Pinch Perkins and the Midsummer Curse

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

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

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

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

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

Pinch Perkins and the Midsummer Curse

Cathy FitzGerald, illustrated by Chloe Dominique

Farshore ISBN: 978-0008603373

Published June 2024

Blog Tour: Bringing Back Kay-Kay

Today, I am delighted to be taking part in the Blog Tour for ‘Bringing Back Kay-Kay’. Sensitively written, it is a beautiful exploration of sibling love, a gripping mystery and a celebration of the power of poetry.

For me, ‘Bringing Back Kay-Kay was a one-sitting read! Beautifully written, the story is about Lena, whose brother, Kay-Kay, goes missing whilst on a school trip. Overcome with grief, their parents put their trust in the police and hope that they will find him. However, Lena is sure that one of Kay-Kay’s friends knows more than he is letting on and so sets off on a quest to find her beloved brother and bring him home.

The story unfolds through Lena’s thoughts, actions and memories, building a picture of her complex family relationship. She feels like the ‘difficult’ child, somehow lesser than her perfect brother, almost, at times, unwanted and yet her closeness to her sibling is never in doubt. As she searches for Kay-Kay, she explores her memories and realises just how much her brother does for her- and starts to understand just how difficult things have been for him. Discovering his poetry, Lena discovers how he feels the weight of parental expectations bearing down on him and comes to understand her brother even more. I cannot recommend this book highly enough- it will take you on an emotional rollercoaster whilst engaging you fully in an excellent and carefully constructed adventure.

Poetry has always been very important to me, both personally and as a teacher, and it is a joy to see how Kay-Kay was able to express his inner feelings in this way and how his sister responded to his words. Below, Dev Kothari explains why she chose to use poetry in her story.

Magic of poetry

I’ve always found poetry magical. I still remember some of the poems I learnt at school, while growing up in India, like P. B. Shelley’s Mutability or Christina Rossetti’s Who Has Seen The Wind or Bhawani Prasad Mishra’s Satpura Ke Jungle. Even then, I was struck by the power of verse – it’s ability to connect with you at a deeper, emotional, instinctual level. Over the years, I’ve read a lot of poetry works. But it took me a while to figure out the kind of poetry that speaks to me. Verses that are simple yet profound, that make time stop for me, that make me feel. The poetry of Rumi and Mary Oliver, of Wisława Szymborska and Do Jong Hwan, of Gulzaar saab and Michael Rosen. My life is so much richer because of the gifts of poetry. And I think that’s why it makes its way into my writing too, in some shape or form. In fact, my very first attempts at writing, right from my childhood were in the form of poems. So, it’s probably not a surprise that there’s poetry in Bringing Back Kay-Kay too. When I began writing it, I didn’t particularly set out to make Kay-Kay a poet. It just turned out that way, when I wrote the scene about Lena finding one of his poems in an old copy of Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet (naturally!). Of course he’s a poet, I thought. In that instant, suddenly, Kay-Kay became real to me. I love that Kay-Kay is able to pen his thoughts and worries, dreams and fears through poetry. I love that Lena and the readers get to know him better through his poems. And I love that I get to spread some of the magic of poetry through this story. Wouldn’t it be an absolute joy and privilege, if reading this story inspires young people to read more poetry and write it too?

Bringing Back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari (£7.99, Walker Books) available now.

 Many thanks to Dev Kothari and the lovely team at Walker Books for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour. Keep an eye out for the other stops on the tour to find out more about this wonderful book!

Aliya to the Infinite City

Since the death of her parents, Aliya has lived in Cairo with her grandfather, Geddo. Recently, he has been acting strangely, disappearing for hours on end and forgetting her birthday. When a mysterious gift arrives, things change dramatically. Geddo is taken away and Aliya finds herself whisked off on a flying carpet by a relative she never knew she had. Finding herself in the Infinite City, she is enrolled as a student at the Infinitum School of Time Travel. But she finds herself a target for the evil forces her grandfather had tried so hard to hide her from- Dorian Darke, a master of time who wants to use Aliya’s special skills for his own devious ends.

Offering an absorbing read, ‘Aliya to the Infinite City’ is a fabulous adventure, full of magic and mystery. Set in an alternate Egypt, Laila Rifaat’s world building is vivid and colourful, seamlessly interweaving cultural details into the story. Mischievous magic carpets, sinister genies and knowledge turbans all feature in this exciting tale!

