Review: Will Shakespeare Mysteries: The Pearly Pants

Written by Kaz Penney
Illustrated by Sammy Elgie
Published by Andersen Press

Young Will Shakespeare, the greatest-person-who-solves-crimes, is back for another hilarious caper in The Pearly Pants, the second in the Will Shakespeare Mysteries series which opened with The Stinky Stolen Toenails. Oh my goodness – what an absolute gigglesome treat this is – for young readers and adults!

Will and best friend, Tybalt, find themselves accidentally volunteering to help out on the school archery trip to Scotland. After two weeks aboard the inaptly named The Friendly, they take a coach to Dunsinane Castle where they meet Lord and Lady MacDeath and their other guests. Banquet, who is charged with looking after them, takes Will and Tybalt to see the present that one of the guests, Lord Dunkin, is delivering to King James VI: the Pearl Encrusted Pants of Peter the Pained (The Pearly Pants). That night, they are woken by screams only to discover that, not only have The Pearly Pants been stolen, but Lord Dunkin has been murdered. OK – there is the small matter of no body, but that doesn’t stop the archery team being accused of murder. If they are found guilty, they face the possibility of a very prickly death – by thistle! Can Will and Tybalt (but mostly Will) solve the mystery and prove the team’s innocence?

So begins an uproariously brilliant mystery adventure that I couldn’t put down – except when I was giggling too much to continue – or had to share parts with my husband! I loved joining Will and Tybalt as they investigate both the missing Lord Dunkin and his Pearly Pants, following a trail of clues and finding themselves in the most chaotic, and hilarious, situations. Can this chaotic, but brilliant, pair of sleuths piece together the evidence to discover who the culprit is, and what motive they could possibly have? What could three witches know about the crime? And, could Lord Dunkin have possibly been eaten by a were-squirrel? I know – you’ll just have to read this fantastically madcap story to find out … and I really do urge people to read this. I think it would make a wonderful class story or a shared story at home.

Whilst knowledge of the works of Shakespeare isn’t needed to enjoy this story, as an adult who loves the Bard’s works, I really relished the playfulness of the references to Macbeth. I know lots of primary schools do study Shakespeare, including Macbeth, and I think this would complement such a study perfectly. I’ll certainly be recommending it to our Year 5 teachers.

This is written in an incredibly engaging diary-style format from Will’s viewpoint, but includes interjections by Tybalt as well as chapter headings that gives readers a quick insight into the action. There are lots of expressive and hilarious illustrations throughout (including those with captions and labels) which really complement the madcap energy of the story.

Hold on to your pants: get ready for an exuberantly exciting, fantastically funny and mischievous mystery, perfect for readers of 7+.

Thank you to Andersen Press for sending me a copy of this book. It was my decision to review the book and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: Ben’s Gargoyle written by Keith Gray and illustrated by Keith Robinson

Written by Keith Gray
Illustrated by Keith Robinson
Published by Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)

Ben’s Gargoyle is a powerful, modern gothic tale that held me utterly enthralled from start to finish.

In the darkness and loneliness of his attic room, ten-year-old Ben watches the impossible through his old, plastic telescope: a grotesque gargoyle climbing across the rooftops. Only when his fear is intensely heightened does he decide to speak to his Dad, someone who should offer him comfort and safety but who, instead, belittles, ridicules and instils fear – another bully to join those at his new school.

Ben’s mum has moved to France with her new partner, so Ben has moved in with his Dad, sleeping on a mattress, and treading on eggshells around his Dad’s volatile temper, a temper that comes to the fore when he believes that Ben is lying about the monster creeping ever closer to his window. What will he do if the gargoyle arrives at his window? Can he find the courage to stand up to the biggest bully in his life?

This is an incredibly powerful, empathetic and heart-breaking read, with themes of toxic masculinity, bullying and abuse, but there is also hope as Ben finds support from others and finds a way to protect himself. I think this novella would make a fantastic class read in upper primary school and into secondary school, opening up opportunities to discuss some difficult issues, all of which are handled sensitively in the story.

I found the gothic symbolism incredibly powerful both as a means of building ominous tension and creating hope.

My heart ached for Ben as he finds himself isolated, facing danger and fear, but I am also in awe of his resilience, his courage and his inner strength.

The illustrations throughout are absolutely stunning and complement this dark, gothic tale perfectly. Ben’s facial expressions and body language broke my heart at times but, that final illustration – just wow!

A stunning, unforgettable story of family turmoil, courage and hope, perfect for readers of 9+.

