Wildful

With her mother consumed with grief after the death of Gran, Poppy spends much of her time glued to her phone whilst walking Pepper, her dog. When Pepper takes off in pursuit of a fox, Poppy chases after him and finds herself in a forest clearing where she meets a boy named Rob. Intrigued by the wildness of the woods and Rob’s love of nature, Poppy returns again and again, starting to notice, observe and appreciate the beauties of the natural world. She longs to share her discoveries with her mother who remains trapped in her sorrow until something happens…

‘Wildful’ is both beautiful and absorbing, a real celebration of the healing power of nature and its beauties. Largely wordless, it is a book to linger over and create many layers of narrative as Poppy’s eyes are opened to the world around her. Her blooming curiosity and wonder are infectious, encouraging readers to pause and reflect and, hopefully, to so this more in their own lives.

Tempted outside by her daughter’s example, Poppy’s mother finds solace in nature, embracing life and all its wonders whilst remembering her own mother, rather than focusing on her loss. Nature in all its therapeutic wonder is celebrated here as it not only is shown ‘healing’ Poppy’s mum, but is the founder of a new friendship between Poppy and Rob.

The artwork is stunning. With so few words, the pictures really carry the story, showing the growing wonder and excitement on Poppy’s face as she begins to take in the details of the world around her. And those details are there for the reader to revel in as well- droplets of rain captured on a spider’s web, the intricacies of a flower, the emerging face of a badger from its sett. There is so many moments of beauty here!

In the hands of the right teacher, the book would be the perfect catalyst for learning, allowing children to develop writing through observing the world for themselves as well as through the eyes of the story. It is also sure to inspire budding artists! It is a wonderful book, one to be shared, lingered over and returned to again and again!

Wildful

Kengo Kurimoto

Pushkin Press ISBN: 978-1782694892

Rose Signs Good Morning!

It’s a lovely day and Rose sets about her usual morning routine, accompanied by her kitten, Casper. At each stage, she teaches Casper the new sign, allowing readers to join in and learn as well.

Bright and engaging, ‘Rose Signs Good Morning!’ is such a lovely book. Bold, colourful illustrations on each page show Rose as she gets ready in the morning- eating breakfast, brushing teeth, getting dressed- accompanied by an illustration showing how to sign that action using British Sign Language. A mirror on the final page is included, helping readers to see themselves and practise signing. The book offers a very accessible and enjoyable way of learning some frequently used signs, which can be easily expanded by the other books in the series.

In the signing queue for Rose at Hay Festival last week, I was able to ask some people who use signing every day what they thought of the book and how it was presented. Everyone felt that the signs were clearly presented and easy to follow, which led to discussions about the importance of books like this one, which raise the profile of sign language and encourage people to learn it.

Whether looking to introduce children to BSL, choosing an engaging story to enjoy or making sure children see themselves or those they know reflected in their reading, ‘Rose Signs Good Morning!’ and the other books in this series make an excellent addition to any bookshelf.

Rose Signs Good Morning!

Rose Ayling- Ellis

DK ISBN: 978-0241681862

The Girl Who Raced the World

When her mother dies, Maggie is left with nothing but a letter for a stranger named Jean Passepartout. Faced with life in an orphanage, she seeks him out and finds herself caught up in the adventure of a lifetime. Passepartout is valet to Mr Phileas Fogg, who has just entered into a wager to prove he can circumnavigate the world in eighty days, and as Maggie’s life is filled with the wonders of travel, she quickly realises that there is more than just the wager at stake.

‘The Girl Who Raced the World’ is, quite simply, fabulous! Based on the classic novel by Jules Verne, it is manages to capture the spirit of ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ whilst adding plenty of originality and spark, making it an excellent read for readers (young and old!) in search of an excellent adventure.

