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.
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
Robin
Eddie’s little sister, Scarlet, is very ill. Having been born with a heart condition, she often needs medical care, taking all his parents’ time and attention. Eddy loves Scarlet very much- but sometimes he feels invisible to others and focuses all his attention on being a ‘good’ boy, bottling up all his emotions and keeping the ‘monster’ they create deep inside. Whilst Scarlet faces another surgery, Eddie goes to stay with his Uncle John where he meets a robin in the snowy forest. This bird leads him to a mysterious wild girl, who wants him to find his voice and free his feelings…
‘Robin’ is sensitively written, poignant novel which explores the impact on a family of a serious illness. She has captured a loving, close family, who are each under the enormous strain of worry which Scarlet’s illness has caused, allowing the reader to empathise, not only with Scarlet, but Eddie and his parents as well. It is an incredibly powerful, well-considered story.
The healing power of nature is at the heart of the book as Uncle John encourages Eddie to share his secrets and thoughts with the trees whose ability to communicate and support one another reflects his deep need and desire to be really seen and supported by the people around him. Icy, snowy conditions enhance his feelings of isolation yet allow him to tune into the sustaining sounds of nature, eventually contrasting with the warmth of friendship and family.
As Eddie finds his voice through music and friendship, the whole family benefits from his bravery and honesty, becoming stronger as they acknowledge the importance of finding their ‘monstrous voice’. The beautiful writing is paired with evocative illustrations which enhance the magical, wintery atmosphere of the story. Adults thinking of sharing this with any child would be well advised to read it first, not only because it is well worth reading.
Robin
Sarah Ann Juckes, illustrated by Linde Faas
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398531055
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
Wolf Crown
Having beaten the White Prince in the race for the Midnight Treasure and having discovered that they are, in fact, twins, Tibor and Roza now know that they are heirs to the throne of Princeland. However, now mortal, having lost their powers using the Dark Lantern, reclaiming their inheritance seems an impossibility as they face a new race against time to find the long-lost Wolf Crown which seems to offer their only chance of defeating the White Prince once and for all.
No summary could ever do justice to the richly-told, superbly plotted dream of a book which is ‘Wolf Crown’. I absolutely adored ‘Midnight Treasure’ - and this sequel is even better!
Separated, Roza and Tibor are forced to follow different paths on their journey to defeat the White Prince. During their adventures, they discover much about themselves, showing great courage and determination on the way. They learn to accept help from others, to consider different possibilities and ultimately that everyone has light and dark within them, but each individual can decide ‘how much and when’. Together, they are strong and together, they share the crown.
Each character in the story is carefully developed from the Grimoire to (my new favourite!) Tiny Tibor, who may be ‘only’ a small, smooth newt, but whose contribution to discovering the Crown is incalculable!
The incredible world building started in ‘Midnight Treasure’ continues throughout the story with wonderfully detailed, evocative descriptions. A map at the beginning of the book allows readers to chart the twins’ progress on their adventures. It was a joy to revisit this world and leave Roza and Tibor poised for new and exciting possibilities. Perfect for anyone looking for a challenging, satisfying and exciting read!
Wolf Crown
Piers Torday
Quercus ISBN: 978-1786541451
You can read my review of ‘Midnight Treasure’ here.
Oscar Wilde’s Stories for Children
Containing six enduring tales, this new edition of ‘Oscar Wilde’s Stories for Children’ is an absolute delight.
The collection contains two of his best loved and best known stories, ‘The Happy Prince’ and ‘The Selfish Giant’, both tales which I loved as a child. There is always some debate with Wilde’s fairy tales as to whether they are truly meant for children as they are sometimes dark and emotionally charged. I cried for ages on first reading ‘The Happy Prince’- yet borrowed it from the library again and again. However, any adult considering sharing these stories with the children in their lives, whether at home or at school, would be well advised to pre-read them to be able to discuss and enjoy sharing them with younger readers as they feel appropriate.
However, these stories are full of memorable characters and offer so much to discuss and reflect on and this edition is so beautifully illustrated, making it the perfect choice. Pages are edged with papercuts which frame the text and adorn the endpapers whilst gorgeous paintings accompany each story. The style of these give the book a charming, timeless feeling, making this a wonderful collection to introduce children to Wilde’s stories.
Essential for readers young and old!
