Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

My Life as a Cat by Carlie Sorosiak

My Life as a Cat is the most unique, charming story I have read in a very long time. Leonard is a cat but he didn’t start out that way. He is actually an alien who is spending a month on Earth to find out about the human race. He intended to become human but… Continue reading My Life as a Cat by Carlie Sorosiak

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Invasion of Crooked Oak by Dan Smith & illustrated by Chris King

Lose yourself in this chilling mystery of an abandoned fracking site, unusual smells and adults behaving strangely. As soon as readers pick up this engaging book, they will be pulled in by the intensity of the cover, the very first chapter title, “Something Strange”, and the characters’ interest in the intriguing “Mystery Shed” website. Pete… Continue reading The Invasion of Crooked Oak by Dan Smith & illustrated by Chris King

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Wulfie: Stage Fright by Lindsay J Sedgwick & illustrated by Josephine Wolff

Wulfie: Stage Fright is a delightful twist on some favourite fairy tales: Cinderella and The Three Little Pigs. Libby lives with her absentminded father, uncaring stepmother and nasty stepbrother. Her stepmother only has enough love for one child and her darling Rex can do no wrong. Meanwhile, it seems Libby can do nothing right. She’s… Continue reading Wulfie: Stage Fright by Lindsay J Sedgwick & illustrated by Josephine Wolff

Graphic Novel, Middle Grade Fiction

When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

When I first read this book, I hadn't had a lot of experience of graphic novels and really wanted to broaden my reading experiences. I was blown away by how clearly and boldly the message and emotion of the story was conveyed through the words and pictures. I was pulled into the story with Omar… Continue reading When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

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