Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

My Friend the Octopus by Lindsay Galvin ~ Blog Tour

"I wished I had three hearts like an octopus. Then maybe it wouldn't hurt so much if one got broken." Following on from the hugely successful Darwin's Dragons, Lindsay Galvin has done it again - a gripping Victorian mystery filled with natural history, art and the essential connection between animals and humans. My Friend the… Continue reading My Friend the Octopus by Lindsay Galvin ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Book of Stolen Dreams by David Farr ~ paperback cover reveal

 “There is a classic feeling to this story – a weightiness of something you just know is going to be epic.” Scope for Imagination, August 2021 September 2022 will see the publication of the paperback edition of The Book of Stolen Dreams. Click on the book cover below to read my original review of this… Continue reading The Book of Stolen Dreams by David Farr ~ paperback cover reveal

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Titanic Tunnel by Glen Blackwell

Glen Blackwell has a unique approach to historical fiction for middle grade readers. Taking his readers back in time with his characters, children are able to experience what life in the past was like from a modern perspective. In The Titanic Tunnel, readers find themselves on that great ship, haunted by an ominous feeling. We… Continue reading The Titanic Tunnel by Glen Blackwell

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult

Fight Back by A.M. Dassu

Fight Back by A.M. Dassu is an important and powerful story. It should be read by adults as much as by the young people for whom it was written. In a similar vein to A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll, it reveals issues of identity, respect, community and empowerment that need to be recognised… Continue reading Fight Back by A.M. Dassu

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

A Flash of Fireflies by Aisha Bushby

I sat down to make a start on A Flash of Fireflies and ended up reading the entire thing. I was completely drawn in by the magic and mystery of this unique story - a completely enchanting twist on fairy tales, forests and witches. Hazel's world is turned upside-down. Sent on her own from Kuwait… Continue reading A Flash of Fireflies by Aisha Bushby

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Unexpected Tale of the Bad Brothers by Clare Povey

Reading The Unexpected Tale of the Bad Brothers is like being back with old friends. Bastien, Theo, Alice and all the orphans care about each other so dearly. That kindness flows off the page and pulls the reader right into their gang. The addition of the fiery dancer Mathilde adds a new sense of feistiness… Continue reading The Unexpected Tale of the Bad Brothers by Clare Povey

Book Review, Guest Post, Picture Books

Herman Needs a Home by Lucy Noguera & Emma Latham ~ Guest Post

Herman Needs a Home from Lucy Noguera and Brilliant Monster Books is a delightful picture book packed full of facts about hermit crabs. Herman and his sister, Hiro, are growing. That means their shells no longer fit. Hiro is lucky enough to find a new shell to move into, but not Herman. He looks everywhere… Continue reading Herman Needs a Home by Lucy Noguera & Emma Latham ~ Guest Post

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Lost Girl King ~ Catherine Doyle

Catherine Doyle is back with another heart-pounding fantasy middle grade adventure. If you loved The Storm Keeper Trilogy, then don't miss this magical tale. Sister and brother, Amy and Liam, are visiting their grandmother in Connemara on the west coast of Ireland. Far from home, friends and their usual entertainment, they only have each other… Continue reading The Lost Girl King ~ Catherine Doyle