Windrush Child

The England Leonard arrives in feels a world away from Jamaica: it's cold, the people are unfriendly and the father he has come to live with is a stranger. At school, the children are horrible and the teachers don't expect him to succeed. At home, his family struggle to reconnect and secrets from the past threaten to tear them apart. At its heart, Windrush Child explores what it means to be British in a way that has never felt more relevant.

Windrush Child is a moving and powerful novel which will give young readers an important and emotive insight into the experiences of the Windrush generation. It is essential reading on a part of recent British history which is still crucially relevant today, making it a valuable addition to any classroom or school library. 

Zephaniah's writing is captivating from the first page, drawing readers into Leonard's world and making this book difficult to put down as it races towards its heartbreaking conclusion.

Windrush Child is part of the Voices series, produced by Scholastic and this novel is endorsed by Amnesty International, with an endnote explaining the current relevance and context in which Windrush Child has been written. This story is perfect for readers who want to learn more about this period of recent British history, to understand the Windrush scandal, or to read a book which champions inclusivity and diversity. 

If you'd like to read more about Windrush Child, the Booktrust posted a brilliant interview with author Benejamin Zaphaniah here.

Thank you Scholastic for sending me a copy of Windrush Child to review. 

Kingdom of the Wicked

Twins Emilia and Vittoria are both witches, but that's where their similarities end. Vittoria is bold and daring, Emilia cautious and reserved. Emilia is more interested in cooking in her family restaurant than inviting danger into her life, but when Vittoria is brutally murdered, Emilia will go to any lengths for revenge - even if it means making a deal with a prince of Hell. 

I was completely swept up in the magic and romance of this novel and could not put it down (or stop thinking about it once I got to the end). 

The world building was a real highlight for me - and not just the magical elements, but the Sicilian setting too. Emilia's passion for food left me wishing I board the next plane to Sicily (or at the very least visit an Italian restaurant!) 

The love-hate relationship between Emilia and Wrath was really well done, with some twists at the end which have left me desperate for book two. 

Tensions run high throughout this story, and there are a lot of darker moments. It is a story which often deals with grief, loss and depression, as well as exploring aspects of the seven deadly sins. There are lots of mystery elements to the plot too, with twist that will keep you guessing until the very end. 

Thank you Hodder & Stoughton for letting me review Kingdom of the Wicked via NetGalley.

Picture This: Victor

Victor is a hunter who has just achieved his dream of shooting a cheetah. But when he goes to bed, dreams of a different kind take over, which will change the way Victor treats animals for the rest of his life.

Victor has a simple narrative, but will give young readers a lot to think about. It can be used to introduce children to complex topics, such as animal cruelty and hunting, but also more some they will find it easier to relate to, like fitting in and making amends for your mistakes. 

However, it is its illustrations which make Victor truly shine. This picture book is visually stunning with a striking colour pallet in orange, teal and grey. The cover is immediately eye catching and would be difficult to walk past in a shop without stopping for a closer look. Because I read it on the Netgalley app on my phone, I can't take any pictures which do it justice, but it's worth googling to take a look!

Thank you Pushkin Press for letting me review Victor through NetGalley

Is There Anybody Out There?

 

Explore the furthest reaches of space on a hunt for alien life in this fascinating new science book from Dara Ó Briain. 

Is There Anybody Out There? is full of science facts (and the occasional reference to science fiction) about the chances of finding life in space, and the scientists who are helping us search for it. 

Ó Briain's voice is strong and recognisable, and this book is packed with jokes, making it a lot of fun to read aloud. My daughter has laughed, gasped and asked endless questions throughout. 

Luan Valentine's illustrations make this book a visual treat, offering readers everything from water sports on Titan to naked aliens eating pizza (now there's a sentence I never expected to write...) The comic strip at the end of each chapter adds another element of humour and fun, and helped my daughter to visualise her own dreams of travelling into space. 

Is There Anybody Out There? would make a perfect Christmas present for children interested in science and space, or a great addition to a primary school library. 

Thank you Scholastic for sending me a copy to review. 

Is There Anybody Out There? is written by Dara  Ó Briain and illustrated by Luna Valentine. 

