Tuesday, 19 November 2024

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. 

Monday, 21 October 2024

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


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

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


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)


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

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...





Monday, 16 September 2024

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. 

Friday, 14 June 2024

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.

Wednesday, 17 April 2024

The Lighthouse at the World's End: The fourth and final instalment

 

Published by: Walker Books, 4th April 2024
In three words: Marvellous Magical Mayhem!
Written by Amy Sparkes, illustrated by Ben Mantle

Following on from The House at the Edge of MagicThe Tower at the End of Time and The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond comes the final instalment of this hilarious, zany, joyful series that zings with magic. This is the series I wanted to read as a child - a step up from The Faraway Tree in terms of age and plot but with the same calibre of unique and memorable characters that you'll want to share a pot of strawberry tea with. There's a magical setting which feels like a lovable character in its own right (a house, not a tree) and a maze of magical lands to explore...promising to lead to a whole host of mischievous trouble. The quirkiness of it all just makes it brilliant!

This is a masterclass in fantasy writing. Amy Sparkes' imagination knows no bounds and there are delightful and ingenius surprises on every page. Watch out for a wandering toilet, hidden house guests and password-protected biscuit tins. There's loads of witty banter - probably one of my favourite things about the whole series - and a perfect balance of emotion and humour. If you've followed the series from the beginning then this book is particularly emotional and I will happily admit to shedding tears, sometimes whilst snorting with laughter too!

In terms of the plot, be prepared to have the mysterious and unanswered questions, which have plagued both the reader and the main character Nine, all wrapped up. Without giving away spoilers, the key to the mystery lies with what is the best and most enjoyable villain I have read in a long time. For me, Flabberghast's sister steals the show, although Flabberghast, Eric and all the members of the house are all characters who will stay close to my heart. As for Nine, her emotional journey will tug at your heartstrings while her quest will have you on the edge of your seat. There's stormy seas, a in-between world battle, two batty aunts and an interesting game of bowls. 

It's hard to put into words how much I have enjoyed this series and I am a forty-something adult. This is a super-special, magical, totally immersive read which I will be recommending to every young reader I come into contact with it. Hopefully they will find it equally entertaining, brilliant and inspiring. I also want to draw attention to Ben Mantle's incredible artwork - the covers of all four books have been standout and they all have pride of place on my shelf. This world is a treat as sweet as strawberry tea!

A big thank you to Amy Sparkes and Walker Books for sending me a review copy. The Lighthouse at the World's End is available to buy now. 


Wednesday, 20 March 2024

What's new in lower middle grade?

We've done lots of reviews for chapter books recently - books that are aimed at the 5-8 age group - but there are some cracking 7-9 books around too! These books can also come under the banner of 'chapter books' but are often referred to as lower middle grade. It's a great space to find books of about 30,000 words which are packed full of humour and adventure. Here are three new releases that we think are corkers!

Sammy and the Extra Hot Chilli Powder by Charlie P. Brooks, illustrated by Steve May

Published by: HarperCollins, 15th February 2024

In three words: humorous sniffer dogs

This book was a brilliant read and right up both my street and my son's. Told from the point-of-view of Sammy, himself, it's pacy, funny and totally entertaining...

Sammy the Setterpoo loves her life with her owner. So when she begins her training as a sniffer dog, Sammy struggles with the unfriendliness of the other dogs and the change in lifestyle. That is until she realises that she has such a brilliant nose, she can sniff out anything. 

But when Sammy accidentally takes a whiff of some extra-hot chilli powder, she loses her sense of smell. Sent to live with Beanie while she recovers, Sammy wonders if she'll ever smell anything again. And when she gets wind that someone is planning on stealing a diamond, can she find a way to stop them?

Sammy is an instantly brilliant character with a hugely engaging voice. Although we love a story about an underdog - which is many ways Sammy is - we loved how she became top of her game at sniffing. Who would expect that of a setterpoo? 

Even when the trouble started and things started to go wrong, we were rooting for Sammy all the way through. Charlie P. Brooks has done an incredible job of capturing the bouncy, upbeat nature of a dog, which is reflected perfectly in the illustrations by Steve May. The plot is twisty and fun, the other characters - both four and two-legged - are great. There just wasn't anything not to like. Do I wish I'd thought of writing this story with this character? Absolutely 100% - Sammy is a winner. 


