UPCOMING RELEASE: Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson

 

Link to publisher

Publisher: Usborne, May 2025

In three words: WWII, brothers, crime

Jenny Pearson is already one of our favourite middle-grade authors. With titles such as The Incredible Record Smashers and The Boy Who Made Monsters, she has the incredible talent of being able to navigate challenging topics such as grief and depression with genuine warmth and humour. Her novella, Bertie and the Alien Chicken, for Barrington Stoke - a publisher well known for producing short, dylexia-friendly texts - remains one of the most extraordinary and insightful texts I've ever read. 

Shrapnel Boys is equally extraordinary. Although different to Jenny Pearson's usual genre, this historical tale had me gripped right from the get-go and is perfect for fans of Lesley Parr and Phil Earle. The story centres around two brothers, Ronnie and Micky, who live in London and who are not evacuated at the start of WWII. With London crumbling around them, thanks to night after night of deadly air-raids, Ronnie finds himself fighting his own battle...for his beloved brother. 

Plotted to perfection and superbly researched, this novel is not for the faint-hearted. With challenging themes of fascism, coercion, toxic relationships, crime and bullying, it's a text that might be best suited to shared reading that allows for discussion of such issues. Yet, although it is not a 'funny' story by any means, Jenny Pearson finds ways to inject her trademark lightness and humour. I especially loved Ronnie and Micky's next door neighbour, Vera Green, and the well-written Harry.  As a result, this is novel I am bursting to share with my 9 year old son, precisely because it explores such crucially important issues as well as depicting the vivid reality of life in London during the war through a child's eyes. Before reading, I had no idea about the dangers of shrapnel and 'hard rain'.

To summarise, this is a book I will be recommending and talking about for a long time. There have been a wealth of WWII stories written of late but each are beautifully written and a rich resource for the classroom, as well as bookshelves in the library or at home. It has cemented my view that Jenny Pearson is an exceptionally talented and diverse writer. This is powerful stuff!

Other WWII recommendations

The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr (focus on evacuation)

While The Storm Rages, When The Sky Falls and Until the Road Ends by Phil Earle (focus on animals during the war).

Digging For Victory by Cathy Faulkner (an exceptional verse novel which focuses on the secret attempts to deceive German bombers).

What we've been reading...

Hello! We've had a really busy start to 2025 but we just wanted to stop and do a round-up of all the brilliant books we've been reading recently. Plus, I'm happy to announce the publication of my own debut chapter book, Unicorns in Unicorns, Dragon Inferno which was released on 6th February and is illustrated by Steve Wood and published by UCLan:

The publication of my own chapter book about emergency service unicorns is a dream come true!

Over the festive period and the very wet month of January, we have enjoyed a range of picture books, chapter books and middle-grade novels. There's even a YA novel which I just have to mention. So without further ado, here is what we have been particularly enjoying:

Picture Books

The Really Beautiful Thing by Frances Tosdevin and Ali Pye,

published by Anderson Press

Link to publisher

This is the perfect picture book to tackle our 'I want' culture. We want something...usually until we've got it. Frances Tosdevin sums this message up neatly in a poignant but humorous story which shows rather than tells. There's no preaching and patronising  - just a beautifully written story that highlights the trappings of material things. Frances Tosdevin adds a subtle layer of humour by taking the plot to the extreme but it highlights the point perfectly. Squirrel is a great character with a lovely group of friends and it is a great text to prompt a discussion, especially if used in conjunction with Sneaky Beak by Tracey Corderoy.

The Great Unicorn Rescue by Diane Ewen, published by MacMillan

Diane Ewen's author/illustrator picture book debut is an absolute treat. Just look at those beautiful illustrations and the gorgeous colour palette! Every page turn just brings more and more delight but the story is beautiful too - a gentle narrative which centres around themes of bravery, friendship and growing independence. This will particularly appeal to young readers who love unicorns and magic and yet it is very relatable to a child's own experience of nursery or school and the importance they may place on a favourite toy. Gorgeousness personified!

Chapter Books

Marty Moose: First Class Mischief by Claire Powell, published by Walker Books

link to publisher

This chapter book is, again, just charm personified. It has a perfect main character plus a simple but brilliant set-up and structure which centres around the concept of a brand new postal mouse. There's tons of humour mixed with just the right dose of peril and the illustrations are just gorgeous. I loved everything from the arguing toads to Marty's hilarious rabbit friend to the bamboozling mystery which ends with a brilliant twist. I can't fault it! Bring on book 2!

Young Middle-Grade

Libby and the Egyptian Escapade by Jo Clarke, illustrated by Becka Moore and published by Firefly Press (Book Four)

Link to publisher

Both myself and my 11 year old have loved this series and this is the perfect ending to the travelling school mysteries. Death on the Nile for kids, it has a fabulously atmospheric (and educational) setting with lots of drama and well-plotted twists and turns. The text is engaging and accessible and the characters are really well drawn and completely loveable. I love how they all have distinct personalities and the relationships between the pupils are very relatable. Jo Clarke keeps readers guessing until the end with numerous suspects and I loved the facts that were woven in about Egypt - the author had clearly done lots of research and knew the setting inside out. We're really sorry that this is the end but the conclusion was both heartwarming and satisfying.

