Picture books
Bum Fish – Pauline Pinson (author), Magali Le Huche (illustrator), Pushkin Children’s (publisher)
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Poor Bum Fish. Everyone tells him his face looks like a bum. They tease him about it and make fun of him. Sick of being the butt (snigger) of the joke, he deflects by making trumping noises. But when he is sick to death of trying to be funny, he goes off on an adventure to the ocean deep. There, he meets all kinds of interesting fish and none so unusual as Cheddar Fish (also known as Steven). Damian (Bum Fish’s real name) and Steven become great friends, play together and even get caught (and released) by fishermen! Finally, Bum Fish has found a place (or plaice!) where he can be himself.
Cheeky (ok, last bum joke, I promise!) and heartwarming, this is a gorgeous and very funny story which has been an instant hit with my twins. It has the most endearing messages about not judging by appearances, seeing things from a different viewpoint, being kind and the power of friendship and it weaves these together with humour and fun. The illustrations are vivid and eye-catching, really bringing the hilarity of the story to life. Brimming with bums and hearts, this fish-filled, fun adventure gets five stars from us.
We adore this entire series of books (which is written in consultation with forest childcare experts) because they are a superb way to get your children outside and exploring nature.
Join Mouse, Squirrel, Fox and Rabbit as they gather deep in the woods for Mrs Owl’s Forest School. In this the latest book, your children can learn along with the woodland animals as they find out about the wildlife surrounding them and have fun on an all-natural treasure hunt.
We love the blend of fact and fiction that these books contain because your little nature enthusiasts can read a story whilst also learning about how to plant an acorn properly (get rid of any floating ones!), how to make trails in nature, different types of wildflower and so much more. There are activities to try at the end of the story (the journey sticks and scavenger hunts look great fun) and symbols throughout to show to children when certain activities are more dangerous than others and to explain that they should never go to the woods without a responsible adult.
The pages are chock-full of vibrant illustrations: adorable animals and bright, colourful drawings of nature spill out of the story. This is a gorgeous book for any nature enthusiast or forest-school lover.
This is the most adorable book! I would have loved it as a little girl! What am I talking about, the forty-odd year old big girl in me loves it!!
If you have a little unicorn lover in your house then this is the most perfect book for them. If they want to find out all there is to know about unicorns then they NEED this book. You see, it really helps to understand that unicorns live in the clouds, eat cloud ice cream and rainballpuffs, love wild parties and go to sleep in cloud nests. But only the true believers understand that the young are called sparkles and that a family of unicorns is called a blessing. So, come along up into the clouds and find out everything there is to know about these stunningly beautiful creatures.
Exquisitely illustrated with colourful and beautifully detailed drawings, this is the most adorable and perfect picture book about unicorns. It’s filled with fun and gentle humour, beauty and belief and it sparkles with magic across every page. I believe!
I Want Everything! – Sophy Henn (author and illustrator), Simon & Schuster (publisher)
Bold and beautiful, this is an adorable picture book celebrating what really matters in life.
Big Ghost wants everything. All the things. But, do they really? Prompted by fun and interesting questions by Little Ghost, Big Ghost actually discovers that they don’t want everything really. What they really want is someone to talk to. A friend who can listen and chat, laugh with and have a cuddle from.
This book is so simple in some ways but so clever in others because it encourages conversations with children about what really makes them happy and how they feel. It resonates so much with parents and children. The vibrant artwork and bold, colourful pages work together with the funny characters to make this a sweet, relateable story about tricky moods and what makes us happy. It’s sure to be a hit with your little ones.
When one of your all-time favourite illustrators teams up to do a re-imagining of one of your favourite childhood books, you know that it is going to be a pretty special edition!
Based on the original story, The Velveteen Rabbit is the perfect cuddly toy. He’s soft and snuggly and loves to be with his little boy. But he dreams of becoming real. Of becoming more than just a toy. When he and his little boy become inseparable, always playing together and snuggling to sleep, he thinks that his sawdust heart might burst with happiness. But what will happen when the little boy becomes poorly and the rabbit is taken out with the rubbish to the bottom of the garden?! Will his dreams of becoming real be at an end?
This is the most stunning re-imagining of this poignant and moving childhood classic. David’s illustrations are absolutely exquisite and his beautiful brushstrokes bring the love, friendship and hope of the story to life. We adore this gorgeous picture book. Five beautiful stars from us.
Warning- this book induce giggles galore!!It’s not very often these days that both my twins will sit down together with me so I can read them a story. But they were captivated by this hoot of a book and I loved it too!