Kevin the Vampire: A Wild and Wicked Witch by Matt Brown, illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino.

Published by: Nosy Crow, 14th March 2024

In three words: carnivals, dragons, witches

Perfect for fans of The Addams Family and Vlad, The World's Worst Vampire by Anna Wilson or those just looking for a spooky story, Kevin the Vampire is a great new series that readers can sink their teeth into. Following on the adventure from Book One, this second story sees Kevin, his family and his new human friend, Susie, arrive at The Festival of Fear...

Arriving in Monstros City, Kevin is determined that his family will win Carnival of the Year. Performing a dangerous and daring dragon display alongside Susie and Gerald - the new member of Carnival Monstromo who is half-dragon and half-griffin - will surely win them the title. 

But in their hurry to get to Monstros City, Carnival Monstromo travelled through the Wild Woods - home to a terribly wicked witch. Unbeknownst to Kevin and Susie, Dog did something to upset the witch and now she has followed them, determined to get her revenge...

This story has loveable characters and a fun, fast-paced plot that is big on world-building and imagination. We enjoyed the mists of time, the evilness of the villain and the spooky, high-stakes atmosphere. The narrator tells the story with a huge amount of humour. This mixes the fear with fun and creates the perfect tone for the age-group. We found Dog particularly hilarious!

If you're looking for action, then there's also a huge amount in this book. From high-speed chases to daring moves, tricks and traps, every chapter is designed to hold the reader's attention. There's also a lovely exploration of some relatable themes - feeling different, alone and out-of-place - and a fun sub-plot which involves wider members of the family. We can't wait to see what happens next. 

Pirate Academy: New Kid On Deck by Justin Somper

Published by: UCLan, 7th March 2024
In three words: pirates, school, swordfighting

If you're after less humour and more serious adventure then this new pirate series is for you. Fast-paced with some cut-throat action, the story-telling is slick and you can tell the author knows this world inside and out...

Step into the future. The year is 2507, seas have risen and pirates rule the waves. 

Jacoby and Jasmine are students at the elite Pirate Academy. Their teachers are pirate legends and they train their students to be the best. But when Jasmine receives news that her pirate parents are missing and new student, Neo Splice, turns up, tensions quickly rise. New students don't just turn up at the academy. Who is Neo really and what alarming news does he bring from the ocean? Suddenly, no one is safe...

I was taken by surprise by the fierceness of this story. The concept is both gripping and believable and the prologue sets the tone for the whole book. Unlike other school stories for this age-group, there is no messing about at pirate academy. Everyone means business and when danger comes a-calling, there's a whole lot of ruthlessness afoot. From kidnaps to swordfights to desperate chases across the ocean, every page is packed with action and adventure and yet it still remained appropriate for the age-group. 

This is the perfect series for adrenaline junkies, pirate fans and those who just want to read a hard-hitting adventure. Although pirate stories are nothing new, this felt fresh, original and something you'd want to see on the big screen. Pirates of the Caribbean for kids - but a serious version. We LOVED it!

A big thanks to NetGalley and the above publishers for allowing us a review copy. 


Tuesday, 12 March 2024

New middle grade releases to get excited about...

This month is going to be a treat when it comes to new MG releases. There's a Barrington Stoke book from Katya Balen for those looking for a pint-sized, perfectly-packaged read, a nail-biting Parisien  adventure and a new fantasy from Struan Murray, author of the Orphans of the Tide trilogy. What's not to get excited about?

Little House by Katya Balen, illustrayed by Richard Johnson

Published by: Barrington Stoke, 14th March 2024

In Three Words: Grief, Grandparents, Dolls

As with all Balen's novels, this is a beautiful gentle story which explores grief and abandonment and hope. There's a lovely burgeoning relationship too between the main character and her grandfather as Juno comes to terms with her mum going away. 

Juno is furious when her mum leaves her with her grandfather for the summer to go and help those in desperate need. Now Juno will miss a whole summer with her friends and it's all her mum's fault for choosing to leave. 

But when Juno finds an old doll's house in the attic and decides to restore it, she begins to understand the reasons behind her mum's decisions. Can she find a way to forgive her?

