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.
The Day Death Died/ The Last Day of October
Barrington Stoke are renowned for publishing highly engaging, accessible reads and these two are no exception! Hallowe’en might have been and gone this year, but these are scary stories to be enjoyed all year round.
Tanya Landman’s books are always enjoyable and in ‘The Day Death Died’, she has written an extremely engaging quick read which offers plenty to think about. When his mother becomes ill, Jack is devastated when Death comes to take her away and decides to fight back. Jack manages to get rid of Death, but then is horrified by the consequences.
In such a short book, Tanya Landman manages to create a very atmospheric and compelling story through really carefully chosen language and short, powerful sentences. Highly illustrated, it is a a story sure to provoke both thought and discussion, capture the interest of even the most reluctant reader and hopefully, lead them to other books!
‘The Last Day of October’ is a real spine-tingler of a tale! One Hallowe’en, three friends, Cody, Sean and Duri, decide to locate the ruins of the haunted McBride House, the scene of a tragic accident, deep in the woods. Finding the house turns out to be more terrifying than they could ever have imagined…
Brilliantly constructed, ‘The Last Day of October’ is a completely captivating, riveting read with a suitable haunting ending that will leave readers gasping! Although a relatively short story, each of the friends has a distinct personality. Cody is behind the plan to visit the McBride House, determined to lead his friends on this adventure; Sean is far more cautious, but unwilling to let the others down; Duri is tempted by the idea of sharing their findings with others. Their excitement about their spooky adventure is contagious and the atmospheric writing builds tension as they head off into the woods on their quest and the story reaches its chilling conclusion.
The perfect spooky story!
The Day Death Died
Tanya Landman, illustrated by Cinthya Alvarez
Barrington Stoke ISBN: 978-0008764890
The Last Day of October
Phil Hickes, illustrated by Oriol Vidal
Barrington Stoke ISBN: 978-0008748517