elys Dolan
Walker Books

This is the third tale of dinosaur hero Rex (now a PE teacher/netball coach) and his nine year old human friend Sandra, her investigations partner Anish, et al.

Rex can hardly wait for his first trip to the city museum but he and his friends learn from a security guard that strange things have been happening with exhibits moved around. The guard quits his job, Rex is interviewed and goes undercover as his replacement. This enables him to be there overnight to investigate and try to find the cause of the havoc before the museum’s biggest event of the year, The Big MuZZZeum Sleepover, the following evening. Of course he’s going to need the help of Sandra, Anish and Bigfoot.

Unexpectedly Rex makes a new friend; it’s an ancient Egyptian mummy named Amenphut 11 or Phut for short.

This mummy absolutely loves pizza but he really needs help to return to his own land; however he has an awful lot of stuff including a stuffed ferret, Imhotep. Can Rex help him catch his plane and crucially, can he make the museum sleepover the greatest ever?

With a plethora of laugh out loud moments, many of which are illustrated, this is a great book for KS2 readers. Hot chocolate anyone?

Croaky: Caverns of the Gemosaurus

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Croaky: Caverns of the Gemosaurus
Matty Long
Oxford Children’s Books

Book three in Matty Long’s Croaky series starring as the introduction reminds us, Croaky Hopper (excitable, enthusiastic, full of energy and leaps before he looks) and fellow Wogglescouts, Winston leader of the 7th Patrol, and bright, willing badge collector Sheena, is every bit as funny as the first one.

In their latest expedition the three embark on a mission to locate the Gemosaurus, a creature reputed to live deep underground in the Crystal Caverns, supposedly seen by Winston’s Grandpa back in the day. Now with an article published calling him a fraud, when Croaky suggests an expedition to find the Gemosaurus, it’s all systems go. After all Winston possesses proof in the form of a special gemstone given to said Grandpa by the creature.

Full of gemstones is what the caves certainly are and Croaky takes one and puts it under his hat for safe keeping. There follow a fair few misinterpretations as they encounter carnivorous flora, sticky situations, a parting of company,

an unexpected taxi ride and have an awful lots of stairs to climb. Is it mission accomplished though?

To find out, you’ll need to read the book but rest assured, with mayhem aplenty, this is a sparkling adventure (pardon the pun) for newly confident readers, particularly fans of madcap tales.

After

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After
Pádraig Kenny
Walker Books

“Tell me agin how the world ended.” So says Jen as the story begins; this is something her father has talked of with her many times already. Now the two are walking towards the old city hoping to find food and other useful supplies. Once again Father explains how humans destroyed the world little by little, first its habitats, followed by The Flood that wiped out many of their own kind.

In the city their search of the supermarket shelves yields nothing, but the library has lots of books and Jen is fascinated by an old tablet bearing the label Seacroft Technologies. Then following an encounter with a family to whom they give all they have in the way of food and medicines, Father declares that they should find somewhere to spend the night; this they do in a deserted hotel. Come sunrise they leave, find something for Jen to eat in another supermarket and then proceed to walk, passing a number of wrecked robots including one resembling a massive scorpion. By evening they reach the edge of a forest.

As they sit together Jen notices a flickering in the darkness and urges Father to investigate. The following morning they take a detour despite Father’s concerns that they might encounter people, perhaps not friendly ones. His prediction is correct and they come upon a small community, which to Jen’s delight, seem welcoming. Among them is a boy around her age, so Jen is even more eager to join them. Father though must keep his true existence – an autonomous robot, with the appearance of a human – secret from these clearly technophobic Flood survivors. If not, what will happen?

Jen and Father are not related but have formed a very close bond even though the latter is programmed to be devoid of emotions and relies on a childcare book for his parenting. So when Father’s secrets start to unravel, Jen faces an impossible decision: Father or community? And what of that holiday camp place she’d read about in a brochure a while back?

With occasional illustrations by Steve McCarthy, this is another brilliant, entirely credible story set in a Dystopian future by the author of Stitch that is an exploration of what it means to be human; in addition however, Pádraig Kenny explores the role of AI and a possible horrendous outcome of human’s ever increasing reliance on technology.

I wonder just how far child readers think we humans should go in our never-ceasing endeavours to have a better life.

The AppleTree Animal Agency

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The AppleTree Animal Agency
Katya Balen, illustrated by Gill Smith
Walker Books

Mattie loves animals and watches those that come to her garden in the evenings, pretending that Quilla the hedgehog, Bertie the bat and Marmalade the fox are her pets. Seemingly everybody in her class at Mossdale Primary School owns a pet and Mattie desperately wants a puppy but despite frequently asking her dad, he insists they don’t have time to look after one.

One night as Mattie stands watching her animal friends she sees a shooting star and makes a wish on it. Almost immediately through her binoculars, she glimpses a scruffy pup moving unsteadily as though hurt, but when she ventures outside to look, there’s no sign of it.

Next day when Mattie’s walking with her best friend, Zoe, and talking about the puppy, Zoe’s own puppy runs off only to lead them to the injured pup from the previous night. Off they head to the vets but find the place in a chaotic state.

A boy introducing himself as Caspar tells the girls his vet mum and he are staying for the summer while the regular vet goes to visit his poorly mum. The three children sort out the chaos while the vet tends to the injured paw. A couple of hours later everything is back as it should be to Dr Polly’s delight and she calls the three her apprentice vets.

