"I thought you wanted to be scared." Phil Hickes is an absolute legend when it comes to middle grade horror. His Aveline Jones and Shadowhall Academy series have had readers on the edge of their seats but The Last Day of October is next level. Overflowing with autumn vibes, the thrill of North American Hallowe'en,… Continue reading The Last Day of October by Phil Hickes ~ Blog Tour
Ghosts in the Walls is the perfect short story collection for the spooky season. Super scary with a good dose of history, it will have readers checking over their shoulders and thinking twice before hanging around in dark museum corners. Written by top children's authors including Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Alexia Casale, Joseph Coelho, Larry Hayes, Jim… Continue reading Historic Royal Palaces: Ghosts in the Walls
I'm thrilled to welcome author Gatlin Perrin to Scope for Imagination with a guest post about the importance of "home". I don’t know a single person who doesn’t have mixed feelings about ‘home’, including myself. At first I was excited to leave my small Welsh hometown where you’re as likely to see a bus arrive… Continue reading Dirk Jones is NOT the Chosen One by Gatlin Perrin ~ Blog Tour
Tomorrow's Ghost is the captivating story of two girls brought together across time and space to become a part of each others stories in the most incredible way. It's the sweltering summer of 1976 when Anna is sent to stay with her great aunt Em in her isolated cottage in the countryside. Her new surroundings… Continue reading Tomorrow’s Ghost by Tanya Landman
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
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
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
I adored Maisie vs Antarctica - full of adventurous spirit, delightful humour, heart-stopping danger and the most unexpected magic! The sequel, Maisie vs the Himalayas, is just as brilliant! Maisie's dad is writing his latest "How to..." book which means there's lots of exploring to do. They head off to Bhutan in the Himalayas in… Continue reading Maisie vs the Himalayas by Jack Jackman
Aliens Made Me Do It is a hilarious story of bizarre aliens, everyday kids and saving the world! I'm delighted to welcome author David Macphail to Scope for Imagination with a guest post about why humour is such a powerful tool when writing for children. This book is definitely one that will bring readers together… Continue reading Aliens Made Me Do It by David Macphail, illustrated by Rory Walker ~ Blog Tour
Quill and the Last Generation is the first in an exciting new middle grade fantasy series. Exploring the cycles of life, the fate of our souls and the power of magic in our lives, it whisks readers away to an enchanting world inspired by Welsh mythology. Quill lives in a land of permanent winter. He… Continue reading Quill and the Last Generation by C.M. Lewis
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