This is a small novella which poses big questions. Is Juno or her mum the selfish one? Written with a huge amount of heart and hope, Katya Balen doesn't shy away from emotional issues, allowing her characters to rage, reflect and restore their sense of hope. 

I loved the pure simplicity of this story, which is captured perfectly in the front cover by Richard Johnson. Aside from the big issues, Katya Balen writes about the everyday in such a unique and fascinating way - with incredible language and a soothing lyrical rhythm. We would absolutely recommend all her of previous novels and novellas. 

Secrets of the Snakestone by Piu DasGupta


Published by: Nosy Crow, 14th March 2024

In three words: Paris, Sewers, Jewels

If you're looking for a gripping, fast-paced fictional adventure that's set in 19th century Paris, has a backstory set in India and is inspired by historical places and events, then Secrets of the Snakestone is a must-read. It's dark and twisty narrative will whisk you away to the streets of Paris, the sewers of Paris and the rooftops of Paris and, if that isn't enough, then add in a circus, a railway and some secret passages for good measure...

Zelie doesn't believe in magic, despite people thinking she is a witch. But when she meets a boy, Jules, who is holding a golden locket which belonged to her missing father, Zelie is plunged into a sinister adventure.

A dangerous and secret society is on a ruthless search for the Snakestone - a powerful and mysterious jewel that was once kept inside the locket. If Zelie finds the stone, she knows she'll find her father. But can Zelie keep herself alive? She's going to need help to find it in time...

This is a novel that means business. The dark and sinister atmosphere hit me smack between the eyes and, right from the off, the pace is like a horse bolting from a starting gate. Zelie, a mistreated maid, is a great character facing overwhelming odds and Jules was the perfect - but very reluctant - sidekick. 

The villains we meet are ruthless. From Madame Malaise to Brother Ombre, the author gives a clear sense of what the poor suffered at the hands of the powerful. There's lies, corruption, deceit as Zelie and Jules navigate an adult world that's as rotten and dank as the sewers. And yet there are lighter moments too with Madame Drusilla and Titicaca the baby sloth, whose wellbeing took up a lot of my thoughts.

 There was a magical layer as well to this tale, with the evil power of the snakestone. Whether the story will develop into a series remains to be seen but there is definitely the potential for us to see the snakestone again. The backstory had been superbly plotted and really added to the story as a whole. It's a fast and furious read that you don't want to miss. 

The Secret of Moonshard by Struan Murray, illustrated by Vivienne To

Published by: Penguin, 29th February 2024

In Three Words: Magic, Science, Deception

Struan Murray won the Bath Children's Novel Award with Orphans of the Tide in 2017 and it went on to become one of the best upper middle-grade trilogies I've ever read - dark, twisty and atmospheric - which then won the Branford Boase Award. Now, his new fantasy is about to hit the shelves and I couldn't resist a sneak peek, courtesy of Netgalley. The length of this novel does mean that it's not for the faint-hearted but if you're after an epic adventure filled with magic, mystery and incredible characters, then it's absolutely worth a read:

Domino has been held in a floating laboratory by scheming Science Barons ever since she was born, believing that a single drop of magic could kill her. But then she discovers everything she's been told is a lie and escapes to a wondrous city filled with magic, thunder lizards and scientific marvels.

But a war is brewing between science and magic and the Barons are after Domino, possibly because she might be the key to saving everyone . . .

This feels very different in tone to the Orphans of the Tide trilogy but the world-building is equally imaginative. Floating laboratories, moving hotels and imaginative creatures - I loved Oshi - are just some of the things you can expect in this meticulously plotted tale. Again, this sits at the upper end of MG and is perfect for more confident readers. There's a large cast of characters and the storytelling is ambitious. 

Domino is a character I immediately found myself rooting for and, for me, there were some gentle echoes of Oliver, although I can't quite put my finger on why. There's high stakes and ruthless baddies but the story overall has a more playful feel than Orphans. Some of the magic is really fun but I'm not going to give away any more spoilers - this is one readers need to explore for themselves. 

A big thanks to NetGalley and the above publishers for allowing us review copies. All of these books are available to buy or pre-order 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...