The Middler

Maggie Cruise is a middler. Her brother, Jed, is an eldest - special because he is the family’s first born. Her younger brother, Trig, is the little one, everyone’s favourite. Being a middler means she is overlooked and ignored, but Maggie yearns for recognition and success. Fennis Wick, where they live, is protected from the outside world by a thick hedge. Dirty, dangerous, deceitful wanderers roam the land, threatening their lives. But when Maggie meets Una Opal, a hungry wanderer who needs her help, everything Maggie has been led to believe is turned upside down.

I loved this book! Being a ‘middler’ myself, I recognised Maggie’s sense of frustration and injustice at being the invisible middle one- particularly as a girl between two boys. She is a wonderful figure, loving and loyal, but flawed, making an engaging main character. The world she lives in has been expertly crafted and filled with believable characters. Sent to fight in the Quiet War, sacrificing their lives at home for the good of their families, Eldests may seem to have the best of everything and live a charmed life, yet Jed and Lindi, another Eldest, are well rounded characters, shown to have worries about their future as well. Trig is lovely- full of life and skilled in his own way.

Gripping from start to finish, this is a one-sitting sort of book which completely captivates you. Although there are dark moments full of menace, the story is ultimately uplifting and full of hope and love. Highly recommended, this is a fabulous read.

The Middler

Kirsty Applebaum

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788003452

Troofriend

I AM A TROOFRIEND.

I DO NOT BULLY.

I DO NOT HARM.

I DO NOT LIE.

I DO NOT COVET OR STEAL OR ENVY.

I AM YOUR PERFECT FRIEND.

YOUR

ONE

TROOFRIEND.

The ideal companion for children with busy parents, Troofriend is sold as a safe, reliable friend. Sarah’s mother believes this is just what her daughter needs, although Sarah herself is not so sure. Named Ivy (after the Mark IV label on her arm), Sarah’s Troofriend initially spends much of her time turned off. When a Bring Your Tech to School Day offers her the chance to gain the attention of the popular children at school and make it a less horrible place, Sarah decides that she and Ivy will become best friends. However, there is more to Ivy than meets the eye and as Troofriends hit the headlines for the wrong reasons, Sarah has to ask herself whether she is a true friend.

Kirsty Applebaum dished up an amazing story with ‘The Middler’ and ‘Troofriend’ is another fabulous piece of writing. It is an essential read so I must be careful not to give too much away about the plot.

The story challenges from the first page, raising many philosophical questions effortlessly. Perfect for guided reading, there is so much to discuss and explore in these pages, but most importantly, it is a compelling story with engaging characters. Sadly, many children will readily identify with Sarah having busy parents and the tech that fills their lives as entertainment in place of human interaction. Bring back ‘Ball-in-a-Sock’ and wondering at rainbows!

‘Troofriend’ is an engaging and thought provoking read, touching and challenging in turn. Add it to your TBR pile- at the top!

Troofriend

Kirsty Applebaum

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788003476

Teatime Around the World

A wonderful celebration of my favourite drink, ‘Teatime Around the World’ is a charming and informative read. The text opens with a simple rhyme-

Tea for one.

Tea for two.

Tea for me.

Tea for you.

-and this continues as the reader is introduced many different types of tea which are enjoyed around the world. The author’s love of a good cuppa is obvious and she uses her travel experiences as a basis for her writing. The book will appeal to younger children as a simple rhyme with lovely pictures with more information about each type of tea for older readers.

I have had cream teas all over England, taken part in a tea ceremony in Japan and had green tea and quails eggs in a tea house in Shanghai, but there are so many ways of enjoying tea that I’d never heard of in this book! It’s perfect for sharing personal experience of a drink familiar to all, yet served in so many ways and, perhaps, for trying something new.

The illustrations are colourful and engaging and the book makes a great starting point for further investigation of this wonderful- and varied- drink!

Teatime Around the World

Denyse Waissbluth, illustrated by Chelsea O’Byrne

Greystone ISBN: 978-1771646017

Dragon Post

Alex finds a dragon living in the basement of his house. Having always wanted a dragon, he hopes it will stay, but has concerns about looking after it so he writes letters to a series of people who he hopes will offer him good advice. In the end, Alex realises that the best thing for his fiery friend to find somewhere to live more suited to his needs. They part company and one day, Alex receives some more post- Dragon Post!

