What's new in chapter books and graphic novels?

My son is now deep in the realm of searching for books he wants to read independently and chapter books and graphic novels are always a great option for him because they are short, accessible and very often funny. Although we have read together since he was tiny and he's enjoyed a wide range of picture books, chapter books and middle grade novels, building up his own reading has been more of a challenge. Reading for pleasure and enjoyment is, for us as a family, the most important thing and so we're starting this round-up with something he loved:

Pablo and Splash by Sheena Dempsey

Link to publisher

Published by: Bloomsbury, 18th January 2024

👍👍👍👍👍

Graphic novels are a great way of engaging reluctant readers and, after barely reading any graphic novels in my forty-something years, I have discovered a real love for them too! All of the ones we have read so far, including DogMan, Agent Moose, Bumble and Snug and Pea, Bee and Jay have been incredibly clever and hugely funny and this was no exception:

Pablo and Splash are the best of friends and totally different. Pablo likes his life in the Antarctic but Splash wants change and adventure! Fed up of the freezing weather, Splash persuades Pablo to go on holiday with him. But a series of unexpected events leads them on a time-travelling escapade to the dinosaur age instead. Was life in the Antarctic really that bad?

This is the first in a series of adventures for Pablo and Splash and we found them to be instantly loveable. If you're after a laugh-out-loud adventure that's fun and very silly then you've found the perfect pair of penguins. The illustrations are fab, the plot is twisty and turny and the humour is spot on for younger readers, whilst also appealing to anyone who fancies a giggle. Graphic novels really are the dream combination of words and pictures - exciting, unintimidating and totally page-turning.

The Dog Squad by Clara Vulliamy

Published by: HarperCollins, 18th January 2024

👍👍👍👍

Perfect for dog lovers, this is the second in a really lovely series about dogs and journalism. It may seem like an odd combination but it really works! Penned by Clara Vulliamy, author of the Dotty Detective and Marshmallow Pie books, it's a simple but gentle story with a great twist. 

When Eva and her friends take Wafer to a whippet racing competition, Eva is super proud of her pet. But something is amiss - some underhand cheating is going on and Eva smells a new story...

We really loved the characters in this series. Wafer, of course, is star of the show but Eva and her friends have a lovely dynamic. The author creates an ominous sense of peril with some grumpier characters and there is also an element of mystery which Eva must uncover if she wants to write her story. This is great for anyone who prefers 'real-world' stories. Eva's love for her pet, Wafer, is really relatable and the books fit really well into the pet genre that is really popular with chapter book readers, whilst also offering a new and specific angle. 

The Magician Next Door by Rachel Chivers Khoo, illustrated by Alice McKinley

Link to publisher

Published by: Walker Books, 7th March 2024

If you're looking for something more fantastical, then this is the book for you. As with Rachel Chivers Khoo's first chapter book, The Wishkeeper's Apprentice, this has the magical and traditional feel of the stories I used to read as a child. With a magician and giants and spells going wrong, it is packed full of imagination, joy and delight. 

Ten year old Callie is struggling to settle into her new life in the mountains after living a life in London. But when a magical house crashes into her garden, Callie is pulled into an urgent mission. 

Winnifred, the owner of the house, has lost her precious Wanderdust and if Callie can't help her find it, then her house is in terrible danger. But soon Callie learns that she might be the reason for the Wanderdust going missing in the first place.

This story deals with big and relatable issues, such as grief, moving house and old and new friendships. And yet Rachel Chivers Khoo wraps these themes up in a captivating and immersive story that crackles with magic. The result is a rollercoaster ride of imagination, adventure, peril and emotion. There are high stakes and urgent missions at the same time as Callie is coming to terms with her past, present and future. However, none of it felt too heavy because there's a great balance of light and dark, humour and sadness mixed with a huge dose of imagination. 

There's a fabulous nod to folklore and famous stories too - giants, houses falling out of the sky, woodland and pixies all remind me of those old classics. And yet there's something incredible fresh and contemporary about the story too as well as a dynamic and exciting energy. 

Princess Katie's Kittens: Ruby and the Royal Baby by Julie Sykes, illustrated by Sam Loman

Published by: Piccadilly Press, May 9th 2024

👍👍👍👍

The fifth book in this series is just as delightful as the others and this time it is Ruby's turn to have an adventure. The last of the five kittens finds herself getting into trouble as she explores the wider world around her...

