Summer can be a time when reading falls by the wayside but there is no need for that to happen … we have got lots of brilliant books to entertain your children over the long summer break…

Board Books

Big Outdoors for Little Explorers: Minibeasts,  Anne-Kathrin Behl (illustrator), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher)

Is your little one a fan of creepy-crawlies? Do they love exploring in the park or the garden? If so, then this is the sweetest book for your youngest readers as you get ready to take your little ones on an adventure in the big outdoors!  The latest in this wonderful series of sturdy board books, it is brilliant for exploring the minibeasts in the big outside world. Perfect for little fingers to play and explore, this chunky book is hugely interactive and encourages your child to hone their fine motor skills: there are fun sliders to push, pull and spin so that they can uncover more about the world of insects around them. The gentle rhyming text in the book is a gorgeous way for your child to learn about ants, butterflies, spiders, worms, snails and more!

The pages are sturdy, allowing those little fingers to be able to grip and move them, and the book is filled with adorable, colourful illustrations which provide glorious detail to the minibeasts included in this board book. Engaging and beautifully

Illustrated, this book is perfect for little insect lovers everywhere.

Picture Books

The Teacup – Chris Naylor-Ballesteros (author and illustrator), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher)

Yes. Just yes. This story. All kinds of beautiful. 

One of our all-time favourite books from when my children were young was The Suitcase because of its gorgeous, inclusive message. In fact, we still read it and talk about it now. So, when this, the companion story, arrived for review, every single one of my children leapt to read it (and they are now 11, 8 and 8). 

Long ago, three friends met a stranger carrying a suitcase and nothing else. That suitcase contained a teacup which symbolised home and comfort to the stranger. Now, the three friends come across a new stranger playing some beautiful music. Their words of delight and welcome though are quickly replaced by distrust and fear and they are quick to jump to conclusions….

What a beautiful, evocative story which is ultimately filled with hope, inclusion and friendship. This is a story which highlights that fear and negative thoughts will ultimately be blasted away by kindness if we just listen. It is a story which reminds us that everyone has a story to tell and that we should do them the courtesy of listening to them rather than the negative emotions we may experience inside our self. Illustrated with the most adorable drawings, this is a story of kindness, tolerance, inclusion, compassion and community. Five huge stars again. 

Ziggy the Caterpillar’s Zigzag Adventure -Beatrice Simpkiss (author and illustrator), Big Picture Press (imprint of Bonnier Books) (publisher)

As a parent, I am so grateful for books like this one. I used this last night after a huge meltdown from my son (over a tennis match!) and it genuinely worked to distract him from his anger and big emotions. 

Ziggy is a zigger. She is a zagger. She zooms around the garden and cannot sit still. I mean, why would she, when there is so much of the world to explore and so much of life to live! But Ziggy longs to be a beautiful butterfly like her friends. But that is never going to happen if she can’t stop zipping around! 

Poor Ziggy. She becomes really despondent about her inability to slow down and be calm… but some friends in the garden give her the tools that she needs to embrace her nature and her place in the world, allowing her to rest and relax…. And then anything is possible.

We just adore Ziggy and my son sees himself in her. She is a whirlwind of activity, excitement and movement. What is superb though is the way that this book teaches about acceptable, belief in yourself and self-discovery. Because every Ziggy has a place in this world; every Ziggy needs to learn to appreciate and love their individual quirks and talents.

This is a brilliant book to teach about patience, slowing down and becoming more mindful, particularly in moments of big emotions. But we also love that it teaches that every single person is unique, loveable and beautiful in their being different.

The illustrations are stunning. Even more engagement and interest is provided through the colourful pages of beautiful artwork, laser-cut pages and silver-foil detailing. A truly important and wonderful read. Five stars from us. 

The Knight who said No – Lucy Rowland (author), Kate Hindley (illustrator), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher)

Ned is a good little knight. He is always courteous and polite and always, always says yes to whatever he is asked. Until, one day, he doesn’t. One day he says NO. And then he can’t stop himself. It feels so good to deny everyone everything. But what will happen when a lovely dragon arrives, sad and alone, and asks to be his friend? Is Ned really going to say No?! Or will he listen to the kindness inside and say Yes?! 

This is such a fun rhyming story which just begs to be read aloud to your little ones. I can’t resist doing a dragon voice as I read it and my little boy always joins in wholeheartedly with the “no”’s!! The illustrations are full of fun and a riot of detail and colour which will have your children poring over the pages of the book. Encouraging empathy, compassion, kindness and just a touch of cheekiness, this is a roarsome winner of a picture book. 

A Holiday for Bear- Duncan Beedie (author and illustrator), Templar Books (publisher)

Poor old Bear is bored. It’s the same old trees, the same old friends and the same old boulders in the woods. Everything feels the same. And kinda dull. Do you know what? Bear needs a holiday…. So off he lumbers to the beach. He swims in the sea, he has a picnic, he plays volleyball, he makes a sandcastle … But despite there being plenty of things to do and see, and lots of sea, sun and sand, Bear begins to realise that he missing his home comforts. And most of all, his friends!!

This is a super-sweet story about friendship and love. We love Bear and his slightly grumpy personality. The illustrations are vibrant, filled with humour and are lots of fun. Each two page spread is packed full of colour and detail, really bringing to life Bear’s story. With the gorgeous bright yellow cover and cool mirrored sunglasses, this is the perfect holiday read for you and your little ones. 