Discovering that she comes from a long line of time travellers, Aliya has to navigate an unfamiliar world full of mystery and magic. A likeable character, she shows great determination and courage as she tries to uncover details of her family’s past and find her own place in the world. The plot is full of action with many twists and turns keeping the reader well and truly enthralled as the story builds towards its exciting climax, paving the way for more adventures to come. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series!

Aliya to the Infinite City

Laila Rifaat

Chicken House ISBN: 978-1915026354

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

Winner Takes Gold

Pearl dreams of winning a place on the GB Mini Elite Squad. Her mother, who was a coach at the local club, Bagley End Butterflies, passed away the year before and Pearl is determined to ‘light up the world’ with her shine as mum would have wanted. When her friend, Ryan, wins a place at Leaping Spires training camp as part of the squad without her, Pearl is devasted until a place becomes available.

However, life at the elite training camp is incredibly tough with a strict regime focusing on being better than the best. Rumours about the ‘Curse of Leaping Spires’ start flying around as accidents and mishaps seem to dog the students, leading Pearl and Ryan to suspect sabotage. Just how far will someone go to take gold?

Once I started ‘Winner Takes Gold’, I could not put it down! There is so much to enjoy in these pages.

I have taught many children over the years with a love of gymnastics, some of whom have been involved at a competitive level, and a book like this would be an absolute winner with them. The level of technical accuracy employed in describing the moves will instantly appeal to those who are familiar with them, but these are worked into the plot so seamlessly that they are not off-putting for the non-gymnast. The strong sense of mystery, the thrill of the chase and uncovering the person behind the ‘accidents’ all make this a compelling story.

Pearl shows the level of dedication and determination needed by those who long to be successful. Passionate, she shows a level of unswerving commitment to her sport, constantly pushing herself to achieve and be the best she can. But the story clearly shows that there is more to being successful in any sport than winning accolades and prizes. Friendship, family and personal wellbeing are essential, but just as important are staying true to yourself and being fair and honest.

The book would be an excellent choice for a class story time, sure to encourage plenty of discussion and debate about sporting attitudes and values amongst other things. Although Pearl is at the centre of the story, boys’ gymnastics is also key in the story as Pearl’s friend, Ryan, and the other boys in the squad are shown training and competing.

A great read!

Winner Takes Gold Eloise Smith

Chicken House ISBN: 978-1915026309

The Clockwork Conspiracy

Isaac Turner lives with his dad who is the Keeper of the Great Clock in the Palace of Westminster, tending the clock everyone thinks is called Big Ben, but isn’t. On the night the clocks go back, Isaac’s father disappears from the belfry, leaving only his broken pocket watch behind. Isaac is determined to find him and, with the help of Hattie, daughter of his godfather, follows a trail of clues across London, uncovering a sinister plot as they race against time.

After the fantastic ‘Adventures on Trains’ series, I expected Sam Sedgman’s new book, ‘The Clockwork Conspiracy’ to be an excellent read- and it was! Not only is this a gripping, action-packed mystery, but the whole story is scattered with interesting facts, trivia and history, making it a richly satisfying read.

Isaac and Hattie make an excellent team. Complete opposites, they bring out the best in one another and make a formidable duo, as they face every challenge and puzzle thrown at them. Hattie is quick-witted, rebellious and impetuous whilst Isaac is cautious, methodical and conscientious.

As the minutes tick by (shown by the chapter headings), Isaac and Hattie scramble across the rooftops of London, deciphering clues and solving puzzles to save Isaac’s father and defeat those plotting to change time and take over the world! Tension builds as the story reaches its very satisfying conclusion, leaving the reader wanting another mystery for Isaac and Hattie to solve which there is a sneak peak of at the end of the book.

Notes at the end of the story by Sam Sedgman clarify some elements of the story, explaining where he has ‘strayed from the truth’ and which are real, all of which adds to the enjoyment of this excellent story. We’ve booked the guided tour of Queen Elizabeth Tower to see Big Ben..!

The Clockwork Conspiracy Sam Sedgman

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526665386

You can read my reviews of ‘The Arctic Railway Assassin’ here, ‘Sabotage on the Solar Express’ here and Epic Adventures: Explore the World in 12 Amazing Train Journeys’ here.