So begins Mattie’s volunteering stint at the vet’s surgery – seemingly her dream is beginning to come true, but Luna as she’s now called, still isn’t hers. Then comes the incident of the runaway ferret: it ends happily and sparks Mattie’s brainwave – a pet-matching service at the village fete.. Zoe and Caspar love the idea and the three start working on it the following morning. Come fete day the service is a great success: is it just possible that all the animals will find suitable homes with responsible owners? Even Mattie’s beloved Luna? …

And so Appletree Animal Agency is formed.

Katya Balen’s feeling-centred story is thoroughly enjoyable and will captivate younger readers especially animal lovers. The friendship, determination and teamwork of the child characters is terrific and a great example to her audience.

The Pinchers and the Curse of the Egyptian Cat

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The Pinchers and the Curse of the Egyptian Cat
Anders Sparring and Per Gustavsson
Gecko Press

Is it possible that the unthinkable can happen to Theo Pincher, the only honest member of the Pincher family? It appears so in this latest of tales about them, which is prefaced by a paragraph about the titular ancient curse.

The adventure begins when Theo and his sister Ellen (Criminellen) wander into Pique’s Boutique, an antique shop and accidentally break the best thing in the place, a statue of Bastet, the Egyptian cat goddess. Have they perhaps unleashed an ancient family curse.

Nic Pincher, the siblings’ mum tells them that Pick Pincher, her globe-trotting ancestor had once ignored a warning, nicked the very same cat statue that was guarding Tuttan-K’s tomb, became cursed and found himself unable to commit another robber ever again. Indeed he became a law-abiding police officer.

Suddenly it seems that Ellen has turned honest whereas Theo is becoming something of a criminal.
Then comes a knock at the door: it’s the shop owner, Anne Tique and she has a letter she found hidden inside the broken statue. Mysterious clues may show the family how to undo the curse, so following the clues, the Pinchers sneak out at night, into Ark Park zoo. There they have to contend with monkeys and Grizzly Gustavsson, the nasty bearlike zookeeper who makes trespassers spend the night with the poisonous spiders. Will they succeed in their mission? Will Theo ever return to his normal self again? Maybe an encounter with his best pal, police officer Paul Eessman, whistler extraordinaire, will help in this respect.

There’s a satisfying conclusion to this fantastical, fast-paced yarn (even Granny Stola makes an appearance in the final chapter.) The abundance of crazy antics are made all the more humorous by Per Gustavsson’s droll images, be they vignettes or filling the entire page. Just the thing to get those in Y3 and above enthused about reading.

Tourmaline and the City of Nowhere

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Tourmaline and the City of Nowhere
Ruth Lauren
Little Tiger

Tourmaline’s magical ability is no longer a secret so it’s no surprise that lots of people want something from her, including her power-hungry father who is on the loose again.

As the story starts bits of Pellavere University are collapsing, indeed the whole place is in crisis. It seems as though Tourmaline, together with her best friends Mai and George must embark on another adventure just days after their last one. They’re off in an airship to the Midnight Islands to find her father and they hope, save Pellavere. However if the magical City of Nowhere doesn’t hold the solution they seek, it is likely to give Tourmaline’s father what he hungers for.

Ruth Lauren has you on the edge of your seat from the minute Tourmaline embarks on her mission to save her beloved home, a mission which culminates in her finding a new adventure of a completely different kind. Absolutely brilliant. I can’t recommend it enough, but you need to have read books 1 and 2 first: those who haven’t can look forward to a triple treat. I’ve absolutely loved this trilogy especially watching the growth of the main protagonist and the development of the bond between her and her two special friends.

George and the Mini Dragon

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George and the Mini Dragon
George Webster with Helen Harvey, illustrated by Tim Budgen
Scholastic

George loves animals and longs for a pet but his parents say it would be far too much work. Consequently when he discovers a tiny dragon at the bottom of his garden after making a wish at his 7th birthday party, he smuggles her inside so his mum and dad don’t find out. George names his new pet Lava and soon discovers that she’s a lively, strong minded, mischievous creature so concealing her is going to be something of a challenge not only at home but at school too.

It’s not long before Lava’s mischief making is noticed by George’s school friends; the art lesson rapidly becomes a glitter scattering opportunity for more than the pupils. Before the lesson ends their class teacher announces that there’s to be a school talent show on the coming Friday. George and his pals, Faiza and Jason. sign up to do a magic show using the set George was given for his birthday. George also has to work out what to feed Lava on.

As the week passes, it seems that the dragon is unhappy. Could she want a friend; she even tries to do the Makaton sign for ‘friends’. – I love that. Maybe though, it’s a dragon friend Lava wants. Then things get a tad chaotic with the fire alarm being set off not long before the talent show begins; it’s a false alarm but Lava is missing. Can George’s Amazing Magic Show even take place? Happily yes and it might just prove even more magical than the contestants or participants could ever have imagined.

Written in collaboration with author Helen Harvey, it’s great to see an inclusive story for younger readers; this one celebrates friendship, family and being yourself, (George has Down syndrome and uses Makaton to help him communicate). Tim Budgen’s illustrations further enliven the tale.

Ella Jones vs the Sun Stealer

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Ella Jones vs the Sun Stealer
Lucy Edwards, illustrated by Caroline Garcia
Scholastic

This is the first in a new series written by Lucy Edwards, presenter and disability activist, in collaboration with well-known author, Katy Birchall.

Meet twelve year old Ella Jones, who like the author, is blind. Ella lost her sight two years ago and has worked extremely hard to adjust to the challenges of being differently abled. Vital to her endeavours is her guide dog Maisie; so too are best friend Finn and her elder sister Poppy, though Ella still has to cope with battles, both internal and external, which she tries her best to face patiently and kindly.