The Perfect Performance – Samuel Langley-Swain (author), Emily Knight (illustrator), Owlet Press (publisher)

Animals of every shape and size are excited. The auditions are here for the new show and there is zest for performance and an adrenaline in the queue because all the different animals are keen to show their skills. But the swan ballerina judges are really rather harsh. They are quick to judge and keen to dismiss anything short of perfection. But when the rejected animal performers decide to put on their own show, it draws in more crowds that the perfect performance of the swans and the swans begin to realise that differences are cool and having fun is really what it is all about.

This beautifully-illustrated picture book packs a big punch in terms of themes. Celebrating, diversity, differences and individuality, it really champions those who just want to try their best and have fun. It is for all the children who might get picked last for something. For all those children whose strengths and skills go unseen. For those children who have lots of heart and determination to be exactly who they are. Because we all deserve the chance to take centre stage and shine, no matter who we are. Because every creature is cool. Now how about that for a perfect picture book?! 

Pudding Now Please with Lotta and Lola – Lauren Child (author and illustrator), Simon & Schuster UK Ltd (publisher)

What a fun, joyful picture book from one of our all-time favourite author/illustrators, Lauren Child. 

Celebrating 25 years of her hugely-popular Charlie and Lola series, this is the beginning of a hilarious new series featuring four year old friends Lotta and Lola. 

This book focuses on good manners (for the most part) as the two friends try to navigate social norms and polite behaviour. When is it kind to say thank you? Is it polite to ignore someone when they walk into a room? Demanding pudding probably isn’t the done thing, the two girls agree. They come up with a hilarious list of scenarios and count off all the good-ish manners they can think of. My son and I genuinely laughed out loud in places at their behaviour.

Friendship, fun, questions, good communication and lots of laughter are at the heart of this book and we look forward to many more in the series. We love Lauren’s bold and vibrant illustrative style as well as the language that she uses for child-speak. Truly special.

That Bird can Draw – Ged Adamson (author and illustrator), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher)

Grandad has a new pet bird. She’s called Vera and the little girl in the story loves painting her. In fact, she loves art and creating masterpieces all the time. Her grandad says she is a proper little artist.

But one day, Vera creates a piece of artwork  all of her own. And it is really good. From then on, Vera makes masterpieces every day and Grandad says that she is an amazing artist. The little girl feels a little jealous and a lot insecure. Surely she is the greatest artist…?! Will she hang up her painting hat, or will the pair find a way to work together?

This is a gorgeously-illustrated, vibrant picture book with the most lovely messages. The illustrations are so colourful and provide humour and fun to go along with the story. The book emphasises a beautiful intergenerational relationship, creativity, artistry and determination. The ideas of resilience, never giving up, not becoming despondent if you are not the best at something are skills that all children (and a lot of adults!!) can learn from. We love the ending of the story which provides a great example of resilience, continuing on with something you love and working together. A sensational story with stunning illustrations, we love this one.

Chapter Books

Captain Sunshine – Alex Milway (author and illustrator), Piccadilly Press (imprint of Bonnier Books) (publisher)

Who doesn’t want a little sunshine in their day?! This wonderful book will bring out the rays even if the sun has disappeared from the sky. 

Set on a glorious, sunshiney cruise ship, The Sunshine, this wonderfully illustrated chapter book follows the story of its first voyage with a new captain at its helm: Bella. With the old Captain sabotaging her ship and her crew of penguins,capybaras and bears severely depleted, Bella feels like she is fighting a losing battle but she is not a quitter! With her ability to make friends and put people at ease, she is sure to have what it takes to become Captain Sunshine.

What a joyful book. We haven’t been on a cruise ship for a few years but this story evoked lots of happy memories of our trips. We loved the map and the plan of the ship at the beginning of the story and the masses of brilliant, adorable illustrations throughout the story. The story itself is addictive reading and has a lovely message of friendship and community spirit. We also loved finding all of the worker beetles dotted throughout the pages of the book. This is a new series we have fallen hook, line and sinker for! Five suns (rather than stars). 

Koalas in Capes – the Robot Spiders – Terrie Chilvers (author), David O’Connell (illustrator), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher)

Something very strange is going on in Pawtonia. There some rather bizarre spiders crawling around the place and everyone seems to be compelled to donate their possessions to an orphanage. When one of the superhero koalas even starts behaving oddly, they realise that this all might have something to do with the nefarious supervillain ostrich, Dr Colossus. Will Bob and Archie, our favourite superhero koalas, be able to save the day?!

Filled with cute koalas, a humorous storyline and brilliant black and white illustrations, this is a fun chapter book for those starting out on their independent reading journey. With larger font, engaging text and funny illustrations to bring the characters to life, we have enjoyed reading about this dynamic duo at bedtime.

When I was a Wolf – Liz Flanagan (author), Nikola Aronova (illustrator), Barrington Stoke (publisher)

Jasmine adores wolves. She also loves her best friend Ella and, of course, her Mum. But everything starts to change for Jasmine when Gran comes to stay because her Mum is ill. Not only that but a new girl at school drives a wedge between Jasmine and Ella. The only thing Jasmine still has is her wolves. So when she starts a new art club, she builds a lantern in the shape of a huge and magnificent wolf. She finds it therapeutic to make her wolf with Ali and work through her sadness and worries.

But on the night of the lantern parade, after some cruel words are said by Layla, the new girl, Jasmine lets the wolf inside her let rip with some serious consequences. Has she undone all her good work? Can she find a way to make her Mum proud? Can she control her emotions and repair friendships, old and new?

This short chapter book looks at big themes like childhood worries, parental illness, friendship problems and more. It brings to the foreground the importance of children’s mental health and managing complex emotions and it does so in a sensitive and engaging way. We love wolves in this house so this story was a big hit with my son, particularly because there are plenty of super black and white pictures and short paragraphs to hold his attention. A creative story with some lovely messages, we really enjoyed it. 