Twice Upon a Time

The Morrow twins, Merry and Spike, have an unusual connection with time. One born before midnight, one after, they are not only born on different days, but different years, with clocks in the house stopping to mark the time for each. When their mother, an art restorer, takes a job at Fox House, the twins are convinced they are in for a dreary holiday, but they soon find themselves caught up in mysterious happenings and unsolved mysteries which they begin to investigate using their own secret - the power to manipulate time.

I am a huge fan of Michelle Harrison’s books, particularly the ‘Pinch of Magic’ series. The brilliantly developed Widdershins sisters and cleverly drawn, well-imagined locations of these stories make them compelling reading and I was delighted to find that characters and settings are also strengths of ‘Twice Upon a Time’!

The Morrow twins might be identical, but they have very different personalities and tendencies. Merry (Meredith) is a dreamer, full of imagination and a love of words, constantly writing poems whilst Spike (Rose) has a fascination with poisons and as her nickname suggests, a somewhat prickly personality. Since having had meningitis a few years ago, Spike suffers with tinnitus, which affects her greatly, causing the reader to both develop an awareness of, and empathise with, her condition. They make a great team, using their talent occasionally for mischief, but more often to help unravel the mystery surrounding Fox House. Ben Gumbley, who lives at the house, makes an excellent addition to the group and is soon party to their secret.

The plot is perfectly paced, with clues and misdirection along the way, as it builds to a very satisfying conclusion. I have no wish to spoil the story for anyone else so won’t say any more about it, except that it is an excellent read. My only concern is whether there will be any more stories about the Merrow girls- and possibly Ben! It feels to me as if there should me more adventures for them- and yet, the book works perfectly as a stand alone. Perhaps I’m just being greedy!

Twice Upon a Time

Michelle Harrison, illustrated by Natalie Smillie

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1471197673

You can read my review of ‘A Pinch of Magic’ here, ‘A Sprinkle of Sorcery’ here, ‘A Tangle of Spells’ here and ‘A Storm of Sisters’ here.

Marnie Midnight and the Moon Mystery

Marnie Midnight is really excited to be starting at Minibeast Academy where she hopes to follow in the footsteps of her heroine, Lunora Wingheart, the famous Moonologist who used to be a pupil there. But, to her disappointment, Marnie soon finds out that nobody believes in moon magic anymore. Determined to get to the bottom of this mystery, Marnie and her new friends, Star and Floyd, decide to search for the truth…

From her introduction, portrait gallery of characters and map of Thimbledown to the end of the story, this new story from Laura Ellen Anderson is a charming, captivating adventure, perfect for fans of her ‘Amelia Fang’ and ‘Rainbow Grey’ series.

The detailed world building is wonderful and there are plenty of mini-beast facts woven into the tale, making this delightful story the perfect starting point for discovering more. Marnie, Floyd and Star are great characters- each personality is well-developed, showing how different natures can complement each other, each bringing their own strengths to a friendship, offering support.

The illustrations are delightful, adding much to the book and sparking imagination and interest. Whether sharing as a class story, a bedtime read or for children to love as an independent read, ‘Marnie Midnight and the Moon Mystery’ is a real joy!

Marnie Midnight and the Moon Mystery

Laura Ellen Anderson

Farshore ISBN: 978-0008591335

The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor: A Christmas Mystery

Flora and her mother are spending the Christmas holidays in a cottage found in the grounds of a decaying mansion in he seaside town of Helmersbruk. It’s their first Christmas without Flora’s father and things are strange and difficult for them so her mother thought the break would do them good. However, Helmersbruk is dark and rainy and when they arrive at the Gatekeeper’s Cottage, the gate seems locked and no one is around apart from Fridolf, who lives next door in the Washhouse. But as Flora explores the Manor grounds, her imagination runs wild and she comes to love it there. Strange whispers, mysterious porcelain figures and the occasional appearance of a boy called Egon increase her fascination with the place and she starts to uncover a fascinating mystery which links the past and the present.

The story is told in twenty-four chapters, making it perfect for reading as an advent book in the countdown to Christmas Day- but I challenge anyone to be able to read it like this! The story is so compelling and absorbing that it is impossible to put down! Carefully placed clues, engaging characters and evocative writing make this a fabulous read- one which is sure to be enjoyed again and again despite the mystery having been solved!

