Book Review, Picture Books

The Thing at 52 by Ross Montgomery & Richard Johnson

July 2023 The Thing at 52 by Ross Montgomery & Richard Johnson is a beautiful, charming story of friendship, loss and learning to say good-bye. There’s a strange Thing living in the neighbourhood. Who is it? What is it? Why is it so alone? When a little girl decides to reach out in kindness (with… Continue reading The Thing at 52 by Ross Montgomery & Richard Johnson

Book Review, Young Adult

Ravencave by Marcus Sedgwick

Do you know who you are? James' dad is fascinated by family ancestry. On holiday in the Yorkshire Dales, they explore the ruins of an old farm house and other historic family locations. Mum has always been the one in tune with those who have lived before - having genuine ghostly experiences. But this time,… Continue reading Ravencave by Marcus Sedgwick

Middle Grade Fiction

My Name is Sunshine Simpson  by G.M. Linton

My Name is Sunshine Simpson is a delightful story of finding your way in the world with the support of those precious people who have come before - parents and grandparents who only want the best for you. Karis Sunshine Simpson is finding life tricky. There's a new girl in class who seems to be… Continue reading My Name is Sunshine Simpson  by G.M. Linton

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Boy Who Made Monsters by Jenny Pearson

In October 2019, I created my first post for Scope for Imagination. Today I'm celebrating my 700th post with a very special book. The Boy Who Made Monsters is everything that's good about children's literature. It is engaging, funny, heartfelt and speaks truth. It does not hide from issues faced by children. Instead, it approaches… Continue reading The Boy Who Made Monsters by Jenny Pearson

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Wild by Ele Fountain

Publishing: May 2023 Wild is the kind of story that stays with you. I found myself thinking about it in between reading sessions, wondering what was going to happen next in this fast-paced rainforest adventure. I was worried about the deeply troubled character of Jack and his relationship with his mum. When his father dies,… Continue reading Wild by Ele Fountain

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

The Wind Child by Gabriela Houston

The Wind Child by Gabriela Houston is a wonderful journey through traditional Slavic folklore. Perfect for fans of Sophie Anderson and The Girl Who Speaks Bear, this story weaves the reality of human grief and desire with magical powers not always understood or controlled. Mara is the granddaughter of the God of the Winter Winds.… Continue reading The Wind Child by Gabriela Houston

Blog Tour, Middle Grade Fiction

Orla and the Wild Hunt by Anna Hoghton ~ Blog Tour

I have been eagerly awaiting Orla and the Wild Hunt by Anna Hoghton and it is more than I could have ever hoped for! Dark folklore combines with the unbreakable spirit of children to create a story packed full of peril, sacrifice, loyalty, friendship and love. Orla doesn't sing anymore. The death of her mum… Continue reading Orla and the Wild Hunt by Anna Hoghton ~ Blog Tour

Blog Tour, Book Review, Picture Books

The Boy Who Rescued a Rainbow by Corrina Campbell ~ Blog Tour

Be STRONG, BRAVE and FEARLESS but what does that really mean? The Boy Who Rescued a Rainbow is the beautiful story of a child full of adventures. When he finds a damaged rainbow, he carefully repairs it until it is better than new. Together, they go on many more adventures until, one day, the rainbow… Continue reading The Boy Who Rescued a Rainbow by Corrina Campbell ~ Blog Tour

Book Review, Picture Books

The River by Tom Percival

The movement of the river, the changing of the seasons and the details of the beautiful setting lay the foundations for this powerful story about friendship, grief and healing. Rowan loves to play by the river with his fun-loving dog. The emotions of the river echo the emotions of the boy - light and joyful… Continue reading The River by Tom Percival

Book Review, Middle Grade Fiction

Daisy and the Unknown Warrior by Tony Bradman & illustrated by Tania Rex

Daisy and the Unknown Warrior is a powerful and important story commemorating the centenary of the burial of Britain’s Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey in November 1920. Tony Bradman tells the story from the point of view of Daisy, an 11-year-old girl, who lost her father in the First World War. “Missing, presumed dead”, he… Continue reading Daisy and the Unknown Warrior by Tony Bradman & illustrated by Tania Rex