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.
Hotel Flamingo: Frosty Fiesta
It’s very quiet at Hotel Flamingo as the nights are getting darker so Anna is delighted when she is asked to arrange a hibernation party for Mrs Turpington, one of the hotel’s longest residents. Finding themselves completely snowed in, however, Anna is just feeling pleased there aren’t more guests when lots of bookings come in and she learns that the Winter White-out Games are taking place on Animal Boulevard, leaving Anna and the hotel staff with plenty to organise!
I love the Hotel Flamingo series and know how many children enjoy them so I was delighted to discover ‘Frosty Fiesta’, the latest in the series.
Offering the perfect mix of text and illustration, ‘Frosty Fiesta’ is perfect for newly independent readers developing their reading stamina as well as making a most enjoyable shared read. The gentle humour and cast of colourful and endearing characters are so engaging and there are some new guests to get to know amongst the familiar faces.
Anna once again shows herself to be caring, hard-working and loyal, determined to make sure everyone’s stay at her hotel is the very best it can be, even if it means building an ice hotel to accommodate extra guests! When it looks as if the Winter Games are going to have to be cancelled, she rallies everyone to make sure that everything is ready. She also ensures that Mrs Turpington’s guests manage to make their way through the snow so that her party is a great success.
The illustrations are as delightful as ever, helping to make this a very tempting read!
Hotel Flamingo: Frosty Fiesta
Alex Milway
Piccadilly Press ISBN: 978-1835870891
Classic Nursery Rhymes and Classic Fairy Tales
These beautiful hardback books, full of vintage artwork, are bursting with classic stories and verses.
‘Classic Nursery Rhymes’ is full of gorgeous watercolour artwork by Dorothy M. Wheeler, Enid Blyton's original illustrator. These beautiful illustrations offer a timeless charm and sense of calm. Each coloured picture is surrounded by a decorative border full of line drawings with a circular vignette showing an additional scene beneath. For children used to bright, bold, chaotic illustrations, this gentle style offers something very different with plenty to provoke discussion. All the favourite rhymes are here and a section at the end gives the sheet music with words for each, allowing those unfamiliar with the tunes to learn and enjoy them.
Anyone not familiar with some of these rhymes should, perhaps, read them before sharing with little ones! ‘The Babes in the Woods’, for example, is about children, who having been ‘stolen away’ lie down and die in the woods, supposed to be inspired by events either in Wayland Wood, Norfolk, or events in 1374 in Lancashire. Classic rhymes are, of course, full of traditional roles with marriage and being pretty high on the agenda for little girls, something which can be discussed as appropriate.
‘Classic Fairy Tales’ contains a selection of stories from Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm. Although the text has been slightly adapted, these versions have been kept close to the originals in both language and content. Anyone expecting the sanitised Disney versions will be in for a shock as they read the original story of ‘The Little Mermaid’, wincing with her as her every step feels as if ‘she trod on knives’ and choosing her own death rather than that of the prince or discover that one of Cinderella’s sisters cuts off her toes and one her heel in order to fit into the golden slipper (Charles Perrault’s version talks of glass slippers). However, the magic of these tales has stood the test of time and this collection offers a lovely mixture of favourite stories from the Brothers Grimm and Andersen.
Illustrations by A. Duncan Carse and Charles Folkard add to the ‘classic’ feel of this collection and the overall presentation of both this and ‘Classic Nursery Rhymes’, with their beautiful covers and ribbon markers, makes them perfect for giving, sharing and handing down to future generations.
Classic Nursery Rhymes
Illustrated by Dorothy M Wheeler
Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1472932389
Classic Fairy Tales
Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm,
illustrated by A. Duncan Carse and Charles Folkard
Bloomsbury ISBN: 978-1801997751
Ghost
In 60 AD, Aine finds herself captured and enslaved by the Romans. Fleeing her new master, she hides in a tunnel where she finds an altar and unwittingly unleashes something dark. Centuries later, Sarah Gibson takes refuge in the woods after the death of her mother. Seeking to help others with her knowledge of healing, she is at ease with nature, sensing Aine’s restless spirit and wishing to help her. In the present day, Marie has ‘burned out’, dropping out of art college. She goes to stay with Jen, her aunt, following the death of her much loved Uncle Matty and senses that there is something wrong in the woods and yet is drawn to them by the connection she feels with the girls from the past.