Each chapter beings with a black and white illustration, adding to the atmosphere of the story. Flora is drawn to the Mansion and there are shivery moments, carefully placed to intrigue and pique the reader’s interest and imagination as the Manor’s secrets are revealed. Flora is reeling from the loss of her father, struggling with the rejection of her once-best-friend, Johanna, and the bullying of the horsey girls at school and Helmersbruk Manor offers her peace and a feeling of belonging. She learns to trust again, finding friendship as she strives to save the Manor from a threatened re-development as a hotel complex.

An excellent story, ‘The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor’ is a brilliant, gripping story- perfect for Christmas, but a great read at any time of year!

The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor: A Christmas Mystery

Eva Frantz, translated by A A Prime, illustrated by Elin Sandstrom

Pushkin Press ISBN: 978-1782694182

Mermedusa

This fifth and final trip to Eerie-on-Sea concludes Herbie and Violet’s adventures and, like others I’m sure, I read ‘Mermedusa’ with mixed feelings- delight at another visit to one of my favourite fictional places and great sadness that there would be no more!

The hosts of the Anomalous Phenomena podcast have arrived in Eerie-on-Sea with the intention of uncovering the truth about the Malamander and broadcast this to the world. Already troubled by unsettling dreams and a strange humming throbbing through the town, Herbert Lemon, Lost-and-Founder at the Grand Nautilus Hotel, is horrified when his arch-nemesis, Sebastian Eels, re-appears in the town. Together, Herbie and Violet must discover the Deepest Secret of eerie-on-Sea- and ‘find’ themselves in the process.

‘Mermedusa’ is a stunning finish to what has been the most enjoyable series of books. Thomas Taylor cleverly draws all the threads of the story together, offering a satisfying conclusion to the mysteries of Eerie-on-Sea. Most importantly, Violet and Herbie have not only found themselves, but have found each other in a true and enduring friendship which really shows how opposites attract and complement each other!

Each character in these books is wonderfully unique and completely unforgettable from the Mermonkey at The Eerie Book Dispensary and Erwin the talking cat to the eccentric Lady Kraken who watches the town with her cameraluna and grumpy hotel manager, Mr Mollusc, who the reader learns more of in this final book.

As well as making an excellent series to be enjoyed and explored independently, these books are excellent for guided reading sessions or as whole class story time texts. Full of humour and heart, there are so many ways in which the ‘Eerie-on-Sea Mysteries’ are perfect for developing a love of reading.

Mermedusa Thomas Taylor

Walker ISBN: 978-1529502138

Published on 7th September

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

You can read my review of ‘Malamander’ here and ‘Festergrimm’ here. (Apologies that ‘Shadowghast’ is missing from the photo- it’s been borrowed!)

The Silver Road

Rosaleen Darke- Rose- is struggling at her new school. Tormented by Emer McGuire and her ‘fan club’ for being a scholarship pupil, Rose is also still grieving the loss of her Mamó, who she misses desperately. Taking the long way home from school, however, has the benefit of taking her past the shops of Gracie and Nellie with whom she has developed a friendship.

Unable to sleep one night, Rose hears noises and finds herself facing an ice giant, who entrusts her with a powerful stone which Rose must keep from falling into the wrong hands. Luckily Gracie and Nellie are not quite what they seem and are able to explain to Rose that she has been chosen as the stone’s guardian. As the Old Magic is weakening, evil is rising and Rose finds herself on a breath-taking quest to protect the Silver Road and the magic than runs through the land.

Well, what a story this is! Any attempt at a summary seems clumsy and cannot possibly capture the essence of this wonderful tale. Drawing on the age-old mythology of Ireland, ‘The Silver Road’ offers the perfect starting point for introducing readers to this wealth of stories whilst appreciating Sinéad’s skill as a storyteller as she adds plenty of imagination and flair of her own. I was captivated from the outset and could not put the book down and since finishing, have been inspired to revisit some of the old tales.

Rose is a brilliant character. Fresh and uncomplicated, she just wants to fit in and do her best. Although she has a loving, supportive family, like many, she doesn’t want to add to their worries by sharing her problems, particularly as her dad’s employer is Emer’s dad. She escapes into her books, but also takes comfort from the friendship she forms with Gracie and Nellie. They are incredible souls, not just because of their magic, but because of the kindness they show- and their love of cake! Catshee, the cat, not cat is possibly my favourite character, however, and shows how skilfully the author blends the traditional and the newly imagined to make a tale of wonder.

