Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
Blog Tour: Soni and the Life Drinkers
I am delighted to be taking part in the Book Tour for ‘Soni and the Life Drinkers’- which is published TODAY!
Soni is determined that she and her dance team will win first place at Vunja Mifupa, an annual dance contest. But the sudden arrival of Thandiwe, a shiqq-human hybrid claiming to be her cousin, and the rapidly declining health of the Intasimi Warriors’ mentor, Mr. Lemayian, give her plenty else to focus on. Thandiwe claims she is there to help them find the Life Drinker who is draining Mr Lemayian, but can the Intasimi Warriors really trust her…
‘Soni and the Life Drinkers’ is the third adventure for Soni and her friends. Set in Nairobi, it is a fast-paced, action-packed read- one not to be missed!
Soni is a wonderful character. Determined and loyal, she puts great pressure on herself, feeling everyone expects her to be perfect and trying her best to live up to this. Through the course of this story, she learns much about herself and her family, coming to realise that things are not always right or wrong and that a more balanced approach is sometimes needed. Her developing relationship with Thandiwe, who turns out to be her cousin, makes her pause to reflect on how she has made impulsive snap decisions about people because of their parents.
Each of the Intasimi Warriors has a special gift- a superpower- to help them combat evil and the book has many fantasy elements. However, the author skilfully weaves elements of Kenyan culture and folklore into the story, creating a rich background. When searching for the aunt Soni never knew existed, the Warriors visit Mukuru, a giant settlement, completely at odds with the area they live in. The interest of readers (like myself!) unfamiliar with Kenya is sure to be piqued, leading them to discover more about the country, its geography and customs.
I now need to read the first two books in this series - and look forward to the next one!
The Intasimi Warriors: Soni and the Life Drinkers
Shiko Nguru, illustrated by Melissa McIndoe
Lantana ISBN: 978-1836290285
Thank you to Katrina for inviting me to take part in this tour. Make sure you check the other stops to find out what everyone else is saying about this book!
Gloam
Since the death of their mother, Gwen and her younger brother and twin sisters have been left with their step-father, Henry. Instead of thinking about how things have changed, she focuses on looking after her family until they move to The House, the former home of their late grandmother. When Henry announces that he has a job interview, he asks local baby sitter, Esme, to watch the children, much to Gwen’s annoyance. Although everyone else seems to like her, Gwen finds the babysitter slightly sinister and takes an immediate dislike to her.
As creepy things start to happen, Gwen quickly realises that she will have to take action. As Esme’s power grows, Gwen is forced to face her nightmares to save her family.
I made the great mistake of reading this at night, in a strange room whilst away from home! The spooky setting, evil villain and the building sense of malevolence all combine to make this a chilling and compelling read for those who like a good scare!
Having shouldered much of the responsibility for looking after her younger siblings, Gwen is outraged when Henry suggests that he will be finding help to look after them. Capable and responsible, she is the only one who doesn’t initially take to Esme Laverne, the pretty, practically perfect help babysitter, who appears in their home. With her concerns dismissed by everyone else, Gwen is determined to unmask the evil of this woman who has wheedled her way into their home and the affections of her family, finding the inner strength and resourcefulness needed to show everyone she (Esme) is really a monster.
Devious and calculating, Esme makes a chilling opponent! Proving that beauty on the outside does not equate to beauty on the inside, her actions are calculated to divide and conquer the family, seeking to isolate and punish any defiance. Just the sort of villain readers will love to hate!
Perfect for children who love a scary read!
Gloam
Jack Mackay
Rock the Boat ISBN: 978-0861549528
Published 14th August 2025
The Hive
Having picked this one up at FCBG Conference, I couldn’t wait to read it!
Feldspar awaits execution. As shield to an ascendant, a member of the Hive’s royal family, she should have died when her charge, Euphemie, was murdered, but she survived. Expecting no clemency, Feldspar is surprised when a member of the royal family, Niko, comes to her defence and starts investigating. They have three days to prove Feldspar’s innocence, three days to catch a killer- and in doing so, destroy everything she has been raised to believe.
