The Treasure Seekers

Martha is grieving after the death of her beloved grandfather. She blames the villagers for his death, believing they abandoned him and treated him unfairly. So when Stanley, a local lad, comes to appeal to her for help finding the stained-glass window which her grandfather had removed from the church to ensure its preservation, Martha refuses. Stanley is sure that the window will help the village to recover from the wounds of war and the deadly flu which is spreading from house to house. Wrapped in her own grief, Martha knows nothing of this, but when Stanley becomes ill, she knows she must act to help him.

Set in the aftermath of WWI, ‘The Treasure Seekers’ is a beautifully told verse novel. Perfect for history lovers, it offers a glimpse of life after this devastating conflict at a time of great social change and uncertainty.

Devastated by the death of her grandfather and the destruction of his home, Highbridge Manor, Martha is absorbed by her own grief, which is exacerbated by her father becoming withdrawn and her mother accusing her of ‘wallowing’ in her feelings. Approached by Stanley for help, she is immediately hostile. Through showing how little she knows about the lives of those in the village, about the losses they have suffered and the dangers they are now facing from the Spanish lady, the flu epidemic, the reader learns much about the hardships encountered by people following the Great War and the changes in attitudes to class and social ‘positions’. As the story progresses, Martha becomes a far more likeable, far more interesting character as she comes to see the world differently, empathising with and understanding others.

The use of verse for telling this story is really powerful, framing waves of emotion and heightening their impact and creating very unique voices for Martha and Stanley as the narrative moves from one to the other. Although each is struggling with grief which they deal with in a very different ways, each shows bravery and determination, learning to put aside their differences and work together.

Perfect for enriching the curriculum and broadening understanding of this period of history, ‘The Treasure Seekers’ is a must have for classrooms and homes alike.

The Treasure Seekers

Cathy Faulkner

Firefly ISBN: 978-1915444929

Publishing 5th February 2026

Gaslit

When a migraine cancels Ella’s New Year’s Eve plans, she agrees to babysit for her younger cousin, Joey. Arriving at her aunt’s house, she is horrified to find the family unconscious and strives to save them. An investigation discovers that there had been a gas leak, leading to the death of her aunt, but Ella is convinced that there might be more to it than that. However, having recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour, she is worried that her paranoia must just be a side effect of her illness, leaving her unsure who to trust and what to believe…

Once started, must be finished, ‘Gaslit’ certainly is a compelling and absorbing read. Full of twists and turns, it is a story which takes you by surprise again and again!

Fiercely independent and fearing that others will treat her differently, Ella is determined to keep her diagnosis a secret from as many people as possible which has isolated her from most of her friends. As she and her older cousin, Chris, start to investigate, Ella finds herself questioning herself, her perceptions and her grasp on reality, leading the reader constantly unsettled as the story shifts and shifts again. It is a tense, disquieting read as Ella constantly doubts herself, re-evaluating her memories and experiences, but one which is very cleverly handled, offering a layered and satisfying read.

As ever with a story like this, it is impossible to offer a full review without ruining the plot for anyone who hasn’t read the book. All I can say is that it is a cracking read which keeps you guessing (clever use of title!) - and hoping- right to the last page.

Gaslit

Megan Davidhizar

Harper Fire ISBN: 978-0008617035

The Not-So Great Escape

Hedley Ambrose has become extremely cautious since the crash which changed his life for ever. His grief stricken father has retreated to his bed and Hedley now attends the Bridlebank Therapy Activities Centre each weekend, where his room mate, Aiden, constantly mistreats him. Keen to encourage both boys out of themselves, Hedley’s support worker, Nic, decides they would benefit from working at the local petting zoo, home to an alpaca named Duke. When Aiden decides to steal Duke, Hedley, fearing he will be blamed for the crime, along with his little sister, Lilly, find themselves on a quest to take Duke to a rescue centre which becomes increasingly chaotic and out of control until Hedley finds he must face the truth that he has been running from all along.

Oh my word- ‘The Not-So Great Escape’ is an incredible story which packs a huge emotional punch!

