My Review: The Chestnut Roaster is a uniquely captivating story - atmospheric Parisian history mixed with a healthy dose of fantasy runs through the mysterious catacombs of this engaging city. The villain is truly evil and the children who are determined to stop him are clever, creative and feisty. The adults are unable to help… Continue reading The Chestnut Roaster by Eve McDonnell ~ Blog Tour
Don't expect a cozy, comforting, Christmasy tale when you pick up The Vanishing of Aveline Jones. Yes, there is hot chocolate, snow and promises of festive events but the darkness of the town of Scarbury is too powerful for even the merriest of visitors. It's nearly the shortest day of the year when Aveline, her… Continue reading The Vanishing of Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes & Keith Robinson
Always Clementine is charming, heart-felt and hard-hitting. Told from the unique perspective of a mouse who has escaped from an animal testing laboratory, this story deals with harsh truths about the darker side of science. Clementine isn't just any ordinary mouse - she is a genius. Her ability to understand the world around her with… Continue reading Always Clementine by Carlie Sorosiak
It is wonderful to be back with Libby in one of my favourite places in the world - Scotland! It's Christmas and Libby is visiting her best friend, Connie, in her family's large estate in the Scottish countryside. Sadly, the family has fallen on hard times and must make some tough financial decisions. Connie's mum… Continue reading Libby and the Highland Heist by Jo Clarke
Children in Key Stage Two are always asking for more scary books. With Hallowe'en just around the corner, The Corny Scaredy-Cat Paranormal Investigation Squad is the perfect mix of creepy and funny to keep readers turning pages long into the night. When a new girl joins Alistair's Year 6 class, he makes a friend who's… Continue reading The Corny Scaredy-Cat Paranormal Investigation Squad by David Wandsworth ~ Guest Post & Blog Tour
The nights are drawing in and Hallowe'en is just around the corner. It's the perfect time of year for some spooky stories. Here's a collection of picture books, chapter books and middle grade stories sure to give you chills. The Pumpkin who was Afraid of the Dark by Michelle Robinson & Mike Byrne (Scholastic) All… Continue reading Spooky Season 2022
Welcome to the laugh-out-loud world of Harper Drew… there’s a whole lot of drama, but luckily she has tried and tested methods to deal with it! Perfect for fans of Dork Diaries. This is book two in the series. My name is Harper Drew. I started this journal in the summer to write down the… Continue reading What’s New Harper Drew? Talent Show Takeover by Kathy Weeks & illustrated by Aleksei Bitskoff ~ Blog Tour
Historical fiction from Emma Carroll is guaranteed to be outstanding but The Little Match Girl Strikes Back is something truly special. I have memories of reading the original Hans Christian Andersen story of The Little Match Girl as a child. I have also used it with Year 6 classes near Christmas to help children think… Continue reading The Little Match Girl Strikes Back by Emma Carroll & Lauren Child
Hal and Uncle Nat are channeling their inner James Bond on this high-stakes journey to the frozen north. With danger around every turn, readers hardly have time to catch their breath before the next threat comes charging down the tracks! Hal (now 13 years-old!) is flying to Stockholm to meet his uncle for a once… Continue reading The Arctic Railway Assassin by MG Leonard, Sam Sedgman & Elisa Paganelli
The Mystery of the Missing Mum by Frances Moloney (Pushkin Children's) Told from the charmingly intense point of view of Jake, The Mystery of the Missing Mum, addresses parents' mental illness and how children cope in a gentle, funny way. Jake wakes up one morning to find his mother is missing. He makes a list… Continue reading Marvellous Middle Grade from Summer 2022
Scope for Imagination 