‘The Hive’ is an excellent murder mystery, set in a dystopian society which bases its structure on that of a bee hive. At the top are the queens, the Apex or council made of of members of the royal family, and their children, ascendants, known by the position of their birth. Each ascendant has a shield, with whom they are bonded at birth. Shields are conditioned to protect their ascendant above all else- the death of an ascendant results in the death of their shield. So when Euphemie dies, Feldspar should have died as well. Her survival is seen as treason. This chilling society is well imagined and developed.
Feldspar is a compelling and complex character. Initially racked with guilt and grief over her survival and Euphemie’s death, her feelings gradually change as she learns more about her world and begins to question everything she has been brought up to believe. It is easy to empathise with her turbulent emotions, making her a very sympathetic character, challenging readers to reflect on her situation and the importance of individuals being allowed to choose for themselves, rather than live in restricted dictatorships.
The murder mystery is extremely well handled and as the days pass, the reader is kept guessing to the very end, with various false starts and red herrings along the way. My only quibble with this story is the ending. For me, everything ended very quickly so I hope that there will be another story set in this world, showing what happens to Feldspar and Niko next.
A gripping and pacy read!
The Hive
Anna February
Chicken House ISBN: 9781915947277
Under a Fire-Red Sky
Stuck on a train full of younger children being evacuated, there are four who do not want to go. Gradually, each comes to realise that they could simply get up and leave the carriage- and so they do. First to go is the Gremlin, followed by Lawrence, Olive and Franklin. Linked by this experience, they form an unlikely friendship as they face the Blitz in Greenwich.
Trying to summarise a book by Geraldine McCaughrean is almost impossible! Drawing on her firefighter father’s experiences of the London Blitz, ‘Under a Fire-Red Sky’ is a story driven by the experiences of these four unlikely friends as they cope with family life and changing relationships against the backdrop of the horrific events of the war. All their hopes and dreams are ruined as the world they knew drastically changed.
The Gremlin is a runaway, trying to escape her abusive father, ending up living in an abandoned van with her dog, Mutt. Despite being too young, Franklin is desperate to join the fire service. Described by his teacher as ‘rather intense’, Lawrence is determined to finish his secret ‘project’ and Olive, dutiful, well-behaved daughter, really doesn’t want to leave home. Although Olive and Lawrence vaguely know one another from school, the four teenagers are strangers to one another, yet are now bound together by their decision to leave the train.
Meticulously research and thus rich in historical detail, ‘Under a Fire-Red Sky’ is a compelling and absorbing read, conveying a strong sense of what life must have been like in London during the Blitz, with beautifully written, powerful descriptions throughout. Both content and style make this one for older readers as the lives and experiences of the four main characters and various events in the book are hard hitting, presented without sentimentality, yet made all the more poignant by this.
Geraldine McCaughrean is a master storyteller. This is one not to be missed.
Under a Fire-Red Sky
Geraldine McCaughrean
Usborne ISBN: 978-1836040774
The Mizzy Mysteries: A Skeleton in the Closet
Mizzy dreams of being a detective - ‘think Sherlock Holmes crossed with Rachel Bailey’- and is determined to let nothing stand in her way, not her Down syndrome nor her very protective family. Whilst staying with her cousins, Mizzy longs for a mystery to solve and finds one in the shape of her great aunt Jane’s missing diaries which seem to indicate that lady died in suspicious circumstances. Mizzy is on the case…
I love a good mystery and ‘A Skeleton in the Closet’ fits the bill perfectly!
Mizzy is a fabulous character. Resilient and determined, she knows she has good instincts for detective work and is positive that she can succeed. The first person viewpoint allows readers an insight into her inner worries: her fears about swimming and escalators; her frustrations- her clumsiness, her family treating her ‘like a baby’; and her memories of people like Judy Mitcham at school who laugh at her for being different, encouraging empathy and understanding of this lively, loveable girl. Every time her investigations lead her to a dead end, she picks herself up and starts over, claiming to her family that she is doing a school project on her family. Resourceful and tenacious, Mizzy keeps going, even in the face of opposition. A great role model for all aspiring detectives!
Any Agatha Christie lover will quickly spot the similarities between Great Aunt Jane Maypole and Miss Jane Marple. Not only are their family trees full of familiar names, but place names - St. Jude’s Junction (St. Mary Mead), Such Pelham (Much Benham), Gossington Avenue -play on the originals too.
