Sky Pirates: Echo Quickthorn and the Great Beyond

11 year-old Echo Quickthorn has grown up believing that nothing exists outside the Kingdom of Albion, but everything changes when an eccentric professor parks his airship outside her window armed with a map that shows all the magical places that exist beyond the city walls. Together with her pet lizard, Gilbert, Echo sets off on an incredible adventure to find her missing mother; an adventure that will take her to unimaginable places… {goodreads summary}

This Middle Grade adventure novel is so much fun! Echo's story is full of twists and faced-paced action. There was a little bit of everything: chase scenes, mechanical dragons and (of course) pirates.  The plot was really tight and everything came together very well at the end (although I hope we discover what happened to the second hair pin in book two...)

The locations were wonderful and vividly described. I would love to visit the Violet Isles and Port Tourbillon. The man-eating fauna, beautiful butterflies and an assortment of pickled food brought English's world to life, creating a story that young readers will love to lose themselves in.  

Echo is a really strong protagonist - she's opinionated, brave, and never gives up. I loved her relationship with her pet, Gilbert, and her complicated friendship with Prince Horace. Both Echo and Horace undergo some really strong character development over the course of the novel, and it is heartwarming to watch them grow.

I really hope there's more to come from Echo, Gilbert and Horace. 

I was provided with an advanced copy of Sky Pirates by Alex English via NetGalley for review.

Picture This: Grumpy Fairies

A sweet picture book that will resonate with parents everywhere! 

This story is lots of fun. Everyone thinks fairies are sweet and helpful, but there are lots of fairies - usually the youngest ones - who are a "foot-stompy, frowny, bottom-lip-sticky-outy kind of grumpy" instead.

The grumpy fairies don't want to walk snails or water wildflowers. They're too busy stomping off through the forest to help the woodland animals they come across, or to notice the goblin who's been creeping up behind them...

Grumpy fairies are a goblin's favourite things to eat. Can these five fairies change their attitudes before it's too late? 

Grumpy Fairies is full of adorable illustrations and funny words. It will be a hit with anyone who loves fairies - and any grownups who are used to spending time with grumpy ones!

Picture This: The Sloth and the Dinglewot

A magical story of friendship and adventure. 

Samuel the sloth dreams of leaving his sleepy home and discovering the wonders of the forest beyond, but his family would rather sleep the day away and Samuel is afraid of what he might find outside the safety of his home. When a sparkling dinglewot arrives to lead him off on an adventure, Samuel discovers that facing your fears can lead to endless fun and new experiences. 

This is one of the prettiest picture books I've read this year! Every page is full of colour and joy. The cover sparkles with a beauty it's very hard to capture on camera and the inside is just as wonderful. I would buy other books illustrated by Amanda Enright immediately off the strength of this. 

The words were also lovely, encouraging readers to take risks by trying new things, and not to let their fears hold them back. Samuel and the dinglewot go on an adventure filled with animals, parties and flights through the jungle, providing non stop excitement and fun.

Thank you so much New Frontier Publishing for sending me a copy to review. 

Cinderella is Dead

This novel is amazing! Cinderella is Dead is one of the best YA novels I've read this year. I spent a few days walking around glued to my Kindle while reading it. Cinderella is Dead will be adored by teen readers who love political fantasies and dystopian novels about rebellion. 

I love fairytale retellings and this one was completely unique. Sophia's world is a fairytale morphed into a nightmare, bringing a new twist to the saying that history is written by the victor. 

Bayron's characters are superb. Sophia is strong, kind and determined not to follow the path set out for her by Lille's cruel king. In Cinderella is Dead, heroines don't need a handsome prince to save them from dark fates - they rescue themselves and tear unjust, patriarchal systems to the ground in the process. 

The novel has strong feminist themes, exploring the way society treats women, and the lives we should demand for ourselves. If you like the sound of a queer, fantasy version of Only Ever Yours (with a greater sense of hope) you'll love Cinderella is Dead.

Cinderella is Dead contains plenty of magic and twists that were difficult to anticipate. At its heart, however, is a beautiful romance, and Sophia and Constance's relationship is definitely one of this novel's main strengths. 

I know you should never trust a book by its cover, but this is one of the prettiest I've seen for ages. It will be seized eagerly off of bookshop and school library shelves, and I love how striking the title is too. There are definite hints in this story about other fairytales which might have been mis-told, and I would love to see this concept return in future books. 

