Category read it yourself

Signs of Survival: A Memoir of the Holocaust

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Signs of Survival: A Memoir of the Holocaust
Renee Hartman with Joshua M. Greene
Scholastic

This is a true story of two sisters, Renee (age ten) and Herta (age eight). It’s based on video testimonies of the Jewish siblings born and living in Bratislava, the capital of what was then Czechoslovakia, during World War II. Both the girls’ parents and Herta are deaf, so they all communicate by means of sign language with Renee acting as the family’s ears. The book opens in 1943 with Renee’s voice and then alternates between hers and Herta’s.

By then, so adept has Renee become at recognising the sound of soldiers’ boots beneath the windows of their apartment that she’s able to warn other family members of danger, ie Nazi soldiers rounding up fellow Jews in the town.

Having been sent to a farm for safekeeping by their parents, the sisters eventually find themselves the last Jews in Bratislava and they give themselves up to the Slovak police. The police put the girls on a train bound for Bergen-Belsen, to join their parents so they were told. However what the girls didn’t know was that their parents had been sent to Auschwitz.

We read vivid accounts of the horrors the siblings witnessed, but what stands out is the power of the relationship between the sisters and Renee’s protectiveness that sustained them through horrendous ordeals.

When the war ends, the sisters are sent to Sweden where they learn their parents are dead; there they spend three years. The final part tells of the girls’ post war lives in the USA, where with the help of the Red Cross, they arrived to live with American relatives residing in New York in 1948.

Then follows a poem written by Renee, an epilogue written by Joshua M.Greene giving historical background relating to the Holocaust, and some photographs.

Simply told, this compelling, enormously moving story will linger with you long after you close the book.
It’s a must read for primary children especially those learning about World War Two in their history lessons.

The Infinity Rainbow Club: Viola and the Jurassic Land Exhibit

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The Infinity Rainbow Club: Violet and the Jurassic Land Exhibit
Jen Malia, illustrated by Peter Francis
Beaming Books

In this, the second in The Infinity Rainbow Club series, the focus is on Violet. Readers of the first story will recognise her as Nick’s friend and classmate who is learning to manage her OCD. Now the two are partners at a dig being undertaken by palaeontologists including Violet’s mum who works at a natural history museum and her dad, a botanist.. The teacher in charge of the Infinity Rainbow Club. Ms Daisy has arranged for all members plus families to join the dig at Paleo Park over the weekend.

No sooner have the children begun work than Violet and Nick discover what could be a dinosaur bone and sure enough, straightaway Violet’s’s intrusive thoughts start up. She constantly checks her work and worries that how ever carefully she does everything, something will go wrong. What she needs to do is to find how to trust what she’s doing and to enjoy enjoy the Jurassic Land exhibit that is the outcome of all the effort she and the others – Nick especially – have put in.

Jen Malia once again provides a child-friendly picture of a neurodivergent child and her supportive family that includes the wonderful Lao Lao, her grandmother.

A book to share with younger KS2 children who will gain a valuable insight into obsessive compulsive disorder and how one individual manages anxiety, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours.

Poppy the Pea

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Poppy the Pea
Dr Fuzz
Fuzz Books

Herein we meet a pea that’s ‘one of a kind’; her name is Poppy and the author describes her as “The most unlikely pea you’re likely to find.’ When first we meet her, Poppy is somewhat conflicted: she dreams big but her fears always prevent her taking that vital first leap to follow her dreams. Dreams inspired by tales of one, Percy the Great, a pioneering pea from back in the day

But then something happens that changes things. One lunch time she finds herself, along with her pals, on a plate but whereas they sing of going to a cosy space of a ‘tummy-tum-tum, Poppy resolves that like her hero Percy, she will now take charge of her own fate. It’s time to take that giant leap of faith and go after that dream.

Yes, she faces setbacks but happily during her adventure she encounters a friendly, encouraging character who helps her get back on track … Freedom awaits.

Each page of the rhyming text ends with an italicised refrain that offers an opportunity for discussion, though the entire book is one that is likely to prompt discussion on topics including feeling scared, facing your fears, being brave and the timely help of a friend.

Amusingly illustrated by the author, (who as a young child fled Iran to the safety of the UK with his family during the Iran-Iraq war) this is a quirky, pocked-sized book, for anyone who might need a gentle nudge to take that vital first step, especially.

Kites and Lemonade

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Kites and Lemonade
Yasmeen bint Ahmad
Bloomsbury Children’s Books


Leena has recently moved into a new apartment in Riyadh with her mum and dad who has a new job on a construction site in the city. On account of her selective mutism (a complex childhood anxiety condition that makes her unable to speak in new social situations) she knows that meeting new people will be an enormous challenge. However, lying in bed on her first night she focuses on what her grandmother said just before the move: “Don’t be afraid of change, Leena. Embrace it. Make new friends and, you’ll see, exciting things will happen.” Suddenly she hears soft meowing outside and there in the courtyard looking up at her is a gorgeous honey-coloured cat.


The following morning Leena is starting her new school but things begin badly for she’s unable to return the greeting from JoJo, when the two encounter one another.. However she soon meets Rima who is blind and before long she feels sufficiently relaxed to talk to her. Rima tells her that she sees with her imagination and does her best to make Leena feel welcome and thus a new friendship begins.
In the classroom their teacher informs the children of a kite festival being held in two weeks; then Rima continues, talking of a kite-making workshop when her mum’s special lemonade will be on sale to raise money for the charity both her mother and Leena’s work for. But on the Saturday of the workshop somebody sabotages some of the lemonade by adding salt. Who would do such a thing?


During the next few days, Leena and Rima decide to make a kite for the festival together, the cat makes several more appearances, Leena wakes one morning to find an old rusty key on her pillow, the two girls decide to ask JoJo to join them in making the kite, a confession is made and JoJo shares her second secret. This results in the discovery of an old underground workshop beneath their building containing inventions, books and even a robot.


When the girls’ kite is ready for testing they go to the park and there encounter a boy who is very disparaging about their effort and continues to be antagonistic when they’ve made adjustments to the kite. With very little time before the big day, it begins to look as though the girls will not be able to participate after all. But then they make another visit to the underground workshop: what will be the outcome?


Understanding, forgiveness and resilience are key in this story of friendship that will keep readers rooting for the girls as they learn more about themselves and each other throughout the book.

The Infinity Rainbow Club: Nick and the Brick Builder Challenge

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The Infinity Rainbow Club: Nick and the Brick Builder Challenge
Jen Malia, illustrated by Peter Francis
Beaming Books

This, the first of a new series, follows Nick, who like the book’s author is neurodivergent. This means that he experiences the world differently from many of his primary school classmates who do not have autism.

When teacher, Ms Daisy, announces to members of the Infinite Rainbow Club that the children are going to participate in the very first Brick Builder Challenge and asks them to choose partners, Nick realises that with eleven in the group, one person will be left without a partner and he hopes it will be him. He prefers working alone. However, he’s then told he will partner a new girl, Ruby who is joining the club the following week.

We stand behind Nick’s head as he endeavours to get on with his siblings, share his friends with others and, having qualified for the finals of the Brick Builder Challenge, heed the warning he must do better in working collaboratively if he and Ruby are to win the district competition.

Can Nick manage to do this?

Having taught quite a lot of neurodivergent children in my time as a primary school teacher, I know that in each one, the condition manifests itself differently. Jen Malia shows this so well in the story: I love the way Ms Daisy addresses the group as ‘Brilliant buzzing brains’. I also love the way his empathetic mother gently supports Nick, especially when his emotions overwhelm him. Woven into the story too are ways in which the children learn and use coping strategies – breathing techniques, fidget toys, wobble cushions and spend time in the sensory gym – a helpful insight for neurotypical readers.

With engaging illustrations by Peter Francis, this is a book to include in KS2 class collections.

Casander Darkbloom and the Threads of Power

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Casander Darkbloom and the Threads of Power
P.A. Staff, illustrated by Nathan Collins
Walker Books

P.A. Staff certainly had me enmeshed in her authorial threads of power from the book’s opening chapters.
When first we meet him, Casander wakes every morning outside Crane’s Curiosities shop in London. He has no memory and like the author, experiences random surges of uncontrollable energy in his limbs (a movement condition known as Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Choreoathetosis.) Nobody takes much notice of him until one rainy morning he’s invited into the shop where unaccountably, he brings a stuffed raven to life.

Almost the next thing he knows, Casander is running for his life along with the girl from the shop; her name is Warrior. She leads Casander into the Balance Lands – a world that mirrors the normal one – and to Wayward School, the place that Warrior calls home. Once safely inside away from the Heretics, she takes him to one, Dr Bane, and informs him that Cas is “The One we’ve been looking for.” In short he’s the Foretold, who it’s prophesised will defeat the malevolent Master of All.

Under the school’s protection, where for the first time, Cas feels a sense of belonging, he must learn to master his magical abilities. However it’s not long before he discovers that not all may be quite as it seems. Indeed the boy will need to take control of his destiny if he’s to find the strength to fight and overcome the powers of evil. In so doing he has an ally in Mrs Crane, the librarian and makes some wonderful friends in the Abnormies. As well as Warrior: there’s Paws who uses a wheelchair, Fenix, and a few others who accept him for who he is and are willing to help him learn about this new world

This is an enormously exciting, wonderfully imagined fantasy that celebrates difference, be that a physical disability, neurodivergence or whatever, showing how what makes each person unique is their greatest strength. With its brilliant final twist, readers will be left eagerly awaiting what comes next for Cas et al.

The Great Reindeer Rescue

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The Great Reindeer Rescue
Stephen Mangan, illustrated by Anita Mangan
Scholastic

There will be laughs aplenty when you read this hugely funny seasonal adventure.
A new recruit to Santa’s team of reindeers, Dave, yes that’s really his name, is thoroughly fed up. He’s taken over from Blitzen and is suffering from nerves that make him chatter non-stop too, made much worse on account of Rudolph’s constant bragging about his number one status.

Meanwhile, elsewhere Holly is wide awake, partly because she’s excited it’s Christmas Eve but also
due to exceedingly bright light flooding her bedroom thanks to the decorations with which her Christmas fanatic father, Simon, has festooned the outside of their home as a tribute to Holly’s Mum.

Just as the sleigh draws near to Holly’s abode, with Dave desperately trying to stay awake, Rudolph lets off an enormous fart right in his face. The result is that Rudolph becomes detached from the rest of his retinue and Santa’s sleigh makes an emergency landing on Holly’s pitched roof and out go all the lights. Up goes her Dad, Simon, to investigate and before long there’s a huge explosion that scatters the reindeers all over the world. And of Holly’s dad there is no sign.

With just a few hours before the dawning of Christmas Day, having sorted out the not insignificant matter of retrieving Santa’s magic box, Dave needs to fly with Holly rescuing reindeer from bizarre situations, first stop Cupid atop the Empire State Building in New York.

Thereafter they visit the icy Arctic, alarmingly close to a hungry polar bear, a beach in Tahiti where a relaxing Dasher is totally against being collected,

and then other locations around the globe. A hectic hunt it certainly is, but can they possibly find all the missing characters and save Christmas?
Included in the unlikely cast are the wonderful twins, Dorothy Dithers and Griselda Dithers who will surely make readers smile.

Drama and humour abound in this romp, added to by the illustrations of Anita Mangan, sister of the author. Read aloud or read alone.

The Puppets of Spelhorst

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The Puppets of Spelhorst
Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Julie Morstad
Walker Books

This story has three acts. It begins with a lonely old sea captain, Spelhorst by name. One day when walking in the city, he comes upon a toy shop. Hanging on display in the window are five puppets: there’s a king, a wolf, a girl, a boy and an owl. Immediately the man is drawn to the girl puppet for it reminds him very much of someone he loved and lost long ago. The shopkeeper however, refuses to sell him just one puppet: they’re in a story and must be bought together he insists and so Spelhorst takes them all. That night, thinking sadly of his lost love, he writes for a long time, folds the letter and tosses it in the trunk with the puppets. He then dies in his sleep.

The trunk containing the puppets is sold to a musical rag and bone man, who sells it to a young man and it eventually ends up in the home of his two nieces, Emma and Martha. Emma, the elder of the sisters ranges them on the mantlepiece and later starts writing a play about them. Meanwhile significant misadventures happen to each of the puppets: two of the wolf’s teeth are wrenched out by Martha; later the maid flings the puppet out the window and she’s taken by a fox running to its den in the woods (running through the woods fulfils her greatest wish).The boy that longs to ‘do a great deed’ is seized by a hawk and dropped in the branches of a tree …

Tension mounts as we join the puppets in wondering if they will ever be together again. Eventually they are reunited and Emma’s play is performed. “We did something wondrous, important,” says the boy afterwards.