Tad is 6 and having a lovely birthday party. Until, that is, his best friend Vlad, eats the last piece of Tad’s cake. And golly gosh, does that make him mad!! So he kicks Vlad.. who then kicks Bill.. who kicks his twin Jill.. who kicks Tad’s mum… who kicks Tad’s dad… who kicks the postman, who kicks a police woman … who kicks the president…. And so it continues!! Until the kick goes round the world and ends up back at Tad’s house in time for his 7th birthday. And then you don’t want to know what happens!! Except you do. You really do. Will it ever end?
Rip-roaring fun, we laughed out loud at this brilliant picture book. It contains kicks and trumps, love and laughter and it is an irresistible read. It teaches children in the funniest of ways that the power of friendship, kindness and love is much stronger than violence and that we sometimes need to walk away from a situation and take some deep breaths to let our anger dissipate.
It’s a longer story than most picture books but with such riotous fun on each page that your children will be entranced throughout. The illustrations are bold, bright and detailed, bringing the humour of the story to life. Five fat stars from us.
Ten Tiny Squirrels – Karl Tudor (author), Marc Boutavant (illustrator), Scholastic (publisher)
Get ready for barrels of fun …. “ten tiny squirrels sitting in a line, one ran away and then there were ….”
Join the cutest bear in town are he goes off on a wild and wacky caper to find those cheeky squirrels. With a little help from 9 budgies, 8 geese, 7 polar bears, 6 chameleons, 5 mice, 4 (grumpy) ducks, 3 rocks, sorry, I mean tortoises, 2 budgies (again!!) and 1 tiger, this chortle-fest of a countdown book makes a brilliant read aloud with your little ones. Not only will your little ones enjoy this hysterical quest to find the mischievous squirrels but you can also use it to encourage a love of counting and numbers. Win, win!
The pages are filled with bright and colourful illustrations of adorable animals which will have your children laughing out loud, especially when they are read in conjunction with the story. This is sure to be a bedtime favourite.
The Bear and The Seed – Poonam Mistry (author and illustrator), Templar Books (publisher)
Every so often a book comes along that is so breathtakingly beautiful that it needs to be displayed on a coffee table for all to see. This is just such a book.
And not only is this book visually stunning, with its exquisite illustrations and bold colour ways, it also has the most beautiful message.
Bear lives in the lush forest. It is filled with flowers, plants, animals and birds. One night though, the plants and trees disappear and when the animals wake up, they begin to leave the forest. Bear stays though. Because Bear finds a single seed. He works hard trying to help it grow and flourish through the seasons. It’s difficult though and Bear doesn’t always know what to do so he enlists the help of a few animals that pass by. Shading it from the wind and cold, watering it and providing it with love and care, he hopes that the little seed will grow. Will it survive through Bear’s hibernation?
This is such a gorgeous book which gently explores themes of environmental conservation, caring for plants and protecting our wildlife. It is beautiful, uplifting and empowering as it encourages young readers to realise that even small actions can make huge differences. An absolute stunner of a book, we love it.
Chapter books
We have loved the other books in this black and white chapter book series and this, the latest addition, is nothing short of fang-tastic (see what I did there?!).
We really sank our teeth into this one (sorry, I will stop) as Triple Trouble – aka Kit and his teammates, Sandy and Thorn – take on their next challenge in Vostovia, the land of the vampires. With ancient vampires, gruesome gargoyles and terrifying snakes to contend with, this is set to be their most deadly and difficult challenge yet. As they hunt the treasure and solve the puzzles they must try and work together as a team to earn themselves a spot in the top two of the league table or their dreams as dungeon runners will be over. Can they take it to the neck level (ok, I am done!) and complete the challenge, or will this be the final nail in the coffin (soz, honestly) for Kit and his friends?
Filled with friendship, bravery and kindness, this is a superb way to end this season of the dungeon runners. The story is packed full of humour and fun and layered with themes of friendship, courage, sticking up for others and doing the right thing. We don’t want to give away any spoilers but we loved that some characters get their comeuppance in this book. The black and white illustrations add quirky humour to the storyline and are throughly engaging and entertaining. We cannot wait for more adventures with the dungeon runners when the brand new season comes out.
Middle Grade
Evenfall: the Golden Linnet was one of the best books of last year for me and so I was desperate to see how Sam’s story continues in this, the second book.
I confess, it took my old grey cells a bit of time to remember what had happened in the previous book – this is not a story to pick up without having read book one – but I was soon swept up in the Order of the Evening again and this fantastical and heart-pounding adventure story.
