The Dreamies

Whilst you sleep, the Dreamies, tiny, playful creatures who live in the walls of the house, create wonderful dreams, full of colour and fun. However, sometimes they get distracted and dreams can get bigger and out of control, turning into nightmares. But with some imagination, a little practice and a bit of help from the Dreamies, these bad dreams can be chased away.

With top tips from Gemma Coe, a child sleep specialist, parents are sure to find ‘The Dreamies’ a very comforting and reassuring story to share with little ones who are having trouble with nightmares.

The Dreamies are presented as whimsical, fairy-like creatures who bring joy and imagination to dreams. Their special job is depicted as leading children through adventures as they sleep. For children who experience nightmares, it may well be helpful for parents to use the tactics employed by the Dreamies to find ways to take control of their nightmares, imagining something funny or reassuring to alter the path of their dream, helping children to feel safer at night.

The illustrations offer plenty to discuss and enjoy, celebrating the power of the imagination to create vibrant stories and take flights of fancy, making this a lovely story perfect as part of a bedtime routine!

The Dreamies

Iona Campbell

Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1915669806

Published 8th January 2026

Snow

Every day, the Princess digs in the endless snow of Mistmir, desperately seeking something which will restore her kingdom to what it once was. The sudden appearance of a mysterious girl gives the Princess hope she might be able to undo the foolish wish she once made and she is determined to take the girl- Ela- to her father, the King. But Ela is alarmed to find herself face to face with the Snow Princess whose picture is on the cover of her favourite book- a book her mother has now locked away and won’t let her read. The girls must work together to unravel family secrets and set things right.

With a wonderfully wintery setting, ‘Snow’ is a magical story, perfect for this time of year.

The Princess- Karina-is beautifully captured. Craving attention and affection from her father and confused by her much-loved aunt’s behaviour, she makes a rash wish which leads to chaos for her kingdom. The guilt she carries for this is almost palpable as she strives to correct her mistake and maintain the ‘standards’ of being a princess which have been hammered into her all her life. As the story develops, the ache of her loneliness will make even the most hard hearted reader empathise with her and celebrate the brave choices she makes as the book reaches its climax. Ela is also a lonely child, struggling with school and the loss of her ex-best friend, and eager to learn more about the curious book which her mother now seems so determined to hide from her.

A slow start allows for some excellent world building with vivid descriptions and details, making the perfect backdrop to the story as it picks up pace, whisking readers into an incredible adventure, full of magic and mystery, family and friendship.

A thoroughly enjoyable read!

Snow

Meera Trehan

Walker ISBN: 978-1529528787

Meowy Christmas!

When Tiddles the cat awakes from a sleep, he is horrified to discover that he has managed to nap through the appearance of a tree in his living room. Puzzled by the fact that his humans seem to like this tree, Tiddles decides to investigate…

Anyone who has had a cat will be familiar with the feline frolics in ‘Meowy Christmas!’ as Tiddles causes plenty of kitty chaos.

Lively, action-packed illustrations offer plenty of visual humour as Tiddles explores the tree in the most cat-like way, his insatiable cat-curiosity leading him into one pickle after another. The text offers a cat’s eye view of what’s going on, giving children even more to giggle at as they recognise things which he doesn’t- a jolly little red and white man, the shiny little balls and the winking and blinking little lights which are the final straw for Tiddles!

Adults and children will enjoy predicting what will happen next as the story ends with Tiddles set to ‘investigate’ another sparkly object, but the story is also perfect for helping little ones to understand the potential problems when mixing pets and festive decorations- and it might remind a few older ones too!

Meowy Christmas!

Panos Christodoulou, illustrated by Daniela Stamatiadi, translated by Manos Bonanos

Post Wave ISBN: 978-1836270386

Flush It Down: The Story of Sewers Through Time

Any teacher will tell you that one of the most frequently asked questions when on a history based trip will be around how people used to go to the loo! This very human fascination with this very human function is comprehensively covered in this surprisingly interesting book!

Having started with a focus on poo entitled ‘Ew Gross!’ which explains not only what it is, but also why we find it so distasteful, the author moves on to a look at poo through the ages from prehistoric to modern times. Developments in toilet technology across the world are covered as well as the devastating impact of the deadly diseases spread by dirty living conditions.