Whilst the story differs from the original in several key ways, Phileas Fogg and Passepartout remain main characters pursued by Detective Fix, who believes Fogg robbed the Bank of England and is using the wager as a clever way to escape capture. The main difference is that this story is told from Maggie’s point of view, allowing readers to empathise with her situation and worries as she finds herself faced with life in an uncaring orphanage, having lost her mother, and then placed in a situation where she doesn’t know who she can trust. Maggie is a great character. Plucky and loyal, she values others and makes firm friendships on her journey as she strives to do the ‘right’ thing. Over the course of the story, she finds her family, her place in the world, and the reader is cheering her on every step of the way!

Action-packed and pacy, the plot romps along at a pleasing pace with plenty of tension and drama on the way. Well written and full of historical details, it would make an excellent class story, offering much to discuss along the way as well as much to enjoy. This really is one not to be missed- and I really hope there is another adventure (or two or three!) to come for Maggie and her friends!

The Girl Who Raced the World

Nat Harrison

Piccadilly Press ISBN: 978-1835871386

I Hear the Trees: Untamed Poems from Mother Earth

‘I Hear the Trees’ is another wonderful collection of poems which immerses the reader in the glories of Mother Earth. A wide range of work is presented here, from the sensory joys of nature to the deepest emotions, expressed in a variety of poetic styles and forms, offering something for everyone.

Many of the poems here would be invaluable as models for teachers keen to inspire a love of poetry and allow children the opportunity to express themselves and there are notes at the end of the book which I have deliberately not read so that my thoughts here really are my thoughts! ‘I Choose Poetry’ is perfect for encouraging children to think of all those beautiful, sad, exciting moments or feelings and try to capture them in this way. ‘Poetry is personal’ is the final line and this is reflected in every line, allowing children the freedom to express themselves whilst supported by using a form.

Another poem which lends itself as a model is ‘I Hear the Trees’. The perfect excuse (if one were needed) for wandering in a wood and noting all the sights and sounds and tuning in to nature, children can explore how Zaro has phrased things and experiment with expressing their ideas, perhaps working together, perhaps performing their work, perhaps filming in the woods which sparked their imagination!

There are many other poems here which could be used in this way and many which lend themselves to performing, but a collection such as this offers plenty of opportunities to enrich the curriculum by encouraging discussion and reflection, not only of the beauties of our world, but the need to nurture and protect it. Although the teacher in me has taken over here, this is a joyful collection for sharing at home or enjoying independently as well…a collection for everyone!

I Hear the Trees: Untamed Poems from Mother Earth

Zaro Weil, illustrated by Junli Song

Hachette ISBN: 978- 1803381534

You can read my review of ‘When Poems Fall from the Sky’ here and ‘Firecrackers!’ here.

Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past

Nate Riley is an amateur myrmecologist and has his own ant farm, ruled by Queen Elizabeth III- or Betsy as she is affectionately known. With his mums, he has recently moved to Liverpool and unlike him, the ‘parentals’ (as he calls them) are very keen for him to take the opportunity embrace his Chinese heritage in this city’s vibrant Chinatown. Another thing he is less keen on is starting a new school. However, during a ‘bringing history to life’ talk, Nate comes across an old shell casing engraved with a Chinese dragon and, when he touches it, he meets Jirou, a ghost who needs his help. With his new friends, Missy and Ryan, Nate must help Jirou remember why he has appeared and help him find peace.

‘Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past’ is absolutely brilliant. Rich in detail, it blends cultural details, facts about ants and friendship whilst shining a light on an overlooked moment in history to create an absorbing and satisfying story.

Nate is a lovely character. Having been adopted by his two mums, he has very little knowledge of his Chinese heritage and often feels like an outsider- different from his adoptive parents and those around him, yet not feeling connected to Chinese culture. One of the reasons his wonderfully supportive parents have moved to Liverpool is to allow him to grow up in a more multi-racial environment, but he isn’t sure that he wants to involve himself with this and it is easy to empathise with his feelings. Overwhelmed by the move from a small village to a huge city, he also has to contend with trying to make new friendships and encountering people’s preconceptions about his background. As he learns more about himself, Nate shows great resilience and determination as he strives to help Jirou find peace with the past.

