I am a primary school teacher who is a voracious reader. I love reading children's books, talking to them about books, engaging them in reading for pleasure and recommending books to them.
This has been the hardest month I’ve had this year due to lots of family health problems which has seen two of my brothers in hospital, a cousin with a terminal cancer diagnosis, and my mum undergoing tests for suspected cancer – now it’s the interminable 2-week wait! I’ve also been visiting my mother-in-law in hospital but, with a 6 hour round-trip on a Saturday, it’s been hard to find time to read. Meanwhile, my hectic school life continues … but at least Christmas is nearly here!
Books I’ve read:
I’ve read 12 books this month. My highlights were Swanfall and Silent Night (both middle-grade) and The Book of Witching (adult).
NetGalley:
My feedback ratio is at 98%. I requested one book in November which is a young adult book that I’m really excited to read as I loved The Spellshop, an adult book by the same author.
Books sent by publishers:
I am grateful to have been sent 9 books by publishers this month.
Books Bought:
I’ve bought 9 books this month. Hopefully, I’ll find time to read some of them over Christmas!
How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these?Have you any of them on your TBR?
Written by Natasha Mac a’Bháird Cover Illustration by Lauren O’Neill Published by The O’Brien Press
The Vanished Girl is the second book in the A Sycamore Hill Mystery series, set in 1960s Donegal – and what a wonderfully exciting return to the Sycamore Hill Boarding School this proved to be as friends Clare, Rose and Molly find themselves immersed in another mystery, a mystery brimming with danger and intrigue that completely captured me from start to finish.
Following a long weekend away from Sycamore Hill to attend her aunt’s wedding, Clare returns eager to tell her friends all the details. However, her news is somewhat overshadowed by the announcement that a new girl is starting mid-term, and one of the girls from St Anne’s dormitory will need to move out to allow room for her. Clare is immediately curious as to why a new girl would be starting part way through the term: could this be a new mystery for the sleuthing trio to solve?
When the girls meet their new dorm mate, Amy, she shares that she has started to board as her dad has a new job and the family are in the process of moving house. Despite Clare having some doubts about the truth of this information, it is not long before the three friends are welcoming Amy into their group, especially as she appears just as keen as they are to take part in the upcoming school musical and to get a place on the hockey team alongside Clare.
After a brilliant audition by Amy, Clare can’t help but wonder if she’s a film star. So why then does the new nun, Sister Eva, who has come to help out with staging the musical, deny such a talent from taking part in the performance? Why do the teaching staff not allow Amy to leave the school grounds or take part in any activities that would bring attention to her presence at the school?
Clare and her friends decide to, once again, become a sleuthing trio to reveal the secrets that Amy is hiding from them. But could her secrets be more dangerous than they first suspected? Could Sister Eva be spying on Amy and, if so, are her intentions to keep her safe, or to harm her?
I absolutely loved being back at Sycamore Hill Boarding School with Clare and her friends as they work together to solve a mystery brimming with intrigue and danger. I was never quite sure who the girls could trust and really enjoyed following them as they determinedly uncovered clues. I couldn’t stop turning pages as the danger increased and the courageous sleuthing trio took more risks to help their new friend even when this put them in increasing peril.
The friendship between Clare, Rose and Molly is such a wonderful part of this story, feeling really genuine and supportive as they look out for each other and take Amy into their group.
I love that this story is set in an isolated boarding school which I think is a perfect setting for a mystery as there is such scope for the friends to go sneaking around to discover clues but also opening themselves to the possibility of getting caught which increases the tension.
An absolutely gripping and fantastically exciting return to Sycamore Hill for another mesmerising mystery brimming with secrets and danger, perfect for readers of 9+.
Thank you to The O’Brien Press for sending me a copy of this book. It was my decision to read and review the book any my review is my honest opinion of the book.
Anya’s Quest is a stunning and powerful story, inspired by Hindu mythology, that took me on an unforgettable journey along the Ganges to listen to nature’s song of hope and healing … an utterly enchanting read.