13 year old Sam now leads the Order of the Evening. An secret order which protects the world against untold evils. And something spectacularly evil is threatening to destroy the world: Georgie. Georgie has created a virus combining the Black Death pox with Covid and it purports to wipe out humanity in the blink of an eye. Georgie also has Sam’s Tempest Blade and is cutting his way through time to test and make the virus stronger.
Sam and his friends must stop Georgie and his heinous plan. A heart-in-the-mouth game of cat and mouse ensues across the depths of time and the breadth of Earth. The clock is ticking… will Sam be able to save the world?! Make sure you join in for the ride of a lifetime.
As with the first book, this book is fast-paced, it’s a page-turner, it’s an adrenaline- junkie’s ride and you don’t want to get off. Except sometimes you do because your heart is beating in your mouth. The writing really portrays the terror and horror of the deadly virus that has been created and yet pitches it against the beauty of the natural world. Its writing takes you all round the world and to different periods of time and does so with fluidity and ease. It’s a continuation of an absolutely epic adventure story filled with friendship, family, powerful magic, a bit of sci-Fi, lots of danger and peril. Long may this adventure continue!
Avalanche – Simon Fox (author), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher)
Simon Fox books are always a fast-paced adrenaline ride and this latest book did not disappoint on this front.
Tom is off for a luxurious skiing trip away with his mum in a stunning ski chalet on a private side of a mountain. Or so he thinks! From almost the second he sets foot in the snow, he realises that this holiday is not going to be a relaxing trip filled with family time and fun. His mum is too busy working, trying to protect her boss, Eric, and the new technology he has created and Eric’s daughter is not interested in him being around.
Things go from bad to worse when hijackers arrive trying to steal the biological technology and one of their gunshots sets off a huge avalanche, trapping them all on the mountain. Tom has only his quick wits and the element of surprise on his side but can he rescue his Mum and stop the technological weapons from getting into the wrong hands?! That’s a big ask for a thirteen year old boy!!
We raced through this gripping adventure story set in the snowy mountains. It was an incredible adventure story which will have you on the edge of your seat at times and we found it so difficult to put down. It’s fast-paced, filled with high-stakes adventure and it will take you on an adrenaline ride of your life. Friendship and the importance of family feature heavily. If you love a high octane adventure then this is the story for you!
Murder at the Ivy Hotel – Emily Hourican (author), Scholastic (publisher)
We love a middle grade murder mystery in this house and my eldest daughter and I were captivated by this one.
The Ivy Hotel is Dublin’s oldest and most grandiose hotel. And lucky Meredith and Macy get to live there all year round because their mum is the general manager.
They know the idiosyncrasies of the eccentric staff, like the volatile head-chef, Jerome, the kindly doorman, Bob, and the officious events manager, Céline. They also love meeting the guests, old and new, spying on events and getting a snack or two brought up for them from the kitchen by their friend Jake. And what’s more, they know all the hotel’s nooks and crannies, the secret corridors and service lifts where staff can go about their business unseen by their guests, making sure everything runs seamlessly….
Except that within the walls of this beautiful hotel, something ugly and dangerous is lurking… Meredith and Macy are going to have to put their sleuthing skills to the test when a guest is found murdered in his room. They need to find the guilty party to save their friend and their beloved hotel. That’s a big ask – will they manage it?!
This was a compelling cosy crime story which kept us guessing until the end. We loved how this debut children’s author really brought the characters in the hotel to life. Some of our favourites were Agatha and her loveable dog Milo, Bob the doorman and the straight-talking Macy herself. Full of twists and turns, like the myriad corridors in the hotel, this book was full of suspense and intrigue and a lovable cast of characters. Perfect for cosying on up with a blanket, this murder mystery is sure to be a hit with amateur sleuths everywhere.
I confess, I didn’t think that Sophie Anderson could produce a sequel to match the captivating beauty of The House with Chicken Legs but she has done it with magic, emotion and love. We have adored this book.
The story returns to Marinka and her house with the chicken legs. A house which has always been playful, protective and fun. Marinka is struggling to settle into her life as part Yaga, part living and part dead and now the house is starting to behave strangely too. When everything goes spectacularly wrong at a spirit guiding and The Gate will not close, the house runs away. Marinka and her friend Benjamin chase after it and embark upon a magical and poignant adventure across strange lands to try and save their beloved house.
