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.
Huxley and Flapjack: Race to the Rescue
Huxley is a little koala filled with energy and zest for life. Flapjack, his penguin friend, is far more anxious and cautious, but together, they make the perfect team. They live in a treehouse just outside the town and when a new store opens, they hop on their tandem to take a look. Although the manager isn’t entirely happy, they have lots of fun investigating everything from the revolving doors to the very bouncy trampoline in the sports department, but when Huxley is mistaken for a thief, they must come up with a plan to prove his innocence.
From its zingy yellow cover to its wonderful colour illustrations, this gorgeous early chapter book is bursting with energy and adventure, sure to capture the imagination- and hearts- of its readers. Huxley and Flapjack prove that opposites attract and that true friends can be quite different to you in both tastes and backgrounds.
Huxley is impulsive, acting before thinking things through, and sometimes (like when riding on the tandem) relying on Flapjack to do all the work. Flapjack is a more sensitive, gentle soul who tempers Huxley’s impetuous urges, yet benefits as the friendship encourages him to do things he might otherwise not do. There is much here to discuss with children who might see themselves in either character!
The illustrations are completely delightful, full of things to notice and smile about. Flapjack’s range of changing expressions is a priceless as he is caught up in Huxley’s madcap pace of doing things! The story could inspire many crafty activities, making it perfect for book group sessions as well as for enjoying at home or school. I could see this series making an excellent cartoon series as well!
Sure to become firm favourites, Huxley and Flapjack are highly appealing characters which children are going to want to read about. Great fun!
Huxley and Flapjack: Race to the Rescue
Alan MacDonald, illustrated by Francesca Gambatesa
Little Tiger ISBN: 978- 1788954174
Rosie Raja: Mission to Cairo
After the success of their French mission, Rosie Raja is keen to avoid being sent to boarding school by her dad. However, a new mission to Cairo with her father posing as an Egyptologist sees Rosie back in action on the trail of a British traitor. But with the stakes higher than ever, everyone seems to be harbouring secrets, making their mission to Cairo full of peril.
Once again, Rosie shows herself to be a determined and resourceful heroine as she navigates the dangers of this mission. Her observant, reflective nature allows the reader to appreciate many of the social and cultural details of the period and as well as being an exciting- and different-WWII story, the plot raises moral questions around the ‘ownership’ of archaeological treasures, like the Rosetta Stone, offering plenty of food for thought.
The author’s note draws attention to certain liberties which have been taken with history for the story, something I wish happened more in historical fiction. This ensures children, whilst thoroughly enjoying the story, understand the framework used to create it and potentially encourages them to discover more about the setting and period in the narrative.
The plot builds to an exciting conclusion, with tension mounting as (being very careful with what I say so as not to spoil it for those who haven’t read it yet!) the traitor is exposed. I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure and look forward to finding out where Rosie’s next mission takes her!
Rosie Raja: Mission to Cairo
Sufiya Ahmed
Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1801990103
You can read my review of ‘Rosie Raja: Churchill’s Spy’ here.
Kicked Out
Sequel to the very wonderful, ‘Boy Everywhere’ follows Ali and Sami as they settle into life, playing for the school football team and enjoying the huge pool at Mark’s new house. But when some money goes missing, everything changes when Aadam is accused by Mark’s mum’s boyfriend of the theft. The boys are desperate to prove his innocence and help him fight deportation, but Ali is distracted by the reappearance of his father and his half brother.
I loved ‘Boy Everywhere’, finding it powerful, thought-provoking and moving. In ‘Kicking Out’, A M Dassu offers a follow up which is equally compelling and which does not shy away from racist attitudes and the plight of unaccompanied minors who are seeking asylum. Parts of the story make uncomfortable reading as racism and appalling attitudes are laid bare, but with the dangerous and misleading rhetoric around refugees and asylum seekers, it is a vitally important one.
Family and relationships are also central to the story. Ali’s world is turned upside down by the reappearance of his father- and his half brother. He struggles with feelings of inadequacy and rejection, constantly comparing himself to his ‘new’ brother and doubting himself. Mark is also having family problems- although his mother has new found wealth and security, it is her boyfriend, Callum, a racist bully, who has driven a rift between him (Mark), Ali and Sami, falsely accusing Aadam and refusing to let Mark see his friends. Mark doesn’t want to abandon them, but struggles with the thought that he might upset his mother now that she has at last found some happiness.
Unflinching and honest, ‘Kicked Out’ is an important and thoroughly enjoyable read.
Kicked Out A M Dassu
Old Barn Books ISBN: 978- 1910646892
Published in October
A Sprinkling of Danger
‘A Sprinkling of Danger’ finds Alice Éclair on another spying adventure. When an American film crew arrives at the beautiful palace of Versailles, there is great excitement, but suspicions that a spy is amongst them means Alice is once more on the case. Using her baking skills, Alice manages to gain a place on set along with her fellow spy, Pierre. However, Pierre seems to have his own agenda, leaving Alice to face danger on her own. This could be her stickiest mission yet…
…there is something very magical about cake and kindness.