8-year-old Anya is grieving the loss of her mother three years before. She wakes in the early morning from a dream that she can’t quite remember: a dream of her mother, a white flower and a lullaby …
Whilst Anya’s father gives her all the gadgets and toys she could ever want, he does not give her the one thing she craves: his attention. It is not surprising that she feels jealous and lonely when she sees Mahi playing in the snow with her mother, the cook, as it brings back memories of time spent with her mama. When her friend is unable to visit due to the roads through the Himalayan mountains being blocked with snow, Anya’s father sends Mahi to play with Anya. However, Anya is rude to her and orders Mahi to go outside and build her a snow figure.
Later, feeling ashamed of her unkindness towards Mahi, Anya ventures outside to find her, but slips on the ice – and wakes to see the Goddess Ganga in the moonlight with her river dragon and spirit companion, Makara who pulls her chariot. Ganga has a quest for Anya to complete, and takes both her and Mahi on an incredible journey through the Himalayan mountains and along the course of the Ganges, a journey into the past and towards a future of hope … Can Anya remember her spirit song, discover her spirit animal and re-connect with nature?
I absolutely loved this stunning story with its blend of Hindu mythology, and powerful environmental message of the need to protect our planet from the harm humans are doing to it. I really liked that the message is one of hope and empowerment. Both the writing and illustrations are awe-inspiring and take the reader on the most magical journey of self-discovery, connection with nature and hope … mesmerising.
Anya is a sympathetic young girl whose grief, loneliness and jealousy initially leads her to be unkind and reject Mahi’s friendship, but she opens herself to new friendship as she searches for her spirit song and connects with Mahi through their shared appreciation of nature and desire to protect the planet through their actions.
The full-colour illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous and really encapsulate the enchanting quality of this story from the wintry scenes through the mountains and along the river to the depiction of Hindu Gods and Goddesses to the heart-warming images of family and friends surrounded by nature.
An absolutely captivating story with full-colour illustrations, perfect for children of 7+.
Thank you to Walker Books for providing me with a copy of this stunning book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Emma Read Cover Illustration by Tom Clohosy Cole Published by Chicken House Books
Silent Night is a thrilling horror science-fiction adventure that is THE perfect read for wintry nights, a story that completely enthralled me from start to finish.
It’s a stormy Christmas Eve and thirteen-year-old Masen is spending the Christmas holidays with his extended family in an old cottage in South Wales. With not enough room for everyone in the cottage, Masen, his younger brother Joss and cousin Conor spend the night in the caravan parked on the drive.
When the boys wake up on Christmas morning, the storm has gone and snow is falling. Excited, they race into the cottage, eager to begin their Christmas Day with present opening, only to discover that there are no adults in the house. How is it possible that their families have disappeared on Christmas Day?
And so begins a brilliantly chilling, action-packed adventure as Masen, Conor and Joss find themselves caught up in a nightmarish mystery. Can they discover what has happened to their families? Can they find out what is wrong with the adults in the town who have left their homes? And, can they trust those they meet who have promised to reunite them with their parents?
I absolutely loved this atmospheric, horror sci-fi which is perfect for a middle-grade audience and beyond. There is a real sense of unease as the danger increases inexorably making this an absolute page-turner. I really enjoyed the pervading sense of threat, and the unexpected twists and revelations, as Masen slowly discovers the chilling truth, putting himself and others at terrible risk. Inspired by The Day of the Triffids, this thought-provoking adventure will open up some great discussions around ethical science.
Masen is a wonderfully sympathetic young boy who has an anxious nature. He shows incredible courage, inner strength and determination in discovering the truth about what has happened to the adults, putting himself at risk to help and protect others. I really liked the friendships that he forms with other children he meets, even when these are tested, and the bond that strengthens with his cousin Conor.
A terrifically thrilling and chilling read, with the strength of family and friendship at its heart, perfect for readers of 9+ to enjoy on a cold, winter’s day.