‘Ghost’ is one of those books which is really hard to offer a summary for! Inspired by legends surrounding ‘Sally in the Woods’ in Wiltshire, it is an evocative read, celebrating connections through time and place, the beauty of the natural world and family love.
Perfect for anyone looking for something a little bit different, Finbar Hawkins effortlessly weaves together the stories of Aine, Sarah and Marie, creating a slightly eerie and compelling narrative, steeped in folklore and old magic. Each girl has lost loved ones and each finds courage in the face of adversity, combining across time to overcome evil and find peace. Each girls’ voice is heard in turn as the reader discovers more about their individual background before their stories merge and they vanquish the spirit haunting the woods.
Mesmerising is an excellent word to describe this story which is hard to do justice to in a review! It is more than ‘just’ a ghost story- it is a book which just has to be read!
Ghost
Finbar Hawkins
Zephyr ISBN: 978-1837933075
My Family The Enemy
When Jack goes to visit his Granny Jess, he is expecting the usual routine involving biscuits. However, this Saturday afternoon things are different as his grandmother seems preoccupied. When she shares the contents of a very old biscuit tin with him, Jack discovers events in his family history which he never knew happened.
Moving from London in 1998 with Jack back to 1914 with his great-grandfather Fred, ‘My Family The Enemy’ reflects the experiences of those with German ancestry who were living in England during WW1. Many countries interned ‘enemy aliens’ at this time and through the eyes of Fred, Karen McCombie shows how xenophobia and public hysteria devastated the lives of German families or those with German (or Austro-Hungarian) descent, turning their friends and neighbours against them.
Fred Muller is an ordinary London schoolboy, not the best behaved at school perhaps, but good natured and good hearted with a loving family whose bakery was at the heart of their community. As hostilities with Germany develop, the reader sees his life change as his German surname leads people to treat him and his family with suspicion and mistrust. Facing bullying at school from his teacher as well as his former friends and classmates, Fred finds himself increasingly isolated and his father is taken from the family and interred at nearby Ally Pally (Alexandra Palace). The story clearly shows the human stories behind the prejudice and injustice which Fred, and others, experience, encouraging empathy and sure to provoke discussions which are as relevant today.
The experiences of other characters in the story also reflect the prejudices of the time. Fred’s sister, Lil, longs for more than the husband and children her parents have in mind for her. She finds factory work and a place on the women’s football team, freedoms which are quickly lost once the war ends. His classmates, Prue and Gertie, are also targets for bullies as Prue’s family are Quakers and Gertie’s father is Hungarian.
The story is packed with historical detail, developing children’s understanding of life on the home front and sparking curiosity about the stories of those seen as the enemy. Additional notes at the end of the story help to clarify and add detail about events, locations and individuals mentioned. Perfect as a class read, ‘My Family The Enemy’ is a very engaging, well-written and thought-provoking story.
My Family The Enemy
Karen McCombie
Bloomsbury Education ISBN: 978-1801995931
Electric Life: Surge
Having left Estrella, Alara has been living in London Under for six months. Although desperate to escape the restrictions of the city and feel alive, she is struggling to adapt to her new life and longs to escape to the surface and be free to travel with Jay. But tension is mounting in London Under as anti-Estrella rises and Jay no longer has the time to devote to their relationship, leaving her feeling even more disconnected. Alana soon finds herself having to make some difficult and dangerous decisions about her future- and that of London Under and Estrella.
Every bit as enjoyable as ‘Electric Life’, ‘Surge’ offers a thoroughly satisfying and absorbing continuation of Alara’s story. I refuse to say ‘conclusion to’ in the hope that there might yet be more to come…
Fast paced and engaging, plenty happens in this action-packed sequel. Very relevant in today’s climate, it reflects how quickly ‘ideas’ can take off and gain almost cult following, an unquestioning attitude where mobs look to rhetoric spouting leaders to tell them what to think and provide them with a common enemy. There is a sense that the voice that shouts loudest is ‘right’ and that those who disagree with you are instantly ‘wrong’ and that there is no common ground, offering plenty to pause and reflect on.
Having lived her new life for a while, Alara is puzzled to find that things are not as utopic as she expected. The first flush of passion and infatuation with Jay has passed and daily life is now taking its toll on their relationship as so often happens. As the story develops, she comes to realise what true happiness is- how it takes effort, develops and needs to be appreciated for what it is- leading her to re-evaluate her decisions and strive to make life better.