Being a great ‘Nibbles’ fan, I knew that ‘Dragon Post’ was going to be a real winner- and I was not disappointed!

The reader does not see Alex’s letters to the various people he contacts, but each reply is presented in the form of a letter which can be removed from an envelope presented in the book. Amongst the responses he gets to his cries for help, there is also a nasty-gram from P. Dantic and P. Nickety, solicitors for his neighbour who does not appreciate the heat, smoke and noise Alex’s new pet is causing!

The illustrations are joyful, showing plenty of personality and action to back up the simple text presented on each page. The letters offer a more challenging read and are full of humour, including things for grown-ups to enjoy as they share the story- or indeed read it for their own pleasure!

There is so much that you could do with a book like this in the classroom with both older and younger children. Many science activities could be explored in the context of Alex’s adventures. The story could also be used to teach children about the importance of pet care and to encourage them to create their own books exploring this. Writing and replying to letters, creating cards and envelopes, corresponding with pen-pals… I’m itching to get planning!

Amazing illustrations, a lovely story and a beautifully presented book- what more could you ask for?!

Dragon Post

Emma Yarlett

Walker Books ISBN: 978-1406379716

I, Cosmo

Cosmo is a Golden Retriever. He is devoted his family, particularly Max who he promised to protect when he was a baby. However, all is not well- Mum and Dad are arguing all the time and Max is terrified about what the future might hold. But what can a dog do to help? With the help of Uncle Reggie, Max and Cosmo decide to enter a dancing competition to remind mum and dad of the days when they used to dance round the kitchen and were happy. But Max will have to overcome his shyness and Cosmos his creaking joints if they are to stand a hope of mum and dad getting the message.

There is nothing I can say which can sum up what a special book this is! Cosmo is a mixture of all the dogs I have known and loved in my lifetime. Cosmo’s voice is beautifully written with his dog’s eye view of events carefully relayed. The bond he has with Max and his tireless devotion his doggy heart gives is so touching. Childhood pets are so important and the comfort they offer is boundless.

However, there is more to this book than that. There is plenty of humour added to the story as Cosmo tries to make sense of the world about him. Cosmo’s love of bacon and Grease (the film), the naughty things he is occasionally tempted into doing all add to his wonderful personality.

There is a more serious side to this story. Max’s misery at the constant arguments and the tension they create, his uncertainty at what the future holds and his fear of being separated from Cosmo are all explored sensitively and seen through Cosmo’s eyes, allowing for some distance.

This is a must read story - something really different and special. Get the tissues ready!

I, Cosmo Carlie Sorosiak

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788003872

Firecrackers

Subtitled 'An Explosion of Fantastical Poems, Raps, Haikus, Fairy Tales (and more) to Spark Imagination', the book is a veritable cascade of words, wound in wonderful ways.

Although the collection offers fairy tales, little plays and a song, it is the poems that are our focus here- and what a range Zaro Weil offers! Here are poems crying out to be performed- spoken-shared- as they celebrate the joy of words, the richness of language and the potential for play that lies within them.

There a poems which could be performed by classes or individuals. Take 'Firecrackers Tonight' for example...

Firecrackers tonight

a sky volcano of colour

wave after wave

rousing the stratosphere

from its great darkness...

Perfect for developing the use of cadence, projection, enunciation, gesture and choral/ part speaking as well as simply poetry for pleasure, it could also be used as a starting point to inspire children's own writing. And there are many others that can be used in this way too.

There are light-hearted poems...

This bed is so fat

this pillow so soft

hundreds of dreams

can climb right in

...and ones that provoke discussion and laughter. Poems like 'A trade' and 'The Paper Bag' would make great models for children to use as a model for their own poems. The starting line

Fill up a paper bag with...

of each verse would generate such discussions about those precious things and how to describe them. At a time when vocabulary (or the lack of it!) continues to be a major barrier for so many, the freedom poetry offers to explore and experiment with words is a real gift. For example, in Bumblebees and hummingbirds, the reader can ponder the image of 'mulberry clouds', question how water is 'braiding the earth in a torrent of new-born rivers' and imagine what 'a slippery wisp of some barely green branch' looks like. 

