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

Tomorrow’s Ghost

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

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

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

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

Tomorrow’s Ghost

Tanya Landman

Walker ISBN: 978-1529519747

Ice Dancer

Dina and her brothers are leaving the hills of Wales behind and are heading to Sheffield to stay with their aunt, JJ. However, hurt and frustrated by the frosty reception JJ gives them, Dina takes her great-grandmother’s skates and heads for the local rink. Although she is passionate about skating, Dina finds mixing with others really hard. Shocked by how hostile some of the skaters are, Dina manages to make friends with talented skater, Rosie. With the odds stacked against her and secrets from her family’s past coming to light, Dina must find the courage to follow her dreams.

‘Ice Dancer’ is just the sort of story I would have loved as a child! Completely absorbing, it celebrates the power of family and friendship as well as the joy a hobby can bring.

Family - with all its flaws and foibles - is at the heart of the story. Dina is struggling with the loss of her older sister and the break up of her parents’ marriage. The aunt who she remembers as being kind and fun has become cold and distant and she is feeling increasingly isolated. No one is really talking about how they feel, leading to misunderstandings, misinterpretation and mistrust, but this is a loving family, who through sharing personal stories, listening and talking, eventually come through even stronger than before.

Forced into the role of ‘older sister’, Dina craves the freedom she feels on the ice. Her passion for skating is brilliantly captured and there is plenty of detail to intrigue and interest readers, inspiring them to discover more. The story shows how competitive sport might not be for everyone with the pressures and rivalry it can bring- but it also shows the joys of expressing yourself creatively! Dina is a lovely character, unsure of herself and reluctant to be the centre of attention, but desperate to find friendship and readers will empathise with her feelings of loss and insecurity as she tries to navigate new situations.

There is also a strong theme of challenging the status quo in skating, encouraging readers to consider some of the rules around the traditional roles taken in the sport and whether these should be continued. This would make an excellent starting point for looking at those who have chosen to do what they think is right rather than that which will win them prizes! Children might enjoy investigating figures like Surya Bonaly and discussing the choices that people sometimes have to make.

‘Ice Dancer’ is an excellent read, offering plenty of mystery and adventure, thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking! So much to recommend this one!

Ice Dancer

Alex Cotter

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805133025

You can read my review of ‘The Mermaid Call’ here.

The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good

Fran is not looking forward to spending a week with her aunt and uncle, largely because of her rude and unfriendly cousin, Imogen. However, when she arrives, Fran finds that Imogen is missing…and no one seems to remember that she ever existed. Puzzled and frightened, Fran is determined to find out what happened to her cousin which leads her to a hidden garden which contains twelve mysterious statues.

Offering an excellent mystery, ‘The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good’ is a pacy, compelling read which will have readers on the edge of their seats.

Short chapters told from differing viewpoints are interspersed with those telling the story of ‘The Twelve Statues of Stillness Hall’ which gradually reveals the secret of the hidden garden. As events unfold, the story reaches a very satisfying conclusion which is perfectly paced, bringing the plot to a point which still allows readers some scope for imagination. It’s hard to explain what I mean here fully without ruining the story for those who have not read it yet!

Fran is a very engaging character. Although initially scared and confused by the situation she finds herself in, she quickly shows herself to be determined and resourceful. She is also a very honest character, recognising her faults and seeking to be kind to others. Bex, a girl who lives in the same row of cottages as Imogen and her family, is a wonderfully quirky individual who sadly finds herself on the receiving end of the local bullies. Imogen is a really interesting and complex character who is not easy to take to initially yet grows on the reader as the story progresses.

Sure to keep a class on tenterhooks, there is much to recommend this as a class reader. The peer pressure and bullying experienced would make for interesting discussions and the fantasy element is sure to spark listeners’ imaginations and lead to some excellent story writing!

I was absolutely captivated and could not put this one down until I had finished!

The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good

Kirsty Applebaum

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805131472

You can read my review of ‘The Middler’ here and ‘Troofriend’ here

The Last Pebble

Trader lives in Bognor where he loves to spend time beachcombing with his grandfather. One day, he finds a special pebble which his grandfather seems to recognise and be excited by. Although Trader struggles to make friends, his last days at primary school are made happier by his developing friendship with Charlotte who has recently started there. Can they solve the mystery surrounding the pebble- and discover who has been leaving messages in bottles on the beach?