Thank you to Laura Smythe PR and Chicken House Books for inviting me to join the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Sophie Kirtley Cover Illustration by Ben Mantle Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Swanfall is a magical, wintry adventure, lyrical and mesmerising, a story imbued with the wonder of nature and the bonds of friendship, that completely captivated me.
Eleven-year-old Pip has been living with his mum in Keeper’s Cott on the wetlands for four years. He is excited to welcome the return of the Arctic swans in their annual migration from Siberia to Rushy Lake, especially his three favourites: Moonshadow, Midnight and Silver, recognisable by their unique beak markings. This swanfall is a magical experience for nature-loving Pip and is an event that he helps record each year with his mum who is a wetlands ranger. But when his mum is called away to help another ranger, circumstances find Pip alone …
Awoken in the middle of the night, Pip opens the door to discover the ground laden with snow and the call of the first swans arriving. Discovering footsteps in the snow, Pip begins to wonder if an ancient story, discovered in a donated book, could be more than just a legend …
And so begins the most magical, mesmerising adventure as Pip and his friends work together to discover the incredible, heart-breaking truth behind the legend of three siblings who disappeared in tragic circumstances many years ago. Could the book Pip has found at the mobile school library hold the key to unlocking a tragedy? Could the songs appearing in the book, and whispered in the air, reveal a way to break a terrifying curse?
This is an absolutely gripping, thrilling adventure brimming with risk and danger, with breath-taking discoveries and revelations that, coupled with the short, often cliff hanger chapter endings, made this a story that I read in one sitting.
I really enjoyed the atmospheric, wintry setting on the wetlands with snowstorms and frozen lakes which have the ability to both hide and reveal, to bring both fear and hope. I adored reading Irish folklore tales when I was growing up in Ireland, and The Children of Lir is one of my favourites, so I loved how this myth is intricately woven into this contemporary story with some wonderful twists.
Pip is an incredibly likeable young boy, someone who finds it difficult to remain focussed in school, and who is worried about losing his best friend when he begins to form other friendships. He is much more confident when surrounded by the wetlands habitat and helping his mum with her work in recording the annual swanfall. I loved how teaming up with others to solve the mystery brought Pip into a wonderfully supportive friendship group with a real sense of strength and belonging.
A spellbinding story of friendship, connection and belonging, perfect to snuggle up with on a cold, wintry day to be enveloped in an unforgettable adventure.
Written by Paul Ian Cross Illustrated by Katarina Gasko Published by QuestFriendz
SuperQuesters Mission: Rainforest Magic is the second STEM-themed, magical adventure, where science meets fantasy, in this exciting quest into the heart of the rainforest.
Lilli, Bea and Leo are camping out in Auntie Bumble’s garden when they discover a poorly guinea pig but, in order to find a way to help Popcorn, they must use their magical amulets to visit Questland’s Rainforest.
Once there, they meet Jamac, a talking jaguar, who needs them to help save his friend, a very unwell capybara. Can the SuperQuesters use their superpowers to harness the healing powers of the rainforest plants, and find a magical ingredient, before time runs out to save both capybara and guinea pig?
I loved this exciting, action-packed and heart-warming adventure which has just the right amount of peril to engage young readers as they follow the SuperQuesters on their mission. Be prepared for raging rivers, fast-flowing waterfalls, mountain bridges and secret tunnels as the heroic trio find themselves in a race against time to find the magical ingredient that they need to save two new friends.
I really enjoyed the combination of science, technology and magic, the fun facts and the interactive puzzles. What a brilliant way to learn about the flora and fauna of the rainforest as well as discovering some wonderful magical creatures associated with nature. The book also includes some fantastic activities for young readers to try out after reading which is a great way to encourage problem-solving and make them feel part of the adventure.
Lilli, Bea and Leo work brilliantly together, using their problem-solving, collaborative and STEM skills to face challenges and seek a way to help their animal friends. They are kind-hearted, caring and appreciate the science and beauty of nature as well as having the courage to take risks to help those in need.