The Hat Full of Secrets

The Hat Full of Secrets

Henry's got a secret that's too big to share. Grandad suggests he keeps it under his hat, but the hat he lends Henry is still full of Grandad's own secrets, which fly off around the town. As Henry and Grandad track them down, they discover some secrets are best when they are shared. 

This is a wonderful story which my daughter loved. She kept guessing what each secret might be, based on the short, luggage label and we loved all of the little hints in the illustrations as to what Henry's secret might be. 

Wazza Pink's artwork is really special. It's full of bright colours and tiny details, and brings Henry and Grandad's secrets vividly to life. Henry is particularly adorable in his oversized Jones hat! I will definitely be on the look out for more of her artwork in the future.

The blurb describes this story as "timeless" and I can definitely see it being read in our house for many years to come. It is a story which celebrates family and family history, shared memories and secrets. 

 Thank you Little Tiger for sending me a copy to review. 

The Hat full of Secrets is written by Karl Newson and illustrated by Wazza Pink

Hide and Seek History: The Egyptians

Despite being written for slightly older children, The Egyptians has become a firm favourite with my three-year-old, who loves the complex flaps and fascinating artwork. I've lost count of the number of times we have now explored this story at bedtime. 

The Egyptians is visually stunning, with flaps-within-flaps and surprises on every page. It's also packed full of interesting facts about life in Ancient Egypt. Our favourite page is Life on the Nile, with its hungry crocodiles and busy waterways. Other pages tell readers about Egyptian gods, games and rulers, and there's even information about archeology. The pyramids feature on a stunning double page spread which shows them in both night and day, and the flaps reveal their historical and modern significance. 

Prabhat's illustrations are beautiful, with warm jewel tones and endless tiny details. I really hope this is the first in a series, as I would love to see similar stories about other historical civilisations and times. It's a fun format which brings history to life in a way that is fascinating and easy-to-follow. 

The Egyptians is perfect for fans of ancient history and budding historians.

Thank you Little Tiger for sending me a copy of The Egyptians to review. 

The Egyptians is written by Jonny Marx and illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

The Midnight Guardians

A beautiful story about finding hope in the darkest of places. 

WWII evacuee, Col is devastated when he learns his older sister will not be joining him for Christmas and runs away from his aunt Clare - straight into the welcoming arms of his childhood imaginary friends, who are a bit more solid and life-like than he remembered. His friends - The Guardians: King of Rouges (definitely not just Rouges), Mr Noakes (a badger in a waistcoat) and Pendlebury (a tiger who can change her size) - have left the spirit world to help Col save his sister from a terrible raid. 

With hints of Narnia and The Dark is Rising, I think this story will be hugely popular (and very deservedly so). The characters are wonderful - everything you could possibly hope for in imaginary friends - and vividly brought to life. Any child who has had an imaginary friend (or three) will love Col's guardians. 

The plot is tense and exciting, and I was never entirely sure how it was going to end. There's lots of humour too - everything from bogie monsters to fairies provide laughter in a story that could otherwise become quite dark, given the seriousness of its setting. 

Wild winter storms, folklore and magic make this an excellent book for reading on a cold winter night. It will make you feel grateful of those you love, and perhaps a little bit more imaginative too. 

Thank you Walker Books for providing me with an advanced copy of The Midnight Guardians for review.

Sounds of the Wild

Like Sounds of the Skies, Sounds of the Wild offers readers a vivid insight into some of Earth's most interesting island creatures. 

Within the pages of Sounds of the Wild, readers can take a trip to some of the world's most fascinating islands, populated by ring-tailed lemurs and mighty elephant seals. They can listen to Komodo dragons and humpback whales, and read about Galapagos tortoises and flying squirrels. 

The sounds make this picture book a multi-sensory experience which would work brilliantly in a classroom as well as at home. With maps, facts and beautiful artwork, this picture book is fascinating and informative, as well as entertaining. 

As with Sounds of the Skies, it is easy to dip in and out of, as well as reading cover to cover, and offers information about specific animals and locations for topic work, or a collection of facts that will entertain young readers who want to learn more about the world.

Sounds of the Wild is perfect for young nature fans and future Sir David Attenboroughs. I really hope there are more books to come in this series. 