The plot is full of twists and red herrings, ultimately leading to a very satisfying conclusion which neatly ties everything together and proves that Mizzy the Marvellous is not to be underestimated! I really look forward to finding out what she gets up to next!
The Mizzy Mysteries: A Skeleton in the Closet
Claire Hatcher-Smith
Farshore ISBN: 978-0008645571
Watts and Whiskerton: Sabotage at the Fete Cake Bake
Watts is looking forward to seeing Pearl again at the Little Gossip Village Fete where his parents, the world’s greatest detectives, are judging the cake baking competition. However, disaster strikes when cake mix explodes out of the ovens and accusations of sabotage start flying around. Can Watts and Whiskerton crack the case?
I really enjoyed Watts and Whiskerton’s first case and so was delighted to read ‘Sabotage at the Fete Cake Bake’. Highly illustrated and colourful, this story is every bit as enjoyable as the first!
Watts and Pearl are very different personalities, but together, they make a great team, working together to solve this mystery. Pearl is impulsive and full of confidence whilst Watts is more cautious and methodical, but each contributes to solving the case and together, they expose the culprit. Having kept his detective activity secret from his parents, Watts - or rather Pearl!- shares this with them and is delighted by how supportive and encouraging they are.
The illustrations are an absolute joy, adding much to the appeal of the story and so much detail to linger over. They are completely integrated into the story, with speech bubbles being used. The teacher in me loves using stories like this to teach how to punctuate speech, using the illustrations to decide on what type of reporting clause to use to convey the action.
Watts’ notes at the end of each chapter help to summarise the action, allowing children to keep pace with the mystery and solve it alongside our two heroes. Let’s hope there are more adventures for Watts and Whiskerton to come soon!
Watts and Whiskerton: Sabotage at the Fete Cake Bake
Meg McLaren
Piccadilly Press ISBN: 978-1800786615
Published 24th April 2025
You can read my review of ‘Buried Bones and Troublesome Treasure’ here.
Adventuremice: Mice, Camera, Action!
When a letter arrives from Hollybush, the Adventuremice learn that a film is being made about their adventures. The team travel to the film set to watch the filming where things get a little too confusing for Pedro, who attempts to rescue the actress playing Juniper from the pretend otter threatening her. Luckily, Ivy is on hand to repair the otter, saving the day and the movie…but it turns out that the otter is very real, meaning a real-life Adventuremice rescue is needed!
I absolutely love the ‘Adventuremice’ books and this latest adventure- ‘Mice, Camera, Action!’- is every bit as enjoyable as the others. Fun, pacy stories and appealing characters mixed with incredible illustrations and quirky humour make these stories a joy from start to finish.
At the heart of these lovely stories are positive messages about teamwork, collaboration, friendship and self-belief. Characters learn from their mistakes and are prepared to take risks, showing perseverance and determination. These elements enhance the stories rather than intrude on them and there is plenty of humour to enjoy as the Adventuremice swing into action and save the day!
The perfect size for little hands, with illustrations- and drawing tips!- which are sure to inspire budding artists, this series is really is something special.
Adventuremice: Mice, Camera, Action!
Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre
David Fickling ISBN: 978-1788453363
You can read my review of ‘Otter Chaos’ here, ‘Mice on the Moon’ here and ‘Mice on the Ice’ here.
This Song is About Us
As The Kerbs, a four piece band, are on the verge of success, lead singer, Drew, and his long term girlfriend, Ruby, have to decide whether to make their relationship public or to continue in secret. Wanting to maintain their privacy, it seems like an easy decision to make. However, fame comes at a price and Ruby is soon questioning this choice. As Drew- already vulnerable and troubled- faces the challenges of being in the public eye, it seems that their love might not stand the strain.
Told over the course of three music festivals, ‘This Song is About Us’ is told through Ruby’s eyes as Drew and The Kerbs rise to fame. Her relationship with Drew which blossomed under the unlikely conditions of lockdown is intense. Ruby sees the vulnerable side of Drew, who is naturally charming, presenting a carefree face to the world, which hides his troubled upbringing and his need to belong.
