Picture Book Review: Mr Darwin’s Tortoise written by Angela McAllister and illustrated by Chiara Fedele

Mr Darwin’s Tortoise is a stunning hardback picture book which introduces young readers to naturalist, geologist and biologist Charles Darwin as he travels around the world aboard The Beagle with this story focussing on his exploration of the Galápagos Islands through a fictional encounter with a young boy with an enquiring mind akin to Darwin’s own.

A young boy, Antonio, lives on the Galápagos Islands. He enjoys exploring the island and has a natural curiosity about the wonderfully diverse environment that surrounds him, including the wildlife that lives there. Eager to learn, he is full of questions about the island which his parents try to satisfy.

One day, as he is waiting for tortoise eggs to hatch, he meets a stranger who is just as keen to ask questions as Antonio. When Mr Darwin reveals that he is interested in everything, Antonio offers to show him around the island, a home that he clearly feels proud to live on. As they explore the island, they watch giant tortoises and lizards. In return for showing him the island, Mr Darwin invites Antonio aboard his ship, The Beagle, where he shares with him the items he has collected on his travels including fossils and beetles. When it is time for Darwin to leave, Antonia gives him a special and precious gift.

This book is perfect to share with younger children in Key Stage 1, as it has a warm and informative tone, but would also be a great introduction to Darwin’s theory of evolution for older children in Key Stage 2.

I loved that this book celebrates the importance of asking questions in order to learn new things, and loved how eager Antonio is to learn more about the wildlife of the island where he lives as well as sharing his knowledge with Darwin. I can absolutely imagine readers wanting to find out more both about the natural wonders of the islands as well as Darwin’s theory of evolution after enjoying this story.

The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous – bright and vibrant – and celebrate the diversity and beauty of the Galápagos Islands perfectly. The book also includes a stunning double page spread of illustrations of some of the flora and fauna which live on the islands. Together with the story, these will encourage awe and wonder, and an inquisitiveness to learn more, in young readers.

An absolutely stunning picture book for young readers of 5+ celebrating the awe and wonder of the natural world and encouraging them to become explorers of a wonderfully diverse environment.

Thank you to Laura Smythe PR and Zephyr Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged

*Written by Eve Wersocki-Morris*
*Illustrated by Honie Beam*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged is the second sleuthing mystery in this series set in 1950s London – brimming with excitement, thrills and twists, it held me enthralled from start to finish.

Twelve-year-old Clem, the youngest gangster in London, is on her way to her dad’s with best friend, Gilbert, when they are seemingly kidnapped and taken to the London Palladium. When they arrive, they discover that one half of their favourite musical duo, the Wade Sisters, has disappeared alongside some jewellery. Betty’s brother, and manager, Eddy, wants them to find his missing sister before the upcoming Palladium performance. With a crime to solve and a show to save, Clem and Gilbert are eager to begin their investigations … but will they be able to find Betty, and discover the culprit behind her disappearance, before time runs out?

I absolutely loved being back with Clem and Gilbert as they follow a twisty trail of clues, and discover suspects, which takes them to some wonderfully atmospheric criminal hangouts, linked to the world of entertainment, which gives this mystery a deliciously darker edge – but diffused with sharp humour. I loved visiting hangouts such as The Corney Brothers’ Picture House, Mercutio’s Pickle Cafe and the Chicken Leg Jazz Club (what wonderful names!) where Clem and Gilbert unearth clues and discover new leads in their intriguing investigations.

This is a brilliantly action-packed, fast-paced adventure, with plenty of twists and turns, red herrings and danger which kept me eagerly turning pages. I also loved the sharp wit and humour, the quick interactions and the camaraderie between familiar characters. I have no doubt that this is a story that will hugely appeal to, and engage, young fans of whodunnit mysteries.

Clem’s determination, courage and feistiness, coupled with Gilbert’s enthusiasm, politeness and quick-thinking, make for a brilliant sleuthing team. They have a wonderfully warm and witty friendship, but will their friendship become threatened by Gilbert’s commitment to his new school and Clem’s worry that she will lose her sleuthing partner and best friend?

The full-page illustrations are absolutely stunning capturing the glamour, dark undertones and action-packed excitement of the 1950s theatre and gangster world. And I loved the newspaper at the end – I wonder if there’s a clue hidden in there for a next book – I hope so!

