Wolfbane

When I first read ‘Wolf Brother’, it had just been published and I was lucky enough to find a signed, hardback copy on a table at my local Waterstones. Instantly captivated, I knew then that I had found a treasure to share both with my own son and with the children I teach. Twenty odd years later, it is still a book I reach for when I want to inspire a class and it is still works its magic every time!

I was absolutely thrilled when I heard Michelle Paver speak at Hay a couple of years ago and she explained that she was writing another three books about Wolf, Torak and Renn. The first two of these, ‘Viper’s Daughter’ and ‘Skin Taker’ lived up to my every expectation, transporting me back to Torak’s world as if I had never left. The arrival of ‘Wolfbane’ filled me with equal measures of excitement about discovering what happens and sadness in the knowledge that this is their final story.

With this in mind, it is essential that nothing is given away here about the dramatic conclusion to this much-loved series. The writing is as effortlessly beautiful as ever, with vivid descriptions and compelling characters. Michelle immerses the reader in the period, drawing on her meticulous research and personal experiences to create the richly detailed world of the Stone Age.

Although this adventure could be enjoyed as a stand alone, it is best read as part of the series as all the threads gather together to the final conclusion. So much has happened to Torak and Wolf since their first meeting and their bond remains as strong as ever so when Wolf is swept far from the Forest he loves on breaking ice, Torak will do anything to follow his pack brother and save Wolf from the demon stalking him. Full of suspense and action, Torak and Renn must use all their knowledge and skill and draw on bonds of friendship and loyalty for the final confrontation. No lover of the ‘Chronicles of Ancient Darkness’ is going to want to miss this!

Wolfbane Michelle Paver

Zephyr ISBN: 978- 1789542448

Coming April 2022

Dragon Storm: Tomás and Ironskin

There are no longer any dragons in the land of Draconis. Once humans and dragons lived there together in friendship, creating Rivven, the great city, together. But the Dragon Storm, a great battle, changed this, forcing dragons to retreat from the human world, leaving humans believing these great creatures to be myths.

Growing up with these beliefs, young Tomás, a blacksmith’s son, is stunned when he is invited to join the Dragonseer Guild. He discovers not only that dragons exist, but that he can summon his very own, Ironskin. But adjusting to this new life is not easy, leaving Tomás with a difficult choice to make.

Having loved ‘Orion Lost’ and ‘Adam 2’, I had high expectations of ‘Dragon Storm’ - and wasn’t disappointed. Alastair Chisholm has worked magic with this title, managing to offer developed characters (human and dragon), a well imagined world and a convincing storyline in a book which is short and accessible yet doesn’t ‘dumb down’ the language used. Perfectly pitched for younger readers, this is the first in a series which is sure to be very popular.

Tomás is an appealing character who will be easy for children to relate to. Close to his parents, he is keen to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a blacksmith, yet his curiosity is piqued when he is offered the chance of a different life. That he finds himself a member of a secret society with a dragon companion is a dream which will appeal to so many young readers- and the other children and their dragons offer plenty more adventures to come.

Although obviously perfect for independent reading, ‘Tomás and Ironskin’ would also work very well as a guided reading text, readily engaging children’s interest and offering plenty to discuss and explore. Children would love to create their own dragons or create Top Trump style cards for the dragons and their dragonseers. The story’s illustrations are also sure to further engage children and encourage them to draw their own dragons.

Looking forward to reading book 2- ‘Cara and Silverthief’ - which is out now with more titles in the series coming soon!

Dragon Storm: Tomás and Ironskin

Alastair Chisholm, illustrated by Eric Deschamps

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839940064

Pizazz vs Perfecto

Being super is not easy…

Pizazz is 9 1/2 (finally!), super (in terms of being a super hero) and she still is not at all keen on this role. She finds being super super un-super and her *eye roll* super power SUPER embarrassing. On top of this, she has to deal with super villains- like Perfecto. Being younger, she should be no match for Pizazz, but then Perfecto is…well, perfect. Perhaps Pizazz just needs to beat her at her own game and hatches the perfect Perfecto plan to be perfect in every single way…

The third book in the series, ‘Pizazz vs Perfecto’ is every bit as enjoyable as the previous books. Overflowing with Sophy Henn’s fabulous illustrations, the story is told through the perfect balance of text, comic strip sections and illustrations, making it an accessible and entertaining read.