Every bit as delicious as the two previous mysteries, ‘A Sprinkling of Danger’ is a brilliant read. Alice remains as resourceful and determined, combining excellent observation skills, a passion for pastries and a nose for adventure as she solves the mission she has been set. In this story, she not only has to contend with solving the case, but is also challenged by the sneering, unhelpful actions of Pierre who is supposed to be working on her side, but is as obnoxious as can be.
Versailles (one of my favourite places in the world!) makes a magical backdrop for the tale and the author has done a wonderful job of capturing the beauty and wonder of this stunning location, dropping little nuggets of historical information in every now and then. Against this setting, Alice whips up her fantastic culinary treats, making the reader’s mouth water as they try to crack the case. There are plenty of red herrings to distract and misdirect, but in the end, Alice triumphs, not only exposing the enemy spy, but resolving her questions about Pierre.
Perfect for reading as part of the series or as a stand-alone adventure, the story ends with hints about a next mission and I, for one, can’t wait to read it!
Alice Éclair Spy Extraordinaire: A Sprinkling of Danger
Sarah Todd Taylor, illustrations by Beatriz Castro
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839948855
Out on the 14th September!
At the Speed of Lies
Quinn’s junior year has not started as well as she would have liked. Her older sister has become more remote, obsessed with grades and extra-curricular activities and her best friend, Ximena, has become inseparable from her boyfriend, Max, leaving Quinn feeling like a spare part.. She is also trying to boost her following on her Instagram account, The Whine. When two children go missing, the school bully, Cade, seems to be at the forefront of fundraising for Defend Kids, an organisation which claims to fight against child trafficking. Challenged by Cade, Quinn posts about the missing children. Initially overjoyed at the popularity of her account, things quickly start to spiral out of control as her followers skyrocket, spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories.
Completely absorbing, ‘At the Speed of Lies’ is a thought provoking, slightly unsettling read with much to recommend it. It shows how quickly ‘urban legends’ escalate and become fact, with social media playing a huge role in the speed at which they spread. The story challenges readers to consider the validity of the information they receive and question whether they should accept this at face value. The author’s note at the end, explaining their background in this area, is very interesting.
But there is more to the story than this. Quinn is an excellent character who learns much about herself over the course of the book and through her eyes, the reader learns much about the experiences of those with her condition, feeling empathy and hopefully, adjusting their behaviour accordingly. The story also shows how an increased following, post likes and comments can become addictive and affect people’s feelings of self-worth. Real life friendships and real connections are far more important.
I have no wish to spoil the story for anyone else by revealing too much, but highly recommend that everyone reads it!
At the Speed of Lies Cindy L Otis
Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702329524
You Could Be So Pretty
Beauty comes at a price. And girls must pay.
Belle Gentle follows the rules of The Doctrine to the letter and is so close to ‘Having It All’. The Doctrine helps girls navigate the world now the Bad Times are over by offering guidelines for how to behave. She’s the prettiest Pretty in school, A Chosen One in her spare time, and she’s about to win The Ceremony, making her family proud.
Joni Miller is an Objectionable. Although she is despised by others for rejecting the Doctrine, this is her Choice. She is determined to win the Scholarship into the Education so she can change things- but her biggest rival is perfect Belle.
Being far older than the target audience for this book, I found it deeply disturbing and sad- and yet, as I closed it, I was filled with the hope that for those reading it, it will provoke thought and discussions. The story offers a blistering look at a dystopian ‘future’ where the expectations on girls to be effortlessly perfect, whilst bearing all the responsibility for the reactions which they might ‘incite’ from men, are overwhelming. This is a society where violence against women is normalised, with degrading, dehumanising Smut (pornography) a part of every day life and where any girl who doesn’t find this arousing, fun and healthy is a Frigid. And yet, much of this sounds chillingly familiar, reflecting the everyday realities faced by many girls today.
And this is where Holly Bourne skilfully turns this into more than just another dystopian tale. The society she portrays in intensely suffocating with something on almost every page which causes the reader to feel both intensely uncomfortable and furious…and provoke reflection. Women are told that they have won equality, that they have choice, but ‘choice means nothing if you feel you have no other option than to choose what everyone chooses…if there are significant consequences for not following the established path.’ Powerful stuff.
The other strength of this story is in the characterisation. Joni and Belle are girls you come to care about. The novel opens with glimpses of their past which put them each on the path they have taken in life, instantly creating empathy. Belle is particularly fascinating as she finds herself questioning- and seeking to justify- things which make her intensely uncomfortable. Being an ‘Invisible’, my heart ached for both these girls - and all the women in the story- and for those in real life whose experience is similar.
A note at the beginning of the book warns the story might be triggering, but Holly Bourne should be commended for writing this book. For me, its importance is on a par with ‘Asking for It’ by Louise O’Neal- and that’s saying something.
Clever and compelling, startling and stirring, this is a must read.