‘Electric Life: Surge’ is an excellent, thoroughly engrossing and satisfying read. Highly recommended!
Wands Away! Learning to Fly
Ramona Spellstar is about to head off for her first day at Wands Away School of Magic. Although excited, she is a little nervous; however, she soon makes friends and has fun in the forest, learning how to fly.
‘Wands Away! Learning to Fly’ is a delightful story, perfect for newly independent readers, tackling longer reads or for a special shared read.
Ramona’s nerves at starting somewhere new offer a great opportunity for discussing and sharing these feelings. As she talks things through with her mum, Ramona realises that these feelings are quite normal and that they should not stop her from looking forward to the new experiences and surprises that are waiting for her. Sharing a hot chocolate along with her worries also helps!
There are no mean children, no cliques and no wicked teachers for Ramona to contend with, making her time at school exciting, enjoyable and safe, reassuring little ones that their school experiences can be positive.
Ramona quickly makes friends and has great fun exploring the wonders of nature, discovering its secrets. Seeing the fun that Ramona, Cleo and Enrique have mapping their way through the forest is sure to inspire children to get out into nature themselves and perhaps create fun maps of their own, naming local features and locations in their own ‘magical’ way!
The illustrations are colourful, fun and appealing, adding much to the story. Although Ramona and her friends are the focus, there are some pages showing all the children in the class with speech bubbles showing what they are thinking, allowing children to develop an interest in the whole class who might, perhaps, feature more in stories to come!
Wands Away! Learning to Fly
Emma Farrarons
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398543614
How to Find a Yeti
A self-proclaimed yeti expert decides that he is going to find the yeti which he is sure lives in the forest behind his house. Having packed his rucksack and donned his favourite scarf, the little boy and his dog, Milo, set off for the trees. Having searched everywhere, the little boy returns home having concluded that there is NO yeti in the forest…but how has his lost scarf found its way back to his doorstep?
‘How to Find a Yeti’ is an absolutely delightful picture book which will have little ones giggling in delight! In true ‘look behind you’ tradition, they will love pointing out what the little boy just cannot see- that the yeti really is living in the forest.
Story and illustration work in perfect harmony as limited text shares the boy’s thoughts and feelings with the reader whilst the illustrations speak volumes. As he dreams of the fame which will come with his great discovery, the pictures offer so many details to notice and enjoy. Children will particularly enjoy exploring the contents of his rucksack, including a ‘just in case’ pair of pants. I fondly remember how my son used to enjoy packing all the things which he would need for a walk- although a pair of emergency pants was never included!
The real fun of the story starts as the little boy and Milo head for the forest. Sharp eyes will notice a strangely shaped tree on the horizon which hints at things to come. The little boy fails to see what the reader does and he shines his torch into logs and stands on a high snowy ‘hill’ to peer through his binoculars. The amiable yeti makes friends with Milo and is shown to have a big heart as he returns the little boy’s lost scarf which he carefully folds and places on the doorstep, ready to be found the following morning.
As the little boy hunts high and low and looks to left and right, adults might encourage children to join in with these actions, perhaps taking the chance to reinforce directional language or prepositions. They could look in front and behind, under and over, above and below etc perhaps creating their own yeti search maps and developing imaginative play based around the story.
A fun-filled, engaging read, ‘How to Find a Yeti’ also offers so many possibilities for play, art activities and learning!
How to Find a Yeti
Matt Hunt
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805136484
Harriet Tubman: A Force of Nature
Told through poetry and colourful collaged images, ‘Harriet Tubman: A Force of Nature’ is an engaging biography of Harriet Tubman, perfect for introducing children to the life and work of this amazing woman.
The poems are grouped to show the passing years of Harriet’s life. Named at birth Araminta Ross, she was born enslaved and the author conveys the barbarity of this whilst emphasising Harriet’s love of nature and the strength of her family bonds. The strength of her faith as she sought to save and support others is also highlighted.
Offering plenty to discuss and reflect upon, this book would be a useful addition to any library. For English classrooms, however, some background and context on the American Civil War and the treatment of enslaved people in the United States would need to be sensitively given for children to truly understand Harriet’s life and actions. A map at the end of the book and the inclusion of some historical photos along with the author’s notes about her research and a selected bibliography would be very useful to those wishing to learn more.