Wondrous and wonderful too, is this hauntingly illustrated novella of desires, belonging and identity that demonstrates the power of stories and their role in living one’s life and fulfilling one’s dreams.
The author’s ending elegantly puts all the pieces together, and I found myself reaching for tissues.

Mouse & Mole: Boo to the Who

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Mouse & Mole: Boo to the Who
Joyce Dunbar and James Mayhew
Graffeg

We’re back in the company of the delightful Mouse and Mole for three further episodes.
Here and There starts with Mouse announcing that he’s going for a walk. Mole decides to accompany him despite not knowing the destination. Before long they reach a kissing gate; Mouse is interested in how it works, Mole asks, “Are we there yet?” On they go till they get to a bridge. Mouse pauses to enjoy the water; Mole merely says, “But are we there yet?”
A grassy meadow,

a stile, a windmill, a cornfield with haystacks all offer brief stopping points but Mole still grumbles. Time to return home. Mouse tells his pal it was a very good walk. Mole remains troubled about the location of ‘there’. They consult the map and Mouse points out all their stopping places. A realisation dawns on Mole …

In Boo to the Who the two decide on a cosy night indoors but very soon Mole is troubled by a pair of staring eyes – they belong to the WHO that comes creeping in the night, he tells Mouse. According to hearsay it can squash the breath right out of you. After some discussion, they go out into the darkness to investigate, suitably disguised so as to ‘show this WHO who’s who.’ A strange encounter takes place that ends with pie sharing.


A Sad Moment sees Mole in a state of perplexity. Mouse gives him a bowl of his favourite pea soup to eat with his favourite spoon but instead of tucking in, Mole opens the door and goes outside in the cold, to heighten the pleasure of eating his soup, so he says. Starting to consume his soup, he tells Mouse that it’s the happiest moment in his life; but then he gives a loud sob of sadness. Mouse is somewhat confused. There follows a philosophical discussion, essentially on the topic of savouring the moment as Mole relishes his repast.

It’s all wonderfully droll with Mouse not batting an eyelid over his friend’s overthinking of so many things. James’ witty illustrations capture so well the quirkiness of the relationship between the friends.

Rosie Frost & the Falcon Queen

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Rosie Frost & the Falcon Queen
Geri Halliwell-Horner
Scholastic

I’m always somewhat wary of fiction books written by celebrities but Geri-Halliwell-Horner’s Bloodstone world quickly drew me in.

When Rosie Frost’s mother dies, her world is upended. She’s an orphan and according to her mother’s letter of final wishes, she is sent to Bloodstone Island where there’s a school for exceptional students. This school – Heverbridge – was founded by Queen Elizabeth I to honour her late mother, Anne Boleyn. As a scholarship girl, Rosie soon finds herself on the wrong side of some of the pupils and the unpleasant deputy head, Mr. Hemlock. Part of the island is a conservation site where many endangered species are found. It’s not long before Rosie is worried that Mr Hemlock has plans that will harm the island’s precious animal inhabitants and indeed their whole environment.

Believing he needs to be stopped and aiming to make her voice heard, Rosie enters the Falcon Queen Games, a three-part competition aligned with the school’s values of courage, power, and freedom. By so doing, she also hopes to discover more about herself and who she is.

As a pupil, and even more so as a contestant, Rosie faces bullying and adversity at almost every turn. However, she makes a number of helpful friends and allies, though isn’t always sure who is to be trusted. As Rosie faces misfortunes and mishaps, she does so with determination, constantly endeavouring to push herself beyond her comfort zone.

With its fantastical and historical elements, this fast-paced, twisting, turning story will captivate older readers who enjoy mystery adventures. It ends on a cliff-hanger with its main protagonist clutching something that she is told, is a reminder of the the spark within her, of who she really is.
I look forward to the next episode.

A Trip to the Top of the Volcano With Mouse / Gotta Go!

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These are both Toon Books an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers – thanks to GMC Distribution for sending them for review.

A Trip to the Top of the Volcano With Mouse
Frank Viva

Mouse and a human have embarked on an expedition few people would contemplate: they are going to climb Mount Etna. Mouse though is much more interested in when there will be a pizza eating opportunity. The entire story is told through speech bubbles and Viva’s striking graphics, and includes a number of non-fiction elements including the necessary climbing equipment and is followed as they start their ascent, by basic information about volcanoes and their structure, plants and animals.

All the while Mouse interrupts with comments relating to the pizza he desires and complaints about the climate conditions.

An enjoyable, satisfying excursion for the climbers and for readers too, especially those with a preference for visual stories or under confident readers of prose. The inspiration for this came from the story creator’s own experience of a Mount Etna climb.

Gotta Go!
Frank Viva

Having assured his mum that he doesn’t need to use the loo before setting off to Grampa’s, ten minutes from their destination Owen looks up from his on-screen game and announces “I gotta go!” Mum offers some advice but the result is thoughts about water-related items. However the boy manages to hold it in until Grampa’s where he makes an immediate dash up three flights of stairs, to the bathroom … ‘Ahhh … “ the relief.

Off they go to the park accompanied by dog, Whizzer. Owen learns why Grampa and other older people get up early and they play a ball game with Whzzer who also pauses to wee against a tree. Grampa and Owen start discussing holding-it tactics. “I find that dancing helps me!” Grampa says and before you can say, ‘wee’, the two of them are going through Grampa’s repertoire of preventative dance moves, including the Tinkle Twist and the Wee-wee Walk, then Owen introduces the Pee-pee Hop, the Piddle Patter and the Leafy Shake.

All the while the queue to use the restrooms is growing ever longer behind them and some of those waiting also try out the moves.

Enter Mum to collect her son; she wonders what is going on and asks Owen if he needs the loo before they leave for home. Once in the car she comments, “Well, that was a great learning experience, wasn’t it?”

I’m sure readers of this comic tale will agree wholeheartedly with that. I’ve yet to meet a child who doesn’t enjoy toilet humour stories and Frank Viva’s with its apt colour palette, is sure to make them giggle from start to finish. I’ve never encountered this author/illustrator before and I wholeheartedly recommend his take on an experience we can all relate to.

Tom Gates: Five Star Stories / The Case of the Chaos Monster

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

Tom Gates: Five Star Stories
Liz Pichon

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

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

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

The Case of the Chaos Monster
Patrice Lawrence

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

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

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

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

The Incredible Adventures of Gaston Le Dog

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The Incredible Adventures of Gaston Le Dog
Michael Rosen, illustrated by Viviane Schwarz
Walker Books


This story is based on tales the author was telling his son on holiday in France where the book is set. When Michael was ill with COVID-19, one of his aims was to get better and finish this book. I found myself smiling all the way through as I followed Gaston’s journey with its multitude of adventures and challenges where danger lurks at every turn.

Determined to return to the wonderful beach he remembers from long ago, Gaston leaves his close friend Hirondelle and has to navigate a world of fairy tale, magic and myth. In so doing he encounters all kinds of intriguing, mostly animal, characters willing to offer help on his journey.

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Readers may well recognise characters from classic stories including Puss in Boots. Which ones can Gaston truly trust and will his adventure finally lead to all that he’s hoping for?


It’s captivating, playful, thought-provoking and multi-layered: a special treasure of a book – made even more so by Viviane Schwartz’s splendid illustrations. Perfect for solo readers but equally an absolute delight to read aloud: it will appeal to a wide age range and is a tale to return to over and over. It’s likely new understandings will emerge at each re-reading.



The Ice Children

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The Ice Children
M.G. Leonard, illustrated by Penny Neville-Lee
Macmillan Children’s Books


With echoes of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen and Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant, this magical fantasy from the author of Twitch and the Adventures on Trains series draws you in from its opening lines: ‘Once upon a warm winter, in the dawning darkness of December, a boy was found in the city rose garden. The boy looked like a statue. He was frozen solid.’ Said boy, Finn, the five year old brother of Bianca is wearing his pyjamas, his hair is full of icicles but he’s still alive – at least he has a heartbeat but nobody can wake him. Bianca is determined to find out what is going on. She soon suspects that the sparkling silver book he got from the library has something to do with it but the book has mysteriously disappeared.


Now whereas one frozen child is indeed puzzling, with the number of ice children increasing day by day, it is imperative that the mystery is solved and Bianca knows it’s down to her to discover the truth. Who or what is behind the freezings? Could it be that strange tall cloaked man with a top hat and a triumphant smile?


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Bianca’s quest takes her into a fantastical winter wonderland, full of beauty and danger where nothing is what it seems: a world splendidly depicted in Penny Neville-Lee’s black and white illustrations


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Make yourself a hot chocolate, snuggle up in your hoodie blanket and prepare to be transported into a brilliantly imagined tale, at the heart of which is a vitally important message about climate change and global warming.

Scrap / Solve Your Own Mystery: The Transylvanian Express

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These are two recently published adventures from Little Tiger – thanks to the publisher for sending them for review.

Scrap
Guy Bass, illustrated by Alessia Trunfio

This is a sc-fi, action-packed adventure that will intrigue you from the outset. It stars loyal robot and former king Scrap, and the only humans left on the planet, two young sisters Paige and Gnat who are struggling to survive against the odds. The setting in the future is Somewhere 513, where the robots intended to prepare the way for human habitation, decided to keep it for themselves. A battle was the result and the other robots fled leaving King, who sided with the humans.

Fast forward a decade and a mangy robot is living a solitary existence on the Pile – an area of abandoned junk – where he has carefully constructed himself a home in which to see out his days. As he reflects upon how desperate he is to belong to his surroundings his thoughts are interrupted by the appearance of two figures, their faces hidden beneath their clothes. He tells them to get lost, but convinced that this robot is the one they’ve been searching for, the girls tell the robot that their mother had told them to find him. At least Gnat believes it’s King, but Paige is far from certain.

When the robot refuses to reveal his name, Gnat decides he is to be called Scrap. Paige is quick thinking, slow to trust Scrap on account of his appearance mainly, but very loving towards Gnat. Gnat in contrast is open-minded and her manner of speaking is delightful.

Scrap really wants nothing to do with the girls but his conscience won’t let him abandon them to the Hunters who are searching for them and despite his grumpiness he proves to be full of heart, loyal and caring towards them.

We also meet Mayor Harmony Highshine, full of evil plans, and Morten Prometheus, playing a role he doesn’t like; indeed new characters keep on appearing as the plot twists and turns with Scrap, Paige and Gnat facing various enemies, escaping and then finding themselves in further danger.

All this makes for a thrilling and thought-provoking adventure, not least on account of the upgrading issue. There’s humour too though, partly thanks to Gunner whose phrases that aren’t quite right; “charm down”, “hazard a guest” and “I’m folding all the cards” will surely make you smile and there’s a wealth of other wordplay too. Then we have Alessia Trunfio’s superb illustrations.
Bring on the second adventure of Scrap, Paige and Gnat.

Solve Your Own Mystery: The Transylvanian Express
Gareth P. Jones, illustrated by Louise Forshaw

Want to be a detective? Then try this the fourth of this series that puts the reader in charge of the direction in which the mystery story goes. Like the previous ones, it features characters from the town of Haventry.

You and your yeti boss, Klaus Solstaag are seven days into a railway journey aboard the Transylvanian Express, destination Castel Ursprung, home of the vampire Count Fledermaus. However, before you get there, a mystery needs .solving: Night Mayor Franklefink has vanished from the train. Somebody aboard must have played a role in his disappearance, but who has the strongest motive?

There are several possibles. Could it be Franklefink’s archnemesis Bramwell Stoker? Or is Sandra Rigmarole, elf District Governor and colleague of the Night Mayor, a more likely suspect? Maybe Franklefink’s monster wife has turned against him? You dear reader, decide!

By following the prompts and choosing what route to take, you will be lead down various paths and be offered a number of clues to assist you in solving the crime. One thing I can assure readers is that this trip will be anything but boring and that eventually the perpetrator of the crime will be unmasked.

With a wealth of mock scary illustrations by Louise Forshaw to add to the fun, this will be especially welcome for readers who enjoy problem solving.

Star Friends: Enchanted Mist / Magic Keepers Tunnel Trouble

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These are both additions to popular series from Little Tiger – thanks to the publisher for sending them for review.

Star Friends: Enchanted Mist
Linda Chapman, illustrated by Kim Barnes

We’re back with the Star Friends, they who have a special secret in the form of magical animal friends – a young fox, a fallow deer, a red squirrel and a wildcat who help them learn magic and fight evil.
This group – Maia, Ionie, Sita and Lottie and their animals is being watched by four other forest creatures in need of their help.The following morning after a dream Maia senses that something is wrong; could something bad be about to happen?