Picture This: The Incredible Hotel

Stefan is a kitchen porter who dreams of being a chef. He starts every day at five am, making coffee to wake up the chef, and finishes at eleven pm, washing dishes and wishing his life contained more pastries than dirty plates.  When Stefan's leaves the hotel the night before an important guest is due to arrive, the Incredible Hotel discovers it may not be able to run without him, giving Stefan an opportunity to save the hotel and amaze his coworkers.

Isabelle Follath's artwork is very special. There's so much detail on every page, especially in the kitchen scenes, and I loved all the little touches Follath gives the hotel. However, the book's show stopper is Stefan's delicious profiterole tower, which my children could have admired for ages! 

The Incredible Hotel is a sweet story which shows that even the smallest of roles can be vitally important, and also encourages readers never to give up on their dreams. 

Every Little Piece of My Heart

I love Non Pratt's stories so I was really excited to start this one. It's another brilliant contemporary YA told from the perspective of four very different but equally engaging characters. 

Non captures teenage life in a way that will resonate with teen readers without feeling patronising. Sophie's refusal to think about her exams, the whole-life encompassing impact of friendships, family fallings out are just a few of the ways she creates authentic teenage characters. 

It was interesting to read about a teenage character with a chronic illness and Non's author note at the end is really informative. It's clear that Non really did her research before writing Every Little Piece of My Heart, and I've finished it feeling more empathetic, and also having learnt a lot about Lupus. But Sophie is far more than just her illness, and it doesn't define her character. She is loyal and funny and in desperate need of a friend. 

Every POV character was fun to read, and I was never disappointed when they switched. Win was strong and stable and she kept the peace. Her story will resonate with lots of readers. Lucas's toxic friendship with Kellan is something many teenagers will relate to as well - the conflict between knowing someone isn't a good friend for you, but wanting to keep them in your life because you're afraid of letting go. Ryan was different again, believing himself to be unloveable and pushing everyone away. 

Although the shining star of Every Little Piece of My Heart wasn't a POV character at all, but Sunny. She was an absolute delight and impossible not to love. I also found it fascinating how much Freya dominated the narrative, despite her absence. 

I loved the way the timeline flipped back and forth, so the story slowly fell into place. There's a great mystery element to the plot which will keep readers going late into the night.

This is a wonderful story of friendship, growing up, and being yourself. Every Little Piece of My Heart is a must-buy for school libraries this September. 

In Case You Missed It

In Case You Missed It, is a sweet, funny romance with plenty of laugh out loud moments! I struggled to put this story down, which meant lots of walking around the house glued to my kindle.

I loved Ros's friendship with Sumi, Lucy and Adrian. They were a special group and their bond was so supportive and joyful. They were all different, but blended together perfectly because of their great mix of personalities. Their's is a gang I would love to be part of. 

The novel has a slow-burn, satisfying romance. There is brilliant early tension between Ros and John., and they also have what is possibly the funniest meet cute ever. Their story has an inevitability to it which compels you to read on so you can reach its conclusion.

Through Ros, Kelk also explores lots of common insecurities. Nostalgia for the past prevents Ros from moving forward and Kelk perfectly captures the unease that life is moving too fast, and everyone else is taking steps forward that you're not ready for. 

In Case You Missed It is the first story I've read by Lindsey Kelk and I'm looking forward to reading all of her previous work off the strength of this. 

Picture This: Ninja

A Ninja must sneak, hide and scale walls, mastering the element of surprise and capturing cookies and milk in enemy territory. But a ninja also needs to look after his younger sister...

The perfect story for little Ninjas everywhere! This fun picture book has a bright, comic-book style young children will love, and short impactful text that is fun to read aloud. We particularly liked the fiery dragon backgrounds on many of the panels and every illustration is full of movement and action.

Everyday items can transform children into stealthy ninjas - something which has proved very popular in my Ninjago obsessed household! This story is certain to inspire imaginative play and plenty of fun. 

There are two more Ninja stories to enjoy (one of which is a Christmas story called Ninja Claus!) which I hope will be brought back out in paperback soon, as my children would love to read more ninja-filled adventures. It looks like Mixed is sold out from most online retailers, but I'm looking forward to ordering it once it's back in stock.

Thank you so much MacMillan Children's for sending me a copy to review

Ninja is written and illustrated by Arree Chung

The Unadoptables

When a sinister merchant tries to purchase them to work on his ship, five unadoptable orphans in Amsterdam set out in search of freedom and family. With superb villains, plenty of mystery and a lot of heart, The Unadoptables is a story everyone will love. Here are three reasons I adored it:

1. The stakes in this story kept getting higher and higher. Every time the orphans looked like they were safe, something else would happen to threaten their happiness. This story kept me up - I couldn't go to sleep until I reached the end. 

