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.
Wow – why is January always such a long month. Arriving at work in the dark and getting home in the dark doesn’t help! It has however been a good reading month! I’m still loving reading middle-grade but it’s also been good to get to some more adult books this month.
Books I’ve read:
I’ve read 16 books this month: 3 adult books and 13 middle-grade. Highlights for me were Sword of the Sun (middle-grade) and Weyward (adult).
NetGalley:
I have four books on my Netgalley shelf but have managed to resist requesting any in January. My feedback ratio is at 97% .
Books sent by publishers:
I am grateful to have been sent 9 books by publishers this month.
Books Bought:
I have bought 6 books this month.
How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these?Have you any of them on your TBR?
Written by Tracy Curran Illustrated by Steve Wood Published by uclanpublishing
Unicorns in Uniforms: Dragon Inferno is the start of an exciting new illustrated chapter book series for younger readers of 5+ who will love learning about the work of the emergency services through this magical world of unicorns, dragons and witches.
Firefighter Blaze has returned to the Unicorns in Uniforms’ headquarters with her mischievous emergency vehicle, Quench, who enjoys soaking others, including Blaze, at every opportunity. Just as she is getting ready to have some lunch, two playful young dragons cause mayhem before being sent home by Blaze after a warning to take care with flames …
But it is not long before Blaze gets an emergency call telling her that the young dragons have accidentally set fire to Witchy Wood. Blaze and Quench race to help save the witches, wizards and fairies who are trying to escape the inferno. But when they meet young witch, Jinx, and she decides to help with some magic, her spells cause even more trouble … Can Blaze and Quench get everyone to safety and save the wood before it is destroyed?
This action-packed adventure has just the right amount of peril for young readers as Blaze co-ordinates the rescue mission and shows real courage, determination and quick-thinking in saving everyone and dealing with unexpected problems. This wonderfully exciting story is a great way for young readers to learn about the role of the emergency services and the team work involved in helping with disasters. I have no doubt that they will adore this adventure set in the magical world ofThe Sunshine Realm where magical creatures cause chaos and where unicorns come to help those in need. I really liked the camaraderie and friendship between the unicorns as they support each other through the emergency situations.
Lots of young children are fascinated by learning facts so I really liked that there is a section at the end of the book which shares details about real fire engines.
The full-coloured illustrations are absolutely gorgeous – vibrant, expressive and energetic – and complement the story perfectly.
A fantastic start to this delightful, new adventure series for young readers of 5+ who I have no doubt will be eager to go on more rescue missions with the Unicorns in Uniforms.
Thank you to Graeme Williams and uclan publishing for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
All Brains are Wonderful is an inclusive guide to help children talk about their brain power – and what a brilliantly informative and much-needed book this is! Perfect for both class and school libraries and for parents to use as a guide for young children to help understand and celebrate the diverse ways brains work and the unique way in which their own brain works.
The book is divided in to three sections focusing on science, society and taking action, each with clear explanations and lots of bright, fun illustrations and diagrams to aid understanding.
Science: Children are going to be utterly fascinated by some of the facts in this section from brain size comparison with other animals, how their brain begins, how it controls their body, how it helps them to understand the world, how they can train their brain and the challenges they may face. I really liked the analogies which helps with understanding alongside the illustrations and labelled diagrams. I also liked that children are not ‘talked down to’ but are given the correct scientific terminology alongside labelled diagrams to aid understanding.
Society: This sections focusses on the uniqueness of our brains and shares how neurodivergent people’s brains often work differently, helping young children who may be neurodivergent to understand why they may think, learn, communicate and process information differently but also emphasising that their neurodivergence is a special and unique part of them. I think any text that helps children – and adults- understand others encourages empathy and inclusion. The sections on discrimination and the importance of word choice when talking about neurodivergence will help children understand the importance of being inclusive and challenging stereotypes.
Taking Action: This section focusses on ways that children can ask for help from others when needed and also ways in which they can keep their minds healthy and happy. I loved the Mindful Maintenance section which is such a brilliant way to share with young readers ways to look after their unique and wonderful brains. The final section on What Can You Do? really empowers children to celebrate differences, to question and challenge stereotypes and bullying and to show empathy towards others through knowledge, acceptance and understanding.