The book is beautifully presented with engaging illustrations which also offer plenty to think about. Collaged clothing worn by Harriet, her brothers and other slaves has been created using newspaper cuttings advertising slave sales and other information, including one of Harriet’s dresses being created from the reward notice for her and her brothers when they first escaped.
A stunning, thought-provoking book.
Harriet Tubman: A Force of Nature
A Biography in Poems
Caroline Brewer
What on Earth ISBN:978-1804661437
Mushrooms and Company
‘A mushroom is a nice detail in a forest, a decorative dwarf under the sturdy wooden giants.’
But, as this fascinating book proves, there is so much more to fungi than this! Crammed with information, it makes an absorbing read.
Translated from Dutch, the book does seem to be aimed at the American market, both in terms of spelling and content; however, this does little to detract from the content. The lively, informal style of delivery is very engaging and sure to fill the reader with a new found enthusiasm for mushroom and other fungi. Divided into seven sections, the book really does cover every aspect of this ‘Marvelously Moldy Network’, explaining just how important mushrooms are to everything! Photographs and cartoon style images mingle with detailed diagrams offer plenty of visual interest to support the text.
Mushrooms are not the only fungi celebrated in this book. Lichen, mildew, mould, yeasts, even truffles and the roles they play are all explored. The book closes with a section encouraging readers to get out and explore with wonderful world of fungi whilst reminding budding mycologists to leave tasting to the experts!
‘Mushrooms and Company’ is a thoroughly enjoyable and informative read!
Mushrooms and Company: How a Marvelously Moldy Network Supports Life on Earth
Geert-Jan Roebers, illustrated by Wendy Panders and translated by Michele Hutchison
Greystone Kids ISBN: 978-1778402227
Ask Me Anything
Mary-Elizabeth Baxter is a girl brimming with confidence. Agony aunt for the university’s magazine, she offers up-beat advice to her fellow students and, having set her sights on Felix Balfour, she is looking forward to a year of fun- sex with no strings attached. When she meets grumpy Laurie, who works on the uni newspaper, Mary- Elizabeth is convinced that he is behind the sudden appearance of a rival problem page which offers far harsher advice. However, when things with Felix start to go wrong and Mary- Elizabeth finds her confidence shaken, Laurie proves he is not the bad guy after all.
Lively and engaging, ‘Ask Me Anything’ is a fun read about university life which offers plenty to think about.
I have to confess that initially I found Mary-Elizabeth intensely irritating! Her personal brand of chirpy optimism and self-assurance felt over-blown and false. However, she quickly became more endearing as the cracks in her armour developed and she became more rounded and plausible. In her pursuit of Felix and her determination to stick to her rules, she ignores her true feelings and the warning signs which she would be sure to have plenty of advice to offer to others in the same situation. There is an element of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ in her relationships with Laurie who she quickly takes against, and Felix, the Wickham of the piece, and like Lizzie Bennet, she emerges stronger, wiser and more self-aware by the end of the story.
Mary-Elizabeth’s relationship with her parents also gives an interesting twist to the tale. Never quite at ease with her mother, events lead to greater understanding between the two whilst her father seems to feel that financial support can replace in person contact and interest.
University life makes an appealing background to the story with plenty of friendships and fun and empathetic, supportive staff offering guidance when needed. The problem letters which Mary-Elizabeth answers give some sound advice which may well support readers - of any age!- experiencing similar issues.
Written in a very easy-to-read style, ‘Ask Me Anything’ is thoroughly enjoyable.
Ask Me Anything
Bethany Rutter
Hot Key Books ISBN: 978-1471419362
Out on 6.11.2025
Adventure Mice: Mousehole to the Centre of the Earth
When Uncle Bernie visits the Adventuremice, he brings them his latest invention, the Mechanical Mole. Taking it for a test drive, they discover an amazing underground world, inhabited by some friendly cave mice- and a not-so-friendly Hamstersaurus Rex. Can the intrepid Adventuremice save the day?
This series just gets better and better! Fabulous illustrations and humorous, pacy adventures combine to create very satisfying and engaging stories, perfect for young readers.