Through the story, readers learn about the Chinese Labour Corp and their experiences during the First World War, an area of history which is seldom, if ever, mentioned in history books. The contribution they made to the war effort has been completely overlooked, making books like this one even more important for raising awareness, starting conversations and encouraging children - and adults- to discover more. Maisie Chan has done an excellent job of sensitively conveying the appalling way members of the CLS were treated, making it appropriate to the target age of readers, the analogy of the worker ants helping to deepen understanding.

Each chapter begins with a new ant fact, one of the many ways in which detail enriches the story. Readers cannot fail to learn so much about the amazing life of an ant colony alongside information about the Beatles and details about Chinese- or Lunar- New Year. With so much to explore and enjoy, the story would make an excellent class story or text for guided reading sessions. A must have for all bookshelves!

Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past

Maisie Chan

Piccadilly ISBN: 978-1800787896

Published 12th June 2025

You can read my review of ‘Danny Chung Does NOT Do Maths’ here and ‘Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu’ here.

Frog: A Story of Life on Earth

Isabel Thomas is a complete master at understanding the kind of questions little ones love to ask - and then offering carefully constructed and satisfying answers. Initially, ‘Frog’ appears to be a book about life cycles- and yet is so much more!

It starts with a child, a curious child whose understanding of the life cycle of a frog leads them to pose a problematic question: if frogs come from eggs and eggs come from frogs, where did the first frog come from?

From the Big Bang through the development of the planets to the development of the first animals, readers are taken on a journey to the gradual evolution of creatures in the water leading to the development of amphibians, including the very first frogs. Each spread is beautifully illustrated, perfect for enquiring minds, whilst the text is well pitched for young readers.

At the end of the book, there is a more text heavy explanation, offering more detail, perhaps to deepen the understanding of older readers or to support adults sharing this with young children. Isabel Thomas’s infectious enthusiasm for her subject clearly comes through on every page, sure to inspire a new generation of science lovers.

Frog: A Story of Life on Earth

Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Daniel Egneus

Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1526600752

You can read my review of ‘Moth’ here and ‘Thirty Trillion Cells’ here.

An Ocean Full of Stories

The latest in this wonderful series celebrating traditional tales from around the world, ‘An Ocean Full of Stories’ offers a wealth of water related folklore. Thoughtfully retold by Angela McAllister, the fifty stories have been gathered into six sections: Fishy Tales; Crossing the Water; Pools, Lakes and Rivers; Tricks and Trials; Oceans, Gods and Water Spirits; and Beside the Sea, Beneath the Waves.

The book holds an inspiring range of tales, including familiar favourites like Dionysus and the Pirates and The Fisherman and his Wife and those which are possibly less well-known such as Tambanokano or The Octopus and the Whale. There are trickster tales, pourquoi stories, fables and creation stories- something for everyone- and all inspired by the ocean.

Like the others in this series, this book is a real gift for teachers- or anyone working with children. For an assembly or a story time, they are perfect for enriching the curriculum, perhaps linked to a ‘watery’ topic, for discussing and above all, for enjoying. But this collection is also perfect for families to share and enjoy, discovering story telling traditions across the world.

Each story is expertly and carefully retold and accompanied by colourful, detailed illustrations. An absolute treat for everyone!

An Ocean Full of Stories: 50 Folk Tales and Legends from Around the World

Angela McAllister, illustrated by Sally Agar

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711295896

You can read my review of ‘A World Full of Nature Stories’ here, ‘A World Full of Winter Stories’ here and ‘Once Upon a Hillside’ here.

Tales of Scary Beasts

A selection of terrifying tales have been gathered into six sections, enabling readers to study the stories and consider the evidence to help them investigate these real-life mysteries.

‘Tales of Scary Beasts’ is the latest in the ‘Real-Life’ series from Susan Martineau and Vicky Barker and is a treasure trove of intriguing mysteries. From lake-lurking monsters to flying horrors, sightings of mysterious and terrifying creatures have been reported all over the world and readers are introduced to some of these stories, including eye-witness accounts.