You Could Be So Pretty Holly Bourne
Usborne ISBN: 978-1474966832
Old Gods New Tricks
Beatrix dos Santos- known as Trixie- has a love of playing pranks which frequently gets her into trouble. She also has a great love for myths and legends from around the world so when the world suddenly loses all its electricity, she quickly realises that the ancient gods, angered by the fact that they are no longer worshiped as they once were, are behind everything. Leaping into action, she enlists the help of the trickster gods- Uxé, Loki, Mauī, Huehuecóyotl and Sun Wukong, The Monkey King. Having convinced- or tricked- them into helping, Trixie must now get them to work together to locate the electricity, appease the gods and save mankind!
What an absolutely brilliant read! ‘Old Gods New Tricks’ is bursting with humour and action, a pacy, engaging story which introduces its readers to trickster gods from different cultures. It’s fabulous!
Trixie- so well named!- is a spirited, lively girl whose love of pranks and mischief frequently gets her into trouble at school. Even her choice of pet, a ferret named Iorgi (short for Jormungandr) is quirky! Her love of mythology and archaeology is inherited from her parents and grandparents and the story is rich in details of ancient cultures and beliefs. Trixie’s determination, adventurous spirit and her lively intelligence make her very appealing to readers.
Each chapter is prefaced by a section from the ‘Wolff-Rammer World Mythology Collection’ and a synopsis about each of the tricksters is included at the end of the book, which is obviously written by someone with a real love and knowledge of the subject. This is sure to lead readers to discover more about ancient gods and broaden their knowledge of these beyond those frequently read at school.
Brilliantly written, ‘Old Gods New Tricks’ is an excellent read with so much to recommend it! Perfect as a guided reading text, it would also make a wonderful class story, offering plenty to discuss and enjoy!
Old Gods New Tricks Thiagi de Moraes
David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452953
You can read my review of ‘History Atlas’ here.
Blog Tour: Zeina Starborn and the Emerald King
Today, I am thrilled to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘Zeina Starborn and the Emerald King’.
I absolutely loved ‘Zeina Starborn and the Sky Whales’. The sequel, Zeina Starborn and the Emerald King’ is every bit as excellent, offering a very satisfying continuation of the story.
From the first page, the reader is pulled back into this incredibly vivid, captivating world. The corruption of those in power and their complete disregard for the safety and wellbeing of the sky whales and other people is very relevant, making this a thought-provoking as well as enjoyable read.
Zeina is a wonderful character. Warm-hearted, trusting and kind, she is supportive of those around her and determined to see things through. Jackson really comes into his own in this story, focused on correcting the wrongs of his family and freeing all the sky whales. The reader also learns more about Sparks in this story as she increasingly finds her voice with those she trusts.
Compelling story, engaging characters, excellent writing all combine to make an excellent story. I can’t wait to see what Zeina and Jackson get up to next- and I hope we don’t have to wait too long before we find out!
Now, I am delighted to welcome author, Hannah Durkan, to the Bookshelf to share a Q and A about her wonderful books.
1. Please can you introduce us to your characters Zeina and Jackson?
Zeina Starborn is brave and adventurous; she knows what she wants and doesn’t worry too much about bending (breaking) rules to get it! As a Below, she should be happy to work in her polluted city for the rest of her life, yet she dreams of exploring the skies and is determined to do that, no matter the consequences. On the other hand, Jackson Willoughby can be quite sensitive and cautious. As an Above, he is destined to live a life of luxury aboard an airship or sky whale hotel, but what he really wants is to find friends and a family who cares about him. Zeina and Jackson clash completely as characters, but they must begin to trust and learn from each other if they are going to discover the hidden truths in their world.
2. Where did you get the idea for sky whales? Did you consider any other animals?
I had been dreaming of sky whales long before I started writing Zeina Starborn. I think the idea originally came from visiting the Natural History Museum as a child and seeing ‘Hope’ – the skeleton of a blue whale that now hangs high above visitors’ heads as they enter the main hall. I can remember feeling tiny in comparison and in complete wonder of how she appeared to be flying. I think there are similarities between the oceans and the skies and I can certainly imagine writing about other flying ocean-dwellers in future.
3. If you could travel anywhere in the world on a sky whale, where would you go and why?
My favourite type of holiday is when I’m exploring somewhere new, a location that I’ve never visited before. If I could choose, then I’d love to go to Sweden, as I’ve never been anywhere like that before and I have been researching ice hotels for Zeina Starborn and the Emerald King. I think watching the Northern Lights aboard a flying sky whale would be pretty special – that’s if the sky whale was ok with it, obviously!
4. As an author, do you have a specific place to write, or can you write anywhere?
I need relative peace and quiet to write. (Relative because with two small children, quiet can sometimes be hard to find!) I also get bored easily so I have to break up a full day of writing with some location changes. I might start at my desk and then move to the kitchen table, but best of all is when I make it out to a café! It doesn’t happen very often, but when it does, a cup of coffee, a slice of cake and the background hubbub is writing perfection.