A thrilling, twisty mystery – perfect entertainment for young readers of 9+.

Thank you to Little Tiger for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

12 for 12 … 12 middle-grade releases for March

Welcome to my monthly Blog Post, 12 for 12 …, focussing on twelve middle-grade books that I’m looking forward to reading for each month of the year. Some of these, I will have been lucky enough to have been sent by publicists/publishers or been approved to read via NetGalley whilst others I will be purchasing myself either as a first-time purchase to read, or to replace a proof copy I have been sent. After reading these books, I will either add them to my class or school library.

My 12 middle-grade recommended/anticipated releases for March with release dates are:

5th March

12th March

26th March

30th March

I have restricted myself to 12 books for each month but, of course, that does not mean that I won’t read and/or purchase more as I read other Bloggers’ reviews and see recommendations on social media or from browsing bookshop shelves.

Are any of these on your TBR? Have you already read any? What other books published in February would you recommend?

Review: The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away

*Written by Sophie Anderson*
*Cover illustration by Melissa Castrillon*
*Internal Illustrations by Elisa Paganelli*
*Published by Usborne Books*

The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away is the stunning sequel to The House with Chicken Legs and what an incredible, unforgettable read it proved to be. Full of heart and hope, warmth and wonder, this is a story that brought both tears and comfort.

Thirteen-year-old Marinka has a strong bond of love and friendship with her Yaga house so, when the house begins to act strangely, she is worried about it and wants to help. Hoping to heal through re-energising her beloved home and friend, she helps prepare a guiding feast where dead souls are given a party to celebrate their lives before moving through The Gate to the Stars. But rather than help her friend, something goes terribly wrong and the house tears itself apart, running away on its chicken legs, leaving Marinka behind.

Knowing that her friend is suffering, but not knowing why, Marinka races after the house followed by her friend, Benjamin and jackdaw, Jack, determined to find a way to heal her sentient home. Can she use her deep bond and connection with the house to discover the cause of its affliction? Will she be able to save the house from something that is tearing it apart – something that threatens the land of the living? And, why does she have the unsettling feeling that the house is keeping something from her?

And so begins a magical, mesmerising and momentous adventure as Marinka, Benjamin and Jack journey to save the house, a journey that takes them through incredible landscapes and magical lands – to places where danger lies, where discoveries are made and where secrets are revealed. I adored the connections between past, present and future possibilities, the healing power of memories, and the inspiration of Slavic folklore especially in the interconnectedness of the cycle of life. Whilst this is a story that brought heartache and tears, it also brought smiles of recognition, of comfort and affirmation.

Marinka is the most incredible young girl who is dealing with both grief and guilt following a heart-breaking loss. She shows incredible courage and inner strength in facing her fears as she strives to protect those she loves, but can she learn to forgive and accept herself in order to allow healing and growth? I adored the strong bond of friendship between Marinka and Benjamin, gaining strength and courage from each other, but also giving each other the freedom to follow their own paths.

This spellbinding story can be read as a standalone as the prologue will give new readers the background they need to immerse themselves in this sequel. Saying that, I have no doubt that readers who have not read The House with Chicken Legs yet will find themselves desperate to join Marinka on her first adventure. I can only, therefore, urge readers to give themselves a reading treat by enjoying the first book before the release of this sequel in April.

An enthralling and enchanting adventure, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for readers of 9+.

My proof copy has a few of the stunning illustrations that will be part of the published book so, whilst I have been lucky enough to have read a Proof Copy of this magical story, I could not resist pre-ordering a signed copy and have taken advantage of the pre-order offer from Usborne:

Usborne are running a UK-only pre-order campaign for The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away where you can get your hands on a limited-edition badge pack and stunning artwork print, with foiled signatures from Sophie Anderson and Elisa Paganelli. All you have to do is pre-order The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away before the 8^thApril and email proof to Usborne’s marketing department (marketing@usborne.co.uk)

You can also read an extract in the free sampler available at: https://issuu.com/usbornepublishing/docs/free_sampler_the_house_with_chicken_legs_runs_awa?fr=sZTM5Mzg5Nzc4MjM

Thank you to Fritha Lindqvist and Usborne for sending me a Proof Copy of this stunning book.