Middle-Grade

Magicalia: by Jennifer Bell, published by Walker Books

Link to publisher

I loved the first book in this series and book two is even better. As a reader, I was more familiar this time round with the set-up and the world and so there was more focus on the plot rather than the rules of the magic. This is high-end fantasy penned by an author who knows every last detail of the world she has created. It has a wealth of detail, a fast-paced, twisty plot, loads of red herrings and high suspense.

 The stars of the show, of course, are the magical creatures that Bitsy and her friends learn to conjure in a race against time against Riddlejax, a villain that oozes danger and venom. This is a MG book for competent readers who want to travel across a parallel world and be immersed in magic and imagination.

*Jennifer Bell's series The Uncommoners blew me away and is well worth looking up.

Young Adult

A Language of Dragons by S.F. Williamson, published by HarperCollins

I don't often review YA books on the blog but this is a fabulous novel which had me gripped from the very first page. S. F Williamson's debut is richly written and celebrates the power and beauty of languages. The set-up is clever, with parallels to WWII, and has layers of complexity. I loved that the main character was both flawed and challenged and taken on a powerful internal journey. The world was gritty and the dragons were just magnificient. Unique in concept, this is a fabulous YA read with exceptional world-building and real, 3D characters. The messages and themes regarding political propaganda, oppression and the danger of human ambition were clear to see.

It's our seasonal Christmas and wintery round-up 2024...

It's been extra busy in our house this year with new jobs, new schools and all sorts going on. That's made it even more important to find those quiet, cosy moments to read and relax. But even though we may not have got through as many Christmassy books as we usually do, we still have some fabulous recommendations, including some with a wintery rather than festive theme.

Picture books:

Yeti's Don't Exist by Kate Thompson and Loretta Schauer

Link to publisher

Published by: Bonnier Books (Templar), 7th November 2024

In three words: Yeti's, Humour, Rhyme

This beautifully illustrated book, complete with MAPS, is such a wintery delight that we just had to include it. Iggy, the yeti, has to be the cutest picture book character of 2024 and, after becoming completely immersed in his adventure, we are now ending the year with a yeti-themed New Year's Eve party...

Have you heard the news?
You've been BAMBOOZLED. . .

YETIS DON'T EXIST!

Iggy and his friends are a bit confused. They're yetis and they certainly DO exist. So off they set on a journey to prove their existence. All they have to do is find the humans and tell them...

There's something really special about the visual scenes in this picture book, brought to life by Loretta Schauer. Combined with Kate Thompson's gorgeous language and endearing rhyme, every page is breathtaking yet bubbling with fun. The story builds to an hilarious and very cleverly executed twist at the end and we just wanted to read it again and again. Perfect for fans of The Littlest Yak by Lu Fraser, it will make little ones want to go yeti-hunting rather than Santa-searching this Christmas. 

Yetis and Santa...could be an idea for a sequel there, Kate!

The Dragon With the Blazing Bottom at Christmas by Beach

Link to publisher

Published by: Simon&Schuster, 10th October 2024

In three words: Chaotic Christmas Caper

If you don't mind a bit of toilet humour then this is definitely the series for you. Rivalling the very popular, The Dinosaur That Pooped Christmas by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, this latest instalment is a festive, fast-paced frolic told in fun and frentic rhyme...

Disaster has struck! Santa is missing! But never fear because Sir Wayne and Dragon can rock Christmas just as well as Santa and his reindeer...can't they? And if all else fails, then never fear...because they have a super-special trick up their...er...sleeve that Santa definitely doesn't have.

Twisting the famous Christmas story, Twas The Night Before Christmas, into a whole new format and genre, this is a fantastical, farting caper that had us laughing-out-loud. The complex rhyme is both funny and awe-inspiring and there's funny scenario after funny scenario. This story explodes off the page with the energy and boom of an exploding...er...cracker and there's barely time to take a breath. Little readers will be begging to share this story again and again with their relatives but just be aware of easily offended grandparents...yes, mum, I'm talking about you.

7-9's

Fox Goes North by Jeremy Strong, illustrated by Heegyum Kim

Link to publisher

Published by: Scholastic, October 10th 2024

In three words: Animals, Journey, Adventure

I have to confess that, although coming across them many times, I have never actually read a Jeremy Strong book and neither have my children. I'm now hugely regretting this because Fox Goes North is as stunning as the front cover - breathtakingly beautiful and heartbreakingly poignant. Naturally, the story is made even more poignant by the fact that this was the late Jeremy Strong's final story which he wrote whilst facing terminal cancer...