This is an incredibly engaging, uplifting book that addresses young readers directly, helping them focus on their own unique brains. There are so many positive and empowering messages within the book that I really hope young readers take on board as they grow and develop their wonderful brains. I absolutely loved the message about being curious, asking questions and being a critical learner as they grow into their own person. Many young learners fear failure so it is wonderful to see a strong message about mistakes being stepping stones to success. I’m a firm believer that knowledge is power and I think that reading this book will really empower both children and adults to understand neurodivergence, recognise and challenge stereotypes and discrimination and develop empathy.
As a teacher, I think that All Brains are Wonderful is a much-needed and brilliantly informative, engaging read for both adults and children. It provides a perfect opportunity to open up discussion about neurodiversity and mental health issues. This is a book I cannot recommend highly enough to both class and school libraries, and to parents who want a book to help them open up a conversation about neurodivergence with their child.
Who’s behind the book?
Scott Evans is a neurodivergent primary school teacher, reading for pleasure adviser and enthusiast, and the children’s books consultant, content creator, critic and influencer, also known as The Reader Teacher.
The Boy Fitz Hammond is an illustrator who lives in Edinburgh. He has worked with various clients including Oxfam, Shelter, BBC, Honda, Microsoft and the Barclays Premier Leage.
Dr Rachel Williams is a neuroscientist researching the science of the senses, currently focussed on hearing. Rachel has featured on broadcast, live and live-streamed events for clients including the BBC, Wellcome Collection and Cheltenham Science Festival.
Thank you to b small publishing for inviting me to be part of this Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion. You can check the other posts at:
Ice Apprentices is the first in an epic fantasy trilogy – and what a start this is! I was completely absorbed in this icy world, its magic, its danger and its diverse inhabitants: a world where danger lurks, where secrets twist and turn and where answers lie hidden for a courageous stray to unearth.
Oswin Fields is an outsider – a stray – found in Tundra (the last settlement in an ice-covered world) and adopted by Lullia, a mother who is harsh and cold towards him. His is a hard life, and one that he doesn’t feel will ever change, so he is shocked when his adoptive mother tells him that he has been selected to train as an ice apprentice in Corridor – a school which trains apprentices to contribute to Tundra’s survival.
Oswin is met with hostility by many in Corridor as they cannot understand why a stray would be asked to become an ice apprentice and also because his surname is synonymous with an uncle who is viewed as a traitor to Tundra. But, when he and another apprentice, Ennastasia, are attacked by a monster they’ve just learned about in a lesson, he might just be the only hope of saving the Corridor …
And so begins an absolutely gripping, action-packed adventure that swept me into a richly imagined world of ice, of monsters and of peril and deception. I found the magical system fascinating and really liked that, as this is part of a trilogy, I know there is lots more to learn – but I was given enough to satisfy my curiosity and leaving me eager to find out more. There are plenty of unexpected twists and turns, moments of heart-pounding danger and incredible revelations that made this a real page-turner.
I really liked both Oswin and Ennastasia, and loved the friendship that develops between them, a hard won friendship and one they both desperately need. Oswin is impetuous, tenacious and endlessly curious, but he is also someone who doesn’t feel he belongs and doesn’t feel worthy of the place he has been given in Tundra and the Corridor. Ennastasia, because of who she is, fears opening herself up to friendship, yet Oswin, who doubts his worth so much, breaks down her barriers leading to a genuine, honest friendship that is so heart-warming.
This is an adventure that feels like it has so much more to come, and I cannot wait to join the ice apprentices in their next adventure – especially after that ending!
A breath-taking, perilous adventure into an icy world that will undoubtedly capture the hearts and imaginations of readers of 9+ who will be eager to continue the adventure.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an e-Arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Jennifer Bell Illustrated by David Wyatt Published by Walker Books
Magicalia: Thief of Shadows is the second book in the Magicalia series, and it is another terrifically thrilling, heart-pounding fantasy adventure that absolutely enthralled me from start to finish.
12-year-old Bitsy and best friend Kosh are attending conjuring training sessions in an academy kept hidden from the outside world of cosmotypicals. Both children are cosmodynamics with the ability to use a meteoritic stone, a farthingstone, to channel their emotions to conjure magicores – incredible creatures, each with a unique power and close connection to their conjuror.