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This is suitable for 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy of this book. It was my decision to review the book and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: And Now We Run

Written by Nicola Penfold
Cover art by Manuel Šumberac
Published by Little Tiger Ltd

And Now We Run is an absolutely gripping, unmissable, eco-adventure that kept me utterly engrossed throughout.

Far from looking forward to the Year 7 residential to an outdoor activity centre in West Yorkshire, Jelly is dreading it as her friendship with best friend Mikala has become toxic with Mikala seeking every opportunity to humiliate and exclude her. Someone, however, who is looking forward to the residential is Lincoln who has fond memories of going to the area with his brothers.

After settling in to their cabins and following lunch, the children are taken to visit the three dammed reservoirs which were built over 100 years before, flooding the village that had been there. Lincoln spots a red kite circling above and both he and Jelly connect over their exhilaration at watching it dive for fish.

Later, when Jelly feels humiliated during an orienteering activity, she leaves the group and heads to the isolation of the reservoir, but she is not alone. Lincoln is already there, skimming stones, and he invites her to explore the nearby manor house. As they wander around, they notice that water is soaking their feet so they decide to head back to the activity centre. On their way, they notice that animals are seeking higher ground and they fear that this may be a warning …

When they arrive back at the centre, they quickly discover that there is no-one there – everyone has been evacuated. As the heavy rain continues and water pours in to the centre, they realise that they are not safe. And so they find themselves running …

This is an absolutely gripping, fast-paced adventure which kept me on the edge of my seat as I followed Jelly and Lincoln on their desperate race to outrun the burst dam. I could really feel the rising tension, the genuine sense of fear and panic as danger increased and the desperation of the children as they fight for both their own survival and that of others. The short chapters, told mostly from Jelly and Lincoln’s perspective, kept me eagerly turning pages, making this a one-sitting read for me. I have no doubt that younger readers will be desperate for just one more chapter! I don’t want to say anything more for fear of spoilers, but there are moments that made me gasp out loud, that brought tears and that brought sighs of relief … before my heart was pounding again!

Whilst this is an eco-adventure that shows the effects of climate change and extreme weather on the environment, it is also a story that celebrates the awe and wonder of nature, an aspect that is beautifully realised through the viewpoint of the bird that soars over the landscape, especially when connections are made. There is a real feeling of hope and willingness to make a difference.

I really liked both Jelly and Lincoln who are incredibly sympathetic young children whose move to secondary school has been far from easy for a range of reasons as told from each of their viewpoints, something that really allows the reader to empathise with them. On the residential, they are brought together through their shared ordeal in fighting for survival, showing real courage, strength, resilience and kindness.

A powerful, heartfelt and thought-provoking adventure: a story of peril and courage, of family and friendship, and of discovering your inner strength, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Little Tiger for providing me with a copy of this book. It was my decision to read and review it, and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: Impossible Creatures: The Neverfear

The Neverfear sees a breath-taking and utterly magical return to the Archipelago in the third book in the Impossible Creatures pentalogy – and, wow, was it worth the wait!

Christopher and his friend, Anya, have been living on the Islet of Glimt for three months helping to take care of a myriad of mythical creatures. Christopher makes use of his connection with magical creatures to help them. This bond is deepened even further when he is summoned into the forest to help save a baby unicorn. This triggers an intensely metaphysical bond, a bond that manifests itself as a green-gold light, enabling him to communicate, connect and empathise, with the magical creatures of the Glimouria Archipelago.

But, the idyll of life on the Islet is ripped apart during the Midsummer Feast when news of terrible evil being unleashed in Glimouria is revealed by an old acquaintance of Fidens Nighthand with whom Christopher and Anya now live. Together with a small group of friends, Christopher and Anya make the journey to the City of Scholars for a meeting about the bandits terrorising the Archipelago but, en route, they are ambushed and someone the children love dearly is kidnapped. A ransom note is left which issues them with a seemingly impossible mission and a dire threat: they must complete three tasks and tell no-one of their mission, or the one they love will die.

And so begins the most incredible, breath-taking adventureas Christopher, Anya and their loyal, and utterly brilliant, companions Ratwin, the ratatoska, and Jacques, the Jaculus dragon, board The Neverfear to find three mythical treasures before time runs out for their loved one. This courageous, loyal and daring quartet are prepared take huge risks, make heart-breaking sacrifices, and place themselves in terrible danger, in order to save someone who means the world to them. Can they overcome fierce giants, outwit a pirate lord, and win a race against thieves to collect the treasures they have been tasked with finding? Can Christopher use his new-found deeper connection with magical creatures to help him when all else fails? Can they save the life of someone they love before time runs out? And, what if the kidnap is only the beginning of a horrifying plan?