In ‘Mousehole to the Centre of the Earth’, Pedro and his team discover a fascinating underground world. As usual, through teamwork, dedication, creativity and imagination, they find solutions to problems and help others. With the Hamstersaurus stomping around, threatening the peaceful Cave Mice, it takes all their ingenuity- and some empathy and understanding from Pedro- to make everyone happy. The story is perfect for encouraging readers to consider things from other viewpoints, considering why some might act as they do and looking for a happy path, catering for the needs of all.
Everyone of the books in this series offers so many opportunities for developing creative ideas and encouraging imaginative play. As usual, there is a step-by-step drawing guide, this time for how to draw the Hamstersaurus Rex, encouraging children to create their own adventures and illustrating them. A wonderful map of the ‘Fern Cavern’ is included at the end of the book, allowing children to follow the action in the story - as well as sparking ideas for storytelling.
The Adventuremice also create a hot air balloon which allows them to return home. Children would enjoy creating their own balloons from different materials and experimenting with flying them using a hairdryer to provide the hot air, deciding how to make this a fair test… or simply for the fun factor!
I cannot recommend this series highly enough. Visually engaging, bursting with imaginative ideas, full of humour and heart, they are utterly delightful. Having keen eyes and having noticed the message at the front, I also know that there is a website- Adventuremice.com- where you can find out more about the team!
AdventureMice: Mousehole to the Centre of the Earth
Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre
David Fickling ISBN: 978-1788453530
You can read my review of ‘Otter Chaos’ here, ‘Mice on the Moon’ here, ‘Mice on the Ice’ here and ‘Mice, Camera, Action!’ here.
My Book of Classic Nursery Tales
With each story retold and illustrated by James Mayhew, ‘My Book of Classic Nursery Tales’ would make the perfect gift for any little (or not so little) one!
There are eight wonderful stories to enjoy in this delightful collection, including perennial favourites such as ‘Goldilocks and the Tree Bears’ and ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ as well as a lesser known tale called ‘The Vain Little Mouse’. Information at the end of the book offers details about the origins of each story as well as notes from James about the choices he has made about illustrating and retelling each one.
Traditional tales are perfect for developing patterns of language and story structures and these have been retold in an engaging, light-hearted style, making them perfect for snuggling down with at bedtime, sharing with a group or enjoying independently. Children will love joining in with repeated phrases like the ‘trip-trap, trip-trap’ of the Billy Goats as they cross the bridge or the huffing and puffing of the Big Bad Wolf. This will quickly become an ‘again, again’ book- one which is constantly requested!
The illustrations are simply delightful! The bright, colourful collages will instantly appeal to little children, capturing their interest and imagination, and supporting them in retelling the stories for themselves. There are plenty of details to notice, offering much to discuss and enjoy- and perhaps inspire children to create pictures of their own.
A real joy!
My Book of Classic Nursery Tales
James Mayhew
Otter-Barry ISBN: 978-1915659736
The Merry Christmas Murders
Brooke is not keen to start her new school. Even with Buoy, her emotional support dog, the experience threatens to be overwhelming. However, having met members of the Neurokind Club, she is willing to try, only to be faced with a murder on her first day. As the body count mounts, Brooke and her new friends turn detective and use their unique set of skills to track down the culprit.
As the festive season approaches, ‘The Merry Christmas Murders’ is sure to be a welcome addition to many stockings! Not only does the story present a very satisfying mystery to solve, but there are puzzles hidden throughout the book for readers to solve- or not!- along the way.
The Neurokind Club is a special group for neuridivergent pupils, set up Miss Asha, the school’s SENCO, who is an autistic ADHD-er. Four children- Robyn, Kellan, Nisha and Mikey- with a range of needs attend the club, enabling readers to understand and empathise the different ways in which the world can be a challenging, and sometime incomprehensible, place for neurodivergent children (and adults) and offering an insight into some the strategies they might use/ need to help them cope.
As the story progresses, the Neurokind Club become a real team, each bringing different skills to help solve the murder. As with any friendships, they experience ups and downs, but ultimately, as Brooke says, ‘We're like fairy lights, you see. Every one of the bulbs needs to be working for the lights to shine.’ This lovely image perfectly illustrates how true teams work- one of the many reasons this book would work so well as a class story! There is plenty to discuss and much to enjoy and children and teachers will enjoy trying to identify the murderer before Brooke and her team!
