Sunday, 19 June 2022

The Worry Tiger by Alexandra Page and Stef Murphy

 

Link to publisher

Published by: Two Hoots, Pan Macmillan, 21st July 2022

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Following the release of The Fire Fox last year, Alexandra Page and Stef Murphy have teamed up again to bring us another beautiful picture book called The Worry Tiger. 

Rory is feeling anxious. It's show-and-tell tomorrow at school and he has nothing to share with the class. But then he meets his very own worry tiger who takes him on a magical journey and encourages him to find his inner calm. 

As with The Fire Fox, which deals very gently with grief, The Worry Tiger is extremely subtle in tone. With the focus firmly on the magical adventure, readers are encouraged to breathe and stretch and to enter a state of mindfulness without even realising it. 

For me, there is a slight hint of the classic picture book, The Tiger That Came to Tea, in this story, but instead of the tiger invading the home of the child, the tiger takes the child out into the world. However, thanks to the stunning illustrations by Stef Murphy – who this time takes us on an adventure into a vibrant jungle rather than the arctic – I still felt that same sense of awe at the appearance of such a magnificent creature who is both wild and yet completely soothing at the same time. Surely, if a creature famous for its ferocity can enjoy being mindful, then readers can too!

To reinforce the gentle message of the story, the endpapers at the back of the book provide some exercises for mindfulness, reiterating the breathing and the stretching that Rory was taught in the jungle. Yet Alexandra Page's lyrical words and lulling rhyme are relaxing enough in themselves. Perfect for bedtime or for calming worried or hyped-up little ones, this is a truly magical combination of words and pictures. 

A big thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for allowing me a review copy. The Worry Tiger is released on 21st July 2022 and is available to pre-order. 

Wednesday, 8 June 2022

New Release: Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun by Tola Okogwu

 Link to publisher

Published by: Simon and Schuster, 9th June 2022

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Hooray! Courtesy of Simon and Schuster and NetGalley, I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of this much anticipated middle grade novel that I've heard so much about. And, trust me, readers are in for a treat. Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun is a fantastically fresh superhero novel set in both London and Nigeria and Onyeka's superpower, or ike as it is called in Nigeria, just happens to be linked to her hair...

British-Nigerian girl, Onyeka, has spent her whole life battling with her hair. But when she finds out it has psychokinetic powers she is promptly whisked away to The Academy of the Sun in Nigeria - a training programme for Solari (children with superpowers). But it's not long before Onyeka and her new friends are caught up in a battle that threatens the entire future of the Solari.

Firstly, don't be fooled! What begins as a fairly normal story - two friends heading to a swimming pool in London - swiftly tranforms into fast-paced, enthralling adventure as Onyeka develops overnight superpowers and embarks on a journey of acceptance and self-love. Finding herself in Nigeria surrounded by other Solari, Onyeka is not only faced with having to make new friends - as well as making friends with her hair- but she is forced to face serious questions about her identity and her family. 

The world-building in the novel is excellent and has such a level of depth and detail that you know a whole world, beyond just one book, is about to open in front of you. The plot is visual, action-packed and dynamic and it's clear to see why it has been snapped up as a feature film. I loved Onyeka's ongoing battle with her hair and her burgeoning friendship with Adanna, compared to her solid relationship with Cheyenne, gives the story heart and warmth. There's humour as Onyeka's hair comes into its own and tons of secrets to unravel.

Reminding me of the Nevermoor series and also comparable to the new Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, this is clearly going to be a epic fantasy series. I loved the Nigerian setting and the authenticity that Tola Okogwu brings to the narrative. There's also some excellent haircare tips woven into the story, braided seamlessly with virtual quests and training battles. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing it on screen as much as I'm hoping for book two.

A big thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for allowing me a review copy. Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun publishes tomorrow, June 9th 2022. 