Monsieur Mustard – The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth – Charley Rabbit (author and illustrator), Andersen Press (publisher)

Bienvenue to the wonderful world of Monshoe-er Mustard! The most stylish, miniscule detective you will meet. If you are a fan of monocles, magic and mystery then this is the book for you.

When Fabio Fangtooth goes missing while eating his alphabet soup, Monsieur Mustard has his first mystery to solve in the city of Bath. Aided by the cutest (and smelliest!) little rodent, Mobbsy Slewfoot, Monsieur Mustard sets about cracking the case. But everything starts to go wrong for the diddy detective and he begins to realise that not everyone is pleased to have his secret sleuthing in their city …. There’s a villain on his tail… can this little hero solve the mystery before time runs out?

J’adore Monsieur Mustard and little Mobbsy!! The story is fast-paced and fun, the illustrations are filled with character and humour and we love the interactive elements of the book where you have to turn it upside down to read certain parts. There are also graphic novel scenes interspersed throughout the story which have been a real hit with my youngest daughter, who loves graphic novels. Novel and fun, Grandes saucisses de Paris (iykyk), the only thing we are sad about is that we’ve finished it!  We cannot wait for the next one.

The Wood Where Stories Sing – Andy Shepherd (author), Ellie Snowden (illustrator), Piccadilly Press (imprint of Bonnier Books) (publisher)

The Treetoppers are back! Iggy, Cal and Mae are friends of the trees, they love The Wildtop Wood and they believe in the ancient magic of the woodland.

But all is not well in nature. The rains are torrential, the thunder clouds gather, the winds batter the tree branches and the sea is turbulent and choppy. Danger is threatening the wood from every angle. The sea is eroding the coastline that the trees stand on and a power company wants to put its cables right through the wood. Can the Treetoppers and their new friends join together, use the magic of the woodland and sing a song for everyone to hear to ensure the survival of their beloved trees? Their story will be wild and beautiful, strong and magical, just like the wood itself.

Filled with magical adventure, the wonder of nature and some very important eco-messages, we have loved this brilliant book. It tells of the power of storytelling and of the natural beauty and power of nature. It will sing to your heart and sweep you along on a magical journey. Wild, warm-hearted and filled with of community spirit, we have loved this chapter book. 

Graphic Novels

Supa Nova – Robot Takeover – Chante Timothy (author and illustrator), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher)

Nova is a super scientist. She has a not so secret science lab and loves inventing and coding. So, when a competition on her favourite programme spurs her on to make a  brilliant robot, she can’t resist trying to show off her genius. But the robot she makes is way too clever and starts taking over everything. Even her not so secret science lab. Can Super Nova do anything to stop him taking over the world and wiping out humanity….?! 

Out in mid-August, this is the second in this scientific graphic novel series. Packed with STEM and encouraging a love for science, innovation and coding, this brightly coloured book is just brilliant. Empowering, engaging and informative, with a strong female protagonist, we have loved this story (which is all-too scarily close to AI reality!). We loved the real science behind the story section and the coding instructions task at the end of the story, as well as the “how to draw” sections. Five stars for super star Supa Nova!

Peanut, Butter & Crackers – Kitty Capers – Paige Braddock (author and illustrator), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher)

I have said it before, and I will say it again: Peanut, Butter and Crackers are the cutest rescue pets ever – we just love this terrific trio. The author just nails feline and canine behaviour every single time they produce a book! 

When their owner goes out to work, all Butter wants to do is curl up and have a nice cat-nap. But Peanut and Crackers just won’t stop yapping! Their barking literally sends Butter over the edge (of the fence) and Butter ends up in the neighbour’s garden. It seems blissful. There are no noisy dogs and there is warm milk to drink. But Butter realises that all is not right when the neighbour starts dressing them up … and maybe it is not as quiet as Butter first thought. Perhaps there is something worse than woofing dogs after all!

We are big fans of the relationship and dynamic between the three adorable pets in this graphic novel. The illustrations are bright and bold, the storyline is particularly hilarious in this story and, as ever, the whole book really captures the idiosyncrasies of dogs, cats and puppies. There is also a bonus story, fun extras and “how to draw” and “behind the scene” sections at the end of the book which are interactive and engaging. For any pet lovers out there, this is the perfect short graphic novel for them. Engaging, very funny and full of stunning illustrations, this is another great graphic novel in this superb series. 

Middle grade books

The Mulberry Hall Murders -Murder on a Midsummer Night – Lucy Strange (author), Hannah Peck (illustrator), Barrington Stoke (publisher)

We love a murder mystery story and this fast-paced read by Barrington Stoke is a brilliant win for any amateur sleuths out there.

Mulberry Hall has been turned into an enchanting wonderland for Sir Percy’s party for midsummer’s eve. Every guest is wearing a beautiful animal-themed costume and Eliza and Bram and their new friend Krish are captivated by the beauty of it all. But when an unpopular guest is murdered in front of Sir Percy, things take a dark and sinister turn.

Can Eliza, Bram and Krish solve the mystery of the midsummer murder? Will they catch the poisoner of the party? 

Filled with adventure, lots of dark twists and turns, legends and folklore, this is a brilliant murder mystery. We love how much action is packed into the 111 pages of the story and the brilliant black and white illustrations add even more intrigue and tension to the tale. Printed on off-white paper, with larger font and plenty of paragraph breaks, this is another superb story from this brilliant publisher. 