Oscar Wilde’s Stories for Children
Illustrated by Lauren O’Hara
Little Island ISBN: 978-1915071897
Lost Evangeline
When a shoemaker discovers a tiny girl in the toe of a boot, he raises her with love and care. Having named her ‘Evangeline’ - a name that spoke of possibilities- he shares with her his dreams of exploration and adventure. His wife, on the other hand, feels that there is something unnatural about the little girl and is jealous of the closeness of their relationship and the dreams they share. When she sells Evangeline to a rich old lady, the wife loses everything as the shoemaker leaves to search for his child and never returns. Meanwhile, Evangeline, who has escaped with the aid of a marmalade cat, is also seeking her father in an impossibly big world.
With elements reminiscent of ‘Thumbelina’ and ‘Pinocchio’ , ‘Lost Evangeline’ is a delightful story of enduring love, kindness and adventurous spirit.
The shoemaker has always longed for adventure with his dreams thwarted first by his father and then by his wife. When Evangeline comes into his life, he has someone to share his hopes with, a kindred spirit full of curiosity and wonder. Their separation is the catalyst for his becoming a sailor, determined to continue seeking his lost daughter. Evangeline, tiny though she is, is equally set on finding the shoemaker. Encountering both good and evil characters on her journey, she remains positive and full of courage, an inspiration as she sings her songs of freedom.
The feeling of a fairy tale is enhanced by the very atmospheric illustrations which show the spirals of song which weave their way through the story right to the end. Although there is no instant happy ending with father and daughter reunited once more, it is through the final illustration which the reader is left with a thread of hope that this might yet happen.
I feel this could be a ‘Marmite’ story, provoking strong reactions in its readers, but I loved it!
Lost Evangeline: A Norendy Tale
Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
Walker ISBN: 978-1529525892
Swanfall
Pip lives with his family at Keeper’s Cottage on the wetlands where his mum works on environmental conservation. He particularly enjoys the swanfall every autumn where Arctic swans return home and watches out for his three favourites who he has named Midnight, Silver and Moonshadow.
At school, Pip is not so happy as he struggles to focus, but he enjoys their class visits to the Book Bus. When Mrs de Plume from the old manor house donates a trunk of old books, he finds himself drawn to an old book, one which Mrs de Plume seems determined to retrieve. The mysterious book, the missing swans and Mrs de Pume’s increasingly odd behaviour lead Pip and his friends into an adventure full of legend, mystery and magic.
‘The Children of Lir’, which inspired ‘Swanfall’, is one of my favourite Irish legends so I was very keen to read this book and I was not disappointed. Sophie Kirtley has skilfully woven this ancient story into one of her own, creating a wonderfully atmospheric and gripping read.
Pip is an extremely relatable young lad whose passion for the swans and the annual swanfall represents all those children with interests and hobbies lie outside the boundaries of the traditional school curriculum. He feels cut off from the other children, except for his best friend, Tommo in whose non-judgmental, easy company Pip feels at ease. However, the inclusion of classmates, Erin and Hanif, into this friendship leaves Pip feeling threatened, particularly by Hanif who is popular and effortlessly amazing at everything. As the story progresses, Pip learns that people are not always what they appear at first glance and he comes to value Erin and Hanif and their loyalty and courage, as much as he does Tommo, finding his flock to fly with just as the swans find theirs.
Hauntingly beautiful, evocative writing celebrates the beauties- and perils- of the natural world as well as the light and dark of human nature. Tense and intense in places, ‘Swanfall’ is perfect for offering readers something special and different which might lead them to ‘The Children of Lir’ and other Irish myths as well as sparking an interest in the Arctic swans so lovingly described in these pages.
A fabulous read!
Swanfall
Sophie Kirtley
Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526642820
Keep Your Friends Close
When Chloe Roberts is cheated out of being Head Girl at Morton Academy by her supposed best friend, Nikhita Patel, everything changes. No longer assured the benefits which this position brings and having been dumped by her boyfriend, she finds herself clinging to her position in the school’s secret society, Jewel and Bone. Then Chloe stumbles upon the ‘Book of Crime and Punishment’, the misdeeds committed by Morton students recorded along with a fitting punishment, and suddenly it seems as if certain marked entries match up with the deaths of members of Jewel and Bone. And it looks as if Chloe is next…
Pacy and tense, ‘Keep Your Friends Close’ is a compelling, ‘can’t put it down until finished’ read!
Hardworking and competitive, Chloe has her sights set on the bright future offered by being a member of Jewel and Bone and being Head Girl of Morton Academy. Having spent the previous year on course for the top spot, she is devastated when one of the girls in her friendship circle deprives her of this by cheating. Pushed to the fringes of the group and finding herself sharing a room with girls who are not part of the ‘elite’, Chloe realises how unpleasant Nikhita can be and, to her horror, is forced to acknowledge that she (Chloe) has also behaved badly towards others. Knowing that her only course of action now is to work harder than ever to secure the future she longs for, she tries to adapt to her new life at school, making friends with her new room mates.
