Monster Doughnuts: Cyclops on a Mission by Gianna Pollero, illustrated by Sarah Horne

Link to Waterstones

Link to author website

Published by: Piccadilly Press, 20th Jan 2022

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Monster hunting and baking merge together (again) in the second book of The Monster Doughnut series: Cyclops on a Mission. With a fabulous cast and hilarious plots, these books are well worth gobbling up. 

There is a devilish Bottom Biter in town and Grace and her family must team up with the 360-year-old  cyclops, Mr. Harris, to track him down. While they're at it, what on earth has happened to the head judge of a popular TV show? Can Grace keep Mr. Harris focussed on the task and stop him eating all the buns?

Monster hunting books seem to be popular recently, but this series has really stood out to us. The narratives are as attention-grabbing as the colourful front covers and the plots are fast-paced, entertaining and brilliantly wacky. The world-building concept is simple: there is our world and Monster World and the monsters keep escaping through gateways into our world, causing mayhem. 

Combining hunting monsters with cake-baking (cakes are the best weapon for dealing with monsters due to that sneaky ingredient, baking powder), is the USP that makes this series a winner. But the recipe for success doesn't stop there. Mr. Harris is an hilarious character, who balances out the more serious Grace, and the range of monsters - both good and evil- show off Gianna Pollero's fantastic imagination. We loved that Mr. Harris has now changed from being the villain to an unpredictable and outrageous hero and the new addition of Kenny is a stroke of genius, as he brings some adorable 'cute creature' action. It feels as though Mr. Harris has muscled in on Grace as the main character, but it completely and utterly works. The dialogue is hilarious and what's even more exciting, is that there is still plenty storyline to explore. 

So...bring on book 3! A big thanks to NetGalley for allowing us to read a review copy. Monster Doughnuts: Cyclops on a Mission is now available to buy. 

The Adventure Club: Tiger in Trouble by Jess Butterworth and Kirsti Beautyman

 

Link to publisher

Published by: Hachette, 20th Jan 2022

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Tilly's back and this time she's off to India. In the second of Jess Butterworth's young fiction series, The Adventure Club, there's a new wild animal in danger and some dangerous territory to explore...

When Tilly learns that her adopted tiger cub has gone missing, alongside her mother, Tilly is determined to do something to help. Soon she is on her way to India with the rest of  The Adventure Club. Have the tigers gone in search of water because the monsoon is late? It's time for Tilly and her team to investigate. 

This is a brilliant adventure series for animal-lovers and our review of the first book, Red Panda Rescue, sums up how much we love it. The diary format is fun and accessible for readers who are just finding their feet and, although the story is fictional, it is packed with interesting, factual information about how animals live in the wild. 

Although the stories are gentle in tone, the plots are fraught with danger and suspense. In this book, Tilly encounters rapidly rising flood waters, crocodiles and nearly disturbs a nest of King Cobras. Not wanting to give too much away, it remains to be seen whether she finds the tigers. But knowing Tilly, she isn't going to give up easily...

Our favourite aspect of this series, is that Tilly always applies what she learns in the wild to her local area. She is a budding eco-warrior and animal protector and she teaches readers to make a difference to their environment, even if it's only in the confines of their back garden or school playground. It's a joy to read and we really want this series to run and run!

A big thanks to NetGalley for allowing me a review copy. Tiger in Trouble is now available to buy. 

Doctorsaurus by Emi-Lou May and Liere Martín

Link to publisher

Published by: Little Tiger, 6th Jan 2022 (Paperback)

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Out in paperback this month, comes the charming story, Doctorsaurus, by Emi-Lou May and Liere Martín. Perfect for dinosaur fans or little ones who are feeling poorly, this is a gentle but funny tale about visiting the doctor - or rather a doctor visiting you. 

Triceratops has a broken horn, Stegosaurus has a splinter and T-Rex has a cold. Who do they need but Doctorsaurus. She knows exactly what to do...even when Brontosaurus needs a poo...

This story is not only told in fantastic rhyme, it is both funny and reassuring at the same time. The dinosaurs' ailments will resonate perfectly with younger readers and help to alleviate their fears of visiting a doctor. In fact, we found this was the perfect book to share with our eleven-year-old autistic daughter, who is terrified of any medical appointment. The dinosaurs make the situations fun and non-threatening and the whole tale is a lovely nod of appreciation to the medics who care for us. 

This picture book is a perfect example of a simple concept being executed well and I'm amazed no one has thought of it before. Beautifully illustrated, with an eye-catching front cover, it is vibrant, colourful and a warm hug to all those feeling ill or those who just fancy a huge dose of dinosaur fun!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Here comes our first picture book recommendation for 2022...

Happy New Year everyone! It seems a bit late to be saying that now but, even though it feels like we’ve taken an extended break, we have spent the Christmas holidays reading the most fabulous books and are excited for yet another year of reading and reviewing. We’ve also been brainstorming a few new features, including Classic Corner and a weekly video recommendation from the youngest readers in the house.

One thing’s definitely for sure though, after the last couple of years we really wanted to kickstart 2022 with something joyous and fun. And Lu Fraser’s upcoming One Camel Called Doug is the perfect picture book to kick off a wintry January. Drenched with sun on every page, this text reminded me of the song Alice the Camel that I sang as a child at Brownies. It always made me smile and this riotous, rhyming camel-fuelled tale, brilliantly illustrated by Sarah Warburton, has had exactly the same effect.

One Camel Called Doug by Lu Fraser and Sarah Warburton

Link to publisher

Published by: Simon and Schuster, 17th Feb 2022

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As fun as this book is, there are some clever layers that make it a top text for 2022. Firstly, it’s a counting book from one to five and secondly, there’s a clever double message about balancing friendship with time alone or, to put it another way, balancing party time with downtime. We really liked that the story comes full-circle and the ending really does make it the perfect bedtime story.

We are big fans of Lu Fraser’s picture books and Lu seems to be setting a trend for unusual, fun and larger than life animal characters. The Viking That Loved Icing and The Witchling’s Witch were both big hits but One Camel Called Doug is very much in the same ilk as Lu’s debut, The Littlest Yak. With yaks and now camels, we simply can’t wait to see what is coming next!

One Camel Called Doug is available to pre-order and released on 17th February 2022. A big thanks to @NetGalley for the digital review copy. 

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

 

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                                                    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

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                                                  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.