Review: Finders of Silverthorn Forest: The Faraway Adventure

*Written by Rachel Chivers Khoo*
*Illustrated by Laura Catalán*
*Published by Walker Books*

It was an absolute joy to be back with Tuft and Max in Finders of Silverthorn Forest: The Faraway Adventure as they find themselves on another exciting adventure, this time to a faraway forest. An utterly enchanting, heart-warming and magical adventure.

Tuft, who is a young Finder living in Silverthorn Forest, is woken early from his hibernation by a gale blowing outside the tree house where he lives. None of the other Finders are awake as they are still snug in their underground burrows. Of course, this proves a perfect opportunity for curious Tuft to go on another adventure and this time he intends to find the Faraway Forest, the legendary home of the Finders. Before he embarks on his adventure, he writes a letter to his best friend Max, who is living in London, but imagine Max’s surprise when he goes to collect the letter and discovers that his friend has accidentally found his way to London …

When Tuft finds a brochure for an Adventure Trails Camp in the New Forest, he is convinced that this is the Faraway Forest so he is delighted when Max’s Mum and Grandma assume he wants to spend his Easter holiday at the Camp, and sign him up.

As soon as they arrive at the Camp, Tuft heads off to explore whilst Max is partnered with Elle who is determined to win every orienteering challenge, despite having a partner who needs a lot of help. But when a storm approaches, can Max use his new found orienteering skills to find and rescue Tuft before he is placed in great danger by flash flooding? Will he discover the legendary Finders of the Faraway Forest? And, if so, will be lose his friend to a new home?

I absolutely adored joining Tuft and Max on their “second great adventure”, especially as this one takes place in the New Forest where I have often been on a residential with my classes – including meeting the lovely New Forest ponies, orienteering and exploring the rivers. This is a wonderfully heart-warming, magical and exciting adventure with just the right amount of danger for younger readers. I loved how genuine and strong the friendship felt between Max and Tuft, including the disagreements and support for each other with discussions over a cup of tea!

The full-and-partial-page illustrations, including chapter headings and borders, are absolutely gorgeous and really capture the warmth and timeless quality of this adventure perfectly.

An enchanting, magical adventure, perfect for young readers of 7+.

Thank you to Walker Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Monthly Wrap-Up

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 12 books this month. My highlights were The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away, Anya and the Light Above the Ocean (both middle-grade).

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 98%. I have requested and been approved to read one book in February.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 12 books by publishers this month.

Books Bought:

I’ve only bought two books this month including my Fairyloot subscription.

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 Toppsta 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).