2. The mystery element kept me on the edge of my seat. When I wasn't reading The Unadoptables, I was thinking about it and trying to work out what the orphans would do next. I came up with so many theories about Milou's family that I could have started by own Book of Theories! The mystery surrounding Milou added to the dark, uneasy atmosphere in The Unadoptables, giving it a brilliant Gothic flare.  

3. Milou, Sem, Lotta, Egg and Fenna were so special. They were all well developed and had their own unique stories and personalities.  I cared about all of them and desperately wanted them to be happy. Each had their own dreams which wove into the central plot and all five grew over the course of the story. 

This creepy MG has a little bit of everything; from found-families, to puppets shows and fortune tellers. It's one of the best books I have read this year. 

Picture This: Goodnight World

Goodnight World is a lovely picture book which celebrates languages from across the world. 

We may all live in different places, but we all go to bed at night, and wish those we love a "Good night" "Bonne nuit" or "Usiku mwema". 

This story is a great opportunity to explore languages. The pronunciation guides are really helpful, and I found my three-year-old mimicking me and trying the phrases out for himself while we were reading. Picture books are a great way to introduce children to different languages, as the illustrations ensure the meaning is clear. We have a small collection of foreign language picture books (all European at the moment, unfortunately), but I think this is the first book we have with a range of languages inside. 

Hannah Tolson's illustrations bring the world to life in a soft, sleepy colour scheme which fits Goodnight World's theme perfectly. Her cast of characters are diverse, with brilliant representation throughout. 

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

Goodnight World is written by Nicola Edwards and illustrated by Hannah Tolson

A Thousand Ships

A thousand ships set sail for Troy to return one woman. Haynes's masterpiece is the story of the woman affected by the ensuing war. From Hecuba in ruined Troy, Penelope waiting for her husband in Ithaca, and the goddesses on Olympus, squabbling for dominance, A Thousand Ship explores the lives and tragedies of every woman except the one those ships were launched for. 

Their narratives are woven together with expert care and knowledge, with every new voice bringing a unique and fresh viewpoint. Haynes's masterpiece unravels in all directions, flitting between past and present in the manner of one of Cassandra's prophecies (and it's always nice to see my favourite classical figure getting such sensitive treatment in a story). Of all the viewpoints, Penelope was my favourite. Her letters to Odysseus were full of snark and wit, perfectly pinpointing the flaws of the Odyssey's hero. 

A Thousand Ships is beautifully written and full of emotion. It contains brilliant explorations of war, grief, and life after the death of a loved one. The final chapters brought me to tears, others made for uncomfortable reading, but all subjects were sensitively handled.

 

This novel drew me back into narratives I love, providing depth and voice to figures often overlooked. It's been a while since I've read the myths and narratives this story is inspired by. A Thousand Ships felt like returning to a much loved world, with the focus shifted to the characters I'm most interested in hearing about. It is accessible to readers who don't have any prior knowledge of these stories, but equally enjoyable for those who do. 

A Thousand Ships is a view of war beyond the battlefield. Sometimes, being a hero is about more than swords and arrows, it is picking up the pieces of a ruined life and moving forwards, it's having the strength to keep going when everything feels lost, or remaining strong and composed in the face of anguish. There is no 'right' way to be a hero, just as there is no 'right' way to retell Classical literature. 

Writers like Natalie Haynes and Madeline Miller are rewriting classics with women in the foreground, and I love it. They are inspiring a new generation of women to enjoy classical literature, and I can't wait to see what they write next - and the new writers their stories inspire. 

10 Things I Hate About Pinky

Another feel-good romance from the master of swoon-worthy YA. Menon is one of the authors at the top of my auto-buy list as I know her stories will give me brilliant characters and lots of reasons to smile.

Pinky was a great protagonist. She's so passionate and determined and unwilling to let anything stand in her way. But she's also insecure and sensitive and Menon gives a brilliant insight into her thoughts throughout. I think teenage readers will really warm to her, thanks to her desire to change the world and never let her age hold her back from challenging social injustice. I also loved her complicated relationship with her mum and her strong bond with her step-dad. 

Samir was another brilliant character. I loved how kind and caring he was. He spends most of the novel making plans and preparations to help him feel in control (which I completely identified with as I'm definitely more of a Samir than a Pinky). But he also had moments of startling confidence and wasn't afraid to push himself out of his comfort zone to do what's right.