As the story begins, readers are aware that Hedley has experienced a traumatic loss which has left him hugely vulnerable whilst also trying to care for his father. He is such a lovely boy whose big heart and gentle nature make him incredibly appealing and easy to empathise with. He worries endlessly about the possible consequences of every scenario and accepts Aiden’s relentless bullying as part of his life. Caught up in a series of events over which he has no control, Hedley is forced to take risks and the relationship between the two boys gradually shifts and an understanding develops between them allowing the reader to see Aiden in a different light, encouraging empathy and understanding of how he behaves, whilst recognising he has made some very poor choices along the way.

In many places the book reads like a slap-stick comedy as the children and Duke lurch from one crazy situation to another with the ‘Alpaca Bandit’ growing in fame and attracting media attention, their exploits leaving a trail of chaos and destruction behind them, making it a very entertaining read. However, although there are some inklings along the way, the ending is a real shocker, deeply poignant, expressing raw emotion. It is beautifully handled, but teachers or other adults suggesting this for young children should be aware of the emotional impact this might have on them.

Quite outstanding!

The Not-So Great Escape

Emma Green

Usborne ISBN: 978-1836045663

Escape from the Child Snatchers

Having left India on a quest to find Humza’s missing brother, Dani, Humza and his friend, Ranj, find themselves in London. Overwhelmed by the chaotic, loud city, they are delighted to meet Basil Brookes, who is not only kind to them, but speaks Hindi. However, when he takes them to an inn, they are warned by Daisy, the innkeeper’s daughter that Basil Brookes is not the kindly gentleman he appears, but a child snatcher, responsible for the disappearance of Daisy’s friend, Amina, amongst others. With Daisy’s help they escape, but how long with they be able to evade his clutches and will they ever find Dani?

‘Escape from the Child Snatchers’ is pacy adventure story, full of drama and tension.

Navigating Victorian London, Humza and Ranj are exposed to both the kindness of Daisy and her father as well as the residents of the Stranger’s Home and the callous cruelty of the exploitative Brookes and his henchmen. Fortunately for all concerned, good triumphs over evil in end with (spoiler alert!) the children all being saved, Brookes getting his comeuppance and Dani being reunited with his family; however, it offers an insight into experiences of life in Victorian London, sharing stories which children might not otherwise be exposed to. Sufiya Ahmed’s note at the end references some of the stories she discovered whilst researching the book and I think it would have been an excellent idea to include additional reading both for children curious to learn more, but also for teachers (or other adults) keen to explore this further. It has certainly sparked my interest, leading me to discover more about the ‘Stranger’s Home’. (If Sufiya Ahmed reads my review, I would be really grateful to know where I could learn more so I can share this with colleagues!)

Humza and Ranj are very engaging characters whose friendship is heart warming, making it easy to empathise with their experiences and cheer them on every step of the way. The story would make a very engaging class story with plenty to discuss and explore.

Escape from the Child Snatchers

Sufiya Ahmed

Andersen ISBN: 978-1839136511

You can read my review of ‘Rosie Raja: Churchill’s Spy’ here and ‘Rosie Raja: Mission to Cairo’ here

The New Famous Five: Five and the Smuggler’s Code

When Maddy, Fran, Tom and Gilbert, the dog, arrive at Kirrin Cottage to stay with Professor George, their father’s cousin, they quickly realise that she is missing. Following a trail of clues, they are led to Smuggler’s Top, an ancient house with secret passages, which is now the home of a villain who must be stopped.

I was the BIGGEST ‘Famous Five’ fan as a child, proudly owning all 21 books, some of which had belonged to my mother when she was young. Despite, even as a child, being uncomfortable with some of the content, these stories offered the escapism of an excellent adventure, leaving me with fond memories of reading them and sharing this enthusiasm with my friends. As a result, I have always been reluctant to read ‘new’ stories or adaptations of the originals. However, it feels as if ‘Five and The Smuggler’s Code’ has been written by someone who understands the originals and has captured their spirit!