The Queen is having a baby! Katie is over the moon that she is going to be a big sister again and she and her friend, Becky, launch themselves into preparing for the new arrival. 

But it's not long before Ruby the kitten interrupts their plans by unintentionally causing mischief and mayhem. The Queen isn't happy either... Will Ruby be allowed to stay? And can Katie fix everything before the baby is born?

Told in a dual perspective which cleverly switches between Katie and Ruby, these stories are perfect for encouraging independent reading. The chapters are short, the illustrations are delightful and there are strong themes of family, friendship and how to care for animals.  We really liked how some factual information is always woven into the text and, in this story there's a gentle warning about introducing cats to babies.

The 'princess' aspect of the series is also very appealing and adds another layer of specialness to the concept. Despite this, however, Katie and her family still feel very relatable to readers.

A big thanks to NetGalley and all the above publishers for allowing us review copies of these new and upcoming chapter books. All these books are avaiable to purchase or pre-order.

Young Fiction is on a roll...

 WOW! Young fiction - my favourite age-group to read - is really on a roll at the moment. With the launch of another fabulous new series, a re-launch of an old series and another spin-off of the immensely popular Isadora Moon, there is plenty for the 5+ age-group to enjoy. 

Princess Katie's Kittens by Julie Sykes, Illustrated by Sam Loman

Link to Waterstones

👍👍👍👍👍

Published by: Templar, 30th March 2023

Originally published in 2012, this new edition of Princess Katie's Kittens: Pixie at the Palace is as cute as cute can be. Told in a dual narrative which tells the story from both Katie and Pixie's perspective, it is perfect for cat-lovers and readers who have enjoyed Unipiggle and other princess stories. 

When Katie finds a box of abandoned kittens in the woods, she is determined to help them by raising them at the palace. But when Pixie goes missing, can she find the weak kitty in time to save him? And will her mum and dad allow her to keep them?

This is a gentle but engaging story which uses the dual narrative to create tension and high stakes. Katie's kind nature and love for the kittens is balanced with Pixie's curiosity and determination to help his sisters, unaware of the danger he is in. Katie, perhaps, is a slightly stereotypical princess but knows her own mind and is set on doing the right thing, allowing readers to explore themes of caring for animals, friendship and finding compromises. With each story in the series focussing on a different kitten, there is definitely lots of fun to come. 

Honey's Hive by Mo O'Hara and Aya Kakeda

Link to Coles bookshop

Published by: Anderson Press, 6th April 2023

👍👍👍👍👍

This new series, penned by Agent Moose author, Mo O'Hara and illustrated by Aya Kakeda is a busy, buzzy and brilliant read which left us wondering why a young fiction series about bees has not been done before. With action, humour and a cast of loveable, whizzy characters, it's definitely going to be a firm favourite in our household. 

Honey is in a sticky situation. It's time for her to work out which job she's most suited to within her hive...except Honey doesn't want a boring job, she wants adventure. 

But when the hive falls under attack, Honey and her friends have to flee with their Queen. With the Queen unable to travel far, can Honey find them all a new home...and fast?

This is a super clever concept which combines highly engaging fiction with fascinating factual information. Not only is Honey a fun and relatable character as she tries to find her place in the hive and be true to herself, but readers will learn lots about the hierachy of the hive, why bees swarm and the waggle dance. 

Although the story is relatively short, there's plenty of action packed into the pages. From rides in lifts to nasty encounters with wasps to a very funny, food-orientated fly, it's the story itself that will ultimately fly off the bookshelves. With strong eco-themes, educational learning and emphasis on teamwork and friendship, this book is buzzing with reasons to get stuck in. 

Emerald and the Ocean Parade by Harriet Muncaster

 Link to publisher

Published by: Oxford University Press, 2nd March 2023

With Isadora Moon and Mirabelle remaining hugely popular, prepare to meet a new character living in the same world as Isadora. Emerald and the Ocean Parade takes us under the waves to meet a young mermaid (whose sister once had an encounter with Isadora herself) who is getting used to being part of the royal family...

The Ocean Parade is approaching and Emerald is worried that things are going to be very different this year. Instead of hanging out with her friends and enjoying the stalls, Emerald is now part of the royal family and expected to join in the royal parade. But with lots of rules and expectations, can Emerald find a way to fit in and be herself at the same time?