Their romance had all the trademark strength of a Menon story. She describes emotion so well and captures the excitement and insecurities of new love perfectly. While Pinky and Samir have their differences and argue plenty, their relationship is based firmly on mutual respect and trust. 

The setting, in hot, summertime Ellingsworth with its secluded lake and butterfly habitat was another huge draw. 

I hope a Dolly novel is coming next - she could definitely carry her own stand-alone story and I would love to see her having more luck in love than she does in this story. 

The Ghost Garden

A strange series of coincidences lead Fran and Leo to search for an Anglo Saxon burial ground. With the threat of war looming, this is a story of those who will be left behind.

This spooky story is brilliantly tense throughout. Rich in history and filled with ghosts, family dynamics and friendship, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Fran and Leo's friendship is one of this story's strengths. I loved their curiosity, and desire to track down the burial ground, and also the way they reassure each other. Together, they learn that hardship and fear are easier to live with when you don't have to face them alone.

The impending war threatens to alter all of the character's lives, and it is this change and uncertainty which causes frictions in the narrative. The threat posed by the future is something a lot of readers will find familiar even now, and Carroll's exploration of it will prove comforting - we may not be able to avoid the huge global challenges we face, but we can find strength in our connection to others.

Barrington Stoke's trademark font and style make this clear and easy to read. The story is complex and engaging, but the writing is simple enough for unconfident readers to follow. This story will be popular in school libraries, with children who want a spooky, more grown up story that isn't too complex to read. 

Thank you so much Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy for review. 

My Other Life and The Story Thief

Bloomsbury are publishing some lovely chapter books for their Bloomsbury Readers series this month. I was lucky to read two of them through NetGalley.

In My Other Life, Mae's life is full of trips to the hospital for her asthma. She worried that it is the only thing that defines her, and that it makes life harder for everyone around her. When mysterious portals begin to appear, she discovers an alternative life that isn't at all what she expected. 

This chapter book is a great representation of childhood asthma, which lots of children will be able to relate to. It's a great way to discuss chronic illness both with children who experience it, and those who don't. Mae's adventures through the portal help her to learn that something that makes you, you, could have huge implications on your life if it vanished. 

This is also a lovely story on the importance of family and friendship. It's the right level for readers gaining in confidence to read alone and there's lots to discuss, so it would work well in a school setting. 

In The Story Thief. clever Anansi is determined to make the sky god share his chest of stories with the world below him. He sets her a series of impossible tasks, but Anansi is more than a match for them thanks to her quick thinking and trickery.

This chapter book is perfect for emerging readers gaining in confidence. It has a clear format and a good range of vocabulary. Young readers will love Anansi's clever tricks and there's lots to think about and discuss as you go through. 

Sara Ugolotti's illustrations are really lovely and bring the words to life. 

Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Poison Plot

Agents Zaiba, Ali and Poppy of the Snow Leopard Detective Agency (UK Branch) are back with a brand new mystery to solve, but this time, they're going to need help! The school fete descends into chaos after the new headmistress is poisoned in a baking competition. Can Zaiba solve her second case and clear her relatives' names? And is this mystery more complicated that it first seems? 

Packed full of baking fun, teamwork and face paint, the follow up to Agent Zaiba Investigates: The Missing Diamonds is just as exciting and fun as the first. This is shaping up to be a really strong series which will be extremely popular with Middle Grade mystery fans. 

Zaiba's bond with Poppy and Ali is very special, and Zaiba is clear throughout that she couldn't solve mysteries without her friends. In this story, she also has a more positive relationship with her cousin Mariam, which was so nice to see! I felt really sorry for Mariam in book one, so it was lovely to witness her getting involved in the detective fun this time around. All of my other favourite characters from book one were back too, even if some of them are only there via video call!

There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, but also lots of clues to keep young reader's guessing and to help them solve this mystery along with Zaiba. There are also some great puzzles, tips and games at the back of the book, which would be great for Summer Holiday entertainment, or to inspire some fun activities in school next year. I think reading about Zaiba will inspire lots of children to start detective agencies of their own. There's also a snippet from an Eden Lockett mystery, so readers can see Zaiba's hero in action. I love the way these stories inspire Zaiba throughout her detective work, and the link they give her to her Ammi is very special. 

Sosa's illustrations are a delight again. She does a superb job of bringing Sami's words to life. 

Overall, this is another must-read for mystery fans. Sami is fast becoming one of my favourite Middle Grade authors. I can't wait to see what she writes next. 

Thank you Little Tiger for letting me review this wonderful story. 

