Book Review, Picture Books

Perfect Picture Books – Autumn 2024

Click on the covers to find out more or purchase on-line from Bookshop.org: The Carousel Horse by Tony Mitton & Penny Neville-Lee (Bloomsbury) The Carousel Horse is an absolutely stunning story about following your dreams and finding out where you belong. Glittering carousels have such a magical appeal. There's always that 'what if'... What if… Continue reading Perfect Picture Books – Autumn 2024

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston Fright by Reece Carter

Readers will be thrilled that Reece Carter has written a second gothically brilliant story about two lovely ghosts, their giant spider and a brave lighthouse keeper. The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston Fright picks up less than a month after Corpse, Girl, Simon & Flip defeated the witches and moved on to a happier life. Just… Continue reading The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston Fright by Reece Carter

Blog Tour, Book Review

The World between the Rain by Susan Cahill ~ Blog Tour

The World Between the Rain is a bewitching story of loss and being lost then finding yourself again. Magic, the unknown and mysteries beyond human understanding challenge readers to look at grief in a new way and find connections with those they love. Marina and her family are struggling to cope with loss, each dealing… Continue reading The World between the Rain by Susan Cahill ~ Blog Tour

Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Boy in the Suit by James Fox ~ Blog Tour

The Boy in the Suit is an incredibly moving and powerful novel for readers age 9+ (and the adults who care for them). So compelling and real, I struggled to put it down. I wanted to step into the story and look after ten-year-old Solo who is so funny and charming but also trapped inside… Continue reading The Boy in the Suit by James Fox ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Sunshine Simpson: Friends Always and Forever by G.M. Linton

The Sunshine Simpson series is full of delightfully honest stories of family and growing up. A celebration of the Jamaican culture in the UK, Friends Always and Forever takes readers on an adventure all the way to the Caribbean. Sunshine's flamboyant Aunt Sharon has won the lottery with Grandad Bobby's lucky numbers and she's treating… Continue reading Sunshine Simpson: Friends Always and Forever by G.M. Linton

Book Review, Chapter Book

Wildsmith: The Hidden Sea by Liz Flanagan

Wildsmith by Liz Flanagan is the loveliest series for readers age 7+. Full of adventure and heart, these stories pull readers into the magic and provide characters to look up to. In the third instalment, The Hidden Sea, Rowan finds herself on the run as she tries to find her way back home to her… Continue reading Wildsmith: The Hidden Sea by Liz Flanagan

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Malory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull by Martin Howard

Spooky, laugh-out-loud funny and incredibly touching, Malory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull is undoubtedly one of the best new books of 2024. Aimed perfectly at readers age 9+, it will draw them in with its magic. Fans of Jenni Spangler's charming gothic adventures won't be able to put it down. Right from the… Continue reading Malory Vayle and the Curse of Maggoty Skull by Martin Howard

Book Review, Picture Books

Brilliant Picture Books to Share

The Boy, The Troll & The Chalk by Anne Booth & David Litchfield (Templar) Anne Booth has a gift for creating the most beautiful, empathy-filled stories of kindness, friendship and connection. In this wonderful partnership with David Litchifield, readers of all ages are challenged to look past what people say and how they act to… Continue reading Brilliant Picture Books to Share

Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Hollywood Kidnap Case by A.M. Howell

The Hollywood Kidnap Case is an absolutely unputdownable combination of cosy crime and intriguing historical fiction. Set in the tumultuous period between the world wars - the summer of 1936 - A.M. Howell has combined the golden age of ocean travel with the golden age of Hollywood glamour. Nods to Shirley Temple, Judy Garland and… Continue reading The Hollywood Kidnap Case by A.M. Howell

Book Review, Picture Books

My Grandma’s Magic Recipes by Ella Phillips & Camilla Sucre

My Grandma's Magic Recipes is a series of beautifully lyrical picture books that play with language through rhyme, alliteration and absolute joy. Celebrating the turning of the year, Zee and Grandma plant and harvest seasonal vegetables and have so much fun turning them into delicious foods. Whether it's pizza toast made with home-grown tomatoes or… Continue reading My Grandma’s Magic Recipes by Ella Phillips & Camilla Sucre