‘The Last Pebble’ is a charming, quirky story, full of humour and heart. It celebrates the special relationship children can have with their grandparents, being a bit different and the power of friendship.

The close bond between Trader and his grandfather is beautifully captured. In this relationship, Trader feels safe and valued, able to share his passion for rocks which make sense to him in a way in which people do not. With the discovery of the special pebble, Trader learns more about his family’s past, taking him on an unexpected adventure. His tentative attempts at reaching out to Charlotte, uncertain as to how to reach out and worried about rejection are also really well portrayed and are sure to resonate with many readers. By the end of the book, he has found his way, safe with those who understand and value him.

Trader’s passion for his hobby may inspire some readers to share their own interests- or perhaps recognise and respect that different things fascinate different people and that this is a very positive thing. ‘The Last Pebble’ is a gentle story, yet one which offers plenty of adventure and things to reflect on, making it an excellent class story or perhaps one to be shared between grandparent and grandchild!

The Last Pebble

Alex Horne

Walker ISBN: 978-1529502565

Circle of Liars

When seven teenagers arrive for a school retreat, they find themselves at the Motel Loba, abandoned and rundown, not the top location they were expecting. But things only get worse when they find they are trapped and forced to play a game where every hour they must vote one person out, deciding who is to live and who to die. For each one of the seven has a secret about a school fire which ended in tragedy…and only one can survive.

A tense, dramatic read, ‘Circle of Liars’ is absolutely unputdownable! Reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s ‘And then there were none’, it is full of twists and turns sure to keep the reader on the edge of their seat!

Told from different viewpoints, the story unfolds, highlighting the thoughts and feelings of certain characters as the truth about everyone’s involvement in and responsibility for the fire. The story not only explores how the different players deal with their feelings of culpability, but also how far they will go to save themselves, manipulating and coercing others, so that they will survive, sure to make readers wonder how they would act in a similar situation.

It is hard to review a book like this without spoiling it for others so suffice it to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it and would readily recommend it to anyone who enjoys a pacy, compelling read with plenty of action and plenty to think about!

Circle of Liars

Kate Francis

Usborne ISBN: 978-1836042389

The Girl Who Raced the World

When her mother dies, Maggie is left with nothing but a letter for a stranger named Jean Passepartout. Faced with life in an orphanage, she seeks him out and finds herself caught up in the adventure of a lifetime. Passepartout is valet to Mr Phileas Fogg, who has just entered into a wager to prove he can circumnavigate the world in eighty days, and as Maggie’s life is filled with the wonders of travel, she quickly realises that there is more than just the wager at stake.

‘The Girl Who Raced the World’ is, quite simply, fabulous! Based on the classic novel by Jules Verne, it is manages to capture the spirit of ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ whilst adding plenty of originality and spark, making it an excellent read for readers (young and old!) in search of an excellent adventure.

Whilst the story differs from the original in several key ways, Phileas Fogg and Passepartout remain main characters pursued by Detective Fix, who believes Fogg robbed the Bank of England and is using the wager as a clever way to escape capture. The main difference is that this story is told from Maggie’s point of view, allowing readers to empathise with her situation and worries as she finds herself faced with life in an uncaring orphanage, having lost her mother, and then placed in a situation where she doesn’t know who she can trust. Maggie is a great character. Plucky and loyal, she values others and makes firm friendships on her journey as she strives to do the ‘right’ thing. Over the course of the story, she finds her family, her place in the world, and the reader is cheering her on every step of the way!

Action-packed and pacy, the plot romps along at a pleasing pace with plenty of tension and drama on the way. Well written and full of historical details, it would make an excellent class story, offering much to discuss along the way as well as much to enjoy. This really is one not to be missed- and I really hope there is another adventure (or two or three!) to come for Maggie and her friends!

The Girl Who Raced the World

Nat Harrison

Piccadilly Press ISBN: 978-1835871386

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.

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 Party

When Bessie and her friends decide to attend a secret party at a remote and desolate castle, they are looking forward to a brilliant weekend. However, things quickly start to go wrong and as the weather worsens, one of their number dies…followed by another…and another… Left suspecting everyone, is there anyone one Bessie can trust and will she get out alive?