Picture This: Bears Love Squares

Bears love squares. Not rectangles. Not triangles. And certainly not circles. But there is one other shape that Bear might love just as much...

This sweet, funny picture book is a great way to introduce shapes to young readers. Every page includes a few basic facts about shapes which, because of the rhyme scheme, fit naturally into the story without it feeling didactic. There are real world applications for the shapes too, such as balls and triangular mountains. This story would be excellent at home or in an early years setting.

The illustrations are bright and the shapes pop on the page. They're funny too, and had my three-year-old giggling from page one. 

Thank you Bloomsbury for sending me an advanced digital copy to review. 

Bear Loves Squares is written by Caryl Hart and illustrated by Edward Underwood

The Ship of Shadows

Aleja whiles away her days in her family's dusty tavern in Seville, dreaming of distant lands and believing in the kind of magic that she's only ever read about in books. After all, she's always being told that girls can't be explorers.

But her life is changed forever when adventure comes for her in the form of a fabled vessel called the Ship of Shadows. Crewed by a band of ruthless women, with cabin walls dripping with secrets, the ship has sailed right out of a legend. And it wants Aleja.

Once on board its shadowy deck, she begins to realize that the sea holds more secrets than she ever could have imagined. The crew are desperately seeking something, and their path will take them through treacherous waters and force them to confront nightmare creatures and pitch-dark magic. It will take all of Aleja's strength and courage to gain the trust of her fellow pirates - and discover what they are risking everything to find. {goodreads summary}

Today is the first day of the blog tour for The Ship of Shadows! This pirate (and cake!) filled adventure story is gripping from the first page to the last and I was so exited to be asked to take part in this tour. Here are three reasons I loved this story and think you will too:

1. I loved the magic in this story. The shadows, the unexpected rooms, everything was so wonderful.  Young readers will adore this world and be desperate to visit. It's full of surprises and amazement, and felt like a story where anything could happen. There is so much more I want to know about Kuzniar's world and I'm already looking forward to book two. 

2. The settings in The Ship of Shadows were rich and full of details. I'm not sure I could pick a favourite location because they were all so fantastic. They come to life with vivid descriptions, sights and smells, and I would have stepped into the pages if I could.

3. I couldn't possibly end this review without mentioning Kuzniar's brilliant band of pirates. They were all unique and exciting, and readers will be desperate to sign up to join Captain Quint's crew. I particularly loved Frances and her fondness for cake. Aleja's desire for adventure is also contagious. She's a brave, clever and resourceful protagonist. 

I can't wait to discover what adventures this exciting explorers get up to in book two. The Ship of Shadows is not to be missed. 

To Liberty! The Adventures of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas

I've been interested in learning more about Thomas-Alexandre Dumas since I read Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know a few months ago, so when I spotted this story on NetGalley I requested it straight away!

Thomas-Alexandre Dumas is an extraordinary historical figure, who fought against adversity and for the freedom of everyone. He is also the inspiration for many moments and characters in his son, Alexander Dumas', work. 

Johnson's retelling of his life is tense, exciting and emotional. She details both the racism he faces, and his amazing successes. It is easy to read and follow, making it a perfect text to use in primary schools - and it would be lovely to see this story used in them, as an introduction to a black historical figure who is often overlooked, and as a gateway into the works of Dumas. It will also prompt lots of discussions, about freedom, family and equality. 

The Blue Beyond

Join Lana the Butterfly fish as she leaves her rock pool for the first time and explores the ocean around her, making lots of new friends along the way.

The newest addition to the Little Tiger colour illustration series is just as fun and engaging as those that have come before it. Bright, colourful illustrations accompany easy to read text. The Blue Beyond is perfect for readers emerging in confidence, as it doesn't look too grown up or daunting. It is also a brilliant story to share.

Lana fills this adventure with fun and excitement, and her enthusiasm is infectious. We really enjoyed the facts about different sea creatures woven through the story - from seahorse camouflage to ink squirting octopuses. 

The Blue Beyond is a story about following your dreams and being brave, but it also shows readers that everything is better with friends. 

Thank you Little Tiger for sending me a copy of this story to review

The Blue Beyond is written by Jeanne Willis and illustrated by Bethany Christou

Picture This: Meesha Makes Friends

Meesha Makes Friends is a story about a girl who is brilliant at making pictures and crafts, but struggles to make friends. Instead, she creates her own friends out of craft materials, but they can't play catch or football. She feels comfortable and safe when she's with them though, which is why she takes them with her to a party. When a boy called Josh watches Meesha playing with her friends and asks if he can play too, Meesha is able to use her homemade friends to make some real ones. 