Standing with her suitcase, Fox feels that something extraordinary is about to happen. It totally is for, suddenly, over the horizon trundles a house on wheels, pulled by Moose, driven by Bear and navigated by Toucan. As Fox joins their party and heads off in search of the Northern Lights, this journey proves to be one to remember. But who will return?

This story reminded me very much of my favourite chapter book series, Rabbit and Bear, by Julian Gough and Jim Field, and The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy. Like Rabbit and Bear, it's a totally gorgeous and very funny animal story, with perfectly drawn characters, which offers truthful and thought-provoking observations of life. However, in light of what the author was no doubt experiencing in his own life, Fox Goes North, offers up a slightly more complex storyline, packed with some difficult questions and a raw beauty and emotion which, for me, aligned it with Charlie Mackesy's bestseller. 

If that makes the story sound heavy, then don't worry, it's not. Jeremy Strong handles the themes in the novel with the lightness of snow, balancing the story with brilliantly executed humour - aka llama and toucan and Little Owl - so that it's perfect for the age-group. Every character is memorable, the visual descriptions of the landscape are stunning and the illustrations just complete a perfect package. This is a book of the year for me and a new timeless classic which should be shared in as many classrooms and homes as possible. 

Middle Grade

The Biggest Christmas Secret Ever by L D Lapinski

Link to publisher

In three words: Christmas, Santa, Family, 

Published by: Hachette, 10th October 2024

We loved the first instalment of this last year and, in our opinion, this sequel is even better. This is my reluctant middle reader's favourite festive find and she devoured it whilst smiling all the way through. There's something about L.D Lapinski's writing in this series that is just so light and readable and we found ourselves absolutely racing through the pages...

Harper's family unit has changed beyond recognition. Not only is her mum's partner Father Christmas but now she and Will have a new baby sister, Yula. But soon it becomes apparant that Yula has inherited some of her father's magic. How on earth can they keep their Christmas secret underwraps now?

With one foot firmly planted in reality and the other foot playing with very fun fantasy, this story is the perfect mix for readers who, like my middle reader, are not keen on high fantasy. The text is accessible and akin to a Lottie Brooks type narrative but with the added addition of some Christmassy capers. Yula is just an adorable addition to the series and so are the elusive gingerbread figures. Tosie Mistle also makes a fab 'Dolores Umbridge' baddie and then there's all the cosy descriptions of food and the relatable issues that come with most families - working parents, change, new relationships and feelings. I particularly loved Harper's struggling emotions as she works out what Nick means to her and the lovely conclusion. 

Top marks for a quick, fun, Christmassy read.

Sprouts by Sibeal Pounder

Link to publisher

Published by: Bloomsbury, September 2024

In three words: Christmas, Witches, Krampuses

For those who prefer high fantasy, then why not dive into Sprouts - the book, not the food. I was completely won over by the pitch of Christmas x witches but even more so when I realised that this is a sort of sequel to Sibeal Pounder's brilliant Tinsel, although you don't have to have read that story to appreciate this one. 

It's the year 4024 and Christmas happens everyday all over the world. From holographic elves to endless presents, the Krampus Alliance ensures that everyone is behaving Christmassy ALL the time...and there's big punishments if they're not.

Gryla Garland, a witch who is banished to the Mince Pie Isles, is desperate to experience this world of Christmassy joy. But her coven of witches believe that Christmas should only be celebrated once a year - as it used to be - and are therefore forbidden to leave the Isles. But when she is snatched by a girl in a sleigh, Gryla embarks on an adventure of discovery...and truth. 

Told in a highly imaginative and fun way, this story explores the concept of  'too much of a good thing'. With unpleasantness lurking underneath the dazzle of Christmas lights, Gryla must dig deep under the snow to discover the reality of a constant Christmas and try and heal the divisions that have been created between witches, elves, the krampuses and the rest of the world. 

Sibeal Pounder's worldbuilding and her ability to write stories that crackle with magic is a joy. As readers are whisked from magical landscape to magical landscape, prepare for a rollercoaster ride of witches, walking trees, candy canes, potions and spells. What an incredible combination!

A big thanks to NetGalley for allowing us review copies of some of these titles. All are available to buy now.

Do Sharks Like Ice cream? The Surprising World of Statistics by Polly Owen

Published by Oxford University Press, 29th August 2024

We might all enjoy reading in our house but Maths is a different story. Apart from my son, who does prefer sums to stories (and he does love stories too!), it's always a struggle to get our head around different mathematical concepts. 

That's where books like this come in. With a super-genius title: Do Sharks Like Ice cream, Polly Owen grabbed our attention from the get-go and prompted a discussion before we'd even turned the first page. Do sharks like ice-cream? What a question? How could we possibly know that when sharks live underwater?