There is also a code which can be scanned so that you can hear 'ear-rattling raps, poems and songs'- I haven't tried this yet so can't comment on it, but hearing others perform poetry is a real joy so it can only add to the value of the book.

Illustrated throughout by Jo Riddell with black and white drawings that enhance the text beautifully, this is a real treasure of a book which will soon be a must on all classroom shelves. A 'firecracker' by name and by content!

Firecrackers 

Zaro Weil, illustrated by Jo Riddell

ZaZaKids in association with Trioka      ISBN: 978-1909991781

When Poems Fall from the Sky

Produced in association with The Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, her new collection, ‘When Poems Fall From the Sky’, is inspired by nature, celebrating its ‘deepest mysteries’ and ‘timeless stories’.

The collection contains story-poems, raps, rhymes, haiku and little plays, each full of imagination and energy, covering a wonderful range of styles. ‘If You Can Hear Me’ is a beautiful lullaby whilst ‘Come On Down to Fungi Town’ is a light-hearted rap. Each poem is illustrated with Junli Song’s vibrant illustrations.

There are lots of poems here which are great for enjoying with a class. Many are perfect for performing as a class or in groups and sharing. Others could be used to inspire children to write their own poems, focusing on the wonders of the natural world and the importance of protecting our planet. A fabulous collection!

When Poems Fall from the Sky

Zaro Weil, illustrated by Junli Song

Troika Books ISBN: 978-1909991958

The Green Giant

Bea is leaving the city to visit her grandfather who lives in the country. He loves to work in his garden whereas she love to do nothing. When Iris, her sausage dog, chases a cat over the fence into next door’s garden, she follows and finds an overgrown wilderness. There she discovers an old greenhouse…and a giant made entirely from plants! The Green Giant explains how he had to leave the city, opening Bea’s eyes to the magic and wonder of nature. When she leaves to return home to the city, the giant gives her a present which helps transform the grey city in which she lives.

A lovely story offering an important message about the wonder of green spaces and the magic of planting seeds and watching them grow, ‘The Green Giant’ is a fabulous book for sharing and promoting discussion. The Green Giant is reminiscent of the Green Man, often a symbol associated with rebirth on churches and that is what he longs for- a magical place where everything can grow.

The illustrations are lovely, showing Bea come to love nature and awakening her love of the outdoors and all it offers. ‘Guerrilla gardening’ is on the increase as people come to understand the importance greenery has on people’s well being as well as the environment. The colours are bright and vivid, grabbing attention and emphasising the contrast between the grey of the city and the beauty of nature.

The Green Giant

Katie Cottle

Pavilion ISBN: 978-1843654001

The Blue Giant

Meera and her mother are enjoying a day on the beach when a blue giant rises from the water and asks for their help. It takes them on a journey beneath the waves and shows them all the rubbish that has gathered there. Meesha and her mum swim into action and start to clean up, but there is so much to do. But they find that each act of kindness inspires someone else to action and soon everybody is working together to clean up.

This beautiful story gently introduces children to the compelling issue of rubbish in our seas. The Blue Giant brings the environment to life, making a direct appeal from the ocean to the reader to take action. Meera and her mother help the creatures ‘one by one’ as they clean up, showing what a huge task this is- and yet how things can be achieved if tackled one step at a time. It also inspires collective action with Meera’s actions leading to others joining in and following her example.

With its lovely illustrations, ‘The Blue Giant’ is perfect for using in school. Sea collages and beach scenes, creating their own ‘Blue Giants’, sand sculptures and sea creatures- so much art work could be generated from this book. It also offers an excellent starting point for discussions about pollution and steps that can be taken to solve the issue- perhaps starting with a beach clean if you live near the sea- or a playground tidy if not. There are suggestions for reducing the usage of single use plastics - action that can be taken immediately!

‘The Blue Giant’ is a delightful story full of lovely illustrations which is the perfect follow-up to Katie’s first book, ‘The Green Giant’.