Shadow Thieves –  Island of Skulls – Peter Burns (author), Farshore (publisher)

The first book in this series was one of our favourite books of last year so we were so excited to get stuck into the fast-paced action in this, the next instalment. And, golly, it did not disappoint!!

Picking up where the first adventure left off, Tom and his friends from Beaufort’s School for Deceptive Arts sail off on a summer trip to a private island. But it’s not all mocktails and beaches, no! The name kinda gives it away: the Island of Skulls. Once owned by the nefarious Duke of Nîmes, it is said to house the Duke’s spectacular treasure trove as well as a hideous weapon. When the Corsair goes missing at the start of the trip, Tom and his friends have to fend for themselves, not only to try and find the treasure but to keep themselves alive. Because they are not the only ones hunting for the bounty…. Can Tom’s street smarts and cunning keep them all safe?  Easier than it sounds when there are some duplicitous double agents among the group!

I adore Peter Burns’ writing: his twists and turns are unparalleled and the high-octane energy keeps up throughout the whole story. There are explosions, booby traps, shocking reveals and lashings of courage and bravery. Top it all off with a bit of romance and a whole host of friendship and there is nothing not to love!!  If you love a fast-paced adventure, filled with danger, intrigue and secrets then this is the book for you. Five huge stars from me. 

Tina – the Dog who Changed the World – Niall Harbison (author), Farshore (publishers)

Oh my! The last time I cried so hard reading a book was when I read Marley & Me and I was heaving huge sobs. I was only slightly more restrained reading this book – there is obviously something that just gets to me about man’s best friend crossing over the rainbow bridge. But do not get me wrong. This book is also filled with joyful stories and hope for the future. 

This book tells the stories of lots of the rescued street dogs in Thailand that have been saved by Naill Harbison.  Your reader can follow the stories of Buster the part-bully and his missing ear, little Buttons, Cindy Crawford and her overeating problem,  Jumbo and his love of sausages and many more! Most of all though, it is the story of Tina, the gorgeous golden retriever who changed the world by inspiring Niall to come up with the idea of Tina’s hospital for Dogs Who Aren’t Doing So Good. Her story has captivated people from around the world to help these jungle dogs and get involved.

This is the perfect book for any dog or animal lover. With some pretty harrowing stories of abuse, neglect and abandonment, it is not for the feint hearted but it is absolutely a superb book to read, as well as an important one. Yes, there are themes of animal cruelty, neglect and death but the stories ultimately give hope, inspire compassion and fill you with a huge amount of love and respect for our canine companions and their capacity to live every moment to the full. 

The Summer my Wishes Came True – Radhika Sanghani (author), Usborne Books (Publisher)

Thirteen year old Ayesha cannot wait to go to summer camp. Two whole weeks away with her best friend, Nikki. They have so many fun activities planned. But when Nikki turns up at camp all glammed up after a trip to New York, Ayesha thinks that maybe their friendship dynamic is changing. And when she overhears Nikki call her “immature” to their new, cool roommates, she is totally devastated. She wishes her life could be different. And the next day, the strangest thing happens … her wishes start to come true. Confiding only in a boy called George, who tells her to be careful what she wishes for, Ayesha wishes for Nikki to be her best friend forever…..

Ayesha begins to discover though that Nikki isn’t quite the nice friend she thought she was. She starts to take a long, hard look at herself, and her friend and wonders whether everything she has wished for is really making her happy. 

My eldest and I read this separately and compared notes at the end…. And we both LOVED this book. Relatable and clever, this is a superb story about friendship, bravery and being true to yourself. It’s a story to highlight that the grass isn’t always greener, life isn’t always perfect and by striving to be cool and impress others, you can miss out on all the fun. A book to help you realise that life is to be lived, celebrated and enjoyed and to love the skin you are in. A brilliant book for the tweenager or young teenager in  your life. 

The Secrets of Wild Hill – A Pony’s Promise – Olivia Tuffin (author), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher)

My eldest is horse-mad so she was so excited when the second in this exciting equine adventure series landed  on our doormat! With themes of secrets, sabotage and cruelty running  through it, this adventure will whip you away on a brilliant ride…

Lottie and Patch (her pony) seem to have lost their bond after Lottie asked  a lot of him in the last story. Lottie fears that she has broken her fearless pony and their trust issues go from bad to worse at a local competition.  Despite this though, Lottie and Patch do secure a place at the team event in the area competition. Lottie must work on her relationship with Patch at the same time as trying to support her friend Felix when he shares a secret that could ruin his family’s reputation. Not only that but one of their other team mates, Issy, doesn’t seem to want much to do with them and her behaviour is rather strange towards Felix’s pony Candy. There is lots of drama, lots of suspense and a whole host of deep-rooted secrets and suspicion between the families. Will everything turn out for the best?

Packed with excitement and intrigue,  as with the first book, we galloped our way through this intriguing adventure story. We loved the complicated family dynamics, the friendships, the setting in the equine-world, and all the unresolved secrets and questions that these pose. Will Felix’s grandfather ever get his comeuppance?! Perfect for pony-lovers, adventure addicts and animal enthusiasts everywhere, this is a captivating read. We hope for more in the Wild Hill series.

The Game Changers – Helen Rutter (author), Scholastic (publisher)

We loved The Boy with Big Decisions so we couldn’t wait to pick up the latest book by the brilliant Helen Rutter. In fact, we enjoyed this book even more!

The Game Changers is brilliant in its uniqueness: The Game is a summer camp like no other. No screens, new friends, team building exercises and a lot of self-discovery! Tig does not know what has hit her when she is packed off to summer camp and made part of Team Unity with other strangers. They are all so different but they all need to learn to work together and trust each other if they want to try and make their way through the mental and physical challenges of the Game. With strange things happening around the camp, there is a mystery to solve as well. Will you manage to beat the game at lead Team Unity to victory? 