The book is packed with entertaining illustrations and plenty of word play and puns, adding much humour to the subject. However, more serious issues around the problems of human waste and dealing with these challenges today are also raised with a look at future, more sustainable solutions.

A fun addition to any bookshelf, ‘Flush It Down’ is full of historical and scientific information, allowing readers to discover more about sewers through time!

Flush It Down: The Story of Sewers Through Time

Rob Flowers

Cicada ISBN: 978-1800660649

Skulkmoor

When Aunt Carmelia fails to notice which twin, Clementine or Rosie, was born first, the girls find themselves pitted against one another in a feud to decide which should become the heir. As sibling rivalry turns to hatred, they build a great wall to divide the house, setting off a family feud and when the twins are found dead, the enmity between the two sides of the family intensifies. With their grandchildren caught up in the hatred, cousins Iris and Ted are faced with competing against one another for the inheritance or the estate passing to another living relative. As they pit their wits against one another, family secrets and lies are exposed, forcing them to work together to uncover the truth.

If you are looking for an exciting mystery, then ‘Skulkmoor’ is essential reading! Clever plotting, a twisty trail of clues, hints of humour and feuding family all make this a thoroughly enjoyable, highly engaging read.

The house and its inhabitants are vividly described, careful details adding much to the story as the mystery unfolds. Iris and Ted have grown up loathing each other, caught up in the family feud and their feelings of righteous indignation that the other side of the family has got away with murder. Told from the perspective of each in turn, dark secrets and skulduggery are exposed , leading to a very exciting and satisfying conclusion.

‘Skulkmoor’ would make an excellent class story with plenty to discuss and debate along the way as more and more clues -and red herrings - are revealed. The tale shows how misinformation, misdirection and being blind about the motivations and actions of others in the light of preconceptions can lead to being horribly wrong about people, offering plenty to talk about whilst enjoying what is an excellent read!

This is one of those stories which is hard to review without giving too much away, but memorable characters, an intriguing setting and a brilliantly tangled puzzle to solve make it one not to be missed! (And make sure you remove the dust jacket from the hardback to reveal a map of Skulkmoor Manor beneath!)

Skulkmoor

Hana Tooke, illustrated by Ayesha L. Rubio

Puffin ISBN: 978-0241635827

Spin a Story

Perfect for National Non-Fiction November, ‘Spin a Story’ offers a wonderful mixture of true tales, riddles, poems, fun facts and jokes with the added enjoyment of a spinner on the cover to help you choose which category- Wonder, Explore, Laugh or Ooh- to select!

Spinning ‘Explore’ could lead readers to information about wild homes, explain why Christmas Island turns red every year between October and December or take you on holiday somewhere in the universe. Landing on orange will give you a giggle as you find out how to tell a joke or discover the colour of a brown bear’s poo. Blue is the colour of the ‘ooh’ category full of surprising stories about remarkable robots or some mysteries from the past whilst yellow will make you wonder at kangaroos or the brilliance of butterflies.

A collection of authors have contributed to the book so that each concise entry has a different feeling, giving variety of both subject matter and style, engaging readers afresh with each twirl of the spinner. The concept makes this an excellent book for sharing with siblings or friends, each taking a turn to spin and choose the next entry to be enjoyed. The colourful, often humorous, illustrations add to the book’s appeal, making this a treat to be returned to again and again!

Spin a Story

Various authors, illustrated by Mariona Cabassa

Red Shed ISBN: 978-0008685973

A Tree for Everyone

For Jake and his friends, the tree was a magical place where they built a tree house and played marvellous games. But when more children came, angry words and unkind actions destroyed everything …until they realise that they need to resolve their differences to move forward.

‘A Tree for Everyone’ is a delightful, heart-warming story, celebrating the importance of taking and giving second chances as well as the joys of imaginative play.

For Jake, Aiden and Pip, the tree is the perfect place for all their creative play, becoming a pirate ship, a castle, a space rocket…whatever they dream and invent. Their joyful play comes to an end when they feel their space is threatened by the arrival of three more children. Things escalate quickly from Jake and his friends not wanting to share ‘their’ tree to the destruction of the tree house. No longer having such a special shared place, the children drift off to do other things, but when Jake and one of the other children, Lily, gravitate back to the tree, a new understanding and friendship springs up as they apologise to each other. Perfect for sharing at story time, the book promotes ideas of empathy and kindness, showing the tree can very successfully be a shared space, sparking discussions about special places or games and how others can be included. Children are sure to want to share their favourite games, perhaps leading to a class book of ideas.