Thank you Little Tiger for sending me a copy to review

Sounds of the Wild is written by Moira Butterfield and illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

Pandora's Jar

 In Pandora's Jar, Haynes explores popular figures from Greek Mythology, examining both how they are presented in Classical texts, and in modern re-workings. It makes for a rich, informative text, which is completely immersive and hard to put down. It's fascinating to see how even writers working at similar times told myths in very different ways, and I learnt a lot of sides to these characters' stories that I had never come across before. This book has left me keen to reread Euripides' plays, but also try some new authors too. 

This is definitely a book to read with a phone or laptop to hand, because Haynes discusses a lot of different works of art (both ancient and modern) and it's good to be able to look them up while reading! 

Haynes's voice and style are strong throughout, and it feels as though she could easily be talking to you on her radio show. I laughed a lot while reading this and it is Haynes's humour, as much as the subject matter, which makes this book such a success. 

This book will be popular with everyone from Classicists, to readers whose only knowledge of these characters comes from half-remembered children's stories. Haynes writes in a way that is accessible to all, but won't bore readers with a prior knowledge of the texts discussed. 

I have been talking about this book non-stop for the past few weeks, and really cannot recommend it enough.

I was sent a copy of Pandroa's Jar for review, via NetGalley

Fire Burn, Cauldron Bubble

This poetry book came out in September, but I wanted to post this review at a spookier time of year. Fire Burn, Cauldron Bubble, collected by Paul Cookson, is perfect for celebrating this year's rather different Halloween. 

There are classic, atmospheric favourites, such as Shakespeare's witches and Tennyson's The Kraken, but also lots of new poems to try. The Song of the Witches (When Their Internet Wasn't Working) by Stan Cullimore was an instant favourite of mine, as was Magic Love Potion by Liz Brownlee

It is a collection you can dip in and out of, and I've had lots of fun reading it aloud to my children, who also loved Eilidh Muldoon's illustrations. 

My daughter really enjoyed I Feel Like I Know Them - immediately guessing who the poem was about when I read it to her. 

So many of these poems will bring peals of laughter in classrooms and at home. But as well as laughs, there are fantastic twists - Oh How I Love A Unicorn will go one of two ways with young readers! Somewhere in the Library would be perfect to display on school library walls.

Fire Burn, Cauldron Bubble is also a perfect collection for engaging children with poetry and inspiring them to create a ghostly poem of their own. 

Thank you Bloomsbury for sending me a copy of Fire Burn, Cauldron Bubble to review via NetGalley

Peep Through Adventures

Three lovely Little Tiger stories filled with peep through fun.

Yawn

Just looking at the front cover of this picture book makes me want to go to sleep!

In this lovely bedtime story, a yawn travels out of the house, down the street, around the world and even into space before returning to a little boy, tucked up in bed and fast asleep.  

This is a perfect story to read at bedtime. It encourages lots and lots of yawning, but it's also funny and full of things to delight in. 

Yawn has been beautifully designed, with peep-through pages and cut outs. The house at the beginning is really clever and eye catching, and my son loves turning the pages. Even planets, comets and aliens aren't immune to the "viral" yawn. Cats of roof tops, and elves at the north pole are also caught yawning. There's so much to see and enjoy on every page. 

Yawn is written by Patricia Hegarty and illustrated by Teresa Bellon

Home

 

The peep-through fun continues in Home, a beautiful rhyming story which explores and celebrates the homes of woodland creatures. 

Discover dens and burrows, nests and dreys in this beautiful picture book, which has been superbly designed and is filled with Teckentrup's wonderful illustrations. My children loved the busy rabbits' warren and the wolves' snowy, moonlit scene. 

The writing is lyrical and lovely to read around. The repetition of 'wherever we may choose to roam, we need a place to call our home' gives this story a comforting, cosy feel. It's a perfect story for cuddling up with at bedtime, though in a very different way to yawn. 

Home is written by Patricia Hegarty and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup

Moon

Moon is a celebration of night-time around the world. From parrots in the jungle, to jellyfish bobbing in the waves, the moon shines down on all of Earth's wildlife in this lovely, board book version of Teckentrup's peep through story.

This is a beautifully designed, sturdy little book which will survive exploration from the smallest (and roughest!) of fingers. 

Moon is filled with Tecekntrup's trademark beautiful artwork. It has everything from snowy skies above puffins and penguins, to bursts of vibrant colour, despite the night-time setting. 