Without Ruby’s grounding influence, Drew begins to struggle with the demands of life behind the scenes in the music business, leading to a crisis in their relationship. Already a heavy drinker, Drew’s addition to alcohol and drugs starts to affect his mental health and his friendships within the band. Each character is skilfully nuanced, allowing the reader to empathise with their situation and become invested in them. Moving in places, the story hits hard in others, raising questions about the power and cruelty of social media and the ‘price’ of fame amongst other things.
The friendship between Ruby and Stel is a real joy. Girlfriend to another member of the group, Stel has a very different experience of the band’s fame as she and Lex choose to go public with their relationship. As Ruby watches, she sometimes envies how differently their relationships are playing out, but is glad of Stel’s affectionate company and loyalty throughout.
‘This Song is About Us’ certainly captures the spirit of summer with fun and festivals, but also the pressures of being young and in love. It is a compelling, thoroughly enjoyable read (I could not put it down!) which will leave everyone hoping for a happy ending!
This Song is About Us
Sara Barnard
Walker Books ISBN: 9781529525366
Serial Chillers: The Witch in the Woods
Having lived in Hazard all his life, Travis is not thrilled to be going on yet another trip to the local museum. His day gets worse, however, when, with his friend, Zayd, he finds himself in a project group with his ex-friend, Danielle, and the ‘shiniest’ popular girl, Seline. The group- or rather, Seline- decides to make Blood-Eyed Mary, the subject of one of the many urban legends of Hazard, the subject of their research and head off into her lair in the heart of the woods. Here, they find that everything is not as it seems in Hazard…
Jennifer Killick really is the Queen of pre-teen scream! ‘The Witch in the Woods’ offers an edge-of-the-seat, gripping thriller which keeps the reader both guessing and jumping as the story hurtles towards its conclusion. The first in a new series, this is geared to be every bit as popular as Jennifer’s previous books (and there is no doubt that they love them!).
Creating relatable youngsters and capturing their voice is something which Jennifer Killick does really well and in ‘The Witch in the Woods’, she has surpassed herself. The story is told through the eyes of Travis. Having lived in Hazard all his life and coming from one of the town’s long resident families, he is resigned to staying there, accepting the town’s oddities, if not liking them. Having recently returned to the town, Zayd is far more curious about the place, allowing the reader to learn plenty about Hazard’s peculiar history along with him. Seline and Danielle, descended from one of the most important families in the town, are both keen to escape its confines and see more of the world.
As they face the terrors of the woods, the relationship between the four changes and they begin to see one another in a different light. What they discover in the woods sets them on course for future adventures as they seek to unravel the mysteries surrounding the history of Hazard. Engaging characters, tense jump-filled action and a spooky setting all combine to make an excellent read- and I can’t wait for the next one!
Tuck and Tina and the Lost Fortune
Tina lives in a hole in the wall of Room 123, Boone School, where she enjoys listening to lessons and watching the children enjoy their days. Wishing for a friend of her own, Tina is delighted when a new class pet, a mouse called Tuck, arrives. He’s not exactly what she had in mind and she’s sure he’s going to be nothing but trouble. However, when they discover that the school is facing closure, the two mice work together to locate the secret fortune rumoured to be hidden somewhere in the building, determined to save their home.
‘Tuck and Tina and the Lost Fortune’ is a delightful story, the first in a new series aimed at younger readers. Full of gentle humour and lovely illustrations, the adventures of these two mice are sure to engage and entertain.
Tuck is a bundle of energy, sure to cause chaos wherever he goes, the very opposite of the timid, well behaved Tina. As they work together to solve the mystery, however, Tina comes to realise that they make a good team, showing that opposites really can attract and form good friendships. Although it is easy to judge people on first appearances, getting to know them is so important.
Children are sure to enjoy spotting things which Tuck and Tina miss in their search for the lost fortune whilst giggling at their antics as they strive to save their home. I look forward to seeing what these two little mice get up to next!
Tuck and Tina and the Lost Fortune
Jess Brallier, illustrated by Jack Keely
Penguin ISBN: 978-0241704257
I Don’t Do Mountains!