Relevant vocabulary is carefully explained throughout. Terms like ‘allegedly’ and ‘sceptical’ are used in context with little glossary boxes offering definitions as well as a full glossary at the end. Information is clearly and logically presented with supporting illustrations and diagrams to clarify understanding. Once the evidence has been put forward including a map of the world locating where sightings have taken place, a ‘Let’s Investigate’ section encourages readers to reflect on the information and draw their own conclusions.

The stories here are fascinating, making the book an excellent and enjoyable read, but importantly, readers are encouraged to question and evaluate information rather than accepting everything at face value. A brilliant addition to any book shelf!

Tales of Scary Beasts

Susan Martineau, illustrated by Vicky Barker

bsmall publishing ISBN: 978-1916851214

You can read my review of ‘Sharks! Sharks! Sharks!’ here , ‘Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs! Dinosaurs!’ here, ‘Real-Life Mysteries’ here and ‘Real-Life Disasters’ here.

Donut Squad Take Over the World

Meet the Donut Squad. Led by Sprinkles, they are planning to conquer humanity and take over the world. However, the Bagel Battalion are plotting against them…

Deliciously ridiculous, ‘Donut Squad Take Over the World’ is just brilliant! The book opens with each of the Squad being introduced, giving a taster of their personality. Jammyboi leaves things splattered with jam, Spronky, the unusual one, behaves strangely, Caramel Jack’s language is a bit salty. Chalky (the ghost one), Justice Donut, Anxiety Donut, Daunt and Li’l Timmy also appear doing daft things. Between their adventures, merchandise is advertised and other donuts-rejected, babies, new tastes- are included, adding to the madcap flavour of the book! And then the Bagels make an appearance- a complete contrast to the donuts- but who will drive who out of the book entirely?

In a wonderful section at the end of the book, Neill Cameron shares lots of hints and tips for drawing Donuts and developing their personalities. Readers are sure to be inspired, having enjoyed the adventure, to create their own characters and, perhaps, create stories for them- the wilder and whackier the better! I particularly liked the section on expressions! Information about drawing tutorials on the Comic Club website plus a sneak preview of a new Mega Robo Bros story are also included, offering plenty of additional entertainment and enjoyment. Great fun!

Donut Squad Take Over the World

Neill Cameron

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788453400

Felix and the Future Agency

Felix has a special ability- but one which often gets him into trouble and makes others think he’s weird. Being able to foresee the future, he tries to warn others to keep them safe, often resulting in his getting the blame for what happens. However, when offered a place at Sparkleton High School, an ‘institution whose sole purpose is to educate challenging pupils’, Felix is amazed to find that this is actually a cover story for the Future Agency, a secret organisation full of people like him. Soon, he is learning how to control and develop his abilities and making friends until a dark spectre appears threatening everything Felix has just discovered…

Fast paced and full of energy, ‘Felix and the Future Agency’ is a cracking read, full of humour and heart.

Felix is a brilliant character, who tries hard to do the ‘right’ thing, but is often consumed by feelings of frustration and anger as people misunderstand or judge him. Isolated by his power, it is a real pleasure to see him make friends as he ‘finds his people’ and develops his skills. Readers are sure to empathise with his emotions as he struggles to deal with ‘normal’ school and share his excitement as he explores his new life. In his new friendships, he shows himself to be loyal and courageous, quick to defend and support others.

One thing which I really love about this story is how it draws on elements from this world! In the afterword, the author explains that Felix’s world was inspired by a real-life organisation called the Premonitions Bureau, created in the late 1960s and offers a little background on this. From this spark, she has created an absorbing world, full of detail, weaving elements from history into its fabric like Mother Redcap, William Terriss and Shakespeare! For the historically curious, it is a real joy be able to investigate further and discover more about these figures. Felix’s world is skilfully developed with many little details which add so much colour and interest to what is a brilliant adventure.