I always enjoy following a map as I read a quest adventure: the detailed map of Questland is gorgeous. The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are absolutely wonderful and really complement the warmth and excitement of this adventure as well as the beauty and magic of the rainforest.
A sprinkling of magic and a measure of science in an enchanting setting make this a captivating adventure for young children of 6+.
Thank you to QuestFriendz for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Sharique Zea Cover illustration by Claudie C. Bergeron
Lionborn is the first book in a mesmerising, magical, fantasy adventure series and is one that completely captured me from the intriguing prologue to the heart-racing ending.
Twelve-year-old Fionn Hurley is woken from a terrifying nightmare where he faces danger from monsters in a fiery world. But how has he woken with cuts and bruises if these are just dreams? And how can he expect anyone to believe that his nightmares are anything more than bad dreams?
Later, Fionn hears a tapping at the window and, when he looks at the reflection, he sees a lion cub staring back at him. When he touches the cub’s head, he finds himself in another world where he discovers that he is in terrible danger. A powerful sorcerer wants his blood in order to resurrect a demon but first his enemies must destroy the light shield that protects Fionn, the Lionborn …
And so begins an incredible, action-packed adventure as Fionn and his friends Ella and Tynan (Tiny) find themselves in a race against time to defeat the sorcerer who is intent on destroying them. Can Fionn learn to harness the magical powers he has inherited to protect those he loves? Can he overcome three seemingly impossible trials to find what he needs to defeat his enemy? I really enjoyed following these three friends on their quest as they portal between worlds, battle against horrifying monsters, including wraiths and manticores, and discover incredible secrets. There were some fantastic twists and revelations that took me by surprise but which have made me eager to continue this series.
I really enjoyed the world-building from a contemporary school setting to the intricate, richly described landscapes of the different realms reached through portals and visions including perilous forests, Grand Libraries and puzzling mazes. I found the magical system fascinating with the use of light to battle darkness, of magical artefacts, including weapons, and the use of natural resources to help in the fight against evil. I also really loved the bond between Fionn and his lion cub, his shadow creature, who is there when he most needs help.
I really enjoyed the firm friendship between Fionn, Ella and Tiny as they work together to defeat those that want to harm them. They share a bond of trust and offer a wonderful support system, giving each other strength when they are facing dangerous situations. I really liked that Fionn discovers so much about who he is, about his connections with others, and feels a real sense of belonging with his friends, something that gives him courage, strength and determination when he most needs it.
A roaringly fantastic start to a spellbinding new fantasy adventure, brimming with peril and courage, with friendship and self-discovery, that is perfect for readers of 9+.
Thank you to Kirsten Cozens and ed. Public Relations for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Well October went past in a whirlwind of work, sickness and the teacher tiredness that comes with a long half-term BUT half-term has been so wonderful – it’s actually been a proper break where I’ve felt completely relaxed and revived, ready for next half-term.
Books I’ve read:
I’ve read 15 books this month – thanks to half-term! My highlights were The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good, Jed Greenleaf and Frankenstein: Abridged for Young Readers which has made me want to read the original – think I’ll treat myself to a special hardback copy.
NetGalley:
My feedback ratio is at 98%. I requested one book in October.
Books sent by publishers:
I am grateful to have been sent 15 books by publishers this month.
Books Bought:
I’ve bought 12 books in October. No wonder I need more book cases! The first six of these are middle-grade whilst the rest are either young adult or adult books. I’m beginning to think of my winter TBR so am looking out for wintry reads and murder mysteries which I always enjoy reading in the lead up to Christmas.
How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these?Have you any of them on your TBR?
Tomorrow’s Ghost is a haunting time-slip historical adventure, a story of connection, of bravery and hope, that completely captivated me.