Then at school, a classmate Maddie who has only recently joined and doesn’t really have any friends, approaches Maia and asks if they could team up for the Super Science Week, one of the exciting events being planned for the end of term and Maia agrees. Super Science is being organised by new teacher, Miss Amadi and the class have a session that involves using essential oils and making perfumes.
After this session, all of a sudden everyone wants to be friends with Maddie. Why is this? The Star Friends have a feeling that it’s something to do with magic. But from where is it coming? Maddie, or somebody else? They are determined to find out.

Cleverly mixing magic elements with real life issues about primary school relationships that readers will relate to, this is an addition to a series that continues to feel fresh and fun, made even more so by Kim Barnes’ illustrations.

Magic Keepers Tunnel Trouble
Linda Chapman, illustrated by Hoang Giang

Determined to learn all they can about the curios left by Ava’s Great Aunt Enid, she and her friends want to ensure that chaos-causing magic doesn’t break free again. They’re distracted at home by younger siblings, but then on the way to school Ava’s little sister, Mai, mentions seeing a monster at her window the previous night. Shortly after, Mai takes a tumble on the ice and as Lily goes to help her up, Ava notices movement in the undergrowth. An animal or something else?

Then again Mai speaks of a monster visiting her and their Tibetan terrier, Pepper is also acting anxiously. Little by little Ava becomes more convinced that something magic is going on. Can any of the crystals help her understand? It transpires that a stone gargoyle has apparently come to life and has been visiting the Curio Room and now a crystal has been taken.

Not long after, something much more important is taken by the gargoyle, which disappears with its catch into some underground tunnels. Readers will likely feel frissons of fear when this happens. The mystery deepens and the friends really must use all their resources to get to the bottom of what exactly is going on and why.

An intriguing tale of camaraderie and the importance of sibling bonds that established followers of the Magic Keepers will love; those new to the series would do better to read the previous two books first.

Winnie-the-Pooh at the Palace

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Winnie-the-Pooh at the Palace
Jeanne Willis and Mark Burgess
Macmillan Children’s Books

Jeanne Willis’s carefully crafted rhyming text, based on the rhyme of A.A.Milne’s Buckingham Palace poem, tells what happens when Christopher Robin and Pooh embark on an excursion, destination that same palace.

When they depart the train it’s pouring with rain, soaking the sentries and prompting Pooh Bear’s comment, “That must be why they keep changing the guard.” But then the rain turns to snow and they ponder the possibility of gaining entrance to the palace. However the royal butler sends them away telling the two would-be visitors that the King is busy with ‘Royal Affairs’.

Instead Christopher Robin and Pooh Bear embark on a snowball fight, once the Bear’s misunderstanding is cleared up. Before very long though, the snow worsens and as tea is contemplated, who should appear with a sledge? It’s Piglet. Christopher Robin just happens to have some string in his pocket and soon, holding tight, the three whizz off through the ever thickening snow heading straight towards a frozen lake. As they hit the bank the sleigh-riders tumble off.

But where is Pooh Bear? Piglet spies a pair of feet protruding from a snow-pile and out comes the Bear, a crown atop his head. Suddenly they have the perfect reason to return to the palace. Will they gain admission this time I wonder and will Pooh Bear finally have his favourite food?

Despite the weather conditions, Jeanne Willis’ story has all the warmth of the original books as well as the gentle humour. Mark Burgess too, shows respect to Shepard’s original style in his watercolour illustrations.

The Deadlands: Trapped / Press Start: Super Rabbit Boy vs Super Rabbit Boss!

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The Deadlands: Trapped
Skye Melki-Wegner
Walker Books

In this the second of the series the last surviving dinosaurs continue to do battle for territory and a cabal of the carnivorous kind are aiming to provide a killing field of plant eaters on which to feed.
But with the predators drawing ever closer, Eleri and the other members of the Grotto herd decide to go on the attack. Out on a scouting exercise, Zyre is spotted and with their whereabouts now known to the enemy they need to find a hiding place. But what is the Feast of Flames that Zyre has heard the enemies speaking of?
As night turns to day it seems that the only choice for Eleri et al, so Zyre suggests, is to head towards the Salted Scorch, a secret path across the Deadland. Perilous, yes but they might be able to enlist some help and anyway they are out of options.
So, on they go, only to discover a general and her squad of raptors are hot on their trail, not safe at all but in the magma-heated tunnels of the Fire Peak, headquarters of the Carrion Kingdom. Surely not? But it is so and they’re trapped right at its heart.
Now, not only are they facing the likelihood of being captured and the horror of being consumed at any time, the exiles then come upon a captive herd of herbivores urgently requiring rescuing. Moreover the carnivores have a stash of weapons. This means that the continuing overarching carnivores vs herbivores war will henceforward be devastatingly different.
As things become ever more perilous, can Zyre and the others free the prisoners? It will need a ruthless plan but if successful it might just secure their release.

With nail-biting happenings coming thick and fast, this twisting, turning fantasy adventure will have readers on the edge of their seats right through to the end, an end that doesn’t mean the war is finally over.
For younger readers is

Press Start: Super Rabbit Boy vs Super Rabbit Boss!
Thomas Flintham
Nosy Crow

An addition to Thomas Flintham’s series based on video gaming, this fourth story begins with Super Rabbit Boy setting out on a rescue mission, destination Boom Boom Factory, home of his enemy King Viking. On arrival he enters a room he thinks is the King’s workshop and there he ignores a ‘Do Not Push Button’, warning sign. Big mistake! He finds himself in a back-to-front world where everyone good is now bad and everyone bad is now good including King Viking – confusing indeed.
How will Super Rabbit Boy extricate himself from all weirdness and find his way back to his proper world?

Great for building reading confidence, this is brimming over with brightly coloured comic style illustrations. It will appeal especially to young readers who are partial to video games.

Alice Eclair Spy Extraordinaire: A Sprinkling of Danger / Montgomery Bonbon: Death at the Lighthouse

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Alice Eclair Spy Extraordinaire: A Sprinkling of Danger
Sarah Todd Taylor
Nosy Crow


Gifted young baker and spy, Alice is back for a third adventure, set in and around the grand Palace of Versailles which is being used as a film set for a team of American movie makers.


Arriving at Claude’s flat, she learns that he thinks the film director, Glen Carmine, could be a spy and wants Alice to get herself onto the film set and discover what is going on. In addition she is to take on a new agent recruit, Pierre, whom she soon finds out, resents her ‘nannying’ as he calls it. He gets himself a role on the set as hairdresser to star, Catrine Bell, but thanks to her patisserie skills, Alice gets herself hired on set too, to the chagrin of Pierre, who appears to have his own agenda. She does though make an ally of Milton, nephew of the director.


The weather becomes increasingly worse and so too does Alice’s feeling that somebody is trying to get rid of her, perhaps even kill her. Then due to heavy snow, the cast, crew and staff are forced to stay overnight in the palace, giving Alice opportunities to snoop around for clues. In addition she is beginning to suspect that Pierre isn’t to be trusted.


As more alarming things happen to Alice, she starts to think that maybe she’s not up to this case; does she even want to continue being a spy? But then things happen to make her change her mind; she just has to get to the bottom of this, her hardest mission yet.


Sarah Taylor-Todd’s crafting of the setting for this tale is superb, as are the details of the splendid sweet treats that Alice herself crafts. Readers will find their mouths alternately watering over the descriptions of Alice’s confections, and going dry at the life-threatening events that happen to her.
Definitely as tasty as the previous books in the series, though also, I think, the most perilous.

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Montgomery Bonbon: Death at the Lighthouse
Alasdair Beckett-King, illustrated by Claire Powell
Walker Books

Ten year old Bonnie and Grandpa Banks head to Odde Island for a much needed holiday, but when you’re a private detective, it’s unlikely that a quiet rest without mystery, intrigue or murder is what will transpire even if you have deliberately left your sleuthing gear safely at home in your bedroom.
They’ve barely set foot in the place when they learn of the death of lighthouse keeper, Maude Cragge who had supposedly been blown by the storm and fallen from the top of the lighthouse.
Fortuitously, so it would seem, Grandpa just happens to have packed Bonnie’s yellow bag of equipment after all. It’s time to investigate. And it looks as though the two holiday hopefuls have a murder mystery to solve.


It’s not long before Bonnie decides it isn’t just the one mystery relating to this strange island that she needs to get to the bottom of.

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She can however call on the assistance of friend Dana, who is also staying on the island.


Wit and humour abound, there’s a plethora of puns, and at the same time, intrigue and high drama, and I love the Poirot speak. All this accompanied by Claire Powell’s delightful illustrations which help elucidate some of the clues. A terrific sequel with more to come.

Three Tasks for a Dragon

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Three Tasks for a Dragon
Eoin Colfer and P.J. Lynch
Walker Books

Prince Lir is heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Lagin. However as his stepmother tells him in no uncertain terms, he can’t ride a horse, lift a sword, or summon the wolfhounds. Consequently she deems him unworthy to become king; instead her biological son, Prince Delbayne, will inherit the crown. Moreover she banishes her stepson from the kingdom but at Prince Delbayne’s suggestion, he is given a seemingly impossible quest that will likely end in his death: to rescue a maiden Cethlenn, who had once worked in the palace kitchens, from the once fearsome dragon Lasvarg.

Having arrived at the dragon’s island cave, he discovers that the dragon is well past his prime, unable now to fly or breathe fire, and drunk on cherry wine made from cherries stomped upon by Cethlenn, who has become his servant. The prince insists that the dragon, honour tradition by setting him three tasks to perform. First, cure the dragon’s mould-induced ailments, second, fix his broken wing, and lastly restore his fire-breathing power. Little by little while doing these tasks, Prince Lir grows closer to Cethlenn and she to him.

However he turns down her request to stay with her on the island at that time. Instead he sets forth to return and confront his stepbrother in the hope of preventing him receiving the wolfhound crown. Could it be that Cethlenn is the wolfhound queen? How will it all end?

Lyrically written with a fair few thrills and awesome illustrations of the dragon, this is a magical fairy tale that will assuredly keep readers turning the pages, albeit slowly so they can savour P.J. Lynch’s magnificent artistry.

Madame Badobedah and the Old Bones

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Madame Badobedah and the Old Bones
Sophie Dahl and Lauren O’Hara
Walker Books

If you’ve not read the first book, Madame Badobedah, she is a long term resident of the Mermaid Hotel, a seaside establishment managed by young Mabel’s parents. Mabel has taken it upon herself to keep an eye on what the guests are up to and has become firm friends with the wonderfully eccentric Madame Badobedah.

In this adventure the two spend their Saturday on the beach, foraging for interesting things. Mabel discovers a golden coin,

her companion suggests she should make a wish; Mabel wishes for ‘a big adventure.’

The following night the two friends are rummaging through Madame B’s dressing table drawers and come upon something that prompts the owner to tell Mabel about leading an expedition in North America and encountering a Triceratops with terrible toothache. She also talks of another item, which Madame B. has yet to return to its rightful place.

After dinner, the two friends, Mabel holding her coin, set off to the Natural History Museum, Madame B’s pocket containing a precious jewel. There Mabel’s wished for adventure looks set to happen for suddenly there comes a voice. Could it possibly be a dinosaur addressing them? …

Another timeless tale, told in four parts, that celebrates adventure, friendship and the power of the imagination. Lauren O’Hara’s illustrations are full of charm and whimsy – just perfect for portraying the exploits of eccentric teller of tall tales Madame Badobedah and her young friend.

A World Full of Winter Stories

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A World Full of Winter Stories
Angela McAllister, illustrated by Olga Baumert
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

This is a veritable cornucopia of folk tales, myths and legends – fifty in all – gathered from around the world and retold by Angela McAllister. There are six sections: Birds and Beasts, Tricks and Troubles, Ice and Snow, Quests and Journeys, Spirits and Magic and the shortest, Christmas. Each contains stories I was familiar with, but also several new to me. One such was the very first, a tale from Japan telling how snowballs made by the children of the Sky Goddess become the ‘The First Rabbits’. Also new to me, from the same section is an amusing Ukrainian story about a dropped mitten that, unbeknown to its boy owner, becomes a temporary shelter for seven animals.

From the Tricks and Troubles section, a story from Kazakhstan that made me smile was The Marvellous Coat wherein a crafty man tricks another into exchanging coats, ending up with a thick warm coat plus a fine horse, instead of his original holey coat and worn out steed.

