A. F. Harrold and Emily Gravett have created a perfectly charming illustrated novel. The Imaginary really is something quite special. The hardcover edition of The Imaginary comes resplendent in a fabulous jacket … but the joy doesn’t stop there. Lift the cover to take a peek underneath too. Oh, and then reveal in those endpapers…
Scarlet Ibis is a wonderfully touching novel about the relationship between a sister and her younger brother. Gill Lewis has penned a compelling novel focusing on the lengths a sister will go to in order to ensure the safety and security of her younger brother. Scarlet is more than used to looking after her younger brother,…
Wonder by RJ Palacio got us all talking, and for all the right reasons. Palacio tackled bullying head on. But what about those bullies? It’s a much vocalised statement that the bullies, without excusing their behaviour, often have their own story. Here it is – Wonder: The Julian Chapter. Meet Julian. With an overbearing mother…
he Tiffin from Mahtab Narsimnhan is a wonderful novel, perfectly pitched at readers aged 10+. Be transported into the world of India – full of delicious smells, monsoon rains and those intriguing tiffin boxes. Narsminhan’s novel follows the up and downs of young Kunal, a 13 year old boy in Bombay. Kunal, an orphan, just…
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…
A rollicking good read from wordsmith Neil Gaiman Fortunately, the Milk ticks plenty of boxes. Firstly, this is perfect for those who have recently graduated to chapter books. Why? Gaiman’s writing has an almost picture book quality to it. The light hearted tone and clever use of repetition, are whisked together with a host of crazy characters.…
When your parents are the types that revel in adventure, are always looking for somewhere new to explore, climb and discover … then the much longed for promise of your own room, a proper bed and a quiet nights sleep is luxury indeed. But really, this is a novel, and this is a novel by…
Waffle Hearts is the debut novel from Norwegian writer Maria Parr. It’s one of those delicious novels that you’ll want to read again and again. Parr’s writing is as comforting, warm and wholesome as the waffles of her title! Ooo too much? But, it is fab … here’s why … Lena and Trilla are two…
The Gangsta Granny from talented author David Walliams has a energising blend of engaging plots and Walliam’s Dahl-esq ability to capture unique and interesting characters. Walliam’s ability to pen an effectively engaging novel, which pulls in young readers, is quickly gaining much deserved praise and a wonderfully enthusiastic following. You really can’t go far wrong…
Witty and original. It’s the spark in David Walliam’s writing that has us coming back for more. Everytime. Inventive storylines combined with a host of eclectic, larger than life characters make the Demon Dentist great fun, and hugely entertaining. Alfie is our main character in theDemon Dentist. Alfie does not like the dentist. Not, one,…
David Almond’s The Boy Who Swam with Piranhas is an engrossing chapter book with a sprinkling of humour, a daring adventure and a little boy who must find his inner courage. Throw in a splattering of imaginative illustrations from Oliver Jeffers, and this is one very attractive chapter book. Stanley Potts lives with his Uncle…
Lina is the latest edition to the popular Our Australian Girl series. The reason for their success? Each one is individual – carefully crafted, researched and nurtured. Penguin has sought out the talents of some awesome children’s authors, and all of them bring something a little different to their series. There’s no set, predictable formula to these novels…
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…
Operation Eiffel Tower is an intriguing story from Elen Caldecott. She writes from a child’s point of view with skill, humour and empathy. From the beginning the arguing between Jack’s mum and dad has already begun to worry him. He knows it’s not right, and he senses that it is only getting worse. When Dad…
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