Although this is a brilliant fantasy set-up with wonderful two-tone illustrations and a fun cast of sea-characters, what is particularly clever about this series is that it is full of relevant themes for young readers. Emerald's parents are separated and the plot focusses on the challenges she faces settling into her new blended family, who just happens to be royal. Exploring the need for understanding and compromise, Harriet Muncaster writes with sensitivity and positivity, acknowledging that while such change can be very tricky to manage, it can also bring with it new and exciting things too. 

Setting these themes underneath the umbrella of an ocean parade brings fun, celebration and action to the story as well. From choosing a headdress, to riding in a dolphin-pulled carriage, Harriet Muncaster immerses us in a totally captivating world that I'm sure we'd all like to be part of. Perfect for the 5+ age-group, it's a fabulous addition to the Isadora Moon series. 

New and Upcoming Releases: Young Fiction

Call The Puffins by Cath Howe, Illustrated by Ella Okstad

Link to publisher

Published by: Welbeck Publishing, 2nd March 2023

👍👍👍👍👍

Call The Puffins! is a new young fiction series for 5-7's and we instantly fell in love with it. Short and accessible, this simple story follows Muffin the Puffin as she heads to the island of Egg and begins her training to become part of the search and rescue team...

Muffin is about to follow in her parents footsteps and begin her training on the island of Egg. But starting a new chapter is tricky, especially when it involves making new friends and rising to new challenges. 

Worried that her turned up feet may hamper her dreams of becoming a search and rescue puffin, Muffin struggles with her anxiety. Does she have what it takes to fit in and become part of the team?

Perfect for bird and nature lovers, this is a gorgeous concept for a young fiction series. Although the story is simple, the world-building is delightful, the plot has high stakes and Muffin is a very relatable character for young children who may be about to start school or join a new club and step out into the world. There's a strong emphasis on teamwork and a focus on how to cope with and overcome anxiety. I particularly loved the inclusive feel of the text and the representation of characters with disabilities. Muffin has upturned feet, which actually help not hinder her, and Muffin's friend, Tiny, has problems with his eyesight. Together, however, they make a formidable duo and the daring ending showcases that there is going to be a lot of exciting things to come from future books in the series. 

A big thanks to NetGalley and Welbeck Publishing for allowing us a review copy. Call the Puffins! is available to pre-order.

Hotel Of The Gods: Beware the Hellhound

Published by: Hachette, 2nd February 2023

👍👍👍👍👍

If you're after another genius concept that's hilariously funny, why not try Hotel Of The Gods. This is a riotous, brilliantly written caper which left us immediately wanting more...

When Atlas' parents mysteriously land new jobs running a luxurious hotel, he's really excited. This might be just the thing to change his family's luck. 

But when they arrive at the hotel, they soon find this is no ordinary hotel. This is a holiday destination for ancient gods and goddesses who are no longer worshipped by humans. With prankster Maui showing him the ropes, a dragon in the pool and a gateway to the Underworld in the basement, Atlas is not finding his new life a bed of roses. But when he accidentally unleases Cerberus, a .;' three-headed hellhound and a whole host of other monsters, he has to do something FAST!

This is definitely one of our favourite reads of 2023. It fits perfectly with any classroom teaching around gods and goddesses but is aimed at a slightly younger audience than the Loki series by Louie Stowell, Who Let The Gods Out? by Maz Evans or The Nothing To See Here Hotel by Steven Butler. There are a lot of characters, though, and the plot is busy, possibly making it more suitable for the older end of the 5-7 age-range.

The characters are brilliant. Although Atlas is the only child in the story, the mix of incredibly fun gods and goddesses alongside Pegasus, a water dragon and other numerous mythical creatures makes every chapter highly entertaining.  Expect chaos, carnage and MAXIMUM fallouts mixed with rock concerts, makeovers and honey and banana smoothies. There's also scope for plenty more adventures and, with the next two books already on their way, I think we are in for a treat. 

A big thanks to NetGalley and Hachette for allowing us a review copy. Hotel of the Gods: Beware The Hellhound is out now.

The Wishkeeper's Apprentice by Rachel Chivers Khoo, illustrated by Rachel Sanson

Link to publisher

Published by: Walker Books, 2nd March 2023

👍👍👍👍👍

Crackling with magic and charm, The Wishkeeper's Apprentice, aimed at the 7-9 age group is a cosy but fast-moving read with plenty of twists and super-high stakes...