This second adventure for the New Famous Five bursts with nods to the original stories, including characters, locations- and food! Alf, who used to look after Timmy for George before she was allowed to keep him at home, is now looking after her new dog, Bobs, whilst she (George) is away. The children are Dick, one of the original Five’s, grandchildren and he makes an appearance towards the end of the book. Anne, also of the Famous Five, features in this story. For those who have read the originals, her treatment is really interesting. Now a detective, she is no longer the timid, girly ‘homemaker’ of Blyton’s stories, although she still makes sure everyone is well fed-  ‘clearly, she hadn’t changed completely from the little girl who’d arranged picnics for the others so long ago’! In fact, she calmly states, ‘I'm used to be underestimated…It’s been happening my whole life’ – something sure to make original readers smile with delight!

However, the story holds up well as an adventure in its own right with plenty of action, peril twists and turns, leading to the New Famous Five coming out on top just like their predecessors. A flashback to 55 years earlier ties this adventure to one had by the Famous Five- ‘Five Go to Smuggler’s Top’, the fourth story Enid Blyton wrote about them. Here, Chris Smith makes an effort to use more Blyton-esque language, contrasting with the modern day usage in the rest of the book.

Thoroughly enjoyable!

The New Famous Five: Five and the Smuggler’s Code

Chris Smith (inspired by Enid Blyton), illustrated by James Lancett

Hodder ISBN: 978-1444978759

Clem Fetale Has Been Upstaged

Clem Fatale and her best friend Gilbert are on their way to see the Wade Sisters perform at the London Palladium when they find themselves waylaid. Betty Wade- one of the singing sisters- has disappeared and her brother, Eddy, and sister, Judy, want to hire them to find her…

If ever there was a fast-paced romp of an adventure, this is it! So much happens as Clem and Gilbert follow the clues and set off in search of Betty Wade, facing everything from dodgy geezers and the darker side of the entertainment industry to the glitz and glamour of the Ritz as they investigate.

The story is peppered with plenty of humour which helps to alleviate the tension as the plot hurtles towards its surprising and satisfying conclusion. Black and white illustrations throughout add to the drama of the story and the wonderful friendship between George and Clem emerges stronger than ever despite Clem’s worries about losing George to his new life at school. This would make an excellent class story with plenty to enjoy!

Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged

Eve Wersocki-Morris, illustrated by Honie Beam

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788957625

Postman Planet

Planet Orderon might be grey and boring, but it is essential to the smooth running of the galaxy as it is where all the boring jobs are done. Organising the postal service is something that is taken very seriously and when a tricky mission comes along, only Postman Planet is considered for the job! However, Postman Planet is hiding a very big secret…he is only 9 years old. Despite this, he and his new assistant, Stamp, must make an important delivery to save the Planet of Fluffy Unicorns.

‘Postman Planet’ fizzes with fun and energy from the very first page! Packed with highly entertaining, comical illustrations, the story romps along at a lively pace, perfect for engaging reluctant and keen readers alike!

The use of short chapters allows the reader to move through the action quickly and keep track as the story moves around, giving additional information about events and characters. Although full of quirky humour, the importance of teamwork and friendship is also celebrated. ‘Postman Planet’ would make a great bedtime story, making a special, shared experience to remember!

Postman Planet

Ben Davis, illustrated by Yasmin Sheikh

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398545953

Donut Squad Make a Mess!

Having defeated the Bagels, those sworn enemies of all Donuts, the Donut Squad is heading for the Great Outdoors for some camping.

It is almost impossible to review the chaotic madness which is at the heart of ‘Donut Squad Make a Mess!’- it is one of those books which you just have to read to enjoy! In a series of crazy capers, the Donuts shenanigans are presented in comic strips interspersed with adverts and puzzles- name that donut!- whilst a shocking secret means the Bagels might not have been as defeated as the Donuts thought!

There is something very addictive about these illustrations and their zany humour which make the books irresistible. Drawing advice is offered at the end of the book, inspiring children to create their own Donut adventures- or just have some fun doodling. It’s no wonder children (and adults!) find these books so appealing.

Donut Squad Make a Mess!

Neill Cameron

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788453585

You can read my review of ‘Donut Squad Take Over the World’ here.