This adventure completely, utterly and absolutely hooked me from the opening page and took me on an unforgettable, magical journey with a quartet of friends who have found their way into my heart. I was left gasping at the danger they find themselves in, tearful at the sacrifices and difficult decisions made, but smiling, and somewhat in awe of, the overwhelming strength of their bonds of friendship and love for others, their sheer tenacity and ingenuity, and their ability to retain a glimmer of hope, even when their world is becoming ever darker.

A breath-taking return to the Archipelago to embark on an unforgettable, perilous adventure with two courageous children and their magical and mighty creatures as they fight against someone determined to destroy all they hold dear.

Thank you to the publisher, Bloomsbury, and to NetGalley for approving me to read an e-ARC of this title. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: Ticket to Mars

Written by Kieran Fanning
Published by Our Street Books
(an imprint of Collective Ink Ltd)

Ticket to Mars is a gripping, sci-fi, dystopian adventure, with a poignant story of family and loss at its heart, that completely enthralled me.

Thirteen-year-old Veon Windbourne dreams of a new life with his mum in the city of Harmonia on a colonised Mars. Both are eager to escape the flooded ruins of Newer York, but their hopes are destroyed when a hidden fortune, and their ticket to a new life, is stolen. Determined to seek revenge, Veon follows the trail of the thief and finds himself on board a ship to Mars … Will he be able to find the culprit who has stolen his future, and fight for the fortune that will help him save his mother? Could the promise of a utopian dream on the red planet be nothing more than a lie?

I’m a huge fan of sci-fi and love that more high-quality books are being written for children – and this is a brilliant addition that kept me eagerly turning pages as I became totally invested both in Veon’s revelations about his life on Earth leading to his journey to Mars and the unexpected and explosive discoveries he makes when he arrives in Harmonia. This is a fantastically fast-paced, action-packed sci-fi adventure packed with unexpected twists and turns, edge-of-your-seat tension and plenty of danger that Veon faces with real courage and tenacity.

I really liked that this story includes flashbacks which give an insight into Veon’s life an Earth in the aftermath of an environmental catastrophe which has forced people to live in towers due to rising sea levels. Switching between his past and present builds a gripping, tense narrative that allows the reader to understand Veon’s motives and empathise with his predicaments once he arrives on Mars.

This new life Veon was promised is not what he expected it to be … and this leads to a compelling adventure as he is drawn into a fight for survival and freedom against a corrupt system whilst remaining determined to seek revenge against the person who is responsible for destroying his family and future. I really enjoyed the exploration of the effects of corrupt political and economic systems in this adventure, and think that this would open up some wonderful discussions with young readers.

A stellar sci-fi adventure, perfect for readers of 10+.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with a digital copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion.

Review: Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom

Published by Farshore Books on 24th September

Ever since The Beast & the Bethany was unleashed on an unsuspecting reading world, I have waited ever so impatiently to discover what mischief and mayhem Jack Meggitt-Phillips would create next … and, oh my goodness, it has been worth the wait! Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom is a deliciously dark tale of doom, dastardly deeds and destruction. Oh, and it’s hilarious and utterly brilliant!

I’m sorry to say that when we meet Henrik Hyde, he is a spoiled and horrid child who is adept at the art of manipulation and deceit, a self-centred and selfish young boy who always gets what he wants. And what he wants is his inheritance! Jekyll Manor, complete with its own laboratory, comes with the added allure of re-creating a rather intriguing potion originally created by his ancestor, Dr Henry Jekyll.

Despite being warned by self-appointed new pal Gabby NEVER to meddle with the potion, Henrik’s curiosity, and desire to meet the ultimate version of himself, sees him not only making the Hyde Potion, but drinking it … and meeting alter ego Eddie Hyde. For the first time in his life, Henrik is not in complete control, and Eddie is determined to cause chaos and take control … Has Henrik unleashed a mischievous monster on the local town of Gothville? Is he in danger of losing himself to this reckless creation, or will he learn the value of friendship and taking responsibility?

What a terrific twist on R L Stevenson’s classic tale, perfect for a younger audience, but I have no doubt that adults will enjoy this wickedly witty story too, making it a wonderful choice for either a class read or shared read at home. I loved Jekyll Manor, left to run to ruin, but with an almost-life of its own, hiding its dark secrets, and a certain amount of petulance! I also really enjoyed the unexpected twists, the dark humour and the brilliant revelations that kept me eagerly turning pages – and giggling and gasping in ghastly delight! I have no idea what’s coming next from Henrik and Eddie but I can’t wait to find out!