Rupus Beewinkle has got himself in a pickle. Being the Wishkeeper of Whittlestone is a very busy job and he needs an apprentice. So when Felix Jones makes a wish, Rupus ends up hiring him. 

As Felix begins to discover the magic behind making a wish, things soon take a sinister turn when they discover there is a Wishsnatcher in town. And when Rupus himself is snatched, it's up to Felix to save him and ALL the wishes of Whittlestone.

This delightful story initially feels as light and frothy as a milkshake or even a cup of snorlicks but there is a dark and dangerous undertone running through it which adds a fairy tale vibe. The villain is particularly grim and gripping with echoes of the traditional fairy tale wolf and I loved how the light of Rupus Beewinkle contrasted with the dark of this creature. There's also an excellent twist to the characterisation and an interesting exploration of what makes a villain a villain.

Felix is a great character and his relationship with his older sibling, Rebecca, is both relatable and heartwarming. Becoming Rupus' apprentice has huge consequences for Felix, which gives the story a big hook. Without this dramatic turn, however, I would still have kept reading. Rachel Chivers Choo has created a whimsical world of wishes that is warm, wild and just wonderful to be part of. 

A big thanks to NetGalley and Walker Books for allowing us a review copy. The Wishkeeper's Apprentice is available to pre-order.

Woodland Magic: The Stranded Otter by Julie Sykes and Katy Riddell

Link to Waterstones

Published by: Piccadilly Press, 9th March 2023

👍👍👍👍👍

It's only a couple of weeks before the third book in this  gorgeous nature series is released and I think it might be our favourite yet. With a dramatic rescue and a dramatic capture, it will keep young readers on the edge of their seats, engage them with charming characters and educate them on how we can look after the environment.

Cora and Jax are desperate to be made official Keepers but when they are tasked with building and monitoring a bug hotel, their focus is distracted by a baby otter who needs rescuing. Can they use the raft they have been working on with their friends to save the day? And will everyone get the happy ending they are hoping for?

This cleverly devised concept ticks so many boxes. Not only is there a strong environmental focus which highlights the importance of rewilding, each story features an animal rescue too. The Keepers - tiny, secret people who work tirelessly to repair the damage Ruffins cause - are warm-hearted and fun, with an element of magic, but who also take their responsibilities very seriously. 

The story is both entertaining and educational. Julie Sykes balances the more serious moments with lots of friendship fun: parties and raft races and mouth-watering descriptions of food. The gentle themes of teamwork, discipline and when to abide or not abide by rules are not didactic and yet the consequences of a Keeper's choices is always explored. This is a series perfect for nature lovers, animal lovers, lovers of secret magical folk and a valuable resource for teachers who are looking for stories to support their curriculum topics. 

A big thanks to NetGalley and Piccadilly Press for allowing me a review copy. 

NEW AND UPCOMING RELEASES: Chapter books and Lower Middle Grade

Last week, the bank holiday weekend brought some much awaited book post that brightened up our three days as much as the weather did. With lazy lie-ins, the spring sunshine to enjoy and a whole extra day to spend page-turning, we were spoilt rotten with this new selection of chapter books and younger middle grade fiction. 

Unipiggle: Camping Chaos by Hannah Shaw

Link to publisher

Published by: Usborne, 28th April 2022

👍👍👍👍👍

Forget the kids! I LOVE Unipiggle. Reading this series is like soaking up a rainbow and it filled my Sunday morning with sparkle. Camping Chaos is the fifth Unipiggle book to be published and definitely my favourite so far. With a new setting, a whole host of new characters (including new animals) and some tasty treats, it's perfect for anyone who loves a bit of magical mayhem.

Princess Pea and Unipiggle are off on their first royal camp with the other royal princes, princesses and companions. But someone is out to sabotage the events and soon the finger of suspicion is pointing towards firmly towards them. 

With an engaging plot and fabulous illustrations, this new instalment is packed full of fun. There's a sneaky mystery to solve, some candyfloss chaos, tons of toasty marshmallows and lots of fabulous new friendships. The end of the story is heartwarming with a great takeaway message and of course there's a bit of Unipiggle magic too. We really can't wait for the next one and I'll be wanting first dibs!