Vibrant, fun-filled illustrations reflect the joys of creative play with the tree central to their joy. Lily and Jake are surrounded by its greenery as they apologise for their unkind words and deeds. There are many details to notice and enjoy!

A lovely book about friendship and sharing, kindness and creativity.

A Tree for Everyone

Kathy Urban, illustrated by Rosie Butcher

Little Steps ISBN: 978-1915641427

Robin

Eddie’s little sister, Scarlet, is very ill. Having been born with a heart condition, she often needs medical care, taking all his parents’ time and attention. Eddy loves Scarlet very much- but sometimes he feels invisible to others and focuses all his attention on being a ‘good’ boy, bottling up all his emotions and keeping the ‘monster’ they create deep inside. Whilst Scarlet faces another surgery, Eddie goes to stay with his Uncle John where he meets a robin in the snowy forest. This bird leads him to a mysterious wild girl, who wants him to find his voice and free his feelings…

‘Robin’ is sensitively written, poignant novel which explores the impact on a family of a serious illness. She has captured a loving, close family, who are each under the enormous strain of worry which Scarlet’s illness has caused, allowing the reader to empathise, not only with Scarlet, but Eddie and his parents as well. It is an incredibly powerful, well-considered story.

The healing power of nature is at the heart of the book as Uncle John encourages Eddie to share his secrets and thoughts with the trees whose ability to communicate and support one another reflects his deep need and desire to be really seen and supported by the people around him. Icy, snowy conditions enhance his feelings of isolation yet allow him to tune into the sustaining sounds of nature, eventually contrasting with the warmth of friendship and family.

As Eddie finds his voice through music and friendship, the whole family benefits from his bravery and honesty, becoming stronger as they acknowledge the importance of finding their ‘monstrous voice’. The beautiful writing is paired with evocative illustrations which enhance the magical, wintery atmosphere of the story. Adults thinking of sharing this with any child would be well advised to read it first, not only because it is well worth reading.

Robin

Sarah Ann Juckes, illustrated by Linde Faas

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398531055

Tomorrow’s Ghost

In the summer of 1976, Anna wakes from a strange dream to hear her aunt Maggie making plans to send her away for the summer to help her Auntie Em, who has sprained her ankle. Never wanting to be a burden to her aunt who took her in after the death of her parents, Anna readily agrees despite secret feelings of reluctance. However, Em and her lovely dog, Bob, are welcoming and Anna is full of optimism for the summer ahead. But her strange dreams seem to have followed her to Pear Tree Cottage and when she discovers the ruins of a once-grand house in the woods, Anna is sure it is connected to Etty, the young girl who keeps appearing in her dreams. As she learns more of Etty’s story, Anna is determined to save her…

Set in the long, hot summer of 1976, ‘Tomorrow’s Ghost’ is a wonderfully atmospheric story which connects two girls, both orphaned, across time. Each girl is beautifully captured, making them very relatable and easy to empathise with. After having overheard a conversation, Anna is worried about being a burden on Maggie and so tries to be as helpful and accommodating as possible, usually ignoring her own feelings in the process. Anna also feels lost with her best friend, Suzy, who is now interested in fashion and boys rather than the imaginative games they used to play. Etty has also been orphaned and is sent to live with her cruel and uncompromising Grandfather, who disapproved of her mother. In his house, Etty finds she has to pretend and play the part of a haughty heiress, but dreams of finding freedom and escaping the unhappy life she is trapped in. Her feelings of loss and confusion on arriving at her new home are deeply poignant.

As well as offering a compelling mystery as the connection between the two girls unfolds, the book is also full of historical details, seamlessly woven through the story. The endless, hot summer, fashion ideas, ‘Jackie’ magazine, district nurses, not flushing the loo to save water… 1976 is vividly brought to life for today’s readers with its lack of mobile phones and other everyday luxuries taken for granted today (Auntie Em has a small black and white television with poor reception!), offering plenty to talk about. Readers also learn much about life at the end of the Great War, the flu epidemic and the contrasting lives of the rich and poor. The attitude to women and girls in Etty’s time might not surprise readers, but the pressure Anna feels to be a ‘good’ girl and being sent to look after a relative she barely knows at the age of 12 is sure to cause plenty of comment!