Kenzie likes to read about adventures, but has no desire to take part in one. She doesn’t like strangers and barely does friends so when she finds out that she is expected to go on a hillwalking expedition with pupils from another school and Sorley Mackay, the most annoying boy in her class. Despite all her best efforts to get out of it, Kenzie finds herself heading into the hills. Their group leader Bairdy’s love of the countryside is infectious, sharing stories of their ancient myths and legends around the camp fire. But when he is missing the following morning, Kenzie and the rest of the group find themselves alone on the mountain.
Wonderfully atmospheric, ‘I Don’t Do Mountains!’ is a cracking adventure, celebrating the beauty of the Scottish mountains and the importance of cherishing it.
Told through Kenzie’s voice, readers can really engage with this quirky, book-loving girl and enjoy following her, as she develops in confidence, resilience and the ability to warm to, and makes friends with, others. Friendship, the uncertainties of transition to secondary school and making connections are all explored through the story as Kenzie, with Sorley, Mariam and Rupert have to work together, very much out of their comfort zones, to survive the wilderness- and save the wildlife.
Themes of conservation, land management and the protection of wildlife are all woven into the story, raising awareness of these issues, encouraging readers to take an interest in the joys of the natural world and perhaps inspiring them to explore the outdoors. Vividly written, the book is full of wonderful descriptions of the mountains and the intriguing folklore surrounding them. An excellent read, enhanced by beautiful drawings scattered throughout.
I Don’t Do Mountains!
Barbara Henderson, illustrated by Victoria Di Meo
Scottish Mountaineering Press ISBN: 978-1907233548
The Notorious Virtues
Honora Holtzfall- known as Nora- has always been considered her place in the succession of the most powerful family in all of Walstad. However, when her mother, the current Holtzfall Heiress, is found dead, suddenly the chance to control the wealth and the magic of the country is open to Nora’s cousins as well. Pitted against each other in the Veritaz Trials, a magical competition which decides the true heir, Nora and her cousins are stunned to learn of another contender, Lottie, the illegitimate daughter of Nora’s aunt. When she most needs to be focused on the events which will decide her future, Nora’s attention is diverted as she suspects that her mother’s death was actually murder.
‘The Notorious Virtues’ is a fabulous read. Utterly compelling, it mingles fantasy and fairy tale against a background of social unrest and revolution. Intrigue, deception, betrayal and loss have contributed to the creation of a highly dysfunctional family, living a life of untold privilege, clearly showing that money does not buy or guarantee happiness.
Events are related through the eyes of four different characters, but the story really revolves around the lives of Nora, the heiress presumptive, and Lottie, the cousin who grew up in a harsh convent with no idea of her true identity. Characterisation is one of the huge strengths of this story as the author skilfully develops each, creating genuine, flawed, interesting individuals where she might have settled for less. Both of these girls learn a great deal about themselves, the world they live in, family and trust as the story builds to its compelling- but open for the next step- climax.
Woven into the fabric of the story is ‘The Tale of the Woodcutter’, a fairy tale which explains how the Holtzfall family gained their position and how the trials came to be. The family are not only powerful in terms of wealth, but also of magic, creating huge tension between the haves and have-nots of society and leading to unrest, headed by a faction known as the Grims. However, there are shades of grey throughout the story with good and evil on both sides and a sense that equality for all might not be the true endgame. The story offers plenty to think about as well as an entertaining and engaging read.
It is a long book, but it is very well written and words are not wasted, making it very easy to escape into and enjoy! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
The Notorious Virtues
Alwyn Hamilton
Faber ISBN: 978-0571342150
The Curse of the Silvan Oaks
An ancient feud between Queen Titania and King Oberon has turned into a cruel war between the people of Silvanland and Penumbra. When the young Silvan prince, Corylus Silvanhart, is captured, the situation seems desperate. In the mortal world, the kidnap is witnessed by Oli Gill, who unwittingly travels through a portal to the magical kingdom where her arrival will change everything.
Although not a very long book, ‘The Curse of the Silvan Oaks’ is a vividly described, action rich adventure, with engaging characters and suitably wicked villains.
Having recently lost her father and been moved from all she knows, Oli finds herself at Foxley Hall where her mother has been employed. She finds herself catapulted into another world where she has no idea how important she is or the role she will play in helping to end the war which is raging there. Determined to help, she is both loyal and kind, helping Cory- Prince Corylus- to see that he is brave in his own way. Cory is my favourite character, however! Constantly comparing himself to his brother, Zandor, who Cory believes has inherited all his parents’ daring and determination, Cory feels he is both a failure and an embarrassment to his family. Yet, through his adventure, he shows himself to be resourceful and courageous, every bit the ‘prince’ his brother is.