Exploring themes of grief, love, loss and sorrows and joys of the circle of life, this beautiful book will have you crying and smiling throughout. We couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, so immersive was the writing, so intriguing was the Russian folklore and so gripping was the storyline. With this celebration of love, what it means to be family and the acceptance of the cycle of life, Sophie Anderson has created a poignant and magical masterpiece. We love Marinka and her impulsive and fiery character and we were so happy to meet some old favourites again: Jack, Benjamin and Yaga Tatyana. We are so glad that Sophie Anderson re-visited the world of Marinka and her house and even though we had tears in our eyes at the ending of the story, we were filled with a sense of hope, wonder and love. Five huge stars from us.
Anya and the Light Above the Ocean – Giudici (author), Andersen Press (publisher)
What an original story this middle grade fiction book has… When her mum doesn’t come home one evening after work, Anya sets off in the middle of a storm and rows out to sea to try and find her. Hovering over the tempestuous waves, she sees a bright light. A bright light that she is desperate to touch. But the minute that she does, her life changes forever. When she wakes up in her boat, the sea is eerily silent and there is no light to be seen.
What has happened to Anya? With her mum still missing, she is sent to stay with a bizarre couple who ask her lots of odd questions. Everyone seems to approach her with caution and intrigue. But why? When she discovers the shocking secret about herself and her mother’s work, she realises that she is going to have to fight for her right to survive. Will she be united with her mum? And what of that strange light?
This was a fast-paced, gripping read which was so vivid in its imagination and so thrilling in its adventure that it was difficult to put down. I am not usually into science fiction books but this mystery had such an intriguing concept at its heart that I was drawn in by the metaphysical twist and the questions about self and personal identity. Thought-provoking and exciting , with themes of time-travel, parallel worlds and identity, this is one unique novel you will not forget in a hurry.
Monster Down Deep – Amy Fellner Dominy (author), Pushkin Children’s (publisher)
I know it is very early in the year to call this but I think I have found my favourite book of the year. To say it was fin-tastic (that will be my only fish-related pun…… probably) is a gross understatement; I absolutely fell for this story hook, line and sinker….
Blue is a fish like no other. He is unique. The world has never seen a fish quite like him. But he is also not where he should be: he’s caught up in some strange seaweed and he’s in danger of being eaten by sharks. So when treasure hunter and beach-comber Cassie Stein stumbles across Blue, she knows she has to try and help him. After all, he is more important than the lost diamond necklace with the million dollar reward that she had been hunting for, right?
But Cassie has a problem. She can’t go into the water to help Blue. So she has to accept the help of the annoying boy who has been chasing after the necklace too. Will Cassie learn who to trust and be able to save the brilliant Blue?
With chapters written from Blue’s perspective, this book gave me all the feels. It had vibes of Remarkably Bright Creatures and Always, Clementine (one of my all-time favourite middle grade reads) and had me captivated right from the first words. Not only is it a book about an adorable animal, it is also hugely informative: I learned so much about missing-link fish, Jewish culture and aquariums. Although there are some themes of loss and grief, as well as the crippling effects of panic attacks and anxiety, this is ultimately one of the most heartwarming and uplifting books I have read. It shines a light on ocean conservation and caring for our seas and it is packed full of kindness, bravery, the right kind of friendship and lots of love. You see, some friendships shine brighter than all the diamonds in the world. Move over Free Willy, Blue is around. Five of the biggest, fattest stars from us. This is a book I will never forget.
We loved the first book in this fresh and fun series by author and comedian, Catherine Wilkins so we had bean (iykyk) really looking forward to this, the second book.
Hope Crumble’s family run Cafe Crumble. And it is only just managing to stay afloat. But with Hope’s mum accidentally ordering one thousand tins of beans and a leaky pipe threatening to burst everywhere, a few more pounds in the coffer wouldn’t go amiss. So when all-round rude girl, Hope’s bully, Skyla wants to host a fashion show at the cafe, Hope finds herself agreeing to raise funds.
It’s not going to get rid of all those cans of beans though. Bean omelette anyone? With weird and wacky ideas coming from various family members, Hope’s family have to do something drastic to get rid of them all before they all end up with dysentery!! Hope is not getting as caught up in her family’s dramas as usual, leaving herself open to discover her likes and dislikes. But with people like Skyla constantly berating her, will Hope’s world come crumbling down around her?