New Release: A Flash of Fireflies by Aisha Bushby

Link to publisher
Published by: Farshore, June 9th 2022
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Following on from A Pocketful of Stars, Moonchild: Voyage of the Lost and Found and Moonchild: City of the Sun, comes Aisha Bushby's fourth middle-grade novel, A Flash of Fireflies. Perfect for lovers of fairy tales, this is a cleverly crafted novel which powerfully explores anxiety and OCD. 

When Hazel is sent to England ahead of her parents, she discovers her Great Aunt's house is the stuff of fairy tales - very similar to the Gingerbread House with a white rabbit hopping about. But as she struggles to adjust to her new life, she discovers that fairy tales have a dark side and that three whispering fireflies have a sinister quest in store for her...

I was very excited to read this novel as anything that involves the grittier side of fairy tales instantly attracts my attention. But while the story didn't disappoint on that front, with the appearance of some legendary fairy tale villains, it is SO much more than a fractured traditional tale. Hazel's story begins with her being uprooted and having to make new friends - something many readers will be able to relate to. However, it also gives readers an insight into what it's like living with crippling anxiety and OCD and the strategies that can be used in the struggle to step back into the light. 

As an aspiring storyteller myself,  I was in awe of how Aisha Bushby weaved the narrative. Hazel's story is fascinating and although she feels very isolated as a main character, I also loved the supporting cast. The awkward relationship with Grant, who has her own secrets and challenges, feels very real, whilst Amelie the rabbit brings a sense of innocence which contrasts with the fireflies' sinister darkness. The world jumping was smooth but unpredictable and you were never sure what was going to happen next.

This book would be an excellent class read and perfect for creating a dialogue around mental health and OCD. Through the familiarity of the fairy tale world, it shows not tells what it is like to live with a disorder that can potentially control your whole life. Wonderfully plotted and written with a deep insight, this is a book I will definitely read again in the future. 

A big thanks to NetGalley and Farshore for allowing me a review copy. A Flash of Fireflies is out in the UK tomorrow, 9th June 2022. 

Wednesday, 1 June 2022

NEW RELEASE: While the Storm Rages by Phil Earle

 

Published by: Anderson Press, 2nd June 2022
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A heartbreaking and powerful novel for all animal lovers and lovers of historical fiction, While The Storm Rages sheds a new light upon life in WWII. When war is declared and the government advises everyone in the city to have their pets put to sleep, surely they can't be serious...can they?

For Noah, the thought of ending the life of his young dog, Winn, is unthinkable. Determined to do anything to save her, he sets off on a mission to find her a haven where she can shelter from the war whilst he is evacuated. But it's not a solo journey for soon Noah finds him accompanied by his best friend, Clem, his nemesis, Big Col, and a whole host of animals including a gigantic python. Now the pressure is on for Noah to save them all or is will his plan sink before it's even begun?

This is a corker of an adventure that has a heartbreaking poignancy from the get-go. Despite reviewing several excellent WWII novels over the past year or so - namely When The War Came Home and The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr - Phil Earle's novel offers a completely new insight into the period. I was shocked that I had never really considered what happened to animals and pets and devastated to learn the truth about the moral dilemma that people faced. 

Although beautifully written with a pacy plot and lots of nail-biting action, this is not an easy read. There are some terribly sad scenes that will make your heart bleed but then, this is the gritty reality of war that not even four-legged (or no-legged) creatures could escape. Yet, despite not pulling any punches, Phil Earle adds in hope, courage, a touch of humour and some good old banter to rally the spirits. I particularly loved any scene that involved the boat or Samson the donkey and the ending didn't disappoint, although I definitely wanted to see more of Delilah the snake! 

Noah was a great main character. His courage and desperate determination felt immediate and raw. What moved me most, however, was seeing the incredulity of what war actually meant through his eyes as the world changed overnight. That fall from innocence combined with the innocent exuberance of Winn is what makes this novel really special and it's definitely a read that I'm not going to forget. 

