Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

How to Train Your Dragon School: Doom of the Darkwing by Cressida Cowell

May 2025 How to Train Your Dragon School: Doom of the Darkwing is the first in a new series of How to Train Your Dragon stories. Introduced as a set of shorter adventures discovered on a beach amongst papers belonging to Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, this delightfully funny and hugely engaging book is perfect… Continue reading How to Train Your Dragon School: Doom of the Darkwing by Cressida Cowell

Book Review, Teen, Young Adult

The Beck by Anthony McGowen

The Beck is a beautiful story of finding peace and purpose in the noise of the world. Kyle hasn't spent much time with his grandad so when his parents drop him off in a run-down neighbourhood on the east side of Leeds, he isn't happy. Grandad's eccentricities and his three-legged dog called "Rude Word" make… Continue reading The Beck by Anthony McGowen

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson

May 2025 Shrapnel Boys is Jenny Pearson's first historical novel. Led by authentic characters with her trademark spark, this is a funny, heartwarming story with an additional layer of dilemma and emotional depth. It will challenge readers to think about everyone's role in the Second World War and how it affected ordinary people in extraordinary… Continue reading Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson

Blog Tour, Book Review, Picture Books

Even Lions Get Scared… by Dr Marcelle Moore & Monika Marzec ~ Blog Tour

Even Lions Get Scared is a delightful picture book that will help children handle anxiety in many different forms. From little wobbles to overwhelming fears, it guides children in coping with big feelings and the negative self-talk that can sometimes take over. Breathing techniques, positive thoughts, friendship and courage all play a part in supporting… Continue reading Even Lions Get Scared… by Dr Marcelle Moore & Monika Marzec ~ Blog Tour

Blog Tour, Book Review, Young Adult

Pieces of Us by Stewart Foster ~ Blog Tour

Monday 24th February to Sunday 2nd March is Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Please visit the following links for information and resources on how you can support yourself or someone you know: Beat Eating Disorders: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ The Laurence Trust: https://www.thelaurencetrust.co.uk/ Pieces of Us is a one-of-a-kind book. Honest, heartfelt and real, it explores sensitive topics with courage and… Continue reading Pieces of Us by Stewart Foster ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Dawn of Adonis by Phil Earle

The Dawn of Adonis is the prequel to one of the most incredible children's books of the past five years - When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle. Readers are transported to the East End of London in 1911 when a baby gorilla is secreted through the docks in an attempt to save its life… Continue reading The Dawn of Adonis by Phil Earle

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Ella Jones vs the Sun Stealer by Lucy Edwards

Ella Jones shows readers anyone can be a hero. Although, at first, she appears to be an ordinary preteen girl who loves lipgloss, fashion and time with her dog, she is so much more. Brave, resilient and incredibly intelligent, she takes charge of a complicated quest across London. Using all her skills, she shows everyone… Continue reading Ella Jones vs the Sun Stealer by Lucy Edwards

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Marvellous Middle Grade Mysteries

What could be more perfect for a chilly half-term holiday than a spine-tingling, brain-teasing mystery? Cuddle up with one of these gripping middle grade who-dunnits! School for Fireflies by Erica Gomez (Knights Of) A magical school for extraordinary children, a long-lost diary, a family secret and a decades-old mystery: School for Fireflies has all the… Continue reading Marvellous Middle Grade Mysteries

Blog Tour, Book Review

The Notwitches by Gary Panton ~ Blog Tour

The Notwitches by Gary Panton is absolutely delightful. Endless creativity, a cast of larger than life characters and bizarre, laugh-out-loud moments make this one of my favourite recent reads. Warm and engaging, Melanda Notwitch is a heroine to really get behind. Melanda loves stories. She loves listening to them and writing her own. Unfortunately, her… Continue reading The Notwitches by Gary Panton ~ Blog Tour