Mini Travellers Children’s Book Reviews for September 2020

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September is the time for new stationery, new school uniforms and of course, new books. There are some brilliant children’s books being published this month – I’ve included a selection below of my favourites. Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured!

Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright! Poems selected by Fiona Waters, illustrated by Britta Teckentrup (Nosy Crow)

This beautiful book features 366 animal poems from around the world, one for every day of the year. By the same team that created the anthology of nature poems, I Am The Seed That Grew The Tree, it is published in collaboration with The National Trust. I love the stunning artwork, mix of animals and poetry styles included. This book is perfect for children of all ages.

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Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright! Poems selected by Fiona Waters, illustrated by Britta Teckentrup (Nosy Crow)

Picture Books

The Bug Collector by Alex G Griffiths (Andersen Press)

George loves bugs, so he starts to catch them and keep them in jars. But as his collection grows, he notices how quiet it’s become outside. Gradually he realises the wild and wonderful creatures he’s found aren’t meant to be kept in glass bottles. With a lovely message and engaging artwork, my boys love this book.

The Bug Collector by Alex G Griffiths (Andersen Press)

My Pet T-Rex by Fabi Santiago (Orchard Books)

This is a fun celebration of the joys and responsibilities of owning a pet, even if that pet happens to be an enormous T-rex! Perfect for young pet, (and dinosaur), lovers.

My Pet T-Rex by Fabi Santiago (Orchard Books)

Octopus Shocktopus! By Peter Bently & Steve Lenton (Nosy Crow)

When an enormous octopus decides to live on top of a house, none of the neighbours know what to make of it. But gradually they come to love having it there, until one night it suddenly disappears… With a rhyming text and bright artwork, this is full of humour.

Octopus Shocktopus! By Peter Bently & Steve Lenton (Nosy Crow)

Poo in the Zoo: The Great Poo Mystery by Steve Smallman and Ada Grey (Little Tiger)

When Zookeeper Bob’s super-duper pooper scooper robot disappears leaving poo everywhere, there’s only one person who can help, the great poo investigator, Arabella Slater. But can she find the missing robot and save the day? My boys both love this very funny, rhyming story.

Poo in the Zoo: The Great Poo Mystery by Steve Smallman and Ada Grey (Little Tiger)

5-8 years

Boot: The Creaky Creatures by Shane Hegarty, illustrations by Ben Mantle (Hodder Children’s Books)

This is the third book in this adventure series about toy robot Boot and his robot friends. Full of humour and black and white illustrations Boot is perfect for early readers.

Boot: The Creaky Creatures by Shane Hegarty, illustrations by Ben Mantle (Hodder Children’s Books)

Cally & Jimmy: Twins in Trouble by Zoe Antoniades, illustrated by Katie Kear (Andersen Press)

Featuring four, fun, stories in one book about twins Cally and Jimmy and the mischief they get up to. With black and white illustrations throughout, this is ideal for newly confident readers.

Cally & Jimmy: Twins in Trouble by Zoe Antoniades, illustrated by Katie Kear (Andersen Press)

Level Up: Block and Roll by Tom Nicol, illustrated by Anjan Sarkar (Stripes)

Flo is stuck inside her least favourite video game with best friend Max. Can they find their way back out into the real world, or will it be game over for them? My 6 year old loves this story.

Level Up: Block and Roll by Tom Nicol, illustrated by Anjan Sarkar (Stripes)

44 Tiny Secrets by Sylvia Bishop and Ashley King (Little Tiger)

Betsy is desperate to play the piano well, just like her world-famous parents. But no matter how hard she tries, the notes never come out quite right. So when a mysterious letter arrives offering her a Method that will make her play perfectly, she jumps at the chance. But there’s one condition, she must keep the Method a secret…

44 Tiny Secrets by Sylvia Bishop and Ashley King (Little Tiger)

8-12 years

The Little Museum by Karen Beddow and Lyndsay Macaulay

A magic map, a clever invention and an exciting race through France. The Little Museum is a page-turning travel adventure story for boys and girls aged 8-11 with a little bit of French thrown in for good measure. 

My Life As A Cat by Carlie Sorosiak (Nosy Crow)

Alien Leonard is excited to embark on a once in a lifetime chance to spend a month on earth. He’s decided to inhabit a forest ranger in Yellowstone National Park, but when he gets distracted en-route to earth, he finds himself in the body of a stray cat instead. Will Leonard be able to return to his galaxy, or be forced to remain on earth forever?

