Book Review, Early Reader

The Guinea-Pig Party by Holly Webb & illustrated by Rosie Butcher

Holly Webb and Barrington Stoke make such a lovely partnership! Accessible and engaging, her stories are perfect for young animal lovers who are ready for slightly longer stories. Katy always wanted a pet. When she finds a guinea-pig in her mum's vegetable patch, she thinks her dreams have come true. She names it "Lettuce" and… Continue reading The Guinea-Pig Party by Holly Webb & illustrated by Rosie Butcher

Book Review, Teen, Young Adult

The Beck by Anthony McGowen

The Beck is a beautiful story of finding peace and purpose in the noise of the world. Kyle hasn't spent much time with his grandad so when his parents drop him off in a run-down neighbourhood on the east side of Leeds, he isn't happy. Grandad's eccentricities and his three-legged dog called "Rude Word" make… Continue reading The Beck by Anthony McGowen

Book Review, Chapter Book, Early Reader

Gruff Justice by Ross Montgomery & Marisa Morea

Gruff Justice is Ross Montgomery's third brilliantly bonkers story playing on a well-known traditional tale. The Three Billy Goats Gruff takes on a whole new meaning in this charming who-dunnit. Someone has taken a bite out of the birthday cake and the famer is fuming! Of couse he blames Big Goat Gruff who has a… Continue reading Gruff Justice by Ross Montgomery & Marisa Morea

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Me and My Brian by Helen Rutter

Me and My Brian is another entertaining and enriching story from Helen Rutter. Exploring the impact of family stress on relationships and mental health, it provides readers with very real strategies for dealing with an overactive brain that threatens to get the better of them. Josh has always had a mixed relationship with his brain… Continue reading Me and My Brian by Helen Rutter

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Boy at the Window by Lucy Strange & illustrated by Rohan Eason

Cuddle up under a blanket and keep the curtains closed! The queen of gothic tales, Lucy Strange, has done it again with a story that will send shivers down your spine. The Boy at the Window is a hauntingly gothic book inspired by dark stories of the 18th century. It will make a perfect addition… Continue reading The Boy at the Window by Lucy Strange & illustrated by Rohan Eason

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Brilliant Books by Jenny Pearson (Bigfoot and the Wild Boys & The Race Against Crime)

Jenny Pearson's stories are always an absolute delight with true-to-life characters dealing with issues in unique, laugh-out-loud ways. This Christmas break has brought two new books from Barrington Stoke and Usborne that are a joy to read and perfect for children of all ages. Bigfoot and the Wild Boys (Barrington Stoke) - January 2025 Joe… Continue reading Brilliant Books by Jenny Pearson (Bigfoot and the Wild Boys & The Race Against Crime)

Book Review, Chapter Book

The Moonlight Mystery Agency: The Birthday Cake Thief by Vashti Hardy

The Birthday Cake Thief is the first in a delightful new Little Gems series for young readers age 5+. Absolutely iconic Vashti Hardy, this vibrant story is a fabulous combination of STEM, action-packed adventure, engaging mystery and family connection. A bionic unicorn and a cog bunny named Gearlop join Hana and her new friend, detective… Continue reading The Moonlight Mystery Agency: The Birthday Cake Thief by Vashti Hardy

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Clockwork Key by Vashti Hardy

The dream team of Vashti Hardy and accessible publisher Barrington Stoke are back with the new Relic Hunters adventure series. Vashti's signature story elements shine through: a passion for STEM, the strength and intelligence of her characters, empowerment of girls, and inspiring adults who challenge young people to be true to themselves. Mabel and Will… Continue reading The Clockwork Key by Vashti Hardy

Book Review, Chapter Book

Midnight Adventures in Primrose Park by Helen Peters

Midnight Adventures in Primrose Park contains two beautiful stories about the dangers British wild animals face. With short chapters and appealing illustrations, readers are taken from the animals' natural habitats to the scary city. Dogs, barbed wire fences, cars and flooding threaten the animals' health and separate them from their families. Hassan's mum works for… Continue reading Midnight Adventures in Primrose Park by Helen Peters

Book Review, Teen, Young Adult

AdelAide Just Wants To Help by Melinda Salisbury

AdelAide Just Wants to Help is the second in a set of three standalone tech thrillers for age 11+. Published by Barrington Stoke, these scarily realistic stories are super accessible for teen readers (reading age 8+) with font, page tint and vocabulary that ease reading rather than distracting from the high-quality adventure. These stories are… Continue reading AdelAide Just Wants To Help by Melinda Salisbury