Bears feature quite often in wintry tales and this book is no exception. The Long Winter. a Dene story from Canada, in the Ice and Snow section tells how a group of animals struggling from the constant winter climb up into the sky to search for the world’s warmth. There they discover some bear cubs from whom they learn of the whereabouts of that which they seek, although reclaiming it from the mother Bear and restoring sunshine is anything but an easy task.

If you’ve ever wondered why some trees and bushes never lose their leaves, The First Evergreens, a Mongolian tale in section four, offers an explanation that involves a good-hearted swallow.
There’s an Inuit story in Spirits and Magic that took my fancy. It tells how a stolen wife was reunited with her husband, a village chief thanks to an old woman, a special charm and some magic words remembered just in the nick of time.

You might be surprised to learn that a scarecrow features in the final section, in a story from North America, a scarecrow that ends up helping Santa.

This book is a joy to share with children at home or in the classroom during the winter months. The tales are just the right length for a story time session and Olga Baumert’s illustrations, be they large or small, bring an extra touch of magic to each one.

Legends of Norse Mythology / Norse Folktales, Myths and Legends

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Legends of Norse Mythology
Tom Birkett and Isabella Mazzanti
Wide Eyed Editions


This book transports readers way, way back through time to a realm of ice and fire, magic and mischief. There they will encounter characters from Norse mythology including gods and goddesses, monsters, giants, elves, dwarfs, the Valkyries and other mythical beings – over thirty in all.


Starting with Odin, each individual profile introduces us to the character, giving such details as their chief attributes, there’s a story and additional details. Yes, all the well-known deities are there but you will also meet the likes of the bright and shining god, Baldur, renowned for his goodness,

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Sif, goddess of wheat and golden hair, married to Thor, the Norns – Urd, Verdandi and Skull, controllers of the destiny of each and every living being in the world. If your preference is giants then you can search the contents page for where to learn of giant sisters Gjalp and Greip,

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and Fenja and Menja, strong giantesses who grind out the salt on the ocean bottom.
Interspersed with the profiles are summaries of famous Norse tales and events such as that of Thor’s hammer and the story of Ragnarök.


The book is concisely written by Norse mythology expert Dr Thomas Birkett and illustrated beautifully, occasionally aptly spookily, by Isabella Mazzanti who manages to capture the essence of each character in her portrayals.


Altogether a very useful introduction to an endlessly fascinating topic; for KS2 readers and beyond.

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Norse Folktales, Myths & Legends
Anika Hussain, illustrated by Kate Forrester
Scholastic 


Divided into four parts, the book comprises Legends from Norse Mythology, and a selection of folk tales from Denmark, Norway and Sweden, each section having five stories.


As you would expect, Loki the cunning, shape-changing trickster and powerful Thor, his ‘brother’ feature in the first, the Norse mythology section.


Along with lesser-known stories, the Danish section includes a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Thumbelina, the tiny golden-haired girl with the beautiful voice who enchants creatures with her singing including a mole that she narrowly misses having to marry.


New to me in the Norwegian part, using the same folktale structure as Snow White, is The Twelve Wild Ducks wherein a queen who yearns for a daughter makes a deal with a witch: give up her twelve sons in return for a princess daughter.


I read of Jolly Calle for the first time in the Swedish section. It tells of a boy who remains upbeat and positive no matter what, and finds beauty in simple everyday things.


A delightful collection of tales retold in an appropriately direct style; it deserves to be added to KS2 primary class libraries and home bookshelves.

The Panda’s Child

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The Panda’s Child
Jackie Morris and Cathy Fisher
Otter-Barry Books

Left behind by her fellow villagers as they walked in the forest, a mother lies down with her baby boy in the warm sun. She drops off to sleep briefly and wakes to discover the infant has gone. After three days of searching the villagers conclude that the baby must have been taken by a creature of some kind or perhaps the forest spirits.

The mother refuses to give up though and continues searching alone, hope gradually fading the longer she looks. But then, drifting on the wind she hears something: could it be? Wonder of wonders, in a cave beside a large ursine creature lies her child, alive after seven days.

The bear – a she panda – must have kept the baby alive, the villagers decide, and henceforward, they have a strong bond with the animal. They also have a special bond with the little child.

The years pass and on the child’s ninth birthday some strangers ride into the village. It’s evident from their lavish dress these are rich people, accompanied by large hunting dogs and elephants most of which bore cages of animals of various kinds. One cage however is empty. The villagers hope that by ignoring the visitors, they would move on but the boy, attracted to the horses, approaches them and is told they are searching for a black and white creature. Said creature is to be a gift for a great ruler, Alexander. Eventually the riders depart, only to return several days later. This time the empty cage has been filled by a black and white animal: the panda’s child. The boy begs them to take him with them to ensure the creature remains alive and eventually they agree, to the horror of the entire village. But has the child really betrayed all those responsible for keeping him safe? Or does he have another reason for wanting to accompany the wealthy travellers even if it means risking his own life?

Hugely moving, Jackie Morris’s spellbinding tale with Cathy Fisher’s mesmerisingly beautiful illustrations will stay with readers long after the book has been closed. With its environmental and conservation themes it will appeal to a wide age range and would make a wonderful present for a lover of the natural world.

Kevin the Vampire / Victoria Stitch Dark and Sparkling

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Kevin the Vampire
Matt Brown, illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino
Nosy Crow

Having enjoyed the proof I couldn’t wait to see the published book with all the wonderfully entertaining illustrations by Flavia.
Star of this fangciful story is ten year old Kevin Aurelius, not quite the same as other boys his age for he has fangs and being a vampire he’s immortal. Kevin belongs to a family of travelling performers and as the tale begins they are supposed to be en route to Monstros city for the Festival of Fear but instead have wound up in Lower Drudging in the middle of Nowhere. Batnav failure maybe? With them are an assortment of other eccentric monster characters.

Nowhere is human territory and none of Kevin’s family has seen a human. However, a suggestion is made to put on a performance in Lower Drudging – an impromptu one in the hope of earning some gold that will enable them to get back on track to their original destination.

Also in Lower Drudging, suddenly awoken from her slumbers is a young human, Susie Cabbage who lives with two unpleasant aunts. She is eager to know the cause of her rude awakening so out she goes to investigate. Inevitably Kevin and Susie meet and a friendship develops between them.

Meanwhile shock horror: – the mayor and his council members have noticed the sign put up about the performance to be held that very evening. This is horrifying because nothing fun has happened in Lower Drudging for seventy five years on account of the ‘You-Know-What’ that lives inside Cold Mountain. Is this something that Kevin and Susie can investigate and discover the truth about? It might just save the town …

With its wealth of wordplay, this is a really funny start to a new series with some serious underlying themes about acceptance, friendship and not judging others by their looks. Add to all that a number of monster fact cards strategically placed throughout and a final monster themed alphabet and the result is a cracker. Bring on book two.

Victoria Stitch Dark and Sparkling
Harriet Muncaster
Oxford Children’s Books

Heavily laced with gothic glamour, is this third in the series starring the unstoppable young Victoria Stitch recently made co-Queen of Wiskling Wood along with her twin sister Celestine. As the story opens there’s also news of a soon to be born new royal baby. Fast forward eleven months and Princess Minnie Stitch, next in line to the throne, bursts forth from her crystal and in the blink of an eye is making Victoria Stitch’s heart glow.

With Wiskmas approaching, Victoria Stitch takes a trip to Spellbrooke where she encounters a pair of Sapphire Society members who are clearly far from pleased to see her. She then learns that the group meets regularly and being Victoria Stitch, she just can’t stop herself using some invisibility dust and going to listen in on their next get together. What she hears makes her think a plot is afoot.

Shortly afterwards Princess Minnie disappears, followed fairly soon by news of a prison breakout. That means two of Victoria Stitch’s greatest enemies are at large again and it’s likely that the two events are connected. Moreover, their destination is the human world. The police tell her to remain in the safety of the palace but feeling as though she’s inflicted a terrible wound upon herself, Victoria Stitch certainly has no intention of so doing.

With her sister’s blessing, off she goes over the magic boundary wall on operation rescue Princess Minnie and recover the stolen Book of Wiskling. The following morning she and her human friend, Naomi, set out, destination Pinks Rock. Can she pull off a very difficult task, or even two?

Another absolute delight despite the setbacks; Victoria’s character continues to develop interestingly the more challenges she faces and as always, the book explodes with magical images.
I know a lot of children will be jumping for joy at the chance to read this.

Future Hero: Escape from the Clay City

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Future Hero: Escape from the Clay City
Remi Blackwood, illustrated by Alicia Robinson and Deise Lino
Scholastic

Jarell is the ancestor of an Ulfrikan warrior hero called Kundi.and as this third story opens, he is in his cousin’s South London barbershop, Fades undergoing training from barber Legsy to become a mighty warrior.. He’s eager to return to Ulfrika to find the rest of the Iron Animals and reassemble the staff of Kundi. Suddenly he hears the voice of Kimisi calling seemingly from Ulfrika but convincing Legsy of its importance takes some doing. Legsy tells Jarell his hair hasn’t regrown sufficiently to have another symbol shaved into it but on account of the urgency, Legsy agrees to use some special sacred paste instead; however, there is a time limit to how long this will last and without the symbol Jarell will be unable to return from Ulfrika.

Almost the next thing he knows, Jarell is back in the kingdom of his ancestors. There he’s greeted by a small boy, Bo-de, a member of Kimisi’s family who is determined to be in on the journey Jarrell and Kimisi are to undertake. A journey that takes them to Keesah, the underground city of clay. There deadly creatures, Asanbosams, await.

Again Jarrell and Kimisi must work closely together if they are to overcome those with evil intentions, reunite Iron Snake with the Staff of Kind, save the people of Keesah and enable Darrell to return home in time before his symbol wears off completely.

It’s possible to enjoy this as I did, without having read the previous books in the series, but young readers might do better to start with Race to the Mountain and Mission to the Shadow Sea. Black and white illustrations by Alicia Robinson and Deise Lino make it even more dramatic.

Mermedusa / The Stars Did Wander Darkling

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These are both Walker Books – thanks to the publisher for sending them for review

Mermedusa
Thomas Taylor

In this the fifth and final book in the Eerie-on-Sea mystery series, it’s midwinter once more and nigh on a year since Violet Parma appeared in Herbert Lemon’s Lost and Foundry at the Grand Nautilus Hotel. She had come searching for her parents but in so doing found Herbie, now a firm friend and herself, as Herbie tells her. The mystery of her parents’ disappearance remains unsolved however as the story begins.

I’ve not read any of the previous books in the series but that didn’t stop me quickly getting sucked into this wonderfully written, powerfully atmospheric, gripping tale with its truly memorable characters. Apart from Herbie and Violet, it would be impossible to forget the truly sinister Sebastian Eels, who keeps appearing in unexpected places as the two friends get ever closer to understanding the Deepest Secret of Eerie. New arrivals in town are three monster hunters cum hosts of the Anomalous Phenomena podcast, Professor Newts, Angela Song and sound-man, Fluffy Mike. Their aim is to discover the legend of the Malamander and share it with the whole world. There’s another monster too in the form of the titular Mermedusa.

What is the source of the “Eerie hum” that seems to be calling the Malamander from the deep and is making things to go wrong in town?

Action-packed, there are scary happenings aplenty, and some downright eerie ones in addition to that hum; a number of secrets are unravelled, some reunions take place and with Herbie being a ‘Lost and Founder’ there’s no doubt that whatever comes to light will be largely down to him – and Violet of course.

The Stars Did Wander Darkling
Colin Meloy

This decidedly eerie story is set in Oregon, in a small run-down coastal town called Seaham, where many streets and landmarks are named after the Langdons, a wealthy 19th-century fur-trading family. In this town live Archie, Oliver, Chris, and Athena. who are all looking forward to the summer break and going camping. Archie’s dad is in charge of a multimillion-dollar project to develop part of the headlands including the old Langdon house into a resort, upsetting many in the community, but it’s been paused since excavation revealed the promontory to be full of holes. Nobody will really tell the four friends anything so they take it upon themselves to do some investigating, especially after Archie sees: an elderly woman who mutters, “They shoulda left it hid,”.

But then strange happenings arise: Oliver gets some kind of ’episode’ that results in him being hospitalised. There he gets other more vivid visions as he calls them. As well as that there’s some strange behaviour from local adults with parents smelling decidedly odd and the arrival of three Shelley-quoting newcomers in old-fashioned clothes.