Whilst Bitsy and the other trainee conjurors have a farthingstone inherited from family members, Kosh feels left out as he does not have one. But, when Kosh is summonsed to the chrysalides, a secret cavern hidden within the academy, for his first lesson, he is asked by the Chancellor of the conservatoire to choose his farthingstone item from those in storage. Accompanied by Bitsy, Kosh is excited to make his choice but just as he chooses, everything goes dark …
When the lights return, the best friends discover that they are under attack from a terrifying thief who can control shadow weapons of darkness – the Shadowsmith. And he is searching for something, something that Kosh and Bitsy have saved from his grasp. Before Kosh can explain to the Chancellor why they have taken the object, Kosh is accused of being the Shadowsmith …
And so begins a brilliantly nail-biting, thrilling adventure as Bitsy and Kosh, with the help of their friend, Mateo, race to discover the true identity of the Shadowsmith before a war is instigated between two worlds, something that the thief’s master is determined to achieve. Can they discover the villain’s identity before the conservatoire catches up with them? Will they be able to prove their suspicions – and their innocence – before time runs out?
Oh my goodness! This is a fantastically fast-paced, gripping adventure that proved to be an irresistible page-turner. I was completely immersed in this adventure with its breath-taking levels of danger, twists and revelations as Bitsy and her friends hunt for clues whilst themselves being pursued by both the Shadowsmith and the conservatoire. Utterly unputdownable!
I absolutely loved the richly drawn, intricate world of Magicalia with its incredible range of magicores who are conjured by the conjurors’ memories of occasions which recall particular emotions. These creatures are each unique and form a strong bond with their conjuror. I loved that their personalities really shine through in their interactions as they support and help their conjuror. I also adored the gorgeous illustrations of these magicores at the start of each chapter as well as the references to them which Bitsy shares with the reader through her mother’s Magicalia encyclopedia.
Bitsy, Kosh and Mateo have formed a wonderfully strong, loyal and supportive friendship making them a brilliant team. They are becoming much more confident and assured when conjuring magicores. They show exceptional strength, courage and resourcefulness when faced with the most terrifying danger, taking great risks to discover the truth, foil a villain and prevent a war.
An exhilarating, action-packed fantasy adventure, guaranteed to hold young readers of 9+ spellbound.
Thank you to Walker Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Guardians of the New Moon: Ming and Miaow’s Great Race and The Year of the Rat are the first two books in an exciting, action-packed and new series steeped in Chinese mythology.
Ming and Miaow’s Great Race
The Jade Emperor is bored but, when he looks into his magical pool, he sees something that gives him an idea that fills him with excitement. He decides to invite the animals of Earth to compete in a race where there will only be 12 winners with each winner having a lunar year named after them as a prize.
Meanwhile, temple cat Miaow is enjoying life as a guardian, frightening away intruders and getting rid of rats. Just as he finally has a pesky rat, Su, in his paws, they are interrupted by a visit from the Chief Consul to the Jade Emperor who tells them that they have both been selected to take part in the Great Race.
After agreeing to the offer, they find themselves at the start of the race alongside other animals taking part including Ming, a nine-tailed fox. Whilst Ming is gregarious and eager to make friends, Miaow prefers being on his own, finding it difficult to make friends. But when Ming helps him during the race, Miaow begins to realise that having a friend may be just what he needs during the race … especially as someone is intent on sabotaging his chances of finishing the race.
And so begins a wonderfully exciting, action packed adventure as the animals compete in a race through forest, mountain and river to be one of the fortunate twelve to reach the finish line. I really enjoyed the trickery and danger as events in the race heat up which made this a wonderfully fun and engaging read.
A wonderful friendship develops between Miaow and Ming who are polar opposites. Miaow is much more of a loner with a reserved, thoughtful nature whilst Ming is much more sociable with a more fiery, impetuous temperament. Together, they balance and complement each other and make a great team.
The Year of the Rat
Impressed by Ming and Miaow’s resourcefulness and kindness, the Jade Emperor has appointed them as Guardians of the Moon, responsible for ensuring that the Year of the Rat goes perfectly. Their first mission is to take the winner of the Great Race home to prepare for the inaugural Year of the Rat celebrations.
Unfortunately for Miaow, this means spending lots of time with the winner of the Great Race, Su, whose trickery and sharp sense of humour has not endeared the rat to him. As soon as they arrive back at their old home, the temple, there is instant animosity between them which leads to disaster when they incur the wrath of Mazu, goddess of the sea.
