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.
Abridged for Young Readers by Lucy Strange Cover and interior illustrations by Kristina Kister Published by Walker Books
Frankenstein: Abridged for Young Readers is a powerful and masterful abridgement of this classic gothic tale of ambition, abandonment, vengeance and love, an incredibly emotional story that absolutely gripped me from start to finish.
On an ambitious expedition to the North Pole, Captain Robert Walton rescues a young man desperate to find someone who he has been pursuing … and so we learn the tragic tale of Victor Frankenstein and that of his creation …
Victor was brought up in a loving household with his parents, their adopted daughter and two younger brothers. Following the death of his mother, he travels to Germany to study, a place where he develops a keen interest in chemistry and an obsession to discover the mysteries of creation. His fascination with life and death leads him to create new life … but the creature disgusts him and he immediately abandons his creation to fend for itself …
The repercussions of this split-second decision will haunt Victor for the rest of his life as the creature that he has created and rejected becomes the monster he both fears and loathes. As the creature seeks to form bonds and find a place in the world, it can find no succour and is only ever met with fear and loathing by others, even when the deeds it performs show that it is capable of goodness and kindness. Being denied basic human connection and comfort leads to a craving for vengeance against its maker with the most heart-breaking consequences.
I was absolutely gripped by this story from start to finish, a classic masterfully re-told with such quality of language and depth of emotion that I found myself completely lost in the story, my heart at times aching for both Victor and his creation but also despairing and angered by their intentions and actions.
I think the themes in this story transcend time through its exploration of universal human experiences, offering some wonderful opportunities for discussion. Who is the real monster of the story? Was this creature born a monster or was it made into one by its experiences? What would have happened if Victor had not negated his responsibility towards his creation? The story serves as a timely reminder of what happens when individualistic ambition runs unchecked with a disregard for ethical considerations.
A poignant and powerful abridgement of this classic story, perfect for young readers of 10+.
Thank you to Walker Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
The Spirit of Loughmoe Abbey is a heart-breaking, haunting ghost story, a story that captures pain, hope and healing, and one which held me enthralled throughout.
Gwen has been home-schooled but, when her mother needs to go in to hospital, a reluctant Gwen is sent to boarding school at Loughmoe Abbey – an impressive, old house within the grounds of a monastic site. But she immediately feels lost and trapped, finding it difficult to make friends, to adapt to sharing a dorm with four other girls, and struggling with the expectations for learning in a classroom. Her only comfort is that she has been allowed to bring her dog, Bella – even though she has to stay in the kennels.
On a walk with Bella, Gwen finds herself at the Bell Tower, the only place which students are forbidden to enter without written permission from the Principal. When she is met by an older girl who has clearly been crying, Gwen’s curiosity is stirred, and she is determined to find out what happens in the Tower. After a strange occurrence which frightens Gwen, she is told the secret of the Tower by the Principal. But surely, there could not be ghosts in the school – and why would one want to communicate with her?
Gwen is given permission to visit the Tower and, when she does, she meets a spirit who shares a secret with her and tells her that she wants to help both Gwen and her mother. But can she trust this ghost? Can they work together to help Gwen’s mum heal?
This is such a heart-achingly moving story that deals with some powerful themes, including grief and mental health, in a sensitive manner. I loved the idea of a boarding school that brings people who need help to it, the blend of school life with the supernatural and the unexpected twists that were just perfect. I think there is so much potential to learn the stories of other students at Loughmoe Abbey and I really hope there’s a return to this wonderful school which is definitely not a typical boarding school.
Gwen is such a sympathetic young girl whose only understanding of education before joining Loughmoe Abbey is her mother’s very relaxed home-schooling which has meant that she finds herself academically behind the other students. She struggles with understanding what friendship is, with learning in an environment and in a manner that are not suited to her neurodivergence, and with the constant worry about her mum, putting extra pressure on herself to do well in the hope that this will make her mum better.
A stunning story of family and friendship, of healing and hope, of loss and connection, perfect for young readers of 9+.
Thank you to the publisher, Our Street Books, for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Squirrel and Bird are best friends even though they are opposites. Whilst Squirrel is loud and confident, Bird is quiet and shy. But the reader soon discovers that there is much more to these two woodland creatures than how they are perceived by the narrator of the story. As they get ready for a concert to which all the forest animals are invited, it quickly becomes clear that both bird and squirrel’s identities cannot be defined by a single quality and they express themselves in different ways at different times and in different situations.
I absolutely loved the muted autumnal colour palette used to create the most stunning images of the woodland and its creatures from the acorns and ladybirds to the badgers and hedgehogs. The endpapers are joyous and I have no doubt that young children will enjoy following a pictorial nature trail within them. I also loved that squirrel and bird are enjoying the creative expression that many children enjoy such as playing instruments, singing and painting as they prepare for their concert.
I also really liked the cleverness of the messages shown in the illustrations which are often in contrast to the narrator’s words, for example, telling the reader that bird prefers to sit and do nothing when bird is making a poster or stating that Squirrel has no nerves when his facial expression shows otherwise.
Whilst this story is mostly told from the narrator’s viewpoint, Bird does react to what is said and this is shown in a different font which will help young children to distinguish between the voices. I really liked that Bird is a brilliant advocate for the different aspects of personality and was able to convince the narrator to define them as not just one personality trait but as a kaleidoscope of traits.
I loved the messages about self-expression, perception of others, identity and the different traits that define someone. This story opens up a perfect opportunity to discuss these messages with young children.
A stunning and thought-provoking picture book, with the most heart-warming messages, perfect for children of 3+.
Thank you to Little Tiger to sending me a copy of this book. It was my decision to read and review and my review is my honest opinion of the book.