Woodland Magic: Fox Cub Rescue by Julie Sykes and Katy Riddell

Link to Waterstones

Published by: Piccadilly Press, 17th March 2022

👍👍👍👍

This brand new series about tiny magical folk saving animals and trying to reverse the damage caused by humans is not only charming, it has a strong eco-message. Perfect for readers moving on from picture books, it celebrates the beauty of the nature and the importance of rewilding. 

In the middle of Whispering Woods live The Keepers - a secret tribe of  little people who spend their nights to care for the countryside. Cora and Jax, fledging Keepers, are desperate to pass their trial. But with the world of Ruffins (humans) proving strange and exciting, will they stay focussed on the job in hand?

Written by the author of Unicorn Academy and beautifully illustrated by Katy Riddell, readers are emerged in both fantasy and reality. The set-up of the world is great - reminiscent of The Borrowers and Mrs. Pepperpot - and the plot and themes of the story will appeal to nature-lovers, animal-lovers and fairies. Teamwork and friendship is also championed in the book as well as responsibility, the importance of not shirking your duty, using initiative and being kind and caring. I loved how the characters made mistakes and then worked to put them right and seeing the actions of the ruffins (us) through the Keepers eyes is really...well...eye-opening. And, with more books on the way, I think this is definitely a series to watch. 

A big thanks to NetGalley for allowing me a review copy. 

Space Detectives: Cosmic Pet Puzzle by Mark Powers and Dapo Adeola

Link to publisher

Published by: Bloomsburys, 12th May 2022

👍👍👍👍

Hooray! The 12th May is going to be an outta-this-world kind of day because that's when the third Space Detectives mystery is released. Cosmic Pet Puzzle definitely wins my vote for my favourite cover yet and promises another great adventure...

When a one-of-a-kind synthpet goes missing, Connor and Ethan are stumped. Surely a creature with the legs of a cat, the tail of a crocodile, rabbit ears and a duck's bill should be easy to spot, right? Well, not on Starville where EVERYONE looks different. As Connor and Ethan try to solve the puzzle, it seems that this lost pet has disappeared into a black hole...

This is a great detective story for younger readers. Slightly shorter than the previous two books in the series, the plot is a pocket rocket that explodes across the page with pace and pizazz. The reader is launched straight into the action and their are plenty of twists and lots of action to keep us engaged. 

With the setting of Starville and the main characters, Ethan and Connor, now really well established, there's a host of new characters and settings within the world to enjoy. The prologue is a returning feature and helps to seed the clues for younger sleuths to pick up on. The creatures are cute, the plants are snappy and the people are not necessarily to be trusted. The story is the perfect length for readers who are developing their confidence and independence and the good news is that there's still plenty potential for future adventures. 

Treasure Under the Jam Factory by Chrissie Sains and Jenny Taylor

Link to publisher

Published by: Walker Books, 7th April 2022

👍👍👍👍👍

JAM-PACKED with surprises galore, a sticky adventure, hilarity and adorability comes the second in the series of Chrissie Sains 'Jam Factory' books. If you enjoyed An Alien in the Jam Factory, then you're in for a treat, for this sequel is bursting from cover to cover with even more adventure and mayhem, new characters and a more complex plot. 

Scooter McLay has been working non-stop to make the grand re-opening of McLays Jam Factory jamtastic. But when Daffy Dodgy returns to claim what his rightfully hers, Scooter finds himself in a sticky situation: find the money to buy back the factory or let Daffy steal all his ideas. But then Cat, a girl with a treasure map, turns up claiming that the factory is sitting on a hidden treasure trove. Can Scooter, Cat and Fizzbee find it before Daffy does? And just what is sneaky crook Perry Pincher up too?

This is a great, fun and light-hearted story for anyone who loves inventions, quests and hilarious characters. With pirate treasure, secret jam recipes, booby traps and spoonfuls of imagination, it reminded me of The Goonies but with an edible twist. Fizzbee brings the cuteness and cleverness, Scooter and Cat provide the determination and both Daffy Dodgy, Perry Pincher and their animal sidekicks are deliciously dastardly (and hilarious). I particularly enjoyed Daffy Dodgy as an older villain and her guinea pig is just genius. 

