Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Finn’s Epic Fails by Phil Earle

Finn's Epic Fails is a change of direction from Phil Earle's recent historical fiction masterpieces. More in line with books like Demolition Dad and Northern Soul, it is a warm-hearted, comedy delight! Al Murphy's fantastic illustrations add an extra layer of laughs, putting readers right in the middle of the story. Finn is struggling with… Continue reading Finn’s Epic Fails by Phil Earle

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, 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

Blog Tour, Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Shoe Creeper by Ian Hunter ~ Blog Tour

25th September 2025 Ian Hunter has gone from sci-fi to spooky in his third book! Full of autumn vibes and seriously scary moments, The Shoe Creeper is a fantastic story about cross-generational relationships, dealing with change and making sense of traditional tales. This is a book that will have readers on edge, checking over their… Continue reading The Shoe Creeper by Ian Hunter ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Swanfall by Sophie Kirtley

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

Book Review, Picture Books

Delightful Picture Books

The Great Nut Hunt by Karl Newson & Nia Havilliard (Scholastic - August 2025) There's something so delightful about squirrel stories! These cute, charming creatures are always on the go and always in some sort of trouble. In The Great Nut Hunt, Squirrel has collected too many nuts. When they won't fit in his tree,… Continue reading Delightful Picture Books

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

When the Storm Comes by Polly Ho-Yen

When the Storm Comes is a powerful and perilous story of courage, teamwork and trust. Incredibly thought-provoking, it challenges readers to consider the very real impact of climate change, their own survival skills and how they might respond in an emergency. Leadership, resourcefulness and the ability to put the needs of others ahead of your… Continue reading When the Storm Comes by Polly Ho-Yen

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction, Non-fiction Books

Discover the Magic

How to Get Magically Popular by Radhika Sanghani (Usborne - August 2025) Is being able to see the future a gift or a curse. Sabina just wants to fit in but struggles with popularity. Being the only Indian girl at her new school makes it even harder. She misses her friends and really doesn't want… Continue reading Discover the Magic

Book Review, Non-fiction Books, Picture Books

Making Connections with Nature

Nature Heroes by Lily Dyu (Nosy Crow - June 2025) Nature Heroes is a fascinating collection of twenty biographies about significant individuals who work hard to protect our world. While some humans are destroying nature through their actions, these heroes are standing up to the threats facing plant Earth and inspiring others to do the… Continue reading Making Connections with Nature