Animagicals: Mia’s Tiger

Having discovered that she can change into animal form, Mia is delighted to find she has a place at Wild Haven School where she will be trained by the Guardians and be able to meet other animagicals just like her. Keen to make friends and find her true animagical form, she starts her training, facing Challenges along the way. However, when she uncovers a plot to smuggle someone called Lord Scarfell into Animagia, no one will listen to her, leaving Mia and her new friends to take action.

‘Animagicals: Mia’s Tiger’ is the perfect story for younger readers who love animals, magic and adventure.

Each highly illustrated chapter is just the right length for engaging children who are building their independent reading stamina and confidence or for shared reading with an adult supporting them. Each chapter is packed with action and plenty of descriptive details, making the book a very enjoyable read.

Animal welfare and friendship are at the heart of the story. Mia and her friends are determined to protect the creatures of Animagia, showing great courage as they face the danger presented by the invaders. There is just the right amount of tension and peril for younger readers and the story offers plenty of opportunity for discussing characters and making predictions about what might happen next!

The first in what is sure to become a very popular new series, ‘Mia’s Tiger’ is a delightful read.

Animagicals: Mia’s Tiger

Paula Harrison, illustrated by Erwin Madrid

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805130925

Finn’s Epic Fails

Finn’s life seems destined to be a series of epic fails. Year 7 is plagued with boring lessons and evil teachers and at home, he has to contend with a unicorn-obsessed, evil little sister, a muscle-bound, vain older brother and a father who, since the divorce, has taken up wearing Lycra. Armed with his two best friends, Google and Laszlo, Finn is determined to negotiate life at secondary school without any issues, but when you are prone to epic fail after epic fail, will this be possible?

Offering a marked contrast to Phil’s recent series of historical novels, ‘Finn’s Epic Fails’ really is a laugh-a-minute read! Finn is instantly likeable and readers will instantly empathise with the many mortifying scrapes and ‘fails’ he encounters along the way. A ‘Fail-O-Meter’ at the beginning of each chapter indicates just how cringe worthy Finn’s life is going to get from a ‘Super Rare Win’ to ‘100% Epic Fail’. It will come as no surprise to learn that the wins are indeed ‘super rare’, but Finn’s resilience and general good humour as he recounts his experiences in this book which is definitely NOT a diary!

Short chapters, a fast paced, entertaining narrative and lively illustrations all combine to make the ups and downs of Finn’s life a very entertaining and engaging read. I notice Finn has the same high opinion of Frazzles as the author does which makes me wonder how much of Phil’s own school day experiences have made their way into the story!!

Finn’s Epic Fails

Phil Earle, illustrated by Al Murphy

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398546165

You can read my review of ‘Until the Road Ends’ here.

Tree Thing

When Rinti the squirrel finds a glowing little acorn on the forest floor, she scoops it up and takes it to her friend, Marlo. Nothing grows in the valley where they live, but Marlo plants the seed in the hope that something will come of it. To his amazement, the acorn grows into the most wonderful Tree Thing, which changes everything. However, when a mysterious Rider arrives, bearing an axe and threatening to destroy Tree Thing, Marlo must find the courage and ingenuity needed to face him and save Tree Thing.

Thought-provoking and powerful, ‘Tree Thing’ is a story deeply rooted in the beauty of the natural world. It carries a plea for its protection and bursts with hope for change. It is quite extraordinary.

Piers Torday says that this story was in part inspired by the senseless destruction of the ‘Sycamore Gap Tree’ found along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. A favourite place to visit, my family and I were, like so many, horrified to hear of its having been illegally felled and have since visited the remaining stump and taken heart in the signs of new life sprouting there. In ‘Tree Thing’, the life of all trees is celebrated, including the amazing contribution they make in feeding, sheltering and sustaining so much other life. The beauty and power of Tree Thing brings life and hope to Marlo and the people living in his valley and when the Rider appears, intent on destruction, it is through Marlo’s determination to champion and protect Tree Thing that change is possible, offering hope for the future.