And so begins another exciting, fast-paced and humorous adventure as the Guardians are faced with trying to contain the chaos caused by water spirits and whale demons whilst trying to keep the truth from the Grand Consul. Can natural enemies, rat and cat, learn to put their differences aside and work together to save the Year of the Rat? Can what they learn about each other build empathy and allow them to finally develop a genuine friendship?
It was wonderful to be back with Miaow and Ming who have now developed a firm, supportive friendship. Both are determined to do all that they can to save the first Year of the Rat. I also really liked that, through shared empathy, Miaow and Su learn to appreciate each others’ strengths and weaknesses so that the door opens for a genuine friendship to develop.
The full-and-partial-page illustrations in both books are wonderfully energetic and expressive and complement the narrative perfectly.
A wonderfully exciting, action-packed new adventure series for readers of 7+ who I have no doubt will enjoy meeting the Guardians as they venture with the animals of the Chinese zodiac.
Thank you to Little Tiger for providing me with copies of these books in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Jo Clarke Illustrated by Becka Moor Published by Firefly Press
Libby and the Egyptian Escapade is the final adventure in the truly wonderful Travelling School Mysteries series. And what a perfect ending to this fantastic series: an exhilarating, action-packed and intriguing mystery in a wonderfully vivid setting that kept me completely enthralled.
Libby and her best friend Connie arrive in Cairo, ready to participate in another term of learning and exploration with her aunt, Miss Mousedale’s, Travelling School. Meeting up with twins, Sebastian and Noah, and new student Anastasia, it is not long before they are visiting a museum to see some of its ancient treasures, including Tutankhamun’s death mask. And, as in all good school excursions, it ends with a visit to the gift shop where Noah buys a replica canopic jar. But, just as they are about to leave, an alarm sounds and Noah bumps in to a rather rude stranger …
When the children discover that an ancient artefact has been stolen from the museum, they wonder if a mummy’s curse has been reawakened, a curse that brings great danger to those who have the treasure. But the children are not thieves, so why does it feel that danger is following them …
And so begins another intriguing, action-packed mystery as Libby and her friends find themselves in perilous situations as they visit the pyramids of Giza, take a night train to Luxor and even join a cruise on the Nile. Could the children have unleashed a mummy’s curse, or could there be a more logical explanation for the bad luck that seems to be following them on their Egyptian travels?
I absolutely loved following these determined sleuths as they work to unravel another conundrum. I adored the twists and turns, the sense of peril and the uncertainty as to what/who the culprit could be. This is another really clever mystery that kept me turning pages as I was as eager as Libby discover the truth.
I have really enjoyed following Libby and her friends on their adventures with the Travelling School. They have formed such a close bond which feels really authentic and have made a brilliant sleuthing team, always looking out for each other. Despite Libby being distracted by her mum’s search for her dad, she is still determined to get to the bottom of a mystery that puts her and her friends in danger.
The full-and-partial-page illustrations are wonderfully expressive and really capture the perils faced by the friends, and the stunning Egyptian locations they visit, as well as the closeness of the bonds between those who attend the Travelling School.
A fantastic finale to a brilliant adventure series: action-packed, exciting and fun – and perfect for young readers of 8+.
Thank you to Firefly Press for sending me a copy of Libby and the Egyptian Escapade in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by David Owen Illustrated by George Ermos Published by Usborne
Alex Neptune: Dragon Champion is the final book in this action-packed, exciting and fun series – and what a way to wrap up!
The pirate Brineblood has been resurrected and is intent on regaining his full strength by stealing sea magic. Alex and his friends, Zoey and Anil, are determined to prevent him regaining his full magical strength and give chase following a sighting, but their nemesis is always one step ahead and disappears beneath the waves in his ship before they can thwart him. When they discover what he needs to regain his strength, they set a trap, but instead Alex loses his sea magic …
With his strength restored, Brineblood has one aim. He intends to steal all the remaining sea magic and use it to raise a terrifying monster from the deepest depths of the ocean. He intends that this monster will destroy Haven Bay, the last magical place of power, before flooding the entire world, leaving Brineblood to rule over a watery kingdom.
Determined to do everything in their power to defeat Brineblood, the three friends follow him into the depths of the ocean in their home-made submarine … can they stop a tyrannical pirate from raising a monster? Can they save their home from destruction? And, can Alex still lead his friends to victory, despite losing his sea magic?