The Blue Giant

Katie Cottle

Pavilion ISBN: 978-18436513

Once Upon a Tune

‘Once Upon a Tune’ is such a beautiful book, full of stunning illustrations. Six stories from around the world have been lovingly retold and each has been the inspiration for wonderful music. James is well known for combining his incredible artwork with storytelling and music and this book is a true celebration of the timeless appeal of a good story. The Sorcerer's Apprentice, The Swan of Tuonela, The Flight of the Bumblebee, In the Hall of the Mountain King, Scheherazade and William Tell are the stories included, each dramatically illustrated with sections of musical notation forming part of the pictures, constantly reminding the reader of the link. I suspect this has been taken from the score of each piece!  The artwork is sure to inspire children to create collages or paintings of scenes from stories or perhaps to paint whilst listening to the music as James does so brilliantly.

There are musical notes from the author at the end of the book and recommended recordings of each piece for the reader to listen to, a wonderful resource for those who perhaps aren’t sure which version to try first. This makes the book a very useful resource for teachers as well, making for a special story time where the music and story can be combined, perhaps over a few sessions with plenty of discussion and enjoyment.

James has also made some short films introducing each story which are perfect for sharing. Once Upon a Tune is both beautifully designed and beautifully written- an absolute joy!

Once Upon a Tune

James Mayhew

Otter-Barry ISBN: 978-1913074036

Too Much Stuff!

Meg and Ash have created a lovely nest for their four perfect eggs. But suddenly, it seems to them that this is not good enough and that the nest needs more ‘stuff’ to make it the best possible. They start to collect things -small items at first, but as they get more ambitious, disaster strikes, making Meg and Ash realise what has really been important to them all along.

‘Too Much Stuff!’ revisits the woodland we were introduced to in ‘Tidy’ and the illustrations show many of the same creatures, including Pete the badger (and is that Cyril and Pat?!), watching the events unfold as magpies, Meg and Ash, gather as much stuff as they can and pack it into their nest.

Told in rhyming text, the story builds brilliantly to the climax the reader has been anticipating and it is easy to laugh at the obsession these proud parents have of providing their eggs with so many things they can’t possibly need. And this, of course, is the brilliance of the whole, as sage Emily Gravett is reminding us all that the really important things in life are not those ‘must haves’ that seem so essential, but the irreplaceable, precious people we love. The endpapers are full of wonderful adverts from ‘Stuff’ magazine, gently poking fun at the amazing range of seemingly desirable items we are convinced we need; those at the front are ones which Meg and Ash feather their nest whilst those at the back show advertising at its best (or worst!).

The importance of the ‘four ‘R’s of recycling’ are also at the heart of the story. If it can be used in some way, each item from the nest is given a new lease of life whilst the real rubbish is carefully returned to the bin by Pete putting his tidying skills to good use. Using the library is also given a plug with Pete choosing from a range which includes some familiar favourites!

The illustrations are a real joy, packed with detail, bright and appealing. Even under the dust jacket and the ‘real’ cover of the book are full of pictures and things to notice. ‘Too Much Stuff!’ is just perfect for using in school, not only because of its powerful pleas for focusing on the important things in life and recycling, but for the many storytelling opportunities offered by the illustrations. There are so many creatures here with stories waiting to be told…and have the magpie chicks learned from their parents’ mistake or will an argument over some beads lead to more problems?

Hopefully, books are an exception because ‘Too Much Stuff!’ is one everyone will want to add to their collection- or at least, borrow from the library!

Too Much Stuff!

Emily Gravett

Two Hoots ISBN: 978-1509857333

Tidy

Photo: Emily Beale

Pete the badger loves a good tidy and clean-up, but living deep in the forest, this is not an easy task. From snipping off flowers that don't quite match to polishing rocks, there is so much to do. However, when Pete takes to hoovering up all the dead leaves, things take a turn for the worse as leaves continue to fall (it is autumn after all), and Pete decides the only way to keep the forest tidy is to get rid of trees. Pete's obsession spirals out of control, and soon the forest is replaced by a concrete jungle. When he is left hungry and homeless, Pete begins to realise what he has done.

Emily Gravett's talent for drawing charming anthropomorphic animals allows this book to carry a serious theme while never being too somber. She captures the natural beauty of the forest colours which she then contrasts with browns and greys  post-tidy, conveying a powerful message about how urbanisation affects the environment. The double-spread with the huge pile of rubbish bags is particularly powerful.