5. What do you hope readers take from this series?
I hope that the series inspires its readers to be curious about the world around them, to ask big questions and to have the strength to make a stand when they don’t like the answers. Zeina, as a character, is far from perfect, but she’s brave, determined to follow her dreams, she cares for others and is learning all the time. I wrote her that way because that’s the advice I would give my children on how to best make their way in the world.
Many thanks to Hannah for sharing this and thanks to Hachette for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour. Make sure you read this series- and enjoy the rest of the posts on the Tour!
You can read my review of Zeina Starborn and the Sky Whale here and you can find teaching resources here.
Blog Tour: The Housetrap
Today, I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for the deliciously dark new novel from Emma Read, ‘The Housetrap’. A complete change of pace from her ‘Milton the Mighty’ books, this one is not to be entered lightly…
As Delilah McDeery’s best friend, Claude, is moving to Cornwall, she is visiting him to say goodbye. However, all Claude seems interested in is playing Escape Room II with his new best friend, Sam. Sent outside- ‘Devices are banned’- by Claude’s mother, they are joined by Amity, Claude’s little sister. Tension between the older children quickly mounts and an argument erupts during which Amity wanders off into Badwell Woods. Forbidden to the children, the woods are full of dangerous sinkholes- and stories of missing children. Determined to find her, the others follow and discover an abandoned mansion and although it gives Claude an uneasy feeling, a scream from Amity makes him and the others rush inside…
And for fear of spoiling the story for others, I shall stop my summary right there! Emma Read has created a novel full of atmosphere and tension which is both clever and frightening. It’s essential to know the child before you recommend them this one!!
I am not the biggest horror fan. Sinister things linger with me so it is usually best if I go no where near them, but in ‘The Housetrap’, Emma has managed to strike the perfect balance between thrilling adventure and all-out scary story, making this a thoroughly enjoyable, exciting read. In order to solve the house trap and set themselves free, the children have to face a series of puzzles to solve two mysteries: the disappearance of Hypatia Batstone, daughter of the inventor of the house puzzle, and the clues on each level which will allow them to leave the building. The reader is completely absorbed from the outset, willing the children to succeed as the house shifts and reforms around them on their journey through the ‘game’.
The story also explores friendships and how the dynamics can shift and change as children grow. Delilah and Claude have been friends forever so Delilah feels understandably displaced by Sam, the new best friend, who seems to take great delight in baiting her. As they are forced to spend time together and start to get to know one another better, things change and together, they make quite a team. Delilah’s mathematical ability and knack with puzzles is an obvious bonus, but each brings strengths to the challenge.
An excellent spine-tinglingly enjoyable mystery/adventure, ‘The Housetrap’ is a brilliant read! Are you brave enough to enter..?
The Housetrap Emma Read
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1913322786
Many thanks to Chicken House for inviting me to be part of the tour today. Make sure you have a look at the other brilliant stops on the tour as well!
You can read my review of Milton the Mighty here and Milton the Magastar here.
Blog Tour: The Sundae Delivery Service
Today, it is my great pleasure to be taking part in the blog tour for ‘The Sundae Delivery Service’ by Holly Rivers. Below is my review…
After their previous adventure, life for Orinthia and the others have settled back into life working for Grandy Brock and his animails at The Mailbox Menagerie. However, the offer of free ice cream is too much for them and this leads to a new friendship with Dotty, daughter of the owners of the ‘Penny Lick’ ice cream van and the ‘Two Scoops Creamery’. Soon, the children are helping with the ice cream parlour’s entry for the prestigious Golden Udder ice cream awards and training cows to deliver their entry to the judges. However, the world of ice cream making is more devious than they would ever have believed and they find themselves at the heart of a mystery!
With so many fabulous books around, sometimes you find you’ve missed a real goodie… and I have to confess that I haven’t read the first book in this series- ‘The Boy in the Post’- but will be rectifying this immediately! Whilst it is absolutely possible to read ‘The Sundae Delivery Service’ without having read the previous book, it seems to me I’ve missed a treat by not doing so!
Full of quirky originality and charm, the story is a joy to read. The children are very ‘real’ with their own idiosyncrasies, interests and personalities which creates a cast of engaging characters. Orinthia and new friend, Dotty, are at centre stage for this adventure, but each of the others feels like a fully formed character, not just an add on. The friendship between these two is lovely- an immediate, uncomplicated relationship which survives fallings out and comes back stronger. Both girls are resourceful, curious and determined to solve the mystery surrounding the competition- they make a great team.
The story is also very well written, full of carefully chosen vocabulary and vivid descriptions. It would make an excellent guided reading text as it offers plenty to discuss and explore whilst thoroughly enjoying the story. I very much hope there are more adventures to come for these characters.
The Sundae Delivery Service
Holly Rivers
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1912626052
Many thanks to Chicken House for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour. There are plenty more post to go so make sure you follow on and enjoy them all!