Themes of environmental protection and conservation in children’s books are no new thing; however, ‘Tree Thing’ is wonderfully original, almost fairy tale like in its form. The illustrations add much to the magical feeling of the story, capturing poignant, humorous and wonderful moments perfectly! ‘Tree Thing’ would make a fascinating class text for children to explore and enjoy whilst gaining much from the beautiful use of language and imagery.

A special story!

Tree Thing

Piers Torday, illustrated by Matthew Taylor Wilson

Hachette ISBN: 978-1786541482

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

Quill and the Last Generation

Living in a land trapped in winter, Quill is one of the last children to be born for twelve years. On Beltane night, the first of May, everyone gathers to light a fire, a symbolic act of bringing back warmth and light to the world and, although he wakes the following morning to the bitter cold he has become used to, he is surprised when a raven on his windowsill turns into a girl called Deryn, who claims she is there to take him to the underworld as he (Quinn) is the only one who can change things. Faced with a new world and new challenges, Quill must prepare to battle the King of Darkness and bring light back before it’s too late.

Drawing on myth and folklore, ‘Quill and the Last Generation’ is a sensational, unputdownable read, sure to appeal to a wide audience of readers young and old and so the perfect choice for my first review of 2026- the National Year of Reading!

Quill is a wonderful hero. Having always felt different to the other children of the last generation, Quill lives with his adoptive parents, wonderfully warm, loving people who named him ‘Quill’ because they knew he ‘would go on to write your own story. And that it would be extraordinary.’ Aware of who Quill was and where he came from, they did their very best to keep him safe, grounding him in love so that when faced with the dangers and challenges head, Quill proves a worthy champion. At every stage, his decisions are founded in thoughtful, caring actions, valuing people and creatures alike, making him a thoroughly likeable and deeply empathetic character. As he meets new friends and companions along the way, the reader is introduced to other memorable characters like Finn, Deryn and Eos, totem birds created by Quill’s mother and Solas, a beautiful winged horse formed from water.

The story is a fast-paced adventure, a true page turner! From deeply poignant moments to perilous action, the whole is beautifully written. There are hints of more to come - and I cannot wait to see what happens to Quill next. This is a must have for class shelves and would make a brilliant class story (teachers should be aware that death and loss feature in the plot), sure to captivate and inspire and offer a pathway to a range of myths, legends and folklore.

Quill and the Last Generation

C M Lewis, illustrated by Maria Vidal

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1035092703

Kill Me Now

When the school ‘golden boy’, Riley North is murdered, Guy Mortimer finds himself accused of murder. Son of the local funeral director, Guy- or ‘Reaper’ as he is called- has been taunted and bullied by Riley and his cronies for years and so seems an obvious suspect. However, keen to clear his name, he teams up with new girl, Samira, to investigate and they are soon joined by classmates, Betty, and Riley’s best friends, Bunsen and Snake. As the murder count grows, Reaper and the others must work together to uncover a tangled web of secrets and lies - and try to survive.

I really didn’t mean to read this one today as it is not out until February, but I thought I would try the first couple of pages…and then could not put it down!

‘Kill Me Now’ is a fast paced, twisty thriller, full of red herrings. As the story races towards its surprising conclusion, the tension mounts and the reader is left with no idea who they can trust or believe!

Dark secrets and lies are at the heart of the story. In a town where religion and being - or being seen to be- perfect is essential, the result is layers of secrets as people hide their true selves. Guy himself is pretending to his parents that everything is going well at school, hiding the fact that his ex-best friend is now bullying him at every opportunity and his family, who run the funeral parlour, do not want anyone to know that he (Guy) has now taken over responsibility for preparing the dead since his mother has become ill. It seems everyone is hiding something - a sin for which they might have to pay the ultimate price.

Gripping from the opening page, ‘Kill Me Now’ is an extremely engaging and satisfying read! Don’t miss it!

