It's time for our Festive Round-Up...

Where did autumn go? A second ago it was Halloween and now we're curling up in front of the fire and pulling out Christmas books old and new. And haven't we got a lot to enjoy? In 2019, our Christmas picture book round-up and chapter book round-up gave us a whole load of festive treats and with new ones to add this year we really are spoilt for choice. There's a third book in The Christmasaurus series to dive into, some brilliant new releases for fans of Tinsel, Wishyouwas and Clara Claus Saves Christmas and a merry but murderous book packed full of festive short stories - it's better than a selection box!

So crack open the chocolates, the mince pies or the Christmas cake and prepare to get cosy. 

Magnificent Mabel and the Christmas Elf by Ruth Quayle and Julia Christians

Link to publisher

Published by: Nosy Crow, Nov 2020

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Mabel makes us hoot. Her take on the world and her mischievous antics never fail to entertain us and this Christmas edition is no exception. It's worth noting that only one out of the three stories in this book is Christmassy, but oh, is it a good one!

Magnificent Mabel and the Christmas Elf: Mabel loves Christmas but she isn't so sure about the Christmas elf. It seems that tricksy character is going to land her in trouble. Can Mabel find a way out of it before she gets the blame?

Magnificent Mabel and the Interesting Day at School: Mabel doesn't think school is interesting until a new boy joins the class. But when the boy refuses to be friends with her, Mabel is upset. Can she find a way to get his attention?

Magnificent Mabel and the Toddler Cousin: Mabel is excited when her toddler cousin comes to stay but no one is letting her look after him. Can Mabel convince everyone she is BRILLIANT with toddlers?

Perfect for younger readers, Magnificent Mabel offers an alternative to a Christmas picture book. Mabel is a funny, independant and totally relatable character and her adventures centre around home and school - the epitome of a child's world. The stories feel fresh and fun and we are definitely looking forward to seeing Mabel again next Christmas (and across the rest of the year)!

The Christmas Carrolls by Mel Taylor-Bessent and Selom Sunu

Published by: HarperCollins, October 2021

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The excitement for this much-anticipated Christmas book really got my attention on social media. A debut novel from Mel Taylor-Bessent, this is a Christmas story for die-hard Christmas fans but which is also bound to put a smile on the face of the most hardened grinch. 

When Christmas-loving Holly Carroll moves house and starts a new school she gets the shock of her life. Suddenly she finds herself in a world where Christmas isn't celebrated everyday, there are no carol-singing toilets and everyone thinks she's weird. 

Things go from bad to worse when Holly finds out that her neighbours want to evict her family's Christmas spirit from the street and that her new friend might not get a Christmas at all. Forced to step out of her Christmas bubble, Holly searches for a way to spread cheer- but will people be happier if she stops being her true self?

Now, we're big Christmas fans in our family but only really for the month of December and I have to admit that I found the start of this book a sugary-sweet Christmas hit with extra sprinkles on top. Several chapters in, however, and Mel Taylor-Bessent had completely won me over. The plot is hilarous, Holly is adorable and the Christmas cheer is catching. Sure, there's cheese and cringe and carols in September but the heart of the story is as big as Santa's himself. As well as a singing backpack, a SPECTACULAR donkey and Christmas turkey every day, there's also a big dollop of reality as Holly meets her new friend Archie. I was really moved by Archie's character and his burgeoning friendship with Holly is one of the highlights of the book.

Christmas cheer isn't the only message in this book. Finding your place in the world and being yourself features strongly as well as the true meaning of Christmas spirit- helping others. Mel Taylor-Bessent addresses all of this with warm, heart and deftness and I also have to draw attention to the wonderful artwork by Selom Sunu. This is the first in a Christmas series that will melt your heart like a hot chocolate served with extra cream and marshmallows.

The Miracle of Ebenezer Street by Catherine Doyle

Published by: Penguin, October 2021

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Slightly more classic in feel and a take on the infamous 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens, this new release by Catherine Doyle is simply wondrous. Rich in both language and plot, it tells the sad story of George and his wish for Christmas to be returned to his life.

When George's dad refuses to back down on his decision to ban everything joyful from their lives, George's Christmas offers him nothing but a grey emptiness. But when his nan smuggles him to a Christmas market, George stumbles across Marley's Curiosity Shop and makes a wish on a snowglobe. 