I’ll just read a couple of pages before getting on with some work, I said to myself! However, once I started reading ‘The Party’ there was no way I was going to stop until I’d finished.

Trapped in the castle by the storm and the flooding moat, a group of friends from boarding school quickly find themselves facing danger. The castle is owned by the parents of twins, Allegra and Fergus, whose plans to develop the building into luxury flats has caused outrage and hostility from the locals. When exploring the (vividly described!) castle, Bessie is unsettled to discover threatening graffiti in the cellar which she ascribes to this group. Her feelings of unease are shared by the reader as tension quickly mounts and the situation moves from bad to worse.

As ever when reviewing a book like this, it is really hard find a balance between doing the book justice whilst not spoiling it for those yet to read it, but I’ll try to be careful. After a steady start, scattered with details and hints about the group and their relationships, the story builds quickly, gaining pace as the suspense and action mount. There are plenty of red herrings as the reader is left guessing and second guessing as the death count mounts in a scenario reminiscent of ‘And Then there were None’ as you find the very person you thought was doing it couldn’t have- or could they?! It’s a real page turner, leading to a very satisfying and unexpected conclusion.

If you enjoy a good murder mystery, ‘The Party’ is a must read!

The Party

Natasha Preston

Hot Key Books ISBN: 978-1471418266

Lockett and Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts of the Manor

Matilda Lockett has what some might consider an unusual life. Whilst her aunt performs as Signora Valentina, a professional spirit medium, Matilda plays the part of Poor Dead Edna, convincing audiences of her aunt’s abilities. However, when her aunt is asked to visit Beauchamp Manor and rid it of the ghost which is haunting it, Matilda discovers that she really can see ghosts and soon becomes friends with Edgar Wilde, a ghost boy. Working together, they are able to solve the very real mystery of what is actually happening at the manor.

With Lucy Strange writing excellent stories and Pam Smy creating the most fabulous pictures, ‘The Ghosts at the Manor’ was sure to be a book which I would enjoy- and I loved it! The story offers an engaging mystery with a slightly spooky twist and lots of friendship, making it a wonderful read. Matilda and Edgar are lovely characters, who show what teamwork can do and whose partnership is sure to offer plenty more satisfying adventures to come. There are twists and secrets, ghosts and jewels, fakes and fortunes in this story, but at it’s heart is Matilda’s warm relationship with her aunt and ‘Uncle’ Barnabus and her new found friendship with Edgar.

The joy of the story is perfectly captured by Pam Smy’s lovely illustrations. These black and white images with touches of blue add a slightly eerie atmosphere, perfectly in keeping with the gently spooky nature of the story. Children are going to love reading about Matilda and Edgar and will clamour for more!

Lockett and Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts at the Manor

Lucy Strange and Pam Smy

Walker ISBN: 978-1529516005

Murder at Wintertide

George and his father are heading for Lyme Regis for a family gathering to celebrate both his grandfather’s birthday and Christmas where the two halves of his step-family are coming together. This includes Isla, his slightly terrifying, very intelligent step-cousin. When a body washes up on the beach, George is convinced it has something to do with some strange lights he saw on the cliff top and together with Isla, he finds himself investigating the mystery. However, someone is determined to stop them…

Once again, Fleur Hitchcock delivers an excellent murder mystery! ‘Murder at Wintertide’ is a completely absorbing and entertaining read, every bit as enjoyable as the previous ‘Murder…’ books.

Perfectly pitched for Y6/7 readers, ‘Murder at Wintertide’ offers a captivating thriller complete with red herrings, plenty of peril and ‘pesky kids’ determined to solve the crime. Readers familiar with Lyme Regis, where the action is set, will recognise many of the details Fleur adds to the story, including the sculpture of ‘some famous fossil hunter’, and the descriptions of a seaside town in winter add much to the atmosphere of the story.

George makes an appealing main character and the complexities of his blended family life add plenty of substance and realism to the story. As his friendship with Isla develops, George realises that he has misunderstood someone who actually makes a brave an loyal friend, showing how easy it is to misjudge people. They make quite a team and it would be great to see them make a reappearance in a future book!