Sophy has an amazing talent for being able to capture situations and emotions and bundling them up in appealing stories which make them excellent for initiating discussions and developing empathy. In her ‘Pom Pom’ books, for example, she explores the ‘grumps’, what happens when we don’t always win and finding our talents in a way which children (and adults!) can both relate to and sympathise with. Although ‘Pizazz vs Perfecto’ is brimming with humour and Pizazz’s eye-rolling take on life, Sophy also gently makes the point that being ‘perfect’ is like trying to achieve the impossible all the time. Not only is it exhausting, it actually makes you miss out on all the fun bits of life and causes you to feel anxious. Pizazz might not be ‘perfect’, but her good-natured, big-hearted, slightly chaotic self is loveable just the way she is. Comparing yourself to others- whether friends or siblings- is never going to make you feel good about you!

Pizazz is extremely popular with children in my class. Initially attracted by the bright covers and dynamic illustrations, they quickly become engaged with Pizazz as a character, enjoying her battles with baddies and her struggles with being a super. One child recently declared that these were ‘the best books ever’ and is already looking forward to the next one!

Although appealing to early readers, these stories should not be underestimated. In addition to encouraging empathy and exploring feelings, work based around these books could encourage children to create their own comic strips/ graphic novels and develop their own characters. The books also lend themselves to plenty of drama and writing in role- and there is plenty of fun that could be had exploring how Sophy uses grammar and punctuation (yes, I know some people will think this is a contradiction-fun/grammar- but it’s all about how you do it!).

The ‘perfecto’ story!

Pizazz vs Perfecto Sophy Henn

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471194177

Pizazz’s first two adventures are ‘Pizazz’ (978-1471193989) and ‘Pizazz and the New Kid’ (978-1471194153). The stories do not need to be read in order as Pizazz is very good at filling the reader in with what’s happening in her life!

Mort the Meek and the Monstrous Quest

Having decided she is a god, the Queen of Brutalia has offered a prize to anyone bold enough to take to the seas and return bearing treasure. Mort is amongst the brave adventurers who set sail, but he is motivated by the desire to find his father and the twins, Gosh and Gee, rather than bringing the Queen riches. Although his sailing partner was supposed to be Weed, best friend and fellow pacifist, Mort has ended up sharing a boat with Punky Mason, a rock-crusher’s daughter and pacifist’s nightmare. When they find evidence of the legendary sea-monster, the Belgo, peace loving Mort is convinced it is responsible for the disappearance of his family and becomes consumed by the desire for revenge. Will he be able to stick to the Pacifist Promise?

Full of quirky humour, this deliciously dark tale is brimming with word play and fun. Each chapter is introduced by lobsters, Larry and Bruce, who continue the tradition of corny jokes started by the ravens in book one. The Queen/ God Queen’s alarming fashion sense (tarantula leg eyelashes!) is only slightly outdone by her imaginative and dastardly Punishments of the Day- all of which are sure to make the reader chuckle. Anb bon’t unberestimate the denefits of deing adle to recognise ‘b’ anb ‘d’ either!

Although Mort ends up partnered with Punky, who initially seems like his worst nightmare, the two form a strong partnership and Mort realises that appearances can be deceiving. Having let his fury cloud his judgement, ultimately, Mort stays true to his beliefs and remains Mort the Meek, the gentle pacifist we came to love in the first book, rather than becoming Mort the Murderer.

The story is brilliantly illustrated by George Ermos who captures many scenes, using a mixture of full page pictures as well as smaller ones through the text. Larry and Bruce appear at the beginning of each chapter and their range of expressions is incredible!