My proof copy does not have any illustrations but I’m looking forward to getting a final copy when it’s published in September as I know they’ll be brilliant – and this is definitely a book I want to share with my new class.

A fantastically funny read, brimming with mayhem and mischief, perfect for readers of 9+ albeit I fear many will want to follow in Henrik’s footsteps … now I can only hope that Mr Meggitt-Phillips hasn’t been involved in re-creating any untested potions which could get into the hands of curious children.

Thank you to Toppsta and the Publishers, Farshore Books, for providing me with a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Monthly Wrap-Up

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 9 books this month. My highlights were Murder at World’s End (adult), my re-read of Sunrise on the Reaping (young adult) and How to Steal the Future (middle grade).

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 5 books by publishers this month.

Netgalley:

My feedback ratio is at 97%. I have requested and been approved to read 3 books this month.

Books Bought:

I’ve bought 6 books this month, including the Fairyloot edition of The Unicorn Hunters (adult fantasy).

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

Review: How to Steal the Future

Written by Christopher Edge
Illustrated by Pete Lloyd
Published by MacMillan Children’s Books

How to Steal the Future is an absolutely gripping, action-packed speculative science-fiction adventure flowing with high-tension and astounding twists that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. An absolute must-read.

Drew Blake enters the challenge of his life: he has 67 minutes to reach the heart of a seemingly unsolvable maze to claim its prize – a device known as the Avenir which has the power to unlock the future. Except Blake has no interest in stealing the future. He only wants to find his sister, Evie, who has been lost in the maze for seven days.

Once inside, he meets his team mate, Meg. Together, they must face the dangerous, ever-changing challenges presented by the maze as they race against time to reach its heart, and unlock the future. Can Drew find his sister before his time runs out? Can he weave his way through, and survive, the perilous conundrums and challenges created by the maze to unveil its secrets?

What an incredibly compelling, exciting and thought-provoking read! I was immediately drawn into the maze with Drew and could really sense his trepidation, panic and confusion triggered by the obstacles placed in his way as he searches for his lost sister. The tension increases inexorably as Drew races to escape the constant dangers of the maze: dead ends, traps and closing corridors that force him along new paths, paths that take him towards an inescapable truth. Whilst the action is relentless and claustrophobic, there is also hope in the evocation of memories of his sister, in his determination to reach the heart of the maze, and in his courage in facing its secrets.

This is an incredibly clever and complex story, with such emotional depth, that I just had to keep reading. For older children, the short chapters, with cliff hanger endings, will undoubtedly make this a just-one-more-chapter read. I am a firm believer that stories should be read and shared with older readers just as much as with younger, so this is absolutely a story that I’d highly recommend as a class read aloud for Year 6 and into secondary school. I can also see lots of curiosity around the use of the experimental science of quantum computing connected to AI that I have no doubt will fascinate many children – and encourage many ‘What if?’ questions – and just maybe inspire our scientists of the future!

I really enjoyed the references to other stories within the book including Theseus and the Minotaur and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and discovering the shared central themes. At its heart, this is a story of the inimitable strength of human connection and consciousness, resilience and hope that makes it such an unforgettable and emotive read.

A heart-racing, action-packed and thought-provoking adventure through a mind-blowing maze, perfect for readers of 10+.

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

Review: Felix and the Future Agency

Written by Rachel Morrisroe
Illustrated by Paddy Donnelly
Published by Simon & Schuster

Felix and the Future Agency is a marvellously magical, mesmerising contemporary fantasy adventure, set in a brilliantly realised world, that held me enthralled throughout.

Not only can twelve-year-old Felix Green predict the future, he does so through his ability to see ghosts – including that of his Grandad Jim. This supernatural ability does not help him fit in at school as he finds himself accused of perpetrating the events that he has predicted. But, when his abilities come to the attention of a top-secret magical government department, his life changes forever …

Felix meets Lydia, a Finder who seeks to recruit those with special magical abilities. She takes him to a secret world hidden in the London Underground to become part of the Future Agency where he will be trained to harness his ability as a Spirit Speaker, someone who can take messages from the spirit world to help avert predicted natural disasters.

But when a dark spectre from one of his premonitions materialises, he finds himself in a terrifying battle against a shadow monster intent on destruction. Can he discover the identity, and motive, of the monster’s master? Can he save his new friends from the spectre’s clutches? And, what will he discover about himself as he learns more about his magical abilities?