It is always hard to review this sort of story without giving too much away and spoiling it for others, but anyone who reads this (and everyone should!) will instantly recognise the skill with which Fleur writes these stories, making them every bit as enjoyable for older readers as for those they are officially aimed at! Thoroughly enjoyable, endlessly readable… another triumph!

Murder at Wintertide

Fleur Hitchcock

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805132233

Published 10th October 2024

You can read my review of ‘Murder at Snowfall’ here, ‘Waiting for Murder’ here and ‘Murder in Midwinter’ here.

Chronicles of Whetherwhy: The Age of Enchantment

In Whetherwhy, everyone has a little bit of magic inside them, linked to one of the seasons, but each year, a handful of enchanters are born, those who can wield magic connected with spring, summer, autumn and winter. Juniper and Rafferty Quinn are twins, living with their family at their bookbindery in Honeyvale. On the Spring Ember Day of their thirteenth year, they, like all other thirteen-year-olds, are tested and on finding she is an enchanter, Juniper is invited to study at Thistledown Academy. Reluctant both to leave her alone, and to be left behind, Rafferty soon follows, taking an apprenticeship at a bookbindery in the capital city of Stormgrove.

Whilst Juniper learns to control and use her magic, Rafferty finds himself drawn into a mysterious sect known as the Papercut Society whose beliefs lead him away from his sister. However, as danger and dark magic threaten them, the twins must come together once more.

No synopsis of this book could seek to do justice to the wonderfully magical and imaginative world which Anna James has created! As a great lover of the ‘Pages and Co.’ series, I had high hopes of this book- and those yet to come- and I found myself completely absorbed into the world of Whetherwhy.

Once again, Anna James puts books and the power of word at the very heart of the story, but in ‘The Age of Enchantment’, the joys and power of nature are also celebrated. With each resident having an affinity to one of the seasons, the ‘specialness’ of each time of year is highlighted, enhancing their natural abilities. As with any magical story, comparisons are sure to be made with the ‘Harry Potter’ stories and, just as fans of those identify with one of the houses, so here readers are sure to wonder which season they ‘belong’ to!

It’s the little details which make any imagined world convincing and the descriptions of Whetherwhy are full of them as well as (if I am not much mistaken!) hints of things to come in future stories. Fabulous illustrations by David Wyatt add much to the atmosphere of each chapter, capturing various scenes perfectly, with a map at the beginning to help readers orientate themselves in this new world.

Juniper and Rafferty come from a loving and supportive family which clearly contrasts with that of Olivor, another student at Thistledown Academy, who becomes Juniper’s friend and Jessy, the other apprentice at the Aufero Bindery in Stormgrove. Incredibly close, the twins grow apart as the story develops, each finding their own place, yet ultimately their bond is as strong as ever. They must work out who to trust and what to believe as they overcome dangers and unravel mysteries. Each of the characters in the story is really well developed, including the adults, adding to the richness of the read- and the potential to discover more in subsequent books. Even minor characters like Nutmeg, the owner of ‘Butter and Bean’, feel like people you might know.

Exciting from the outset, ‘The Age of Enchantment’ is a gripping read, thoroughly enjoyable and impossible to put down. Can’t wait for the next one!

Chronicles of Whetherwhy: The Age of Enchantment

Anna James, illustrated by David Wyatt

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008611576

Ghost Tide

When his mum packs him off to East Anglia to stay with family he hardly knows, Charlie is annoyed that he won’t be able to spend the holidays playing football and hanging out with his friends. Uncle Patrick’s house is dilapidated and his daughter, Ariel, is all but hostile. Finding an ancient box buried on a beach, Charlie unwittingly releases a violent presence which causes mayhem. Working with his cousin, Charlie must somehow set things right once more.

‘Ghost Tide’ is a compelling, chilling read. Atmospheric writing keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as the tension mounts. Not a great lover of being scared, I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this one!

Charlie is a thoroughly likeable character. Thrust into a situation he would rather have avoided, he tries to make the best of things, empathising with his uncle as Patrick tries to make a new life with his daughter after the death of his wife. Intelligent and curious, he is sensitive to the ghostly whispering voices in his uncle’s house which he can hear, something which he has in common with his cousin and leads to a new understanding between them. Ariel is also well developed and believable and the two make a determined, courageous team as together they face the dangers and challenges which opening the box has triggered.