Scooter is a great MC - a disabled character with bagfuls of brilliance thanks to his hyper-creative brain. And, like his jam, his story packs a punch. It's sweet and it's fizzy, with a touch of craziness mixed in for good measure, and is brilliantly illustrated by Jenny Naylor. One thing's for sure, Chrissie Sains definitely has the secret recipe for an enjoyable and successful lower middle-grade series. I only hope there's more to come...

Mort the Meek and the Monstrous Quest by Rachel Delahaye and George Ermos

Published by: Little Tiger, Jan 2022

👍👍👍👍

Brutal and barbaric, this second in the series of Mort the Meek makes Mr. Gum and The Nothing to See Here Hotel seem completely straight-laced. This hilarious comedy is grim, dark and disgustingly gross but will have you howling with laughter. 

When the Queen of Brutalia orders her people to set sail to find her treasure, Mort volunteers to search the waves. But it's not treasure he's interested in, his family are lost at sea and this is his chance to find them. 

But when Mort is paired with fierce rock-crusher, Punky, and they stumble across a mythical sea monster with a fearsome reputation, his quest goes awry. Will he ever find his family? And can he stay true to his pacifist pledge and make things right?

Rachel Delahaye, who is a BRILLIANT comic writer, has hit on a highly original concept for this series. Living on a brutal island where there is no mercy, Mort wants to be a pacifist. What makes this second book so gripping is that, underneath the fishy gags and the razor sharp text, there is a real internal and poignant struggle for Mort as he battles with the loss of his family and the stormy emotions he feels as a result. I loved this exploration of Mort behaving out of character and Punky's story arc is equally moving. There's no denying, however, that the story is absolutely bonkers. I laughed out loud, I snorted tea, I shared the jokes at the dinner table. Brutalia is definitely a fantastic fictional world that would be a real-life nightmare and readers can enjoy all the action whilst revelling in the fact they are not actually there. 

Without giving too much away, the highlight of the book for me though was the discovery and treatment of the mythical monster. Here we are left with, yet again, a powerful takeaway about the destructive nature of humans. The singing scenes made me cry salty buckets and left me in doubt that this is brilliantly skilful storytelling: gross, gruesome and guffaw-inducing with a beautifully gentle touch. I highly recommend it for all crazy adventurers out there who are looking for a fast-paced, hilarious story. 

March releases to put a spring in your step...

Every Bunny Is a Yoga Bunny by Emily Ann Davison and Deborah Allwright

Link to publisher

Published by: Nosy Crow, 3rd March

👍👍👍👍👍

Yoga is a popular pastime in our house. With three wriggly, jiggly children, 7 bouncy bunnies, 5 flappy chickens and one squirmy puppy, a sense of calm can be hard to come by and it seems that Yo-Yo feels the same:

Yo-Yo is a fidgety bunny, a bouncy bunny and she just can't sit still. Even Grandpa's yoga classes aren't helping. But when Yo-Yo finds herself lost in a deep, shadowy forest, will Grandpa's yoga help her find her way home?

With stunning illustrations by Deborah Allwright, this is a book that both parents of little ones and little ones themselves will be able to relate to. Keeping those legs and bottoms still is soooo hard, even when you're trying to concentrate. But with a little bit of practise, yoga can really help to focus those busy minds and bodies.

Yo-Yo's energetic and engaging story introduces young readers to some lovely simple poses and breathing techniques which are revisited at the end of the book in a step-by-step instruction guide. There's a gorgeous bedtime ending which follows a challenging dilemma where Yo-Yo is able to apply her learning. It really is the perfect book to help stretch bodies, calm minds and bring families together, whether that's before bedtime or at any time during a busy day where there's a need to take five. It's a massive hit with my three, who actively ask to do yoga and if Yo-Yo can do it...then surely they can too!

The Story Shop: Blast Off! by Tracey Corderoy and Tony Neal

Link to publisher

Published by: Little Tiger Press, 3rd March 2022

👍👍👍👍👍

This new series from awesome author, Tracey Corderoy, is a story-lover's treat. Taking a similar format to Corderoy's other chapter books, The Grunt and the Grouch, Hubble Bubble and Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam, it contains three fabulous stories in one and yet cleverly follows one character's story shop adventure.

When a bold mouse visits Wilbur and Fred's story shop, he chooses an adventure that is out of this world. Blasting off into space, accompanied by Fred, he has a cheesy encounter on the moon, almost loses his tail in a game of Tiddlywonks and causes carnage on Planet Cog. Can Fred get him out of trouble before his adventure ends badly?