Readers are kept guessing as Chloe strives to unpick the mystery. As the tension mounts and sinister event follows sinister event, her nerves are stretched to breaking point, leading to a twisted ending. The story poses many questions about power and privilege and how far people are prepared to go gain and keep these, offering plenty to think about.
Set in 1999, the book is set at Morton Academy which some readers will recognise as the setting for ‘Win, Lose, Kill, Die’. ‘Keep Your Friends Close’ works perfectly well as a stand alone, although true fans will enjoy recognising some details.
A thoroughly enjoyable read!
Keep Your Friends Close
Cynthia Murphy
Penguin ISBN: 978-0241712788
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
Witchlight
Having saved Huswyvern, her magical home, from the evil machinations of her uncle, Eglantine and other members of Miss Hegotty’s Secret Society of Witches are having their meetings there. But Hus is not feeling at all well and is causing chaos with every sneeze. Its undiagnosed condition is really concerning, particularly when they learn that other magical beings are also falling ill. The Department of Isle-Spark Regulations is obviously up to no good and Eglantine and her friends must discover what they are up to and put things right before it’s too late.
‘Witchlight’ is the brilliant sequel to ‘Witchspark’. Both books are full of magic, friendship, adventure and fun, a real pleasure to read. In addition to this, they are beautifully written, with a rich use of descriptive language as shown by the opening sentences alone!
Eglantine is a wonderful character, loyal, kind-hearted and courageous. Determined to do her best and to stand up for what she believes in, she and her friends work together to thwart the Department’s plans, with readers cheering her on every step of the way!
The story addresses themes of injustice and discrimination. The Department is attempting to control magic, denying it to those they consider inferior or unsuitable and Eglantine faces discrimination from some as a result of her little arm. There is plenty here to provoke discussion as readers will rightly find themselves infuriated by the unfairness and unkindness the story exposes.
The exciting plot races towards a very satisfying and enjoyable conclusion, making this an excellent choice for a class read. Although a sequel, it could successfully be read as a stand-alone story, sure to capture everyone’s hearts and imaginations!
Witchlight
Dominique Valente
Usborne ISBN: 978-1805316800
You can read my review of ‘Witchspark’ here.
Wild Journey
Starlings swoop and swirl their way through the stories of five children living in five different countries, linking their experiences as they experience their own journeys, as exciting and demanding as those of the birds soaring above.
With its beautifully composed, warm orange cover, ‘Wild Journey’ is a book which will tempt readers to pick it up at first glance. A murmuration of starlings encircle five little scenes, each giving a hint as to the content of one of the five stories inside, sure to pique curiosity. More clues are given on the back of the book as well as the names of the five locations and five children the stories are about.
Each child is on their own journey. Jamal is visiting relations in Egypt, Ella is on holiday with her family in Morocco, Aaron is in Spain where his father is working, Isabelle has gone on holiday to her Grand-pere’s house and Yusef has travelled from Syria to find a new home. These physical journeys are linked by the starlings’ migration, showing the wonder, power and resilience of these feathered miracles as they make their dangerous and demanding journey. But each of the children also makes a personal ‘journey’ as they learn more about themselves, their families and the world around them.
Perfect for sharing with a class, each, any or all of the stories would work well for a story time, offering plenty to discuss and reflect upon. Obviously, adults need to be aware of both the content and their audience, responding with sensitivity to any questions or comments. In the first story, for example, Jamal struggles with parting with the wounded starling which he has rescued both due to his loneliness and a desire to make his ill grandfather laugh and be happy, leading his grandfather to tell him, ‘Sometimes you have to let those you love go’.
The final story about Yusef seeking happiness and safely in his new home brings this heart-warming collection to a perfect conclusion. A real joy!
Wild Journey: A Flight of Stories across Deserts and Forests, Cities and Seas
A M Dassu, illustrated by Joe Lillington
Zephyr ISBN: 978-1035911899
Hotel Flamingo: Frosty Fiesta
It’s very quiet at Hotel Flamingo as the nights are getting darker so Anna is delighted when she is asked to arrange a hibernation party for Mrs Turpington, one of the hotel’s longest residents. Finding themselves completely snowed in, however, Anna is just feeling pleased there aren’t more guests when lots of bookings come in and she learns that the Winter White-out Games are taking place on Animal Boulevard, leaving Anna and the hotel staff with plenty to organise!