Rich in descriptive details, the story flows well, building towards a very satisfying conclusion. I loved the references to, and quotes from, The Tempest and the map at the beginning of the book- who doesn’t love a map?! Spine-tinglingly spooky, ‘Ghost Tide’ offers much to enjoy!

Ghost Tide

Jim Cockin

Eye Books ISBN: 978-1785633775

Watts and Whiskerton: Buried Bones and Troublesome Treasure

Watts comes from a family of great detectives, but he is not sure he has what it takes to be one. So when his parents head off on their next case, he goes to stay with an old client of theirs at Whiskerton Manor. Here, he meets Pearl, Count Whiskerton’s daughter, a very curious kitten who really wants to be a detective. When strange things start happening in the Manor grounds, Pearl persuades Watts to investigate…

Proving that opposites attract, Watts and Pearl make the purrr-fect team! This is a delightful story, full of lovely illustrations, gentle humour and a brilliant mystery to solve!

Watts is such a sweet character. Thoughtful and steady, but somewhat lacking in confidence, he believes that he will never be as good at solving mysteries as his parents. However, his new friendship with bubbly, talkative, impetuous Pearl helps him to realise that he is a skilful detective in his own right! So many of us can feel overshadowed by the achievements of others, but like Watts can find our own way in life and come to appreciate the skills we do have!

The story is really carefully plotted and Watts’ notes will help readers to follow each stage of the investigation as it unfolds. A perfect balance of text, illustrations, comic strip, labels and speech bubbles makes this an incredibly appealing book for younger readers, as engaging for those reluctant to read as much as those who devour books! There are many jokes to enjoy- for adults as well as for children- with plays on words like Dr Arty Fact and plenty of visual jokes in the pictures! I particularly like the fact that vocabulary like ‘archaeologist’ is also explained in the context of the story- and readers are given a little insight into how archaeologists work!

Both at home and at school, the book could be used as a starting point for many enjoyable activities. The little finger puppets (pictured above) help to make the story even more interactive as readers can act things out as it progresses or create their own little plays and mysteries and perhaps put on performances! Sections in the story where speech bubbles have been used are perfect for teachers to use to support their teaching of speech punctuation as well as developing speech clauses, drawing on the wonderfully detailed visual clues the pictures give to add the characters’ feelings/ actions. The book would also make the most wonderful prompt for a book group or library session, encouraging children to solve a mystery by following clues- or one which encourages children to create their own comic strips perhaps!

I love Meg McLaren’s picture books (The Station Mouse is my favourite!) and am delighted to discover that her talent for creating endearing characters through gorgeous illustrations and engaging storylines will support children in the next stage of reading. I can’t wait for the next case for Watts and Whiskerton!

Watts and Whiskerton: Buried Bones and Troublesome Treasure

Meg McLaren

Piccadilly ISBN: 978: 1800786592

The Secret Society of Very Important Post

Penny Black and her mother are leaving London and moving to Scotland. This will mean that they can spend more time together, but although Penny should feel happy, she is miserable about having to leave her friend, Wishyouwas- and she can’t bring herself to tell him. However, just as she is about to leave their flat, Wishyouwas himself arrives in need of her help as he has been summoned to Buckingham Palace for a meeting. They discover that a letter from the previous King to the new Queen, Elizabeth II, has been stolen and the Sorters are tasked with retrieving it and getting it to the new queen before her coronation. Will they be able to deliver on time?

Readers first met Wishyouwas in ‘The Tiny Guardian of Lost Letters’, an absolutely wonderful adventure, and it is a pure joy to read another story set in this fantastic world! There is something really charming and magical about all the references to the postal service and all the elements of its past glory, so unfamiliar in this world of email and texting.!

The warm friendship between Penny and Wishyouwas is as lovely as ever and the pair make an excellent team as they set about solving the mystery of the missing letter- the ‘Monarch’s Seal’- accompanied by some familiar faces and some new friends. The mystery is really well plotted, offering clues and red herrings to keep the reader guessing as events unfold. Placed at the time of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, the story may well ignite curiosity about this event as well as some of the landmarks mentioned in the story and perhaps seek them out, following in the footsteps of Penny and Wishyouwas.  I never knew of the existence of Duck Island Cottage and will be seeking it out on my next trip to London!