Soon George and his family are swept away on an adventure encompassing Christmasses past, present and future as well as an elf, a purple reindeer and shrinking spells. But as Christmas day dawns, will George's dad allow the Christmas spirit back into their lives?

This is a 'laugh and a lump' book. In fact, it gave me goosebumps. The storytelling is magical and I was truly transported as I read it. There's sackfuls of humour and stockings full of tears as we join a desperate George on his journey alongside a fabulous cast of characters. Marley's wit and insight is hilarious, Nan is a blast and even George's dad's bitterness cracks a smile. Mixed with some contemporary new additions including a purple reindeer and an avalanche, it really is a Christmas cracker. 

On a more serious note, the heart of this story rests on the fact that it is one of the most poignant and powerful portrayals of grief that I've ever read. I felt George and his dad's pain like a shard of ice through the heart and it acknowledges what a difficult time Christmas can be for those who have lost loved ones. George's fight to find joy again will be both real and relatable to lots of readers and the choices that the characters face are laid bare for all to see. 

One of my family's Christmas traditions is that we watch 'A Christmas Carol' every year. As we've done this ever since I was three years old, this story is a personal favourite and I can't recommend Catherine Doyle's new version enough. It's inventive and exciting but still retains the feel of the original and is completely and utterly moving. 

The Christmasaurus and the Naughty List by Tom Fletcher and Shane Devries

Published by: Penguin, October 2021

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I loved the first book and struggled with the second but the Christmasaurus is back with a bang in the third book in the series. 

When Santa becomes concerned about the number of children on the Naughty List, including his special friend William Trundle, he sends the Christmasaurus on a mission to try and sort out the problem. Desperate to find out how William could possibly end up on the wrong list, the Christmasaurus accepts the challenge at once but the dinosaur has his work cut out. Will he get to his best friend in time?

This is a clever concept for a sequel; simple in premise and plot with a simple, straightforward format. As the Christmasaurus visits child after child on the naughty list, it's the anticipation of finding out how William has ended up on the naughty list that keeps us reading. Combined with an array of inventive and entertaining shenanigans and the important message that there is always a reason behind a behaviour (meaning that everyone deserves a second chance), this is a Christmas treat and perfect readers who want a simple story full of great characters and Christmas cheer. 

The Christmasaurus definitely comes into his own in this story and out of all the Christmas books I've read, Tom Fletcher's portrayal of Santa and his ranch in the North Pole has to be my favourite. With crumpets dipped in custard, elves that speak in rhyme and Buttercream, the chef, it offers readers a warm, buttery dose of imagination that feels like a Christmas hug. And, with the new picture book release of The Christmasaurus and a film in the making, there is still plenty to come for this icy-maned dinosaur. 

The Very Merry Murder Club, edited by Serena Patel and Robin Stevens

Link to publisher

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If you fancy an alternative to a novel, then this collection of short stories is a Christmas corker. Full of mystery, sleuthing and suspense, each tale is a present waiting to be unwrapped. Who killed the ballerina? Can the funhouse be defeated? And what is the key to destroying the Gelidbeast? 

Edited by mystery writers Serena Patel and Robin Stevens, there is something for everyone in this beautifully produced hardback book. There's murder aplenty (although not all the stories feature murders) fantasy worlds, contemporary stories- it really is a feast of choice and imagination. Personal favourites include Peril en Pointe, It's Takes a Thief to Catch a Thief and The Frostwilds but there isn't one I haven't enjoyed. Perfect for confident readers who don't want to commit to reading a full novel or those who prefer edgier stories, this really is the book equivalent to Christmas party food; bitesize, beautifully packaged and so addictive, you'll be left wanting more. So get your sleuthing cap on and start solving those festive crimes...

UPCOMING RELEASE: When the War Came Home by Lesley Parr

 

                                                                       Link to publisher

                                                    Published by: Bloomsbury, Jan 6th 2022

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Last year, reviewing the Valley of Lost Secrets via Netgalley was one of my reading highlights. Now, ahead of its release in January, I have been lucky enough to read an exclusive extract of Lesley Parr's second middle grade novel, When the War Came Home, also thanks to Netgalley.

