Book Review, Early Reader, Middle Grade Fiction

Mr Dog and a Deer Friend by Ben Fogle with Steve Cole & illustrated by Nikolas Ilic

In this fifth book in the series, Mr Dog is back helping animals in need. Whenever there’s an animal who needs a friend, he is always happy to lend a hand! In this adventure mystery, Mr Dog finds a sweet young deer in trouble. After rescuing her, he does all he can to help her… Continue reading Mr Dog and a Deer Friend by Ben Fogle with Steve Cole & illustrated by Nikolas Ilic

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The House of Clouds by Lisa Thompson & illustrated by Alice McKinley

The House of Clouds is an honest, touching story of life with elderly grandparents and all the ups and downs it brings. Tabby isn’t thrilled that her grandad has come to live with them. The house is changing, Mum has to help him all the time and his dog, Buster, is smelly and always needs… Continue reading The House of Clouds by Lisa Thompson & illustrated by Alice McKinley

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

October, October by Katya Balen & illustrated by Angela Harding

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” ~ Anne of Green Gables October, October is a powerful story of love, discovery, challenges, loss and rebuilding. 11-year-old October lives in the forest with her father. They are wild and love everything about their off-grid existence. They rely on themselves and the… Continue reading October, October by Katya Balen & illustrated by Angela Harding

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Haunting of Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes

The Haunting of Aveline Jones is a deliciously scary story that will send shivers down your spine. One cold, blustery October half-term, Aveline travels to the Cornish coast to spend the week with her hard-edged Aunt Lillian. Right from the start, readers are immersed in a shadowy, autumnal mood. The town of Malmouth is full… Continue reading The Haunting of Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith by Loris Owen

The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith is an engaging mystery full of riddles, puzzles and unusual energies. Right from the start, Kip is challenged to “Change Your World” as he follows strange clues around his neighbourhood. Who is sending these clues? Why him? Where are they leading? Kip already lives a life of turmoil and… Continue reading The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith by Loris Owen

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Velvet Fox by Catherine Fisher

The lilt of haunting music carried on the breeze; a soft, velvety laugh; a magical toy carousel turning in the night – The Velvet Fox is the spine-tingling sequel to Catherine Fisher’s brilliant story, The Clockwork Crow. Seren and Tomos have become firm friends in Plas-y-Fran since their first dangerous encounter with the magical Tylwyth… Continue reading The Velvet Fox by Catherine Fisher

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Across the Risen Sea by Bren MacDibble

Across the Risen Sea is a gripping climate change adventure painting a picture of what life might be like if we continue along the path of rising temperatures and melting polar ice caps. Oceans have risen, lands have flooded, life as we know it is gone. Communities have been forced to move to the hills,… Continue reading Across the Risen Sea by Bren MacDibble

Book Review, Early Reader, Middle Grade Fiction

A Robot Ate My Grandma by Dave Cousins & illustrated by Catalina Echeverri

A Robot Ate My Grandma is the third book in a fun, laugh-out-loud series about a family with a very clever grandmother who invents robots to make their lives easier. In this instalment, Jake and his twin sister, Jess, are taking part in the school performance of Little Red Riding Hood. When they go to… Continue reading A Robot Ate My Grandma by Dave Cousins & illustrated by Catalina Echeverri

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Buddy’s Story by Blake Morgan

Buddy, a chocolate Labrador, has a Very Important Job. He is a Detection Dog for a 12-year-old boy with anaemia. It’s up to Buddy to keep his best friend, Noah, safe and help him do what he needs if he becomes unwell. Using his calm nature, excellent training and outstanding sense of smell, Buddy is… Continue reading Buddy’s Story by Blake Morgan

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Castle of Tangled Magic by Sophie Anderson

The Castle of Tangled Magic is a book full of the anticipation of something truly special. The wisdom of the elderly, ancient magic and Russian folklore flows off the page in language full of wonder and enchantment. Sophie Anderson is a master storyteller with a richness unparalleled and an ability to draw readers into gloriously… Continue reading The Castle of Tangled Magic by Sophie Anderson