Plenty of tension and red herrings keep readers guessing about the identity of the villain of the piece right to the end and the story is left wide open for a sequel (or series?) continuing Felix’s adventures which I, for one, can’t wait to get my hands on!

Felix and the Future Agency

Rachel Morrisroe

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398539280

You can read my review of ‘How to Grow a Dragon’ here.

Heroines of the Ancient World

‘Extraordinary women have always done extraordinary things.’

‘Heroines of the Ancient World’ is a really absorbing read, offering biographies of a selection of extraordinary women.

In her introduction, author Honor Cargill-Martin explains that the book focuses on a particular part of the ancient world, known as the ‘classical world’. Her enthusiasm for her subject is clearly conveyed, leaving readers aware of the locations being discussed and the challenges these women faced simply by being women. A timeline then supports readers with placing each figure in chronological order with some additional relevant significant dates added, e.g. when the Greek city states rise to power.

The book is then divided into sections which cover politics, science, the arts, sport, religion and war. A brief overview is followed by concise biographies, all attractively illustrated. The range of women included here is impressive. Some readers might already be familiar with- Hatshepsut, Cleopatra, Boudicca- whilst other figures are less well-known- Peseshet, Ennigaldi, Amanirenas- but each story is told in a lively tone, engaging the reader and maintaining interest.

This is one of those books which should automatically find its way into schools simply because it is a fascinating read; however, it could also be used to add some breadth and colour to sections of the KS2 History curriculum. The biographies are succinct enough to make perfect reading for class story time, generating plenty of discussion and encouraging children to make connections or they could be embedded into history lessons and used to enrich children’s learning.

Perfect for engaging children with ancient history and inspiring them to discover more!

Heroines of the Ancient World

Honor Cargill-Martin, illustrated by Margaux Carpenter

Walker ISBN: 978- 1529507522

Good Golden Sun

Leading the reader through a day, ‘Good Golden Sun’ follows the Sun’s journey from its first rays at dawn to its final glimmer over the horizon as it goes down.

Illustration and text work in perfect harmony. The gentle rhyming text reflects the thoughts of the creatures which the sun’s light touches as they pose the sort of questions which curious young children might ask… Where have you been? Do you get lonely? Are you happy? … making the book perfect for sparking conversations and encouraging enquiring minds to contemplate and speculate. Alongside this, there is much to enjoy and discover in the pictures which tell their own story. Light from the sun touches a bud, which opens into a flower which attracts a bee which alights on a hive and so on. A golden path makes connections between each thing which has absorbed the sun’s glowing rays, showing the many ways the ‘good golden sun’ benefits life on earth. Children could create food chains and food webs using the examples given here. developing their understanding of the significance of the sun’s essential role.

The illustrations glow with colour, making the book a visual treat and one to linger over. The ending offers a wonderful possibility for piquing children’s imagination and creativity by encouraging them to think of all the questions which they might ask the moon. There is much to enjoy here!

Good Golden Sun

Brendan Wenzel

Scallywag Press ISBN: 978-1836300304

The Doughnut Club

Quinn has two mums and a younger brother, Olly. Both children share a donor- not a dad- but have different mums. Although surrounded by a loving, supportive family, Quinn always feels like the odd one out, not fitting in with the outdoorsy, adventurous rest. When their mums announce that Quinn and Olly have other donor siblings- diblings as some call them- around the world, Quinn is determined to find out about them and see whether she can find a family member more like herself.

‘Family’ means different things to different people and I found ‘The Doughnut Club’ a really thought-provoking and informative read, sure to spark questions and conversations. As far as I am aware, I have never taught a donor-conceived child, but according to the author’s note at the end of the book, predictions show that by 2023 there will be ‘an average of one to two…in every English state primary school’. This story will make an excellent addition to libraries and bookshelves to sensitively and thoughtfully support understanding.