One day when visiting central London with her family and Finn,

the world is suddenly plunged into darkness, but the pitch black seems not to affect animals, it’s only humans who panic when near chaos ensues. Both of Ella’s parents head back to their places of work, Mum to the hospital and Dad to Croft Tower belonging to the inventor Everett Croft.

Ella and Finn begin to think the darkness might be connected with the legend of Celtic god of light, Lugh, who Ailynn, owner of the Mythos Library they’d visited the previous day, had spoken about. The two friends plus Poppy manage to visit Ailynn who is in the hospital and she tells Ella that she believes she’s the one meant to defeat Lugh and return light to the world. That though would mean that Ellie faces something of a dilemma because its presence is the very thing that makes her different.

However, fuelled by the knowledge that someone else believes in her, Ella and the others return to the museum and start their quest. With clues to follow and a set of rainbow hued stones to find and position in the handle of the slingshot that belonged to Lugh, this is some enormous challenge.

Empathy is key in this moving, twisting, turning fantasy with its young blind narrator. It’s rare to have a character with a vision impairment represented in a children’s novel and the manner of its telling allows we readers to get some idea of how a sightless person might experience the world, Bring on the next story.

Yomi and the Clash of the Abadas

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Yomi and the Clash of the Abadas
Davina Tijani, illustrated by Adam Douglas-Bagley
Little Tiger

Based on African mythology, this is the fourth adventure for Yomi, Kay and Uncle Olu. After receiving a call for help from their Uncle’s best friend, Daba, they’ve recently arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is troubled at the disappearance of very large numbers of the Abadas from the national park managed by the Sacred Beast League and wants to know why this is happening.
Arriving at Uncle Daba’s camp, they find the place completely deserted and it seems the place has been attacked by something or someone. Uncle Olu’s reaction is to head back to Kindu, not so Yomi and Kay; but while they’re discussing what they should do a herd of enormous Jagura come hurtling in their direction. All three quickly climb trees.
The next thing they know is that Uncle Olu has disappeared, captured by Beast Hunters.

Now the siblings are on their own and need to hide; but soon they find themselves lost in an unknown place.
Then they encounter a group of young Abadas, but with disquiet among the various herds, can Yomi and Kay persuade the creatures to set aside their disagreements to save their friends and put a stop to the Beast Hunters’ activities in the DRC.

Followers of Yomi and Kayode will be on tenterhooks as they read what I think is the dramatic conclusion to this series. I’ve loved every one of their adventures, each of which is enhanced by Adam Douglas-Bagley’s illustrations.

Tiny Dogs: The Best Birthday Party

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Tiny Dogs: The Best Birthday Party
Rose Lihou
Puffin

In this third story of the Tiny Dogs series Beatrix Bloom celebrates her eighth birthday with a party, something she’s never done before. Her mum is full of enthusiasm but Bea is less so: can she cope with a party at which she’s the centre of attention? However, she agrees but the tiny dogs are unsure and decide that their special child guardian will need their help. At school when Bea overhears others talking about how amazing their own parties were, she starts worrying all over again. Back home she shares her angst with the tiny dogs and slips Clover into her pocket when the family goes to the party shop. Spoilt for choice, Bea does as her mum suggests and choose a couple of things she really likes, then unsurprisingly selects invitations with dogs on them.

Strangely, the following morning the Tiny Dogs discover the invitations have got scattered all over the place

and Bea has a surprise when they turn up at school and give them to her.

On party day itself Bea is thrilled to see how their room looks and before long the guests start arriving. Things don’t get off to quite the good start everyone hoped but it’s sorted out satisfactorily and the rest of the party goes with a swing – mostly,

thanks in no small part to the tiny dogs. Everyone leaves feeling very happy and even the dogs are infected with the party spirit.

I’d not met the Tiny Dogs before but was enchanted by this story showing the importance of family, teamwork, friendship, as I’m sure readers around Bea’s age will be, whether or not they’ve read the previous books. Rose Libou’s colour illustrations are a delight and add extra charm to her telling.

Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm

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Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm
Siobhan McDermott
Hodder Children’s Books

Born in Hong Kong, the author grew up with a mixture of Chinese legends and Irish folklore and she draws on these for her debut novel.

Born under mysterious circumstances, twelve-year-old orphan Zhi Ging grows up feeling different from all the others living in her village Fei Chui, but can’t understand why. So, rather than working in the treacherous post pipe to make a living, she decides to go to Hok Woh, the underwater magic training school and learn the skills to become an immortal Cyo B’Ahon. However she doesn’t pass the entrance exam but through resolve, determination and stubbornness she eventually gets an acceptance lantern giving her entry to Hok Woh where she must succeed in twelve challenges to pass her Silhouette year.

It gradually emerges that Zhi Ging has special powers but they put her into much more danger with her life being at stake on occasion as she takes on deadly enemies while in so doing she works out her own identity. Some of the candidates are eliminated for failing various trials but with help both human and magical, she gets through all twelve.

Running through the story is a thread that it’s fine to be different and several at Hok Woh – students and teachers – have a feature that makes them different. It also seems that there may be a traitor in their midst but who will it turn out to be?

With a dramatic ending, this is an unusual adventure in a superbly built fantasy world. I eagerly await the next episode, The Rise of the Sand Spirits coming in April.

Marty Moose: First Class Mischief

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Marty Moose: First Class Mischief
Claire Powell
Walker Books

This is the first instalment in an exceedingly funny new series presented in two colours by Claire Powell. First of all don’t be misled, Marty is a mouse, not a moose – that was an ink blot on his birth certificate. We meet Marty on his very first day in the his first ever job – the very important role of Postmouse of Little Ditch. He’s particularly excited as his now retired Great Aunt Ada was reputed to be one of the best at the job.