‘The Silver Road’ whispers to the reader of so many things- the importance of our environment, the magic of the old tales, our connection to the land and to one another, the importance of family, finding the strength to be yourself and have the determination and courage to face things life throws at you. It is a brilliantly crafted tale and I loved it. It would make an excellent guided reading text for the ‘right’ group of children or a gripping class story. So much to love!

The Silver Road Sinéad O’Hart

Piccadilly Press ISBN: 978-1800785090

Published 28th September 2023

You can read my review of ‘The Eye of the North’ here and ‘The Time Tider’ here.

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!

You can read my review of ‘A Recipe for Trouble’ here and ‘A Spoonful of Spying’ 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!

Fablehouse

I heard Emma Norry speak about ‘Fablehouse’ at this year’s FCBG Conference as part of the ‘Fantastical and Magical’ panel. She -and fellow panelists, Anna Goodall and Nicki Thornton- talked about the inspiration for their writing, settings and characters in a fascinating session. I was particularly interested in the setting Emma chose for ‘Fablehouse’ as I have stayed in a National Trust cottage on the Holnicote Estate just round the corner from the main house, but was completely unaware of its having been requisitioned in 1943 by Somerset County Council and used to house mixed-race GI babies.

Heather has just arrived at Fablehouse, an orphanage hidden in Somerset, home for the forgotten ‘Brown Babies’ of post-war Britain. Whilst exploring the surrounding countryside, Heather finds a mysterious cairn which draws her. Here she meets Palamedies, the Black Knight from Arthurian tales, who has been guarding the doorway between worlds. But when Fablehouse children start acting strangely, Heather and her new friends, Lloyd, Nat and Arlene, must battle to save their new home.

‘Fablehouse’ draws on the legends of King Arthur, folklore and history to create a captivating read. I finished it in one sitting, unwilling to leave the fiercely loyal, brave band of children on their quest. The inclusion of Palamedes may well introduce readers to a new thread of the Arthurian legends which are not a widely known as the stories including Lancelot, Gawain, Galahad or Tristan.

The story is beautifully told on many levels. Emma has skilfully intertwined historical facts with legend and folklore to create a compelling tale of identity, finding your place in the world. love, friendship, hope and acceptance. The ‘hidden history’ of the children represented in the book by Heather and her friends is deeply poignant, and the book is an important step towards recognising and sharing their story. Nat’s reaction to meeting Pal (Palamedes) is as heart-breaking as the knight’s response is heart-warming- I shed more than a few tears at this point. I am sure the story will resonate with many as the longing to belong, to be accepted, to be seen is universal and captured so sensitively in these pages.

I am delighted to discover that a Fablehouse 2 is promised as the Roamers- Heather, Lloyd, Nat and Arlene- are such wonderful characters that it was hard to leave them behind when the story ended. ‘Fablehouse’ would make an excellent class story or guided reading text with plenty to enjoy, discuss and explore. Don’t miss it!

Fablehouse E L Norry

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526649539

Out on the 8th June 2023

Euro Spies

When Samia wins a tour of Europe as the prize for an essay writing competition, she is delighted. However, shortly after meeting up with chaperone, Miss Watson and her fellow winners, Frankie (Francis) and Ava, she starts to suspect that something is amiss. After an eventful first night on the Euro Metro, Miss Watson is forced to admit that she is, in fact, a spy and they are on the trail of a missing colleague who has left a series of cryptic clues leading to information vital to stopping a group of neo-Nazis.

Readers are thrown headlong into the action in this thoroughly enjoyable, fast paced adventure. Not only are there puzzles to solve and clues to crack, the story takes the reader on a journey across Europe.

Although they don’t immediately realise it, Samia, Ava and Frankie make an excellent team, each offering strengths which make them very useful to Miss Watson’s spying mission. Ava has invaluable maths and logic skills, Samia is very bright and has an excellent knowledge of art and history whilst Frankie is fluent in French, Italian and German and has strong science knowledge. Each learns much about themselves, and the others, through their experiences and emerges stronger for it.

Each clue they solve leads them to another fabulous location and these cities, their landmarks- and traditional foods- are described, making the reader long to visit (or revisit). There is much to learn about each location which might inspire children to investigate further and perhaps to create future travel plans. The children face plenty of peril as they follow the trail laid for them. Regular ‘Where are we?’ sections challenge the reader by offering three facts about the location and a selection of codes are explained at the beginning of the book are useful for helping solve the puzzles.