This is a story which has a wide age appeal with plenty to capture imagination and interest. A cracking read!

Tomorrow’s Ghost

Tanya Landman

Walker ISBN: 978-1529519747

A Song of the Seasons

‘A Song of the Seasons’ follows the lives of a mother bear and her cubs from as they wake from their winter hibernation through the changing seasons of the year. This gentle picture book captures the beauty of each phase of the year, celebrating the wonders of nature.

Perfect for sharing, the story makes an excellent starting point for discussing the changing seasons and how creatures adapt to each. Delicate illustrations frame the lyrical text as the bears slowly wake from their sleep, frolic in the summer sun and prepare for the next winter sleep on the bounty of autumn.

This is a wonderfully calming tale, following the rolling cadence of the year with creatures thriving in their natural setting. It would be excellent for a story time, sparking plenty of discussion and further investigation.

A Song of the Seasons

Yibing Deng

Post Wave ISBN: 878-1836270676

Wolf Crown

Having beaten the White Prince in the race for the Midnight Treasure and having discovered that they are, in fact, twins, Tibor and Roza now know that they are heirs to the throne of Princeland. However, now mortal, having lost their powers using the Dark Lantern, reclaiming their inheritance seems an impossibility as they face a new race against time to find the long-lost Wolf Crown which seems to offer their only chance of defeating the White Prince once and for all.

No summary could ever do justice to the richly-told, superbly plotted dream of a book which is ‘Wolf Crown’. I absolutely adored ‘Midnight Treasure’ - and this sequel is even better!

Separated, Roza and Tibor are forced to follow different paths on their journey to defeat the White Prince. During their adventures, they discover much about themselves, showing great courage and determination on the way. They learn to accept help from others, to consider different possibilities and ultimately that everyone has light and dark within them, but each individual can decide ‘how much and when’. Together, they are strong and together, they share the crown.

Each character in the story is carefully developed from the Grimoire to (my new favourite!) Tiny Tibor, who may be ‘only’ a small, smooth newt, but whose contribution to discovering the Crown is incalculable!

The incredible world building started in ‘Midnight Treasure’ continues throughout the story with wonderfully detailed, evocative descriptions. A map at the beginning of the book allows readers to chart the twins’ progress on their adventures. It was a joy to revisit this world and leave Roza and Tibor poised for new and exciting possibilities. Perfect for anyone looking for a challenging, satisfying and exciting read!

Wolf Crown

Piers Torday

Quercus ISBN: 978-1786541451

You can read my review of ‘Midnight Treasure’ here.

Oscar Wilde’s Stories for Children

Containing six enduring tales, this new edition of ‘Oscar Wilde’s Stories for Children’ is an absolute delight.

The collection contains two of his best loved and best known stories, ‘The Happy Prince’ and ‘The Selfish Giant’, both tales which I loved as a child. There is always some debate with Wilde’s fairy tales as to whether they are truly meant for children as they are sometimes dark and emotionally charged. I cried for ages on first reading ‘The Happy Prince’- yet borrowed it from the library again and again. However, any adult considering sharing these stories with the children in their lives, whether at home or at school, would be well advised to pre-read them to be able to discuss and enjoy sharing them with younger readers as they feel appropriate.

However, these stories are full of memorable characters and offer so much to discuss and reflect on and this edition is so beautifully illustrated, making it the perfect choice. Pages are edged with papercuts which frame the text and adorn the endpapers whilst gorgeous paintings accompany each story. The style of these give the book a charming, timeless feeling, making this a wonderful collection to introduce children to Wilde’s stories.

Essential for readers young and old!

Oscar Wilde’s Stories for Children

Illustrated by Lauren O’Hara

Little Island ISBN: 978-1915071897

Factology: The Maya

Full of fascinating information, this new addition to the ‘Factology’ series offers a detailed look at the ancient Maya. Starting with an explanation of who the Maya were- and are- ‘Factology: The Maya’ provides a timeline of events happening in the rest of the world as the Maya civilisation developed, allowing readers to make connections with other historical periods and events which they might be familiar with.