Determined to be a first-class deliverer too, off he sets to the Post Office where his first encounter is with Cyril Snorter, employee of the month twenty seven times in a row. He also meets other members of the team who appear somewhat sneery. Then with post bag duly slung over his shoulder and instructions to leave no parcel undelivered and to watch out for rotten blueberries – no idea why – he’s on his route.
With several letters duly delivered, Marty is feeling upbeat but then he gets rather lost in a rabbit warren.

Fortunately however, he finds himself unexpectedly embraced by Nibbles Frizzly who is a trifle loopy but she does explain how the confusing number system works

and helps deliver the post. Before long they get stuck in what proves to be a booby-trapped garden where they’re caught between feuding toad siblings, Velma Carbuncle and her young brother. From booby trap to toady trap go Marty and Nibbles. Suddenly Marty recalls reading in an encyclopaedia of his, that toads are known to eat mice. Yikes! Surely his first day at the post office isn’t to be his last.
Light bulb moment! Is star employee Cyril behind all the problems and if so what should he, Marty, do?

Really fun, this zany adventure is told brilliantly both verbally and through Claire’s red and black illustrations. Younger readers (and many adults) will love this and eagerly anticipate The Great Stamp-ede, Marty’s next adventure.

King Coo: The Secret in the Woods

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King Coo: The Secret in the Woods
Adam Stower
David Fickling Books

Ben Pole is a a timid boy whose major worry is not the chaos-causing sink holes that have suddenly started appearing. Rather, a victim of horrible bullies, Ben’s primary concern is to get to the end of term unharmed by Monty Grabbe, son of the unprincipled mayor, and his motley gang. As he flees from them, Ben falls into one of the sink-holes and lands up in an unknown forest.

Enter King Coo, a diminutive but formidable character wielding a spear and with an exceedingly long beard. To Ben’s remark, “I’ve never seen a boy with a beard before,” comes the affronted response, “ How DARE you! I am a GIRL with a beard!” It turns out that Coo’s only company is Herbert, a wombat, obsessed with tunnels. Coo rules the forest, swinging through the canopy and living in a tree house.with ropes, slides and all manner of amazing inventions.

Ben and King Coo immediately form a friendship, but before long their kinship is disturbed by the appearance of Monty and his sidekicks. However, King Coo and Ben, are aided by the former’s ingenious devices that prove extremely useful when an attack is launched.

Who will emerge the victors? What will be the outcome, not only for Monty and gang, but for Monty’s father?

This is a terrific read for younger children mixing together the real and fantastic. Adam’s two main characters, indeed all the characters, make a splendid cast, superbly brought to life through illustrations interspersed throughout the exuberant text, and in its occasional graphic novel format.

Originally published several years ago, it’s great to see this being re-issued by David Fickling Books this month.

Hunt for the Golden Scarab

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Hunt for the Golden Scarab
M.G. Leonard, illustrated by Manuel Sumberac
Macmillan Children’s Books

This is a superb start to what promises to be another excellent M.G.Leonard series. Herein she brings together her loves of history and music; she visited Egypt before writing this book, which is evident from the historical and geographical detail included on both modern and ancient Egypt.

Twelve year old Sim loves to play the piano and practise martial arts, the latter his mother teaches. After moving around quite a bit, her main job is to act as caretaker of the Sir John Soane’s Museum in London, which houses the collector’s archaeological and artistic treasures and objects of interest. Mum (Callidora) and son live in the caretaker’s flat and Sim currently attends the local school where he’s made a good friend, Nelson.

One night, when a pair of strangers appear in the museum after it’s closed. Sim is amazed that his mum plays a tune on a penny whistle she has with her and the tune opens a door, transporting them back to the time of Sir John. It transpires that Mum is a Time Key, able to time travel; however so too are her untrustworthy brother, Emmett and his daughter, Jeopardy, whom they meet beneath the basement of Liberty’s department store. Callidora and Emmett are considered renegade keys as they don’t follow the rules set by the Council of Keys, a society that governs movements.

Everyone is looking for the golden heart scarab of Nefertiti, said to hold the secret of eternal life, but at first no-one knows the whereabouts of her tomb. Callidora though works it out and appropriately clad, they travel back in time. Sim meets the young Tut Ankh Amun

and Jeopardy assists in laying out the body.With the council’s hunters hot on their trail, the excitement and danger mount: Callidora, Sim and Jeopardy must piece together the long-hidden clues if they are to solve the mystery of the scarab before they’re found by the Council.

There’s a satisfying ending that leaves the way open for further adventures. The author’s use of music and musical instruments as a way of opening time doors is genius: I for one, eagerly await Time Keys second instalment.

Interestingly there’s also Sim’s Time Traveller’s Diary recorded by his friend, Nelson and a ‘Key’s Guide to Ancient Egypt’ at the end of this book. Manuel Šumberac’s black and white illustrations are splendid too.

Terrible True Tales: The Stone Age/ Terrible True Tales: Greeks

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Terrible True Tales: The Stone Age
Terrible True Tales: Greeks
Terry Deary
Bloomsbury Education

These are two bind-ups, each containing four stories.
The setting for the first tale in The Stone Age book, The Great Cave, is Lascaux, France 17,300 years ago and features a boy, Willow who has a twisted leg. He is however clever and careful and Flint, chief of the tribe declares he will one day make a fine chief. Instead it’s brawny Bull who becomes chief, having lied to the rest of the tribe, telling Willow to leave or be killed; but Willow’s mother has other plans for her son, taking him to a cave with its walls covered in paintings done by his father. So begins a new life with Will using artistry and his wits, but then Bull finds out where he is. What then? Can the two possibly live side by side peaceably?
Set in Mesopotamia 2500 years ago, The Great Monster is a retelling of one of the earliest stories to ever have been written down. It’s told through the eyes of the cunning young Sin-leqi, a potential priest with a gift for storytelling. This he uses to avoid going hunting with his brothers in the extreme heat. Over three evenings, Sin-leqi recounts the story of Gilgamesh, determined to make it last as long as possible and thus spend his days in the cool of the temple.

