Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

My Name is River by Emma Rea

Eleven-year-old Dylan dreams of a wonderful future – a future where he grows up on his family’s farm in Wales, builds a treehouse and plays with his friends by the river. Then, suddenly, one phone call changes everything. A huge pharmaceutical company wants to buy the farm and his family will have to leave. Dylan… Continue reading My Name is River by Emma Rea

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Longest Night of Charlie Noon by Christopher Edge

Once upon a time… or once upon a now… Time has so much meaning and sometimes none at all. When Charlie, Dizzy and Johnny become lost in the woods, their night of adventure and mystery gives time an entirely new meaning. This is a book of the unknown – of puzzles, codes, hints and ciphers.… Continue reading The Longest Night of Charlie Noon by Christopher Edge

Book Review, Picture Books

You Are Special by Sam Loman

Kiki is a beautiful, white cat. She’s absolutely adorable but doesn’t feel special like the other brightly-coloured animals she knows. More than anything, she wishes she could be colourful like her friends. On each page, Kiki tries to add a bit of pencil, ink or paint to improve her appearance. Unfortunately, the other animals just… Continue reading You Are Special by Sam Loman

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Griffin Gate by Vashti Hardy & illustrated by Natalie Smillie

Vashti Hardy has done it again! The Griffin Gate is exactly the kind of story children are looking for: adventure, mystery and a strong sense of family – with a bossy robotic raven thrown in! Teaming up with talented illustrator Natalie Smillie, this story jumps off the page and dares readers to go with Grace… Continue reading The Griffin Gate by Vashti Hardy & illustrated by Natalie Smillie

Book Review, Picture Books

Bloom by Anne Booth & illustrated by Robyn Wilson-Owen

Words have power – power to build up, power to tear down, power to encourage and power to defeat. Words can cause someone to wilt but also help someone to truly bloom. Such is the wonderfully significant message of this beautiful story. Every day, a lovely little girl visited a magnificent flower on her way… Continue reading Bloom by Anne Booth & illustrated by Robyn Wilson-Owen

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Clockwork Crow by Catherine Fisher

The Clockwork Crow is an engaging combination of Welsh folklore and clockwork magic. This gothic Christmas tale is a must read for every fan of fairies, frost and mysteries. Seren Rhys is an orphan who has lost everyone close to her. As she travels to live with her godfather and his family is a small… Continue reading The Clockwork Crow by Catherine Fisher