The soft, rhyming words are lovely too, making this a wonderful, soothing bedtime story.

Moon is written and illustrated by Bretta Teckentrup

Thank you Little Tiger for sending me copies of these stories to review.

Little Tiger Middle Grade

Today I'm posting reviews for a bumper selection of Little Tiger Autumn releases. Containing skeletons, mermaids, dragons and robots, there's so much to enjoy in these brilliant Middle Grade titles (and plenty of Halloween fancy-dress inspiration too!). 

Skeleton Keys: The Legend of Gap-Toothed Jack

Skeleton Keys is back with another adventure, this time banishing a misbehaving Ghost Writer to somewhere she won't be able to rewrite everyone's stories. But when he accidentally sends her back in time, Mr Keys will have to enlist the help of friends old and new to stop a story-writing disaster. 

As in the Stitch Head series, Bass plays with words for brilliant comic effect. The whole concept of bringing a 'ghost writer' to life is fantastically funny and leads to lots of clever jokes. I laughed aloud a lot while reading this, and it will be a hit with younger readers too.

Pete Williamson's artwork adds a touch of Gothic to every page. The Legend of Gap-Toothed Jack is a fantastic choice for Halloween reading, containing everything from time travelling skeletons to clown monsters, and a wickedly funny back-to-front girl. 

Skeleton Keys celebrates the joy of imagination and encourages readers to let their own run wild (so long as Wordy Gerdy isn't about!)

This book is perfect for: Halloween and monster fans, and readers with huge imaginations.

Mermaids Rock: The Ice Giant

The third book in the Mermaid's Rock series, The Ice Giant, is full of magical underwater fun and friendship, just like the first two. 

When Marina's dad goes on a journey to the arctic, he promises to stay in touch. But days past without news, and Marina and her friends become worried. When they follow him to the arctic, they discover he isn't the only one in need of rescue. 

This story is full of friendship and teamwork, with the Save the Creatures Club's pets working together to save the day. Each animal has its own strengths and skills and they come together to make an unstoppable team. 

This book is perfect for: mermaid fans, sea-creature enthusiasts, and readers who want to save the environment. 

My Babysitter is a Robot, Is My Teacher a Robot? A Robot Ate My Grandma

This wonderful series written by Dave Cousins and illustrated by Catalina Echeverri is full of laughter and fun. Jake and Jess's grandma is an amazing inventor, creating from automatic porridge machines to robotic babysitters. When Robin the robot babysitter first arrives, Jake and Jess aren't sure what to make of his strange outfits and rigid rules, or the fact that he treats their dog, Digby, like a third child. 

Over the course of the trilogy, Robin is stolen by the man next door, becomes a substitute teacher and helps the twins rescue their kidnapped grandma. But most of all,  he becomes an invaluable member of the family - and someone the twins wouldn't want to be without. This series will be a hit with young readers and have them laughing from beginning to end. 

This book is perfect for: fans of robots, sibling rivalry, and babysitting chaos. 

Dragon Detective: Sky High

Holly and Dirk are back on the case and this time the stakes are sky high. Holly's recently acquired dragon powers help her to keep tabs on her stepmum's suspicious new employer, while Dirk hunts for a missing Sea Dragon. With the ever-precent threat of war, and rumours that the Sky Dragons have returned, can Holly and Dirk get to the bottom of both cases, and save human and dragon kind, before it's too late? 

Filled with twists and double crosses, and introducing some fun new characters, Sky High is a brilliant addition to the Dragon Detective series. I really enjoyed the chattering Alba, and Holly's new human friend, Archie, echoes readers' joy and amazement as the adventure unfolds. There is plenty of fun from old characters too, with Arthur and Reg keen to turn over a new leaf, and Karnataka's loyalties as unpredictable as ever. 

Ivor Klingerfilm's Dragonlore adds depth to the magic of Holly and Dirk's world, and Sky High's ending leaves readers in no doubt that there is more fun (and peril) to come from this brilliant detective pair. 

This book is perfect for: fans of dragons, mystery and fast-paced stories with plenty of twists. 

Thank you Little Tiger for sending me this brilliant selection of books to review.

Pirate Stew

Two children are left alone with a piratical babysitter in this swashbuckling story of stew and adventure! When there's nothing for dinner in the fridge, Long John McRon and his friends make a batch of pirate stew. From onions and carrots to mermaids tears and wooden planks, this stew has a bit of everything! But watch out: eat it and you'll become a pirate too! 