We loved the plentiful black and white illustrations on practically every page of this middle grade read. The story is relevant, funny and outrageously chaotic in the best of ways. The scenes where Hope’s friends were bean roasted (sorry, not sorry) by her were hilarious. Although the book has kindness, family and friendship at its heart, it also packs some big punches in terms of themes, dealing with bullying, the effect of financial distress and hardship, blended family relationships and more. Yet it remains an upbeat and fun read emphasising the importance of supportive friends and family and my eldest daughter and I found it hard to put down. Bean honest (sorry, I will stop now!), we really enjoyed this superbly illustrated novel about friendship, family and food!
We loved the first book in this series when it was published last summer so we were really looking forward to setting sail with Silver once more! It’s the perfect holiday read for the Easter holidays because it’s filled with space to scribble in (yes, you can do that in this book!!) and fun quizzes to take as well as a quirky and engaging whodunnit mystery.
Ten year old Silver lives on a cruise ship. But she has moved onto a brand new ship with a brand new captain now and her mum has got a promotion. These are all great things, especially because there is a huge slide on the new ship, an ice-cream parlour and a mini-golf course! On such a huge ship, Silver obviously needs to make it her mission to get a phone. But her mum has other ideas. If only this was Silver’s most difficult challenge though! When a famous influencer is kidnapped by someone on board, Silver has another case to try and solve. But she keeps losing her voice and not speaking up for herself and The Gang (a fun bunch of spritely octogenarians) keep taking over her investigations…… perhaps you can super-sleuth along with Silver and help her solve the case of the missing influencer?
Riotously funny, interactive, brimming with heart-warming intergenerational relationships, intriguing mystery, and littered with hilarious black and white illustrations, we have loved our second adventure with Silver. We love the diary format and the personal style, inviting the reader to join in the story and share their thoughts and ideas. There is space to write answers to questions, boxes to tick, quizzes to take, maritime and geographical facts and much more. It was also very current and relevant for us because our eldest is just of the age when she is pestering for a phone and, as a parent, I appreciated the balanced viewpoints on phones and social media usage (but she still isn’t getting a phone yet!). Brimming with heart, friendship and laughter, this was another fantastic read for us. We look forward to our next adventure with Silver and the Gang.
Don’t you just love it when you find a superb series?! The bestselling Roar series is totally new to me and I have jumped in on books 4 and 5 without any difficulty picking up what has gone before.
Rose and Arthur are twins with a big secret. They have created an imaginary Land of Roar where dragons, mermaids, witches and magic reside. In Dragon Riders of Roar, Rose has created a new part of the world, a school where young people learn how to ride ferocious dragons and a new, terrifying enemy is stealing children and leaving changelings in their place. Can the twins become dragon riders themselves and battle to save their beloved Roar?
In the Lost Dragon of Roar, Arthur and Rose return to Roar and their friends. As official dragon riders they set off on their first, secret mission. A mission that will lead them into danger and into the hands of some unfriendly witches and their old enemy. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as the twins and their friends discover a lost city and the most powerful dragon ever to set foot in Roar… will they come out of it alive?!
Brimming with adventure, magic and imagination, these books are absolutely gripping. We raced through them with our hearts in our mouths at times (I mean, who isn’t afraid of the idea of a changeling!) and we absolutely adored the land of Roar. The black and white illustrations add to the atmosphere of the stories and we love the relationship between Rose and Arthur and can’t wait for our boy/girl twins to be old enough to read these books. Exhilarating, filled with friendship and love, terror and wonder, these are marvellous magical middle grade books. We are off to hunt out the others.
If you have an avid football fan at home then they will love this book. My daughters have both enjoyed it hugely.
Eboni adores football: she loves training and she is great in defence but her decision to join the Lightmoor Lionesses has caused friction and her closest friends on her old team are no longer speaking to her. School is miserable because her old friends are freezing her out. Until, that is, the day she sits next to the popular Olivia in class and the girls can’t stop chatting, both quickly realising how much they have in common.
There’s only one problem though. Olivia cannot stand football. She cannot comprehend why Eboni would want to run around on a muddy pitch and she doesn’t understand Eboni’s dedication to her training. And this all comes to a head when an important game moves to the day of Olivia’s birthday party. What will Eboni do? Will she bow to peer pressure, or will she stay true to the game she loves?
This story is fresh and relatable and I love that it shines a positive light on female football. It also tackles themes of bullying and the difficulties of complex relationships, petty jealousy and friendship struggles and aims to kick them out of the field (see what l did there) through friendship, love, kindness and teamwork. Both my girls love football and they have really enjoyed this story and its empowering messages. Heart-warming and powerful this book shoots and scores with us.
