Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Fear by Tom Palmer & illustrated by Robin Boyden

The Fear is an absolutely brilliant book for helping young people recognise and cope with anxiety. Kian used to love playing football but an experience with a tough coach who delighted in making his players feel small created "the fear" inside him. When this anxiety takes over, Kian is terrified of doing something wrong and… Continue reading The Fear by Tom Palmer & illustrated by Robin Boyden

Book Review, Chapter Book

Grimogen Darkstar: Bat-Cat-Tastrophe by Emma Finlayson-Palmer

Perfect for fans of the Mirabelle books by Harriet Muncaster, Grimogen Darkstar is a delightful little grim reaper dreaming of finding the perfect pet. With her cat-ear headband, shimmery mermaid notebook and fluffy pencil, the only thing missing is what she really, really wants - a magical pet. When Immi volunteers at the Howler's Rescue… Continue reading Grimogen Darkstar: Bat-Cat-Tastrophe by Emma Finlayson-Palmer

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Game Over by Serena Patel & illustrated by Louise Forshaw

Game Over! is a fantastic story for children making the move to secondary school and trying to find themselves in the crowd. Jay has just started Year 7 and thinks he goes to the worst school in the world. He doesn't enjoy PE or team games of any kind, which is tricky when all his… Continue reading Game Over by Serena Patel & illustrated by Louise Forshaw

Blog Tour, Book Review, Chapter Book

The Appletree Animal Agency: Collie Chaos by Katya Balen & illustrated by Gill Smith ~ Blog Tour

Blurb: Snow and puppies cause Christmas chaos in a heart-warming animal rescue story set in a cosy village from Carnegie-winner Katya Balen and beloved illustrator Gill Smith - the perfect gift for kids who love pets, animals and all things vets. The Appletree Animal Agency have found three brand-new clients: a terrapin called Algernon, a ginger… Continue reading The Appletree Animal Agency: Collie Chaos by Katya Balen & illustrated by Gill Smith ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Chapter Book

The Moonlight Mystery Agency: The Puzzling Paw Prints by Vashti Hardy & Agnes Saccani

The Puzzling Paw Prints is the second gorgeous story in Vashti Hardy's The Moonlight Mystery Agency series. Ideal for young readers age 5+, this Barrington Stoke Little Gem is full of adventure, fun and satisfying reading challenge. Agnes Saccani's delightful illustrations bring the relatable story to life. Hana, like many children, is worried about starting… Continue reading The Moonlight Mystery Agency: The Puzzling Paw Prints by Vashti Hardy & Agnes Saccani

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Maisie vs the Himalayas by Jack Jackman

I adored Maisie vs Antarctica - full of adventurous spirit, delightful humour, heart-stopping danger and the most unexpected magic! The sequel, Maisie vs the Himalayas, is just as brilliant! Maisie's dad is writing his latest "How to..." book which means there's lots of exploring to do. They head off to Bhutan in the Himalayas in… Continue reading Maisie vs the Himalayas by Jack Jackman

Blog Tour, Book Review, Guest Post, Middle Grade Fiction

Aliens Made Me Do It by David Macphail, illustrated by Rory Walker ~ Blog Tour

Aliens Made Me Do It is a hilarious story of bizarre aliens, everyday kids and saving the world! I'm delighted to welcome author David Macphail to Scope for Imagination with a guest post about why humour is such a powerful tool when writing for children. This book is definitely one that will bring readers together… Continue reading Aliens Made Me Do It by David Macphail, illustrated by Rory Walker ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Quill and the Last Generation by C.M. Lewis

Quill and the Last Generation is the first in an exciting new middle grade fantasy series. Exploring the cycles of life, the fate of our souls and the power of magic in our lives, it whisks readers away to an enchanting world inspired by Welsh mythology. Quill lives in a land of permanent winter. He… Continue reading Quill and the Last Generation by C.M. Lewis

Blog Tour, Book Review, Guest Post, Middle Grade Fiction

Beastopia Creature of the Day ~ Blog Tour with a Guest Post by Author Chrissie Sains

It's a huge pleasure to welcome author Chrissie Sains to Scope for Imagination with a brilliant guest post introducing one of the fantastic characters in her new series, Beastopia! Hi, I’m Chrissie Sains, author of Beastopia, my brand new series for ages 7+. I’m absolutely kid-in-a-candy-store, bouncing-off-the-walls, tickled-pink, excited about this series! I’ve always had… Continue reading Beastopia Creature of the Day ~ Blog Tour with a Guest Post by Author Chrissie Sains

Blog Tour, Book Review, Guest Post, Middle Grade Fiction

The Feathered Book by Charlie Nutbrown ~ Blog Tour

Everything With Words - 11th September 2025 Embrace the mystery of The Feathered Book! Lose yourself in the unknown, search for clues and absorb the magic. This story will have readers captivated from start to finish. It's my pleasure to welcome author Charlie Nutbrown with a guest post about why children should read detective fiction.… Continue reading The Feathered Book by Charlie Nutbrown ~ Blog Tour