The friends decide to head to the local video shop, Movie Mayhem and there Randy, the proprietor, produces a box of photographs and old film from way back and also shares with them his local historic knowledge

Tension continues to build with the ever increasing weirdness and odd aroma of people, and events – why does Oliver keep seeing a zebra? Can some ancient evil be at the heart of all this? If so, can the four friends save their town?

Some of this gave me the feeling a horror movie was unfolding before my eyes, so creepy are the happenings. I’d say this is most appropriate for readers of eleven and over rather than 9+.

Dream Weavers: Night of the Scary Fairies

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Dream Weavers: Night of the Scary Fairies
Annabelle Sami, illustrated by Forrest Burnett
Little Tiger

The night before going into Year 5 Tito starts having strange dreams. He’s on a clifftop in his Spiderman pyjamas to see a field full of strange tiny beings flitting about, one of which seems to take a chomp at his big toe.

The following morning, Tito’s teacher asks him to look after a new pupil, Neena, from Pakistan. Trying his best to engage her in conversation, Tito gets virtually nothing from her the entire day, though other members of his class start acting strangely At home he feels he’s failed in his task and researches the Chitral region of Pakistan, Neena’s erstwhile home, discovering that it’s rich in folklore.

Next day in school he tells Neena about his peculiar dreams and this gets her talking. She tells him about the jinn of her hometown – the paris – and on hearing this Tito says he’s seen something similar in his dreams. Neena asks him to draw whatever symbol comes into his head, first on paper and then before he goes to bed, on his hand. That night the two meet in Tito’s dream wherein he’s told they are both Dreamweavers.
For the next few nights Tito and Neena meet in their dreams, but during the day, Tito is tired and although his friends Tiffany and Murray begin to get friendly towards the new girl, he doesn’t
take much notice of what’s happening to them until he talks further with Neena. She suggests they try going into Tiffany and Murray’s dreams to find out what is wrong and so be able to help them.

Before long, the Dream Team as they call themselves, discover that the paris are playing tricks on Tiffany and Murray, changing their personalities.

At school they see that the rest of the pupils also have new identities. How is this possible?

In their dream travels, the two children encounter a scary man: Neena’s uncle, whom she says is a Dark Weaver, a power-hungry Dreamweaver gone rogue. Now a new plan is needed, first to undo the spell put on the paris, so they revert to their benevolent ways and then to return things to normal in the waking world.

The story ends with Neena introducing Tito to her family members, and a pact is made to put paid to the activities of Dark Weavers. That though, must wait for the next book.

Annabelle Sami certainly transports the reader to other worlds in this tale and despite some scary moments, she keeps things light so child readers are unlikely so have nightmares. I love the way Neena and Tito’s friendship develops and Forrest Burdett’s illustrations provide further details, especially of the characters’ feelings.

Sona Sharma: Wish Me Luck / The Feeling Good Club: Be Kind, Shazmin!

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Sona Sharma: Wish Me Luck
Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Jen Khatun
Walker Books

With its Tamil Nadu setting, the Sona Sharma series is one of my very favourites for younger readers. In this fourth story, Sona’s much-loved teacher is getting married and the entire class has been invited. This she learns on the last day before a mid-term break. So far so good, but then Sona sees on the invitation that Miss Rao’s husband to be comes from a place called Vijayawada that’s several hours away by train and by tradition the bride moves to live in her husband’s city. Definitely not good and Sona and her friends want to try and stop this happening so they start making a ‘lucky’ plan to keep Miss Rao as their teacher.

With this in mind, despite her list of things to do during the break, Sona is preoccupied with the possibility of having to bid farewell to her teacher. So. aided and abetted by Elephant, she begins to search for lucky charms . The night when her Amma hears about all of this, her response is, “Fortune favours the brave, Sona. … If you want something, go and make it happen.”

Sona’s way of doing so is to write a petition, get all her friends to sign it, as well as others at the wedding and then after the ceremony, hand it to their teacher. She puts a great deal of effort into this project; but what will be the outcome?

With its theme of embracing change, this enchanting story exudes warmth and family love throughout and as always, Chitra has woven several South Indian Hindu customs into her narrative including some details of the Kanyadaanam ceremony at the wedding

and Paatti’s story about Rudraksha beads, prompted by the seeds Sona’s friend Renu adds to their collection of lucky charms. Whether read aloud or alone, Jen Khatun’s illustrations add to the delights of the book.

The Feeling Good Club: Be Kind, Shazmin!
Kelly McKain, illustrated by Jenny Latham
Little Tiger

‘Sometimes I miss the old Charita so much it actually makes my stomach hurt.’ So writes her younger sister, Shazmin in her journal at the start of this third episode in the series wherein Bella, Archie and Shazmin help one another to face and cope with the things that worry them by means of supportive friendship and mindfulness activities.

Shazmin is upset that her elder sister, Charita, now a teenager, no longer wants to hang out with her. In a desperate attempt to impress Charita, she persuades Bella and Archie to participate in the making of a video with her, but she keeps the real reason for so doing to herself.

The three friends start working on the video but things keep going wrong, there are misunderstandings and squabbles and the project seems to be heading for the scrap heap.


Is there any way that what started out as a potential prize-winning video, can be rescued, even if that means it taking a rather different direction. And can harmonious relations be restored both in Shaman’s family and with her two Feeling Good Club buddies? Perhaps, but it will take some mindfulness by all concerned.

Children’s well-being has really come into focus since covid and Kelly McKain’s series of highly accessible stories with personable characters openly sharing their emotional ups and downs in situations that children can relate to, provides gently humorous, warm much-needed mentoring in book form.

Deadly Deep

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Deadly Deep
Jennifer Killick
Farshore

This is the next instalment in Jennifer Killick’s Dread Wood horror-comedy series.

At the start of their first term in Y8, Club Loser are on a trip to the South of France to study wildlife and the Mediterranean coastline. They are on board the ship Melusine to witness the launch of some new wildlife research technology – ROVs – remotely operated vehicles – that Cyborgs (the tech company Colette’s mum works for) have been working on. These are subaquatic drone-like things that enable researchers to view sea creatures on the console up on deck.

When they depart, the gang members feel upbeat and confident of their safety as their dastardly enemies, the Latchitts are in prison in England, but with that couple, nothing is for certain.
The story is narrated by animal loving, Angelo, who is fascinated by the ROV and endeavours to learn as much as possible from its operator – useful knowledge, we later discover.

As the trip gets under way, it’s evident that an enormous shadowy creature lurks at the bottom of the ocean; add to that a decidedly creepy man on board ship who wants to talk with Colette. Perhaps the gang’s confidence in their safety was somewhat misplaced.

Indeed it certainly was for something suddenly smashes into the Melusine, the boat starts to sink, almost everyone else on the trip manages to board the lifeboats and escape but the Club Loser gang are trapped. So too somewhere, are Colette’s mum and Mr C. – he who firmly believes that hot choccie can solve any problem – and Captain Boyère. The realisation dawns: only Club Loser can save the day, either that or …

This is where Club Loser’s ability to stick together no matter what, while allowing each person to utilise their particular strength is crucial.

Prepare for some gory happenings in this action-packed, nail-biter; you may find yourself needing to pause and take a deep breath from time to time as you read.

Too Small Tola Makes It Count / Mermaid Academy: Cora and Sparkle

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Too Small Tola Makes It Count
Atinuke, illustrated by Onyinye Iwu
Walker Books

This is the fourth book in the enchanting series set in Nigeria featuring Tola who lives in a small flat in Lagos, Nigeria, with her older brother, Dapo, and sister, Moji and Grandmummy, the boss. Lockdown is now over and the four are back together and feeling very happy so to be. In the first story, Tola Finds a Solution, Tola’s friend, Mrs Shaky Shaky, who likes to come down and sit on the outside steps and chat to passers by, is having difficulty with the stairs. Tola too is having some difficulty at school because nobody believes that she knows and worked for the most famous Afrobeat musicians in Nigeria. Tola is great at solving maths problems but loneliness is much more tricky. Can she find a way to help Mrs Shaky-Shaky, and perhaps herself too? Tola certainly isn’t one to give up easily

In Tola Counts the Uncountable Grandmummy announces that they are going to take a holiday, something Tola and her siblings have never done before: they’re off to the beach! In the end only Grandmummy and Tola go. Tola is shocked at the amount of rubbish all over the beach, covering a lot of the sand and she realises that she’s found something impossible to count – the grains of sand. Later on she finds two more uncountable things: one is the waves; what could the other be do you think.

In Too Small Tola is a Rock Star, Tola is looking after baby Jide for Mr and Mrs Abdul. Suddenly she realises that he’s crawled off. Where can he be? Can Tola find him?

Readers and listeners will be charmed by these tales, which as always, celebrate family, community and love, as well as trying to find answers to sometimes tricky concerns. Onyinye Iwu’s illustrations are full of warmth and gentle humour adding to the delights of Atinuke’s text.

Mermaid Academy: Cora and Sparkle
Julie Sykes and Linda Chapman, illustrated by Lucy Truman
Nosy Crow

In this second tale set in and around Mermaid Academy the focus is the under-confident Cora and her dolphin partner, Sparkle. Cora has now been at the academy several weeks and still misses spending most of her time close to her twin, Issy. However, she is excited to hear the news that instead of normal lessons on Fridays, the students would participate in ‘enrichment activities’ or clubs. The club of Cora’s choice is music club, despite what her friends select but then she changes her mind and opts for what her sister has chosen. The day doesn’t go well until much later when she’s back with Sparkle and discovers her magic – it’s whirlwave magic, so Sparkle tells her and reluctantly agrees to Cora keeping this to herself until Issy has found out what her magic is. That means that any practice at creating whirlwaves must be covert.

Meanwhile her friends are excited about the repairs they’d been able to carry out on the damaged Glass Ocean reef but anxious to discover who or what is causing the destructive damage. To this end they all pay a visit to the Sea Sphinx,

the result being the possibility of a clandestine night-time adventure. Soon both Cora and Sparkle are heading towards the diminishing reef to find her friends and hopefully, the coral-crunching culprits. Great danger awaits but can the friends finally solve the mystery? And will Cora eventually decide to be true to herself in choices she makes?

Sparkling fun: younger readers will enjoy diving into the world of Cora and her fellow mermaids made even more magical with Lucy Truman’s drawings.

The Dog Squad: The Newshound / Peanut, Butter & Crackers: River Rescue

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The Dog Squad: The Newshound
Clara Vulliamy
Harper Collins Children’s Books

Eva has always wanted to be a journalist, so when she finds a stray dog almost outside her home, she could have found her first real case. Can she, along with her best friends, Ash and Simone, at the Newshound local newspaper, find the real owner of Wafer, as she names the whippet on account of his thinness. This is necessary because Eva’s mum insists that the dog can only stay with them in their rented flat for one night, partly because their landlord has a strictly no pets policy.

However the search the friends undertake leads to a series of dead ends during which Eva becomes more and more convinced she doesn’t really want to solve the mystery of Wafer’s owner anyway.

This first of Clara’s new series for younger KS2 readers introduces some charming characters: Eva, the star reporter, is compassionate, determined and sticks to her principles. Then there’s Simone who is artistic, and ‘brainy’ Ash who happens to be non-binary.

Can Eva overcome the obstacles she faces, including the landlord and his no pets rule,

and perhaps even get to keep Wafer?

The story includes several issues which are important for children to understand: the responsibilities involved in having a pet being the main one, but also touched on is puppy farming and the treatment of unwanted pets, as well as the aforementioned gender alignment. With plentiful black and white illustrations by the author to captivate and motivate less confident solo readers, this will warm the hearts of youngsters, whether or not they are dog lovers like Eva. Who knows it might even encourage some children to become animal rights activists .

Peanut, Butter & Crackers: River Rescue
Paige Braddock
Nosy Crow

The second of the funny graphic novel series for pooch and cat lovers sees the friends off in their human’s camper van to spend some time in the great outdoors.

When the decidedly indoor moggy, Butter, discovers that said human has not brought a litter tray, he decides to go and search the forest for one. Otherwise, how will he go to the loo. Having clawed an exit hole through the mesh, off he sets accompanied by Peanut the puppy, on a litter tray exploration. However they get lost and then things rapidly deteriorate when Butter hears the sound of running water and misunderstands what this means. What it does mean is that the two friends suddenly find themselves in a river, clinging to a lump of log for dear life.

Meanwhile Crackers has discovered the two are missing and is searching for them. Can he locate and rescue them? Perhaps, with some assistance from a precision-obsessed beaver.

Full of heart, very amusing and just right for new solo readers, particularly those who are keen on visual storytelling. Bonus pages give guidance on how to draw the three characters, a peep behind the scenes and a sneak peep at the next book in the series.