Printed by the brilliant Barrington Stoke publishers on off-white paper with plenty of paragraph spacing, this book is accessible, engaging and filled with brilliant black and white illustrations to bring this fantastic footballing book to life.
Three grats: 1. This book 2. Being able to read this book next to snoring dogs 3. My eldest daughter loving this book.
Birdie is an overthinker (I can relate Birdie, I can relate!) but she and her BFF, Chloe, are determined to do something about it and actually try to be less think-y and more do-ey. So they create a happy list: a list of activities to try out to see if they help them to feel happy. But, being an overthinker, Birdie spirals from thinking about her list to thinking about what Chloe has written on it: that she thinks they need some other friends. Rude, right?! And scary. Birdie worries she is not enough for her friend. And she also thinks that a boy in her class has a crush on her.
Added to this is the fact that her eyebrows don’t match, she owns zero bras, her hamster is getting really old, her brother is a moody teenager and her childhood home is being packed up so that she and her dad and brother can move into a bigger house with her dad’s girlfriend and her two children. You can kinda see why she’s an anxious ball of worry! Can she use her list to help her navigate her friendship dramas, her family life and the complexities of being a tween girl?! Come and join the overthinkers club to find out….
I genuinely laughed out loud at various times whilst reading this book (including once on a packed train!) because it is hilarious. It’s fresh and funny, brilliantly illustrated throughout and it is unputdownable. I love the importance that it places on children’s mental health and how it focuses on bringing up well- rounded, emotionally-balanced children and yet it balances this with humour, drama and fun. My eldest daughter has adored this book and we have started the three gratitudes and the “one thing you are proud of today”from the list which is a gorgeous routine either at bedtime or on the car journey home from school. A relateable read for any tween girl and one that is sure to be a hit with any Lottie Brooks fans. Five stars from us.
Graphic Novels
If your child loves graphic novels or is a fan of The Phoenix or The Beano then they will love this series of full colour books. You don’t actually have to read these in order though as they can easily be read as standalones.
In the first book, Shirley, our unlikely heroine, enters the underworld and she cannot get out. In fact, there is only one way out. And Shirley’s new friend George takes her to find it. As they embark upon their strange adventure they need to be prepared for all sorts of encounters. Will they be able to make their way through weird bogs, survive eating poisonous fruit, outsmart twin sphinx cats, overcome scary foes and much more? And what will happen if they make their way through the dark sewers?
In the second book, Shirley’s best friend, George, has gone missing. In fact, he’s been kidnapped by a huge mole. Being the good friend that she is, Shirley goes off in search of her buddy … into the under-underworld. The queen of the under-underworld gives Shirley her crown and tells her loyal liege, Peels, to accompany Shirley on her journey to find George and try to rid the kingdom of the giant monster. Through junkyards of rubbish, avoiding vents of hallucinogens and menacing trash bats, Shirley and Peels go off on their quest. Will they find George? Or will the huge beast get the better of them?
With colourful cartoon-style illustrations and comic strip silliness throughout, we really enjoyed these graphic novels. They are wacky and wonderful, funny and imaginative and the fast-paced adventure stories keep you turning the pages in anticipation. We’re looking forward to the next in the series already.
This book should really go in the non-fiction section of this blog too because it is a clever and fun graphic novel-style fact book about ancient history.
Hear from the animals of Ancient Rome yourself in this fresh and creative fact book where Molly, the guard dog, takes you through Rome having a look at some of the most interesting parts. Yes, you will hear about the togas and the gladiators, the buildings and the baths, but you will also hear from the animals of the past – the dormice, the baths the chariot horses required, the elephant soldiers who trekked for miles, the lion gladiators and so much more.
With brilliant black and white cartoon style graphics and short text blocks of information, this is a fun and interesting way to learn about some of the more unique parts of life in Ancient Rome. Engaging and humorous, it is a brilliant way to captivate readers and interest them in history and ancient civilisations. Split into chapters, you can read the book in sections, or sit down and feast your eyes and your mind in one sitting. Riveting Roman facts and awesome animal anecdotes abound in this unique and educational graphic novel.
Young Adult
Carnival Fantastico – Angela Montero (author), Ink Road (imprint of Bonnier Books) (publisher)
What a wonderful, fantastical romance story. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!
Roll-up, roll-up!! Welcome to Carnival Fantastico! Home of magic and abandon, mischief and fun and a safe haven for runaways who need protection, like Esmeralda Montero. She was previously a spy for the powerful Comandante Oliveria but had to part ways with him and is now struggling to make it big as a fortune teller in the Carnival. Esmeralda dreams of becoming the starring role in the Big Top show so that she buy her ticket to freedom from the Comandante.