Throughout the story, there are pages where readers are encouraged to pause and list their suspects, reflecting on the clues and then narrowing it down to their top three suspects. There are plenty of twists, red herrings and clues peppered throughout, offering a challenging and satisfying mystery. I suspect -and hope- we will be hearing more from Brooke and her friends as they solve more cases in the future!
The Merry Christmas Murders
Alexandra Benedict
Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978- 1398540873
The Bear Who Wanted to Dance
Rita longs to become a ballerina. Fuelled by her passion for dance, she practises every day, striving to become the best she can be. However, as she looks at ballet magazines and compares herself to her friends, Rita is filled with self-doubt, feeling that she is the wrong shape to be able to be a ballerina. Comforted by her friend, Wanda, and teacher, Monsieur le Fox, Rita regains her confidence and dances as she has never danced before.
‘The Bear Who Wanted to Dance ‘ is a heart-warming story about following your dreams and encourages having a positive body image.
Dance- particularly ballet- is a hugely competitive industry with many dancers suffering from eating disorders whilst pushing their bodies to the limit so a book which challenges these ideas is, in my opinion, brilliant! I’m not suggesting that one picture book will change the world, but if one little dancer takes courage from it, that can only be a good thing! Rita, like so many children, particularly girls, forgets the fact that she has worked hard and is an excellent dancer as she compares her physical appearance to that of other dancers and does not like what she sees. The reader sees, as Rita does, her large, almost shapeless shadow falling on the ground in front of her surrounded by the elegant, slender outlines of her classmates, cleverly avoiding the use of the harsh words often used to describe larger bodies. No one tries to tell her that she is not large, instead focusing on the facts that she is the right shape for her and is the best dancer, supporting her in a very positive way!
Another thing which I love about this story is that the author shows Rita as having worked hard to improve, dedicating her time and energy to practising. This is not one of those stories which simply tells readers that they can be whatever they want to be with no effort- Rita is good at dancing because she has dedicated time and effort to the art and so deserves her success!
The book would make an excellent story to share both in school and at home, no doubt sparking conversations about feeling positive about your body, working hard to achieve your dreams and being resilient. With delightful illustrations (including ballet positions on the end papers!) which add much to the story, this is a book to inspire and comfort!
The Bear Who Wanted to Dance
Stephanie Stansbie, illustrated by Wendy J Warren
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838918675
Ice Dancer
Dina and her brothers are leaving the hills of Wales behind and are heading to Sheffield to stay with their aunt, JJ. However, hurt and frustrated by the frosty reception JJ gives them, Dina takes her great-grandmother’s skates and heads for the local rink. Although she is passionate about skating, Dina finds mixing with others really hard. Shocked by how hostile some of the skaters are, Dina manages to make friends with talented skater, Rosie. With the odds stacked against her and secrets from her family’s past coming to light, Dina must find the courage to follow her dreams.
‘Ice Dancer’ is just the sort of story I would have loved as a child! Completely absorbing, it celebrates the power of family and friendship as well as the joy a hobby can bring.
Family - with all its flaws and foibles - is at the heart of the story. Dina is struggling with the loss of her older sister and the break up of her parents’ marriage. The aunt who she remembers as being kind and fun has become cold and distant and she is feeling increasingly isolated. No one is really talking about how they feel, leading to misunderstandings, misinterpretation and mistrust, but this is a loving family, who through sharing personal stories, listening and talking, eventually come through even stronger than before.
Forced into the role of ‘older sister’, Dina craves the freedom she feels on the ice. Her passion for skating is brilliantly captured and there is plenty of detail to intrigue and interest readers, inspiring them to discover more. The story shows how competitive sport might not be for everyone with the pressures and rivalry it can bring- but it also shows the joys of expressing yourself creatively! Dina is a lovely character, unsure of herself and reluctant to be the centre of attention, but desperate to find friendship and readers will empathise with her feelings of loss and insecurity as she tries to navigate new situations.
There is also a strong theme of challenging the status quo in skating, encouraging readers to consider some of the rules around the traditional roles taken in the sport and whether these should be continued. This would make an excellent starting point for looking at those who have chosen to do what they think is right rather than that which will win them prizes! Children might enjoy investigating figures like Surya Bonaly and discussing the choices that people sometimes have to make.
‘Ice Dancer’ is an excellent read, offering plenty of mystery and adventure, thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking! So much to recommend this one!
