Middle Grade: 24th September 2026 A magic mirror like none other, Lykewise is a folklore-themed thriller telling a terrifying story of dark forces and a sinister legend that leads readers to question "Are you looking at the mirror? Or does the mirror look at you?" When a travelling salesman passes through Harrowmere selling mirrors at… Continue reading Lykewise by Darren Simpson
Seven years ago, I discovered the beauty and wonder of The House with Chicken Legs as a part of the outstanding collection of stories shortlisted for the 2019 Leeds Book Awards. It was this group of books and authors that inspired me to begin exploring the depths of children literature in the UK and start… Continue reading The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away by Sophie Anderson & illustrated by Elisa Paganelli
Written with a cleverly crafted dual-narrative of an old story and the experiences of a modern girl, The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good is a completely captivating mystery. Hints of the unknown from the very first page will pull readers into this gripping story of folklore, threat and enchantment. This is a brilliantly unique take… Continue reading The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good by Kirsty Applebaum
Swanfall is a gorgeous combination of folklore and friendship. I adored Sophie Kirtley's other books but this is her best yet! Alternating between a modern story of bird conservation, wetland management and the enchanting beauty of nature and strange writing found in a mysterious old book telling the story of three children who went missing… Continue reading Swanfall by Sophie Kirtley
As midwinter draws near, King Winter's Birthday is the perfect book to share. Exploring the passing of the seasons through inticing folklore, it emphasises contrasting weather and the rhythms of the year. It was King Winter's birthday and he was planning a party. More than anything, he wanted his brother and sisters to visit: Queen… Continue reading King Winter’s Birthday by Jonathan Freedland & Emily Sutton
"She wasn't exactly sure where to go from here, but she now knew that, to move forward - to refill her life with friendship and adventure and joy - she needed to figure out how to face her fears and step out into the world once more." Sophie Anderson is known for her powerful reimaginings… Continue reading The Snow Girl by Sophie Anderson
There's a catfish under the islands of Japan;when it rolls, the land rises and falls. Exploring themes of identity, relationships, grief and ecology, and set in a world of Japanese myths, folklore and magical realism, Catfish Rolling is the debut YA novel by author Clara Kumagai. Since the rolling catfish caused an earthquake that destroyed… Continue reading Catfish Rolling by Clara Kumagai ~ Blog Tour
February 2023 The Sleeping Stones is an intriguing Welsh mystery. Gruff doesn’t like change. When Matylda and her family move to his Welsh island from Manchester, he doesn’t really want to have to look after her and teach her the ways of their unusual community. She just doesn’t understand about the Sleeping Stones – a… Continue reading The Sleeping Stones by Beatrice Wallbank
Wren is a glorious celebration of dark Welsh folklore, clever engineering and the power of a girl with a dream - all wonderfully woven together in a story of a house that seems to be alive, mysterious family history, the thrill of flight and a desire to be free. Wren is wild. Inspired by her… Continue reading Wren by Lucy Hope
Stories of people getting caught up with the faerie world have always called to me so when I saw The Blackthorn Branch, I knew I had to read it. In a Welsh village where everyone knows everyone else, Cassie and her cousin Sian are trying to cope with the sadness, silence and anger that envelopes… Continue reading The Blackthorn Branch by Elen Caldecott
Scope for Imagination 