The book contains a wide range of characters, yet the author manages to breathe life into each, offering a wealth of possible future stories as it feels as if there is plenty more to come from this world. References to the story of Oberon and Titania may well pique the curiosity of the reader, leading them to discover more through folklore and Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.
This one is well worth a read!
The Curse of the Silvan Oaks
Georgia Channon
Pushkin Children’s ISBN: 978-1782695011
Out on the 10th April
Aggie Morton Mystery Queen: The Body Under the Piano
Aggie Morton lives in Torquay with her mother and grandmother. Although bright and imaginative, she is very shy, but one day, she meets a twelve-year-old Belgian immigrant, Hector Perot, forming a new friendship. When she finds a body under the piano at the Mermaid Dance Room where she goes for lessons, Aggie and Hector set about trying to solve the mystery and save Aggie’s dance teacher, Miss Marianne from being convicted of the crime.
Inspired by the life of Agatha Christie, ‘The Body Under the Piano’ is an excellent murder mystery, full of engaging characters, suspects, clues and red-herrings. For me, it was a one-sitting read- and I shall be catching up on the rest of the series as soon as possible!
Set in Torquay where Agatha Christie grew up, both the setting of the story and the character of Aggie draw on the life of the Queen of Crime whilst Hector Perot bears more than a passing resemblance to Poirot. Even Grannie Jane, who often refers to people and places she has known, has a hint of Miss Marple about her! For young readers, the book makes an excellent introduction to the murder mystery novel - and paves the way to the novels of Christie in future years! The author’s note at the end of the book adds detail and interest.
The plot is well-paced and engaging, keeping the reader guessing and guessing again as Aggie and Hector investigate. There is plenty of fun along the way as the crack the case. Out in paperback in April, this is a very enjoyable read!
Aggie Morton Mystery Queen: The Body Under the Piano
Marthe Jocelyn, illustrated by Isabelle Follath
Andersen Press ISBN: 978-1839136078
Westfallen
Although Henry, Frances and Lukas are no longer best friends, they meet up for the funeral of their pet gerbil. Whilst digging the grave, they make an amazing discovery- a radio which allows them to communicate with another group of three children who live in the very same place, only eighty years in the past.
Sharing information about their lives, Henry and his friends learn that the sweet shop which Alice, Lawrence and Artie go to in 1944 burns down so to prevent this accident, they get their new friends to take action to save it. However, they quickly learn that the slightest alteration can have far reaching consequences and as one change leads to another, they find they have changed history in the worst way possible.
I wasn’t sure that I would enjoy this one- but how wrong I was! ‘Westfallen’ is a compelling and addictive read which I could not put down. The story moves between events in the past and present, building tension and suspense as Henry, Frances and Lukas find themselves trapped in a real-life nightmare.
As the story opens, Henry, Lukas and Frances, childhood friends, have drifted apart with Henry feeling left behind by the others. Sporty, Lukas has moved on with the popular crowd and Frances has dyed her hair and found new friends. The excitement of their discovery and its subsequent events bring them back together again, rekindling the bond they had previously. As the children are plunged into the horror of a future where Nazi ideology is ruling America, Lukas, who is Jewish, finds himself suddenly doing menial labour tasks, rejected by those who in his other life were his friends and Henry, who is biracial, is labelled a ‘mischling’, assigned to ‘work learning’. The story captures a chilling sense of constant fear as those not considered Aryan suffer under the brutal regime.
The story also offers plenty to think about. It poses questions about what people become under certain conditions, how evil flourishes and how people can be destroyed. It is far from comfortable reading in places, challenging readers to think ‘what if...?’ and reflect on how every choice and decision has a consequence.
An excellent read!
Westfallen
Ann Brashares and Ben Brashares
Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526685490
Deep Dark
Cassia Thorne lives in the Fleet with her father, who is in prison for debt. She does what she can to support them by selling ballads in the streets and giving music lessons. When the younger brother of her friend goes missing, Cassia is determined to find him and with the help of Teo, a pickpocket and Felix Bradshaw, a well-to-do young man, she discovers a sinister plot, involving missing children and rumours of a fearsome beast lurking beneath the streets of London.
