The Tin Snail is an engrossing middle grade novel set in France during Word War II. 13 year old Angelo lives with his dad in France. They savour thick black coffees and sweet pastries as part of their morning ritual. They also share something else in common – their passion for cars. Angelo’s dad is…
‘Once upon a time, a hundred years ago, there was a dark and stormy girl.’ and so begins The Wolf Wilder, an exquisitely written novel from Katherine Rundell. Full of drama and atmosphere this is a wonderfully fast paced novel. The Wolf Wilder is set against the cold, harsh Russian landscape. Feo and her mother live a…
Rooftoppers is a wonderful novel from Katherine Rundell (The Wolf Wilder), her lyrical voice brings to life intriguing characters, and a hypnotic world …. accompanied by a fabulous opening line; ‘On the morning of its first birthday, a baby was found floating in a cello case in the middle of the English Channel.’ This baby…
Ophelia and the Marvellous Boy is the new release from talented author Karen Foxlee. This latest novel is the perfect chapter book for readers aged 10+, who are looking for a great adventure. Karen Foxlee opens her novel with a lyrical, fairytale like chapter recounting a legend which has far reaching consequences on the present day ……
Dixie O’Day is from the talented hands of mother & daughter duo Shirley Hughes and Clara Vulliamy. Yes, you read those two names correctly – what a treat! This is the first in delightful illustrated chapter book series for young, newly independent readers. The short chapters make it perfect for bedtime reading! You can’t beat…
Pugs of the Frozen North is the latest collaboration between the energetic co authors Philip Reeveand Sarah McIntyre. Their illustrated novel for younger readers is a fun and ice filled race – think whacky races … with pugs. Shen is a cabin boy on the Lucky Star. Unfortunately this ship turns out to be not…
Finding Serendipity is a fantastic adventure story brimming with imagination, a love of books, a respect for words and a big dash of magic. Looking for an adventure novel for 7-12? Finding Serendipity is the one. Tuesday McGillycuddy lives at home with her dog Baxterr, her dad Denis and her mum Serendipity Smith. What most…
The Perplexing Pineapple is the result of the meeting of two creative minds from the world of children’s literature – Ursula Dubosarsky and Terry Denton. This is a great little chapter book, and I can see it being wafted under the noses of reluctant readers. Why? The Perplexing Pineapplehas charm, wit and a number of intriguing activities…
The Farm Beneath The Water is the latest novel from Helen Peters. The sequel to the beautifully penned The Secret Hen House Theatre, I couldn’t wait to delve in. A key feature of Peter’s writing is tied up in the atmospheric setting. The world Peters brings to life is reminiscent of those I found in my…
The Secret Hen House Theatre is an engrossing debut novel from writer Helen Peters. This novel, ideally suited to readers aged 10+, has a timeless quality to it. Helen Peter’s wonderful narrative – the tone, atmosphere, sense of adventure – evokes fond memories of the novels I devoured when I was younger. The Secret Hen House Theatretakes…
Hot Key Books have launched a carefully thought out range of books that have come to our attention during the last 12 months. Branching both Australia and UK they are successfully encouraging an exciting array of talented authors. Sally Gardner’s Maggot Moon is one such novel. Aimed at teenagers, Maggot Moon belongs to a wonderful breed of…
“the best way for a book to become a classic is to delight, and keep on delighting.” Philip Pullman, foreword. This stunning, pale blue covered edition of Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland, with the glimmering red hearts certainly captured our attention. Adorned with the original image of Alice and the unforgettable Cheshire Cat it has re…
A Beginner’s Guide to Bear Spotting does exactly what that title suggests, an essential survival guide for bear spotters everywhere … with a whole heap of picture book humour and delightful illustrations thanks to Michelle Robinson and David Roberts. I love the narrative style of this one, the author talks directly to the character in…
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