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.
Two Rabbits
When Little Grey Rabbit and Little Brown Rabbit argue, their unkind words are carried by the wind. They go off in separate directions, each angry and upset, but sad and alone, they realise how much they are missing their friendship and both seek to make amends.
This delightful story captures the quarrels typical of so many childhood friendships. Quickly spoken, thoughtless phrases like Don’t be so mean! I’m not your friend anymore! I don’t like you! are exchanged before the story of the two little rabbits is told in parallel as they struggle with their frustrations and anger until this fizzles out, leaving each keen to forgive and be forgiven.
Perfect for starting discussions and developing ways of dealing with inevitable squabbles, this is a story for both home and school, encouraging children to value their friendships and acknowledge their role in disagreements. The illustrations are lovely. Simple and uncluttered, their focus is on the little rabbits and their emotions with the colours of the weather reflecting their changing feelings. The endpapers show a map, allowing readers to follow each little rabbit on their journey.
A lovely story!
Two Rabbits
Larissa Ferenchuk and Prue Pittock
EK Books ISBN: 978-1922539656
Published 13th February 2014
Lie or Die
Feeling guilty for kissing her best friend Thea’s ex, Kass Kennedy is tricked into auditioning for a new reality TV show, Lie or Die, where contestants are pitted against each other as they try to discover who is a murderous agent and who is innocent. However, when players start dying, Kass realises that this is a fight for survival.
From the outset ‘Lie or Die’ is an absorbing read, exciting and gripping. Reluctant to appear before the camera but determined to show Thea that she is a real friend, Kass quickly finds herself caught up in the excitement of the game. She is an excellent protagonist, observant and quick-witted- and a loyal friend! The other characters are equally well considered, making an interesting mix for the Lie or Die game show where you can ‘trust no one’.
Combining the current fixation for reality television shows and a locked room mystery, the plot builds a claustrophobic feeling of tension as realisation dawns on the contestants that they are trapped in the ‘game’. As events unfold, there are little twists which make the reader reassess their burgeoning suspicions, constantly keeping them on their toes alongside the characters!
Dark and twisting, Lie or Die is a brilliant read!
Lie or Die A J Clack
Firefly Press ISBN: 978-1915444417
Published 7th March 2024
Tiny Owl’s Scary Day
Tiny Owl doesn’t want to go to bed. She wants to explore the daytime, but Mummy Owl says it can be a scary time for a small owl. However, Tiny Owl is not to be deterred and sets off on an adventure.
I love Petr Horacek’s illustrations. They are so full of colour, energy and warmth, engaging little readers instantly- and Tiny Owl is a real joy! The story is a simple one as Tiny Owl boldly sets off on an adventure in the daytime. Initially, things are exciting, but readers will notice the dangers she fails to see as she explores. As she continues investigating, she is blissfully ignorant, not only of the perils she has escaped, but also of her mother’s protective presence in the background.
Children will enjoy joining in with the noises she hears as the story builds in a familiar pattern and are sure to feel comfortable with sharing things which they find scary and discussing these. The illustrations (as I have already mentioned!) are a real joy! I love the spread where, missing Tiny Owl who has taken off, hits the water with a huge splash and the feeling of how tiny and alone Tiny Owl is, surrounded by blues, before the comforting appearance of Mummy arrives.
Sure to become a firm favourite, this is a beautiful story!
Tiny Owl’s Scary Day Petr Horacek
Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529509274
Mirror Me
Freya loves being behind the camera, capturing images, a passion she shares with her father. However, since former supermodel, Bella Wilde, appeared in their lives, Freya’s life seems to be changing quickly. Impossibly flawless, Bella seems to mesmerise those around her, but she makes Freya uncomfortable. When Freya discovers they are getting married and she (Freya) is to be shipped off to boarding school, she knows she must take action and discover the truth.
Drawing on Snow White with touches of ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’, ‘Mirror Me’ is a clever, thought-provoking, enjoyable read. I have no interest in the fashion world, but found the story both compelling and engaging.
The chapters are relatively short which, combined with the use of the present tense, keeps the plot fast-paced. Interspersed throughout the chapters are pages of italicised text, adding to the story in an anonymous voice, hinting at what is to come and what has been.
Freya is an excellent character, very believable and easy to relate to. Her insecurities and worries initially hold her back, making her question herself, her mistrust of Bella and her choices, but as the story progresses, her growing self-belief, devotion to her father and determination to thwart Bella’s schemes are convincing and have the reader cheering her on. Her friendship with Sam is also a real strength of the story!