‘Deep Dark’ combines historical detail, fantasy and a sinister mystery to create a compelling adventure.
Set in Victorian London, the story includes plenty of real history. The threat of the workhouse, the evils of debtors’ prison, the lives of mudlarks and costermongers all help to build a vivid picture of Cassia’s world as she strives to make more of her life. Trapped in the Fleet due to her father’s misfortunes, she is determined to free herself from the poverty and limitations of her life whilst painfully aware that she is only one step away from life in the workhouse. The excitement and wonders St Bartholomew’s Fair offers a stark contrast to these realities, capturing the bustle and energy of those enjoying its sights and sounds.
A note at the end of the book adds some historical detail and context, offering suggestions for further investigation and research should readers wish to discover more whilst a map at the beginning allows them to follow Cassia’s adventures and realise that many of these places are still there in today’s London.
Cassia is a really strong, well-rounded character. Although ambitious and determined, she also experiences moments of doubt about the enormity of what she is trying to do and the realities of her situation. A loyal friend with a big heart, it is impossible not to like her and feel invested in her success as she takes on a seemingly impossible challenge, locating and freeing the missing children, caring when others so not. The contrast between Teo and Felix underlines the lack of social equality which existed (and continues to do so). Each boy is full of personality, each endearing in their own way.
The story comes to a satisfying conclusion, yet there is obviously more to come for Cassia, leaving readers keen for the next book to appear! ‘Deep Dark’ would make an excellent story time read for a Y6 class with plenty of tension and excitement to keep them on the edge of their seats as they root for Cassia every step of the way!
Deep Dark (A Cassia Thorne Mystery)
Zohra Nabi
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398532922
Wild Magic: Legend of the Black Lion
Twins, Misha and Ziggy, share a secret. Misha can talk to animals whilst Ziggy can shapeshift into them. When they accompany their dad, a wildlife TV presenter, on a trip to Ethiopia, they are determined to help him find the legendary black lion. However, when they discover poachers are threatening the wildlife, they are sure they can use their powers to help.
‘Legend of the Black Lion’ is a very engaging and enjoyable adventure story. The idea of being able to speak to animals is really appealing, making this sure to be a very popular book- the first of a new series.
The twins are lively and full of personality, who share a lovely relationship with their hard-working dad. Excited to see all the wildlife, they are also keen to use their powers to help their father get footage of the famous- and elusive- black lion. Their adventure contains just the right amount of jeopardy and tension to make the story exciting without causing upset and reaches a very satisfying conclusion where the goodies triumph and all is well!
Another lovely thing about this story is the amount of general information it contains about Ethiopia and its wildlife. Readers are sure to be fascinated by the fact that Ethiopia has a different calendar to the Western one, for example. Additional information at the end of the book about both black lions and Ethiopia is included and there are plenty of lovely illustrations, bursting with personality, which add much to the story.
‘Legend of the Black Lion’ would make an excellent class story!
Wild Magic: Legend of the Black Lion
Abiola Bello, illustrated by Emma McCann
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398520486
Call the Puffins: Tiny and the Cave Ghost
Muffin, Tiny and the rest of the trainee rescue puffins on the Island of Egg are all taking part in a special festival called Puffin Power. Tiny’s team has gained a new member, a little yellow chick called Flotsam, who has appeared and is determined to join in the fun. However, when Flotsam goes missing, all the young puffins rush to help- even though it means going into the dark caves where, legend has it, the Wandering Puffin lies in wait for visitors…
‘Tiny and the Cave Ghost’ is the fourth book in this delightful series about the Puffin Rescue Team trainees on the Island of Egg. Gorgeous illustrations combined with enjoyable adventures and firm friendships makes these stories ideal for younger readers- although I know several older children who absolutely love them!
Full of positive messages about friendship and teamwork, this adventure takes the young puffins on a rescue mission as they face their fears and work together to find little Flotsam who has wandered off and got into trouble. Tiny shows real leadership skills, combining an excellent idea with things learned on training to come up with a rescue successful rescue plan. The story involves just the right amount of peril and tension, making the story engaging, but not too worrying! Ella Okstad’s wonderful black and white illustrations capture the personality of each puffin perfectly.