My Life As A Cat by Carlie Sorosiak (Nosy Crow)

Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha Farrant (Faber Childrens)

Both Lotti and Ben have no one to look after them and both of them want to avoid the authorities. Luckily Ben has a boat and Lotti has a plan. Set after the first world war, this is an epic adventure story about two friends searching for a place to call home.

Voyage of the Sparrowhawk by Natasha Farrant (Faber Childrens)

500 Words: Black Lives Matter (Studio Press)

This is a collection of 100 of the short stories that were entered into the 500 Words: Black Lives Matter competition that ran on Virgin Radio in July this year. With a foreword by Chris Evans and writing tips from the judges, the stories themselves are inspiring, moving and poignant. All profits from the sale of this book will be donated to children’s literacy support charity Coram Beanstalk.

500 Words: Black Lives Matter (Studio Press)

The Thing at Black Hole Lake by Dashe Roberts (Nosy Crow)

Things are getting weird in the town of Sticky Pines (again). When Milo discovers a sinister creature at Black Hole Lake, it puts him and his ex-friend Lucy in terrible danger. Will they survive? And more importantly, will they ever be friends again? This is the fast-paced, thrilling sequel to The Bigwoof Conspiracy.

The Thing at Black Hole Lake by Dashe Roberts (Nosy Crow)

Young Adult

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (Penguin Random House Children’s)

When an eccentric billionaire dies and leaves his entire fortune to someone he’s never met, teenager Avery Grambs, everyone wants to figure out why. But order to inherit, Avery has to live with his surviving, suspicious, relatives. This brilliant, page turning story is packed with secrets, danger, puzzles, romance and mystery.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (Penguin Random House Children’s)

Special Forces Cadets: Hijack by Chris Ryan (Hot Key Books)

Max and his fellow cadets are sent to the Falkland Islands to see if the intelligence received about Argentina’s plans to invade are true. Can the Special Forces Cadets prevent a war and make it out alive? This is the latest teen thriller in the series written by ex SAS member Chris Ryan.

Special Forces Cadets: Hijack by Chris Ryan (Hot Key Books)

Legend of Orisha: Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi (Macmillan Children’s Books)

Zelie and Amari have succeeded in bringing magic back to the kingdom of Orisha. But the ritual was more powerful than they could have ever imagined and now the country is on the brink of civil war. Following on from the bestselling Children of Blood and Bone, this is another gripping story of magic, love and the struggle to do what is right.

Legend of Orisha: Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi (Macmillan Children’s Books)

American Royals: Majesty by Katharine McGee (Penguin Books)

The Washingtons have ruled America for almost 250 years – they’re gorgeous, famous and rich. But behind the public personas and elegant gowns, there are scandals, forbidden romance and secret lives.

American Royals: Majesty by Katharine McGee (Penguin Books)

Non-fiction

A Day In The Life Of A Poo A Gnu And You written by Mike Barfield, illustrated by Jess Bradley (Buster Books)

Told in a comic book format, this fascinating and funny book is packed with facts, jokes and information about everything you might want to know about the human body, animal kingdom and earth and science.

A Day In The Life Of A Poo A Gnu And You written by Mike Barfield, illustrated by Jess Bradley (Buster Books)

Welcome To Your Period by Yumi Stynes and Dr Melissa Kang (Little Tiger)

This frank and funny guide contains everything you need to know about getting your period, including first person accounts and questions from real teens.

Welcome To Your Period by Yumi Stynes and Dr Melissa Kang (Little Tiger)

Dosh by Rashmi Sirdeshpande (Wren and Rook)

Whether you want to earn money, save it or spend it, this is the perfect book for you! Full of information about everything from being an entrepreneur to the different types of bank accounts, this is ideal for anyone who wants to know more about money.

Dosh by Rashmi Sirdeshpande (Wren and Rook)

Blue Planet: Life in our Oceans and Rivers by Moira Butterfield and Jonathan Woodward (Little Tiger)

This beautiful book is a fantastic introduction to all the animals that live in earth’s water – from rivers and seas to lakes and ponds. Perfect for young animal lovers.

Blue Planet: Life in our Oceans and Rivers by Moira Butterfield and Jonathan Woodward (Little Tiger)

Why not PIN this post Mini Travellers Children’s Book Reviews for September 2020

Mini Travellers Children’s Book Reviews for September 2020

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A mum of two, Naomi Jones spent eight years working for Children’s Publishers in London and now works as a freelance writer, editor and children’s publishing professional.

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