When Natty has to move with her mum to a new village, she meets two soldiers who are struggling in the aftermath of the First World War. Huw can't escape the terrible things he has seen and Johnny has no memory of who he is. As Natty tries to unravel a mystery, she learns how to fight for what she believes in and the importance of never forgetting. 

My disappointment at only being able to read an extract of this much awaited novel quickly turned to excitement when I realised within the first few pages that something really special is waiting for readers in January. The pacy opening is exquisitely written and, without doubt, as authentically real as The Valley of Lost Secrets. This is an author who has the ability to fully immerse us in a past time and make it look effortless. 

For me, this novel moves faster than Lesley Parr's debut novel. The characters jump off the page to the point where you can hear their voices and the dialogue moves the plot along in a way that reminded me of the Billy Elliott script. Not often as a reader have I encounted the gritty, reality of working class life portrayed in such an enthralling way and, coupled with the backdrop of the war, this is already a deeply poignant and emotional read. Not only can I not wait for Natty to unravel the mystery but I also loved the character of Natty's mum and am keen to see how her journey pans out. 

So, if you're looking for something to look forward to in the first month of 2022, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this novel to children and adults alike. It's another wonderful history lesson in a book with all the power and emotion we need to really unlock the past. 

When The War Came Home is available to pre-order and will be released on 6th Jan 2022. A huge thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury for allowing me a sneak peek. 

Sunday Funday by Katherine Halligan and Jesús Verona

                                                                          Link to publisher

                                                  Published by: Nosy Crow, October 2021

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Nosy Crow do a corking range of non-fiction books for children and families. Only a couple of weeks ago, we reviewed A History of the World in 25 Cities, which has now been shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year 2021 and now we have spent the weekend excitedly looking at nature activities we can do across the coming year. 

'Make every Sunday a fun day with an amazing nature activity for every weekend of the year!' From gardening to crafts to baking and sporting activities, Sunday Funday is packed with 52 fantastic suggestions of how to make the most of your family time. 

Just like A History of the World in 25 Cities, this hardback book is beautifully presented with a colourful, engaging cover and stunning endpapers. It's a coffee table book for kids and a resource they will enjoy diving into again and again. We loved how the 52 activities are divided into seasons, with something for every type of weather day, and how, in a world full of screens and gadgets, every suggestion encourages us to engage with the natural world via all of our senses. There's a 'Noisy Nature Concert' for sound, 'Spectacular Sandcastles' for touch, 'Splendid Soup' and 'Toasty Cinnamon Stars' for taste and smell and 'Inspect an Insect' for sight. That's just to name just a few!

The pages for each individual activity are a joy to look at. The colourful backgrounds and exquisite illustrations are completely absorbing and we really enjoyed that the artwork is given equal or more page space than the actual words. It is likely that the instructions will need to be read to younger children, which places the emphasis firmly on that family feel, but they are easy to follow and supported by the 'You Will Need' boxes. The baking recipes have a clear cooking time and state the number of portions it will make. There's also 'Safety Tip' boxes and a short introductory paragraph for each activity. We also wanted to draw attention to the season title pages because it is here that the illustrations really take your breath away. Even if you never actually do any of the suggested activities in this book (which I'm sure you will as they are truly lovely) this book is just a feast for the eyes. 

This is a book that will never date. If the kids get too old to engage with the activities (I don't feel too old!), there's no doubt that they'll still get pleasure out of helping a younger family member. What's more, the activities will bring the whole family together: parents, grandparents, cousins... you name it! There really is something for everyone. 

New release: The Fire Fox by Alexandra Page and Stef Murphy

                                                                     Link to Publisher

                                          Published by: Two Hoots, Pan Macmillan, Oct 28th 2021

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It's only been a couple of weeks since Alexandra Page's brilliant debut novel, Wishyouwas was released. Now, straight off the back of that comes The Fire Fox-Alexandra's debut picture book, illustrated by Stef Murphy. 

Freya and her mum have lost the light in their life since Freya's dad passed away. But when Freya meets a fox, she follows him into the forest and embarks on a thrilling adventure that brings back sparks of warmth and fresh hope.

Inspired by the Saami myth of the fire fox, whose fur scatters sparks that become the Northern Lights, this is a story about finding strength amid grief and loss. Yet such is the cleverness of this tale, that the words 'grief', 'loss' or 'death' are ever mentioned. Instead, Freya, through the fire fox, is drawn into the beauty of the world around her until she finds the light amongst the darkness. 