Ice Dancer
Alex Cotter
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805133025
You can read my review of ‘The Mermaid Call’ here.
Sin Bin Island
When Jack Winston Claremont Digby- Digs to his friends- finds himself with the family solicitor after the death of his mum, stepfather and sister, he has no idea how strange things are about to become. He has been left a strange set of Russian nesting dolls and discovers that, instead of being taken care of by family friend, Mrs O’Malley, he is to be sent to the Cyril Snigg’s Correctional Orphanage for Wayward Boys and Girls. The doll, it turns out, opens to reveal instructions to help him navigate his now uncertain future- and Digs is going to need all the help he can get to survive the bizarre lessons, systems and punishments of his new school. At the end of each year, the four worst-behaved pupils are sent to Sin Bind Island, a terrifying place where they must survive for a week…
As a huge Red Dwarf fan, I was very keen to read ‘Sin Bin Island’ as its author, Doug Naylor, is one of the creators of that excellent series. Fast paced, packed with adventure and full of humour, the story is every bit as good as I hoped it would be!
The first part of the book focuses on Digs arrival at the Cyril Snigg’s Correctional Orphanage for Wayward Boys and Girls, or ‘Cowbag’ as the pupils call it, following his fortunes as he builds friendships and learns more about the orphanage, its creation and its secrets. Digs is a thoroughly likeable character, determined to do his best in the face of adversity, loyal and kind-hearted. Baffled by the decision which has landed him at this very odd school, he wastes no time moping, but quickly makes friends- and learns who to avoid. These friendships will stand him in good stead when he has to face the horrors of Sin Bin island!
Although the story shares many of the expected elements of a boarding school story, it is peppered with original twists. The second half of the book tackles the children’s experiences on Sin Bin Island. Full of peril and excitement, the story romps along to its conclusion which leaves plenty of scope for future adventures for Digs and his friends. The layered plot and pleasing pace make this story perfect for those looking for a more challenging and very entertaining read in Y6 and into secondary.
Can’t wait for the next one!
Sin Bin Island
Doug Naylor
David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788453707
Astrologica
Offering an encyclopaedia of myths and legends about the planets and stars, ‘Astrologica’ is a fascinating read. Lavishly illustrated, it is perfect for introducing young readers to stories of the skies from around the world.
A glossary appears at the beginning of this book, allowing readers to familiarise themselves with the relevant terminology before as well as offering a convenient reference point whilst reading. A look at the origins of astrology sets the scene before a section on the ‘Myths of the Tropical Zodiac’ focuses on each star sign in turn, sharing its story as well as the attributes associated with that sign, the dates it covers, its symbol, constellation and element. Each myth is carefully retold and ‘Did You Know?’ sections offer additional information.
‘Myths of the Solar System’ and ‘Myths of the Stars’ follow, with tales from around the world celebrating celestial bodies and the people who observed and revered them. The author acknowledges the similarities and differences in how these planets and stars might be viewed by those in different places, but manages to convey a shared sense of awe and wonder for the skies above. These would make wonderful stories to share with a class, broadening children’s knowledge and deepening understanding of different cultures.
‘Star Knowledge Around the World’ explores how different cultures and countries have used the stars- like Maya astronomers, Inca sun worshipers and the Chinese zodiac. Full of fascinating details, there is so much to learn and enjoy!
The final section focuses on astrology today and how this differs from astronomy, encouraging readers to ponder about the subject. Sure to pique curiosity about the subject, this book is a real treasure trove of stories, accompanied by stunning illustrations- a perfect gift!
Astrologica
Suki Ferguson, illustrated by Camelia Pham
Wide Eyed ISBN: 978-0711293595
University of Cambridge: Build Your Own Solar System
Beautifully presented and packed with information, ‘Build Your Own Solar System’ is another ingenious book from Nosy Crow which engages children through both reading and activity.
Starting with a section entitled ‘What is the Solar System?’, the book offers clear sections of carefully explained text which deepen the reader’s knowledge and understanding of the different planets and features which make up our solar system. Dramatic illustrations illuminate every page, drawing interest and helping to guide the reader to different sections.