Quinn is absolutely happy with having two mums- her family may be different to some peoples, but it is what it is and she sees no reason why anyone should question this or make comments about it. I love the portrayal of this family unit: even though Quinn feels she is the odd one out in terms of looks and the ways she likes to spend her time, there is a really tender depiction of the family group and their bond. Written from her perspective, readers are really able to understand her curiosity about her other donor siblings and trying to discover her place in the world as they watch her go behind her parents’ backs, jump to conclusions and fret over possible ‘diblings’.

Ultimately, she realises that she has exactly the family she needs and opens up to them about her love of different things, bringing the family even closer together. In coming to this realisation, she is partly helped by the very lovely Fred, an extremely kind and understanding older man who is holidaying in the same place, who explains to Quinn how he and his wife share different interests and being happy to do their own thing, have become happier as a couple since sharing this fact with each other. I love how this gentle wisdom is shared and the sweet friendship which develops between Quinn and Fred.

The story is both heart-felt and heart-warming, often humorous and, above all, thoroughly enjoyable.

The Doughnut Club

Kristina Rahim

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805133667

The Water Flower: The Journey of a Lotus Seed

Describing the development of a lotus from its seed through flowering to releasing new seeds, ‘The Water Flower’ beautifully describes the life cycle of this remarkable plant.

Step by step, the development of the lotus is carefully explained with delicate, annotated illustrations supporting understanding at each stage. The main narrative text tells the flower’s story whilst smaller print sections add detail, using and explaining the technical terms for plant’s parts and functions.

The life cycle of flowering plants and identifying and explaining the function of their parts forms part of the science curriculum at KS2 and this book offers a wonderful opportunity of enriching children’s experience by exploring a plant which might not be familiar to them. It offers the opportunity to consider how these plants have adapted to their environment and to compare them to others, broadening their understanding and applying their knowledge. For the curious child, it would make the perfect starting point for further investigation and discovery, perhaps of the flower’s symbolism and importance in some cultures.

Subtle, muted colours enhance the delicate nature of these blooms, captured in these beautiful illustrations, making the book a real pleasure to linger over and offering much to learn and much to enjoy.

The Water Flower

Yingting Chen, illustrated by Huaqing

Post Wave ISBN: 978-1836270188

I Dare You

Best friends, Willow and Alma, are best friends who crave the attention which filming dares brings them. They might get into a little trouble, but it’s completely worth it as the likes keep clocking up. However, when they come up with the perfect prank which they are sure will go viral, things go horribly wrong.

‘I Dare You’ is a really powerful story, exploring the lure of fame and the negative power of social media.

Although from very different backgrounds, Willow and Alma formed a firm friendship the day they met. Willow never means to get into trouble, but always seems to find herself there and although slightly more cautious, Alma is determined not to let her friend down. They egg each other on to plan and film more and more risky, dangerous stunts until they finally hit on one which goes horrendously wrong, threatening to destroy more than just their friendship.

Both girls are thoroughly likeable and alternating chapters allow the reader to see events from each viewpoint. Some readers may relate to their overwhelming desire for likes and followers and yet as they steadily up the ante, feel a sense of impending doom at the risks they are taking. Without wishing to spoil the story for anyone who hasn’t read it yet, Tamsin Winter offers a far happier final outcome to the girls’ prank than the one which might have happened, allowing the story an optimistic conclusion whilst still being thought-provoking and cautionary.

The girls’ obsession with on-line popularity and their poor decision making make this an excellent book to provoke discussions. The girls are extremely relatable and sympathetic, neither are perfect, making this a poignant and important read.

I Dare You

Tamsin Winter

Usborne ISBN: 1805075721

Shrapnel Boys

Two days before Britain’s Declaration of War, Ronnie, his younger brother, Micky, and best friend, Lugs, watch many children from their school set off as they are evacuated to the countryside. Ronnie’s mum cannot bear to be parted from her boys and Ronnie considers himself the man of the house since she kicked their father out. When war is declared, his mum decides to have an Andersen shelter built in the garden and a neighbour recommends a certain Johnny Simmons to do the job. Although Ronnie takes an instant dislike to him, everyone else succumbs to Johnny’s charm and when Ronnie turns down the chance to earn some money doing odd jobs, Micky is quick to agree. This leads to a divide forming between the brothers as Micky becomes increasingly secretive and Ronnie increasingly concerned about what his little brother has become mixed up in.