The Great Storm is set on Skara Brae, Orkney, 5000 years back. There live Tuk and Storm both of whom are tired of eating fish and set out to catch a bird for a bit of red meat. On returning to the village, there’s nobody around so they head to the Great Hall where a meeting is underway and learn that their father, Orc, has been accused of theft. Can they uncover the real thief before the villagers serve up their own form of justice?
In The Great Flood, we meet Jay and her family at the end of the ice-age. They live off the land catching deer and whatever else they can. One evening after Jay and Moor’s return from the hunt had involved crossing a rapidly rising river, they sit watching two bands of hunters fighting over deer. Grandfather proceeds to tell the story of Noh, Aye his wife and the building of the ark to survive the great flood. This he then relates to their own experiences of rising water levels and what they must do to survive.

Exciting tales all, wittily told by Terry Deary who uses engaging language play, each being based on historical/ archaeological evidence. Also included are lots of drawings by Tambe. There’s a fact file for each tale and some activities to extend the learning.


The same is true of the companion book, Greeks, illustrated by Helen Flook.

In the four stories herein, Terry Deary breathes new life into fables and legends, each title being an indication of his witty take on a well-known tale. We have The Tortoise and the Dare, The Lion’s Slave, The Boy Who Cried Horse and The Town Mouse and the Spartan House.

Both books deserve to be in KS2 classrooms and should help turn even those disinterested in history, into enthusiasts.

Oops, I Kidnapped a Pharaoh!

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Oops, I Kidnapped a Pharaoh!
Luan Goldie
Walker Books

K-Pop obsessed Skylar and her best friend, Dana find themselves on a time-travelling adventure after being picked up from school by Skylar’s eccentric Nana in her tuk-tuk. One minute they’re driving back from school and the next they’re in the middle of a desert surrounded by date palms without Nana who runs a catering company and has vanished in search of ingredients for her famous ‘sweet’n’wild fig and falafel burritos’.

After their initial amazement that they’ve time travelled to Ancient Egypt, the friends start to search for Nana, adapting to the new, strange environment. On entering a large courtyard set up for a show of some kind, music begins and from behind a curtain shimmies a boy wearing a gold cloak whom they surmise is the main attraction. He proceeds to perform an amazing slick, synchronised dance routine and Skylar is inspired to join in with some K-pop style moves of her own. The crowd goes wild and the girls realise that the boy dancer is Tutankhamun aged about ten or eleven.

Having found Nana with her purchase and learned that the time travelling was a mistake, they go back to the tuk-tuk, jump in and return to their own time, only to discover that a small boy, aka Tutankhamun, has hitched a ride back to the twenty first century. What can they do about having a boy king from 1331BCE who appears to have a strange affinity with Skylar’s cat and a penchant for Nana’s burritos, to stay overnight? They put him in Skylar’s brother’s bedroom and the girls go off the Skylar’s bedroom and start chatting about their favourite K-pop stars. But there’s still the massive problem of getting the boy back to his own place and time as soon as they can. The trouble is their visitor wants some fun and when they go out, he quickly starts attracting attention at the K-Mania Food Village, so there’s not a minute to lose. It’s back into the tuk-tuk again and yes they do go to Egypt but not in ancient times, nor with the little pharaoh aboard.

With problems aplenty to resolve, the time travelling friends have encounters with Marie Curie, Shakespeare and Henry VIII, all the while making sure the tuk-tuk has the fuel to run on, in their mission to return to Ancient Egypt.

A very funny, fast-paced roller coaster of a read for older primary children or to read aloud with an upper KS2 class: I enjoyed it even more than the Headteacher story in the series.

Magicalia: Thief of Shadows

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Magicalia: Thief of Shadows
Jennifer Bell
Walker Books

Bitsy and Kosh’s second adventure begins with the best friends in a lesson at the European Conservatoire of Conjuring as part of their training to become conjurors – those able to wield magic by using a resource called farthingstone to create magicores. After the session they bump into Matteo, a friend who offers his help to get Kosh to his next session, Chrysalides. He ends up in a part of the Conservatoire he’s not seen before as does Bitsy who decided to go along too.

They are met by Chancellor Hershel and then two other members of staff and Kosh learns that he can choose his farthingstone. While there, the chrysalides are attacked by the Shadowsmith, a dangerous thief. Bitsy and Kosh work out what they are searching for and taking it with them, they escape from the chrysalides; but with the disappearance of the Shadowsmith, Kosh and Bitsy are deemed to be the thieves.

This leaves the two no option but to go on the run as they realise they must identify the real villain, bring them to justice and thus prove their own innocence. However, they’re up against a wielder of powerful, dark magic intent on a crime so heinous that it will affect not only the magical cosmodynamic community but also the cosmotypical world. Their mission takes them to various parts of the world – Barcelona, Sri Lanka and Washington and in so doing, will uncover long hidden family secrets and test Bitsy and Kosh both emotionally and physically as they face numbers obstacles and realise the vital importance of team work: can they succeed?