In addition to information about the planets, links are made to the gods and goddesses from mythology which gave them their names. Whilst many readers might be familiar with the fact that Venus is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty, some might be surprised to learn that the tallest active volcano on Venus is named after Ma’at, the Egyptian goddess of balance, truth and justice. The role of key figures in the world of astronomy such as Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi and Galileo are also mentioned, encouraging those interested to find out more.
Perfect for enriching the Y5 Science programme of study of ‘Earth and Space’, the book not only offers a wealth of facts about our solar system, but allows children to create a model of each using the press outs in the end section and arranging them in order, reinforcing the learning from the text. There is a QR code to scan which offers step-by-step ‘how to’ videos for support if needed.
University of Cambridge: Build Your Own Solar System
Lauren Fairgrieve, illustrated by Anja Susanj
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805132776
You can read my review of ‘Birds of a Feather’ also written by Lauren Fairgrieve here.
The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good
Fran is not looking forward to spending a week with her aunt and uncle, largely because of her rude and unfriendly cousin, Imogen. However, when she arrives, Fran finds that Imogen is missing…and no one seems to remember that she ever existed. Puzzled and frightened, Fran is determined to find out what happened to her cousin which leads her to a hidden garden which contains twelve mysterious statues.
Offering an excellent mystery, ‘The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good’ is a pacy, compelling read which will have readers on the edge of their seats.
Short chapters told from differing viewpoints are interspersed with those telling the story of ‘The Twelve Statues of Stillness Hall’ which gradually reveals the secret of the hidden garden. As events unfold, the story reaches a very satisfying conclusion which is perfectly paced, bringing the plot to a point which still allows readers some scope for imagination. It’s hard to explain what I mean here fully without ruining the story for those who have not read it yet!
Fran is a very engaging character. Although initially scared and confused by the situation she finds herself in, she quickly shows herself to be determined and resourceful. She is also a very honest character, recognising her faults and seeking to be kind to others. Bex, a girl who lives in the same row of cottages as Imogen and her family, is a wonderfully quirky individual who sadly finds herself on the receiving end of the local bullies. Imogen is a really interesting and complex character who is not easy to take to initially yet grows on the reader as the story progresses.
Sure to keep a class on tenterhooks, there is much to recommend this as a class reader. The peer pressure and bullying experienced would make for interesting discussions and the fantasy element is sure to spark listeners’ imaginations and lead to some excellent story writing!
I was absolutely captivated and could not put this one down until I had finished!
The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good
Kirsty Applebaum
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805131472
You can read my review of ‘The Middler’ here and ‘Troofriend’ here
Huxley and Flapjack: Wild West Escape
Huxley, the impulsive koala, and Flapjack, the timid penguin, are back in a new adventure! Spotting an advert in the paper, Huxley decides that becoming a cowhand is the perfect way to earn some money. Not deterred when Flapjack points out that they can’t even ride horses, Huxley accepts the job and the two friends find themselves in charge of a herd of cows. However, when they lose all the cows, they must track them all down before heading home to the farm.
Ideal for younger readers, ‘Wild West Escape’ is another delightful escapade for these two loveable, and very different, friends!
As usual, everything goes wrong as Huxley blithely wanders into a new situation, deaf to the cautious voice of Flapjack. Their series of mishaps will have children chuckling and then cheering as everything turns out right in the end! The story is full of gentle humour and packed with lively, colourful illustrations, making it a very engaging and enjoyable read.
One of the many lovely things about this story is that, like the others in the series, it allows for conversations about friendships. Huxley and Flapjack are very different characters and yet enjoy a close friendship. Whilst Huxley brings Flapjack out of his comfort zone and enables him to be more adventurous, there is also scope for gentle discussions about listening to the ideas and feelings of others with the more impetuous or dominant! Whilst Huxley and Flapjack’s adventures never lead them into any real or lasting harm, there are times when Huxley should ‘look before he leaps’!
As well as being very appealing, the illustrations offer plenty of additional information and ‘clues’ about what is going on in the text. Reactions to Huxley’s guitar playing, Flapjack’s many facial expressions and the duo’s final task before they head home are brilliantly captured in this way. Perfect for cuddling up and sharing, the book also falls neatly into bridging the gap between picture books and longer reads!
Huxley and Flapjack: Wild West Escape
Alan MacDonald, illustrated by Francesca Gambatesa
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1788957403
You can read my review of ‘Trouble at Sea’ here and ‘Race to the Rescue’ here.
