Review: The Zombie Project by Alice Nuttall

*Written by Alice Nuttall*
*Cover Illustration by Ali Al Amine*
*Published by Chicken House Books*

The Zombie Project is a gripping, thought-provoking, one-of-a-kind zombie story that completely captured me from start to finish.

Eleven-year-old Merian wakes to a familiar sound: a zombie tapping at her cabin window. Unperturbed by such occurrences, she traps it and drops it into a dead-trap pit and then takes her cat for a walk in the forest … where she is confronted by another zombie. Luckily, friend and ranger, Justin, is on hand to help her deal with the danger. Despite this perilous situation, Merian does not wish to kill zombies as she knows human survival depends on them …

Merian is the daughter of scientist, Dr Gwen Hope, who is the leading expert in the field of death-flies, the world’s most important pollinator after the extinction of many other insect pollinators, including bees. The larvae of the death-flies incubate in humans and are activated when they die, turning them into zombies until the death-flies hatch. This makes zombies a vital part of the ecosystem and instrumental in the survival of the human race, but what if there are those whose greed supersedes the needs of humanity?

As Merian and her mum leave their home to attend a science exhibition in the city where her mum is facing challenge from those with opposing views, they leave behind possible sabotage and head towards dangerous encounters. Will they be able to convince people that zombies are essential to survival, or will others persuade people that they have been fed a lie about the necessity of zombies?

And so begins an action-packed, edge-of your-seat read that I absolutely couldn’t put down. With plenty of scares, horror and unexpected twists and turns, this is a story that completely gripped me as tension builds and danger intensifies to heart-pounding levels. A perfect blend of excitement and terror!

This is such a thought-provoking read with so many powerful messages around environmental issues, media manipulation and influence, corporation control, activism and fake news conflicting with science. I found the portrayal of zombies as both something to be feared, but also absolutely necessary to the survival of humanity, absolutely fascinating. I won’t deny that I found the zombies scary but they also engendered pity and, with dawning realisation, hope.

Merian is an incredible character: strong, determined, resilient and courageous. She understands the importance of the zombies to the ecosystem and, when she makes an important discovery, she takes great risks to ensure the future of the zombies – and the future of humanity! When she finds others trying to manipulate situations, she takes control, often placing herself in danger, to ensure that the truth unfolds.

An unmissable, one-of-a-kind zombie adventure for our time – a thought-provoking story of courage and determination, survival and hope, frights and horror … young readers of 11+ will absolutely devour this!

Thank you to Laura Smythe PR and Chicken House Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Moonlight Mystery Agency: The Birthday Cake Thief

*Written by Vashti Hardy*
*Illustrated by Agnes Saccani*
*Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

The Moonlight Mystery Agency: The Birthday Cake Thief is the first adventure in a brilliant new series for younger readers.

Hana has always wanted a pet but she gets a little brother instead – a little brother who is allergic to fur. When Arlo takes Hana’s teddy cat, Tibby, she gets cross with him and upsets her little brother. Storming off to her bedroom, Hana calms down by lying on her bed and drawing pictures of the farm she dreams of living on one day.

At midnight, Hana is woken by the sound of tapping at the window and opens it to find a black cat waiting to be let in, a cat with a strange key around its neck – a key which fits the bedstead which belonged to her Great-Grandpa, Monty. But this is no ordinary cat … Ace is a detective cat and a member of the Moonlight Mystery Agency and he invites her to join the Agency.

And so begins the most magical adventure as Hana finds her bed turning into a hot air balloon which takes her to Moonlight where she meets Spark, a bionic unicorn with a rainbow mane who needs her help to find the culprit who has stolen her birthday cake. Can Hana solve her first case before Spark’s birthday party turns in to a disaster? Will she learn a lesson about the importance of kindness and friendship?

I absolutely adored this gorgeous mystery which has all the hallmarks of the author’s fantastic books for middle-grade readers: STEM references, encouraging empathy, magical world-building, steampunk, discovering new places and heart-warming messages of friendship, family bonds and kindness. I have no doubt many young readers will be secretly wishing for an invitation to join the Moonlight Mystery Agency!

The full-colour illustrations throughout complement the story perfectly: magical, vibrant and so wonderfully expressive and full of warmth.

What a fantastic start to a wonderful new mystery series for younger readers of 5+ who I have no doubt will be eager to return to Moonlight again and again.

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This one is from the Little Gems series of fully-illustrated first chapter books for ages 5-8.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy of The Moonlight Mystery Agency in exchange for my honest opinion.