This series is a glorious celebration of imagination. With an endless array of themed story choices, there will hopefully be sequels galore where readers will never get bored. What story adventure would you choose?

The world-building , characters and illustrations are brilliant and engaging. Mouse's over confident attitude is hilarious whilst Fred brings everything back down to earth. The story plots are bold, bright and as captivating as a shooting star and, with each story being split into 3-4 chapters, they are the perfect length for emerging readers. 

Anyone who loves story will love this series. It's crazy, it's cool and this one is super spacey. But what will the next one be? Roarsome? Arrrggggggsome? You'll have to wait to find out. 

Libby and the Parisian Puzzle by Jo Clarke, illustrated by Becka Moor

Link to publisher

Published by: Firefly Press, 3rd March 2022

👍👍👍👍👍

Another of my much-anticipated reads of 2022 was Libby and the Parisian Puzzle written by Book Lover Jo. Set in a travelling school-yes, a travelling school!-this is a classic mystery story with an around-the-world twist.

When Libby joins her aunt's travelling school in Paris, she feels both excited and nervous. But, just as she is settling in, her aunt is arrested on suspicion of stealing jewels! Desperate to clear her aunt's name, Libby and her new friend Connie set out to find the real culprit...

This is a cleverly plotted mystery that's pitched perfectly towards younger middle grade detectives. Sitting alongside other young detective novels such as Anisha: Accidental Detective and Agent Zaiba Investigates, each are brilliant but feel different in their own right.  Jo Clarke's concept of a travelling school instantly appeals and there is a lovely flavour of Paris running through the novel: famous sights, delicious French patisserie and some simple French language. What's even more exciting is that subsequent novels in the series will immediately take on the vibe of future settings. 

Libby is a great main character. Her love of photography alongside her inquisitive nature makes her a natural detective and I love how she brings the more dubious Connie on board as her sidekick. Connie's role also develops brilliantly throughout the novel and she is definitely a dark-horse character I want to see more of. I also really like the presence of Libby's aunt and how the core of the story centres around the school. This means that while the travelling element reminds me very much of the older Adventures on Trains series, it maintains a cosy, familiar feel that provides a warm reassurance for 7-9s. 

With fantastic illustrations from Becka Moor, this novel twists and turns through the streets of Paris and keeps readers guessing until the final minute. Yet, there are enough seeded clues to begin piecing the puzzle together. It's a great start to what promises to be a fabulous series.

The Last Firefox by Lee Newbery, illustrated by Laura Catalán

Link to publisher

Published by: Puffin, 3rd March 2022

👍👍👍👍👍

The first thing to say about Lee Newbury's debut novel, which is a Waterstones Book of the Month for March, is that the cover is simply stunning. Seeing it in the flesh took my breath away and the fiery orange colour scheme implies there's a cracker of a story inside. There really is! The Last Firefox is a joyful, wonderfully written adventure that will set your heart alight. 

Charlie Challinor finds it really hard to be bold and now he's about to start secondary school and become a big brother, life is feeling rather scary. But when he is unexpectedly charged with looking after a fox from another world, Charlie is forced to dig deep to find his bravery. Because this isn't just any fox, it's the last firefox and he has a sinister hunter on his tail. Can Charlie find a way to protect his flammable friend and find his own inner fire?

The hilarious opening to this novel sets the tone for what is ultimately a gentle, charming and genuinely heart-warming adventure. But it should come with a warning: Cadno the firefox will steal your heart! Perfect for both animal and adventure lovers, this is a tale of family, friendship and love that just happens to be  mixed with a crumbling castle, a magical portal and a very ominous villain. Yet, I loved how the magical element didn't take over. Charlie's world and Charlie's experiences remain central to the plot and, as a shy, underconfident child myself, I really resonated with his character. 

Without giving too much away, the story builds towards a great fiery finale with elements that reminded me a little bit of The Gruffalo's Child. There's also some cleverly plotted humour throughout, such as one of Charlie's dads being a firefighter (brilliantly apt) and Lippy's hamster food. It's cosy, cuddly, dark and sinister all at the same time but most of all this novel emanates as much light as Cadno himself-the sparks of which are bound to spread through readers of all ages and inspire their love of reading.