‘Shrapnel Boys’ is a huge change of pace from the humorous, heart-warming stories readers have become used to from Jenny Pearson; however, it simply shows that she is a superb storyteller, able to turn her hand to hard-hitting adventures with as much skill as anything else.

Full of historical detail, it is obvious that a great deal of research underpins this adventure story, making it a gripping, exciting read, but one which also offers readers information about the war and the lives of families affected by it. It would make an excellent key text to support a history topic through study and discussion, or as a class read to enjoy alongside work.

Ronnie is a real cheeky chappie, often in trouble at school, but with a heart of gold. His loyalty to family and friends is endearing and he strives to keep them safe against all odds. The contrast between his rough and ready personality and the charming, manipulative Johnny, who is so quick to use others to further his own ends, works really well and may well offer a starting point for some much-needed conversations about coercive control and how people may not always be as they seem.

At times, the story is not an easy read- I found it quite uncomfortable in places- but it is challenging, thought-provoking and powerful. One not to be missed.

Shrapnel Boys

Jenny Pearson

Usborne    ISBN: 978-1805312963

Torla and Smorla and the Deeper than Average Hole

When Torla, the taller-than-average giraffe, is stuck in a deeper-than-average hole, it is up to her smaller-than-average friend, Smorla, to find a way to get her out!

I absolutely loved ‘Torla and Smorla and the Lower than Average Cloud’ and was so excited when I spotted that another adventure for this loveable duo is on its way! ‘Torla and Smorla and the Deeper than Average Hole’ is just as brilliant as the first book and I hope that there are many more to come!

As with the last book, the friendship between these two giraffes is at the heart of the story. When Torla falls into the hole and gets stuck, Smorla is determined to help, coming up with different ideas and persisting until Torla is at last free. Not being able to free Torla alone, Smorla first seeks help from others and when that doesn’t work, comes up with an ingenious solution to solve the problem!

The illustrations are a complete joy and add much to the humour of the story. The tall, thin format of the book emphasises the height difference between the two and readers can fold some pages out or up, allowing them to be part of the adventure as the story progresses. The giraffes’ faces show a whole range of emotions through the ups and downs of Torla’s time in the hole, allowing for plenty of exploration of emotions.

There is much repetition of the phrase ‘(something)-than-average’, encouraging children to explore what this means (in simple terms!), perhaps leading to discussions about the joys of being unique and the fact that being different from your friends is absolutely normal! The book really lends itself to a book groups session as there are so many crafty ideas which it inspires as well as being a really fun read!

Can’t wait to see what these two get up to next!

Torla and Smorla and the Deeper than Average Hole

Kes Gray, illustrated by Chris Jevons

Happy Yak ISBN: ‎ 978-0711288126

Published 3rd July 2025

You can read my review of ‘Torla and Smorla and the Lower than Average Cloud’ here.

A Mouse Just Ate My House

A naughty little mouse with very sharp teeth is constantly eating…the kitchen, the bathroom, the pest controller. Will anything make it stop?

Fast paced and funny, ‘A Mouse Just Ate my House’ is a riotous romp, perfect for reading aloud!

Many readers will be familiar with Kes Gray’s ‘Oi Frog’ series and his latest story does not disappoint. The lively rhyming text keeps building as the mouse’s eating antics get wilder and wilder until everything is resolved…or is it?!

Cut through sections add extra excitement to the illustrations and children will enjoy peeking through the pages as the mouse chomps its way into the story. They will quickly learn to join in as each possible solution is followed by ‘The mouse just ate my…’ and the story romps on. It’s the sort of story which inspires children to create their own additional scenarios whether in rhyme or not and perhaps illustrate these as well. As the mouse’s meals become more and more unlikely, readers are sure to try trump these ideas with whackier and whackier suggestions.