I love the Hotel Flamingo series and know how many children enjoy them so I was delighted to discover ‘Frosty Fiesta’, the latest in the series.
Offering the perfect mix of text and illustration, ‘Frosty Fiesta’ is perfect for newly independent readers developing their reading stamina as well as making a most enjoyable shared read. The gentle humour and cast of colourful and endearing characters are so engaging and there are some new guests to get to know amongst the familiar faces.
Anna once again shows herself to be caring, hard-working and loyal, determined to make sure everyone’s stay at her hotel is the very best it can be, even if it means building an ice hotel to accommodate extra guests! When it looks as if the Winter Games are going to have to be cancelled, she rallies everyone to make sure that everything is ready. She also ensures that Mrs Turpington’s guests manage to make their way through the snow so that her party is a great success.
The illustrations are as delightful as ever, helping to make this a very tempting read!
Hotel Flamingo: Frosty Fiesta
Alex Milway
Piccadilly Press ISBN: 978-1835870891
Ghost
In 60 AD, Aine finds herself captured and enslaved by the Romans. Fleeing her new master, she hides in a tunnel where she finds an altar and unwittingly unleashes something dark. Centuries later, Sarah Gibson takes refuge in the woods after the death of her mother. Seeking to help others with her knowledge of healing, she is at ease with nature, sensing Aine’s restless spirit and wishing to help her. In the present day, Marie has ‘burned out’, dropping out of art college. She goes to stay with Jen, her aunt, following the death of her much loved Uncle Matty and senses that there is something wrong in the woods and yet is drawn to them by the connection she feels with the girls from the past.
‘Ghost’ is one of those books which is really hard to offer a summary for! Inspired by legends surrounding ‘Sally in the Woods’ in Wiltshire, it is an evocative read, celebrating connections through time and place, the beauty of the natural world and family love.
Perfect for anyone looking for something a little bit different, Finbar Hawkins effortlessly weaves together the stories of Aine, Sarah and Marie, creating a slightly eerie and compelling narrative, steeped in folklore and old magic. Each girl has lost loved ones and each finds courage in the face of adversity, combining across time to overcome evil and find peace. Each girls’ voice is heard in turn as the reader discovers more about their individual background before their stories merge and they vanquish the spirit haunting the woods.
Mesmerising is an excellent word to describe this story which is hard to do justice to in a review! It is more than ‘just’ a ghost story- it is a book which just has to be read!
Ghost
Finbar Hawkins
Zephyr ISBN: 978-1837933075
My Family The Enemy
When Jack goes to visit his Granny Jess, he is expecting the usual routine involving biscuits. However, this Saturday afternoon things are different as his grandmother seems preoccupied. When she shares the contents of a very old biscuit tin with him, Jack discovers events in his family history which he never knew happened.
Moving from London in 1998 with Jack back to 1914 with his great-grandfather Fred, ‘My Family The Enemy’ reflects the experiences of those with German ancestry who were living in England during WW1. Many countries interned ‘enemy aliens’ at this time and through the eyes of Fred, Karen McCombie shows how xenophobia and public hysteria devastated the lives of German families or those with German (or Austro-Hungarian) descent, turning their friends and neighbours against them.
Fred Muller is an ordinary London schoolboy, not the best behaved at school perhaps, but good natured and good hearted with a loving family whose bakery was at the heart of their community. As hostilities with Germany develop, the reader sees his life change as his German surname leads people to treat him and his family with suspicion and mistrust. Facing bullying at school from his teacher as well as his former friends and classmates, Fred finds himself increasingly isolated and his father is taken from the family and interred at nearby Ally Pally (Alexandra Palace). The story clearly shows the human stories behind the prejudice and injustice which Fred, and others, experience, encouraging empathy and sure to provoke discussions which are as relevant today.
The experiences of other characters in the story also reflect the prejudices of the time. Fred’s sister, Lil, longs for more than the husband and children her parents have in mind for her. She finds factory work and a place on the women’s football team, freedoms which are quickly lost once the war ends. His classmates, Prue and Gertie, are also targets for bullies as Prue’s family are Quakers and Gertie’s father is Hungarian.
The story is packed with historical detail, developing children’s understanding of life on the home front and sparking curiosity about the stories of those seen as the enemy. Additional notes at the end of the story help to clarify and add detail about events, locations and individuals mentioned. Perfect as a class read, ‘My Family The Enemy’ is a very engaging, well-written and thought-provoking story.