Spoiler alert! This isn't actually a book about whether sharks like ice-cream but it's still brilliant. It's a readable, engaging and useful exploration of statistics written by an author who has a degree in the subject. With bite-size explanations and real-life stories centred around engaging diagrams and pictures, it highlights how statistics can be used in every-day life, from predicting the future to cracking codes and even catching criminals. Have you been cheating at your homework? Well, thanks to statistics, teachers might be able to tell!

The joy of this educational, non-fiction book is that it takes a tricky subject and makes it truly fascinating by showing how it relates to the real world. The enthusiasm of Polly Owen's writing and subject knowledge totally rubbed off on my year 5 reader as he dived into the pages like a shark after a taste of the cold stuff. He particularly loved 'The Three Door Problem' and the puzzle element of statistics. 

Now we just need Polly to explain algebra to us...

A big thanks to Polly for sending us a review copy. Do Sharks Like Ice-cream? is available from retailers now. 

It's here! Our annual spooky Halloween round-up 2024...

It's SPOOKY SEASON - our absolutely favourite time to read!!! There's always a glut of fabulous new releases in autumn, many of which have a Halloween theme, which means we can get busy conjuring up our seasonal round-up. So, why don't you snuggle up cosily and take a look at what we recommend...

Picture Books

The Green-Fingered Witch by Helen Dockerty and Steven Lenton

Link to publisher

Published by: HarperCollins, August 29th 2024

In three words: witches, gardening, spells

This rhyming picture book is pure charm. It encompasses a witch school, spells and pumpkins with an adorable main character, Cress, who is desperate to fit in but just doesn't...

Cress isn't like the other witches at witch school. For a start, she only has green fingers. But green fingers can come in very handy when it comes to pumpkin problems. Can Cress save the day and champion her own talent?

There seems to be a lot of 'plant magic' appearing in books at the moment - for example, Greenwild for the middle grade audience - and there's just something so deliciously satisfying about it. Combining plants, gardening and growing with an loveable witch is just pure picture book magic. Of course, Steven Lenton's incredible illustrations also add an extra magical layer and every spread crackles with zingy colour and fun. Offering a Halloween take on the important 'it's okay to be different' and 'celebrate you' message, this is a total winner!

Witch Cat by Lucy Rowland and Laura Hughes

Link to publisher

Published by: Bloomsbury, August 29th 2024

In three words: cats, witches, identity

This book reminded me of The Owl and the Pussycat in terms of rhythm and rhyme and Julia Donaldson's Sugarlump and the Unicorn in terms of plot. The story is centred around a witch's cat called Pippin who, not particularly happy with his job description, sets out on journey of discovery...

Pippin is a witch's cat...but isn't sure he wants to be a witch's cat. What other type of cat could Pippin be? Let's find out and see...

Lucy Rowland always combines a great story with superb rhyme and this is a simple and very fun concept that is really well executed. Will Pippin end up as a sea cat or a knight's cat or even a pet cat? This is a tale about exploring your identity, trying new things but also valueing what you already have.

Trixie, The Witch's Cat by Nick Butterworth

Link to publisher

Published by: Templar/Bonnier Books, 12th September 2024

In three words: Cats, differences, spells

Unlike Pippin in Lucy Rowland's book, Trixie DOES want to be a witch's cat. Unfortunately though, thanks to her white paws, Trixie looks different to all the other cats. Will a spell help her to fit in? 

With a simple plot, classic language and gorgeous traditional-style illustrations, this feels like a timeless picture book that will never age. Trixie wants to fit in but will fitting in make her happy? Maybe those white paws she dislikes so much make all the difference after all?

Trick or Treat? by Catherine Emmett and Laura Brenlla

Link to Love Reading 4 Kids

Published by: Oxford University Press, 3rd October

This is a rare non-rhyming book from Catherine Emmett but, boy, are readers in for both a trick and a treat when reading this. With wonderful illustrations that boast a colour palette akin to a bag of tempting sweets, the story lulls you into believing that this is a Hansel and Gretel type tale...but is it?

When a little girl out trick or treating knocks on the door of a witch's house, she's convinced that the witch's outfit is just a Halloween costume. As she's lured inside to see the witch's cauldron, things don't look like they're going to end well for this poor soul. But all is not quite as it seems...

This is a clever story with a corker of a twist at the end that I should have seen coming but didn't. We were so busy shouting warnings at the little girl that we didn't think outside the box. Clearly, the author did though! As Catherine Emmett turns the whole story on it's head, adults can join in with the surprised incredulity of younger readers. Watch closely for the look of dawning on their faces - that is definitely the ultimate treat here. 

Chapter Books

Adventuremice: The Ghostly Galleon by Phillip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre

Link to publisher

Published by: David Fickling Books, 12th September 2024

In three words: mice, ghosts, treasure

I completely love this young fiction series but this fourth instalment is definitely my favourite one yet. Atmospheric and spooky from the get-go, it has all the Halloween vibes young readers could want and even provides some shiver-tingles for those who don't mind being a little bit scared. Never fear though because the beloved Adventuremice are here to get to the bottom of the mystery and regular readers of the series will know they are in safe hands...