Twelve-year-old Anna wakes from an unsettling dream to hear her Aunt Maggie making arrangements to send her away for the summer. When her Aunt wakes her in the morning, she tells her that she has been invited to stay with her Auntie Em who has sprained her ankle and wants her to help out whilst she recuperates. Not wanting to cause any trouble and feeling that she is a burden on her Aunt Maggie, Anna agrees to stay with Aunt Em, someone she barely knows.
Not sure what to expect, Anna is pleasantly surprised to be welcomed off the train by a grateful Aunt Em who introduces her to Bob, a huge, excitable bundle of canine delight. Taking the bus to Pear Tree Cottage, Anna immediately feels comfortable in this isolated, picturesque cottage – although her dreams of a young girl, Etty, seem to have followed her from London.
Taking Bob for an early morning walk, he races off after a fox and Anna follows only to find herself on a road leading to locked wrought iron gates. Despite the warning to keep out, Anna needs to find Bob so climbs over the wall to discover a huge, ruined mansion from which sadness emanates. Could this be the house from her dreams, the house where Etty was taken following a tragedy?
As Anna learns more about Etty’s life through her vivid dreams, she realises that she is in terrible danger. Can Anna find a way to cross time to save Etty but, in doing so, will she put her own life at risk?
I absolutely loved this beautifully atmospheric story that brings together two young girls from different times in an intricate, poignant story with some wonderful and unexpected twists. I really enjoyed that the reader learns Etty’s story reflected through Anna’s dreams which gives an otherworldly quality which contrasts with the reality of Anna’s life as she supports her Aunt through her recovery.
Both Anna and Etty are incredibly sympathetic young girls who, despite living in different times, share a connection through the loss of parents at a young age. Anna feels that she is a burden to her hard-working Aunt Maggie who has taken care of her since her parents’ death so she always smiles and agrees to suggestions, regardless of how she is feeling. She is growing apart from her best friend and doesn’t really know how to start a new friendship with the boy she meets in the village shop. Etty has the weight of her cruel, uncaring Grandfather’s expectations upon her young shoulders but she is determined to fight against his demands and seek her freedom. I loved how these two young girls, in need of friendship and understanding, find each other but can they also find what they need in their own time?
A beautifully told, time-slip adventure that brings two young girls together in a poignant and heart-warming story, perfect for readers of 9+.
Thank you to Walker Books for sending me a copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion of the book.
Written by Phil Hickes Illustrated byOriol Vidal Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)
The Last Day of October is a superbly spine-tingling middle-grade horror story where the past comes to haunt the present with terrifying effects … an absolutely gripping page-turner that kept me spellbound, and shivering, throughout.
The small town of Column Falls, Oregon has been decorated for Halloween, ready for trick-or-treating to commence, but Cody is seeking something altogether more scary. And what could be scarier than visiting the haunted ruins of McBride House where legend has it that the ghosts of the children who were trapped in the house appear on the last day of October.
Persuading his friends Sean and Duri to go with him, the trio head into the woods where they discover the McBride house with an open door and a light in an upstairs window. Eager for adventure, Cody convinces his friends to step inside, but will they discover the terrifying truth before it is too late?
Oh my goodness! This is everything I love about middle-grade horror. It’s genuinely spine-tingling with a brilliantly eerie atmosphere that kept me on the edge of my seat. The sense of anticipation and dread builds inexorably as the children realise the horrifying fate that awaits. I loved the setting of an old house in the woods surrounded by fog, the stillness and sounds, the prescient warning and the unsettling feeling that something has been set in motion that cannot be stopped. This really is the perfect autumnal spooky season read, but one I think best enjoyed before darkness descends – and preferably tucked up under a cosy blanket with some hot chocolate. No, on second thoughts, no hot chocolate – its guaranteed to spill as you shiver with fright!
The stunning illustrations, with a focus on light and dark, complement the eerie atmosphere and hidden terrors of this story perfectly.
Treat yourself to a genuinely spooky read which might just have a few tricks to play … perfect for readers of 9+.
Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
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.
Book Craic 