This picture book is a treat from beginning to end! My children loved it from its very first reading and we've enjoyed it many times since then. The refrain is easy to remember and is something we've all started repeating. 

The stew's ingredients are really fun to read and prompted lots of discussion and shock in our house. My three year old has since checked that I'm definitely serving him soup and not pirate stew at dinner time! 

Chris Riddell's art work is bright and full of brilliant, larger than life characters. Long John McRon bursts from the page and the joyful pirate crew will stay with readers long after they've finished reading. 

This is a babysitting experience like no other. Be careful what you eat! 

My daughter won a copy of Pirate Stew to review on Toppsta.

Pirate Stew is written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Christ Riddell

Zombierella

When a book turns rotted and rancid, what happens to the fairytales inside? Do they still brim with sweetness and light? Or do they become something altogether darker... Something deadly...

When Cinderella slips on a "shiny surprise" on the stairs and dies, her happily ever after could easily have died with her. Fairy godmother's are in short supply in the afterlife, but Death herself comes to give Cinderella one last taste of life. Cinderella shall go to the ball... As a Zombie. 

A funny verse story children will love, with art work in equal parts sweet and disgusting. Zombierella is a deliciously gruesome twist on a well loved tale - this is Cinderella (and her prince) as you've never seen them before. You can forget about glass slippers and pumpkins in this twisted tale. 

The three fake sisters are brilliant and will have children squealing in revulsion and delight - especially when the prince comes calling. 

This story is perfect for in the classroom, or for children who want a little more darkness in their fairytales. 

I was sent a copy of Zombierella to review, via NetGalley

Zombierella is written by Joseph Coelho and illustrated by Freya Hartas

Theodora Hendrix and the Monstrous League of Monsters

Theodora Hendrix has had an unusual upbringing, full of mischievous werewolf cubs, a talking tarantula and a mummy who is, quite literally, a mummy. But she loves her life with the Monstrous League of Monsters, and can't imagine a better place to live. When menacing letters begin to arrive, threatening the monstrous-family she loves, Theodora is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. 

This book is so much fun! I really loved the mysterious narrator, who seems to know a lot about what is going on, but keeps their identity under wraps. They constantly address the reader, which will draw children into the story, and are fond of complaining about grown-ups (making this a fun one for parents and teachers to read aloud!)

Theodora is a great protagonist: brave, caring, but also keen to make a human friend (so much that she's willing to sit through chess club run by her horrible headteacher). All of the monsters in MLM were well defined, with individual quirks and personalities - from opera singing ghosts to werewolves who eat bones in front of human guests. And the house itself is full of blinking eyes and forgetful gargoyles. There's a lot of humour in Theodora's inventive attempts to convince her new friend Dexter that her house is completely normal.

The illustrations are excellent and really bring the story to life (I especially loved Sherman). They didn't quite show up properly on the digital version from NetGalley, so I'm really looking forward to buying the finished book so my daughter and I can enjoy them properly. 

Theodora Hendrix is a great book for younger fans of spooky stories, who want humour alongside their monsters. A perfect halloween read. 

I was sent an advanced copy of Theodora Hendrix and the Monstrous League of Monsters for review. 

It is written by Jordan Kopy and illustrated by Chris Jevons

Picture This: The Knight who Might

You can't always be the best at everything, but this funny picture book celebrates determination, hope and being the very best YOU can be, no matter what. 

The knight who might, may not be very good at riding his horse, or using his sword, or wearing his armour, but he refuses to let that stop him from chasing his dreams. His magical companions are quick to remind him of his shortcomings and the likelihood of failure, but the knight who might won't give up. Someone has to win the tournament, and it might just be him. 

Full of funny speech and plenty of disaster, this story had us giggling throughout. It celebrates never giving up on your dreams and trying your hardest no matter what, which is such a positive message to have in a picture book. 

Beckett's artwork is very funny too. I particularly liked the facial expressions of the horse, sword and helmet. 