The Adventicemice are on alert! They have heard rumours about some ghostly happenings at sea. Surely it can't be anything to do with the legend of Captain Cheesebeard and his treasure, can it? The Adventuremice are determined to find out.

I love that this adventure doesn't hold back from being genuinely spooky. Yet Reeve and McIntyre also use the safety net of humour, familiar characters and pictoral clues to imply that all is not what it seems. With ghostly galleons, old legends and treasure chests, just the pictures themselves are a pure delight. Think Treasure Island for emerging readers.

Lockett and Wilde's Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries by Lucy Strange and Pam Smy

Link to publisher

Published by: Walker Books, September 19th 2024

In three words: ghosts, mysteries, mansions

This brilliant book has all the classic ingredients of a traditional ghost story: old mansions, haunted towers and...yes, actual spirits! For me, it straddles the upper chapter book/middle grade market in terms of content and style. The short chapters and white space make the text accessible and it's the perfect tale for reading alone or in a snuggly shared reading session...

Matilda Lockett helps her fraud of an aunt put on high-profile, theatrical seances. But when they are invited to deal with a haunting at Beauchamp Manor by an elderly duchess, Matilda realises she can actually see ghosts. 

But something sneaky as well as spooky is afoot and soon Matilda is immersed in a ghostly mystery with only an actual ghost to help her. Can Matilda and Edgar Wilde solve the case?

The voice in this is instantly enjoyable - spooky but also incredibly funny in tone. It also has that timeless classic feel, which is enhanced by the beautiful hardback edition and ghostly front cover. This is Agatha Christie crossed with a spine-tingling ghost story for kids and is perfect for fans of Lucy Strange's The Ghost of Gosswater and Phil Hickes' series Aveline Jones. Alternatively, it's also a great starting point for readers who aren't quite ready for those denser middle-grade books. Destined to be a series by the clue, 'Mysteries', I can't wait for the next. 

Middle Grade

The Hunt for the Cursed Unicorn by Alex Bell, illustrated by Beatriz Castro

(Book 2 of the Train Of Dark Wonders series)

Link to publisher

Published by: Simon & Schuster Ltd, October 3rd 2023

In three words: Magical lands, trains, cursed creatures

We're stepping more into fairy tale territory with this spooky fantasy series by Alex Bell, author of The Polar Bear Explorers Club, and I enjoyed this second instalment as much as the first. There's something almost dreamlike in the world-building here. There's echoes of Enid Blyton's The Magic Faraway Tree with the different doorways into magical lands and Anna James' Bookwanderers series with The Train of Dark Wonders. Yet, Alex Bell adds a dose of darkness into the mix for good measure...

Despite the random concoction of components (trains, Cinderella, cursed clams, ninja/ballet schools) and the fact that there's a gentle plot to these books, there's something fabulously and elusively charming about the series. Perhaps it's the ode to fairytales or the delicious darkness of cursed creatures or the tempting descriptions of Halloween sweets. Either way, there's a undefinible magic to Bess's random adventures with her friends, which is culminating into what feels like a big and foreboding conclusion. The books makes me feel something, which is why I was so keen to dive into book 2 and why I can't wait for book 3. There's a unique spine-tinglingness to the atmosphere, the joy of an imagination gone dark (but not evil) and a celebration of all things that are traditionally villainous but might not actually be what they seem. Plus, when you enter a land that has zombie ducks, dread deers and lava yaks, what's not to get excited about. 

Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman by Alex Atkinson

Link to publisher

Published by: Usborne, October 2024

In three words: siblings, monsters, mines,                      

This debut middle-grade novel by Alex Atkinson starts with some warring siblings but swiftly grows in spookiness thanks to the terrifying Cinderman that Indigo accidentally releases. With zombies, banshee's and a ghostly toddler called Chuckles, this has a distinctively sinister atmosphere, loads of tension and a brilliant monstrous baddie:

Indigo and Rusty are twins who live in a funeral parlour and can't stand each other. But when Indigo accidentally uncovers a secret crypt beneath their home and releases a terrifying spirit, she realises she might need her brother after all. As the pair discover they are actually 'Spooksmiths' and the only ones resistant to the Cinderman's power to turn everyone into zombies, it's up to them to work together to save their town from the ashy destruction this spook is unleashing...

There's something very cinematic about this novel, which is quite short in length compared to other middle-grade books out there. Perfect for fans of Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes and Jenny McLachlan's Ghost Detectives, it combines the atmosphere of a traditional 'haunted house' story with an essence of Ghostbusters. The pace and tension grows like the Cinderman's ash cloud the further you get into the story and there is both a real sense of malice woven around the relatable and often funny banter of the siblings. I found the writing very visual and easy to picture and, with some quite scary, edge-of-your-seat scenes, I suspect this is going to be a super-popular series. 

Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull by Martin Howard, inside illustrations by Pete Williamson

Link to publisher

Published by: Nosy Crow, 26th September 2024

In three words: necromancy, curses, skulls

 If you want to dive into something both hilariously funny but deeply dark then Mallory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull is for you. Chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month for October 2024, the incredible writing had me gripped from the first page. This book doesn't hold back on the evil - with a brilliantly devilish baddy and a brooding mansion that chilled me to the bone. However, it also has bagfuls of VOICE, with incredibly inventive description, some sharp quips and characters which leap off the page. 

Mallory Vayle's life has turned upside down. Both her parents have been killed in a suspicious accident and now she's standing at their funeral with their chattering ghosts standing next to her...

Yes, Mallory can see and communicate with the dead - something her estranged, psychic aunt definitely can't. But Mallory is more than a psychic. As she heads off to live in her aunt's terrifying home, she discovers that she's actually a necromancer. And when a truly wicked spirit snatches her parents' ghosts away, Mallory is pulled into the shadows of darkness with only a talking skull to help her. Will Mallory give Hellysh Spatzl what she wants to get her old life back..?

This is a gripping, high-paced read for those that can stomach the fear-factor. However, the humour really helps to temper the scariness and so does Maggoty the skull's incessant chatter, which I found both irritating and endearing, as does Mallory. There's a great plot with huge potential for discussion and I loved the character of Aunt Lilith. Also, watch out for the seance scene just after Mallory goes to live with Aunt Lilith as it's comedy writing at its finest! I loved both Mallory's boldness, courage and vulnerability as she explores what it means to be a necromancer...it's a Halloween classic!

P.S: For readers who want the humour and the voice but not the scares, I recommend checking out the fabulous Millicent Quibb's School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by actress and comedian Kate McKinnon (review coming soon). This is very similar in style and tone with plenty of thrills but less of the chills...unless you count a monstrous, sharp-toothed worm.

What we'll be reading next...

Unfortunately, it's impossible for us to read everything out there, especially in a short space of time. But here are some other titles that are on our to-be-read pile:

The Bad Guys: Haunted Heist

It's not often that we watch the film before we read the books but after our youngest reader saw The Bad Guys movie, he was sold. This latest chapter book, based on the series by Aaron Blabey, is super-short and accompanies the latest Dreamworks release.

Dave Pigeon (Zombies) by Swapna Haddow, cover art by Sheena Dempsey

We love this hilarious chapter book series and even if we didn't, the cover art of this new release would sell it to us. Green is definitely the theme of this novel as Dave finds zombie animals in the garden and thinks it's to do with some green jammy biscuits. But can he resist taking a peck himself..?

Bella Bright and the Wish Tree by Carolyn Ward, published by Hachette

We thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series which we featured in last year's round up. We're wondering if this is going to be as scary as the first...

The Elston-Fright Tales by Reece Carter, published by Usborne

With lighthouses and weather ghouls called Poltergusts, this series sounds both spooky and fun. We can't wait to dive in...

Middle-grade round-up: We're back and ready to review!

Happy September! Autumn is very nearly upon us and we're really excited to get reviewing again. Not that we ever intended to stop - we certainly haven't stopped reading! However, after last posting in June, I was forced to take a little blogging break so I could finish my Master's degree in Writing for Young People, start a new job and have some much-needed family time over the summer. 

As always, new releases have been keeping us busy and, courtesy of NetGalley and our local bookshops, we've been devouring everything from picture books to middle grade. Unfortunately, it would take until next summer to review everything we've read and so, rather than stressing about catching up, we've decided to list our category recommendations while we get on with preparing our annual spooky and festive round-ups. 

So, without further ado, here are our top recent and upcoming reads in middle-grade:

Middle Grade

Turtle Moon by Hannah Gold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold

Published by HarperCollins

Released on 26th September

If you've read any of Hannah Gold's other books, then you'll be glad to know that this is just as much of a treat. With the usual gorgeous settings, beautiful animals and eco-themes, it's a celebration of the wonder of nature. Unlike The Last Bear, there is less of a fantasy element to the plot. However, the story packs an equally powerful punch and is full of heart and emotion.

The Beanstalk Murder by P.G. Bell

Published by Penguin, Released on 1st August 2024

I'm raving about this one. It might even be one of my favourite books of the whole year. Fairy tales x Murder Mystery...Yes, please! And SO well done!

Ember Shadows Secret Ocean by Rebecca King

BOOK 3 of 3

Published by Hachette, 15th August 2024

I've been a huge fan of this series from the beginning and I think it deserves a lot more attention than it's been given. Raising BIG questions about life, Rebecca King's complex but incredibly colourful fantasy world is exceptional - a modern day OZ with bags more imagination. I'm in awe of the thinking involved in creating the landscapes, the themes and the characters. If you love the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion, you're going to love Hans, Florence, the Mon-keys and so many more. The geography and eco-themes are my favourite elements to the book and I really liked how Ember's flaws as a character were explored in this final instalment. 