Electric Life
Alara lives a ‘perfect’ life in Estrella where everything is tightly controlled and it is mandatory to carry a ‘Flip’ (Fully Linked Information Platform) so everyone is connected. Feelings of boredom and being ‘dulled’ are frowned upon yet Alara often feels disconnected. The skyscraper city is built on the ruins of the old city, now known as London Under, and Alara finds herself selected to go on a secret mission to gather vital intelligence about a world completely different to her own. But what she discovers makes her start to question everything she has known…
I have said it before, but have to say it again- Rachel Delahaye is an outstanding writer who really knows how to create believable worlds and compelling characters, immersing the reader completely in the story. ‘Electric Life’ is a one-sitting read- it is impossible to put down once started.
As with ‘Day of the Whale’, another of Rachel’s books, the story is both a thoroughly good read and offers plenty to think about. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that not everything is as it seems in the perfect world of Estrella, posing questions about what citizens of the ‘Star City’ might be sacrificing for their idyllic lifestyle. Everyone seems to live their lives through and around their screens which provide entertainment and constantly monitor their health and safety. They are happy to accept the parameters and rules which keep them safe… there are so many questions to be asked here and Alara’s experiences certainly make the reader think about
The story is fast-paced and full of action, building a frighteningly believable version of the future. Alara is a very likeable character- standing out against the stereotypical versions of her peers, not quite fitting in, longing for different. Readers may well recognise her clumsy attempts to ‘find’ friends and be ‘normal’ and like her all the more for ultimately coming to be herself. As she has experiences we take for granted for the first time- feeling pain, sharing human contact, tasting real food, the wild joy of a party night out- you can feel her coming alive and responding to each new sensation.
There is so much more I could say, but for fear of spoiling this brilliant book for other readers, I will finish by saying- it’s fab. Make sure you read it!
Electric Life Rachel Delahaye
Troika ISBN: 978-1912745326
You can read my review of ‘Day of the Whale’ here.
Peril on the Atlantic
In July, 1936, the Queen Mary sets sail across the Atlantic and Alice can't wait for the summer of adventure that lies ahead. At last, she is able to accompany her sailor father on board ship. But whilst he is focused on winning the prestigious Blue Riband, Alice finds herself witness to an attack on a steward by the name of Joseph Wilks. Determined to uncover the truth, Alice, with the help of fellow passengers, Sonny and Miriam, and bellboy, Charlie, start to uncover a devious plot of sabotage and intrigue. As tension and danger mount, they need to solve the mystery before it’s too late.
What a brilliant story! Historic detail has been skilfully balanced with a gripping plot which is engrossing to the final page. Information- and misinformation- builds the mystery to its satisfying conclusion, leaving the reader ready for more in Alice’s next adventure.
Keen for adventure and delighted to at last be able to accompany her father on his travels, Alice is an engaging character. The friendships she builds whilst on board with Sonny, Miriam and Charlie evidence her kind, accepting nature and the story benefits greatly from their team work and resilience as they work together to solve the puzzle.
In the best Agatha Christie tradition, the action swells towards the final denouement, with all the red herrings and false starts falling away to reveal the culprits. There is plenty of tension and just the right amount of peril to keep the reader on the edge of their seat as the final reveal.. but I can’t say any more about this! Read it and see if it surprises you too!
Scattered with historical details, ‘Peril on the Atlantic’ is a brilliant read, perfect for sharing as a class story or for using as guided reading text. It is exactly the sort of story I would have loved when I was younger and is every bit as good as ‘The Garden of Lost Secrets’, ‘The Secret of the Treasure Keepers’ and ‘The House of One Hundred Clocks’. I can’t wait to read the next of the ‘Mysteries at Sea’ series!
Peril on the Atlantic A M Howell
Usborne ISBN: 978-1801316743
You can read my review of ‘The House of One Hundred Clocks’ here and ‘The Secret of the Treasure Seekers’ here.
Wild Song
Things are changing in Luki’s village; the ways and beliefs of the occupying Americans are creeping into everyday life. One thing which has not changed, however, is the ancients’ expectations for a young woman. Caught hunting once too often, Luki is told she should marry her friend, Samkad. Determined to be free, Luki decides to take an offer to go to America to be part of the World Fair in St Louis. However, it soon becomes obvious that this wonderful adventure is not all it promised to be and she finds herself living in little more than a human zoo where the ‘Igorot’ are seen as savages, exhibits to be gawped at. Will she ever be able to find her way home?
Returning to the characters of Candy’s previous novel, ‘Bone Talk’, ‘Wild Song’ is an incredible book. Although not a sequel as such, it continues the stories of Samkad and Luki, highlighting how the lives of the Bontok people were affected by the Philippine-American War.
Once again, Candy Gourlay skilfully weaves historical figures and events into her narrative, creating a powerful story which depicts the shameful event which was the St Louis’ World Fair. The contemptuous treatment of human beings, the lack of respect for, and understanding of, cultural differences and callous exploitation is both shocking and uncomfortable to read- particularly when it is remembered that these attitudes and behaviours are hallmarks of any country guilty of colonisation.