The Knight who Might is written by Lou Treleaven and illustrated by Kyle Beckett

Thank you Maverick Publishing for sending me a copy to review

Malice in Underland

Malice isn't like the other Maligns. While her parents are out making mischief with her little sister Antipathy-Rose, Malice would rather read a book or play cards with her ghostly grandad. When grandad ghosts start disappearing - including Malice's own - Malice ventures down into Underland to solve the mystery with her Uncle Vex and bring Grandad home. 

Malice in Underland is full of magic, mischief and fun! This story is really hard to put down and I loved every moment. 

Underland was vividly described, with everything from floating heads outside of pubs, to vegan vampires running hipster coffee shops. There's food, drink and some disgusting street sellers. Jennings' attention to detail is incredible and really brings this world to life, encouraging readers to dive headfirst into Underland with Malice. 

The characters are fantastically gothic and Hannah Peck's illustrations are brilliant - I especially loved Ma, Pa and the King's Head. Despite her magical streak, Malice is extremely relatable; she's desperate to fit in with her family and is used to hiding parts of her personality to do so. I really loved that Ma and Pa aren't stereotypically nasty parents who punish Malice for being different - they love her as much as she loves them and this family, if a little unusual, is one readers will wish they were part of. 

The mystery elements are well developed too, with plenty of clues for readers to watch out for, a riddle to solve and a lot of travelling through Underland. I'm so excited to see that this is the first in a series as I definitely want to see more from this wonderful cast of characters. 

Malice in Underalnd is a perfect Halloween read that will help you forget all about trick-or-treating this October (I'd be too worried the Maligns might have done something to the sweets, anyway!)

Blog Tour and competition: Midnight Magic

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Midnight Magic! I was so excited to read this magical verse story which is full of gorgeous purple illustrations.

Midnight is a magical kitten looking for a family who will appreciate how special and fun he really is. When he meets Trixie, they pair become immediate friends and go on a magical nighttime adventure - bringing her Dad and Nan along for the ride too!

I read this story with my six year old as soon as it arrived and we both loved it. Midnight is a mischievous main character and we could never guess what he would get up to next. The verse made this so much fun to read aloud. 

My post today (kindly provided by Little Tiger) is all about bubble poems!

In Midnight Magic, our fearless kitten hero attempts to impress Trixie and say thank you by sharing some bubble based pranks!

We can use a bubble as a starting idea to make our own poems.

Draw six bubbles spaced out on a blank piece of paper, and put a word in each one! These words could be a noun or an adverb, the more outlandish the better.

Use the activity sheet below as a starting point to think of some ideas.

Using your imagination, think of a way to link each bubble together. 

Is the word in the bubble the one that rhymes? How do you get from one to the other? Remember with Midnight Magic, this could be as simple as a spell.

Share your poems for a Midnight paw of approval. And hopefully your imagination will start to fizzle, sparkle and pop with lots of new ideas.

Competition!

Little Tiger are giving away a CLASS SET of 30 copies, with a display kit (pictured below) to one lucky UK/Ireland class! To win this amazing prize and spread some Midnight Magic joy in a classroom you love, head over to Twitter. 

✨💜GIVEAWAY!💜✨

The lovely team @LittleTigerUK are letting me run a #giveaway for a CLASS SET of #MidnightMagic books by @MHarrison13 & @ElissaElwick!

To win a set of 30 copies and a display kit for a school of your choice, FW + RT by midnight Monday 26th October! pic.twitter.com/vo2Prqwmb1

— Heather James/Fishwick (@MakexBelieve) October 20, 2020

Rumblestar: Audiobook

This is my very first audiobook review! 

I listed to Rumblestar through the NetGalley app, which (before it updated and stopped working properly) meant I could listen while doing everything from housework to running. 

Casper Tock lives a life full of strict timetables and hiding in lost property baskets. When he finds himself in Rumblestar, accompanied by the adventurous, stormy Utterly, with the fate of worlds both magical and more familiar at stake, all he wants to do is go home. He definitely doesn't want to set out on a journey that will see him face drizzle hags and storm ogres, or - more terrifying than anything else - consider making a friend.  

If you want an example of brilliant, limitlessly magical and amusing world building, look no further than an Abi Elphinstone novel. 

Casper and Utterly are brilliant characters who readers will instantly warm to. Casper's loneliness will strike a cord with anyone who has ever felt afraid to make a friend, and the emotional journey he goes through over the course of the novel is as uplifting as the dramatic one. 