With the plot twisting this way and that, readers, like the protagonists, are on tenterhooks throughout the adventure. Jennifer Bell’s imagination is awesome and all those magical creatures, inspired creations.

I love the drawing by David Wyatt at the head of each chapter.

Betty Steady and the Queen’s Orb

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Betty Steady and the Queen’s Orb
Nicky Smith-Dale, illustrated by Sarah Horne
Farshore

Unlike Dave Schoolboy writer of the fan letter to author Salvador Catflap that appears in the opening chapter of this book, I haven’t read the first story. However, I have read this sequel also starring ‘Right Tough Nut’ Betty Steady, aka the Guardian of Wobbly Rock, and like Dave I laughed a lot. Diminutive in stature, twelve year old Betty is, as the story begins, having a sleepover with her besties, the Crossword Crew, and about to fall asleep when she hears a noise. Outside a figure on a horse is approaching the castle door. It’s one calling himself Andy Underarm, personal messenger of the queen of Upper Crust with a message for King Nutmeg; an invitation to the Turnip Festival, a celebration Betty has long yearned to attend.

The following morning, the delighted King Nutmeg tells Betty that her usual role as Royal Bodyguard has been changed to ‘undercover spy’.Reluctantly, she accepts the offer and off she sets upon her steed Simon Andersen clad in his tiger-print cycling shorts and two pairs of cowboy boots.
After an eventful start, and a two day journey they reach their destination and what a squeaky clean place it is and as for the turnips – wow-ee! King Nutmeg receives a cordial welcome and a reminder from Queen McNiff that he’s a competitor in the Royal Turnip Tournament, something he’d forgotten all about.

On Turnip Day itself, following a night in unsatisfactory accommodation, Betty wakes in a bad mood and as she looks out at the sunrise, she notices a small sprite hovering just outside the window.

Having introduced herself as Misty Jamjar she listens to Betty’s tale of woe about the spell she’s under that’s made her so tiny. Misty invites Betty to a gathering of sprites and pixies later in the day. While there Misty offers to help her get back to her original size but can she really reverse the Toad Witch’s spell? However this offer comes at a price: Betty must steal the queen’s Orb of Ogg. Nonetheless this sounds a straightforward plan and nothing can go wrong surely?

As the tale draws to a close, Betty is given a choice: stay with the queen in Upper Crust and become her full height or return in her tiny form to Wobbly Rock with King Nutmeg. What do you think she chooses?

Turnipferous fun from start to finish with magical mayhem and bonkers behaviour, plus a generous sprinkling of comical characters illustrated in style by Sarah Horne, Nicky Smith-Dale’s second Betty Steady adventure is an absolute hoot.

Guardians of the New Moon: Ming and Miaow’s Great Race / Guardians of the Moon: The Year of the Rat

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Guardians of the New Moon: Ming and Miaow’s Great Race
Guardians of the Moon: The Year of the Rat
Eric Huang, illustrated by Phûng Nguyên Quang
Little Tiger

In the first two books in the new Guardians of the New Moon series, readers are transported to a world inhabited by characters from traditional Chinese legends or based on them.
Ming and Miaow’s Great Race begins with the Jade Emperor sitting finishing breakfast and feeling bored by the predictability of his life since creating the Earth. What he longs for is excitement and as he sits staring he notices a black and white cat chasing around near a temple. This gives him an idea: he will organise a great race between all the animals of Earth and the first twelve will each be honoured by having a lunar year named after them.
Miaow, the temple cat is at first not excited by the news of the race but cannot resist participating and sets off on a journey to where the three-part event will start. The Great Race has strict rules that must be adhered to, with rule-breakers being disqualified.
Soon Miaow encounters Ming, a temperamental nine-tailed, elemental fox who is able to shape shift into a human girl and gradually they forge a strong friendship as they struggle to stay in the three day race which takes them down into a valley, across treacherous mountainous terrain and across a mighty river with various competitors falling out at each stage, not so however the wily rat Su. Will these three number among the first twelve across the finishing line? The excitement is high, the perils plentiful and teamwork powerful.

The black and white illustrations help to bring the Chinese folklore characters to life, the story ends with Ming and Miaow becoming The Guardians of the New Moon, thus setting up the next adventure which sees the two preparing for their first assignment in their new roles.

With the race duly completed Su has been honoured by having the first lunar new year named The Year of the Rat after her. The new year is just a week away and that’s when Ming and Miaow (neither having finished the race) are given a new mission: to escort Su to her temple home and liaise with its monks to prepare for the upcoming festivities. Once they arrive, squabbles soon break out and chaos follows.
What happens enrages the sea goddess, Mazu who after thinking briefly acts against the cat and rat by means of a spell.
The celebrations now look increasingly unlikely to go ahead, so can Ming help Miaow and Su see sense and put things right ahead of the new year? It’s that or the Jade Emperor’s plan to honour the twelve animals selected by the Great Race is doomed to fail before it begins.

With action aplenty and lots of dramatic illustrations these stories are just right for readers gaining confidence in lower KS2 as well as for reading aloud around the time of the Chinese New Year (it starts January 29th this year), which is celebrated in many primary schools. I look forward to further titles in the series.

The December Witches

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The December Witches
Jennifer Claessen
UCLAN Publishing

This dramatic book concludes the A Month of Magic trilogy.

Finally it’s December and it doesn’t get off to a good start for Clemmie as her very first act as December witch is a mistake, so she says, having transformed Temmie, not into a falcon but a robin. However, it’s the month she celebrates her thirteenth birthday, something she’s managed to forget about until there’s cake and the present of a dress. What though can she do about the magic – carried in those countless stars that she’s absolutely bursting with, overwhelming her and even threatening her existence? She then discovers that she’s been chosen to be the One True Witch, but by whom and why? It also becomes evident that Aunt Connie is very sick and there’s nothing Clemmie’s magic can do to heal her.