This unique story sucks you in right from the very beginning so that you are desperate to turn the pages and make decisions for Fred and see how things turn out. At each big decision, there is a turning point for you, as reader, to decide what Fred should do, helping him understand what he believes in and what he should stand up for. Will you make good choices for him?!

We loved the concept of making choices for Tig and the team and, therefore, ultimately changing the story into one of chaos or championship. My  eldest daughter and I made different choices at various points and it was fun to see the different outcomes but we both genuinely would have loved the story even without the element of choice and the different endings. It gave me Hunger Games vibes without the violence, crossed with The Crystal Maze (although I am probably showing my age there!).

There are 8 different endings to choose from and it was fun to see the different outcomes. Unique, engaging and superb for those who struggle to concentrate on long books, this is a brilliant book to keep kids reading over summer.

Royal Institute of Magic – The Silver Dwarf – Victor Kloss (author), Vinci Books Ltd (publisher)

If you are looking for a series to keep your middle grade child busy reading over this summer then look no further. I am not exaggerating in the slightest that this series of books is magnificent. It blew my mind away.

This, the fourth book, is the latest in the series and follows Ben Greenwood and his friends as they race against time to find the next piece of armour. As the guardian responsible for reuniting Queen Elizabeth’s Armour, he must locate the pieces of the armour which will ultimately be the only artefact possible to defeat the evil dark Elf King. Ben and his friends need to figure out who the ancient breastplate belongs to and get to them before the dark elves. The journey is fraught with danger and peril though and Ben and Charlie must venture into the Void, the most terrifying place known to man, dwarf and elf. The stakes are high and the friends will be tested to the extreme.

You MUST read this series of books if you haven’t already done so. A magical world reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings, Skandar and Harry Potter awaits you. The writing draws you in, evoking a detailed, magical world which will take your breath away. The action is fast-paced, the danger is real and the friendships are heartwarming. Easily the best series we have read this year. We cannot wait for the fifth book which comes out later this year. 

Maisie vs Pyramids – Jack Jackman (author), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher)

We love this series of fun adventure stories with a twist and this third book does not disappoint. In fact, I think it was our favourite!

Maisie loves writing stories about mysteries, skeletons and mummies but when her Dad takes her on a trip to Egypt to find a lost tomb, the danger and adventure isn’t written on a page, it is in real life. Maisie and her Dad find themselves stranded in the dry, dusty desert surrounded by scorpions and sand. Not only that but Maisie’s Dad seems to be acting rather strangely, following the commands of an archaeologist who seeks to have kidnapped them!  Explosions, snakes, stings and sandstorms abound in this brilliant adventure story with a twist. 

There are secrets hidden in the sand. Will they make the discovery of a lifetime and find Sneferu’s tomb? And what of the big secret that Maisie’s Dad has buried deep?!

Original and clever, we raced through this fun adventure story and learned lots about the Egyptian pyramids and Ancient Egypt. We couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough and we were genuinely surprised by the twists and turns that the story took. We love Maisie’s unique sense of humour and the excitement and surprise will sweep your reader along in the adventure. Maisie is determined, funny and full of energy and this book is perfect for the most intrepid of explorers. 

Lennox Dean – Living the Dream – Rebecca Patterson (author and illustrator), Harper Collins Children’s Books (publisher)

If you have a child who loves Diary of a Wimpy Kid then they will adore this new kid on the block: Lennox Dean! Lennox and his best friend, Idris, have a fairly standard life. They go to school, they sometimes listen and Lennox does the big food shop with his mum at the weekend. Oh, but they do live on Butt Street (snigger). 

So, when their school teacher asks the class to keep a diary each day, they have no idea what to write in it! Nothing fun ever seems to happen to them. Except in their heads. In their heads, they are champions at archery and are planning the coolest party known to man, with hot tubs, helicopters and Taylor Swift making an appearance. So that’s what they write in their diaries. The problems arise when they have to read out their entries in class and the whole school wants an invite to the party of the year! How will the friends avoid embarrassment and make it happen in real life….?

This is the first in a fun, new, highly illustrated series that we can see being incredibly popular with children. Both of my girls have loved it. The story is fast-paced and humorous with a lovely message at its heart and the plentiful black and white illustrations are full of comedy and superb character expressions. Fresh and full of promise, we are looking forward to more in this series. 

My Great Success and Other Failures – Catherine Wilkins (author), Katie Abey (cover illustrator), Sarah Horne (interior illustrator), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher)

My eldest adores Jess Jackson and her chaotic world so we were very excited to dive back into her school life again. 

Jess is leaving school at the end of the year and she wants to write in her school yearbook that drawing is her legacy. But Jess’ friends seem rather dismissive of the idea. Until, that is, her cartoon becomes an internet sensation when it goes viral. Suddenly, Jess is famous and of course she doesn’t let it go to her head! She keeps it real, of course she does. Which is just as well because the internet is a fickle place and Jess will need all her friends and family on her side when things go wrong for her and she is accused of copying someone’s idea.

This story was particularly relevant for my eldest who has just left primary school. She raced through the pacy, fresh and fun story. We love the way that the story brings to life the perils of the internet and the way it does so in a non-scary way. This is a series which portrays complex friendships and school relationships but this story ends with a hopeful outlook for the future for Jess and her friends and the bright possibilities ahead of them. The black and white illustrations throughout the book bring character and life to Jess Jackson’s world of adventure and drama. Another brilliant book by this fresh and fun author. 