At the heart of the book is the importance of being yourself and throwing off the demands and expectations imposed by the fashion industry and social media, embracing difference and individuality. Jan Dunning’s background in modelling adds a voice of authenticity to the fashion led scenes, with much to initiate discussion and provoke much needed conversations.
An immersive, satisfying read!
Mirror Me Jan Dunning
Scholastic ISBN: 9780702323751
I Turtley Love You/Don’t Ever Smile at a Shark
Today, I’m reviewing two delightful books from Little Tiger which take little readers under the sea, both written by Harriet Evans, but illustrated by Bryony Clarkson (Turtle) and Michael Slack (Shark).
‘I Turtley Love You’ is a beautifully produced board book. Sturdy board pages and colourful illustrations are enhanced by both cut outs and raised sections, offering plenty of tactile interest for little fingers to enjoy. The gentle rhyming text focuses on the love between adult and child as different sea creatures are introduced.
As well as emphasising a feeling of love and being special, the illustrations and text could lead to conversations about these sea creatures and finding out more about them. Little ones who have seen ‘Finding Nemo’, for example, may make the connection between Marlin and Nemo and the clownfish in the story. The interactive element of the cut outs allows them to play peek-a-boo with the young clown fish by flipping the page back and forth. There are also plenty of details to spot, like the heart shapes made by the crabs claws. It is a delightful little book with much to recommend it!
I Turtley Love You: A sea-riously cute Book of love!
Harriet Evans, illustrated by Bryony Clarkson
Little Tiger ISBN: 9781838915681
Also under the sea, ‘Don’t Ever Smile at a Shark’ is a wonderfully interactive read! Clever paper engineering means the pop-ups move in different ways as an array of sea creatures leap off the page.
The rhyming text is fun to read aloud with plenty of opportunities for little ones to join in with the story, making noises and perhaps actions to suit. As with the previous story, this one might lead to further investigation about the creatures pictured here. Children are sure to enjoy manipulating the book to make the pages move - and older children (and some adults!) are sure to want to investigate how the movement is created. Sure to become a firm favourite!
Don’t Ever Smile at a Shark
Harriet Evans, illustrated by Michael Slack
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838915292
The Bee Connection
Meet Mason B. Chandler, owner of Stemville’s private detective agency. In her first case, Mason follows the clues to solve a sticky situation which has caused Bug Borough to come to a standstill. Not only does she reveal the truth about what happened, Mason introduces readers to the fascinating world of bees along the way.
Combining story, information and appealing illustrations, ‘The Bee Connection’ is an absolute must-have for any curious nature lover, class bookshelf or library. There is a feeling of Richard Scarry’s ‘Busy World’ to some spreads, drawing the reader into Mason’s world and encouraging them to linger over each spread, absorbing the details whilst other pictures really help to support and explain the text.
Following Mason on her investigation, readers are encouraged to notice details and develop their factual knowledge of the different varieties of bees and their lifestyles. So much information is given, but in such a readable, easily digested style, brilliantly supported by the illustrations, that there is never a feeling of being over-loaded or overwhelmed by facts. Paragraphs, labelled diagrams, captions and short snippets of text keep the reader interested and attentive.
The book concludes with practical suggestions for how to be ‘bee friendly’, encouraging readers to value and look after these incredible creatures. These would be simple to follow at home or in school and the book would make an invaluable resource for teachers, supporting the science curriculum, developing interest in STEM subjects and modelling information writing as well as perhaps inspiring children to draw and design their own bee characters who might live in Bug Borough!
Anyone familiar with the very excellent ‘Professor Astro-Cat’ series will have high expectations of this - and they will not be disappointed. Informative and entertaining, ‘The Bee Connection’ is an bee-rilliant read!
STEMville: The Bee Connection
Ben Newman
Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838741266
Published February 1st 2024
You can read my reviews of Professor Astro-Cat’s ‘Human Body Odyssey’ here and ‘Deep Sea Voyage’ here.
The Story Shop: Detective Dash
In Puddletown High Street, there is the most unusual shop- The Story Shop- which sells stories you can actually BE in. When shopkeeper, Wilbur and his assistant, Fred Ferret find a sleepy sloth in the shop, they decide the best kind of adventure for her is a mystery where she can play detective. With Fred to guide her, Suzy Sloth sets off to solve a puzzling mystery in a museum, locate a missing chef by the seaside and uncover the truth about the Demon Duck of Doom in Watery Bottom.