December 2024 wrap-up

Well, December has been a month of two thirds hectic to one third relaxing! Both the run-up to Christmas at work and home were hectic, but it has been wonderful to have a proper break over Christmas.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 11 books this month (the same as in November): 4 books for adults and 7 middle-grade books. My highlights this month were Swordcatcher, Orbital, The Snow Child (all adult books) and Fia and the Last Snow Deer (a stunning illustrated verse novel set in prehistoric Ireland).

NetGalley:

I have added one book to my NetGalley shelf this month.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 8 books by publishers this month.

Fairyloot Adult Book

I’ve also now got a subscription to the adult book box for Fairyloot. This month’s read is The Courting of Bristol Keats.

Gifted Books

I didn’t buy any books this month as I had some on my Christmas wish list which have been very kindly gifted by my family and as part of the wonderful Reading Rocks Secret Santa.

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

2024 Middle-Grade Books of the Year

I have read 165 books this year and most of them are middle-grade so choosing my top 12 was always going to be impossible so instead, as its 2024, I’ve decided to choose 24 of my favourite middle-grade books this year. I have posted reviews on my Blog for most of these so, where I have a review, I’ve linked them below the images.

The Whisperwicks

The Others

Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman

The Secret of the Moonshard

Pirates of Darksea

The Great Phoenix of London

Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm

Maisie vs Antarctica

The Last Boy

The Island at the Edge of Night

I am Rebel

Flame Chasers

Black Gables

Beast Lands: Race to Frostfall Mountain

Bringing Back Kay-Kay

The Haunting of Fortune Farm

Angel of Grasmere

Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons

Delta and the Lost City

Birdie

I still have lots of middle-grade books published in 2024 on my bookshelves that I’m aiming to read next year as well as, of course, picking up lots of 2025 releases!

Have you read any of these? What have been your favourite reads this year? What have I missed that I really should read in 2025?

Top Ten Tuesday

This is a weekly meme now hosted by That Artsy Girl Reader. This week’s theme is Best Books I Read in 2024. It’s been too long since I’ve taken part in this, but I’ve been trying to read more adult and young adult books this year so thought I’d share my ten favourite of the year.

Review: Blue, Barry & Pancakes: Beach Ball Bedlam

*Written & Illustrated by Dan & Jason*
*Published by Rock the Boat*

Blue, Barry & Pancakes: Beach Ball Bedlam is the first in a wonderful graphic novel series for younger readers – hilarious adventures with three brilliant friends – an adventurous, sport-loving bunny; a book-loving, thoughtful worm; and an inventor, over-thinking frog.

Blue, Barry and Pancakes are best friends who live in the most fantastic, giant tree house. Just as Barry is finishing his impressive Eiffel Tower waffle stack, Pancakes has an idea …

The three friends decide to head to the beach where beach ball seems a perfect activity, but disaster strikes when they lose Blue’s ball to a hungry whale! Luckily, Barry is full of awesome ideas, but not all plans go exactly as intended …

And so begins a hilarious out-of-this-world adventure as the three friends attempt to retrieve Blue’s beach ball and find themselves at an alien pool party …

I loved both the wacky adventure and the heart-warming friendship between Blue, Barry and Pancakes as they realise that friendship is more important than anything else. The full-colour, vibrant illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and so wonderfully expressive. The large panels and speech bubbles will really appeal to young readers.

Explosive fun meets wonderful friendships in this gorgeous graphic novel series for younger readers of 6+.

Thank you to Dannie Price and the Publisher for sending me a copy of this graphic novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

Non-fiction Book Review: Dinopedia: An Encyclopedia of Prehistoric Beasts

*Written by Tom Jackson*
*Illustrated by Good Wives and Warriors*
*Published by Laurence King (an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group)*

Dinopedia: An Encyclopedia of Prehistoric Beasts is an absolutely stunning, beautifully illustrated hardback information book sharing fascinating facts about prehistoric animals. Many young – and older – readers are fascinated by dinosaurs and this is a book that is guaranteed to absorb readers as they enjoy learning more about the lives of these incredible creatures.

This stunning book is divided in to five sections: Palaeozic, Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous and Present Day. Each is introduced with a short explanation of what the period means and is followed by a double page spread consisting of a beautifully illustrated page and an information page about some of the animals that inhabited each of these periods.

As well as introducing readers to fascinating facts about a range of prehistoric animals, it also shares other more general, but related, information such as the mass extinction of animals about 252 million years ago, fossil hunters, the evolution of flight and the mass extinction of dinosaurs 66 million years ago. There is also more general information about dinosaurs including what they sound like, how they move, caring for their young and their colours.