Vividly told, the action is seen through the eyes of Luki, recalled as if she is speaking to her deceased mother, offering a very personal, immediate feel to the story. The reader shares her frustration with the ancients and the expectations placed upon her because she is a woman, and watches as the realisation dawns on her that Truman Hunt is manipulative and has little care for those he has persuaded to travel to America for the Fair. As she experiences loss, humiliation, fear and prejudice, her belief in herself and the ways of her people, their traditions and customs emerges stronger than ever.
‘Wild Song’ is a powerful, poignant and moving story which, like its characters, is unforgettable. Essential reading!
Wild Song Candy Gourlay
David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452076
You can read my review of ‘Bone Talk’ here.
The Magician’s Daughter
Since Abby’s mum died, her father has been struggling with his magic act. After yet another disastrous show, he decides to give it all up and take a job as a carer in a home. However, when Abby finds an old book containing spells in her grandmother’s trunk, things change, not only for them, but for the whole community.
This is such a joyous story which adds a touch of magic to the everyday, resulting in a warm-hearted, spell-binding tale. For me, it was a one-sitting read- impossible to put down!
Abby and her father have such a close, warm relationship, full of understanding and love. When Abby discovers the magic contained in the spells in the book, they instantly decide to share the wonder and delight with those around them. Completely content with what they have, they want to share this with their community and friends.
Myra is Abby’s best friend and the story also sees her struggle personally and then learn to believe in herself and her abilities. I really don’t want to spoil the story for anyone who hasn’t read it yet, but this is such an important and beautifully handled thread. Inter-generational relationships are also skilfully explored.
Illustrated throughout by George Ermos, ‘The Magician’s Daughter’ is an absolute delight- don’t miss it!
The Magician’s Daughter
Caryl Lewis, illustrated by George Ermos
Macmillan ISBN: 978-1529078169
Blog Tour: Call of the Titanic
I love historical fiction and so was delighted to be invited to take part in the Blog Tour for ‘Call of the Titanic’. Having really enjoyed each of Lindsay’s other books (see reviews below!), I was really looking forward to this new one- and as you can tell from what follows, I was not disappointed!
Young cabin steward, Sid, is proud to be working on the Titanic, the greatest ship ever built.
Clara dreams of adventure too, but she's a stowaway in the hold of a much smaller boat, Carpathia. Here she meets the biggest, best dog she’s ever known: Rigel, who is on his way to be reunited with his owner.
None of them could have imagined how they would need each other one ice-cold terrible night – or that an extraordinary sea creature might also answer their call ...
(Blurb from book)
To my mind, an excellent historical novel is one which immerses the reader in the period, accurately depicting the time/events, making history come alive. In skilled hands, it (amongst other things) teaches about the past effortlessly, allowing the reader to absorb details almost without realising whilst thoroughly enjoying the story. Lindsay Galvin has captured all of this and more, adding her own characters and mingling folklore with the facts to create a unique and gripping story.
The tale is cleverly presented through a range of text types, allowing events to be seen from differing viewpoints. This adds the feeling that the story has been pieced together from various historical sources, gathering evidence to create a picture of the past, just as historians do. This alone offers much to discuss and consider!
Everyone has heard of the Titanic and there are many excellent books for children on this topic. ‘Call of the Titanic’, however, focuses on the part played by RMS ‘Carpathia’, a cruse ship working at the same time, which played a major role in the rescue of passengers from the sinking Titanic. Tension mounts as all the tragedy and horror of the events of that fateful occasion are played out with the brave Captain and crew of the Carpathia making heroic efforts to save as many as they could.
Accidental stowaway, Clara, finds herself aboard the Carpathia and is at the heart of the action. It is here she meets the wonderful Rigel, a giant Newfoundland dog, which is being shipped off to its new owner. The two form a deep connection and are central to the events surrounding the rescue. Clara is wonderfully feisty and impulsive, with a heart of gold, whose curiosity and kindness make readers fully invested in her story. Rigel is just adorable! Whilst they are entirely fictional, Sidney Daniels, another voice telling this story, was a real person. He was a young steward aboard the Titanic who escaped the disaster, but was never called to give evidence. The ‘testimony’ he gives here is fictionalised by Lindsay Galvin, adding much to the story. The author’s note at the end of the book makes it clear which of the characters are based on real people, giving more detail about them as well as giving more information about things such as Morse Code and radio codes.
The mysterious sea serpent adds yet another layer to the story, appealing to those fascinated by the mysteries of the deep and adding to the adventure. There is so much to recommend this story, which could easily be used as a key text for classwork or as a guided reading text as well as being enjoyed as a shared or individual story. It is both excellent and enjoyable!
Call of the Titanic Lindsay Galvin
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1913696696
Many thanks to Chicken House for asking me to take part in this Blog Tour. Make sure you catch the other posts listed on the banner at the top of this one- and make sure you read the book!
You can read my review of ‘Darwin’s Dragons’ here , ‘My Friend the Octopus’ here and ‘The Secret Deep’ here.
The Final Year
As Nate heads into his final year of primary school, he is ready for anything with his best friend, PS, by his side. However, they are put into different classes and PS develops a friendship with Turner, the school bully, leaving Nate struggling to make sense of things. When his youngest brother, Dylan, is rushed into hospital, Nate feels as if his life is spiralling out of control and his anger is rising.