Meanwhile, the Comandante’s son, Ignacio, has abandoned his military post after he learns of the atrocities that his father has committed in the name of war. He is determined to expose his father and end the brutal war he is leading. What he doesn’t expect is for his father’s secrets to lead him to the only girl he has ever loved (and had his heart broken by) at a fantastical carnival.
Esmeralda doesn’t want to have to face her feelings for her former love but she needs him in her act to become the star of the show and so the pair agree to help each other. But little do they realise that behind the smiles, smoke and mirrors of the carnival lies something dark and dangerous. When the other acts in the running for the starring role start to meet suspicious ends, the pair begin to realise that there is more at stake than just winning.
With plenty of crossed wires, tummy-churning (clean) romance and lots of sparkle and magic, this is a gripping and enigmatic love story which will have you guessing until the very end. It is deliciously dark as well as being a romance between two characters that have compelling chemistry. I loved it.
Enola Holmes and the Clanging Coffin – Nancy Springer (author), Hot Key Books (imprint of Bonnier Books) (publisher)
The latest in the fantastic series that inspired the films on Netflix, this was a quirky and captivating read.
When Enola attends the funeral of the elderly Mrs Tupper, the last thing that Enola expects is to hear a bell clanging in the graveyard. A bell which is being rung by the dead! Or so she thinks. In actual fact, when Enola digs down into the recently dug grave, she discovers a barely-dressed girl who has been drugged and is on death’s door. But who is the girl? Where does she live? Who does she belong to? And who would have left her in such a state. When the girl eventually wakes, she doesn’t seem to remember anything about herself.
But Enola Holmes just loves a puzzle. And this is certainly a puzzling! When she begins her investigations into the enigmatic Miss Trairom, even she isn’t prepared for the tangled web of villains and danger that she walks into. What is Miss Trairom’s relationship to the evil villain, Moriarty, and why does her brother Sherlock seem to be interested in him too? She soon realises that they are all in real danger from this infamous villain….. will Enola be able to find a way out?
This was a brilliant adventure story filled with spirit, intrigue and clever wit. Enola is a wonder: smart, immensely capable, resourceful and empowered, she is a witty and fun protagonist that you cannot fail to love. We love the references to science and mathematics, spirals and ammonites, darkness and danger. They provide a delicious backdrop to the mystery and intrigue and are pitted against the wit and sparkle of Enola herself. This is the tenth book in the series but the first one that we have read and we will certainly be rushing out to sing the others!
Break the Fall – Jennifer Iacopelli (author), Hodder & Stoughton Limited (publisher)
Audrey Lee has had the year from hell. She has spent the last twelve months recovering from surgery on her spine and has been undertaking some gruelling rehabilitation. But now she is back on form as an elite gymnast and she is about to take part in the competition of a lifetime. Terrible news rips through the gym squad though, lines are drawn and Audrey isn’t sure who to believe. Luckily for Audrey, she meets cute and charming Leo who takes her mind off the scandal.
But when Leo’s mum becomes Audrey’s coach, Leo becomes the one person that Audrey is not allowed to distract herself with. Leo’s really hard to ignore though! Will Audrey tumble into his arms, or will she fly high on the parallel bars and claim the biggest prize of all? Will Audrey realise what is important, what friendship is all about and what makes a team a team?
As an ex-gymnast (with the bad back to prove it!), I really enjoyed this young adult clean romance. The references to gymnastics and the disciplines involved in the sport were well-researched and extremely interesting. The book packs a punch in terms of themes: there are references to sexual abuse by a person in a position of authority and control but this is written very sensitively and it was interesting to see how this played out within the gymnastics team and how each individual dealt with this, reminding us that everybody deals with things differently. The love story between Leo and Audrey was sweet, youthful and clean and I was rooting for them both. An enjoyable sports romance.
We Used to be Magic – Bea Ingalls (author), Orion Children’s Books (imprint of Hachette) (publisher)
I was gripped by this book right from the first page. It hooked me in and never lost its bite for me being a Brits in New York adult romance.
Newbie model Audrey is a rookie in New York City. She is walking at the fashion show and trying to get her head around the bright lights and the fast pace of the city that never sleeps. Ezra returns to New York to a flat his father has bought for her, with no clear idea what he is going to do with his life and nursing a broken heart.