Ono (from book one) is only mentioned in passing in this story, which is a shame, but perhaps that little mention is hint of another book including her to come? We can only hope so. Meanwhile, Mort learns there ‘is beauty wherever you look for it’ and almost everyone lives happily ever after…But, in a land like Brutalia, who can tell what might happen next?!

Mort the Meek and the Monstrous Quest

Rachel Delahaye, illustrated by George Ermos

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788953153

NB: Teachers- just be aware that ‘sod off’ is used a few times in the text!

Escape to the River Sea

Inspired by Eva Ibbotson’s classic, ‘Escape to the River Sea’ opens with the story of Rosa Sweetman, a young girl who arrived in England as part of the Kinderstransport. When no one comes to meet her, Rosa finds herself in the care of Sir Clovis and living at Westwood Estate, initially in the company of other schoolgirls evacuated from their city homes. Once the other children leave at the end of the war, Rosa remains, longing to be reconnected with her mother and sister who she parted from in Vienna. Although Sir Clovis and his wife, Lady Prue, are kind to her, Rosa longs for adventure and when a friend of the family, Yara Fielding, arrives for a visit, Rosa asks to accompany her to the Amazon in search of the giant sloth.

Captivated by the lush beauty of the rainforest, Rosa meets Yara’s lively family, who live on the banks of the river, and finds herself caught up in the adventure of a lifetime.

In ‘Escape to the River Sea’, Emma Carroll has achieved a perfect balance of her own voice and staying true to Eva Ibbotson’s original story. The story features familiar characters and locations from ‘Journey to the River Sea’ whilst introducing the next generation. Rosa is a very engaging young girl, whose hopeful nature has kept her optimistic about being reunited with her mother and sister, and whose love of animals has sustained her during her loneliness. With the new-found freedom of her trip to the Amazon, Rosa flourishes in a way she was not able to at Westwood.

Each setting is vividly described with the beauty of the rainforest and its creatures celebrated whilst highlighting the threats it is facing.  Emma Carroll also broadens the story, developing a new thread and mystery to solve, but I don’t wish to give any spoilers..!

‘Escape to the River Sea’ would make an excellent Guided Reading text or work brilliantly as a whole class book for a class read or as a focus text. There are many elements in the story to investigate and discuss and which could offer inspiration for different forms of writing, including poetry. Emma’s vivid scenes and the rich language she uses are a joy to explore.

One not to miss, ‘Escape to the River Sea’ is a fabulous read!

Escape to the River Sea Emma Carroll

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1529062700

Published 9th June 2022

This beautifully illustrated 20th anniversary edition of ‘Journey to the River Sea’ makes the perfect gift.

Furthermoor

Since his sister, Evie, died in an accident, Bren has been struggling. His family life has fractured and each day at school is made a misery by Shaun, who constantly torments him. Increasingly, Bren withdraws to Furthermoor, an imagined world reached when he picks up his sister’s watch, where Evie is still alive. Here, he feels safe until the arrival of the sinister Featherly, forces Bren to confront his deepest fears and face the real world once more.

Darren Simpson is well known for his thought-provoking stories and is not afraid to tackle challenging topics. ‘Furthermoor’ explores loss and how grief impacts those left behind. Bren’s family is devastated by Evie’s death and Bren’s anguish is almost palpable as he struggles to cope not only with his own loss, but change in his parents. In Furthermoor, he comes alive, shaping the world to his and Evie’s needs and feeling in control once more. The contrast highlights the way in which he tries to numb his daily existence by withdrawing. However, Featherly’s invasion of Furthermoor begins to destroy the safe haven Bren has created, forcing him to confront reality and begin to heal.

Bren is also on the receiving end of a targeted campaign of bullying and humiliation by Shaun. Here again, Darren Simpson taps into raw emotions, writing with great empathy and sensitivity, but not shying away from harsh reality. The differing approaches of Bren and new boy, Cary, to Shaun’s actions offers much to discuss.

Darren’s writing is always full of description and detail, bringing both the real and imagined world to life. ‘Furthermoor’ is perfect for those looking for a challenging, thought-provoking read.