The Skull

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The Skull
Jon Klassen
Walker Books

Weird and wonderful is Jon Klassen’s adaptation of a traditional Tyrolean folktale. Klassen brings his wry humour to this sometimes creepy, sometimes comforting and consoling telling of what happens when a runaway girl named Otilla dashes through the forest one night, trips in the snow, falls and having found her way out of the woods, discovers a large, old, seemingly abandoned house.

It’s not abandoned entirely though for inside resides a talking skull. Said skull agrees to let Otilla in; the two gradually form a friendship as the girl assists the bodiless being in doing things it would otherwise be unable to, such as drinking tea,

picking and eating a pear from the garden room; the two even dance together. As they take tea, the skull tells of a headless skeleton that frequents the house each night and Otilla determines to make sure it never catches her new friend.

Drawing on her resourcefulness and ingenuity, she annihilates the skeleton, returns to bed

and next day accepts the skull’s invitation to live with him in the rambling old house. An unexpected and unlikely happy-ever-after if ever there was one.

Klassen’s limited colour palette certainly highlights both the cosiness and spookiness of his telling, after which in an author’s note he tells readers how he came across a story called The Skull in a library. It lingered in his mind, morphed into something rather different and eventually became this book. I can’t envisage many other than he who could envisage a cranium companion for a young girl, unless they were creating an unadulterated horror story. This is anything but and even quite young readers and listeners will love it.

No Worries: How to deal with Teenage Anxiety

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No Worries: How to deal with Teenage Anxiety
Nicola Morgan
Walker Books

Expert on teenage well-being, Nicola Morgan has written a guide to help young people cope with anxiety, according to a survey, the most used word, so she discovered, used when talking about their health and well-being. Nicola’s advice is based upon the latest science and her formidable knowledge and understanding of what makes for a healthy and balanced teenager and she divides her latest book into three parts.

Part One is Anxiety and YOU, part two is called All About Anxiety and looks at what is happening in an anxious person’s body and brain, as well as the effects of anxiety. The third part offers Strategies and Solutions – obviously the most important section. Here you will find among other things, breathing strategies, mindfulness and meditation strategies and suggestions of practical ways to distract from worrying thoughts.

The book concludes with some anxiety experiences shared by people from their own lives and there’s a list of further resources.

Highly practical and written in a language that is both accessible and full of wisdom, this is a book I’d strongly recommend to all young people particularly if they are struggling with pressures and the resultant anxiety in their lives. Assuredly one to add to a teenager’s bookshelf; it’s packed with helpful information and advice.

Keisha Jones Takes On The World / Stink: Superhero Superfan

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Keisha Jones Takes On The World
Natalie Denny, illustrated by Chanté Timothy
Little Tiger

Having learned of her Great Aunt-Bee, a lawyer and activist, from her Grandpa Joe while he was hiding away to avoid the celebrations for his 70th birthday, Keisha decides that she too will become an activist, standing up for equal opportunities, striving to fight against injustice and making the world a better place; and she’ll do so in memory of her aunt.

To help her in her endeavours, she shares her plan with her best friends Paisley and KD and together they form the Bee Squad in honour of Aunt Bee. She also asks the advice of her teacher who suggests she look for an issue of concern in the town and go from there.

Now being a spirited girl with a big heart, Keisha can’t wait to get started. So, after school when she accompanies her Dad to Manny’s pet shop and sees that the cost to buying a male rabbit is double that of a female, she realises that she has found the Bee Squad’s first cause. She dismisses the owner’s reason for this disparity and spends the next week working on a Rabbits’ Rights plan.

With a promise not to cause any more trouble in the pet shop, she enlists the help of her Aunt Marie who, not knowing what’s about to happen, takes her fellow activists and her younger brother back to Manny’s Pet Shop and carries out her rather outlandish stratagem.

A fair bit of mayhem ensues. But that’s not quite the end of this story, though I will add that our young hero’s indomitable spirit results in her declaring, “ justice for female rabbits was served.”

It’s great to have empowering characters like Natalie Denny’s Keisha in stories for young readers and with Chanté Timothy’s zesty illustrations to bring the world of Keisha to life, this is a book to encourage primary children to stand up for what they believe in.

Stink: Superhero Superfan
Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Walker Books

In this thirteenth story Stink is super-excited when he learns that the next topic for his Saturday Science Club is superhero science. Immediately he starts imagining himself in a cape with the titular words emblazoned across it.

Returning home full of enthusiasm, he finds his family sorting things to put in their yard sale and he adds some of his own items.

Next day at the sale, Stink discovers a box full of old comic books about Super Gecko, a superhero he’s never heard of: What could be more fantastic – GROOL in fact – than a part-man, part-lizard with superpowers? Moreover, said superhero has a sidekick, Gecko Girl.

Then Stink hears that there are real geckos in his vicinity and he and his pals decide to go and investigate the creatures that very evening. The hunt yields no geckos but they do find a note supposedly from Super Gecko – hmmm, mysterious.

Could it mean that Super Gecko is set to make a comeback? There is certainly a brand new Super Gecko comic book due to be published the very next Saturday. How will Stink manage his next Science Club meeting and getting to the bookstore to buy a copy before they run out, even if he can raise the money he needs for his purchase? Seemingly the boy faces much that will test his own deductive super powers; can he manage everything? Possibly, with the help of family and friends.

I love the gentle humour, the endearing characters and the mix of sleuthing and science; so too will young solo readers and listeners whether or not they have already met Stink et al.

Leif the Unlucky Viking: Saga of the Shooting Star

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Leif the Unlucky Viking: Saga of the Shooting Star
written & illustrated by Gary Northfield
Walker Books

Leif is a little wolf pup of the Viking variety. Despite being small in stature, he has big dreams. he wants to be an explorer just like his dad, Eric the Red. However, it’s certainly not going to be plain sailing for there are certain things that might get in his way. First of all, he has a habit of tripping up, which means he splits his trousers on average once a week, and sometimes he even falls down holes. Far from an auspicious beginning for an aspiring explorer, albeit a determined one.

It’s his determination that leads him to attempt to unravel the riddles of a witch, find a rock shard fallen from a shooting star and then wield its magical powers. Now this journey won’t be smooth sailing but that’s not unusual for the best explorers; he will need to battle with snow and ice, enter polar bear country,

pit his wits against giants and trolls, as well as extricating the team from within an enormous whale-like creature with a top resembling an island,

not to mention sorting out his errant sister. All of which means he’ll need every morsel of luck he can get.
What he does have for company though, are Olaf the irritated duck, Toki, a foolish puffin and Flora the decidedly whiffy muskox Shame none of them is any good at map reading.

Prepare for one calamity after another as you laugh your way through this tempestuous tale, liberally illustrated with Gary Northfield’s comic book style drawings that serve to render his writing even more anarchic than ever. Utterly and absurdly brilliant.

Diary of an Accidental Witch: Stage Fright / Emerald and the Sea Sprites

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Diary of an Accidental Witch: Stage Fright
Perdita & Honor Cargill, illustrated by Katie Saunders
Little Tiger

Eleven year old Bea Black, resident of Little Spellshire returns for a fifth sharing of her journal.

Her Dad is now totally smitten with Taffy so home life is somewhat different.
Excitement is high in Bea’s class at the School of Extraordinary Arts when Teacher Madam Binx, an ex actor – famous so she says – announces that the pupils are to put on a play and they have just a few weeks to prepare. The decision is that they’ll perform a very special version of Hansel and Gretel in front of the entire school, adapted and directed by Winnie.

After what seems like an age Winnie has finally finished writing the play and then come auditions for the various roles and every single member of Bea’s class wants to try out for a part. However acting is only one element of a performance; there is also the matter of a song and dance coordinator, stunt coordinator and assistant and a set designer. With all these tasks duly assigned and the cast chosen, it’s a case of work, work and more work. Some pupils will have to hone their ‘behaving like animals’ skills and Bea’s Dad is chuffed to be asked to make all the costumes.

How much spell making of the transformation kind is going to be involved in all of this? And with anywhere inside the school out of bounds following an unfortunate incident, whereabouts will this dramatic enterprise actually take place?

With Bea’s ever more endearingly earnest writing style and Katie Saunders’ even funnier illustrations, this is sheer delight from start to finish.

Emerald and the Sea Sprites
Harriet Muncaster
Oxford Children’s Books

Emerald, a princess since her mum’s recent marriage to King Auster, is now spending half her time living in the palace and the other at her dad’s house on the other side of Scallop City. 

As this second story starts, she’s reading quietly when suddenly into the room bursts her stepsister, Delphina, wanting to play. It’s not long before Delphina has persuaded Emerald to go with her on an adventure to search for sea sprites, something that means sneaking out of the palace which is strictly against the rules. None the less, with backpack stuffed with the necessities for their mission, Emerald swims out of the palace, meets up with her stepsister and off they go into the deep open sea to a coral reef where they pause for a snack. It quickly becomes evident that sea sprites are just as fond of sea biscuits as the little mermaids.

After a playful encounter, Emerald realises it’s time to head back but the sea sprites start to follow them. 

Eventually, back in the palace, the little visitors settle into Emerald’s doll’s house where they spend the remainder of the evening all playing together. 

However, the following morning, the sea sprites look decidedly sickly and the little mermaids realise it was wrong to take them from their habitat. They must return them to the coral reef, but can they reach there in time to save the sprites? And if so, will they ever be able to see them again?

An enchanting story about letting creatures stay in their habitats, stepsisters bonding, and having the courage to do what’s right and kindness, that young solo readers, especially those who enjoy Harriet’s other series, will love plunging into. (I’d not read the Emerald and the Ocean Parade but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of this story.)

Huxley and Flapjack: Race to the Rescue

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Huxley and Flapjack: Race to the Rescue
Alan MacDonald, illustrated by Francesca Gambatesa
Little Tiger

Koala bear, Huxley, who finds possibility in each new day, and his best friend, Flapjack, a penguin that worries rather a lot, share a tree house on the edge of the woods.

One morning a delivery from the postwoman includes notice of a new store opening in the town so they decide to go and pay a visit to this Jolly Goods establishment. It’s an enormous place and things are a tad confusing for the pals but Huxley quickly gets into his stride and enjoys trying out or trying on lots of the gear on sale. While the koala is deliberating what to spend his pocket money on, somebody on a skateboard whizzes past the pair.

The bear eventually decides on an outfit that makes him look just like a superhero. Unfortunately though back comes the skateboarder wearing a mask just like the one Huxley has just bought, there’s a collision causing watches and jewellery to spill from his sack, and the skateboarder retrieves the goods, snatches away Huxley’s purchase and off he zooms.

There’s a case of mistaken identity by the store manager who thinks Huxley is a thief. Off pedal the two friends in pursuit of the person they’ve decided is the real thief, with the manager scooting behind.

A chase ensues through the town and eventually the pals are apprehended by the manger who takes them back to his office. Eventually a plan is devised to catch that actual skateboard thief but can Huxley and Flapjack outwit Fast Fingers Frankie and arrive home in time for tea?

A fast-moving fun story, ideal for new solo readers with zany, dynamic full colour illustrations by Francesca Gambatesa on every spread. I suspect this duo will gain lots of young followers who will eagerly anticipate their further adventures.

Cracking Cricket

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Cracking Cricket
Robin Bennett, illustrated by Matt Cherry
Firefly Press

Written with humour and bursting with facts and advice on how to be an ace bowler, batter and fielder in any combination and much, much more.

The author begins with the history of the sport that includes some wacky theories about how it started, the favourite being that it was made up by bored shepherds some time between 1300 and 1600 – hmm! And like most of the chapters, this ends with a focus on a favourite player; there’s also one or more ‘cool quotes’ in each chapter. I particularly liked this from Stuart Broad, ‘people talk about cricket being an individual game, but I really don’t agree; everything is done in a partnership.’ and had to laugh at this said by Aussie, Greg Chappell, ‘ I can’t say I’m batting badly . I’m not batting long enough to be batting badly.’

We meet the members of a team – opening batters, the top, middle and lower orders, bowlers – fast and spin, the fielder (every team member must be one of those) and the wicket-keeper, and learn about the task of the nightwatchman (that name needs updating) and the joy of being an all-rounder.

One thing I often get confused about is all the different fielding positions and illustrator Matt Cherry provides a helpful diagram of these, complete with several fielders.

There’s a chapter on skills and tactics, another on the future of the game that looks at diversity, masses of stats, plus explanations of key terms.

Wisden it isn’t, but it is a smashing little book (the 3rd in the Stupendous Sports series), for young readers be they players or not. I learned a lot despite being a keen follower of the game.