Reviews: Sadie Jones and the Ball & The Accidental Vikings

*Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers) on 15th January 2026*

Sadie Jones and the Ball

Sadie Jones and the Ball is a fun and heart-warming story, bringing a fresh perspective to a much-loved fairytale.

Sadie Jones is the youngest kitchen maid at the palace. Spending her days washing dishes, she dreams of going to one of the palace balls so, when Prince Charming throws a ball for every unmarried girl in the Kingdom, it seems that her dream might just have come true …

But what’s fun about a ball where only the Prince gets to dance with a girl wearing glass slippers, and where your best friend is not invited? Becoming more and more angry, Sadie decides to break the rules …

When the Prince sees what is happening, he reveals his selfish, spoilt nature, causing Cinderella to run from the ball, leaving only a glass slipper behind.

Can Sadie Jones come to the rescue and save the ball … and perhaps even give the Prince an opportunity to make amends?

This is a fantastically fun and fresh take on a well-known fairytale, told from the perspective of a young kitchen maid who is determined to make Prince Charming’s ball welcoming for all. This wonderful story has some powerful messages of accepting others, inclusiveness, empowerment and seeking forgiveness which are perfect to open up discussion with young readers.

The full-and-partial page illustrations by Ashley King are absolutely stunning with beautiful detail, energy and expression.

Discover what happens to the other girls invited to Prince Charming’s ball in this delightful adventure, perfect for young readers of 7+.

The Accidental Vikings

The Accidental Vikings is an exciting time-slip adventure that sees two school children on a museum visit board a ride and travel back in time to a Viking village.

Ten-year-old Alfie is on a school trip to the Viking Museum with his class. Whilst Alfie is enjoying finding out more, and listening to the talk being given by Varg, his classmate, Kat, is completely disinterested. But when they are chosen to dress as Viking children, and find themselves sharing a seat on a ride into the model Viking village, something neither of them could ever have imagined happens …

They find themselves separated from the rest of their group and wandering through a Viking village where the models start to come to life. Kat is convinced that they are being filmed as part of a reality TV show and convinces Alfie to play along, but could she have made a mistake? Could they really have travelled back in time to the age of the Vikings? And, when life becomes dangerous, will they be able to find their way back home, or remain trapped in the past?

I absolutely loved this exciting adventure, brimming with danger and discoveries, as the children are mistaken for a visiting Viking family and thrown into life in a Viking village. I really enjoyed learning about Viking culture and think this is a brilliant way to immerse young readers in learning about this era, especially the lives of children which will open up some rich classroom discussion.

The illustrations by Anneli Bray are absolutely wonderful and, alongside the storytelling, will really help young readers travel back in time with Alfie and Kat.

A thrilling time-slip adventure, perfect for young adventurers and history enthusiasts of 7+.

Both books are published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This is suitable for 7+ with a reading age of 7.

Review: Escape from the Child Snatchers by Sufiya Ahmed

*Written by Sufiya Ahmed*
Cover illustration by Elisa Paganelli
Published by Anderson Press

Escape from the Child Snatchers is a fast-paced, gripping historical adventure set during 1865 in Bombay and London that held me enthralled throughout.

12-year-old Humza lives with his Ma and younger brother in Bombay which is under British Colonial rule. His older brother, Dani, has been gone for two years having sailed to England, employed on board as a lascar. Despite his promise to return to his family, he has not done so and, after seeing his mother upset, Humza decides to find his brother and bring him home. When he shares his plan with his best friend, Ranj, he is eager to go with Humza as he hopes to seek his fortune abroad.

And so begins an exciting, action-packed adventure as the two friends stowaway on board a ship sailing to England, arriving at the East India Docks four and a half months later, having been befriended by two lascars who direct them towards the Strangers’ Home, a place for stranded lascars and other sailors – and a perfect starting point in their search for Dani.

When the address they have been given is destroyed, the boys are befriended by an English gentleman, Basil Brookes, who promises to direct them to the Home after he has given them a meal at a local inn. Once he leaves them at the inn, they are given a terrifying warning by the innkeeper’s daughter, Daisy: Basil Brookes is a child snatcher who has kidnapped her friend, Amina, alongside other children. Can the two friends escape the clutches of the child snatcher? Will they discover the reason Dani has not fulfilled his promise to return to India? Will they be be able to rescue Dani, or will it be they who are in need of rescue?