A big thanks to NetGalley and Anderson Press for allowing me to read a review copy. While the Storm Rages is released tomorrow, 2nd June 2022, in the UK. 

Monday, 23 May 2022

New Non-Fiction: You Don't Have To Be Loud-A Quiet Kid's Guide to Being Heard

 

Published by: Wren & Rook, Hachette, April 2022
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If ever there was a book I needed as a child, this is it. In fact, being quiet and struggling with conversation is something that has followed me into adulthood. It's a part of my personality I've learnt to accept and sometimes over compensate for, but if I'd have had access to a book like this during secondary school, it could have saved me a whole world of pain.

Do you feel afraid of talking in front of people? Or saying the wrong thing? Does everyone around you seem loud and confident? Well, newsflash! Being quiet doesn't make you strange or boring and it often means you have the invaluable skills of empathy, kindness and being able to listen. 
As Ben Brooks introduces us to some famous people who have used their quietness to achieve great things, he encourages us to embrace and be proud of being shy. Because you don't have to be loud to be liked and you don't have to be loud to make an impact.

Published in an easily accessible format, with two-tone illustrations by Nigel Baines, this non-fiction guide offers explanations and advice around shyness; what it is and how we can deal with it. I particularly liked the advice to start small when setting goals and the explanation that, in many cultures and situations, silence is welcomed. There's a great chapter about spending time online and being aware of seeking refuge in solitary activities, with gentle challenges to ensure the reader is living life to the full rather than hiding away. Plus, there's even a section on stammering. 

Weaving examples of famous people who are shy into the text adds an extra dimension to this book, allowing young readers to relate and connect their own struggles to someone well-known, who has achieved incredible things. For example, did you know Elvis Presley had a stammer? Or that Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, found an outlet for his shyness through acting? In the words of Stephen Hawking, "Quiet people have the loudest minds," and it's about finding a way to harness that power. 

So, if you want to feel more comfortable with the fact you are a quieter person or if you trying to find ways to build confidence in communicating, then why not give this book a go. And remember, there's lots of quiet people out there making a difference...

A big thanks to Hachette for sending me a review copy. 

Tuesday, 10 May 2022

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

Published by: Usborne, 28th April 2022
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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

Published by: Piccadilly Press, 17th March 2022

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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

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Published by: Bloomsburys, 12th May 2022

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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

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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

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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. 


Friday, 6 May 2022

NEW RELEASE: Not a Cat in Sight by Frances Stickley and Eamonn O'Neill

Published by: Simon & Schuster, 28th April 2022
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There's nothing like a vibrant and eye-catching front cover to make you want to get your hands on a picture book and our eager paws have been itching to read this new release by Frances Stickley and Eamonn O'Neill ever since we laid eyes on it. We weren't disppointed! The colours and characterisation, which leap out to grab you on the cover, continues throughout this hilarious comic caper.

Mouse is having a good day! There's not a cat in sight and he's going to live his best life - skydiving, hunting for treasure and performing some circus skills. But there's one thing Mouse has forgotten to do...look behind him. 

This story is a modern Tom and Gerry and perfect for anyone who loves cat and mouse capers. Little readers will love staying one step ahead of the characters and, as with the popular Rosie's Walk by Pat Hutchins, it's a classic example of the illustrations telling a contrasting story to the text. The colour scheme is gorgeous, the scenarios are hilarious-capturing a child's imaginative play beautifully-and it's impossible not to read it without a grin spreading across your face. 

As always, Frances Stickley's rhyme is spot-on. The light-hearted, bouncy text brings a freshness and energy to the story and the repetitive refrain of 'Not a Cat In Sight' is instantly catchy. This is an author/illustrator match made in heaven and five minutes of pure joy. 

A big thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for a review copy. Not a Cat in Sight is available to buy now.

UPCOMING RELEASE: Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson

  Link to publisher Publisher: Usborne, May 2025 In three words: WWII, brothers, crime Jenny Pearson is already one of our favourite middle-...