This book really is treasure trove of information for curious young minds, presented in an accessible and engaging manner, often comparing habits and attributes of pre-historic animals to animals children will be familiar with. Did you know that the oldest wishbone we know about comes from the Coelophysis? Or that a Brachiosaurus could have looked over the top of a three-storey house? Or even that a Diplodocus replaced each tooth every month or so?

The full page, detailed illustrations are stunning and are guaranteed to capture the attention of readers as they can imagine each animal in its natural habitat as they read the information which complements each illustration.

This book is a perfect read for young dino fans who will be absorbed both by the wide range of fascinating facts and colourful illustrations. A brilliant introduction to palaeontology for young readers of 7+.

Thank you to Hachette for sending me a copy of this stunning book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Picture Book Review: King Winter’s Birthday

*Written by Jonathan Freedland*
*Illustrated by Emily Sutton*
*Published by Pushkin Children’s Books*

King Winter’s Birthday is an absolutely stunning hardback picture book – a beautifully told fairy tale which celebrates the four seasons and their importance in keeping balance in nature.

King Winter is celebrating his birthday and he wants to make it really special so he invites his brothers and sisters to attend. They are none other than: Queen Spring, King Summer and Queen Autumn. Despite being warned by the sun and winds, the leaves and trees, that this is not a good idea, King Winter is determined to celebrate with them in order to make his party the greatest ever.

But when his siblings arrive at the Winter Palace, something strange happens outside as the seasons become mingled together, upsetting the delicate balance of nature … will the seasonal siblings be able to bring an end to this imbalance before it is too late?

This story has a wonderfully warm message of the importance of balance in nature, but also of the warmth engendered by joyful memories – even when this is all we have left.

The illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous from the trees through the seasons on the end pages to the stunning, intricate internal illustrations which depict the personification of the Seasons in all their natural resplendence. The colour palette used to depict each season is just perfect from the crisp blues and whites of winter to the browns and golds of autumn, the yellows and greens of spring and the vibrant rainbow of summer colours. These images are full of energy and life and I have no doubt that, just like me, young readers will enjoy exploring them.

This story is inspired by a story with the same title written by Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz, a German Jew, whilst he was interned on the Isle of Man during the Second World War as an ‘enemy alien’. Information about Ulrich is included at the end of the book – and makes for a heartbreaking read!

A captivating, beautifully illustrated fairy tale that will make a treasured addition to any child’s book collection, and a perfect winter gift for young readers.

Thank you to the Publisher, Pushkin Children’s Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The December Witches

*Written by Jennifer Claessen*
*Illustration by Heidi Cannon*
*Published by Uclan Publishing*

The December Witches is the final book in the A Month of Magic trilogy – what a wonderfully satisfying, heart-warming and magical conclusion to this brilliant adventure series.

It’s Clemmie’s thirteenth birthday which should be a time of celebration, gifts and cake, but instead she’s been given an unwanted gift, a gift that could not only destroy her and those she loves, but also allow twisted magic to enter the world.

There has never been magic in December, yet Clemmie is full of magic, magic that she can’t control and magic that is causing explosive harm not only to Clemmie, but to her home. When tragedy strikes, she must leave her home and fight a battle both within herself and against a force intent on making her a conduit back to the human world. Can Clemmie and her friends find a way to release her star-fuelled magic and defeat the ancient, twisted magic of their ancestors?

This is an absolutely brilliant adventure, intricately woven, and with a perfect blend of tension, peril and excitement as a magical battle weaves through the pages, taking the reader on an unforgettable journey with Clemmie and her friends. I really enjoyed the wintry, snowy setting and the Christmassy feel, especially the reference to Clemmie as Sister Christmas, the giving of star gifts and the comfort to be found in giving. I also loved Connie’s cookbook references at the start of each chapter which perfectly depict the joy, messiness and togetherness of family time!

Growing up, I absolutely loved the Arthurian legends, so I really enjoyed the references in this trilogy, from the family names of the Merlyns and Morgans to family rivalry, the Round Table, knights and mythical places.

Clemmie is the most wonderful, caring and courageous young girl who really finds her voice, her self-awareness and inner strength as she fights against those intent in taking these from her. I loved how she finds strength both through her family and her friendship with Mirabelle, Senara and Kerra who are always there for her and anchor her when she needs support.

A magical, uplifting and festive adventure with family and friendship at its heart – a perfect witchy wintery feast of a story.

November Wrap-Up

Wow! November has felt like forever! It just feels so much busier at work – back to working late most evenings to try to keep up with planning, marking and assessment – and now Christmas production rehearsals! Not a very productive reading – or blogging – month, but I have enjoyed what I’ve read this month.