However, all ends well for Pete, who with the help of some woodland friends, manages to reverse what he has done, offering hope that maybe it is not too late to reverse some of the damage humans have done. The theme of protecting the environment is obviously key here, and branches out into the impact of waste and the importance of ecosystems which also offer opportunities for many discussions and activities in classrooms and at home.

Tidy

Emily Gravett

Two Hoots ISBN : 978-1447273981

Cyril and Pat

Cyril is all alone until he meets Pat. They have brilliant fun together and every time someone tries to tell Cyril something about Pat, Cyril is quick to say what he likes about his friend, Pat. However, when Cyril finally realises that Pat is a rat, everyone tells him that squirrels and rats should not be friends. Sadly, Cyril listens and finds life is nowhere near as much fun without his best mate. When Cyril is in danger, however, it is Pat, his true friend, who comes to the rescue.

This is such a powerful book. Like a little child, Cyril has no preconceptions about Pat; he just sees a like minded soul-someone he really enjoys being with. It is the other characters who try to impose their prejudices and stereotypes onto Pat, telling Cyril what he should think. Although it is all said as if they have Cyril's best interests at heart, this is clearly not the case as Cyril then finds himself alone. Intolerance and prejudice are such relevant topics to everyday life and this story offers the perfect way into empathetic discussions about acceptance and feelings.

The illustrations are just a delight! The joy on Cyril and Pat's faces as they play together contrasts perfectly with the unhappiness which follows when they are separated. There are so many details to notice and enjoy as well. The shops all have such relevant names and the picture showing how Slim chases them around the park is just brilliant! 

A treasure of a story with beautiful illustrations, 'Cyril and Pat' is a must have for every classroom.

Cyril and Pat   

 Emily Gravett

Two Hoots       ISBN: 978-1509857272

Murder in Midwinter

When Maya takes a photo from the top of a bus, she has no idea of the trouble it will bring.

Fleur Hitchcock wastes no time in this murder mystery. In the first six chapters, there is a murder and a kidnapping. From the outset, Maya is thrown into a world where people will stop at nothing to get their hands on what they want -and they want what she has.

Fearing for Maya’s safety in London, the police send her to her aunt’s farm in the Welsh Mountains where they believe she will be safe. Maya has been to her aunt’s before a long time ago, but is in no hurry to rush back there due to its remoteness and her vile cousin, Ollie, who used to put salt in her ice cream, and nothing has changed. Snow starts falling as soon as Maya arrives and it is not long before they get cut off. The police think Maya is safe on the mountain cut off by snow until news reaches them that the suspected murderer is in the area.

This book gallops a long at a real pace and Fleur uses the remoteness of the setting to really build up the tension. The characters in the book are well drawn as are their developing relationships. Lots of lovely observed detail is added about the characters, making it thoroughly enjoyable. This was a one-sitting read!

Murder in Midwinter

Fleur Hitchcock

Nosy Crow   ISBN: 978-0857636386

Waiting for Murder

It’s a long, hot summer, but instead of spending time with his mates, Dan’s been plucked from his ‘happy city summer’ to stay in a cottage beneath the dam of a reservoir with his mum whilst she and her archaeologist colleagues search for the bones of Edith the Fair. As the water levels of the reservoir drop, Dan notices a car emerging - containing what looks like a body. Next morning, however, there is no sign of a corpse, but sharp eyed Dan and his new friend, Florence, notice some clues which arose their suspicions. Something strange is going on and as they continue to investigate, it becomes clear that someone will stop at nothing to prevent them from uncovering the truth.

Full of tension and action, ‘Waiting for Murder’ is an excellent read, offering a compelling mystery with a satisfying conclusion. Written in the first person present tense, the reader see the action through Dan’s eyes, ensuring they see all the clues as he does and have the opportunity to piece the mystery together. Dan’s fascination with the case is completely believable as one fact leads him to another.

Dan’s relationship with his mother is wonderful. There is warmth and trust between them and her being a ‘bone expert’ certainly helps his investigation as her job gives her access to a library of skulls on her computer and leads him to the newspaper collections in the local museum. Florence is a great character-very different to Dan- and makes a very determined partner in crime detection.