Yomi and the Fury of Ninki Nanka / Fairytale Ninjas: The Magic Crown 

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Yomi and the Fury of Ninki Nanka
Davina Tijani, illustrated by Adam Douglas-Bagley
Little Tiger

Yomi (soon to go into her final year in primary school) and her brother Kayode, two years younger, are supposed to be on the trip of a lifetime visiting The Gambia with their Uncle Olu. But thus far their holiday has been boring, boring, boring, and involved something to do with their uncle’s research.

However after despairing there will be anything like an adventure, or the sight of any Nkara, Yomi’s sleep is disturbed by a terrible roaring and she witnesses Ninki Nanka, the Dragon King being kidnapped from the sky. From then on, things become a whole lot more exciting. Determined to rescue him, the siblings encounter magnificent beasts, unearth a number of secrets, meet a reckless boy hunter

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and face dangers aplenty. Yomi and Kayode are highly motivated and resilient, but can they save Ninki Nanka?

Vividly told, by an author who clearly has a great depth of understanding for, and love of, African mythology, this fast-paced West African-inspired fantasy adventure is the first of a new series – The Nkara Chronicles – and with Adam Douglas-Bagley’s striking illustrations, deserves to be a winner with primary readers. I thoroughly enjoyed it.


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Fairytale Ninjas: The Magic Crown  Paula Harrison, illustrated by Mónica de Rivas Harper Collins Children’s Books

This second story set in the kingdom of Waybeyond begins with Red wishing for another adventure with new magical creatures when suddenly a fireball drops from the sky and becomes a fiery little golden bird, followed not long after by a large ice dragon. Now there’s no need to go seeking adventures, instead one has found Red, Snow and Goldie (aka the Fairytale Ninjas). In fact pretty soon the entire town is full of frost fairies too.

With trouble afoot, it’s time for a visit to Redrock Canyon, dwelling place of sand dragons and firebirds declares Snow. Having, with the help of their gingerbread supplies, persuaded a unicorn to take them, they’re off at a gallop only stopping at the edge of a cliff beneath which goblins and rats are busy digging holes in the rock with saucepans and spoons. Why? They don’t stop long enough to find out though and instead continue to the icy mountains region, but now clad in their ninja suits to blend in.

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This allows them to overhear a conversation about a wooden box hidden by an old king the contents of which will make their master the most powerful person in the entire kingdom. They must be working for Sir Scallion surely? But an untimely sneeze results in the three being discovered and they have to dash for their unicorn, stopping briefly to rescue a tiny ice dragon. Whither now? Goldie has an idea and they soon find themselves in a mysterious library. I’ll leave them there and merely say ‘Rumpelstiltskin’ and recommend you get a copy of the book and find out how the magical tale ends.

With its wealth of illustrations by Mónica de Rivas, emergent readers will devour this twisted fairytale, along with some gingerbread.

Dirty Bertie: Splash! / Dirty Bertie: Mighty Mishaps / The Trapped Puppy

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These are additions to popular young fiction series – thanks to publishers Little Tiger for sending them for review.

Dirty Bertie: Splash!
David Roberts, illustrated by Alan MacDonald

This is Bertie’s 35th set of escapades and some people will be surprised that he’s still as full of crazy ideas as ever. In the first Bertie and pals, Darren and Eugene are finally being treated by Bertie’s mum to a visit to Splash City, the new waterpark. However they hadn’t reckoned on arch enemy Know-All Nick also being there and worse still, Nick’s cousin, Alex is one of the lifeguards. Alex is quick to point out the set of rules that must be obeyed or serious consequences would result.

Can the three friends still have the fun time they’d anticipated, that is the vital question.

Moggy! sees the three friends, aided and abetted by Whiffer, searching high and low for neighbour, Angela Nicely’s missing moggy, Pusskins, with a reward of £50 on offer to the finder. Eventually they find what Bertie is sure is Angela’s cat but it turns out to be a case of mistaken identity. Somebody else has found Pusskins; but who and what happens to the promised reward?

In Breakdance! Miss Boot announces that to celebrate the school’s seventy-fifth anniversary, Class 3 will dance for the parents – and rehearsals get under way immediately. Bertie is determined not to participate and comes up with a clever plan. It turns out there’s more than one way of Breakdancing: game, set and match to Miss Boot.
Ridiculous as ever, but that’s what makes these stories such fun.

If readers have missed previous high jinks of the Bertie kind, the publishers have recently released another single volume bind-up Dirty Bertie: Mighty Mishaps: containing Yuck!, Loo! and Toothy!

The first contains episodes wherein Bertie turns green at the fair, causes mayhem while dressed in his costume for Victorian Day and teaches a toddler her very first word, “Bum”.
Loo! presents a toilet emergency on the way back from a school outing; a sandcastle competition that is nothing but a damp squib; and the possibility of a house move, something Bertie will do his utmost to prevent.
Toothy! has Bertie suffering from severe dentist-itis; jetting off on holiday and having loo queue trouble during the flight and finally, some ice-cream issues of the worrying kind.
Bertie is one of those characters who, despite everything he does, is a real charmer.and all the books are great promoters of the vital ‘reading is fun’ message.

The Trapped Puppy
Holly Webb, illustrated by Sophy Williams

Amelia, her parents and older brother are out walking on the rocky hillside with their dogs, Mickey and Poppet. Amelia throws a stick for Poppet to retrieve, slips over and is a bit dazed. Coming too she realises that Poppet has disappeared but nobody noticed what happened to the puppy. They spend some time looking but with dusk descending they return home hoping to discover Poppet waiting for them. However, the puppy has fallen down an abandoned mineshaft and is unable to get out.

The following morning the search resumes, with the aid, later on of some Mountain Rescue volunteers. Eventually they hear scuffling sounds from underground. Now all they need is to work out a way of extricating little Poppet safely.

The narrative switches between the view point of the rescuers and that of Poppet, which keeps readers on tenterhooks and there are some tense moments – Sophy Williams captures several in her illustrations, but the rescue team are determined. Will Amelia go home with her beloved puppy?

An exciting addition to Holly Webb’s hugely popular puppy series.

The Wonder Brothers

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The Wonder Brothers
Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steven Lenton
Macmillan Children’s Books


The focus of this tale is cousin trio – Middy, Nathan and Brodie, plus a very large, show-stealing rabbit, Queenie. It’s the summer holiday and Nathan and Brodie have, as usual, come to stay with Middy in Blackpool. Middy’s dad, Uncle Kevin is the electrician responsible for the Blackpool Illuminations and the Tower; Middy’s mum, Auntie Anya, is the ‘Boss’ plumber of Blackpool Tower. This enables the three children to be on the scene when the world’s greatest magician, Perplexion, aka the Master of Mystery, comes to switch on the Illuminations as the penultimate stop of his final world tour. He will, as Uncle Kevin tells the children. ‘appear, turn the lights on and then disappear.’


That might just be the understatement of the decade. For, the Wonder Brothers (Middy and Nathan) upstage Perplexion’s appearance with a magic trick of their own; then the morning after Perplexion has magically made the Blackpool Tower disappear, Nathan appears on television, announcing that The Wonder Brothers will make it reappear. Which is why, or maybe how, they accidentally end up, not going home for tea, but in Las Vegas.

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There, following some incidents in the Camelot Casino Hotel, we find them talking to Captain Jimenez of the Metropolitan Police Department. You couldn’t make it up could you? – unless you happen to be the author of this splendidly comical book of course. Comical it might be, but the final sentence is one of considerable depth.


Steven Lenton’s black-and-white illustrations add some visual magic to the wonderful word weaving of Frank Cottrell-Boyce who must have done a considerable amount of research for this story.


It’s said that prestidigitation is the thief of time: it was certainly so where this book is concerned – the minutes and hours whizzed by and I just couldn’t put it down until I’d got to that final Ta-Dah!



The Song That Sings Us

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The Song That Sings Us
Nicola Davies, illustrated by Jackie Morris
Firefly Press

This thought-provoking, dystopian eco-thriller is set in a world governed by the sinister Automators. In this world too, live certain humans who have a power, siardw, that enables them to understand animal thoughts; they are called the Listeners. The ruthless Automators want to destroy anyone who has this gift and drive the rest of the citizens into cities, away from nature’s influences where “They must be made to understand that animals and plants are resources to be owned and used; that they have no rights.” Their slogan is ‘escape the tyranny of nature’ and anything not manufactured is being destroyed.

As the story starts Harlon and her twin siblings, Ash and Xeno, are trying to help their mother defend their home against the approaching Automators. Ma tells them to flee to save themselves – and their world. They must seek out a ‘lost island’. Their flight begins with the three snowboarding down a 6,000-foot sheer slope, but the siblings are separated, so they must each find a way to carry out Ma’s final instruction.

We follow their individual journeys through wild landscapes, even right into the centre of the enemy’s empire. Xeno, with her affinity with birds, and Ash, are in particular danger because they are Listeners and should the merciless Automators discover this, they will obliterate the twins’ minds. All three siblings are really up against things, but like-minded people and nature itself are fighting back and the Automators fail to realise the strength of their network.

Thrumming through this tale is an interconnecting force, liorna that ‘flows from earth and sea to sky’ and runs through all living things, until it’s time to sing the world anew … to unite in ‘the song that sings us … ‘ It’s a song to which readers will definitely add their voices and sing with all their hearts in the joyous finale.

Wow! Just wow! Wow at the quality of the writing and the way Nicola has interwoven all the strands of the story with such consummate artistry: with so many wonderful characters, animal and human, (and some mal-intentioned ones) – this epic tale is powered by her deep love of nature and fuelled by her knowledge and understanding of zoology.

My Brilliant Plan to Fix Everything

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My Brilliant Plan to Fix Everything
Ben Davis
Scholastic

It’s the start of the summer holidays – the first since Alex’s mum and dad separated – and the boy is finding it tough. Dad is currently living at Alex’s Uncle Pete’s house, in the granny flat and works as a postie in a small village called Fishwick about a fifteen minute cycle ride from where Alex lives with his mum and older sister, Indie.

Determined to get his parents back together, Alex devises a plan: he just needs his Dad to finish that novel he began writing, way back, thus restoring his self-esteem so he’s back to his normal self – the one Mum fell for. Faking a letter, he tricks his Dad into thinking that he can have a four week sabbatical courtesy of the exclusive ‘Post UK Artistic Leave Scheme’ and thus produce the book he’s always wanted to write. What this means is that Alex will take over his Dad’s postal route and all that entails for the summer holidays. Easy as that!

Convincing Dad’s co-workers, Lloyd and Miriam of the veracity of the scheme is the next step, but having done that Alex realises that what he’s taken on is way harder than he’d envisaged. There are the two biggest bullies in his school who, having mocked him, throw the contents of his delivery bag everywhere, Then he has to avoid bumping right into his Mum showing clients around properties the estate agent she works for, have on their books. Plus the bully boys go on to toss his mail trolley into the middle of the canal; plus, Dad’s boss, Peregrine is getting suspicious.

In addition there’s the girl living on a boat on the canal, Willow. She starts helping Alex with his round but there’s something she keeps from him for some time – something that could wreck the boy’s plan and much more too. Can Alex possibly keep all those plates spinning long enough to accomplish his plan.

Sometimes funny but always full of warmth, love, determination and community spirit, this story has at its heart a very special father-son bond that will have readers rooting for Alex and Carl.

Smugglers’ Fox

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Smugglers’ Fox
Susanna Bailey
Farshore


It took just a few minutes for Susanna Bailey’s wonderful word weaving to engulf me in a cocoon, unwilling to emerge until this story, with Keith Robinson’s splendid cover illustration, reached its conclusion.


Johan (nearly eleven) considers it is his role to look after his four year old brother Rio, especially after an incident on the beach, following which their Mam disappears and the social workers say she isn’t coming back this time.


It’s not long before Johan learns that the two of them are to be split up and he is to go and live with long-term foster carer, Mimi, in a little house at Robin Hood’s Bay. ‘I need a plan … me and Rio are stitched together like threads in a jumper . If they pull us apart , we’ll both unravel, and we won’t be Rio or Jonah any more. We won’t be anything,’ he tells readers, going on to call himself ‘Bad-Luck Jonah,’ Nevertheless move he has to, but not before making an unbreakable pinkie-promise to Rio that he has a plan.

At Mimi’s Johan spends a lot of his time making a book of illustrated stories for his brother to show he’s not forgotten him and because it’s part of his three part plan. The second part is being co-operative and helpful to Mimi and the third is trying not to worry about the sea. It’s far from easy when Mimi takes him for a walk to buy something tasty for a treat and while they’re out, a fox suddenly appears, a hungry-looking one, which Johan can’t help but feed. So begins the building of a bond between boy and fox.


