February Wrap-Up

February has been a real bookish month for me, not least because I got to meet some of my favourite authors! I am still buying lots of books that I can’t resist, and have been lucky enough to have been sent some wonderful books by publishers. I have way too many books to read and review, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I must admit though that I’m finding it too difficult not to dive into another book before writing a review, so I’m behind on my reviews – again!

Primary School Book Club Live

I went with a wonderful school friend to see Vashti Hardy at Scholastic Headquarters for Primary School Book Club Live which was led by Scott Evans (Primary School Book Club) and brilliantly organised by Harriet Dunlea (Publicity Manager at Scholastic). Vashti was amazing – it really is so inspirational to listen to her talking about her books and writing process. It is so obvious that she loves what she does. I had a wonderful chat with her and had books signed for school and my class. We went for a meal with Vashti and some other wonderful people afterwards which was so much fun. Getting to talk all things bookish for an evening was fantastic. I got to chat to a wonderful blogger who I follow on Twitter, Liam as well as James Nicol and Lorraine Gregory, two brilliant children’s authors whose books I love. This will be an experience I will always remember!

Books Read (includes paperback, e-books and audiobooks)

February has been another good reading month. I’ve read 16 books: 12 paperbacks, 2 e-books and 2 audiobooks.

Paperbacks:

I read four books which were on my TBR which I’d bought myself. The Ice Bear Miracle by Cerrie Burnell really appealed to me as it had folklore elements which I love in books. I really enjoyed this quick read which felt magical, especially the relationship between Tuesday and her ice bear, Promise. I also read The Girl who Stole an Elephant by Nizrana Farook which is an action-packed adventure, with three wonderful children, set in Sri Lanka. I am currently reading this one to my class and they are loving it. I’m trying to read more middle-grade historical fiction, so I picked up The Skylarks’ War by Hilary McKay which has been on my TBR for far too long! Goodness! Why did I wait so long to read this? It is an astounding story which completely immersed me – definitely one of the best historical fictions I’ve read. I was sent Ewa Jozefkowicz’s second and third books by the publisher. I had her debut on my TBR and, after reading and loving Girl 38, I started The Mystery of the Colour Thief late last night and just couldn’t put it down. I finished after 1:30am. It is a really powerful piece of writing, exploring guilt, grief and friendship through difficult situations, but with a wonderful message of hope.

Books received via publishers/review sites:

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I’ve been lucky enough to have been sent these books via publishers, or to have won them via a review site. The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates by Jenny Pearson is a funny, heart-warming story, filled with the strength of family and friendship. Freddie goes on a trip across Wales with his friends to try to find his biological father after the death of his Grandmother. Needless to say, the children get themselves into some ‘interesting’ situations which spark much humour. I was sent The Kid who Came from Space by Ross Welford by a teacher’s review website. This is a wonderful story which is a truly gripping read. I will post my review this week. I was also sent A Treason of Thorns by Laura Weymouth for a review site. It is a young adult historical fantasy which absolutely gripped me. Violet’s relationship with the house fascinated me, as it seemed at times symbiotic and at others parasitic. This is one I would highly recommend. I was lucky enough to win a proof copy of The Unadoptables by Hana Tooke which jumped straight to the top of my TBR as it is a book release I’ve been highly anticipating this year. The story did not disappoint. The five ‘unadoptable’ orphans are just brilliant as they escape the orphanage to avoid a terrible fate and learn how to survive outside of it whilst looking for Milou’s family. So much action, adventure and heart with gorgeous friendships. I took part in a Blog Tour for The Word-Keeper by Veronica del Salle. This is such a whimsical, gorgeous story celebrating the power of language. I’m so glad I took part in this Blog Tour as otherwise I might never have heard of this gorgeous story. I was sent Girl 38 by Ewa Jozefkowicz by the publisher. This is a wonderful story that mixes the contemporary with the past in a really clever way. It is poignant and uplifting, and celebrates the strength of real friendships and the courage sometimes needed to fight for them.

Other paperbacks:

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I am taking part in a Blog Tour for Starchild Book Three: The Healing Stone by Vacen Taylor. I was sent an e-book for review, but I had already bought a paperback as I’m really enjoying this series which follows a group of children attempting to fulfil a prophecy which sees goodness overcoming evil. I was sent a copy of Slugboy Saves the World by its author, Mark A Smith. I really enjoyed this very funny story of an ‘accidental’ superhero who has not exactly been given the most impressive superhero powers but nonetheless, his heart is in the right place, just not his ability! I’ll post my review shortly.

e-books:

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I was approved to read Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger (this is the first of a series in the US) but the first one has just been released in the UK. My review is here. I was also approved to read the second in the Boot series: The Rusty Robot by Shane Hegarty. My review is here.

Audiobooks:

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I listened to the wonderful David Tennant reading Twice Magic and Knock Three Times by Cressida Cowell.

Books bought:

I have bought 12 books this month, but have only managed to read one of them! No wonder I cannot reduce my TBR!

Books received from publishers:

I have been lucky enough to have been sent these books to read and review from the publishers: Zephyr Books, Hachette and Bloomsbury.

Netgalley

I was very excited to get pre-approved by Hachette on NetGalley. This means I have access to all the children’s books they put on NetGalley – so very tempted to request everything! I have managed to keep my Feedback Ratio at 83% and have 6 books to review.

I’ve been approved to read two fantastic books this month:

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These are both the second books in a series, and I loved the first books. Umbrella Mouse to the Rescue will be published on 16th June and Willow Moss and the Forgotten Tale will be published on 2nd April.

It’s been a busy bookish month! How has your reading month been? What books have you enjoyed? Have you read any of these books?