So when the fates conspire and the universe aligns for them to meet, it feels like they are supposed to be together. The connection is instant and they feel uplifted and happy to be in one another’s company. But not comfortable enough to open up to each other about everything in their lives … when Audrey is the victim of the seedier side of the fashion industry and Ezra’s demons won’t be chased away by drowning them in alcohol, the pair find it difficult to stay together. Will the universe really want to throw them another lifeline?
This was a brilliant, fast moving page turner of a romance book. It’s clean from a romantic perspective but it does deal with some very heavy themes of alcohol abuse, addiction, sexual abuse and abuse by people in positions of power. It is gripping and gritty and yet swoony and sappy and you are really rooting for Audrey and Ezra to make it together. I enjoyed the short chapters from the perspectives of both of them so I didn’t feel like I was only getting one side of the story. For me, this was a romantic read with some meaty themes which I hugely enjoyed.
Non-fiction books
Locked in the Museum – Leisa Stewart-Sharpe (author), Acapulco Studio (illustrator), Templar Books (publisher)
Whoo hoo! For one (very special) night only, you are locked in the museum!!! And not just any old museum. A marvellous, magical museum where artefacts and items from all walks of history can be found under its roof. And not only that …. But everything has also come to life!
So as you tumble into the pages of this book and immerse yourself in the wonders of the museum, you’ll have to watch out for Dino snot, flesh-eating beetles, giant squid tentacles, woolly rhinos, unlucky mummies, dripping paint, rotting wrecks and so much more!! You might make it out alive but you might want to watch your eyebrows!! Brimming with fascinating archaeological and historical facts, this book is a stunning exploration of the behind the scenes goings-on at museums. Fresh and original, it allows your child to join the curators and behind-the-scenes staff to discover an unrestricted guide to the world’s treasures.
The facts are set out in easy-to-digest text blocks of information and the pages are filled with colourful, bold illustrations which serve to bring the artefacts to life. Combined with the interactive, fold-out pages, this makes for a truly immersive and engaging read. We particularly enjoyed learning about the deadliest discoveries and the British Museum’s secret door (ssshhh, I’m not telling you where it is). A book to be enjoyed, dipped in and out of, read and re-read, this is a gorgeous guide to the galleries and goings-on in the museum.
Big Brilliant World – Aysha Tengiz (illustrator), Big Picture Books (imprint of Bonnier Books) (publisher)
I am in love with this book! Cute and colourful, it is engaging and educational and I guarantee that your little mini traveller will not be able to put it down!
Big brilliant world explores 12 fascinating cities – Mexico City, New York, London, Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Berlin, Budapest, Rome, Instanbul, Seoul and Tokyo – and details the most fun and interesting stories and facts about each city. Brilliant and bold, it is a book to go adventuring with. Even if that is only from your sofa. Each city has a vibrantly colourful and visually stunning two page spread which is filled with hilarious illustrations, fascinating facts and even some phrases in the city’s most spoken language.
Did you know that the British drink 165 million cups of tea a day? Or that the word for bat in German is “fledermaus” which means “fluttering mouse”? How about the fact that the inventor of the Rubik’s cube was born in Budapest in 1944? Or that Tokyo is now home to 37 million people?!
Brimming with culture, this book will open your eyes to the diversity and fun in our world and its bright pages will hopefully inspire a passion for knowledge and a thirst for travel. A brilliant work of non-fiction.
Puzzle books
Detectograms -The Parrot who Knew Too Much – Tim Collins (author), Steven Wood (illustrator), Buster Books (publisher)
I didn’t see this book for a while after it arrived in the post because both my daughters took turns to read it and I didn’t get a look in! So, I tasked my eldest with writing a review for it:
“In this thrilling crime story, you take the lead, solving all the mysteries and helping the esteemed detective, Inspector Cross.
The notorious Dempsey Gang have been traced to a warehouse where they have taken off with hundreds of gold bars! All they’ve left behind is a squawking parrot and some scraps of paper…..
You don’t know who to trust, but you do know that you love a good mystery! Can you solve the puzzles and help Inspector Cross crack the case wide open?
Containing forty-six Detectograms, including number challenges, spot-the-differences, mazes, puzzles, and many more challenges, this page-turning mystery left me hanging off every word as I wracked my brain for the answer. If you love being actively involved in a book and you love puzzles then this is the book for you. I have already recommended it to my best friend.”
High praise indeed from my ten year old. Fun, immersive, filled with mystery and puzzles, this is a super book to keep your amateur detectives entertained.