Euro Spies Lindsey Littleson

Pokey Hat ISBN: 978-1911279549

You can read my review of ‘The Rewilders’ here.

Love You To Death

Someone is obsessed with Mia Hawkins…

I normally offer a summary of the book before a review, but this is one that I am not going to do that for in case I spoil the plot for anyone who has not read it! Having finished this a while ago, I have been waiting to review it until reading all of Gina Blaxill’s books- and I can confirm that they are all excellent!

‘Love You to Death’ is a gripping, unsettling read about obsession and stalking. As the story progresses, the tension is palpable, compelling the reader to keep turning the pages as the claustrophobic feeling of threat surrounding Mia mounts.

Having her own style and wearing clothes she is comfortable in should be Mia’s right- as it should be for everyone- yet the story highlights how some people- mainly men- seem to feel entitled to comment, or worse, on a woman’s appearance. The story is thought-provoking (and anger provoking!) in places as Mia (and others) wonder whether she has done something to attract the unwanted attention of her stalker, if she is in some way to blame for being too friendly, for sending the wrong message… My blood was boiling in places and there are many red flags in the story about controlling behaviour and ‘toxic’ relationships.

The story also offers the mystery of who Mia’s stalker actually is. Red herrings abound as suspects appear to be the guilty party yet when the final reveal came, I had only just cottoned on. Once everything is solved, Gina Blaxill does a good of showing the aftermath of such an experience, not offering a neat, tidy solution where everyone goes back to normal, unaffected.

Now I have caught up, I can’t wait to see what Gina Blaxill writes next!

Love You to Death Gina Blaxill

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702325434

Friends and Traitors

Nancy arrives at Stanbrook House to take up her post as a housemaid, just as preparations are being made for the arrival of a girls’ school which is being evacuated from the Sussex coast. She quickly takes a dislike to the ‘young ladies’ who she considers to be spoilt little snobs.

Sidney Dashworth is one of the evacuees and as the new girl, is struggling to fit in with her classmates. When she notices some strange goings-on and decides to investigate, Sidney realises that Nancy also has her suspicions about the Lord Evesham and his activities and the two soon find themselves working together in the face of danger as they try to expose his evil deeds.

‘Friends and Traitors’ is a great read on so many levels. It has all the classic ‘school story’ elements (apart from sporting events!) with Sidney struggling to find her place as the new girl and Lucinda Gore-Withers making her a very dislikeable foe. Despite their removal from their actual school building, the girls still have to endure their lessons, receive order marks or merits, wearing sensible shoes and behaving like young ladies at all times!

The story is also rich in historical detail. Set in WWII, Nancy and Sidney are separated by their social class. Initially, Sidney thinks being a maid must be good fun- Nancy has her freedom and is earning whilst just flicking a duster around. She has no idea of the intense workload of a domestic servant nor that Nancy’s wages are instantly consumed by family commitments. The story seamlessly includes details which add to the historical context- how Nancy’s father was affected by WW1, the internment of friendly enemy aliens, etc- including how those from the upper classes were able to get away with things which ‘normal’ people could not. Lord Evesham thinks more of his priceless collection of china than he does of his servants.

A gripping mystery unfolds as the two unlikely allies discover the secrets of Stanbrook House and find a way of making their voices heard and foiling the plot they have uncovered. ‘Friends and Traitors’ is an excellent read- every bit as enjoyable as Helen’s other books for this age range, ‘The Secret Henhouse Theatre’, ‘The Farm Beneath the Water’, ‘Evie’s Ghost’ and ‘Anna at War’. Perfect as a class read aloud or a guided reading text, this is one not to be missed!

Friends and Traitors Helen Peters

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788004640

Out 6th July!

Tourmaline and the Island of Elsewhere

When Tourmaline overhears a conversation between two of her professors at Pellavere University, she learns that not only has her mother gone missing whilst on an archaeological expedition, but that no one will be going to search for her. Tourmaline is determined to find her and with the help of her best friend, George, and new acquaintance, Mia, sets off on an incredible adventure.

Having found a clue in her mother’s study to set them on their way, the three companions embark on a perilous journey to locate the Island of Elsewhere- a journey filled with twists and turns, unexpected revelations and excitement.