Chaos ensues as Clemmie and the other young hags try their utmost to prevent the Stitch Witch carrying out her wicked plan with the creation of Avalon. Can they possibly succeed before Christmas comes? Older primary readers will certainly be rooting for the victory of good over evil.

The importance role of family bonds is a thread that runs throughout the story and Clemmie’s closing words are truly heartwarming: ‘I reach as far as I can and send the magic out. Peace, Calm, contentment. … I hope this feeling makes it in waves all over the world. Everyone needs more peace, no matter what time of year.’ So be it.

The Completely Chaotic Christmas of Lottie Brooks

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The Completely Chaotic Christmas of Lottie Brooks
Katie Kirby
Puffin Books

I found my self spluttering with laughter at almost every turn of the page in this account of the events of the festive season as described in Lottie’s diary from 30th November through to New Year’s Eve. Lottie absolutely loves Christmas but is a tad disappointed to hear that it’s to be a ‘small family affair’ sans her grandparents and other relations. If you’re familiar with events in Lottie’s life you’ll anticipate that it’s unlikely to go as expected.

Before the holiday comes though, there’s her form’s Secret Santa to sort out, not to mention that her brother Toby is driving her crazy with his baa-ing at every opportunity (he’s been chosen as second sheep in his school nativity play), a very dramatic visit to the Father Christmas grotto at the garden centre, baby Bella uttering her first word (bum) and repeating it frequently,

developments in the Daniel/Antoine dilemma to deal with, an unexpected substitution when Toby’s nativity is performed in the church and a muddle that begins due to her lack of fluency in French during her WhatsApp communication with Antoine about drinking eggnog – surely she didn’t somehow invite his entire family for Christmas dinner, did she?


Add to all that an on-going ‘Elf on the Shelf issue’, a sudden change of heart by her grandparents, a fair few other unexpected arrivals and the depositing of sparkly poo … It’s not hard to see that chaotic is just what Lottie’s Christmas proves to be. I certainly wouldn’t want to be Lottie’s long-suffering mum.

With stick figure illustrations sprinkled throughout, readers around Lottie’s age (10-13) will delight in her final jottings of the year.

The Christmas Wish-Tastrophe

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The Christmas Wish-Tastrophe
Cariad Lloyd, illustrated Ma Pe
Hodder Children’s Books

With echoes of Jane Austen, the story is set in 1812 and revolves around recently orphaned Lydia Marmalade who has been brought up in a cosy cottage, in a small village. Imagine arriving at a grand mansion house on 6th December to live with Lady Partridge at Peppomberley Manor, and being informed that you have until Christmas Day to prove that you can meet the standards expected of a proper young lady (good, modest and quiet), otherwise you will be sent away to a workhouse for poor children.

Lydia has nothing with her other than her much-loved sausage dog, Colin that she’s managed to smuggle in, and an optimistic outlook. Both of these she’ll need if she’s to cope with the challenges she faces, in particular that Lady Partridge appears anything but happy to have Lydia living in her home even if she is ‘a distant family member’. Unwelcoming too is Ronalds, the butler.

Pretty soon however, the newcomer finds allies amongst the servants, in particular Bertie the stableboy and his aunt Harriet., the cook. Then there’s Bel, an obstinate, accident-prone winter sprite that Lydia accidentally wished on, on St Nicholas’s Day, who is now bound to the girl and causes mayhem on the most inconvenient occasions.

Things don’t quite go to plan but can Lydia, with the help of her new friends, prove herself a worthy member of this Peppomberley household? Can she also discover why Lady Partridge has been keeping certain things hidden from her? There’s a jewellery theft, a Christmas tree fire and a mystery to solve in this wondrous tale of loyalty, searching for acceptance, love and belonging.

Cariad Lloyd’s characters are splendidly portrayed and her writing compelling: Whether shared with a KS2 class or read snuggled up with a hot chocolate, this is a seasonal gem spiritedly illustrated by Ma Pe.

Mouse & Mole: What Might Have Been

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Mouse & Mole: What Might Have Been
Joyce Dunbar and James Mayhew
Graffeg

This book contains three more episodes in the life of the endearing friends Mouse and Mole.

In the first, A Rainy Day, rain makes its presence felt in no uncertain terms and the two creatures decide to try and stop the increasingly irritating precipitation but end up enjoying themselves to much they fail to notice the change in the weather.

Atishoo! goes Mouse, over and over until Mole declares that his friend needs mollycoddling and offers to make him breakfast in bed and generally fuss over him.

But will Mole’s favourite breakfast be right for Mouse? And what about the hot bath he’s promised and the comic? There’s only one way to find out …and then what?

The final tale sees Mouse and Mole considering What might have beens as they attempt to fly their kite one very blustery morning: will they ever succeed in getting it airborne though? Could all the ‘what ifs’ they’ve pondered upon eventually help matters when it comes to kite flying.

Full of warmth and gentle humour that shines through both Joyce’s text and James’ charming watercolour illustrations. If you’ve never tried any Mouse and Mole books, you are missing a real treat.

Shadow Creatures

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Shadow Creatures
Chris Vick
Zephyr Books

Providing insights into the history of what it was like to live under the Nazi regime in Norway during the second world war, this novel was inspired by Chris Vick’s own family history. The author has drawn on oral history passed down through generations and uses memories of those who lived at the time of the occupation to bring the reader’s attention to the resilience of ordinary people whose lives were affected in various ways by the experience.