The Children of Wolf Rock – Natasha Farrant (author), Faber & Faber Ltd (publisher)

If you are after the perfect summer read for the holidays then this story is it!!

Get yourself ready for the adventure of a lifetime, set in the breathtakingly beautiful Scottish countryside. High in the mountains there is a secluded castle on the shores of a beautiful loch. The castle is home to Stormy Loch Academy where children are encouraged to roam free, explore their environment and make decisions of their own. The headmaster, Major Fortescue, encourages his students to look for the beauty in their surroundings and to take comfort from it. For newbies Minna and Kass it proves to be a safe haven for them. 

When they are thrown together over the school holidays they learn to bond with each other and even begin to accept the school bully, Tom, into their fold. Coming across a mysterious girl hiding out in the wild with only her guitar and dog cements their relationship but when she goes missing, the children must try and piece together her past, embarking on a dangerous journey to London to uncover the truth. Bravery runs through their bones and they will need every ounce of grit and self-belief to face what is to come ….

This is a superb story, full of twists, turns and adventure. I genuinely didn’t know what to believe or what was going to happen, so brilliant was the writing. The writing is so evocative you feel like you can almost touch the mountains and breathe in the fresh air. The story deals with some heavy themes of bullying, emotional and domestic abuse, domineering men and psychological damage but it does this in a very sensitive way. We love the fact that nature is seen as healing in the story and the eco-message of looking after our world. An absolute belter of a summer story, filled with adventure, friendship and bravery, it is a fantastic five star read from us. 

Troofriend – Kirsty Applebaum (author), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher)

Wouldn’t it be cool to have your own best friend who didn’t lie to you or get jealous or argue with you? You could choose their clothes and hairstyle? You could make them do everything you wanted to? Or is that going too far? 

Well, with a Troofriend, that is exactly what you get. Troofriends do not lie. Troofriends do not harm. Troofriends do not bully. They are the perfect friend. Troofriends are programmed for fun and goodness. They are also robots. They don’t have feelings. Or do they…? 

When Sarah’s Mum and Dad buy her a Troofriend to play with, Sarah is sceptical. She names her Ivy but she isn’t bothered about her at all until she realises that Ivy could make Sarah popular at school if she brings her to “bring your tech to school” day. But when things start to go wrong with some other Troofriends, Sarah’s Mum and Dad become concerned about Ivy. Is she really Sarah’s true friend?

Part creepy, part delightful, my eldest and I were left guessing throughout this story as we wondered what was going to happen. My eldest said it was the best book she had read in ages and I can totally see why. Thought-provoking and filled with suspense and intrigue, this is an imaginative and addictive read. I found it scarily believable and very relevant in this fast-moving AI world. My eldest and I had some great conversations about the subject matter – can robots have feelings? Why do we name them (our hoover is called Jasper and the lawnmower, Robbie), what makes a good friend and much more. I can see this being a brilliant book for a school book club, or a thought-provoking class read. Five fantastic stars from us. 

Tadpole Summer – Catherine Burton (author), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher)

I won this book in a competition hosted on instagram and I am so glad I did because it is a stunning, very special read.

Frog and Tad are sister and brother. She’s the big strong Frog and he is the little Tadpole. It’s been that way since Tad was born: he’s unwell you see, so he has always been the smaller, weaker sibling of the two. Every year, they go with their Grandad to get frogspawn from the pond to rear it. But not this year. This year, Tad is taken into hospital and it’s just Frog and Grandad at the pond. That’s ok though, because Frog will make sure the tadpoles grow big and strong for Tad’s return…. And so begins an unforgettable summer for Frog. A summer filled with camping, the beauty of nature and the magic and healing power of the world around us.

I am not going to lie, I knew this story would be pretty triggering for me to read because my son has a congenital heart condition and  he still has some big operations and hospital stays to come. But it did not detract from the exquisitely written story for me. Yes, I cried. Yes, it is a story of raw grief and emotion, particularly from the point of view of a child but it is so sensitively and expertly written. The themes of loss, grief and raw emotion are keenly felt but so are the feelings of community spirit, compassion, familial love, friendship, hope and joy. The story highlights the beauty and wonder in the world around us and the comfort in the healing power of nature. A frog-filled five star read from us. But don’t forget the tissues!

Lily Tripp – Diary of an Accidental Time Traveller – Amelia Tripp (author), Starboard (imprint of Hachette) (publisher)

Think Lottie Brook collides with history and you won’t go far wrong with this unique new middle grade story. 

Lily is almost thirteen. And like a lot of almost thirteen year olds, she has a best friend and a crush on someone at school. She is desperate to tell him – Ollie – how she feels but terrified at the same time. But, unlike most almost thirteen year olds, Lily’s life is kinda stuck in the past at times. You see, Lily travels through time at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day!!! She’s lived some of her life in Ancient Rome, some in Victorian times and some in the roaring 20’s … but that is all behind her now though, right?! 

So, when she ends up back in 1621 instead of 2026 she is especially distraught. Particularly when she realises she is a servant for her nemesis at school, Georgia, and is being accused of witchcraft…. As Lily travels through time, the people around her all stay with her and she needs to work out how to be true to herself and how to navigate her way through teenage friendships and relationships through the ages. 

Time travel has never been so appealing (I am not usually a fan of it in books because I spend more time trying to figure out if it “works” rather than concentrating on the story!). My eldest daughter said she loved this book and cannot wait for the next one. Not only is it fresh, relatable and fun, we actually learned loads about different periods of history (and we were pretty grossed out at times – some of the foodstuffs were 🤢). A clever book with time travel and some hilarious encounters, we loved this one. 