This story is completely different to Wishyouwas but showcases equally stunning storytelling. However, it is the combination of the words alongside the breathtaking visuals by Stef Murphy that makes this a truly special picture book. The bluey-purple colour palette crackles with a silent magic that allows a growing yellowy warmth to burst into flame at the end- filling the reader with a fuzzy feeling of cosiness and joy. The fox himself is magnificent and completely commands the page without the need for words. Effortlessly told and beautifully plotted, this is sure to become a future classic. 

New release: Anisha Accidental Detective-Showstoppers by Serena Patel and Emma McCann

 

Link to publisher

Published by: Usborne, 28th October 2021

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It's the release of book four today but Anisha, Accidental Detective has already established herself as a firm favourite in our house over the last year or so. It's easy to see why. What, with a reluctant hero, a crazy family and a new mystery to unravel in every new instalment, we never want this series to end. 

Anisha is out of her comfort zone. Her school has only one week to pull-off a full-scale musical production and things are going wrong.

 As newly appointed 'director's assistant', Anisha soon takes it upon herself to get to the bottom of their endless bad luck. Miss. Jive is convinced the performance is cursed, but Anisha is sure there's a more logical explanation. Can she crack the case before the curtain goes up?

This series was brilliant from book one but is growing from strength to strength with every new story. Back in her school setting (which we got to know in book two), Anisha takes us deeper into her world, revealing both new and familiar characters and an entertaining mystery with high stakes. There's red herrings galore and a shady suspect who just has to get their comeuppance and we loved the funny solution that Anisha devises to catch the culprit!

As always, as well as the mystery itself, there's a stageful of warmth and heart to this story. Anisha's growing relationship with Mindy is genuinely touching and there's a fabulous balance between the child and adult characters, including the brilliant Granny Jas and Aunt Bindi (watch out for their shining moment). The character dynamics have become bolder and more hilarious (also watch out for the interaction and banter between Milo and Mindy) and there's a wonderful team camaraderie that shines a strong message across the plot. 

The humour is also excellent. With cats and olives and trumpets and a wedding, you can't help but want to read on to see what chaos unfolds next. However, the shining light in this series has to remain firmly on Anisha. With her determination, perseverance and thoughtfulness, she is the centre stage character in this fabulous ensemble. 

Anisha, Accidental Detective: Showstoppers is available to purchase from today, October 28th 2021. 

EEK! It's time for my favourite blog post of the year, our spooky Halloween Round-Up for 2021, including my very own debut picture book.

Wow! We had so much fun writing last year's spooky round-up but this year the bookshop shelves seems to have exploded with even more fabulous releases in time for Halloween. From poetry books to picture books and right through to middle grade, no reader is being left out this year. There really is something for everyone. 

Yet again, we've had tremendous fun in our house trawling our local independent bookshops (what a treat to get out to an actual bookshop!) for new purchases and I think it's pretty obvious from my very depleted bank balance that spooky books are a big favourite of ours. This year, however, feels extra special as my very own debut picture book has been released into the world by small indie publisher, Final Chapter. Not specifically a Halloween tale but in-keeping with the seasonal vibe, Pumpkin's Fairytale features Pumpkin as the main character and is a twist on a fairytale classic. It is available to buy from Final Chapter, Waterstones and Foyles, if you fancy enjoying it with your little ones and any support will be greatly appreciated. 

Published by: Final Chapter

Written by: Tracy Curram

Illustrated by: Wayne Oram

You may know one side of the tale in this book,

But a new story's sprouted. Come in! Take a look!

There's a character growing, he's full of ambition. Come and join Pumpkin, he's off on a mission...

Before I continue with the new releases, I also wanted to pay homage to an old classic that I absolutely loved as a child but could never remember the title or author. How delighted I was when I recently recognised it on social media and snatched up a copy. The day it arrived was like stepping back in time- an archeological dig into my memory that evoked the same smells and feelings that I felt as a child. What's more, it's proved just as popular now. All three of my children absolutely LOVE it and my six-year-old son hasn't put it down for about three days. So, if you're looking for a novelty pop-up book with all the spooky feels, we cannot recommend Haunted House by Jan Pienkowski highly enough. Author of the Meg and Mog books, this is suitable for a young audience and will be loved by an older one. However, please note that this probably isn't for the faint-hearted or the particularly sensitive as some of the images are decidedly creepy. If that's okay with your little ones then the interactive element will keep readers entertained over and over again.