This is the fourth adventure in ‘The Story Shop’ series from Tracey Corderoy and Tony Neal, although each book can easily be read as a stand alone. Each of the books contains three adventures, presented in chapters which are achievable and offer a sense of satisfaction and encouragement for newly independent readers whilst the enjoyable plots are sure to keep the attention of older siblings should these stories be shared at home.
Humour in both illustrations and text make these stories very appealing. Fred Ferret has his work cut out trying to keep Suzie Sloth awake during their investigations, but together they manage to solve each case and escape back to the Story Shop where he can have a well deserved nap! Children will enjoy spotting the clues and trying to solve the mysteries alongside detectives, Suzy and Fred!
Tracey’s lively writing uses a rich vocabulary and the text is a pleasure to read aloud, offering plenty to discuss and enjoy. This series would make excellent class stories for children in KS1 as well as a very enjoyable bedtime book. Great fun!
The Story Shop Detective Dash!
Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tony Neal
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788953337
A Horse Called Now
Now the horse is enjoying the peace of the field where she lives when she hears the hammering heartbeats of frightened animals. First, Rabbit and her babies are scared about Fox, then Hen and her chicks arrive, full of fears about Magpie and next Sheep and her lambs appear, terrified of a new sheepdog. Now calmly listens to their fears, reassuring them that these things might not happen and encouraging them to enjoy the moment. When a storm blows in, they find shelter in the barn, only to be faced with the animals they were running from. But, perhaps, everything is not as frightening as it first seemed…
Gentle and reassuring, this lovely story encourages readers to overcome their worries and enjoy the present moment. As each group of animals arrive, Now calmly listens to their concerns with no judgement, before offering simple, comforting advice and suggesting something positive which they might do to help them enjoy the moment. Now shows them how breathing helps her to release feelings of fear, reminding them that nothing lasts forever. The story is perfect for sharing, with adults and children able to practise breathing with Now and perhaps referring to it in difficult situations, encouraging children to look for something to enjoy in the moment rather than focusing on their fears.
When faced with the creatures which had caused such anxiety, the rabbits, sheep and chickens find that once they get to know them, the fox, dog and magpie are not so frightening after all. Each spread is beautifully illustrated with plenty to notice and enjoy and children are sure to comment on Now’s name, making the link with her attitude to life! This lovely story is sure to become a firm favourite with adults and children alike.
A Horse Called Now
Ruth Doyle, illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1839946851
Fright Bite
Club Loser are heading to Neon Perch, the place to go, for a night of celebrating Colette’s 13th birthday. With Songbird Karaoke, Galactic Golf, Battle Karts and a kitty of cash to spend, they are set to have the best night ever! However, as usual, nothing goes to plan and when the friends decide to experience Project Z, the brand-new, immersive, zombie escape room experience in the basement, they quickly realise that their old adversaries are back with more unpleasant surprises and horrors, including some vicious creatures with a poisonous bite…tick, tock.
A new book from Jennifer Killick is always a celebration- a new ‘Dread Wood’ book doubly so! Each book seems better than the last and although I might have been heard to say that ‘Deadly Deep’ was my favourite, I can now reveal that ‘Fright Bite’ has knocked it off the top spot!
One of the joys of these books is that you really feel part of ‘Club Loser’ and so are fully invested in the adventure before it starts. This unlikely group of friends prove that opposites attract and show the importance of getting to know others. Each of the gang is unique, each is flawed, but they really bring out the best in each other!
The story starts calmly enough. There is plenty of banter and if you haven’t read the previous books (why haven’t you read the previous books?), you quickly build a picture of each personality, including the very loveable Mr C, and the dynamic of the group. Having initially lulled you into a (very false) sense of security, Jennifer Killick quickly starts to build tension until the inevitable realisation dawns and the Latchitts are back!
As Club Loser face a series of terrors, culminating in venom-dripping rats controlled by Hickory Dickory Dock, the mixture of tension, humour and action keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, only breathing a sigh of relief in the last few pages when safety and sanity are once more restored. It’s a cracking read- and I can’t wait for the next one!
Dread Wood: Fright Bite
Jennifer Killick
Farshore ISBN: 978-0008657031
You can read my review of ‘Dread Wood’ here, Deadly Deep here Crater Lake here and Crater Lake Evolution here.
The Minute Minders
Stevedore Clipper (Stevie) and her father are fidders, tiny beings who spend their time helping humans. Humans can’t see fidders and there are all sorts of rules governing how fidders are supposed to deal with those they are helping. Stevie isn’t very good with rules, but she is excellent at helping others.