Dragonflare – Jamie Hammond (author and illustrator), Usborne Publishing Ltd (publisher)

Poor old Flynn! He’s been dragged off by a grumpy dragon to an island full of monsters and mayhem to have a shot at becoming a dragon rider and finding the legendary dragon treasure.  But Flynn does not want to be a dragon rider. All he wants to do is keep himself and his sister alive on the mean streets of Hornsport….

Somehow though, he is stuck with a sarcastic dragon named River and he has to solve the puzzles and obstacle courses on Dragonflare while contending with some mean competitors. The pair will need to work together to win the challenge, as well as use their brains and bravery. So they will really need to learn how to get along because the trials are keeping a dark secret. With Flynn’s skills as a thief and River’s bravery, will they have what it takes to win… or will everything be doomed?

Full of heart, we adored this roarsome adventure story. We loved the interactive elements where the reader gets involved in the challenges themselves but we particularly loved the fast-paced, heart-warming story. The characters of Flynn and River were brilliant, and their relationship was one of feistiness and then fun and friendship. The themes of collaboration, teamwork and support were endearing and worked perfectly with the adventure and fun in the story. The brilliant black and white illustrations and  puzzles along the way add engagement and much fun for readers. A fabulous five stars from us. 

Demon Hunters – Soul Feeder – Jennifer Killick (author), Marina Vidal (illustrator), Barrington Stoke (publisher)

We love a book by the Queen of fright herself so we jumped at the chance to read her latest release published by the brilliant Barrington Stoke! 

Caiden and his best friend, Sam, help out Caiden’s dad with his house-clearing business. They have seen some bizarre stuff in their lives but nothing is quite as creepy as the grotesque heads they find in the departed Miss Kinski’s house. And when they find out how she died, they are even more freaked out! Something very strange clearly happened in her house and the boys are pretty glad when the clearance is done and they can go back to Caiden’s dad’s warehouse to chill….

Oh no they can’t!! The boys make a chilling discovery that night when they realise that something has come back from Miss Kinski’s house with them. Something that wants to feed on their very souls … Will they make it out alive?!

Creepy and clever in equal measure, we really enjoyed this spine-tingling novella. It is packed with frights and friendship, terror and thrills, and the fast-paced adventure will keep readers engaged throughout. The black and white illustrations dotted throughout the story add even more terror and detail to the drama of the book. Deliciously scary and full of energy, we couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. 

Activity Books

Detectograms – The Mole who went Undercover- Tim Collins (author), Steven Wood (illustrator), Buster Books (publisher)

Both my daughters and I loved the first book in this brilliant series of puzzles and adventure so we were very excited to review this, the second story. And it did not disappoint.

Your reader can you take the lead in solving all the mysteries and helping the esteemed detective, Inspector Cross and her officers. In this book, you will go undercover into the gang of the ruthless criminal mastermind, Silas Ridley. Living up to his name, he loves a puzzle and there are lots of tests to pass to be invited into his inner circle. With the help of a cute mole named Millie, your undercover mission is to catch Ridley stealing a beautiful and priceless piece of art. But it won’t be easy because he hides every move he makes behind a fiendish puzzle. You and Millie must work together, track the criminal, crack the codes and catch the villain red-handed!  Can you solve the puzzles and help Inspector Cross crack the case wide open? 

Containing forty-six Detectograms, including codes, riddles, number challenges, spot-the-differences, mazes, puzzles, and many more challenges, this page-turning mystery was a brilliant story as well as a marvellous mental challenge. Packed with brilliant black and white illustrations, this interactive book is fun, immersive, filled with mystery and puzzles and it is a super book to keep your amateur sleuths entertained over summer. 

Wizardology – The Secrets of Merlin – Duggald Steer (author), Templar Books (publisher)

Celebrating 20 years of Wizardology, if you have a little witch or wizard then this is THE book for them to captivate their interest and keep them occupied all summer. 

With its superb interactive touches – think tiny books inside books, letters to unfold, lift-the-flaps of the most intricate kind, spell books, pendants to take out, sliders to move, phoenix feathers to touch and so much more that I have to keep a secret!- and brilliantly detailed text, your keen reader can become a humble apprentice to the magnificent Merlin himself. Will they have what it takes to widen their knowledge and skill and become a great wizard?! 

Written by the master wizard himself, we love the olde English and old-fashioned script used in this guide book. Even the colours are browns and sepia-shades evoking ideas of a dusty old tome. The interactive elements of the book are absolutely awesome – even adults can’t resist them! We have loved the chapters on magical beasts and potions in particular. With its beautiful, foil embossed cover, this hardback book deserves a place on every coffee table.

Non Fiction

Say Hello Like an Armadillo – Zewlan Moor (author), Karen Obuhanych (illustrator), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher)

This is such a fun non fiction book for younger readers. Filled with interactive exercises echoing “hellos” from the animal world, you and your young ones can clack your hands like castanets and double high five each other like fiddler crabs, or bop your head and shake your fist like an African demon mole rat! 

This book is a cute and educational look at animal greetings, focussing on eight amazing animals from the natural world. Not only are the illustrations striking and beautiful, this book is inclusive, fun and teaches about animal interactions in the most engaging of ways. We love the short pieces of factual information at the back of the book to explain the featured animal greetings in more detail and performing some of the “hellos” to each other has provided much hilarity! Sweet, interactive and informative, we love this fun fact book. 