Anyway, before I waffle on anymore, let's launch into a round-up of what's currently on the market. 

                                                                BOARD BOOKS

We're Going on a Pumpkin Hunt by Goldie Hawk and Angie Rosie Rozelaar

Link to publisher

Published by: Nosy Crow, September 2020

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Perfect for toddlers, this beautifully produced board book is the Halloween version of We're Going on a Bear Hunt. As you journey through the pages, watch out for bats and cats and spiders webs, a haunted house and a very spooky surprise. 

This book, with it's gorgeous, orangey-popping colour palette, leaps off the bookshelf. It's chunky thickness is super satisfying to hold and the rhythmic repetition of the story will have little ones chanting along in delight. We loved how the shadows closed in towards the middle of the story to create a creepier, spookier feel and then ended on a lovely bright note. 

As with the majority of Nosy Crow board and picture books, there's a QR code on the back which allows readers to access an audio version of the story. This adds extra value to the book and offers an even more immersive story experience. It's definitely a future Halloween classic!

                                                                    PICTURE BOOKS

There's a Ghost in this House by Oliver Jeffers

Link to publisher

Published by: HarperCollins: October 5th 2021

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At £20, this is comes with a sizeable price tag for a picture book. Never before would I have considered paying that sort of money for any children's fiction but:

1) this is Oliver Jeffers we're talking about.

2) when I saw a signed copy on a bookshelf in St. Ives, I didn't think twice about picking it up.

Why? Because this book is an absolute treat. Exquisitely put together with a peephole cover and transluscent overlays for each page, it's clever and engaging and my son was so thrilled with it, he insisted on reading it with everyone in the house. 

A young girl thinks her house is haunted but has never actually seen a ghost. As she takes you on a tour, can you help her find some?

As it states in the blurb, this is essentially an interactive and spooky game of hide and seek and a classic example of how words and pictures can be offset against each other to create truly special storytelling. The girl insists she's never seen a ghost but that may not be the experience of the reader so keep your eyes peeled. Nothing more is needed than the very simple text because the artwork is really something. The illustrations are mixed media and the black and white photographic backgrounds are used to extraordinary effect. 

I was really intrigued by the footnotes about the house. It made me wonder whether this was a real-life setting. It certainly added a bit of extra intrigue and sophistication to the book and I loved how the childhood delight that is hide and seek has been given a mature feel, making this the perfect story to share between generations. 

                                                                                     Gustavo the Shy Ghost by Flavia.Z Drago

Link to publisher
Published by: Walker Books. October 2020

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This isn't exactly a new release but I had to include it because I don't quite know how we missed Gustavo last year. With an adorable character set within the pages of a beautifully illustrated book, this is the perfect story for young readers who want to don't want to be scared this season. 

Gustavo is a very shy ghost - too shy to make a friend. But when Gustavo decides to be brave and reach out, will he get what he so desperately wants?

This debut picture book by Flavia Z. Drago won the 2021 Klaus Flugge prize for the most exciting newcomer to picture book illustration and its easy to see why.  Born and raised in Mexico City, Drago has used the Day of the Dead as the event in her story and the artwork reflects this beautifully. The front cover is probably one of my favourite picture book covers ever; stunning, vivid and with a fabulous portrayal of Gustavo himself who is a super-cute, relatable and memorable character.

There's a lovely gentle message in this book about being true to yourself and, like Oliver Jeffer's book above, it includes a fun hide-and-seek element on some of the pages. Young readers will be able to relate to Gustavo's fear of making friends and I loved how actions rather than words are championed in the story. This is a tale that glows with warmth, just like the Gustavo himself.

Which Nose for Witch by David Crosby and Carolina Coroa

Link to publisher

Published by: Maverick Publishing, Sep 2021

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Following the success of David Crosby's debut picture book, Pirates vs Monsters, this author has bewitched us with another corker. Which Nose for Witch is a funny, non-scary tale that is perfect for Halloween and beyond. Again, with the powerful message of staying true to yourself but told in a completely original way, this story will have readers giggling long after the lights go out. 