There is so much here to enjoy and explore, making the book a great class story or guided reading text. The story offers an excellent model for building tension and using the immediacy of first person viewpoint, allowing children to explore these techniques and develop them in their own writing. The use of research- newspapers, gravestones, oral history- is also a great example of allowing the characters to find things out which is completely plausible and an integral part of the story.

Full of suspense and surprises, ‘Waiting for Murder’ is another Fleur Hitchcock classic.

Waiting for Murder

Fleur Hitchcock

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788008648

A Shelter for Sadness

A little boy builds a shelter for his Sadness which has come to stay. Here, it has room to be however it needs to be. He gives it the space it needs , visiting when it calls to him , acknowledging its presence, but not always needing its company. He knows that one day, he and his Sadness will be ready to face the world together and enjoy its beauty.

This is such a beautiful book. Deeply poignant, it explores the importance of acknowledging sadness in all its forms and making space in our life for these feelings. The book was inspired by the words of Etty Hillesum, a Holocaust victim, who wrote:

'Give your sorrow all the space and shelter in yourself that is its due, for if everyone bears grief honestly and courageously, the sorrow that now fills the world will abate. But if you do instead reserve most of the space inside you for hatred and thoughts of revenge-from which new sorrows will be born for others-then sorrow will never cease in this world. And if you have given sorrow the space it demands, then you may truly say: life is beautiful and so rich.'

Esther 'Etty' Hillesum

The book offers a very reassuring starting point for discussions about these complex feelings and the many ways in which waves of sadness can catch you, recognising and validating these emotions. There is so much to share and explore on each page, which could easily lead to expressing personal feelings, perhaps through writing poetry, painting or keeping a diary.

David Litchfield’s illustrations capture these emotions beautifully, perfectly complementing Anne Booth’s gentle text. Heart-warming and powerful, this is a very special book.

‘A Shelter for Sadness’ is simply stunning, both in words and illustration. One to treasure!

A Shelter for Sadness

Anne Booth, illustrated by David Litchfield

Templar ISBN: 978-1787417212

Anna at War

When life in Germany become increasingly dangerous for Jews, Anna’s parents manage to get her onto one of the trains leaving for England as part of the Kindertransport. Fortunate enough to find herself welcomed by her foster family, Anna begins to build a new life for herself in Kent. However, the war is never far away and Anna finds herself caught up in a dangerous plot when she decides actions speak louder than words to show whose side she is really on.

This is just the best read! Helen’s writing is compelling and deeply moving as she tells Anna’s story with great skill and empathy.

The book starts with Daniel’s teacher asking his class whether they know of anyone who lived through the Second World War. As he tells them his granny came over just before the war started, Daniel suddenly realises how little he knows about her life and decides to ask her about it. The story is then told through Anna’s memories. Without saying anything, this special book reminds us all of the importance of valuing the lives and memories of other generations, encouraging children and grandchildren to ask questions about the past.

Anna’s memories start on Kristallnacht when her world is torn apart by Nazi storm troopers destroying her home and taking her father away. The closeness of her family and her parents’ desperation to save their daughter are vividly portrayed, leading to their decision to send her to England on the Kindertransport.

An amazing character, the reader begins to learn of Anna’s strength of character as she helps others, even finding herself in charge of a baby. The writing here skilfully shows Anna’s fear and anxieties, yet her curiosity as she faces the unknown. Her intelligence and resourceful nature are also clearly shown.

Anna quickly adapts to her life in England, but there are ups and downs along the way as she encounters prejudice and mis-understanding as well as great kindness. There are wonderful descriptions of life in rural England at this time as well as details about war time living. The excitement builds as the children find a wounded soldier and all her determination and resolve are once again put to the test.

Not everyone has a happy ending in this story- how could they?- but the final chapter is beautiful, satisfying and poignant. This is such a wonderful book with strong messages about being kind, offering understanding and compassion and is a must for libraries and classrooms.

A moving wartime adventure, ‘Anna at War’ is set to be a modern classic.

Anna at War

Helen Peters

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978- 1788004718

Evie's Ghost

Reminiscent of 'Tom's Midnight Garden', Evie's Ghost is a lovely time-slip novel where a young girl travels back in history to spare another the fate of a loveless marriage.