The book carefully explains the importance of the ‘Popol Vuh’, a sacred Maya text and how this survived, allowing readers today to become familiar with their origin stories and what they believed. Vivid illustrations accompany a whose who of some of the major gods before some of their myths are retold, presented in graphic form. Highly engaging, vocabulary and additional details are explained, deepening understanding of these complex stories.

Plenty of information about daily life is included, with a focus spread on chocolate and its importance to the Maya. Divided into three sections, the book looks at the pre-classic, classic and post-classic periods, charting the rise and decline of this great civilisation, including investigating the theory that aliens were around at this time and how they might have helped the Maya build their pyramids!

The book ends with a quiz (including answers!) encouraging children to reflect on their reading- or look up the answers! In the current KS2 History National Curriculum, the Maya are one of the study area choices for a non-European society that provides contrasts with British history and this book would make an excellent addition to library or class resources to support this.

Factology: The Maya

Button Books ISBN: 978-1787081840

Lost Evangeline

When a shoemaker discovers a tiny girl in the toe of a boot, he raises her with love and care. Having named her ‘Evangeline’ - a name that spoke of possibilities- he shares with her his dreams of exploration and adventure. His wife, on the other hand, feels that there is something unnatural about the little girl and is jealous of the closeness of their relationship and the dreams they share. When she sells Evangeline to a rich old lady, the wife loses everything as the shoemaker leaves to search for his child and never returns. Meanwhile, Evangeline, who has escaped with the aid of a marmalade cat, is also seeking her father in an impossibly big world.

With elements reminiscent of ‘Thumbelina’ and ‘Pinocchio’ , ‘Lost Evangeline’ is a delightful story of enduring love, kindness and adventurous spirit.

The shoemaker has always longed for adventure with his dreams thwarted first by his father and then by his wife. When Evangeline comes into his life, he has someone to share his hopes with, a kindred spirit full of curiosity and wonder. Their separation is the catalyst for his becoming a sailor, determined to continue seeking his lost daughter. Evangeline, tiny though she is, is equally set on finding the shoemaker. Encountering both good and evil characters on her journey, she remains positive and full of courage, an inspiration as she sings her songs of freedom.

The feeling of a fairy tale is enhanced by the very atmospheric illustrations which show the spirals of song which weave their way through the story right to the end. Although there is no instant happy ending with father and daughter reunited once more, it is through the final illustration which the reader is left with a thread of hope that this might yet happen.

I feel this could be a ‘Marmite’ story, provoking strong reactions in its readers, but I loved it!

Lost Evangeline: A Norendy Tale

Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Walker ISBN: 978-1529525892

The Turtle Who Turned the Tide

It’s the day of the Grand Hatching and all the animals have gathered to watch the baby turtles make their way to the ocean. Tula and her brother, Tiny, are amongst them and Tula finds herself the favourite to win the race to the water. However, she suddenly realises that Tiny has gone off course. She bravely decides to turn back and find him and when they find themselves facing danger, all the animals unite to save Tula and Tiny and see them safely to the water.

Since ‘The Lion Inside’ Rachel Bright and Jim Field have been delighting readers with gorgeous stories, ringing with positive messages and joy. Like the others, ‘The Turtle Who Turned the Tide’ combines vivid engaging illustrations with a heart-warming story about the power of change and communities working together for good.

The rhyming text is an absolute joy to read aloud, rising and falling with the action of the story. Tula chooses to help her brother above winning the race, showing the importance of kindness. Her example to the other animals inspires them in turn to gather together and rally round when needed, making sure Tula and Tiny escape the jaws of Snake and happily end up in the ocean with the other baby turtles. The element of peril is very well handled with the word ‘but…’ at the bottom of the page hinting that something is going to save the siblings!

The illustrations are just wonderful, helping to immerse the reader in the story. There are many points to pause and linger over the pictures, perhaps discussing them in more detail. Children might wish to discover more about turtles, their hatching and first journey to the sea. They might enjoy making a simple origami model or a felt finger puppet of a turtle and use these to act out the story whilst reading. With older readers, the meaning of ‘turned the tide’ and how this is shown in the story would generate some interesting discussions!

Another triumph from this team!