Matt Goodfellow is a stunning poet, well known for his beautifully crafted, often poignant work, which is highly relatable. In ‘The Final Year’, he has brought all his skill with language to create a very powerful verse novel which is sensitive and incredibly relevant.
Nate could be one of any number of boys - or girls- who I have taught. His homelife, though loving, is chaotic. He and his two brothers have different fathers and, as the oldest, Nate carries plenty of the responsibility for caring for them. He has had support to control his anger- The Beast- which overcomes him at times and he has developed a range of techniques to help with this yet still it lurks within him. He is sensitive and caring, a loyal friend, a loving son and brother. Matt has captured all of this with great skill, creating a very recognisable ‘real’ character who inspires empathy in the reader. Where some other writers might come across as patronising, Matt’s portrayal shows genuine understanding and compassion.
School and teachers are often condemned in stories, reduced to stereotypes and showing the system at its worst. Here, Nate’s teacher, Mr Joshua, is shown as a more rounded figure. He only gets cross when he needs to, sings all the time and notices Nate when he (Nate) needs to feel seen, nurturing his love of reading and words, offering him an outlet for his emotions. Mr Joshua (like many of us) tells his class there are more important things in life than SATs, that they should just do their best, and when Nate needs him, is right there. It is a thoughtful portrayal of a caring teacher, striving to do their best for their class and I am sure Matt has drawn on his personal experience to create this.
Told in the present tense, the story feels even more authentic because dialect has been used consistently and accurately throughout. This is Nate’s voice and you can almost feel the places he breathes whilst he tells you his story. In places, his pain is so raw, so real, all captured by Matt’s beautiful words.
‘The Final Year’ is illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton and the proof copy I have read shows a mixture of finished pieces and rough artwork for the story. These draw perfectly on the emotions of the text, capturing Nate’s feelings as he navigates his final year at primary. I can’t wait to see the joy of a finished copy!
There are a million more things which I could say about this incredible book- the skilful use of ‘Skellig’, the carefully observed friendship spilt, the essential role of libraries, the sensitive portrayal of Nate’s mum, the ending… but I just suggest people read it and get it into the hands of children who will see themselves and feel understood, recognised and valued. More books like this are needed.
The Final Year
Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton
Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1915659040
Out on the 7th September 2023
Genie and Teeny Wish upon a Star
Back in the land of Wishaluzia, Grant the genie is delighted to be home with his family, but is faced with the problem that he has been banned by Queen Mizelda. When trouble strikes, Grant calls on his old friends for help, but can Teeny save the day?
This series has been a huge favourite of mine since the first book, ‘Genie and Teeny Make a Wish’ appeared. Grant is such an endearing character. Prone to getting things wrong, he is warm-hearted and loyal, and nothing like the genies who emerge in from sparkling lamps in other stories!
As with the other books, the reader is welcomed in, with a direct appeal which gives a quick introduction about what has gone before. The lively, light-hearted tone here sets the mood perfectly for the rest of the story. In this adventure, Grant is back at home with his family, the Giggles, but in danger of being caught by Queen Mizelda’s guards. She still hasn’t forgiven him for what happened in book one and so he needs to stay hidden to keep safe. Events, however, quickly get out of control and the result is a hilarious romp of an adventure which satisfyingly finishes with everything turning out well - if surprisingly!- in the end.
Not only appealing because of their humour, these books are wonderfully imaginative, encouraging children to develop their own ideas for storytelling. Children can create their own home for a genie like Grant’s ‘tea-lamp’ (as it became known in book 3) and plot their own adventures including , if they wish, a magical monster like the enormous cat-beast in ‘Wish upon a Star’. There are endless opportunities for children to engage with and enjoy this series, not least the wonderful ‘how to draw’s which appear at the end of each story. Although I enjoyed reading them in order, it is possible to enjoy each as a stand alone as enough back-story is given in each for everything to make sense.
I am greatly sadden to learn that this will be the last ‘Genie and Teeny’ book as I feel they could have had many more adventures, but all good things come to an end, I suppose! The series is both accessible and engaging, brilliant for reading aloud and full of fabulous illustrations! What more could you ask for?!
Genie and Teeny: Wish Upon a Star
Steven Lenton
Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008408589
Published June 22nd 2023
You can read my review of ‘Genie and Teeny: Make a Wish’ here and find out how to make a tumbling Grant here.
Miss Mary-Kate Martin’s Guide to Monsters: The Wrath of Woolington Wyrm
Mary-Kate Martin worries with a number of things including sudden changes. And at the moment, her life seems full of changes. Instead of staying with her Granny, she is going with her mother to Woolington Grange on an archaeological investigation to investigate some bones found at the bottom of an old well. They arrive to find strange things are happening and the town’s folk divided by Lord Woolington’s plans for a shopping centre. As Mary-Kate investigates, she finds there is more to the town than she expected.