Evie is not happy with her mother. Not only has she decided to remarry, but she is sending Evie to stay with a godmother Evie has never met in an ancient house in the middle of nowhere. No mobile signal, no internet- not even a television- how is she going to cope?

Words scratched into the window of the room she is staying in lead Evie into an adventure in the past where she finds herself as a housemaid in the 1800's. Forced into a very different life and role than she's used to, Evie has to learn quickly if she is to help those in the past and change the future. 

Rich in historical detail, Evie's Ghost is about friendship, loyalty and family. Evie learns a great deal about herself during her time in the past and comes to re-evaluate her relationships and opinions. As a feisty, modern girl, she is shocked by the attitudes, not only to girls, but to those of 'lower' classes held by people in the early 1800's. The hard life of a maid servant is vividly brought to life with its relentless duties and unreasonable expectations. 

Evie is determined to change the past and the story moves at a pleasing pace towards a satisfying conclusion.

Evie's Ghost

Helen Peters

Nosy Crow    ISBN: 978-0857638427

Delivery to the Lost City

The Impossible Postal Express is off on another incredible adventure! Since learning that their daughter has been sneaking out of the house to deliver mail to the Impossible Places, Suzy’s parents have understandably become a little over-protective. In an effort to bring her two worlds together, Suzy has asked her friends from the Impossible Postal Express to come for tea and meet her family. Things are not going quite according to plan when the crew are called away to make a delivery. Determined to make her parents understand, Suzy suggests they hop on board and find out what life on the Express is like. But taking delivery of a mysterious talking book which is stealing words and causing chaos, setting off on a mission to find a lost city and facing untold dangers might not be the best way to put their minds at rest…

This is the third adventure for Suzy and her friends from the Impossible Places and it doesn’t disappoint. One of my favourite things about these books is the incredible world building which makes each place visited full of detail and come alive around you as you read. In this story, Suzy visits new locations as well as familiar ones, each vividly described and full of wonder. The story makes an amazing read aloud as it is richly told and offers much to linger over and imagine.

Suzy continues to be a wonderful personality. Resourceful and curious, she is also a loyal and caring. This book explores her relationship with her parents as she is desperate to both please them and continue to be Deputy Postal Operative Smith, performing the duties she knows she is so good at aboard the Postal Express. On their adventures, Susie and the crew meet new characters- and bump into some old ones. I couldn’t help wondering whether P G Bell had modelled one of the new ones on someone often in the news!

Speaking of news, this story also shows how people can be controlled by misinformation, prejudice and fear, making it an excellent starting point for discussions about questioning what we are told in the media. That said, the writing maintains the characteristic humour of the previous books, steaming along at a great pace with lots of action and adventure. I believe this is to be the last book in this series which I think is a great shame as there are many adventures still waiting to be had in this incredible world with these wonderful characters.

Delivery to the Lost City

P G Bell, illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino

Usborne ISBN: 978-1474948630

The Great Brain Robbery

Desperate to take up her position of Deputy Postal Operative, Susie can’t wait to get back aboard the Impossible Postal Express and return to the Union of Impossible Places to see all her friends. However, a sudden earthquake ruins the train’s re-launch and throws Trollville into chaos. Realising that something is amiss, Susie and her friends set off to solve the problem and save everyone from imminent danger.

Another fabulously fast-paced and magical adventure from P G Bell which has you completely absorbed in the action from the outset. As with book one, this story is full of wonderful characters and as Wilmot and Susie separate for much of the action in this book, the reader is able to come to know Wilmot even better and appreciate how brave, loyal and kind he is. Members of the ‘Old Guard’ also come into their own in this story.

P G Bell’s world building is just amazing, offering a rich, imaginative background to the action. As with the first book, the illustrations are a joy and add much to the story. It’s hard to say too much about the plot without spoiling it for anyone who hasn’t had the pleasure of reading the book yet, but it all comes together brilliantly at the end, making a very satisfying, entertaining read!

‘The Great Brain Robbery’ is every bit as enjoyable as ‘The Train to Impossible Places’ and I can’t wait to see what Susie and her friends get up to next!

The Great Brain Robbery

P G Bell, illustrated by Flavia Sorrentino

Usborne ISBN: 978--1474948623