The Turtle Who Turned the Tide

Rachel Bright, illustrated by Jim Field

Orchard ISBN: 978-1408366448

You can read my review of ‘The Pandas Who Promised’ here, The Koala Who Could here, The Squirrels Who Squabbled here, The Way Home for Wolf here and The Whale Who Wanted More here.

Swanfall

Pip lives with his family at Keeper’s Cottage on the wetlands where his mum works on environmental conservation. He particularly enjoys the swanfall every autumn where Arctic swans return home and watches out for his three favourites who he has named Midnight, Silver and Moonshadow.

At school, Pip is not so happy as he struggles to focus, but he enjoys their class visits to the Book Bus. When Mrs de Plume from the old manor house donates a trunk of old books, he finds himself drawn to an old book, one which Mrs de Plume seems determined to retrieve. The mysterious book, the missing swans and Mrs de Pume’s increasingly odd behaviour lead Pip and his friends into an adventure full of legend, mystery and magic.

‘The Children of Lir’, which inspired ‘Swanfall’, is one of my favourite Irish legends so I was very keen to read this book and I was not disappointed. Sophie Kirtley has skilfully woven this ancient story into one of her own, creating a wonderfully atmospheric and gripping read.

Pip is an extremely relatable young lad whose passion for the swans and the annual swanfall represents all those children with interests and hobbies lie outside the boundaries of the traditional school curriculum. He feels cut off from the other children, except for his best friend, Tommo in whose non-judgmental, easy company Pip feels at ease. However, the inclusion of classmates, Erin and Hanif, into this friendship leaves Pip feeling threatened, particularly by Hanif who is popular and effortlessly amazing at everything. As the story progresses, Pip learns that people are not always what they appear at first glance and he comes to value Erin and Hanif and their loyalty and courage, as much as he does Tommo, finding his flock to fly with just as the swans find theirs.

Hauntingly beautiful, evocative writing celebrates the beauties- and perils- of the natural world as well as the light and dark of human nature. Tense and intense in places, ‘Swanfall’ is perfect for offering readers something special and different which might lead them to ‘The Children of Lir’ and other Irish myths as well as sparking an interest in the Arctic swans so lovingly described in these pages.

A fabulous read!

Swanfall

Sophie Kirtley

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526642820

Tiger, It’s Snowing!/ Tiger, Don’t Worry!

Little Mei and her friend, Tiger, are excited because it is snowing. Tiger has never seen snow before and is so keen to explore that he doesn’t notice how cold Mei is getting. When he does, they both head home for a warming bowl of soup and bed.

A lovely story, ‘Tiger, It’s Snowing’ bursts with the childhood joys of exploration and discovery, capturing that sense of wonder. All the fun and excitement of playing in fresh snow is perfectly captured through Tiger’s wide-eyed delight as he and Mei cavort about, tasting and capturing snowflakes. The story also offers the opportunity for gentle discussions about noticing how others are feeling as, in his excitement, Tiger doesn’t listen to Mei when she says she is feeling cold, only noticing that there is a problem when she starts to sneeze.

The illustrations are just delightful, each one worth dwelling on and enjoying. Mei and Tiger stand out against the softly coloured backgrounds and their affection for each other is easy to see. Children will enjoy discussing these scenes, comparing them to their own experiences of snow days! A wonderful spread shows Tiger wrapping Mei in his warm, furry arms once he had realised how cold she is and another captures them creating snow angels!

Warm and wonderful, this is a wonderful story to snuggle up with and share!

Tiger, It’s Snowing

Daishu Ma

Post Wave ISBN: 9781836270355

When Mei and Tiger decide they would like to make tea like the adults, things go very wrong and the two run away to avoid getting into trouble. Eventually, they realise that they need to go home and face the consequences of their actions.

I absolutely love ‘Tiger, Don’t Worry!’. In their enthusiasm, Tiger and Mei unintentionally cause chaos in their attempt to make tea. Little children will immediately empathise with their sense of worry when things go wrong, perhaps able to identify with this situation! The story offers a gentle lesson about the importance of owning up when things go wrong, but also perhaps serves as a reminder to adults that accidents can happen with no ill intent! Tiger and Mei are instantly forgiven by their family and everyone makes tea together.

For many children- and adults- reading this book, making a cup of tea involves a very different process to that shown in the illustrations, making the story an excellent starting point for discussions about where tea comes from!