Meesha Makes Friends has Tom Percival's trademark style, with cute artwork and a striking contrast between colour and grey. My five-year-old was able to link this story to Ruby's Worry - another Percival story we've enjoyed. Like Ruby's Worry and Perfectly Norman, Meesha Makes Friends explores childhood worries in a way that is clear for young children to follow and relate to. It's a great conversation starter. 

This picture book celebrates being yourself, but also helps young children to understand how who they are fits in with those around them. It is comforting, heartwarming and a joy to read. Absolutely perfect at school, nursery or at home. 

Thank you Bloomsbury for providing me with an advanced digital copy of this story for review.

Meesha Makes Friends is written and illustrated by Tom Percival. 

Picture This: Superhero Baby!

When there's trouble nearby, Superhero baby is always on hand to save the day. Cats stuck in trees, BBQ fires - nothing is too difficult for this fearless superhero, who rescues cats and parents with nappies and rattles while her perfect brother sleeps. But is her brother as innocent as he seems? And is superhero baby about to face her most formidable nemesis yet? 

Children will be drawn in by this story's comic book style, with pictures in panels and lightning bolts in the corner of the pages. There's lots to enjoy in this fun picture book. I love the little details, like superhero baby's backwards-bib cape. My five and three-year-old really like calling out "Go-Go Baby Power!" whenever it appears and reading the speech bubbles on the final page. 

Every superhero needs a nemesis, and superhero baby's is revealed in an exciting and surprising way. I would love to see a second superhero baby book to find out what these siblings get up to next.

Thank you Little Tiger for sending us a copy of Superhero Baby to review. 

Superhero Baby is written by Patricia Hegarty and illustrated by Alex Willmore

The Wild Way Home

When Charlie's longed-for brother is born with a serious heart condition, Charlie's world is turned upside down. Upset and afraid, Charlie flees the hospital and makes for the ancient forest on the edge of town. There Charlie finds a boy floating face-down in the stream, injured, but alive. But when Charlie sets off back to the hospital to fetch help, it seems the forest has changed. It's become a place as strange and wild as the boy dressed in deerskins. For Charlie has unwittingly fled into the Stone Age, with no way to help the boy or return to the present day. Or is there … ?

What follows is a wild, big-hearted adventure as Charlie and the Stone Age boy set out together to find what they have lost – their courage, their hope, their family and their way home. {goodreads summary}

The Wild Way Home will tug at your heartstrings! Here are three reasons I would recommend this emotional, heartfelt story:

1. Charlie goes through a lot in this novel. His much longed for baby brother is seriously ill, and when he runs away - trying to make sense of the devastation, fear and guilt building inside him - he becomes stuck 6000 years in the past in a forest both alien and familiar. His emotional responses drive the plot and make this an extremely moving story. 

2. Landscape and nature are really important in The Wild Way Home. Charlie loves living on the outskirts of Mandel Forest and knows its every track and cave. When he travels to the past, the forest comes alive in a new way, reflecting the wild, dangerous landscape of England long ago, with lynxes, bears and wolves round every bend. It was an exciting location which MG readers will love. The Stone Age sections will also be very popular with readers, and they felt very realistic and believable due to the descriptions and scene setting. 

3. Home and family are at the very heart of this story. It will make you hug your loved ones a little bit tighter and makes a particularly heart warming story while stuck social distancing and unable to connect with family and nature as much as we might like. 

The Wild Way Home is the perfect book-based antidote to weeks spent inside. 

Picture This: Poo in the Zoo - The Great Poo Mystery

I've already lost count of the number of times I have been asked to read this book since it arrived - when I finished for the first time, my three-year-old asked me to start again immediately! It has been an instant hit in my house, and I'm sure it will be equally popular with other young children. 

Bob McGrew's zoo is kept clean and tidy by Robbie the Robot, who whizzes around cleaning up after all the animals. But one morning, Bob wakes up to find Robbie gone and his zoo covered in poo. Arabella Slater, Poo Investigator, arrives to save the day. Can she find Robbie and work out what's going on in Bob's zoo? 

Steve Smallman is the author of many of our funniest picture books, and young children will find this story very, very funny. The rhyming scheme makes it fun to read aloud too, and Ada Grey's artwork is sweet and cute, despite the less-than-adorable subject matter! My three-year-old particularly likes the double-page illustrations of the zoo at the beginning and end of the book, which are full of tiny details and give us lots to talk about. 