Crookhaven: The Island Heist (Book 3)

Published by Hachette, 20th June 2024

This is the third book in what is a seamlessly written, dark and edgy series. Set in a boarding school for crooks with a Robin Hood motto, it follows Gabriel Avery and his friends as they learn to take on the villainous underworld. Full of lessons, trials, heists and puzzles, it's an absolute page-turner.  

Fallout by Lesley Parr

Published by Bloomsbury, July 2024

Set in Wales during the time of The Cold War, this story is possibly my favourite of Lesley Parr's so far. The story follows Marcus, a boy who is fighting to be accepted, even though his family have a bad reputation. Real and raw but with bags of heart, can Marcus make choices which will set him on a different path?

The Wanderdays: Journey to Fantome Island by Clare Povey 

Published by Usborne, June 2024

A great first adventure in a new fantasy explorer series. Flo and Joseph Wanderday set off on an exciting and dangerous adventure to find their missing explorer mother. 

A fantastic cast of well-written characters - particularly Joseph - are combined with a plot filled with sea-creatures, secret passageways, mysterious islands and scientific experiments. Thoroughly enjoyable!

The Storm and the Seahawk by Kiran Millwood Hargrave (Book 2 of The Geomancer Trilogy)

Published by Hachette, August 2024

A dark and brooding fantasy adventure with a quest feel. This second adventure leads Ysolda and her hawk, Nara, into Norse Territory in search of The Anchorite. As she travels up a harsh mountain with vicious snowstorms, will Ysolda find what she's looking for and find a way to save her sister?

Alex Vs Axel:The Impossible Quest by Sam Copeland

Published by Penguin, May 2024

Another quest story - or a DOUBLE quest story - but with a lighter, more humorous tone. 

When Axel from a fantasy realm and Alex from the real world swap places in a 'Prince and the Pauper' type scenario, both boys find themselves completely out of their comfort zone. Can they work together, but apart, to solve each other's problems. 

Clever and unique, with lots of randomness and some laugh-out-loud scenarios.

Ghostlines by Katya Balen

Published by Bloomsbury, September 2024

Another gentle beauty from Katya Balen filled with lyrical language and the rawness of both the elements and human emotions. 

Tilda relishes being at one with nature on her remote island home. But Albie's arrival on the island brings change. As the pair set out on an adventure, both might be about to face their demons. 

Our Latest Middle-Grade reads

Oof! It's been well over a month, if not two, since we last posted a review - sorry about that! But even when life gets busy (really busy!), it doesn't mean we've stopped reading. While I'm taking a moment to breathe and play catch-up, here are some middle grade stories we've been enjoying:

Magicalia by Jennifer Bell

Link to publisher
Published by: Walker, 2nd May 2024

In three words: Magical creatures, Danger

I read Jennifer Bell's The Uncommoner's series in 2018 and, for me, it was the best fantasy series I'd read since Harry Potter.  I was wowed by its endless imagination, the immersive world-building and the way it made me feel. So, when I was given the opportunity to read Magicalia, courtesy of NetGalley, I jumped at the chance. Although very different in style to The Uncommoners, Jennifer Bell's imagination and world-building once again leaps from the cover...

Bitsy leads a normal life...or so she thinks until, one day, she finds a scary magical creature in her house. Then her dad is kidnapped and Bitsy and her friend Kosh are plunged into a magical world where beasts called magicores can be conjured by different emotions. Now Bitsy must come to terms with her new powers as a conjurer and travel the globe on a terrifying search for the truth. Where is her dad and why has he been taken?

This is a magical world which exists alongside our own and one which is exciting, vibrant and dangerous! We're plunged into the story at a breath-taking pace, meeting all sorts of characters and creatures, whilst slipping through secret doors that lead to different places around the world. If that isn't enough to make your head spin, then there's a dark and dangerous villain, riddles and puzzles to solve and betrayal around every corner. Who can Bitsy and Kosh trust?

Magical fantasy for middle-grade readers never ceases to take my breath away. The standard is so exceptionally high and this novel reaches for the stars. It takes something really different to stand out and this does - it's pure imagination come alive. Rather than offering a take on a dragon or a unicorn story, Jennifer Bell literally makes up her own creatures, inspiring readers to hopefully let go of their inhibitions and do the same when it comes to creativity. I don't think there's going to be many boundaries as to where the next book takes us - but if you want to buckle up for a wild ride, then you're going to be guaranteed magic and adventure in bucketloads.