Furthermoor Darren Simpson

Usborne ISBN: 978-1474976701

Publishing 3rd March 2022

Darren’s other books, ‘Scavengers’ and ‘The Memory Thieves’, are also excellent books, well worth reading!

The Thief Who Sang Storms

The island of Morovia is shaped like a broken heart. It is home to Linnet, an alkonost, one of the bird-like people with magical songs who inhabit the island. Three years previously, alkonosts and humans had lived peacefully together on the island, but a tragic event, which killed the queens of Morovia and Linnet’s mother, has caused a time of fear and division. The magical alkonosts have become objects of suspicion and have been driven into exile by Captain Ilya, leader of the royal guard, known as bogatyrs, who has taken charge as the Crown Heir Vasha is too young to rule.

Linnet and her father, Nightingale, now live in the Mournful Swamps, but she wants nothing more than to restore peace and harmony to her island, hoping that her magical song will be the answer to Morovia’s problems. But her magic hasn’t arrived and when Nightingale is captured, Linnet must find another way to mend the broken heart of her home.

Sophie Anderson is well-known for her powerful and moving stories and personally, I think this is her finest yet. Her characters are always well developed, easy to empathise with and full of life, set in well developed worlds.

This story is deeply poignant as Linnet struggles with her own pain, as well as her father’s ‘cloak of grief’, at the loss of her mother. However, throughout the story, she comes to realise that those we love are always with us in the memories we carry. Themes of friendship, love, unity and hope are also woven throughout the story as Linnet and her friends face the suspicion and division deeply rooted in their society. I defy anyone not to shed a tear or two as the story builds to its climax.

There is so much that I could write about ‘The Thief Who Sang Storms’, but it would be awful to spoil such a magical, beautiful story for anyone else. Suffice it to say that this is now one of my firm favourites which I can’t wait to share with children everywhere!

The Thief Who Sang Storms Sophie Anderson

Usborne ISBN: 978-1474979061

Published 31st March 2022

The Very Merry Murder Club

Packed full of fabulous stories, this is an amazing collection of thirteen wintery mysteries.

Each story is written by a masterful story teller and each has its own distinctive flavour and style. Edited by Serena Patel (author of the ‘Anisha, Accidental Detective’ series) and Robin Stevens (author of the ‘Murder Most Unladylike’ series), the book is perfect for dipping in and out of -or devouring in one sitting. A whole host of incredible authors have contributed to the collection including Annabelle Sami, Roopa Farooki, Elle McNicoll and Benjamin Dean, creating a delightfully diverse and imaginative range. A couple of my favourites are the following!

E L Norry’s ‘No Piste for the Wicked’ is brilliant piece of detective work, full of suspects and clues. Luca has only been at Grosvenor High for a month when he and his class mates head off to Italy for a skiing trip. But instead of enjoying the snow, he finds himself solving a murder. Addicted to the mysteries of Hercule Poirot, Luca is resourceful and determined, observing everything and skilfully piecing the crime together.

In ‘The Frostwilds’, Dominique Valente presents a fascinating and atmospheric mystery. Frostine is determined to save her sister from the fearsome Gelidbeast, roused when Frostlaw is broken, to snatch children from their families. Frostine’s courage and quick thinking save the day as she unravels the mystery of the beast and the power it wields over her people.

Each story is compelling and unique, offering very different periods and landscapes as the backdrop, but each encapsulating the essence of the mystery story. Although festive in tone, ‘The Very Merry Murder Club’ would make an excellent guided reading text for children in Year 5 or Year 6 as they offer plenty to discuss and explore whilst enjoying the style and approach of a range of authors. The book is illustrated throughout with black and white picture which add to the atmosphere. I particularly like the way each chapter starts with a picture of a ‘Top Secret’ folder, containing the story to come.

Sure to engage and entertain, ‘The Very Merry Murder Club’ both introduces children to a wealth of writers and offers an excellent selection of mysteries to solve.

The Very Merry Murder Club

Edited by Serena Patel and Robin Stevens

Farshore ISBN: 978-0755503681