Review: Small Magics by Alex Dunne

Written by Alex Dunne
Cover art by Alice Maria Power
Published by The O’Brien Press

Small Magics is an exhilarating urban fantasy adventure where magic is found in the most unexpected places and leads to the most incredible journey of danger and discovery … an utterly captivating story.

Something strange happens to Molly Flynn on New Year’s Eve, when she turns twelve, something that will change her life forever yet it is something that she is oblivious to …

A month later, and Molly, who has been in care for half of her life, is moving in with new carers – her fifth move. She’s going to live above an antiques shop situated in the centre of Limerick city. Priya and Pat welcome her with warmth, tea and buns. Could she have found a place where she truly belongs, or will something happen that will see her moving home again?

When Molly goes to explore the antiques shop, she makes a discovery that leads to the realisation that her new family are not at all what she expected. Rather than selling antiques, Priya and Pat are magical folk who sell small magics including potions and charms. They also help magical children who need a home, including Wren and Lorcan who live with them, teaching them about the magical world and growing their powers. Could Molly be part of this magical world, and find her own power?

Whilst Molly is finding her place in this magical new world, she discovers that someone is attacking magical creatures in the most petrifying way. Can Molly and her newfound family discover the sinister foe who is using dark magic before time runs out?

I absolutely loved this action-packed adventure, brimming with danger and discoveries, with mistrust and threat, but also with blossoming friendships and warmth. I loved that this story balances the contemporary world of a city and its infrastructure with the natural world upon which it relies, and that a magical world co-exists within the modern world. I also loved the links to Irish, and other, mythological creatures and deities threaded throughout.

Molly is an incredibly sympathetic and likeable young girl. She has spent most of her life moving between foster homes, living with the insecurity of not knowing when she will be moved on. Will finding a new home and family enable her to go on a journey of self-discovery to find who she truly is? Will this fiercely protective, courageous and loyal young girl find a place where she wholeheartedly belongs?

A thrilling, heart-warming adventure into the small magics that are all around us and the big adventures they can take us on – perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to The O’Brien Press for providing me with a copy. It was my decision to review this book, and all opinions are my own.

Review: The Lost Dragon of Roar

Written by Jenny McLachlan
Cover Illustration by Ben Mantle
Interior Illustrations by Alla Kharkevich
Published by Farshore (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)

The Lost Dragon of Roar is the fifth adventure in the Roar series and, oh my goodness, what an epic, imaginary adventure! I was completely captured by this thrilling quest as I ventured once more into one of my favourite ever lands for another heart-pounding adventure brimming with risks and peril, navigated by the most incredibly courageous children.

Twins Arthur and Rose are even more eager than usual to get to their Grandad’s house as they’ve received an intriguing, and rather worrying, message from him – one that means they need to get rid of their parents quickly! After a quick goodbye, they enter the house to discover that the Headteacher of the Dragon Rider Academy (DRAc) has found her way from Roar to Home. She has an important mission for the Dragon Riders which necessitates them going back with her to the Academy.

Crawling through the old camp bed in their Grandad’s attic, they arrive in Roar, with Arthur’s best friend and ninja-wizard Win, where they take a flight on their dragons to Spindrift Island, home of the school for dragon riders. They are soon given an important mission by Miss Bonadventure, their Headteacher: to deliver a letter to Captain Gorme on Scaravay Island.

And so begins a thrilling and dangerous adventure as Arthur, Rose and Win fly on the backs of their huge dragons to Scaravay Island to find Captain Gorme, but instead meet her young son, Izzy and a giant wolf. Before they can deliver the letter, they find themselves in danger from an old enemy, the Witch King. Can the children stay one step ahead of this terrifying foe, and escape his clutches? Can they discover the truth behind rumours of a lost city and a legendary dragon? And, can they fulfil a prophecy that seems impossible …

WHAT an incredible, action-packed adventure! This series just gets better and better. The danger and tension, and unexpected twists and turns, make this such an exciting, heart-racing adventure. Coupled with this, there are brilliant moments of humour that help balance the peril for younger readers. The world-building is a feast for the imagination and I have no doubt that readers will find themselves immersed in the wonder and danger of meeting huge wolves, witches, dragons and bludowls in forests, caverns and palaces as they venture with the twins and their friends on their mission across Roar and into the Deeps.

I absolutely loved being back with Arthur, Rose and Win as I adore all three – their courage, their strong bonds of friendship, their determination, their kindness and sense of fairness – what wonderful role models for children. And, I just have to say that Win’s joie de vivre is infectious. Oh, and Crowky – what a fantastic character!

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are absolutely stunning, capturing the heart of this most incredible world, perfectly.

Venture into Roar and become lost in an exhilarating world of adventure, a world of witches and dragons, of courageous friends and terrifying foes – perfect for readers of 8+.

Thank you to Chris at Farshore for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Anya and the Light Above the Ocean by Amelia Giudici

Written by Amelia Giudici
Cover Illustration by Philip Harris
Published by Anderson Press

Anya and the Light Above the Ocean is a gripping, thought-provoking science-fiction mystery: a story of secrets and revelations, of love and loss, of hope and friendship. I was held utterly mesmerised from the intriguing and thrilling start to its heart-warming finish, totally invested in Anya’s mission.

Anya’s mum, a scientist working for a secretive corporation, has not come home from her work, conducting experiments out at sea. Worried that her mum might be in danger and with a storm raging, Anya sets sail in her rowing boat and rows towards a light which she assumes is coming from her mum’s boat. Enclosed within a thick sea fog, she is drawn towards the light but soon discovers that, rather than coming from her mum’s boat, it is hovering above the ocean. Reaching out, she touches the light … and her life changes forever.

Waking up with no memory of what had happened, and with calm waters, Anya rows back to shore with the unsettling feeling that something is wrong. When she arrives back at her cottage, it is to discover that her mum is missing. Anya is disappointed and alarmed that her mum’s best friend, Imani, is unable to look after her. Instead, she is sent to stay with a rather strange, and unwelcoming, couple who keep her trapped within their home. But when Anya uncovers a startling secret that challenges everything she thought she knew, she is determined to escape and discover the truth.

I absolutely loved this action-packed, thrilling and thought-provoking read. I was completely invested in following Anya on her mission to discover the truth about her mum, the Light and herself. I loved the complexity of the narrative, the unexpected twists and turns and the journey of self-discovery that Anya makes as she battles with uncertainty, grieves for her missing mum, worries about who she can trust and faces great danger with such courage and strength. This is also a story that shines brightly with hope, with love and with friendship. I won’t say anything more about this for fear of spoilers as this is most definitely a mystery that readers should discover for themselves – and I have no doubt that they will be completely intrigued and mesmerised by this stunning story.

I really enjoyed the science-fiction elements within the story, especially as one of those within this is one of my favourite themes – something I find completely fascinating – and I loved how it was given a fresh perspective in this mystery, keeping a contemporary feel to the narrative. I also think that themes around ethics, big corporations and self-identity will offer lots of opportunity for powerful discussions.

A vivid and riveting sci-fi mystery, heartfelt and hopeful – an intriguing treasure for readers of 10+.

Thank you to Anderson Press for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

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 8th April 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.