My Family The Enemy
Karen McCombie
Bloomsbury Education ISBN: 978-1801995931
Electric Life: Surge
Having left Estrella, Alara has been living in London Under for six months. Although desperate to escape the restrictions of the city and feel alive, she is struggling to adapt to her new life and longs to escape to the surface and be free to travel with Jay. But tension is mounting in London Under as anti-Estrella rises and Jay no longer has the time to devote to their relationship, leaving her feeling even more disconnected. Alana soon finds herself having to make some difficult and dangerous decisions about her future- and that of London Under and Estrella.
Every bit as enjoyable as ‘Electric Life’, ‘Surge’ offers a thoroughly satisfying and absorbing continuation of Alara’s story. I refuse to say ‘conclusion to’ in the hope that there might yet be more to come…
Fast paced and engaging, plenty happens in this action-packed sequel. Very relevant in today’s climate, it reflects how quickly ‘ideas’ can take off and gain almost cult following, an unquestioning attitude where mobs look to rhetoric spouting leaders to tell them what to think and provide them with a common enemy. There is a sense that the voice that shouts loudest is ‘right’ and that those who disagree with you are instantly ‘wrong’ and that there is no common ground, offering plenty to pause and reflect on.
Having lived her new life for a while, Alara is puzzled to find that things are not as utopic as she expected. The first flush of passion and infatuation with Jay has passed and daily life is now taking its toll on their relationship as so often happens. As the story develops, she comes to realise what true happiness is- how it takes effort, develops and needs to be appreciated for what it is- leading her to re-evaluate her decisions and strive to make life better.
‘Electric Life: Surge’ is an excellent, thoroughly engrossing and satisfying read. Highly recommended!
Wands Away! Learning to Fly
Ramona Spellstar is about to head off for her first day at Wands Away School of Magic. Although excited, she is a little nervous; however, she soon makes friends and has fun in the forest, learning how to fly.
‘Wands Away! Learning to Fly’ is a delightful story, perfect for newly independent readers, tackling longer reads or for a special shared read.
Ramona’s nerves at starting somewhere new offer a great opportunity for discussing and sharing these feelings. As she talks things through with her mum, Ramona realises that these feelings are quite normal and that they should not stop her from looking forward to the new experiences and surprises that are waiting for her. Sharing a hot chocolate along with her worries also helps!
There are no mean children, no cliques and no wicked teachers for Ramona to contend with, making her time at school exciting, enjoyable and safe, reassuring little ones that their school experiences can be positive.
Ramona quickly makes friends and has great fun exploring the wonders of nature, discovering its secrets. Seeing the fun that Ramona, Cleo and Enrique have mapping their way through the forest is sure to inspire children to get out into nature themselves and perhaps create fun maps of their own, naming local features and locations in their own ‘magical’ way!
The illustrations are colourful, fun and appealing, adding much to the story. Although Ramona and her friends are the focus, there are some pages showing all the children in the class with speech bubbles showing what they are thinking, allowing children to develop an interest in the whole class who might, perhaps, feature more in stories to come!
Wands Away! Learning to Fly
Emma Farrarons
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398543614
Ask Me Anything
Mary-Elizabeth Baxter is a girl brimming with confidence. Agony aunt for the university’s magazine, she offers up-beat advice to her fellow students and, having set her sights on Felix Balfour, she is looking forward to a year of fun- sex with no strings attached. When she meets grumpy Laurie, who works on the uni newspaper, Mary- Elizabeth is convinced that he is behind the sudden appearance of a rival problem page which offers far harsher advice. However, when things with Felix start to go wrong and Mary- Elizabeth finds her confidence shaken, Laurie proves he is not the bad guy after all.
Lively and engaging, ‘Ask Me Anything’ is a fun read about university life which offers plenty to think about.
I have to confess that initially I found Mary-Elizabeth intensely irritating! Her personal brand of chirpy optimism and self-assurance felt over-blown and false. However, she quickly became more endearing as the cracks in her armour developed and she became more rounded and plausible. In her pursuit of Felix and her determination to stick to her rules, she ignores her true feelings and the warning signs which she would be sure to have plenty of advice to offer to others in the same situation. There is an element of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ in her relationships with Laurie who she quickly takes against, and Felix, the Wickham of the piece, and like Lizzie Bennet, she emerges stronger, wiser and more self-aware by the end of the story.