Kill Me Now

Helen Price

Chicken House ISBN: 978-1917171144

Publishing 12th February 2026

Magpie Girl

Safely back home in Maidswell after having mysteriously disappeared, Lavender Wild has no memory of her time away from home, but is able to speak to birds and has beautiful, magical feathers growing on her arms. She longs for adventure, but her father is overprotective, keen to keep her close to home, and her best friend, Kit, is now cold and distant towards her. But when Kit’s father goes missing, Lavender and Kit join forces in an attempt to rescue him, uncovering secrets, facing dangers and rebuilding their friendship along the way.

Although set in the world of ‘Heart Seer’, ‘Magpie Girl’ is a stand alone novel, which draws on folklore and legend to create a magical read.

Lavender’s world is vividly described as she sets off on her quest from the village of Maidswell to the Cries, a dormant volcano in the Ironridge Mountains, said to be home to the legendary Firebird, but it is the imaginative cast of characters which really brings this brilliant story to life!

Lavender herself is a wonderful character. Torn between her longing for adventure and her deep love for her home, she has returned from being lost, brought home by Mother Nest, her natural curiosity and zest for life make her feel a deep sense of guilt when she dreams about spreading her wings. Bright, courageous and loyal, she learns to be true to herself and find her place in the world. Both she and Kit are very relatable figures as each bottles up their true feelings, carrying guilt and a sense of responsibility for things which are not their fault. As they rekindle their friendship, which was marred due to misunderstanding and lack of communication, a very special bond develops between them as they help one another, not only with the quest, but also to come to terms with the weight of emotion they carry.

Spirit-hunters, witches, daemons and deities all feature in this adventure - any one of which deserves a story all of their own! Completely enchanting, it is an absorbing book which would make a excellent story time read!

Magpie Girl

Rowan Foxwood, cover illustration by Crystal Kung

Usborne ISBN: 978-1803707389

The Experiment

Nathan is used to keeping secrets. No one must know that he and his parents are from another planet, although his parents don’t like the term ‘aliens’, preferring to say that they are ‘visitors’ from the planet Kast. However, when Nathan suddenly grows a tail, which he calls ‘Tuck’, the family must return to the Wagon, their spaceship, to consult with Hester, the ‘boss’. But something is not right and Nathan soon starts to doubt everything he has been taught to believe…

‘The Experiment’ is a must read for anyone looking for something a little bit quirky, extremely well written and utterly absorbing! Once again, however, it is a story which is hard to review without ruining the plot for those who have not read it, but I have tried not to give too much away.

Nathan is a lovely, gentle lad who quietly submits to all the assessments and routines which he believes are part of his being Kast and enable him to pass as a ‘normal’ boy on Earth. Being with his best friend, Victor, he manages to experience being part of ‘a normal, messy, perfect family’, but is very aware of how different his life is to that of those around him, encouraging empathy from the reader as he reflects on his situation and feelings. Equally well developed is Victor, whose genuine loyalty to his friend is really touching.

Nathan’s plight is gradually exposed, raising many questions about what is happening and why and thus quickly hooking the reader. Intrigued, I found it hard to put down with the short chapters encouraging me to read ‘just one more’ as the pace picked up and the book romped its way to an exciting conclusion. For the right class, this would make an excellent class story, keeping them guessing, predicting and engaged until the very end!

The Experiment

Rebecca Stead

Andersen ISBN: 978-1839137815

Where the Dragon Waits

Whilst out sailing, Ed and his dad are involved in a crash. When he comes to, Ed finds himself on a strange beach. There is no sign of his dad, but he meets Steff, who is also stranded with no idea where she is. Driven away from the beach by strange butterflies, they find themselves on an extraordinary quest to find the dragon who lives at the top of a rocky spire- and who is their only hope for finding their way home.

I love Tom Moorhouse’s ‘The River Singers’ so I was really excited to discover ‘Where the Dragon Waits’. Although a very different style of book, it was just as well written and enjoyable!

Compelling from the very first page, ‘Where the Dragon Waits’ mingles fantasy with reality. After the accident, Ed finds himself trapped in a strange reality, struggling to make sense of the world around him. As he and his new companion, Steff, search for answers, they are drawn more deeply into a wonderfully imagined world, full of strange creatures and perilous situations. At the same time, the reader realises that Ed’s parents are anxiously waiting by his hospital bed as he lies in a critical condition after the boat crash.