This is an absolutely riveting adventure, brimming with danger and discoveries, and with courage and friendship. The short, action-packed chapters are perfect for encouraging readers to continue reading ‘just one more chapter’. The historical context gives readers an insight both into life under British Colonial rule in India and the deplorable kidnap and exploitation of children from other cultures by some of the wealthy in England. The authors historical note adds further context, opening up an opportunity for important class discussions.

Both Humza and Ranj are incredibly likeable young boys who have a close, supportive and loyal friendship. Together with their friend Daisy, they show courage, determination and resourcefulness in the face of terrible danger.

A gripping, heartfelt, historical adventure, perfect for children of 9+.

Thank you to Jade at Anderson Press for providing me with a copy. My review is my honest opinion of this book.

Monthly Wrap-up

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 12 books this month: 4 adults books and 8 middle-grade books. My highlights were Raising Hare and The Names (adult books) and Quill and the Last Generation and The Moonhaven Chronicles: The Last Wolf (middle-grade books).

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 98%. I have requested and been approved to read two books in January: one young adult and one middle-grade.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 9 books by publishers this month.

Books Bought:

I’ve bought 6 books this month: 3 middle-grade, 2 adult books and 1 young adult book.

How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these? Have you any of them on your TBR?

12 for 12 … 12 middle-grade releases for February

My 12 middle-grade recommended/anticipated releases for February with release dates are:

5th February

12th February

26th February

Are any of these on your TBR? Have you already read any? What other books published in February would you recommend?

Review: Quill and the Last Generation

*Written by C.M. Lewis*
Cover illustration by Khadijah Khatib
Interior Illustrations by Marina Vidal
*Published by MacMillan Children’s Books*

Quill and the Last Generation is the first book in a stunning, epic fantasy adventure series inspired by Welsh mythology: an adventure that swept me into an unforgettable world of mythical creatures, danger and discoveries that kept me completely spellbound throughout.

Twelve-year-old Quill and his best friend, Jona, are helping to keep the bonfire alight on Beltaine night in the hope that it will bring back warmth to their world, a world that has been in a perpetual winter for the last twelve years. During these twelve years, no child has been born, making Quill part of the last generation.

The following morning, Quill is disturbed by the sound of a raven outside his window who transforms into a girl – Deryn – who tells him that he must return to the underworld with her in order to save both worlds …

And so begins the most incredible, breath-taking adventure as Quill travels in his father’s boat to the underworld, Annwfn, guided by his new friend, a world which is now ruled over solely by the King of Darkness after he killed King Hafgan, destroying the balance between light and darkness.

After a terrifying encounter with a hound in the city, Quill and Deryn escape to the protection of a castle, where Quill discovers that Deryn is not the only shapeshifter. Can Quill find the Light of the World before it is extinguished and all hope disappears with it? Can a quiet, kind-hearted boy defeat the King of Darkness and bring light and balance back to both worlds?

I was held absolutely spellbound by Quill’s journey into the underworld and was gripped by the astonishing revelations, the dangerous encounters, the poignant, tender moments, and the uncertainty of who could be trusted in this world where an arrogant, cruel ruler is determined to maintain his rule – and destroy hope.

I adore stories inspired by mythology, especially those that bring two worlds together as this one does so brilliantly. I was absolutely in awe of and, sometimes frightened by, the mythological creatures Quill meets from the shapeshifters to the dragons, hounds and water horse and really enjoyed Quill’s ability to connect with many of them – one bond in particular being incredibly heart-warming. I also loved the spirituality and appreciation of nature within the adventure: I found one aspect of this both heart-breaking and beautiful.

Quill is the most incredible young boy who finds himself at the heart of a battle to bring light and hope back to two worlds. He is raised by adoptive parents who are loving, kind and protective, attributes that they have instilled in their son, and which help him find inner strength and hope as he faces fears and challenges in a new world with courage, kindness and resilience. Will this quiet, kind-hearted boy grow into the hero that is needed?

I must admit that I love poring over a map when reading fantasy adventures and the map of Annwfn is stunning, showing the places Quill travels to, but also some places not mentioned in this story which I am very much looking forward to visiting in the next adventure, Castle of Mirrors.