It's time for Grizelda to choose her grown-up nose but when her mum takes her shopping, she doesn't find anything suitable. With the pressure mounting and her mum in a tizzy, will Grizelda carry on searching or does she have a bold announcement to make?

This is definitely a 'why has no one thought of this before' idea- clever, imaginative and brilliantly executed. The rhyme adds a spring and a bounce to the text and the illustrations by Carolina Coroa are witchy perfection. This is definitely an author we're excited about in our house- someone who can bring simple stories to life with a dramatic twist and a wicked sense of humour. We love it!

                                                                        How to Make Friends with a Ghost by Rebecca Green

Link to publisher
Published by: Anderson Press, 2018

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Published in 2018, this is not a new release but new to our radar, so we thought we'd include it. Written in 'guide book' form, this book with it's spooky tonal palette is delightful, warm and funny. 

If you're lucky enough to ever find a ghost, it might need a friend. This helpful guide will tell you how to befriend it so you can develop a friendship that will last a lifetime and beyond...

With subtitles and diagrams and recipes, the non-fiction layout of this book is genius. We loved the  dry humour wrapped up in the rather formal tone  and, with so much to look at and read, it's definitely a book little ones will enjoy over and over again. There's a lovely tender touch at the end and the power of friendship is truly championed. This is also perfect for young readers who enjoy interacting and role-playing with imaginary friends. 

                                                               Chapter Books

                                                                                Magnificent Mabel and the Very Important Witch

Link to publisher

Published by: Nosy Crow, Sep 2021

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Magnificent Mabel is hilarious and this new release is no exception. Fun, mischievous and totally character led, each of the three stories are brilliantly written and utterly child-centred. 

Magnificent Mabel and the Very Important Witch: Mabel is furious when her mum cancels their trick or treating trip and they have to go and visit Great-Aunt Bridget in a care home instead. But it may be Mabel that' s in for a treat when she realises that her aunt is not as uninteresting as she thought...

Magnificent Mabel and the Worry Box: When Mabel puts a worry in the school worry box, Mrs. Roscoe offers her help. But when Mabel spots someone else using the box, may it's time to see if she can help instead...

Magnificent Mabel and the Monster Scarer: There's a monster under Mabel's bed and she is sure a high-up bunk bed will solve the problem. But when she finds her very own monster scarer, her problem is suddenly solved...

These stories are perfect for the 5-7 age-group. The font is large and accessible, allowing young readers to develop their confidence and independance when reading. The language is relatively simple, but also allows room to stretch a child's reading ability, and the stories are short to enable a sense of success and achievability. They are also perfect to be read by an adult to a child.

Mabel is a strong, relatable and feisty character and the author, Ruth Quayle, has nailed Mabel's child-centred view of the world around her. From problems at home to issues at school, Mabel is direct, curious, mischievous, independant and really funny. The stories scenarios are all highly relevant to children and are engaging, pacey and fun. Each character feels unique and we especially liked 'that mother' of Mabel's and Sophie Simpson. If you're looking for more of a non-fantasy, true-to-life series, this could be the one.

Midnight Magic: Mirror Mischief by Michelle Harrison and Elissa Elwick

Link to Publisher

Published by: Little Tiger, September 2021

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We loved reviewing the first Midnight Magic book last year and this tale is double the fun. Told in rhyme, this book is perfect for the 5-7 age bracket and also for emerging independent readers.

With Trixie at school, Midnight finds the perfect new playmate by bringing her mirror reflection to life. But when the glass gets smashed and her magical mirror cat escapes, the feline fun quickly turns into mischief. Can Trixie and Midnight find a way to turn Midnight's devilish double back into a reflection?

This is a story of magical mayhem which works wonderfully in rhyme. There's a perfect mix of characters and the two-tone illustrations convey the humour of the story to a tee- just look at the expression on the mirror cat's face! The storyline is simple but hilarious with our favourite scene probably being Nan on the back of the broomstick. With chaos, adventure and oodles of mischievous magic, this is the perfect tale for a Halloween night.

                               Diary of an Accidental Witch by Honor and Perdita Cargill and Katie Saunders

Link to publisher

Published by: Little Tiger, September 2021

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Also published by Little Tiger, Diary of an Accidental Witch is the first in a new series for 7-9 year olds. Written in diary form, the story documents the misadventures of Bea Black after her dad accidentally enrols her at witch school. 