This is the first book in what is set to be an incredible series of adventures for Mary-Kate Martin as she travels with her mother, Professor Martin (or Prof to Mary-Kate). Mary-Kate is a brilliant character. Prone to anxiety, she develops a range of strategies for dealing with situations which make her uncomfortable. She doesn’t like beginnings or endings, but is good at what happens in between so sometimes taking that first step is all important! Her mother is quietly supportive and encouraging, never drawing attention to her daughter’s concerns, but helping her find her own way to overcoming difficulties. Allowed space in this way, Mary-Kate establishes a friendship with Arabella, who is completely different, but together, they make a determined team, solving the mystery of the Woolington wyrm. Mary-Kate finds courage she never knew she had and armed with strong principles and new found friendship, she launches herself into some scary situations in order to solve the mystery.
The story moves along at a pleasing pace and there is plenty of gentle humour (I love the antics of Pickles the pony!) along the way. It is a delightful read, offering something a little different. I really look forward to seeing where Mary-Kate’s adventures take her next.
Miss Mary-Kate Martin’s Guide to Monsters: The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm
Karen Foxlee, illustrated by Freda Chiu
Pushkin Children’s ISBN: 978-1782694137
Published in August
Blog Tour: Michael the Amazing, Mind-Reading Sausage Dog
Today, I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘Michael the Amazing, Mind-Reading Sausage Dog’, a fabulously funny, heart-warmingly hilarious romp of a read which is sure to be a huge hit in classrooms and homes! Laughter is so important and access to well written ‘funny’ stories is essential. Author, Terrie Chilvers, joins me today to suggest some fabulously funny reads which she has enjoyed!
My Top 5 Funny Books For Children
I’ve always been a fan of funny books and there are sooo many fantastic ones out there. Here are my top picks!
Small! By Hannah Moffatt
A hilarious story about a boy called Harvey who goes to giant school… except he isn’t a giant! Harvey (on stilts) has to avoid getting found out or he’ll get stomped into a sandwich. Totally Roald Dahl-esque and great for bedtime reading with kids. Loads of laugh out moments, plus a fantastic friendship between Harvey and his new best giant friend, Walloping Toenail that totally reminds me of Michael and Stanley Big Dog! And if you love it (which you will), there’s also a sequel where Harvey has to save the day at Vampire School.
Small! – https://www.waterstones.com/book/small/hannah-moffatt/rory-walker/9781911427278
Small Bites Back - https://www.waterstones.com/book/small-bites-back/hannah-moffatt/9781911427346
Loki. By Louie Stowell
The hilarious diary series of trickster god Loki who ends up in the body of an eleven-year-old boy when he’s banished to Earth. Super funny with excellent doodles from Loki throughout.
Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Being Good - https://lokibooks.com/
Knight Sir Louis and The Dreadful Damsel. By The Brothers McLeod
This had me snorting throughout, it’s a quirky quest story about a knight on a mission to protect the kingdom of King Burt from all kinds of nasty threats. He’s got a trusty mechanical steed called Clunkalot and a sword called Dave. Fantastic illustrations too!
Knight Sir Louis - https://www.knightsirlouis.com/
There’s a Dog in My Brain! By Caroline Green
A super funny body-swap comedy about a boy called Danny who ends up swapping lives with his dog, Dudley. The story switches between the viewpoints of boy and dog, including some hilarious consequences when Dudley the dog (in human form) has to navigate a wedding where licking loved ones and drinking from the toilet bowl is frowned upon! If kids read Michael and love Stanley Big Dog, they’ll love Dudley too!
There’s a Dog in My Brain - https://www.walker.co.uk/There-s-a-Dog-in-My-Brain-9781406399431.aspx
Mr Gum. By Andy Stanton
A modern classic! I read Mr Gum for the first time when I first started writing for children and it really inspired me to get super creative. It’s a triumph of hilarity and proves that you can never have too much quirk!
Mr Gum - http://www.mrgum.co.uk/books/
Hope you enjoy checking out some of those! Laughs GUARANTEED.
Many thanks to Terrie for joining me today. Make sure you read ‘Michael the Amazing, Mind-Reading Sausage Dog’- and enjoy the rest of the Blog Tour!
Michael the Amazing, Mind-Reading Sausage Dog
Terrie Chilvers, illustrated by Tim Budgen
Firefly Press ISBN: 978-1915444134
Hay Festival: Daniel Morden
The Hay Festival is always one of the highlights of my book-ish year. It is great to meet up with literary loving friends and hear lots of fabulous authors, poets and illustrators discussing their books. Today, I went to hear story-teller, Daniel Morden, who I first heard at Hay some years ago.
The event was just brilliant. Daniel retold one of the stories he has recorded in his book, ‘Dark Tales from the Woods’, drawn from old gypsy tales. There was plenty of laughter and audience participation as we heard the story of ‘The Squirrel and the Fox’. Stopping at various points, Daniel invited the audience to offer suggestions for what might happen next- and there were some very creative ideas!
It is such a joy to listen to a talented storyteller! The audience were completely captivated and a great time was had by all.