‘The Minute Minders’ is a completely captivating, thoroughly enjoyable read, full of warmth and humour. Having lost her mother and siblings in a terrible accident, Stevie is reluctant to leave her father and go off to boarding school and so begins to accompany him whilst he works as a Truth Revealer. However, Stevie cannot resist ‘helping’ which leads to problems, ending up with them having to leave their home near Linbradan and move to the town of Tassimity where her father has to work as a Minute Minder- a job he is not keen on!
Stevie is a wonderful character. Told from her viewpoint, the story captures the importance of considering how we approach others, how we tackle situations and above all, caring for them. Her curiosity and enthusiasm are infectious and she often notices things which others don’t, recording these as ‘vitally important points’ in her notebook. Her relationship with her father is beautifully captured, full of warmth and love.
Mary Murphy’s world building is brilliant, full of details of the fidders’ world and the role they play in caring for humans. There is plenty of humour in the story which is accompanied by lovely illustrations.
I can’t wait to read more books about these lovely characters!
The Minute Minders Mary Murphy
Pushkin Press ISBN: 978-1782694229
Published 18th January 2024
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.
The Shape of Rainbows
‘The Shape of Rainbows’ is packed with wealth of poems which are prefect for sharing and performing, savouring and contemplating. There really is something for everyone to be found in these pages, all accompanied by Will Hughes’ witty illustrations.
Classes would have great fun performing poems like ‘Brother versus Sister’ and could easily be inspired to create addition ‘verses’, exploring comical opposites as the siblings bicker or creating their own versions using other opposing voices- perhaps cat and dog! ‘Fright’ is another poem which would work really well as a performance piece, encouraging children to consider the pitch, volume and pace of their performance as well as possible actions and effects they might choose to use! ‘Echo’ is another which would work well like this!
There are so many poems here which would make excellent models to inspire children to create their own poems and plenty which offer food for thought. There are those which help them to explore poetic techniques like ‘Metaphor Man’ and ‘Adam’s Apples’ which uses a mixture of alliteration and tongue twister, but above all the collection shares a love of language and word play which excites the imagination and engages the reader/ listener with the musical possibilities of poetry and the joy of expression through this medium. A must-have for every class and home bookcase!
The Shape of Rainbows
Neal Zetter, illustrated by Will HUghes
Otter-Barry Books ISBN: 978-1915659163
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
Magic Ever After
Bea Black is still enjoying life in Little Spellshire. Things are much easier now her dad knows she is a witch-in-training and is happily in a relationship with Taffy Tallywick. But something’s up- her father seems obsessed with learning magic and Taffy is distracted by some Very Important Thinking which she has to do. Finally, Bea learns that they want to get married (there was kissing) which is wonderful, but means there is much to do…
Full of magical mishaps, strange situations and hilarious happenings, this is such an entertaining and engaging series! Bea is a delightful character, who is easy to identify with. Keen to do well, fit in and have fun, she makes mistakes and can be overly anxious about things, but is full of good heart and determination and is surrounded by good friends (and a loving dad!), meaning everything comes right in the end.
The story is presented in a diary format, highly illustrated and in easily read sections, offering a read which is both achievable and enjoyable and reassuringly familiar to those who have read the other books in the series. The focus of each shifts slightly, keeping the reader interested in Bea’s world and showing the importance of her home and school lives. In this story, more is learned about activities at school with a game of GO with Cats and the very entertaining Eggy Day where each egg delivers a truthbomb, but there is also plenty about her homelife as the wedding approaches and everything finally comes together for the perfect day.
A fabulous mix of magic and mischief, family and friendship, ‘Magic Ever After’ is a great addition to the series!
Diary of an Accidental Witch: Magic Ever After
Perdita and Honor Cargill, illustrated by Katie Saunders
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788956109
You can read my review of ‘Ghostly Getaway’ here.
Doughnuts, Thieves and Chimpanzees
In his second collection of poetry, Alex Wharton (Children’s Laureate Wales 2023-2025) offers the same mixture of playful humour and poetic joy that made ‘Daydreams and Jellybeans’ so popular with adults and children alike. This collection has the added element notes in which Alex explains some of the styles and techniques he has used, encouraging everyone to have a go themselves- and above all, enjoy poetry! The book has a wonderfully interactive quality- Alex speaks directly to the reader, sharing his ideas, his love of music, creating poetry and songs, supported by illustrations by Rhi Smith.