Tourmaline is a fantastic character. Intrepid and impulsive, once her friendship is gained, she is loyal and protective and there is a wonderful warmth of feeling between her, George and Mia. The three make an excellent team, bringing out the best in each other, bouncing back from the bickering and fallings out that real friends so often have and strengthening their bond. I developed a real soft spot for George as the story progressed. His affectionate support of Tourmaline forces him to do and face things which are completely outside his comfort zone and yet he persists, showing real friendship and courage and understanding of his friends’ characters.

The world building of the story is wonderful! It is richly imagined, each new location described beautifully and full of detail. And yet, the story offers plenty to think about as it makes the reader pause to consider the rights and wrongs of ‘discovery’, questioning who rightfully ‘owns’ the artefacts which are discovered when archaeologists do their work.

I am delighted that this is only the first of Tourmaline’s adventures. I can’t wait to see what she gets up to next!

Tourmaline and the Island of Elsewhere

Ruth Lauren

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788955911

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.

Blog Tour: Mind and Me

I’m thrilled to be kicking off the Blog Tour for ‘Mind and Me’, a delightfully entertaining and humorous story, full of lovely illustrations, with a strong message at its heart. When Maya’s pet rabbit goes missing, she needs some very special help from her Mind to find him. She is surrounded by a very loving and supportive family who, like many multicultural families, have a way of mixing languages- in Maya’s case Hindi and English to make Hinglish, with a few German phrases thrown in! I particularly warmed to Maya’s Aunt Dolly, who ‘had a way of sprinkling happiness over everyone’.

Sunita Chawdhary joins me on the Bookshelf today to answer some questions about her inspiration and her writing.

Can you tell us a bit about your new book?

This book celebrates the mind in all its magnificence and its mischiefs! Mind & Me tells the story of Maya, a British-Indian girl with her multicultural identity, and her developing relationship with her Mind, as she makes her way through a challenging situation – her pet rabbit Pooey has gone missing. I wanted to use humour and an engaging plot that requires problem-solving around the mystery as well as in coping with difficult feelings. Maya and her Mind have to use their five special senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch!), their memory (for some terrific time-travelling!), their unique imagination, and more… all in their quest to find Pooey.

Where did you get the inspiration from for this story?

This story was inspired by the idea that a child’s mind is the ultimate sidekick! I wanted to encourage young readers to get to know and look after their minds. Children in this age group are usually aware of the different parts of the body, including the brain, but less so the mind and what that means for them, their sense of self and wellbeing. Maya’s interactions include feeling at odds with her Mind. She is left feeling unsure of herself and then has to find ways to work through this and find a happy balance.

Who or what inspired the characters and the dynamics between them?

Maya is part imagined, part drawn from my life experiences. I grew up speaking several different languages at home so this was fun to include as a feature of Maya’s multicultural family. She is sensitive and thoughtful by nature. However this doesn’t always ‘work’ in her favour in the real world. She sometimes feels conflicted about wanting to do the ‘right’ thing and the ‘wrong’ thing, as her Mind perceives it. Sometimes, Maya wishes she wasn’t such a worrier and that she could be a bit more like her cousin Tanya, who is impulsive and bold in ways Maya’s doesn’t believe herself to be. The adventure Maya goes on with her Mind to find her missing pet rabbit Pooey, helps shape her and what she thinks of herself.

As you’re both an author and illustrator, does a new story come to you visually or in words first? Do the themes, the characters or plot come first for you when writing? 

I am very character driven, both in terms of writing and picture making. So typically this is where the process begins for me. My stories tend to originate from imagined characters and I am led by their development. I feel as though the key themes are woven into the fabric of the story from the intertwining threads of their individual and overlapping narratives. As an author and illustrator, I find that the thoughts and feelings of characters come to me first and then their circumstances, relationships and settings. I put this down in words and then start drawing to bring everything to life visually.

What is your typical writing / illustrating day like?

I do most of my creative work at a desk in a room upstairs, with my laptop, drawing materials and my graphics tablet that my family got me to support my dream to be an illustrator (for which I’ll always be thankful).

What do you enjoy most about being an author and illustrator? 

Using my imagination to bring characters and stories to life is the best bit about being an author and illustrator. The other is connecting with readers to share a love of reading, writing, illustrating. I learn so much from young readers and amongst the most rewarding things I get sent, are questions from children and their drawings of characters from my books.

Are you working on anything now?