The book begins with a scene in the present when a child, Georgy who is staying with her Bestemor (grandmother) Tove and Grandtant (great-aunt) Liva meet an old woman in the woods and asks to hear about what happened to the three of them many years ago. The story is then told from the viewpoint of Tove (twelve at the time of the invasion) and her sister Liva (then just eight) who are very different characters

I asked 12 year-old Emmanuelle her views on the book: here’s what she had to say:

Chris Vick’s new book, Shadow Creatures, is an incredible story of hope and bravery set during World War 2. Life is normal for Tove, Liva, Agma and Haakon in their small Norwegian village until the Nazis come. Nothing much changes in the beginning but it slowly becomes a place of rules, regulations and fear. They have to work together to help each other and the prisoners of the Nazis.

I really enjoyed this book and I think anyone would although it is particularly perfect for fans of adventure and historical fiction. It is filled with courage, adventure and has lots of exciting moments. The story is told from the viewpoints of Liva and Tove so it is very interesting to compare how they see and tell the different scenes of the book. In summary, this book is a brilliant read with a beautiful story and I would definitely recommend it.

Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull

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Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull
Martin Howard, illustrated by Pete Williamson
Nosy Crow

After the death of her parents in a strange accident Mallory Vayle has moved in with her Aunt Lilith who lives in the ruined Carrion Castle and by masquerading as a psychic manages to scrape together just enough to get by.. Hitherto Mallory has kept her own psychic talents under wraps, preferring to read pony stories than think about dead people. Making matters worse, her aunt’s house is haunted by the evil spirit of an old hag, Hellysh Spatzl; said spirit snatches Mallory’s parents and threatens to bestow on them endless torture if Mallory doesn’t use her talents to bring the hag back to life.

Enter Maggoty, a haunted skull with a penchant for wigs of the dashing sort who blithely reveals that Mallory is not only a psychic but a necromancer. Moreover the skull is, to Mallory’s despair, the only being able to teach her how to make use of her necromancer’s skills. This is only on condition Mallory gets him the wonderful wig he so desires and promises to break the curse he’s under.
As Mallory embraces her powers, she’s troubled by the possibility of doing harm

but she and her aunt plan a Halloween spectacular. Can she defeat Hellysh and save her parents?

This atmospheric and chilling tale is infused with humour thanks in no small part, to Maggoty’s frequent use of such words as ‘Mallsy-Ballsy-Boooo-di-Buttcrack’, ‘bumcrack’ and ‘Wee-Wee Pants’. Enormously exciting it’s way too much fun to be read only around Halloween Readers will be eagerly awaiting further spine-tingling adventures of Mallory and Maggoty – such terrific characters these wonderfully portrayed in Pete Williamson’s stylish illustrations.

Maisie vs Antarctica

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Maisie vs Antarctica
Jack Jackman
Nosy Crow

When eleven-year-old Maisie Macleod talks herself onto her eccentric self-help book writing father’s research trip to Antarctica, she has absolutely no idea of the amazing adventure that is to unfold. Dad’s next book, How to Survive in Antarctica, sounds absorbing but Maisie, who narrates this story doesn’t envisage needing to test the survival part. Almost immediately though after she and her dad have taken off in a tiny, old, propellor plane piloted by Spanish-speaking, Guillermo, he’s slumped over the controls and her Dad (who has never piloted a plane despite having written a book on aspects of the topic) is frantically pressing controls as the aircraft plunges to certain disaster and the death of those aboard.

What happens next though is that Maisie finds herself alive on the ice, her Dad seems fine but Guillermo is wounded. Before long, the girl starts wondering if there is something seriously weird about her dad. There are unanswered questions aplenty too: how, without any flying experience could he crash land that plane on the ice? Moreover how’s it possible to send a mayday message on a non-existent radio? How could Dad build an igloo in under half an hour? Most pressing though is, if nobody knows they are there, how can they be rescued? All these keep readers gripped, eagerly turning the pages as Maisie endeavours to uncover her Dad’s secret.

Packed with action and jeopardy, there’s lots of humour, a wonderful bond between Maisie and her dad, a secret emerges (two actually) and the author has drawn on his own time working in Antarctica to include plenty of authentic detail. A cracker of a book.

Where next for Maisie and Dad? I can’t wait …

Jack the Fairy: The Night Bigfoot Stole My Pants!

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Jack the Fairy: The Night Bigfoot Stole My Pants!
Tom McLaughlin
Oxford Children’s Books

This is the second story of Jack the Fairy. Now having recently discovered that he as well as his mum and uncle Dave are actually fairies disguised as humans, the lad probably shouldn’t have been surprised at the sight of a hairy Bigfoot in his garden pulling his favourite yellow underpants off the line. Nonetheless it’s an ideal opportunity for Jack to undertake his first solo mission. But his decision to chase said Bigfoot down the High Street is a mistake, one that breaks every fairy rule according to his mum and uncle, especially the number one rule: don’t let humans find out that magic is real.

Having landed himself in big trouble, Jack turns to Charlie, his best friend and human for assistance in sorting out the mess. They’ve done some research on the Bigfoot subject but then they find out who the Bigfoot character really is.

Moreover Jack’s pants aren’t the only pair to get stolen: golden ones belonging to a troll are nicked too.

A hilarious tale, splendidly told, with a scattering of jokes and plenty of comical illustrations along with a vital message about accepting who you are, and a smashing ending to boot – or make that to disco dance. With pants featuring large, the book is bound to be a huge hit. Bring on Jack’s next adventure – SOON!