When Bea Black and her dad move to Little Spellshire, Bea is aghast to learn that he has enrolled her in the wrong school. Going to witch school when you have no magical powers whatsoever is going to prove tricky, especially when you're lumped with looking after the class frog and PE takes place on a broomstick. 

Can poor Bea find a way to fit in as well as keeping Little Spellshire's magical secret? And how will she cope at the annual Halloween Ball?

This series is a magical potion for success and we absolutely LOVED it! It's perfect for fans of Scribble Witch and The Worst Witch or anyone who fancies diving into an hilarious witchy tale. The world-building and attention to detail is brilliant and the accessible diary format allows us to instantly connect with Bea. We loved her 'Things I Will Achieve Lists' and the genius crossings out in the diary entries themselves. There's a strong narrative arc, a gaggle of fabulous characters and a setting that you just wish you could visit. 

With spells to learn, friends to make and tricky GO manouvres to learn, Bea really has her work to cut out trying to fit in. As expected, there's the traditional school meanie and a whole host of other challenges. We particularly loved the 'bat bunting' and seeing Bea grow and develop as the story progressed. The ending is funny and satisfying and we know this series could just run and run. If you're looking for a trick-or-treat this season, this is both in one FABULOUS package.

                                                         Middle-Grade

Fairy Tales Gone Bad: Frankenstiltskin by Joseph Coelho and Freya Hartas

Link to publisher

Published by: Walker Books, Oct 2021

If you're looking for something decidedly more stomach-churning and blood-curdling, then the second in the Fairy Tales Gone Bad series has just been released. Written in non-rhyming verse, this follows on from the success of Zombierella and is easily as gruesome, gory and garish. 

When Bryony, an famous taxidermist, is taken by the King of all Mythica and given an impossible task, she has no choice but to accept the help of a strange creature with extraordinary powers. But she soon learns that there's a high price to pay for accepting his magic and if she doesn't guess his name, the outcome could cost her everything. 

The first thing to say about this book is that the front cover and the black and white illustrations by Freya Hartas are incredible. They bring the dark humour of the story to life and enhance the gothic and gruesome vibe. I particularly loved the portrayal of the animals and of Frankenstiltskin himself.

Joseph Coelho's adaptation of this famous story is highly imaginative- dark and twisty with lots of devilish detail. The angle is fresh (or maybe not considering the amount of rotting corpses in it), original and vivid and the ending has a clever twist. If you think 'Tim Burton' of the book world, that should give you an idea of what to expect. 

The verse format (and the extra white space you get as a result of this) gives a light feel to a dark tale and allows readers to rip through the pages at an extrordinary pace. It's perfect for readers who want a dose of Halloween horror without committing to a long, more time-consuming novel. Deliciously wicked but with a strong moral message, this has fast become one of my favourite series and I can't wait for the next one. 

                                                  The Bewitching of Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes and Keith Robinson

Link to publisher
Published by: Usborne, September 2021

👍👍👍👍👍

The Haunting of Aveline Jones blew me away last year. Not for the faint-hearted, it offered a BIG, nail-biting fright in a small, sleek package. I was super excited, therefore, to discover that this was to be the first in a series and as a result had The Bewitching of Aveline Jones on pre-order for months. 

When Aveline and her mum head out of the city on a summer break, Aveline is thrilled to learn their holiday cottage sits next to an ancient stone circle that's steeped in mystery. Her excitement soon increases when she meets Hazel, an unusual girl who is keen to befriend her. But what is it about Hazel that feels off? Will Aveline work it out before it's too late?

Slightly thicker than its prequel but still relatively short for a novel, this is, once again, an example of terrific, supernatural storytelling. Phil Hickes unravels the story effortlessly, plunging the reader straight into a fog of mystery and intrigue. The atmosphere is also greatly enhanced by Keith Robinson's illustrations which ooze a sinister eeriness across the page, particularly in the pages between chapters. 

After getting to know Aveline in the first novel, it was lovely to instantly slip back into her world. I was also really excited to meet Harold again and it was great to see that his and Aveline's friendship had progressed between novels. The banter between them was funny and sharp and the dynamic well-balanced with the arrival of Hazel. 