Mary-Elizabeth’s relationship with her parents also gives an interesting twist to the tale. Never quite at ease with her mother, events lead to greater understanding between the two whilst her father seems to feel that financial support can replace in person contact and interest.
University life makes an appealing background to the story with plenty of friendships and fun and empathetic, supportive staff offering guidance when needed. The problem letters which Mary-Elizabeth answers give some sound advice which may well support readers - of any age!- experiencing similar issues.
Written in a very easy-to-read style, ‘Ask Me Anything’ is thoroughly enjoyable.
Ask Me Anything
Bethany Rutter
Hot Key Books ISBN: 978-1471419362
Out on 6.11.2025
Adventure Mice: Mousehole to the Centre of the Earth
When Uncle Bernie visits the Adventuremice, he brings them his latest invention, the Mechanical Mole. Taking it for a test drive, they discover an amazing underground world, inhabited by some friendly cave mice- and a not-so-friendly Hamstersaurus Rex. Can the intrepid Adventuremice save the day?
This series just gets better and better! Fabulous illustrations and humorous, pacy adventures combine to create very satisfying and engaging stories, perfect for young readers.
In ‘Mousehole to the Centre of the Earth’, Pedro and his team discover a fascinating underground world. As usual, through teamwork, dedication, creativity and imagination, they find solutions to problems and help others. With the Hamstersaurus stomping around, threatening the peaceful Cave Mice, it takes all their ingenuity- and some empathy and understanding from Pedro- to make everyone happy. The story is perfect for encouraging readers to consider things from other viewpoints, considering why some might act as they do and looking for a happy path, catering for the needs of all.
Everyone of the books in this series offers so many opportunities for developing creative ideas and encouraging imaginative play. As usual, there is a step-by-step drawing guide, this time for how to draw the Hamstersaurus Rex, encouraging children to create their own adventures and illustrating them. A wonderful map of the ‘Fern Cavern’ is included at the end of the book, allowing children to follow the action in the story - as well as sparking ideas for storytelling.
The Adventuremice also create a hot air balloon which allows them to return home. Children would enjoy creating their own balloons from different materials and experimenting with flying them using a hairdryer to provide the hot air, deciding how to make this a fair test… or simply for the fun factor!
I cannot recommend this series highly enough. Visually engaging, bursting with imaginative ideas, full of humour and heart, they are utterly delightful. Having keen eyes and having noticed the message at the front, I also know that there is a website- Adventuremice.com- where you can find out more about the team!
AdventureMice: Mousehole to the Centre of the Earth
Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre
David Fickling ISBN: 978-1788453530
You can read my review of ‘Otter Chaos’ here, ‘Mice on the Moon’ here, ‘Mice on the Ice’ here and ‘Mice, Camera, Action!’ here.
The Merry Christmas Murders
Brooke is not keen to start her new school. Even with Buoy, her emotional support dog, the experience threatens to be overwhelming. However, having met members of the Neurokind Club, she is willing to try, only to be faced with a murder on her first day. As the body count mounts, Brooke and her new friends turn detective and use their unique set of skills to track down the culprit.
As the festive season approaches, ‘The Merry Christmas Murders’ is sure to be a welcome addition to many stockings! Not only does the story present a very satisfying mystery to solve, but there are puzzles hidden throughout the book for readers to solve- or not!- along the way.
The Neurokind Club is a special group for neuridivergent pupils, set up Miss Asha, the school’s SENCO, who is an autistic ADHD-er. Four children- Robyn, Kellan, Nisha and Mikey- with a range of needs attend the club, enabling readers to understand and empathise the different ways in which the world can be a challenging, and sometime incomprehensible, place for neurodivergent children (and adults) and offering an insight into some the strategies they might use/ need to help them cope.
As the story progresses, the Neurokind Club become a real team, each bringing different skills to help solve the murder. As with any friendships, they experience ups and downs, but ultimately, as Brooke says, ‘We're like fairy lights, you see. Every one of the bulbs needs to be working for the lights to shine.’ This lovely image perfectly illustrates how true teams work- one of the many reasons this book would work so well as a class story! There is plenty to discuss and much to enjoy and children and teachers will enjoy trying to identify the murderer before Brooke and her team!
Throughout the story, there are pages where readers are encouraged to pause and list their suspects, reflecting on the clues and then narrowing it down to their top three suspects. There are plenty of twists, red herrings and clues peppered throughout, offering a challenging and satisfying mystery. I suspect -and hope- we will be hearing more from Brooke and her friends as they solve more cases in the future!
The Merry Christmas Murders
Alexandra Benedict
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978- 1398540873