Information about puffins is included at the end of the book, adding to the enjoyment of the story. In this book, readers learn that puffins’ beaks do glow- something which comes in useful whilst the team are in the caves!
Perfect for animal/ bird lovers or anyone who enjoys a good adventure, these wonderfully engaging little books are a real treat!
Call the Puffins! Tiny and the Cave Ghost
Cath Howe, illustrated by Ella Okstad
Welbeck ISBN: 978-1804536407
Published on the 13th March 2025
Watch Your Back
Starting the new school year has been a challenge for Kara. Her best friend, Eden, has a new boyfriend and has completely cut her off, leaving her friendless. When the year ‘freak’, Romilly, comes to her aid, Kara finds herself drawn into a friendship which she is unsure about and when unsettling things start to happen, Kara can’t help but suspect Romilly is behind them…
I love a book by Sue Wallman and I think this might be the best yet! ‘Watch Your Back’ is both thought-provoking and compelling, an absolute one-sitting read…and it took me almost to the conclusion to work out what was going on!
The story is cleverly plotted with plenty of clues, red herrings and twists, making it a very satisfying mystery. A sense of uneasy tension mounts as Kara starts to doubt all those around her, losing trust in them and feeling betrayed when her suspicions are not taken seriously. As she finds the tables turned so that she appears to be the aggressor rather than the victim, Kara’s sense of panic is all too real as she struggles to prove her innocence.
Kara is a really likeable, flawed, genuine character, with a loving family, living a messy, ‘real’ life which many readers will be able to relate to. When her close relationship with her one, best friend suddenly ends, she is completely derailed and confused. Her sense of bewilderment and hurt at this sudden rejection and at Eden’s apparent enjoyment of being part of the ‘cool’ group is really well captured as Kara circles through feelings of anger, confusion, loss and self-doubt.
Romilly is also really well captured. Ostracised by her peers, she is desperate for friendship and finds the muddy waters of how she is expected to behave difficult to navigate. The casual, thoughtless unkindness she faces is a harsh reminder that our school system is not kind to everyone.
Manipulation, control, deceit and true friendship are all explored in this engrossing story. One not to be missed!
Watch Your Back
Sue Wallman
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702332920
Published 13th March 2025
The Appletree Animal Agency
Wishing on a shooting star for the puppy she desperately wants, Mattie knows it won’t happen as her Dad just doesn’t believe she is responsible enough yet to properly look after one. However, when she and her friend, Zoe, find a tiny, scruffy puppy in need of help, she rises to the challenge and meeting the new vet, Dr Polly and her son, Casper, all three children become her apprentice vets. Together, they care for all manner of pets, but soon realise that these creatures need to find homes of their own. That’s when Mattie has one of her madcap Mattie schemes…
‘The Apprentice Animal Agency’ is the first book in a new series which is sure to be a huge hit with young animal lovers. It offers a wonderful blend of gentle adventure, humour, friendship and mishaps, making it perfect for those who are after a well-written, engaging tale which is not packed with peril or fart jokes!
Mattie, Zoe and Casper are three really nice kids who are not fixed to their phones, but are keen to be hands on and active by helping look after animals. Zoe is highly organised, Casper ‘knows everything’ about animals and Mattie has a way with them, making the perfect team. However, not everything goes smoothly, showing each child’s flaws as well as their strengths. Each problem is overcome and the friends emerge stronger than before, offering reassurance and showing the importance of seeing things through and solving problems.
There is a real focus on care for animals which shines through this story. Mattie is desperate for a puppy, but Dad is keen to make sure she is responsible enough to look after one. On finding the puppy, who Mattie calls Luna, the children show great patience and understanding, waiting for it to be ready to come to them rather than rushing it. Each of the pets being rehomed is carefully matched to their new owner, considering the needs and well-being of both. It is not often that the thought needed when considering adopting a pet is shown in children’s stories so this is wonderful to see!
I look forward to seeing the second book in the series, ‘Collie Chaos’!
The Appletree Animal Agency
Katya Balen, illustrated by Gill Smith
Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529519181