And then, of course, there are the poems themselves! There are poems here crying out to be performed with others, with a partner or independently. There are those which would make great models to inspire the reader’s own creations. There are poems to giggle over and poems to ponder. For teachers, this collection offers so much support whether the teacher is confident with and experienced at teaching poetry or nervous and new to the (joyful!) task.
‘Doughnuts, Thieves and Chimpanzees’ is an essential addition to any poetry shelf!
Doughnuts, Thieves and Chimpanzees
Alex Wharton, illustrated by Rhi Smith
Firefly Press ISBN: 978-1915444585
You can read my review of ‘Daydreams and Jellybeans’.
Diamond Jack: Your Magic or Your Life
Bramble and her sister, Lena, have recently lost their parents and now live with their grandfather, helping out in his shop, ‘Mr Browning’s Emporium of Strange and Magical Things’. Left in charge, she and her best friend, Ernest, who lives next door with his mother at the dressmaker’s shop, discover a hidden box in the forbidden shed at the bottom of the garden. Inside is a red highwayman’s mask which Bram feels compelled to try on- and then can’t take off. When her Grandfather is taken, Bram discovers that the mask transforms her into the famous highwayman, Diamond Jack and she is thrust into a mission full of action, adventure- and magic!
A riotous romp of a read, ‘Diamond Jack’ has much to recommend it! The story bounces along at a pleasing pace with plenty of action and much to discuss. Bram is a great character. Thrust into a role which she did not choose, she overcomes her fears and rises to the challenges thrown at her, proving she is capable and resilient. Ernest is a joy and their friendship is really well captured and believable.
Humour is woven through the story- sure to appeal to any adults sharing the story as well as children. Mrs Kipling, for example, ‘does make exceedingly good cakes’! But the story also offers plenty do discuss. There are links to other stories like the Robin Hood legends which might be explored, research about real highwaymen and their exploits as well as considering how people ‘mask’ themselves sometimes just as Bram adopted the persona of Diamond Jack when wearing the mask. Family secrets might also be a topic of conversation, considering why certain characters chose to act as they did and the consequences of these choices.
However, above all this magical story offers an action-packed adventure- with the potential of more to come!
Diamond Jack: Your Magic or Your Life
Anna Rainbow
Chicken House ISBN: 978-1913322724
Jane Eyre
Being a huge fan of the Bronte sisters and their work (and member of the Bronte society!), I approach any re-telling of their work, whether book or film, with the greatest caution. And yet, I discovered ‘Jane Eyre’ through reading an abridged version of the book which I found on the classroom shelves when I was about 7 and was instantly captivated so the power of a carefully abridged, skilfully written classic should not be underestimated!
In a book which is about a quarter of the length of the original, Patrice Lawrence has managed to maintain both the atmosphere of the book and Jane’s character. Echoes of Charlotte Bronte’s original text can be heard (…with nipped fingers and toes, and a heart saddened by the chidings of Bessie the nurse…with cold-nipped fingers and toes to the grumbling complaints of the nursemaid, Bessie) capturing the appalling treatment of the young Jane at the hands of her aunt and cousins, the cruelty of Miss Scratcherd, the awful conditions of Lowood Institution, using the present tense to create a sense of immediacy and tension.
But ‘Jane Eyre’, like many books of this period, is full of references, comments and language which make uncomfortable reading for modern eyes. The appalling treatment of, and language used around, mental illness, the descriptions of darker-skinned people, Rochester’s treatment of Jane as well as the child cruelty and sexism have all been skilfully managed by Patrice Lawrence. Some things- John Reed, for example, ‘berates his mother for the darker tone of her skin which is similar to his own’- remain whilst others have been removed.
I finished the book satisfied that I had read ‘Jane Eyre’, not frustrated and furious as I often do! Not only does this version serve as a possible stepping stone to the original, it is also sure to support many for whom the original- in both length and language- is too much, allowing those readers to experience Jane’s story. Reader, I enjoyed it. (Sorry- couldn’t help it!)
Jane Eyre
Charlotte Bronte, abridged by Patrice Lawrence
Walker Books ISBN: 978-1529520415
Time Travelling with a Tortoise
Al Chaudhury has successfully travelled back in time and saved his father’s life. So, everything is back to the way Al thinks it should be…only somehow it isn’t. And then an accident leaves Grandpa Byron struggling to remember things, forcing Al to travel in time once more and leaving someone trapped in the past and a pre-historic tortoise in the present. Al must somehow rescue his friend from the past and save the future for them all.