The characters in these stories are sparse but all functional. Whereas Aunt Lilian, Mr. Lieberman and Aveline's mum were more upfront in the first novel, this time they take far more of a back seat leaving the path open for the arrival of Hazel and Alice. The plot has an historical element to it, which dips into  real-life history, and this gives the entire tale an authenticity and believeability which is truly gripping. 

I loved this tale from start to finish. My personal opinion is that it's not as scary as Aveline's first supernatural adventure but it's equally as good. Creepy and witchy, with subtle messages surrounding persecution and loneliness, this is a book you'll want to read in front of a roaring fire or curled up in a snuggly duvet. You also might want to keep the light switch to hand...

                                                                Poetry

Fire, Burn, Cauldron Bubble: Magical Poems. Chosen by Paul Cookson and illustrated by Eilidh Muldoon

Link to publisher
Published by: Bloomsbury, Sep 2020

👍👍👍👍👍

Crackling with creativity and a sparky energy, this collection of magical poems is definitely a treat and not a trick. The cover is so stunningly beautiful, I would have bought it just for this reason. However, there's no way I'm letting it sit idle on my bookshelf. 

From DRAGONS and UNICORNS

to WIZARDS and WANDS,

let this ENCHANTING collection

of MAGICAL POEMS

put you under its SPELL.

Enchanting is definitely the word. From The Mad Magician to  The Magic Kitchen Carpet to Dragon's Breath and Potion Problems, this book will fire up the imaginations of future poets and storytellers by conjuring up the most fabulous images. There's shorter poems and longer poems interlaced with wonderful illustrations and it's a wonderful celebration of rhyme and rhythm, language and verse. 

This is an investment for any classroom or home and likely to encourage the most reluctant of readers and writers to get involved and have a play with words. In two words, it's inspiring and inventive to the point where you can't help but feel the magic. 

A History of the World in 25 Cities by Tracey Turner and Andrew Donkin, illustrated by Libby Vander Ploeg

 

                                                                Link to publisher

                                               Published by: Nosy Crow, 2nd September 2021

                                                                 👍👍👍👍👍

In our house, we've always been a big fan of Nosy Crow's collaborative titles with The National Trust. From 50 things to do before you're 11 3/4 to the Look and Say books to The Secret Diary of... series, these books have always been colourful, informative and fun. 

My excitement was, therefore, exceptionally high when I discovered that the same publisher was producing a non-fiction book in collaboration with The British Museum called 'A History of the World in 25 Cities'. Exploring human civilisation through a series of maps, this is a visual, fact-filled tour of the most populated places across our planet. 

This book is visually stunning. It's a coffee table book for kids that looks amazing, smells amazing (I haven't yet stopped breathing in the pages but don't tell anyone) and that immediately evokes a feeling of awe and respect. Working alongside The British Museum, the authors, illustrator and publisher have used exquisite detail to create a book that is meticulous and packed with a wealth of knowledge. 

Opening the pages with the children, we immediately searched for the cities we've visited or have heard most about; London, New York, Paris, Sydney, Rome and Venice. And yet, what I love most about this book is that it also covers the history of less familiar cities, both ancient and contemporary. From Jericho to Tokyo to Baghdad to Cuzco, these are cities I enjoyed finding out about, some of which I hadn't even heard of. 

For each city, there is a full double-spread map with detailed annotations, followed by a second double-spread filled with carefully crafted paragraphs of further information. For number-lovers and ease of accessibility, there is also a column or row summarising the number of bridges, number of islands and the population past and present for each city. I also loved the final spreads entitled 'Cities of Today' and 'Cities of Tomorrow' which gives an important but gentle nod to the issues we are currently facing and how cities need to change in the future. The colour schemes have been carefully chosen to match each map and everytime you dive into the pages, you notice something new. 

This is so much more than a map-book. It's a geography and history lesson rolled into one. It tells us the story of human evolution and how cities evolve with us. It explores how geographical features and historical events have affected the development of the places we live and it details the difference and similarities across continents and cultures. It's perfect for school projects or as a teaching tool in the classroom or just as a book that children can explore with their curiosity and imaginations. It's definitely an investment worth making and will be bound to delight readers of any age. 

A big thanks to Nosy Crow for providing me with a review copy. A History of the World in 25 Cities is available to buy now.