I absolutely loved being back with Alex and his friends for this final thrilling, perilous, page-turning adventure. There are definitely some terrifying moments as the stakes are raised ever higher as Brineblood gets closer and closer to achieving his ultimate goal. He always seems to be one step ahead with his zombie crabs at his command and the friends fighting to find a way to finally defeat him. I’m so glad there are humorous moments to release the tension caused by the dangerous, scary situations faced by the friends.
Alex, Zoey and Anil have such a strong, supportive and humorous friendship that gives them the strength and courage to face terrifying, seemingly impossible situations. They each have different strengths but these combined make them a formidable team. Even though Alex has lost his sea magic, he is still a pivotal part of the trio showing wonderful leadership skills and an ability to bring people together. I really liked the sense of community in Haven Bay and how the people – both family, neighbours and friends – came together to fight for their home.
Whilst being an exciting fantasy adventure, this story also conveys a timely environmental message relating to the disastrous effects of climate change and pollution and the importance of living sustainably. There is also a fascinating ‘Ocean Facts’ section at the end of the story.
A fantastic finale to an exhilarating, action-packed and humorous series – perfect for young adventurers of 9+.
Thank you to Usborne for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
You can read my reviews of the first four books in this series by clicking on the links below.
This is a weekly meme now hosted by That Artsy Girl Reader. This week’s theme is Most Anticipated Books Releasing in the First Half of 2025. The first three are adult books and the rest are middle-grade releases.
What are your most anticipated reads? Are any of these on your list?
Written by Sinéad O’Hart Cover illustration by Manuel Šumberac Published by Piccadilly Press
Sword of the Sun is a brilliant contemporary fantasy adventure, steeped in the magic of Celtic myths and legends, that held me absolutely enthralled throughout.
When Ben and his older brother, Fin, lose their home in Dublin, the family find themselves with no other choice than to move in with their Aunt Niamh and her wife, Eun-Kyung. This move takes his mother back to her isolated ancestral home in rural County Clare. Whilst Niamh and her wife welcome them and have sympathy for their situation, their cousin, Ji-Ah is less keen to have them sharing her home and there is friction as they learn to accommodate each other.
Ben soon feels unsettled by strange dreams and a feeling that he is being watched by crows, building a real sense of foreboding. Ji-Ah tells the brothers that their grandfather was obsessed with the house and the surrounding land to the extent that he neglected his family, dying before anyone found out the nature of his obsession. Eun-Kyung reveals that their grandfather was a respected folklorist obsessed with the Sword of the Sun and she shares some local mythology relating to this weapon of the Tuatha De Danann. As Ben finds out more about the Sword and his grandfather’s obsession, as the crows haunt his dreams and threaten his reality, he begins to wonder if there could be any truth in ancient myths …
And so begins a breath-taking, action-packed adventure brimming with danger and a sense of foreboding, with secrets and revelations and with the clashing of ancient powerful beings. Ben finds himself thrust into keeping a family promise, a promise of protection passed on from generation to generation within his family, but one that he will have to discover for himself. Can Ben keep his family safe from someone determined to possess a weapon capable of great destruction? Will he have the strength and courage to overcome his fears, face great danger and make difficult decisions? What is he prepared to sacrifice to save those he loves?
This exhilarating adventure blends the contemporary with ancient legends perfectly. I am a huge fan of mythology in stories, and especially love Celtic mythology as these were the stories of my childhood. I am always in awe of how the author weaves these two threads into her adventures making the reader believe in the possibility of old magic, and bringing myths to life in the most unforgettable way. I also loved the vivid depiction of the wild Irish landscape of the Burren and Mullaghmore, places that are easy to imagine were home to ancient gods and goddesses.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Ben and his brother Fin which felt really authentic as they argue and fight, but clearly love each other. Neither finds the move away from Dublin easy as they have to leave behind friends, connections and interests. Ben is an anxious young boy who enjoys reading and is sensitive to the world around him, showing empathy towards others; he has an admirable inner strength and a courageous heart. There is some friction between the brothers and Ji-Ah as they adapt to living together but, as danger escalates, she proves herself a wonderful friend. I loved following the interactions, relationships and re-connections within the family as they adapt to living together and loved the diversity within the family.
A spellbinding, breath-taking adventure: a story of courage and hope, of old magic and new beginnings, and of trusting that there is light in the darkness. This is a story I cannot recommend highly enough for readers of 9+.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publishers for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I have now purchased a physical copy.
Book Craic 