Then Mimi shows Johan Grandpa Ted’s secret box containing what might be a treasure map: could this help him keep this promise to Rio? But then things get too much for the boy; he runs off and as a result meets Freddie in what he learns is his Dad’s allotment. Freddie is also familiar with the fox and it turns out that Mimi knows Freddie too. The more time Johan spends with his new friend, the more he’s convinced that Freddie is hiding something.and eventually he shares his troubles with Johan.


A few days later, Johan finds himself in a very dangerous situation and as he says, ‘Digging for Rio, For my friend Freddie. Digging for my life.’


Sometimes the way Johan describes his feelings is so poignant I felt raw inside, but this book ends with the boy accepting things he never thought he could because ‘whatever happens, we’re always part of one another. Jonah, Rio, Freddie. And the smugglers’ fox.’ That is because this haunting story comes from the heart, not only Jonah’s but that of Susanna Bailey too, for she was once a fostering and adoption social worker.

Marv and the Killer Plants / Mirabelle Wants to Win

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These are new titles in series popular with new solo readers: thanks to Oxford Children’s Books for sending them for review

Marv and the Killer Plants
Alex Falase-Koya, illustrated by Paula Bowles

When Marvin and his classmates take part in a competition to design a new garden for the school grounds, he’s eager to win, and to give him some ideas his Grandad takes him to the botanical gardens. There he sees some Venus flytraps in the hothouse and makes a drawing of one. Later on he encounters one of his class friends, Eva. She has come to get some ideas for her design too. But when the competition winner is announced and it’s Eva, he wonders if she has copied his design and he later accuses her of so doing.

It’s not long before that is the least of Marv’s worries: the partly completed school garden has become a jungle thick with creeping vines and it appears that the school too, not to mention the whole town, could be overrun with writhing tendrils.

Time for Marv to don that superhero suit

Suddenly atop a thick vine, Marv spies a figure calling herself Violet Vine, a supervillain, so Marv’s side-kick robot Pixel, tells him. Moreover when a gigantic Venus flytrap shoots up out of the ground right before his eyes there’s a strong likelihood that for Marv, it’s a case of be careful what you wish for.
His first task though, is to rescue his friend, Joe, who is entangled upside down in a thick vine. With this done, he has a second rescue to attempt – this time from the mouth of the gigantic Venus flytrap. Having succeeded in task two, Marv’s work is far from finished. Assisted by his super-suit accoutrements, can he finally outsmart the wicked Violet Vine and rid the school of her killer plants?

Fast paced, fun and with a lesson about jealousy, this fifth of Marv’s challenging adventures shows him at his invincible marvellous best (almost all of the time). Paula Bowles has done a fantastic job with her dramatic illustrations.

Another favourite series continues with drama of a different kind in

Mirabelle Wants to Win
Harriet Muncaster

Mirabelle is excited to hear one morning that famous footballer, Chrissy Gold, an ex pupil of her school, is coming to watch the students play football. First though, Mirabelle et al have to learn how to play human football, which means strictly no magic. Mirabelle is extra happy when she learns that Chrissy is only half witch, just like she is.

PE teacher Miss Toadflax assembles all the pupils on the field and explains the rules and basics of the game. Then the practice session gets under way and Mirabelle quickly discovers that human football is more difficult than witchball. Could a teeny tiny touch of magic help her play well and thus impress Chrissy Gold; maybe her side could even win the all important game.

Needless to say, where Mirabelle and magic are concerned, things don’t go smoothly.

Mirabelle ends the session soaking wet but still wanting to win that glittering trophy that’s been promised. She’s even more eager, having met Chrissy, so much so that she forgets to check her kit before going onto the field for the crucial match.

By the end of what proves to be a highly eventful game, refreshments and some very sound advice, from Chrissy, our little half witch, half fairy has learned a very important lesson.

With sprinklings of mischief and a large dollop of mayhem, this latest instalment starring Isadora Moon’s cousin is as sparkling as ever and will have Mirabelle’s fans cheering from the touch sidelines.

Evie and Rhino

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Evie and Rhino
Nerida McMullen, illustrated by Astred Hicks
Walker Books


This tale is based upon a true story of a shipwreck in 1891 off the south-west coast of Victoria in a coastal region well known for shipwrecks. One such was SS Bancora, which was travelling from Calcutta with a cargo of animals bound for Royal Melbourne Zoo. Among the animals was Rhino: the creature manages to make it to the shore, along with possibly some monkeys, parrots and cranes.


Enter Evie, a ten year old girl who lives with her once famous ornithologist grandfather, in an erstwhile grand mansion, Lunar House, having lost both her parents in a shipwreck two years back and since when she hasn’t spoken a word. She doesn’t any longer go to school and thus it is that the day after the Bancora shipwreck, she is wandering along the dunes to the beach and makes a discovery that will transform her life, and that of Rhino, for ever.


Told from alternating viewpoints, Evie’s and Rhino’s, we see the two forming an unlikely bond, a very deep one that provides a balm for the girl’s grieving spirit. All too soon though, the zoo sends a representative to recover the amazing animal. However Evie isn’t prepared to let Rhino go without doing her utmost to keep her beloved animal.


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In Evie and Rhino, Nerida McMullen has created two hugely endearing characters, and we meet a number of other interesting characters too. The storytelling is superb – you’ll find yourself laughing at Rhino’s antics, and tearful on occasion, at the challenges both Evie and Rhino face; it’s a truly memorable tale of rediscovering your inner strength and your voice, and the healing power of friendship.

Scattered throughout the book are Astred Hicks’ deftly drawn illustrations along with occasional telegrams and cook’s apple pie recipe – apple pie having played a significant part in the story.

The Lovely Dark

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The Lovely Dark
Matthew Fox
Hodder Children’s Books

As the story opens Ellie is coping with the loss of her grandmother three years back, early on in the pandemic and being unable to say goodbye. During the pandemic too, a boy named Justin and his family moved into an empty house on Ellie’s street and the two become good friends. I love Ellie’s comments relating to forming of their friendship: “ … Books are the key. … When you meet someone new and they’ve read the same books as you … and they feel the same way as you do about them, it means they’re all right in your book. … You have a kind of shared language.”

Ellie and Justin visit an uncovered Roman mosaic where they are involved in a devastating accident. Both children find themselves in the Underworld but on two completely different journeys.
Ellie’s path leads her to a place called Eventide House, a school ‘of sorts’ so Mrs Cauke, the ‘headmistress’ tells her. Despite the days there being pleasant and almost without restrictions, Ellie soon senses something isn’t right about the place. However she discovers a girl, Ash, in the library and the two make a pact.

By this time though Ellie is more determined than ever to return to the world of the living especially so she can see her new baby brother. But will she manage to do so?

I found myself needing to put this amazing, very special book aside several times as I read, such were the sad feelings it engendered. It’s written with great sensitivity, and tenderness, cleverly mixing the 21st century world devastated by the pandemic with Ancient Greek mythology as the author explores loss and grief through a protagonist who never loses hope. Add to that the tribute Ross makes to the power of books and stories:: there’s nothing more this reviewer could ask.

I’m now going to seek out Matthew’s first book, The Sky Over Rebecca.

Johnny Ball Professional Football Genius / Rudy and the Skate Stars

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Johnny Ball Professional Football Genius
Matt Oldfield, illustrated by Tim Wesson
Walker Books


In his role as manager, nine year old Johnny Ball has recently led the Tissbury Tigers to glory at the world’s top youth tournament. He’s basking in the glory when he is approached by soccer agent, Darren Dealz telling him that the Tissbury Thundercats want an assistant manager for their Under-12s academy team and that somebody should be our young narrator.


Johnny lands the job with the proviso that he remembers that manager, Jaz ,is the one in charge – the decision maker – and he mustn’t overstep the mark. A challenge if ever there was one, particularly as his best friend Tabia is joining the squad.


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It’s a steep learning curve for Johnny, who as ever, is bursting with ideas; there’s a serious falling out with his bestie and unwelcome interference from Darren Deals but the assistant manager never loses sight of his main goal – that Tissbury Thundercats team take the Prime League title.


Champions or not? Johnny Ball fans will relish this amusing story with its liberal sprinkling of suitably dramatic drawings by Tim Wesson. Assuredly it’s a winner in this reviewer’s book.

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Rudy and the Skate Stars
Paul Westmoreland, illustrated by George Ermos
Oxford Children’s Books


Excitement is high when werewolf Rudy and his friends, Femi (a mummy) and Edie (a ghost) discover that the Skate Stars competition is coming to their hometown, Cobble Cross and the legendary Jessie Howler is to be the judge. With the event just a week away the three pals know they must practise hard to stand any chance of a medal and Rudy is up super early next morning to start working on his moves. He’s only just got started when a group of wolf boys turn up looking smart and performing impressively. One of their number, Wolfgang. introduces the crew as the Night Owls and starts chatting to Rudi. He also asks Rudy to show some of his moves.


The following day Wolfgang suggests that Rudy enters the competition with them instead of Femi and Edie, saying that he’s much more likely to win if he does. The little werewolf can hardly believe his luck: it’s always been his dream to stand on top of the podium with a gold medal around his neck but switching teams means that he must agree to follow Wolfgang’s lead. However he decides to join the Night Owls team; but on the day of the competition, having had a chat with Jessie Fowler, Rudy feels conflicted: should he go for winning and risk losing his friends?

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He tells Wolfgang he’s changed his mind and prefers to skate with The Power Pack.
What happens thereafter shows Rudy that winning the gold medal isn’t what really matters most.


This fourth story of Rudy and his pals is certain to please his followers among those just flying solo as readers and they’ll likely find additional fans among young skateboarders new to the series. As always George Ermos’s super-cool illustrations help break up the text and ramp up the action.










The Horse who Came Home / The Lost Bear Cub

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The Horse who Came Home
Olivia Tuffin
Nosy Crow

Hannah and her elder sister, Millie live at Heartwood, a pony farm and stables. Their dad, an ex-showjumping champion, trains and sells on only the most exclusive ponies; though in reality this means he leaves much of the day to day business to a young man, Ashley, who Hannah increasingly distrusts, despite him being the son of the highly trustworthy old Johno.

Already we see that this is no run-of-the mill pony book merely about winning rosettes and cups at gymkhanas and championships – although that is part and parcel of the story. So too is the fact that film makers, Horsetalk, want to make a six-part documentary about Heartwood.

Then Hannah rescues a dirty, thin pony, Bella, which seems to recognise their stableyard and she suspects her father recognises the pony although he denies it. However nobody appears to want to help care for the pony so Hannah decides to do so herself. She’s supported in her endeavour by her pal, ace photographer, Freddie and riding friend, Gaby.

Unlike pony books back in the day when the young me loved reading them, the internet, mobiles and social media play an important part in this one. There’s a fair bit of wheeling and dealing as Hannah discovers the further she digs into Bella’s history and she realises that Heartwood stables is not the perfect place she had always believed it to be. Can she unscramble what is going on and if so, where will her loyalties lie – with her family or with the horses she loves?

A gripping read, that includes a rescue, some heart-breaking revelations for Hannah and Millie, and an optimistic ending for the sisters.

The Lost Bear Cub
Holly Webb, illustrated by David Dean
Little Tiger

Lucy is thrilled to be spending her summer holiday in Canada, staying with cousins and her Uncle Pete and Auntie Cass. She’s fearful though, at the possibility of encountering bears, cougars, coyotes and eagles on their first hike and even more so when she goes camping with her relations, but without her parents.

Wandering along the waterside alone at the campsite looking for pebbles, Lucy suddenly has the feeling that she’s being watched. There just a few metres away, she sees a small black bear and thinks it’s most likely a cub that’s got separated from its mother.

That same evening after a pretty wet end to their camping expedition, Lucy looks through an upstairs window of her cousin’s house and there she spies a bear trying to drink from the water feature in the grounds – a small bear that looks familiar. Now it’s definitely the bear she feels frightened for, not herself. The trouble is, nobody else believes her.

The following day, after an exchange of feelings between Lucy and her cousin Kitty, the girls have a narrow escape from a cougar after which the girls see a very angry adult black bear that starts taking swipes at the big cat. Some very scary moments follow but there’s not just one, but two happy reunions, one human and one ursine.

With several nail-biting episodes, some of which are shown in David Dean’s black and white illustrations, Holly Webb’s latest story offers something rather different from her cat and dog books. Confident new solo readers will enjoy Lucy’s adventures on the wild side..