Maybe . . . All I can say for now is ‘watch this space!’

Mind and Me by Sunita Chawdhary is out now, published by Knights Of, £5.99 paperback.

Find @sunitachawdhary and @_knightsof on Twitter. www.knightsof.media

Thank you so much, Sunita, for joining me today and thank you to the team at Knights Of for inviting me to be part of this Blog Tour. I look forward to reading the other posts.

‘Mind and Me’ makes a perfect shared story or as an independent read with plenty to discuss and enjoy! I shall be ‘watching this space’ for Sunita’s next book!

Crookhaven: The School for Thieves

There is a place in this world for your talents, Gabriel Avery.

Gabriel is a brilliant pick pocket. Never having known his parents, he is devoted to his grandmother, using his skill to help keep them both fed. Then one day, he steals a wallet and finds a card which reads- You’re good. I’m better. But instead of finding himself in trouble with the law, Gabriel is invited to attend Crookhaven, a school for thieves, where students are given lessons in picking locks, forgery, Crimnastics and other skills needed for wrongdoers, swindlers and thieves. But Crookhaven seeks to put the world back in balance by conning the bad and giving back to the innocent. Here, Gabriel makes friends and can use and be proud of his skills; however, he is determined to find out more about his parents, leading to a shocking discovery.

‘Crookhaven’ combines all the best bits of a boarding school story with compelling characters, plenty of adventure and an interesting dilemma for the reader to ponder-are there occasions when doing the wrong thing is actually the right thing to do?! There are rivalries between factions- in this case, the Merits (young talent spotted by Crookhaven’s alumni network) and Legacies (those from established Crookhaven families) - and challenges to be faced with Gabriel learning to become part of a team and trust his new friends, Penelope, twins Ade and Ede and Amira. Although from very different backgrounds, together they are a force to be reckoned with!

There is plenty of humour throughout the story - much offered by the Okoro twins and their constant bickering- and this is balanced well with more serious moments and plenty of action. Gabriel is warned that people who are lost often do not want to be found, but in his determination to find out about his parents, ignores all advice, leading him to some confusing and painful revelations…but I can’t say too much as I don’t want to spoil the story by revealing too much!

Characterisation is a particular strength of the story with each being well developed and believable. Gabriel is very endearing. Toughened by layers of self preservation, he is caring and loyal. His grandma is just fantastic- hardworking and determined to do her best for the young lad, she is tough at the right times, but her love for him is unquestioning. They make a good pair!

I am delighted that this is going to be a series as I am very keen to find out what happens next!

Crookhaven: The School for Thieves

J J Arcanjo

Hodder ISBN: 978-1444965735

Into the Faerie Hill

Whilst his father is working with a construction company on a tunnelling project through a local hill, Alfred is to stay with his grandmother under a forest topped cliff. Everything is strange and unfamiliar- particularly the odd little faerie creatures that only he can see. When he meets local girl, Saga, he starts to really appreciate the beauty of the area and the threat it is under from the construction project his father is involved in. As he joins Saga in the protests, he is drawn deeper into the world of the faerie, trying to discover the secrets of his past as well as saving the beauty of the natural world.

‘Into the Faerie Hill’ is a wonderfully atmospheric, magical story, full of mystery, but one which carries a powerful environmental message. Once started, it is impossible to put down.

The story is richly descriptive, quickly immersing the reader. Alfred is conscious of his differences, both physical and in his ability to see things which others can’t, but the wonderful Saga’s natural openness and free-spirit allow him to relax and enjoy a genuine friendship. Her passion for the natural world and the local area are as inspiring as her loyalty and support of Alfred. Together, they make a formidable team.

Folklore is woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story as Alfred seeks answers to questions about his mother, who -he believes- died twelve years ago. His father and grandmother are reluctant to talk about her and Alfred has to piece together the truth whilst facing the perils of the faerie.

There are so many elements to enjoy here, appealing to different people as they enjoy the story as a whole. The map at the beginning - who doesn’t love a map?!- also has a floor plan of Granny’s cottage, showing the location of the carved figures which are placed around the house, an attention to detail to support the reader which some of us really appreciate!

Perfect for those looking for something a little different, this is one not to be missed!

Into the Faerie Hill H S Norup

Pushkin Children’s ISBN: 978-1782693864

Published 2nd March 2023

You can read my review of The Hungry Ghost here.