Clever and compelling, ‘Time Travelling with a Tortoise’ is a worthy sequel to ‘Time Travelling with a Hamster’! Told in a chatty, engaging style, the reader feels as if they had never left Al’s company and yet, those who have not read TTWaH will be able to enjoy this just as much as those that have.
Grandpa Byron is as charming and unique as ever and his relationship with Al wonderfully highlights the role which grandparents can play in the lives of their grandchildren. In his new ‘old’ life, Grandpa Byron seems to be the one constant for Al, making the accident all the more shocking. Unable to piece together events which have led to his friendship with Paulie MacFaddyen, nephew of his arch nemesis Macca, also causes complications- and encourages the reader to look beyond preconceptions and first appearances.
There is so much to enjoy in this wonderful story that it is hard to put down. Teachers will enjoy reading this aloud to their classes as much as the children will enjoy listening to it. It is sure to encourage much conversation- about time travel and much more! Highly recommended!
Time Travelling with a Tortoise
Ross Welford
Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008544775
Originally reviewed for Reading Zone.
You can read my review of ‘Time Travelling with a Hamster’ here, ‘The Monkey Who Fell from the Future’ here and Into the Sideways World here.
The Code of Life
All About Genes, DNA, Genetic Engineering, and Why You Are the Way You Are
Completely fascinating, ‘The Code of Life’ had me absorbed from start to finish! This is not a subject I have any great knowledge of, or (if I am honest) any real interest in, and yet, I found myself actually understanding and enjoying learning about genetics and DNA. And that’s something I never thought would happen.
Starting with the work of Gregor Mendel, an Austrian monk, whose early experiments with pea plants led to his being known as ‘the father of genetics’, the book clearly explains the theory of genetics, what genes are and the importance of DNA- all in a manner which is easily understood and supported by examples, diagrams and illustrations. The work of different scientists and their discoveries is explored, but the book makes it clear that there is still so much more to learn, encouraging the reader to think about the possibility of solving future puzzles. Issues like cloning are also explored, with the example of Dolly the sheep used to consider the debate around this subject.
A fascinating read for anyone who is interested, ‘The Code of Life’ also supports the KS3 Genetics and evolution National Curriculum statements. Its clear explanations, the engaging style and tone of the writing and the plentiful illustrations which support the text make it an invaluable, accessible resource. There is even a page encouraging readers to conduct their own research, offering ideas for things to try- and the answers are also included!
The Code of Life: All About Genes, DNA, Genetic Engineering,
and Why You Are the Way You Are
Carla Häfner, illustrated by Mieke Scheier
Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838741785
Pirate Academy: New Kid on Deck
In 2507, a new age of piracy has arrived. Water levels have risen and the Pirate Federation controls the oceans as well as running nine schools around the world- Pirate Academies. Each Academy will only take 15 students a year, the finest from the most famous, ferocious pirate families. Jacoby Blunt and Jasmine Peacock are two of the students in Barracuda Class, taking lessons in Knots, Sailing and Combat. But these are dangerous times to be a pirate and when Jacoby’s roommate, Wing, is removed from the school by his parents, a new student, Neo Splice, mysteriously appears to take his place. With him, he seems to bring peril from the outside world and Barracuda Class find themselves facing a new and very deadly enemy.
I have huge affection for Justin Somper’s ‘Vampirates’ series as my son read these avidly and we regularly went to hear Justin speak at festivals. These books were also really popular in school and we were delighted to be able to organise an event for ‘Talk Like a Pirate Day’ in 2015 with Justin and Huw Powell. With this in mind, I was very excited to discover that Justin had written the first in a new series and I was not disappointed!
‘New Kid on the Deck’ is engaging from the outset as the reader is quickly drawn into the lives of Jacoby, Jasmine, Neo and their classmates, their lives at the Pirate Academy, the importance of their ‘pedigree’ and the dangers lurking in the outside world. The characters- students and their teachers- are well developed, full of the flaws and complexities which make them engaging and encourage the reader to feel invested in their adventures.
Without wishing to give too much away, the plot concerned with family, friendship, loyalty, lies, adventure and ambition is really well-paced and its conclusion offers surprises and great potential for the future of the series. ‘New Kid on the Deck’ is sure to be as popular as the Vampirates books and will be a welcome addition to bookshelves everywhere!
Pirate Academy: New Kid on the Deck
Justin Somper, illustrations by Teo Skaffer
UCLan ISBN: 978-1916747111
Published 7th March 2024