Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Ship of Shadows by Maria Kuzniar

The Ship of Shadows, beautifully crafted by Maria Kuzniar, is a book to be read slowly. Savour the intricate descriptions that cause the Spanish and Moroccan settings to leap of the page and into your imagination. Aleja is a girl hungry for adventure. Inspired by stories of explorers and pirates, she longs for a life… Continue reading The Ship of Shadows by Maria Kuzniar

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Esme’s Gift by Elizabeth Foster

I’m so excited to be a part of the blog tour for Esme’s Gift by Elizabeth Foster, published by Odyssey Books. This middle grade / young adult fantasy adventure is the sequel to the heart-stopping story Esme’s Wish. This is a story of time: the past and the present, time travel, time standing still, time… Continue reading Esme’s Gift by Elizabeth Foster

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Agent Asha: Mission Shark Bytes by Sophie Deen & illustrated by Anjan Sarkar

Agent Asha is a new series about a girl called Asha who is really good at coding. One day a kids’ spy agency emailed her because they needed her coding skills on a mission. Ireland’s internet cables under the sea were being attacked by sharks and Asha’s mission was to find out what was making… Continue reading Agent Asha: Mission Shark Bytes by Sophie Deen & illustrated by Anjan Sarkar

Book Review, Picture Books

Paris Cat by Dianne Hofmeyr & illustrated by Piet Grobler

1920’s Paris and a bold, adventurous cat who believes in herself from the tip of her tail to the ends of her whiskers makes for a wonderful combination! Cat starts life as a Paris alley cat – nothing special, nothing important but she has a dream. She wants to make something of herself and find… Continue reading Paris Cat by Dianne Hofmeyr & illustrated by Piet Grobler

Book Review, Non-fiction Books

Shark Super Powers by Jillian Morris & Duncan Brake, illustrated by Steve May

Shark Super Powers is an engaging encyclopaedia of extraordinary shark facts! Written by real shark experts and with an introduction by Steve Backshall, well-known naturalist and explorer, this book is perfect for readers who are already shark-obsessed and those who want to learn more about these amazing creatures. There are fascinating facts about fourteen unbelievable… Continue reading Shark Super Powers by Jillian Morris & Duncan Brake, illustrated by Steve May

Book Review, Picture Books

Rex The Rhinoceros Beetle by M.G. Leonard & illustrated by Duncan Beedie

Rex is a wonderful rhinoceros beetle who would love to be as fearless and as strong as his friend, Buster. Buster has so many big stories about all of his rainforest adventures and Rex is in absolute awe of him. However, Buster might not actually be as brave as he seems.  Will Rex be able… Continue reading Rex The Rhinoceros Beetle by M.G. Leonard & illustrated by Duncan Beedie

Book Review, Illustrated Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction

Do Not Disturb the Dragons by Michelle Robinson & illustrated by Sharon Davey

Girls can do anything and Grace is determined to prove it! Never mind the rules – 947 of them to be precise – telling her all of the things she can’t do! Do not climb the castle turrets, do not lie to the king, do not stay in the bath until your skin goes wrinkly… Continue reading Do Not Disturb the Dragons by Michelle Robinson & illustrated by Sharon Davey

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Poison Plot by Annabelle Sami & illustrated by Daniela Sosa

Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Poison Plot is the second brilliant book in the Agent Zaiba mystery series for children age 8+. The first, The Missing Diamonds, was published by Stripes Publishing in February 2020. It’s the day of the school summer fete – Zaiba’s favourite day of the whole year! There will be treats, games… Continue reading Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Poison Plot by Annabelle Sami & illustrated by Daniela Sosa

Illustrated Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction

Annalynn the Canadian Spy by Shawn Robinson

Annalynn the Canadian Spy: Terrible Tissues by Shawn Robinson is a slightly wacky and 100% fun Canadian mystery! This early chapter book for age 7+ is a welcome taste of home for Canadians living in the UK! 10-year-old Annalynn is just going about her everyday life and trying to look after her poorly family when,… Continue reading Annalynn the Canadian Spy by Shawn Robinson

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Wilde by Eloise Williams

Eloise Williams writes with magic and passion. Her latest book, Wilde, is the perfect combination of the everyday trials of Year 6 and a wonderfully mystical story. Wilde is a young girl with a whole collection of troubles. When she arrives at her aunt’s house in the town of Witch Point in Wales, she knows… Continue reading Wilde by Eloise Williams