The full-and-partial page illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous and perfectly complement the magic and danger, the bonds of friendship and the hope in the story. And, I must admit, I really want to visit the turret where stories fly!

A spellbinding fantasy adventure where danger and darkness battle light and hope, where bonds of friendship grow, and where a new hero emerges … perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to MacMillan Children’s Books for sending me a copy . It was my decision to read and review this book, and my review is my honest opinion of the book.

Blog Tour Review: Lianna and the Hombit

*Written by Valinora Troy*
*Cover art by Laura Tolto*n
Interior Illustrations by I. Murphy
*Published by The Silver Key on 29th January*

Welcome to my stop on the Write Reads Blog Tour for Lianna and the Hombit where I am sharing my review of this magical adventure.

Lianna and the Hombit is a wonderfully magical, mesmerising adventure – a story of discovery, of hope and of finding friendship and family that completely enchanted me from start to finish.

13-year-old Lianna is heartbroken at the loss of her father, leaving her an orphan, so she finds herself sent on a long, overseas journey to the land of Nivram to stay with her uncle. Once there, she takes a mail coach to the town of Lowdar, where her father once lived, and where she is expecting to be met by her uncle, Judge Sambru. When he doesn’t arrive, Lianna makes her own way to his mansion where she is met by his unwelcoming housekeeper and butler and sent to the library to wait for him.

Whilst putting some wood on the fire in the library, it flares unexpectedly and reveals a small glass bird on a charred log but, imagine Lianna’s surprise, when this creature talks to her. It reveals that it is a hombit, a messenger, who has been sent on a secret mission.

After meeting her uncle, Lianna feels even more unwelcome and is determined to go home but needs money for the boat fare. The only item of value that she has is a ruby ring, which was owned by her father, so she decides to take it to a pawnbroker who accuses her of being a thief as the Sambru jewellery collection was stolen years ago. Lianna and the hombit decide to help each other in their missions. Can they discover the truth behind the disappearance of the jewels? And, could the ruby be the key to reawakening a family curse that brings danger to Lianna and all those living in Lowdar?

I absolutely loved this action-packed, exciting adventure which kept me eagerly turning pages as I was caught up in the danger, the tension, the secrets and revelations, many of which genuinely took me by surprise! I found the ‘villain’ (I don’t want to say more for fear of spoilers) spine-tingingly scary as the level of threat and danger for Lianna, and the town, increased. I really enjoyed following Lianna as she discovers more about her family history and the tragedy that had unwittingly been brought to Lowdar, a fate that seems destined to be repeated.

Lianna is an incredibly likeable young girl who is grieving the loss of her beloved father whilst feeling unwelcomed in her new home. She shows incredible courage and determination in her mission to find the truth behind the family curse, and break it, before it brings more destruction to Lowdar. And what can I say about the hombit? What an absolutely adorable, magical creature: kind, encouraging and the most wonderfully loyal friend when friendship is desperately needed.

Both the full-page illustrations and vignettes are absolutely stunning and really complement the sense of adventure and mystery in the story.

An adventure that sparkles with magic, mystery and friendship, perfect for young readers of 9+.

About the Author

Valinora Troy is a children’s fantasy and horror writer from Ireland. She has a MA in Creative Writing, specialising in writing for children and young adults. She has acted as a panellist for the CYBILS awards in the middle grade speculative fiction category and served as a Reading Ambassador for Louth Libraries. Her short stories for adults have appeared in numerous publications. She is the author of The Lucky Diamond trilogy, a middle grade children’s fantasy adventure series. In 2023 she was short-listed for the Staróg Prize. When not writing, she loves visiting schools and libraries to talk to children about books and writing.

You can find out more about Valinora’s books, as well as resources for schools, and sign up to her newsletter on her website: Valinora Troy – Children’s Fantasy Writer

GoodReads: Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy | Goodreads

Amazon UK: Lianna and the Hombit: A heart-warming story of the healing power of friendship when all seems lost. eBook : Troy, Valinora: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

Amazon.com: Lianna and the Hombit: A heart-warming story of the healing power of friendship when all seems lost. – Kindle edition by Troy, Valinora. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Thank you to The Write Reads and the author for providing me with a copy of the book – and my own beautiful hombit – my review is my honest opinion of the book.