A very relatable character, it is easy to empathise with Ed. Whereas Steff is impetuous and a little over-bearing, he shows himself to be thoughtful and kind-hearted, facing tough choices with courage and determination. As the plot builds to its very satisfying conclusion, readers will find themselves cheering him on every step of the way.

This wonderfully original and absorbing story would make an excellent class story, offering plenty for a class to enjoy, sure to provoke plenty of discussion and debate as well as inspiring them to create descriptive and imaginative tales of their own. An excellent read!

Where the Dragon Waits

Tom Moorhouse

David Fickling ISBN: 978-1788453837

Publishing January 2026

Watts and Whiskerton: The Great Glacier Hotel Heist

Watts is delighted to be going on his first family holiday- a trip with no detecting- and is thrilled that his friend, Pearl, and her dad are coming too. However, it soon becomes clear that The Great Glacier Hotel and Ski Resort has become a crime scene- and his parents are prime suspects. Watts and Whiskerton swing into action and get ready to solve their third case…

‘The Great Glacier Hotel Heist’ continues this delightful series with another brilliant adventure for Watts and Pearl. This new mystery is every bit as enjoyable as the previous two, testing the observational and deductive powers of readers!

Once again, visual story telling is a key element of the tale with speech bubbles and comic strip elements embedded into the narrative along with other illustrations. Highly engaging, the pictures add much to the story, offering newly independent readers support. Each chapter concludes with ‘Watts’ notes’ in which he summarises the action, lists the facts and poses questions. These are excellent for developing prediction, inference and deduction as well as offering an excellent starting point for discussion and developing ideas if the story is being shared.

In the hands of the right teacher, the illustrations could be used to develop children’s understanding of speech, speech punctuation, using speech synonyms and/or developing reporting clauses. Watts’ speech bubble on page 75 would also make a great introduction to note making! The story would make a really fun class read and children could be encouraged to make their own notebooks and use them to keep their own notes to help them solve the case!

Great characters, an engaging case and lashings of lovely illustrations… the perfect combination for a Watts and Whiskerton mystery!

Watts and Whiskerton: The Great Glacier Hotel Heist

Meg McLaren

Piccadilly ISBN: 978-1800786639

You can read my review of ‘Sabotage at the Fete Cake Bake’ here and ‘Buried Bones and Troublesome Treasure’ here.

Owl King

Ilsette has always been protected by her sister, Lyla. Being half-human, half-faery would make her an outcast if anyone in the Realm of Never Moon found out and Lyla would do anything for her sister. However, summoned by the dark, dangerous Owl King to his court, they, along with everyone else, are compelled to obey and when Ilsette’s beautiful singing voice attracts his attention, Lyla seeks to distract him and finds herself being chosen as his next wife. Horrified to learn that the Owl King takes feathers from his brides, draining them of their magic, Ilsette pledges to find a feather which will save her sister’s life. Meanwhile, Lyla seeks to save herself by telling the Owl King stories, giving them time to become close and changing the relationship between them.

Rich in folklore and fantasy, ‘Owl King’ is a beautifully told tale. The strength of love between the two sisters is at the heart of story as each tries to protect and support the other in the face great peril and self-sacrifice.

Islette adores her sister. Without the nurture and protection Lyra has offered her all her life, Islette knows that she would never have survived the cruelty of the fae who hate humans, but their bond goes far deeper than gratitude. Lyra is her ‘companion…comfort…compass’ and yet as Islette spreads her wings and sets out on her own to save her sister, she longs to learn who she truly is, not what she has had to become, hiding her true self and staying in the shadows. Courageous and resourceful, she finds her own way, forming new friendships, but never forgetting her sister.

The story draws on ‘Swan Lake’ and ‘One Thousand and One Nights’, mingled with the darker side of the Fae. Atmospheric and compelling, it intertwines the stories of the two sisters with tales told of the other faeries.

Owl King

Bex Hogan

Zephyr ISBN: 978-1035912681

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

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