There are plenty of illustrations scattered throughout the story, adding to the charm of this engaging story which would be an excellent choice for class story time or for using as a guided reading text. I look forward to the next ‘Wishyouwas Mystery’!

 The Secret Society of Very Important Post

Alexandra Page, illustrated by Penny Neville-Lee

Bloomsbury     ISBN: 978-1526644336

You can read my review of ‘Wishyouwas: The Tiny Guardian of Lost Letters’ here.

Alice Éclair: A Dash of Daring

When an ingenious cipher machine, capable of converting messages into unreadable code in seconds, and its creator go missing, Alice Éclair finds herself once more in the thick of the action, this time at the Olympic training camp, where the daughter of the missing machine maker is getting ready to compete in the cycling events. Working undercover- and facing the challenges of creating healthy desserts- in the Olimpic kitchens, Alice is determined to solve the case.

This is the fourth and – I hate to say it- final book in the incredibly popular series about the clever, creative and kind-hearted, Alice Éclair, everyone’s favourite spy Every bit as delicious as its predecessors, ‘A Dash of Daring’ offers a very satisfying conclusion.

The story is packed with the usual clues and red herrings which make solving the case so enjoyable and there is plenty of code breaking to tickle the tastebuds. Developing relationships, coming to understand others and overcoming barriers are things which Alice is good at and once again, she makes new friends and meets up with some old ones as she rises to the challenges of the case and faces her nemesis.

Adele, the Olympic cyclist, has a twin, Hugo, a talented designer, who happens to be in a wheelchair. Having taken guidance from a fellow author, Sarah Todd Taylor offers a sensitive, accurate portrayal of his experiences, seamlessly adding this to the story, but greatly enriching the understanding and empathy of readers in the process.

An excellent conclusion to an excellent series!

Alice Éclair: A Dash of Daring

Sarah Todd Taylor, illustrated by Beatriz Castro

Nosy Crow    ISBN: ‎ 978-1839948879

Published 6th June

You can read my review of ‘A Spoonful of Spying’ here and ‘A Sprinkling of Danger’ here.

Pinch Perkins and the Midsummer Curse

Pinch Perkins lives on Tricky Dragon Lane, in the heart of London’s magic quarter. Impulsive and curious, she is determined to discover who is cursing magical Londoners- including her mum- who are left in an enchanted coma known as the Sleeping Beauty curse. Reluctantly teaming up with her annoying neighbour, Henry de Sallowe, Pinch sets off in an incredible race against time to save her mother and the other Sleepers!

Such a sort summary of such an action-packed book! ‘Pinch Perkins and the Midsummer Curse’ is an absolutely brilliant read and one which I would highly recommend to readers young- and not so young!

Much has been made recently in some quarters about longer books being too much for children to sustain- and this is a longer read; however, I have taught many children over the years (including recently!) who thrive on such books, loving the detail and world building they offer, allowing the reader to sink into that world and experience it with the characters. These readers need books like this one - and have as much right to them as those who find joy in shorter, quicker reads have a right to those! For those who love to be absorbed into a story, Pinch Perkins offers a wonderfully detailed, highly imaginative, compelling read.

Pinch is a very appealing character whose determination to save her mother and the other Sleepers leads her into all manner of situations, meeting fairies, knights, ancient evils and modern perils along the way. As her friendship with Henry develops, they make a great team, supporting and complementing each other as they face dangerous situations like the court of the Fairy King and Queen- Ronnie and Tania!-and meeting the tricky Bucca.

Evocative descriptions, moments of humour, captivating characters and a pacey, exciting plot combined with a deliciously imaginative world make this a book which would make an excellent read for engaging a class and one which I will be recommending highly to friends and colleagues! I am aware that this is a somewhat waffly review for which I apologise- but I loved ‘Pinch Perkins and the Midsummer Curse’ very much and cannot wait to read her next adventure!

Pinch Perkins and the Midsummer Curse

Cathy FitzGerald, illustrated by Chloe Dominique

Farshore ISBN: 978-0008603373

Published June 2024