Nicky Diss's narration added an extra level of enjoyment to this story, and she had me giggling throughout as she brought Casper, Utterly and their companions vividly to life.  

This definitely won't be the only time I listen to this story as an audiobook as I think my fantasy-loving six year old will really enjoy it too. 

Barrington Stoke October Releases

Magical maps for saving worlds, hilarious Shakespeare retellings and adventures in the Amazon Rainforest - Barrington Stoke's October releases have it all!

The Griffin Gate by Vashti Hardy

Grace dreams of being a warden like her mother and brother and saving people using the Griffin Map. Fed up of being told she's too young for the responsibility, when the perfect opportunity presents itself, Grace takes matters into her own hands and sets off into the unknown. But will she be the one in need of rescuing? 

Full of fantasy, fun and family, The Griffin Gate is going to be very popular in school libraries. Grace was an instantly likeable and relatable character, who is desperate to have the same grown up responsibilities as her older brother. Aided by a clockwork companion and a teleporting map, there's nothing Grace can't do when she puts her mind to it. There's plenty of mystery and tension in this story too, so its guaranteed to keep readers on the edge of their seats, desperate to find out what happens next. 

Rock Bottom A Midsummer Nightmare

Nick is in love with Jessie, but she doesn't even know he exists. In a final attempt to win her heart before she moves to drama school, Nick plans to take the lead in the school production A Midsummer Night's Dream. His plan crumbles when he's cast as the comedic relief, Bottom, instead. But Robyn, the school prankster, has a plan to see him take centre stage... 

Full of comic chaos and Shakespearean fun, this story is a brilliant way to introduce audiences to the plot of A Midsummer Night's Dream and provide lots of laughs along the way. Nick and Robyn's plan goes from bad to worse, before reaching its explosive conclusion. 

The plot of A Midsummer Night's Dream is explained really well, in a clear and simple to follow way (despite how complicated it is!) and Bottom's play makes a special appearance. 

World Burn Down

Carlos's mum works for an organisation which protects the Amazon rainforest from illegal activity. Her job is dangerous, not just for herself, but also for Carlos. Kidnapped by a gang who want to keep his mum out of the way, Carlos finds himself lost in a forest filled with fire and criminals. The beauty of the rainforest is eclipsed by wildfire and destruction, and there is danger at every turn. Can Carlos survive as the world burns down around him? 

World Burn Down is full of danger and excitement, with an important environmental message. This story is incredibly gripping and will leave readers with a lot to think about. The author's note at the end contains some practical suggestions on how to save the rainforest, and the planet. This story will appeal to readers looking for a fast paced adventure, but also to fans of Greta Thunberg who want to learn how to protect the environment. 

The Queen of King Street

When the queen's brother gambles away the crown, the royal family are forced out of Buckingham palace and into a small house of King Street. With no room for horses, a lack of servants and no more private school, the royals struggle to adjust. Why do the people of King Street get so angry when the royals tell them what to do? And will the queen ever adapt to eating pot noodle for dinner? 

This story is very funny. It's a light-hearted look at how we should treat people, the value of community and friendship, and adapting to change. There are lots of laugh out loud moments, although it is at its end that this story really made me smile. 

Thank you so much Barrington Stoke for sending me this brilliant bunch of books to review!

Picture This: Afraid of the Dark

Moving to a new place can be scary, especially at night-time, but this beautifully designed, very sweet picture book will help young readers to feel at home. 

Amy is moving house with her dad and their dog, Pickle. She's not sure she likes her new house, or her new room - especially not at nighttime, when the shadows outside are scary and unusual. But kind new friends, a bedtime story and some very special stars soon help her to settle in. 

Afraid of the Dark is a brilliant story for little ones who are about to move house, or for children who are afraid of the dark. It explores making new friends and feeling comfortable in new places. 

The illustrations are really sweet, with a soft muted colour scheme that adds to this story's bedtime feel. I loved Amy's bunny, and my children and I would really like to visit her local library!

Afraid of the Dark is written by Sarah Shaffi and Isabel Otter and illustrated by Lucy Farfort

Thank you Little Tiger for sending me an advanced copy for review. 

Chris Riddell's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Chris Riddell's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a visual delight and will be loved by Alice fans young and old. 