Tiger and Mei are sure to become firm favourites with young readers!

Tiger, Don’t Worry!

Daishu Ma

Post Wave ISBN: 978-1836270164

Firefly

‘Firefly’ is the most gorgeous book. Hinting at the beauty withing, its stunning cover of deepest blue with copper image is very tactile, a theme continued by the thick, creamy pages inside. It even smells wonderful!

Perfect for the darkening days of this time of year, the lyrical verse follows a little girl’s journey through the woods, encouraging her to ‘seek what’s glowing’ to counter the pitfalls and darkness which surrounds her. For those who struggle with dark feelings or who find the long winter nights a difficult time, these words will offer hope and comfort, reminders that all the tiny joyful things in life can combine and give light in the dark- ‘set fears to flight, set night on fire.’

The text is a joy to read aloud, full of vivid imagery and rich vocabulary, accompanied by the most enchanting illustrations. Uplifting and powerful, ‘Firefly’ is a stunning book, one to be shared again and again.

Firefly

Robert Macfarlane, illustrated by Luke Adam Hawker

Magic Cat ISBN: 978-1917044523

Keep Your Friends Close

When Chloe Roberts is cheated out of being Head Girl at Morton Academy by her supposed best friend, Nikhita Patel, everything changes. No longer assured the benefits which this position brings and having been dumped by her boyfriend, she finds herself clinging to her position in the school’s secret society, Jewel and Bone. Then Chloe stumbles upon the ‘Book of Crime and Punishment’, the misdeeds committed by Morton students recorded along with a fitting punishment, and suddenly it seems as if certain marked entries match up with the deaths of members of Jewel and Bone. And it looks as if Chloe is next…

Pacy and tense, ‘Keep Your Friends Close’ is a compelling, ‘can’t put it down until finished’ read!

Hardworking and competitive, Chloe has her sights set on the bright future offered by being a member of Jewel and Bone and being Head Girl of Morton Academy. Having spent the previous year on course for the top spot, she is devastated when one of the girls in her friendship circle deprives her of this by cheating. Pushed to the fringes of the group and finding herself sharing a room with girls who are not part of the ‘elite’, Chloe realises how unpleasant Nikhita can be and, to her horror, is forced to acknowledge that she (Chloe) has also behaved badly towards others. Knowing that her only course of action now is to work harder than ever to secure the future she longs for, she tries to adapt to her new life at school, making friends with her new room mates.

Readers are kept guessing as Chloe strives to unpick the mystery. As the tension mounts and sinister event follows sinister event, her nerves are stretched to breaking point, leading to a twisted ending. The story poses many questions about power and privilege and how far people are prepared to go gain and keep these, offering plenty to think about.

Set in 1999, the book is set at Morton Academy which some readers will recognise as the setting for ‘Win, Lose, Kill, Die’. ‘Keep Your Friends Close’ works perfectly well as a stand alone, although true fans will enjoy recognising some details.

A thoroughly enjoyable read!

Keep Your Friends Close

Cynthia Murphy

Penguin ISBN: 978-0241712788

Amazing Shark: Guardian of the Seas

Beautifully presented with a textured cover and glossy pages, ‘Amazing Shark’ is as stunning as it is informative.

Written in a very engaging, chatty style, the author offers an amazing array of facts and figures explaining the development of sharks and the incredible number of known shark species which scientists group into eight orders. Stunning illustrations accompany the text, on occasions in response to a request from the author (Michele? Could you please draw is a 17cm megalodon tooth here? Thank you!) The author is also keen to ally fears about these incredible creatures, emphasising ways in which humans are a threat to sharks rather than the other way around.

There is an interactive element to the book, encouraging readers to engage fully with the text. Sections entitled ‘For Bright Minds’ offer additional information, there are quizzes, jokes, pictures with things to spot…plenty to challenge and capture interest whilst learning more about sharks. There is even a page pointing those who wish to learn more in the direction of additional resources.

Perfect for enquiring minds, this would make an excellent addition to any bookshelf at home or at school!

Amazing Shark: Guardian of the Seas

Michael Stavaric, illustrated by Michele Ganser and translated by Oliver Latsch

Pushkin Press ISBN: 978-1782695530