Thank you Little Tiger for sending me a copy of Poo In The Zoo - The Great Poo Mystery, to review. 

Poo In The Zoo - The Great Poo Mystery is written by Steve Smallman and illustrated by Ada Grey

Picture This: I Can Catch a Monster

When Bo's brothers tell her she's too little to go monster hunting, Bo sets out alone to prove how brave and strong she is. But she soon discovers that monsters come in unexpected forms, and it's how you treat those around you, not how you look, which makes you truly monstrous.

We loved this story immediately. Bo is a protagonist readers will really warm to. It offers a great twist on fairytale tropes of brave knights and fearsome monsters, encouraging young readers to look beyond what's on the outside. Being an adventurer shouldn't mean hurting things in an attempt to prove you are stronger than they are. The monsters Bo meets - a griffin, a kraken and a mother dragon - are all caring and kind. Bo quickly realises that an adventurer should want to learn about the world around them, not destroy it. It is a lovely message which young readers will hopefully take to heart. 

The restrictive colour pallet is really effective. Woolvin uses pink, turquoise and orange to produce illustrations which are bold and striking. Every page is a visual delight. Even the front and end papers tell a story. 

Thank you Macmillan Kids for sending us a copy of this story to review. 

I Can Catch a Monster is written and illustrated by Bethan Woolvin

Girl, Serpent, Thorn

There was and there was not, as all stories begin, a princess cursed to be poisonous to the touch. But for Soraya, who has lived her life hidden away, apart from her family, safe only in her gardens, it’s not just a story.

As the day of her twin brother’s wedding approaches, Soraya must decide if she’s willing to step outside of the shadows for the first time. Below in the dungeon is a demon who holds knowledge that she craves, the answer to her freedom. And above is a young man who isn’t afraid of her, whose eyes linger not with fear, but with an understanding of who she is beneath the poison.

Soraya thought she knew her place in the world, but when her choices lead to consequences she never imagined, she begins to question who she is and who she is becoming...human or demon. Princess or monster.

Enter a world of poison, lies and secrets, filled with morally grey characters who blur the lines between hero and villain. A fairytale where no one is what they seem, and victory might mean surrender. 

This YA fantasy is phenomenal. It has a cinematic quality and would make a brilliant film. 

The setting was stunning. I loved the secret passage ways, Soroya's garden and even the darker locations like the dakhmeh. 

Soroya is a character who will stick with me. She teeters so close to darkness I was never sure whether this was going to be a villain narrative or a heroic one, which made Girl, Serpent, Thorn all the more exciting to read. 

Over the course of the novel, Soroya becomes caught in a tangle of family secrets and regret, with hidden motivations and a plot fuelled by misunderstanding and manipulation. Tension runs high throughout and it is very hard to put this novel down!

At its heart, however, this novel also contains a beautiful, LGBTQ romance which will leave readers swooning. It also explores the dangers of toxic relationships and manipulation. 

This is also a story about learning to accept yourself, to reach your full potential, and not being afraid to embrace your true character. It is about isolation and feeling as though you don't fit in, but also finding your place in your family, even if it's not the one you expect.

In short, this is a beautiful, thrilling fantasy I will be recommending to everyone!

Sweet Cherry Publishing: Jane Austen Children's Stories

Sweet Cherry Publishing have published an adorable collection of Jane Austen children's retellings. I was able to read Pride & Prejudice through Net Galley and would definitely be interested in the rest of the series.

Barder's Pride & Prejudice adaptation retains the charm of the original, but with clear language that is easy to follow. This would be a great introduction to the story for children too young to follow the complex language of the original, and would leave them eager to read it when they are older, rather than putting them off the complete work.

I am not an Austen purist by any stretch, and think abridged versions of classics are a brilliant way to engage young audiences and introduce them to the classics. However, Darcy's first proposal is my favourite scene in English Literature, so the bar was set high for that chapter! Luckily, this edition does a brilliant job of retaining the humour and awkwardness of the original, echoing Darcy and Elizabeth's lines well. 

This edition is accompanied by adorable illustrations which I would love to have in my non-abridged Sweet Cherry Publishing collection.

The Saddest Kitten

Isla has always wanted a kitten, but her mum says her little sisters are too small. When she finds out her bet friend Hailey is getting a second cat, she's as jealous as she is happy for her. But Hailey's old cat Pickle doesn't like having a new cat in his space, and Isla struggles to know what to say to help Hailey and her cats. 

This heartfelt story explores the struggle of introducing a new pet into a home. Webb's gentle narrative shows that sometimes animal adoptions don't work even if they are carried out with the very best of intentions.