Every page has been illustrated, in a mixture of black or white, and full colour, making this a perfect story for children who are ready for something longer at bedtime, but still want pictures on every page (something I am always on the look out for!) 

Classic characters have been reimagined in new and surprising ways, bringing a fresh perspective and unexpected twists. We watched an event hosted by the British Library last weekend, and watching Riddell draw these characters was fascinating. My six year old particularly loves the Mad Hatter's tea party, the Red Queen, with her heart shaped dress and hair, and Alice playing croquet. I think my favourite page might be the sisters in their treacle well, although the Dormouse is also particularly adorable. 

There are lots of extra details, such as Carroll's boat trip with the Liddell sisters, and Riddell's Alice looks very like photos of the real Alice Liddell.

This edition of Alice would make a perfect Christmas present, both for children who have yet to discover the story, or for older readers who are firm fans. This is a book I can see us returning to again and again, and it will be a firm favourite on our bookshelf for years to come. 

Thank you so much Macmillan Children's Books for sending me a copy for review.

New Frontier Publishing Picture Books

New Frontier have some lovely titles out this Autumn. Here's a mini review of their September releases. 

What's in My Lunchbox? 

This simple, fun picture book will have children giggling on every page!

A little boy opens his lunchbox and is disappointed to find an apple. But when on subsequent days he finds a live fish, a dancing bear and a dinosaur, he decides that, on balance, apples aren't so bad after all!

This story was an immediate hit with my children - particularly my three-year-old. We really like Peter Carnavas stories and this one is lots of fun. The first time we read it, we were never sure what was going to happen next and it hasn't lost its charm on subsequent rereads. 

Kat Chadwick's artwork is cute and funny, bringing this series of surreal lunches to life. 

What's in my Lunchbox is written by Peter Carnavas and illustrated by Kat Chadwick

Ruby and Graham

Ruby and Graham are best friends who are very different: Ruby loves to party, but Graham would rather keep things organised. But when Graham watches how much fun the other animals are having with Ruby, he decides it might be time for a change - he can be fun too, can't he? 

Wishing you were more like someone else often leads to disaster, and this story is no different. Ruby and Graham is a wonderful story about being yourself, but also about working together with friends. Being organised doesn't mean that you can't have fun, and sometimes the best fun of all takes a little organisation and planning.  

I really love Barnard's illustrations, which is bright and sweet. They are full of fun details like Graham's purple hat, and my children looked at the double page spread of animal disasters for ages, spotting all of the individual calamities. 

Ruby and Graham is written and illustrated by Lucy Barnard

Yellow Dress Day

Ava has a different coloured dress for every day, depending on the weather. But one morning she wakes up and can't find her yellow dress anywhere. An old box of dressing up clothes provides some surprising solutions, and ensures Ava has the best yellow dress day ever.

The artwork is lovely and the text is lyrical and full of rich imagery. My daughter was so inspired by this lovely story that she wrote her own version, complete with pictures. 

Some of the proceeds from the sale of Yellow Dress Day go to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. 

Yellow Dress Day is written by Michelle Worthington and illustrated by Sophie Norsa

My Life as a Cat

A beautiful novel about family, friendship and life on earth.

An inter-galactic mixup leaves Leonard stuck on earth as a cat, many days journey from his pick up point in Yellowstone. Befriended by a human girl called Olive, Leonard tries to make the most of his time on earth, experiencing everything from cheese sandwiches to monopoly. But Olive, her self-confidence shattered by her mum's new boyfriend, on the verge of a move to another state, needs just as much help as Leonard. With road trip adventures, bison and a desperate dash to Old Faithful, will Leonard make it home before it's too late?

My Life as a Cat is a touching, emotional story with so much heart. It uses its unlikely friendship to explore what it means to be human, while racing towards an exciting, geyser filled conclusion. 

Olive was a special character who I think lots of readers will see themselves in - anyone who knows what it's like to be considered weird, or to appreciate the value of one true friend. Over the course of the novel,  with lots of encouragement from Leonard and the inhabitants of Turtle Beach, Olive learns to accept herself and not let other people's negative opinions change how she sees herself. 

My Life as a Cat is a touching Middle Grade which will stay with you long after you've finished the final page. 

Thank you Nosy Crow for sending me a copy of My Life as a Cat by Carlie Sorosiak to review