Swanfall is a gorgeous combination of folklore and friendship. I adored Sophie Kirtley's other books but this is her best yet! Alternating between a modern story of bird conservation, wetland management and the enchanting beauty of nature and strange writing found in a mysterious old book telling the story of three children who went missing… Continue reading Swanfall by Sophie Kirtley
Category: Middle Grade Fiction
Blitzers By Alastair Chisholm& Francesca Ficorilli
Blitzers is the perfect book for modern, tech savvy kids who are charmed by social media influencers and must have the latest trends. I zoomed through it today, not wanting to put it down. With references to Tamagotchi and Pokémon GO type character battles, it's a wonderfully current story older middle grade and teen readers… Continue reading Blitzers By Alastair Chisholm& Francesca Ficorilli
Fun New Books
Unicorns in Uniform: The Yeti's Sneeze by Tracy Curran & Steve Wood (Uclan Publishing - October 2025) Unicorns in Uniforms: The Yeti's Sneeze is equal parts educational, fantastical and fun. The second book in a new, brightly illustrated chapter book series, it’s a brillliant adventure following the Air and Mountain rescue team as they set out… Continue reading Fun New Books
Jellybean by Eve Ainsworth & Theo Parish
Anxiety-based school avoidance is a very real problem for a lot of children, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. In Jellybean, many families will relate to the challenges faced by both Ellie and her parents as they try to get to the bottom of her worries and work out the best way forward. Ellie Bean (nicknamed… Continue reading Jellybean by Eve Ainsworth & Theo Parish
Looking Forward to Spooky Season!
Autumn is my favourite season - new beginnings, cozy jumpers and so many special days! This fantastic collection of books will put you in the mood for crisp October weather and gentle spooks. Grumpkin by Nicola Edwards & Sian Roberts (Little Tiger - August 2025) Grumpkin made me smile the very first time I saw… Continue reading Looking Forward to Spooky Season!
The Odyssey of Phoebe Quilliam by Annelise Gray
The Odyssey of Phoebe Quilliam is a completely captivating quest story exploring precious family relationships, unending hope and finding those you've lost. Through a wonderful combination of realistic fiction and brilliant mythological fantasy, readers are challenged to create special moments with their family and hold on to special memories when our loved ones are no… Continue reading The Odyssey of Phoebe Quilliam by Annelise Gray
When the Storm Comes by Polly Ho-Yen
When the Storm Comes is a powerful and perilous story of courage, teamwork and trust. Incredibly thought-provoking, it challenges readers to consider the very real impact of climate change, their own survival skills and how they might respond in an emergency. Leadership, resourcefulness and the ability to put the needs of others ahead of your… Continue reading When the Storm Comes by Polly Ho-Yen
The Changeling Child by H.S. Norup
The Changeling Child is the thrilling sequel to the brilliant fantasy adventure Into the Faerie Hill. Magic weaves its way into every aspect of this wonderful story. Told from a dual point of view, Alfred (a demi-fae) takes readers back into Faerie as he strives to discover the truth about a missing child and his… Continue reading The Changeling Child by H.S. Norup
Discover the Magic
How to Get Magically Popular by Radhika Sanghani (Usborne - August 2025) Is being able to see the future a gift or a curse. Sabina just wants to fit in but struggles with popularity. Being the only Indian girl at her new school makes it even harder. She misses her friends and really doesn't want… Continue reading Discover the Magic
The Boy with Big Decisions by Helen Rutter
As a child, I loved the "Choose Your Own Adventure" books but they were always some sort of far fetched, monster adventure story rather than scenarios I might face in real life. The Boy with Big Decisions follows the same idea but provides readers with a realistic, risk-filled story. Written in a "You Choose the… Continue reading The Boy with Big Decisions by Helen Rutter