Wimbledon – From Tennis Action to Courtside Fashion – Jessica Bumpus (author), Studio Press (imprint of Bonnier Books) (publisher)

I know there has been so much focus on the World Cup at the moment but we are a tennis family at heart (I still haven’t got over my teenage-crush on Pete Sampras) and so we jumped at the chance to review this gorgeous guide to Wimbledon.

This brilliant book contains superb information and photographs of Wimbledon greats as you take a journey through tennis grass court history as you relive some of the most iconic and dramatic matches. 

But Wimbledon is not all about the tennis. It is also about the celebs and the fashion. You can pore over the most fabulous fashionistas and their beautiful outfits. Informative, filled with stunning photos, this is a perfect gift for sporting fans and tennis enthusiasts. Smashed it out of the court, it’s taking pride of place on my coffee table. 

The Power of Volcanoes – Tamsin Mather and David Pyle (authors), Daniel Long (illustrator), Nosy Crow Ltd (publisher)

My twins have become fascinated by volcanoes after learning all about them at school so this has been the perfect non-fiction book for them to explore. 

Filled with secrets and stories, this fact book looks at the science behind why volcanoes erupt, the different types of volcanoes, what it is like to live by a volcano, the different animals that survive in those environments, the biggest eruptions on earth and even whether there are volcanoes in space! 

There are absolutely stunning illustrations on every page which really bring to life the text blocks of information. Produced in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, this is a brilliant book for curious and scientific minds. My twins have loved the two-page spread about Vesuvius and learning about how scientists study volcanoes and the kit that they wear. Interesting and informative, filled with fascinating facts and beautiful drawings, we have learned so much from this book. 

The Animal Detectives – Moira Butterfield (author), Merle Goll (illustrator), Buster Books (publisher)

Meet the detective dynamic duo: Harriet Whiskerton and Vince Van Shell. These two animal amateur sleuths are on the case of suspicious activity in the natural world. With case files, suspects, interviews and curious cases there is SO much fun to be had in this fabulous fact book.

So, if your little one is an animal lover then they will love joining the detectives to test their sleuthing skills. Can they solve the mystery of the tree bark basher, the clam killer, and the itch maker?! 

This book is engaging and educational, interesting and informative! It encourages young detectives to discover the mysteries and secrets of the animal kingdom and provides fascinating facts along the way. With the fun investigations and creative curious cases, there is so much to see and learn. 

The illustrations are superb. Amazing animals are depicted with humour and detail across the vibrantly colourful pages. The comic-style is superb for those readers who love a more graphic book to spark their imagination. The perfect book to entertain amateur sleuths and animal lovers. Five stars from us 💗 

World of Football – My Ultimate Guide to the Game- Marcus Rashford and Carl Anka (authors), Rocket Fox (imprint of Pan MacMillan) (publisher)

Published in time for the World Cup this summer, this brilliant book by footballing legend Marcus Rashford will provide your child with everything they need to know about football. There are player stats, tactics, hints and tips on improving skills (my twins loved this chapter!), essential rules about the game and lots of fun facts about favourite clubs. 

There is information about the history of football, the different tournaments and stadiums around the world and so much more. There are fun black and white illustrations throughout the pages, photographs of key players and even a space to write your favourite football players in. 

We also loved the section on how to get into football if you are not already involved in it. So, whether your child is a massive football fanatic or new to the sport, this book is sure to be a huge hit with them. Not only is this book empowering and inspirational, it is a go-to handbook of useful information, fabulous facts and plenty of hints and advice. 

Weather, Camera, Action! – A Meteorologist’s Guide to the Sky – Liam Dutton (author), Giordano Poloni (illustrator), Templar Books (publisher)

Stunningly beautiful, bold and bright, much like the weather itself, this book will blow its way into your heart and mind.

Written by weather presenter and meteorologist Liam Dutton, this work of non-fiction is a fabulous introduction to global weather and rare phenomena. Your reader’s journey will take them off round the world discovering super-rare iridescent clouds, tiny rainbows, fox fires, good old-fashioned rain, and much more! They can learn about the hazards of dust storms, the hotspots for dust devils, where the phrase “stuck in the doldrums” comes from, and the devastating effects of tornadoes. 

This fact book is fantastically illustrated, captivating all of this natural phenomena in the most stunning scenes and vibrant colours. An action-packed, fact-filled adventure round the world, this book is inspirational, jaw-dropping and brilliantly educational. 

Adult Fiction

Fake Out, Make Out – Kate Williams (author), Ink Road (imprint of Bonnier Books) (publisher)

I don’t often review adult fiction on here but I am a sucker for a romance so I couldn’t resist this story.

Charlie Ross can no longer pursue her dream of being an elite running champion because of chronic illness. She can’t face turning her back on elite sports so she joins her uncle’s company, Fire, which specialises in logistics for international sporting events. She soon realises though that there is more to this job than meets the eye. Certain things just don’t add up and when she questions this, she butts heads with the firm’s maddening yet grumpy manager, Declan.

Declan is head of Fire’s clandestine espionage activities and his job is to keep international affairs running smoothly without putting his colleagues, and the world, in danger. His job does not allow him to get close to anyone… and he finds Charlie and her sharp brain particularly irksome!  With a world sporting event looming, and a cache of stolen weapons in the wrong hands, he has no option but to bring Charlie onto his team. 

Sports meets spies in this steamy romance book. It’s a  classic case of girl meets boy, haters to lovers (my favourite trope!) with a clever background of the elite sporting world. There is added depth in the exploration of the emotional and mental impact of a chronic health condition and I enjoyed the international jet-setting and super yachts, making this a great summer read. For those of you who love a steamy summer romance to enjoy by the sun lounger, this is one for you to pick up.