This is a story will help young readers navigate the emotions that often complicate friendships. Friends can sometimes lash out without meaning to when they are upset, but it's usually possible to move past arguments with apologies and forgiveness. There is also positive disability rep, which it was great to see included in a book for young readers.

I really enjoyed that some of this story was written from Silky' perspective, giving us a cats-eye view of joining a new home. Webb creates sympathy for Pickle and Silky, and they both get the happy ending they deserve. 

This story is complimented by lovely artwork by Sophy Williams - and an adorable front cover that it's impossible to ignore! 

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

Do Not Disturb the Dragons

This story was lots of fun and had me giggling from page one! 

Grace and Portia are princesses in a kingdom governed by a series of strict rules, which must be kept in order to keep the resident dragons happy. But Grace and Portia really want to be knights and play Troll-O, and they don't see why putting on some trousers will make the dragons leave...

I read Do Not Disturb the Dragons to myself for review but will be reading it to my five year old at bedtime because I know she'll find it even funnier than I did! I think unicorns called Poop, troll drool and the constant danger of dragon droppings (which you can't wash off because they're lucky) will make this story a huge hit with its target audience. It's set in a fantastic fairytale world, with friendly imps, trolls who love nothing more than pretending to be footballs and dragons who must be kept happy at all costs. 

All of the chapters were named after silly rules that would be broken in that chapter, giving readers a humorous glimpse into what is about to happen. The plot hurries along at just the right pace and has a satisfying ending. 

Sharon Davey has provided adorable illustrations which bring the characters to life. I loved the little dragons on their towers and her unicorns were also very sweet. 

I really enjoyed Grace and Portia's adventure and would recommend it to anyone in search of a funny chapter book that will keep kids utterly entertained. 

Picture This: Boo Loves Books

Phoebe doesn't like reading. She finds it difficult and scary. When her teacher takes her class on an unusual reading-themed trip, Phoebe discovers a new love for books, and a special new friend too. 

This is a lovely story for reluctant readers. When she meets Boo, Phoebe learns to enjoy books by sharing them - it doesn't matter if you're not sure about the words, you can still engage with a story by describing the pictures and discussing what might be happening. 

Boo Loves Books touches on themes of childhood anxiety and lacking self-confidence in a subtle, sensitive way. Phoebe's bond with Boo has a really positive impact on her confidence and her engagement at school. 

The art work is bright and sweet, with lots of yellows and greens. I especially liked the image of all the dogs at the dog shelter. 

Thank you New Frontier Publishing for sending me a copy of Boo Loves Books to review. 

Boo Loves Books is written by Kaye Baille and illustrated by Tracie Grimwood. 

Blood Moon

A timely feminist YA novel in verse about periods, sex, shame and going viral for all the wrong reasons.

BLOOD MOON is a YA novel about the viral shaming of a teenage girl. During her seminal sexual experience with the quiet and lovely Benjamin, physics-lover and astronomy fan Frankie gets her period – but the next day a gruesome meme goes viral, turning an innocent, intimate afternoon into something sordid, mortifying and damaging. {goodreads summary}

I've seen a lot of hype about this book and it deserves every single word. Blood Moon is brilliant. Here are three reasons you should buy it now. 

1. We need more YA novels about periods, to help demystify and normalise them. Blood Moon does a great job of exploring the unnecessary stigma around periods, as well as the toxic nature of online shaming. The novel has a positive, empowering message which it's brilliant to see in YA. 

2. I loved the friendships in Blood Moon. They were messy and imperfect and very real. Arguments feel like the end of the world because friendships often are your world when you're a teenager, so the implications of them breaking down are astronomical. I loved the group chats, the hashtags and the in-jokes, the laughter and the tears. Frankie's bond with Harriet is really special, but it also feels like a real teenage friendship. Frankie's other relationships, with her parents and the boy she likes, are also really strong and her brilliant support network is essential to the novel's success. I love how much, as an adult, I now relate to Frankie's Dad - he's outdated jokes and language really made me giggle! 

3. This is the second novel written in verse I've read this year. It's a great format to read: fast paced, every word counts and every line flows. I think it works particularly well for teen novels because everything is so quick and fleeting - conversations flow in a very realistic way and you get a great insight into the protagonist's thoughts. Visually, Blood Moon is wonderful. It is immediately clear and accessible to anyone who picks it up. 

I really loved Blood Moon and read it in two sittings. I would recommend it without hesitation. 

I was provided with an advanced copy of Blood Moon on NetGalley.