What an absolutely thrilling read! An action-packed adventure, brimming with danger, discovery and daring that kept me eagerly turning pages as I was swept into this incredible hidden world beneath the streets of London. This adventure absolutely kept me guessing, and gasping aloud at the twists and turns, and the incredible revelations that made it an unputdownable read. Whilst this a contemporary fantasy adventure, I really enjoyed discovering the historical inspiration in the author’s afterword.

The world-building is incredible and I really felt immersed in this secret world where those found to have special magical abilities are trained in a re-imagined London Underground. I really enjoyed meeting both the celestaurs, who are creatures made of stardust from animal constellations, and the ghosts, including some historical figures. I adored the Enchantment Embankment on the Magic Mile where the most amazing shops are created using dream magic. I would absolutely love to visit the Glittering Teapot and catch a fairy cake with a net!I also loved the magic system with its three branches of magic: Dream Weaving, Spirit Speaking and Astrology. Whilst most of the children are adept in one branch of this magic, a rare few can harness all three branches.

Felix is an incredibly sympathetic and likeable young boy. He is grieving the loss of his parents whilst also dealing with feelings of guilt, something that is dealt with in a sensitive manner. His magical ability has made school life difficult as accusations and disbelief lead to him becoming frustrated and to outbursts of anger. I love the sense of belonging and growing self-belief and confidence that Felix feels within the Future Agency and the strong friendships, and trust, he develops as he meets others with magical abilities. I also really liked the positive representation of neurodivergence, something that I think will speak to many readers.

I love middle-grade books that include illustrations. Each of the partial-page illustrations throughout really complements the magic and action of this adventure, especially those with the brilliant celestaurs.

An exciting, magical adventure, brimming with friendship and heart, perfect for readers of 9+ who I have no doubt will devour this, and be eager to return to the Future Agency in Felix’s next adventure, Sky Riders.

Thank you to the Publishers, Simon & Schuster for providing me with a paperback copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Monsieur Mustard: The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth

Written and illustrated by Charley Rabbit
Published by Andersen Press

Oh là là! Monsieur Mustard: The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth is an absolutely stunning visual, and reading, delight: a blend of illustrated chapter book and graphic novel, perfect for young readers of 7+.

After closing up for the night, restaurant owner, Fabio Fangtooth, is enjoying his alphabet soup when he disappearsss … Luckily, famous Parisian mouse detective, Monsieur Mustard, has moved to Bath, and is looking for a mystery to investigate.

When reading the local newspaper, Monsieur Mustard learns about the mysterious disappearance of Fabio but, on his way to investigate, he is himself robbed of his detective bag. This also proves fortuitous as he meets Mobbsy Slewfoot, rodent of mystery and master of disguise (otherwise known as cutting holes in items), who offers to take him to the restaurant – after accidentally damaging Monsieur Mustard’s map. And what famous detective doesn’t need a Watson to help solve a crime?

And so begins a fantastically fun-filled, action-packed adventure as the super-sleuthing duo team up with P.I Podge, a pigeon detective, to solve this puzzling crime. Can they follow the trail of clues, and capture the culprit, before someone else goes missing? Can they stay one step ahead of a villain who is intent on outwitting the famous detective and his tingling whiskers?

This is a perfect introduction to detective mystery adventures for younger readers with just enough peril, and intriguing clues, to keep them eagerly turning pages whilst giggling their way through the chaos and mayhem the sleuthing team find themselves in as they follow a trail of clues … and red herrings. I also think the animal cast of quirky characters will appeal to readers, not to mention the Beantinley! This will make such a fun read aloud book, and is one I can just imagine children enjoying sharing with each other again and again.

I absolutely loved the format of this book which I have no doubt will appeal to both younger, and more reluctant, readers. The blend of colour-illustrated chapter book, with graphic novel layout for the detective scenes, is incredibly engaging. The illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous, capturing the humour, excitement and energy of this book perfectly.

Monsieur Mustard is the most loveable detective with his dapper suit, monocle and tingling whiskers. He is clever and determined, and shows courage when facing his fear and helping a friend. I also adored Mobbsy who proves a loyal and encouraging friend to Monsieur Mustard. I am really looking forward to their next adventure.

Et voilà! What a treat of a mystery adventure: a generous dollop of humour, mixed with a heap of excitement and a dash of peril. Fantastic fun for readers of 7+.

Thank you top Jade at Anderson Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.