I would not recommend this as a bedtime read, however, as it will do nothing to lull little ones off to sleep- quite the reverse in fact!

A Mouse Just Ate my House

Kes Gray, illustrated by Sebastien Braun

Happy Yak ISBN: 978-0711288034

All the Wonderful Ways to Move

Bursting with energy, ‘All the Wonderful Ways to Move’ is a delightful book which celebrates being active and having fun. A young child, an older lady and a whole host of animal characters dance their way across the pages of the book, encouraging readers to join in the fun!

The rhyming text offers a wonderful background beat to the sequence of movements the text suggests- clapping, stomping, wriggling, stretching and bending- leading to everyone having a thoroughly good time. Repetition of sections will soon have children joining in and, no doubt, quickly learning the sequence, joining in with the words as they perform the actions. Some ‘cool down’ moves are also included before everyone flops at the end.

With an emphasis on taking part. creatures of all shapes and sizes are shown joining in and having fun as they perform this series of moves which can be differentiated to accommodate everyone at a level at which they are comfortable. Using an older adult and showing them as mobile and active is wonderful as this is not something very often seen in children’s books.

The illustrations are great fun and readers are sure to be inspired to create their own routines to share as they quickly learn there are so many wonderful ways to move- and enjoy doing so!

All the Wonderful Ways to Move

Laura Baker, illustrated by Sandra de la Prada

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838917227

You can read my review of ‘All the Wonderful Ways to Read’ here.

Best of All Worlds

When Xavier wakes up on the first morning of a family weekend with his pregnant step-mum, Nia, and dad, Caleb, which he doesn’t want to be on, he doesn't recognise where they are. Everything inside seems the same- but it’s as if the house has been transported to a different location. Having thoroughly explored their new surroundings, the family discover that they are trapped in what appears to be an invisible, self-healing dome from which they cannot escape and have mysterious markings on their lower backs. When the birth of Nia’s baby proves complicated, it becomes apparent that they are being monitored by a benevolent, unseen power which intervenes when they need help.

Three years later, although he still desperately misses his real mother and older brother, Sam, who were left behind, Xavier and his family, including his little brother, Noah, have adapted to life on the farm which they have been given, adopting a self sufficient lifestyle and living off the land. Suddenly, another farm and then a new family- the Jacksons- appear in the dome. A family with very different views, a family with weapons…and a teenage daughter. Tension mounts on many levels as these differences drive a wedge between the two families as the actions of one seems to bring consequences for the other, creating an impossible situation.

‘Best of All Worlds’ is an utterly absorbing read which is both thought-provoking and enjoyable. On one level, it is an intriguing dystopian novel, with people trapped, controlled and isolated, forced to live their lives according to the ‘rules’ imposed upon them. However, it is also a provocative, challenging read, designed to spark discussion- argument even!

Once Xavier’s family- the Oaks- have explored all possibilities for escape, they have become resigned to their fate and adapted to their new lives, believing they have been victims of an alien abduction. For Xavier- Zay- things are different. Thirteen when first trapped, sixteen when the Jacksons arrive, there are things which he struggles with- missing his mother and brother, his friends, gaming, no sex; however, he too has fallen into the new daily rhythm of life. The appearance of a teenage girl, albeit one with a boyfriend, is unsettling enough, but he is also presented with the government conspiracy theories of Riley Jackson, father of the new family, and someone who is determined to escape. Zay finds himself caught between the two families.

There are other differences. The Oaks are pacifists, environmentally aware whilst the Jacksons are weapon-owning, deeply religious and hold some extreme racial views. This gulf between them highlights many political and social divides, encouraging exploration of human nature and disparate viewpoints. There is so much to explore here, not least the hints at the reasons behind the abduction, making this an excellent read for a book group.

Well written and engaging, ‘Best of All Worlds’ is a real page turner which leaves the reader with much to mull over, long after they close the book.

Best of All Worlds

Kenneth Oppel

Guppy Books ISBN: 978-1916558458