TideMagic:The Many Faces of Ista Flit by Clare Harlow, cover by James Mountford

Link to publisher
Published by: Penguin, 2nd May 2024

In three words: tides, magic, monsters

If you're looking for a story that's equally gripping but slightly  slower in pace and darker in tone, then TideMagic is a great book to choose. Perfect for confident readers and for fans of Hana Tooke, it offers a very unique take on magic in a strange but immersive world...

In the dark, misty alleyways of Shelwich, magic rises and falls with the tide. Ista Flit has one goal - to use her power of changing faces, which the tide has bestowed on her, to find the truth behind her dad's disappearance. But when other vanishings begin to occur, there appears to be only one explanation: the grilks! Drawn into a web of lies and deceit and forced to steal, Ista joins forces with Nat and Ruby - children who are also searching for their loved ones - to solve a mystery that leads them to old theatres and caves. But will Ista find her father and will she be able to free herself from the nets she's become entangled in. 

This story is so hugely atmospheric, I swear I could smell the salt of the sea as I was reading it. The narrow, cobbled and misty streets, which are a very familiar sight in my home county of Cornwall, are the perfect setting for this grim and gritty mystery which builds like a rising tide. There's suspense, tension and intrigue as well as some brilliant twists and turns. Plus, the magic is eerie and unsettling but also fascinating. 

Ista Flit, with her ability to change faces, is a great character - troubled, alone and determined. I also loved the supporting characters of Nat and Ruby, each with their own distinct characters, and the relationship that develops between them is both entertaining and touching. For me, though, the grilks steal the show. They give this novel its creepy vibe and a very different type of villain. With no real clue as to where the next book in the series is going to lead, I'm very keen to find out.

Twice Upon A Time by Michelle Harrison, illustrated by Natalie Smillie

Published by: Simon & Schuster, 11th April 2024

Link to publisher

In three words: Murder, Mystery, Time

This is the moment where I admit that I have never read a Michelle Harrison novel, even though I have had A Pinch of Magic series sitting upstairs for a long time! Therefore, again, I jumped at the chance to read and review this new release. Expecting something magical, I was surprised to find that this is actual a murder mystery novel (my favourite) with a very slight twist that gives the story a very clever USP...

The Morrow twins, Merry and Spike, are less than impressed when they find out they're spending their summer in a dusty old house. But they soon discover, that the house is the setting of an unsolved disappearance. With the mysterious event still hanging heavily over the household and its residents, Merry and Spike decide to investigate using their secret skill: manipulating time. But is time something you should mess with?

This reminded me of Robin Steven's series, The Ministry of Unladylike Activity, and Bella Bright and The Ghost Game by Carolyn Ward. Although it's not a spooky story as such, there are definitely creepy elements to the storyline and the setting is hugely atmospheric. It has the feel of a very traditional murder mystery; old houses, mournful residents, moorlands and a strange and tragic happening, but Michelle Harrison has combined it with something fresh and new. And for anyone may be feeling dubious about complicated time travel or confusing narratives, don't worry! The time element is simple but very effective. 

The novel is well-plotted and kept me guessing to the end, although there are clues along the way to pick up on. There's also a great mix of characters and I enjoyed the fact that the twins were very different and therefore distinguishable. Whether there will be a sequel, I'm not sure, but this could easily become a series; following the twins as they solve other mysteries using their skill. Watch this space!

Gargoyles: Guardians of the Source by Tamsin Mori

Link to publisher

Published by: UClan, 4th April 2024

In three words: Gargoyles, Protectors, Magic, 

Again, I have to admit to not having read Tamsin Mori's Weather Weaver series (where have I been) but the concept of a story about gargoyles was too good too ignore. Combined with the incredible front cover, which made myself and my son snap to attention, we dived in straight away...

 Callen's dad has always been secretive about his past. So when they move into his childhood home, Callen is shocked to find that it's a huge boarded-up mansion, covered in gargoyles that's practically falling down. But there's also something dark and unsettling about the house and when a grumpy gargoyle comes to life in front of Callen, he begins to learn all about the mansion's dark but magical history. As Callen makes friends and discovers their secrets, something sinister is brooding in the shadows. Can Callen befriend the gargoyle Zuriel and find out the truth about his dad's past?

We loved the imagination of this book. Again, with old, dusty mansions, overgrown gardens and magical creatures, it was immediately atmospheric and the gargoyles had us gripped. Fierce and wild, with a raw and dangerous power that matched Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia, you can just tell that these creatures, and the series itself, is going to grow in darkness and power. In this first instalment, Tamsin Mori has set the groundwork for a big plot...battles...you name it! It already feels quite epic in scale and you can tell this is an author who knows her world. 

We loved the setting, the characters and the mystery. Callen was hugely likeable and relable as a main character, making mistakes and having to learn from them. It also felt very realistic that his burgeoning friendships didn't develop too quickly. This is a corker of an adventure with a great dose of darkness which transported me back to those awesome adventures of He-Man and She-Ra with high stakes, high action and big baddies. It's perfect for both genders but definitely one to grab the boys.