Written by Christopher Edge Cover and interior illustrations by Mathias Ball Published by Walker Books
Fear Files: Hide and Seek is the start of a new spine-tingling, horror series that completely gripped me as I read the first case in the Darkive database where fear is taken to a whole new level.
Adam is on a weekend camping trip with best friend, Sol but, rather than the glamping experience he’d hoped for, he finds himself stuck in a farmer’s field in the middle of nowhere – and questioning his friendship. Determined to find some fun and adventure, Adam heads off to explore and soon finds a walled village at the edge of woodland. Despite Sol’s reservations, the boys enter the village only to discover that it is deserted. Rather than leave, Adam challenges a reluctant Sol to a game of hide and seek, but someone – or something – else is playing too … Can Adam stay one hide ahead of a scary seeker determined to find him?
Ready or not, here I come …
And so begins a deliciously scary, fast-paced and heart-racing read where tension builds inexorably as danger edges ever-and-ever closer taking the reader on a roller-coaster of emotion – from fear to relief and back again. I loved the twists in time and place within the ghost town, the use of shadow and darkness and the unsettling feeling of an ominous presence that cannot be escaped, no matter where you hide. I remember playing hide and seek at primary school where a favourite hiding place was the ‘witch’s hut’ at the bottom of the school field – no-one would dare seek you there, but you also scared yourself silly! And this is a story that will definitely bring frissons of fright. I absolutely loved the creepiness of this game as the countdown rang out, as hiders desperately sought a hiding place and as the seeker closes in … and the sense that, if caught, all would not end well … genuinely sent shivers down my spine and kept me eagerly turning pages until I reached the end … and, oh my goodness, that’s all I’m going to say …
As well as the first person account of events, there are also extracts from the Darkive case file for Adam Flynn which include encyclopedia entries, newspaper clippings and agent notes that makes this feel like the reader has been given a glimpse into a real, classified case … just brilliant … but I’m not sure I can destroy after reading. In fact, I’m bringing this straight to my school library! I also really liked the creepy illustrations and fingerprints on the pages which complement this scary story perfectly.
Get ready for an edge-of-your seat, spine-tingling adventure that is guaranteed to grip young readers of 9+ as they are given Level 4 clearance into the Darkive.
Thank you to Toppsta and Walker Books for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Today, I’m excited to be taking part in the cover reveal for a new middle-grade book, Lianna and the Hombit, by Valinora Troy which will be out on 29th January 2026.
13-year-old Lianna has lost everything: her home, her friends, and most devastatingly, her beloved Papa. Sent to live with her uncle, Lianna is certain he will be cruel and unkind, for why else would Papa have run away when he was young?
Robbed on arrival of her precious keepsakes, Lianna receives a worse-than-expected welcome from her uncle. His servants are hostile and even her grandparents seem to glare at her from their portraits over the fire.
When a magical creature resembling a small glass bird bursts into her life in a mix of sparks and fire, Lianna is eager to assist the hombit with its secret mission if it helps her return home. Which leads to Lianna undertaking a risky dive near perilous sea stacks known as ‘living rocks’.
When her dive goes wrong, she awakens a creature that seeks to rob her of her humanity.To survive, Lianna must uncover the dark secrets of her father’s past. Now she faces a stark decision: does she save herself or the town that rejects both her and her father?
A heart-warming story of the healing power of friendship when all seems lost.
Valinora Troy is a children’s fantasy writer from Ireland. She has a MA in Creative Writing Specialising in Writing for Children and Young Adults, and has served as a panellist for the CYBILS awards (elementary & middle grade speculative fiction category). Her short stories for adults have been in a number of publications. She is the author of ‘The Lucky Diamond’ trilogy, three middle grade children’s fantasy adventures. She has recently been shortlisted for the Staróg prize, and has served as a Reading Ambassador for Louth County Libraries.
Written by Katya Balen Illustrated by Gill Smith Published by Walker Books
The Appletree Animal Agency: Collie Chaos is the second book in this absolutely charming, cosy adventure series for young readers.
TheAppletree Animal Agency is having an official meeting in its headquarters which just so happens to be the most wonderful tree house. Mattie and best friends, Zoe and Casper are eager to help everyone in the village find their perfect pet and help them with care and training tips. The team are keen to re-home rescue animals Algernon the terrapin and Crumpet, a ginger cat, but could someone else also be in need of a new home?
On their way to help out at Dr Polly’s vet surgery and animal rescue centre, the children discover three-legged collie, Domino who has, once again, escaped from his owner, Mrs McDonald. Whilst Mrs McDonald clearly adores Domino, she is finding it hard to handle this rather naughty puppy who is set on having his own adventures, but could Domino have a reason for leaving his new home at every opportunity?
When Domino, once again, escapes during a snowstorm, the team are determined to find him before he lands himself in real trouble. But, when they finally find Domino, they discover the real reason he has been leaving home …
This is the most delightful adventure, filled with humour, heart and friendship – and plenty of chaos from Domino as he seeks his forever family. The village of Mossdale sounds absolutely idyllic and I loved that this time we visit during the lead-up to the Christmas Fête with snow falling – so cosy and definitely made me want to snuggle up with a hot chocolate – which I think is the perfect way to read this adorable adventure.
I adore the close friendship between Mattie, Zoe and Casper and their pets. The children clearly adore animals and take on a lot of responsibility in re-homing animals, working hard to ensure that they are with their perfect matches! I loved that the team didn’t see this as the end of their responsibilities but continued to help the new owners as they care for their pets, especially through their dog training sessions.
The black and white illustrations throughout are absolutely wonderful and complement the warmth and charm of this story perfectly, making it a fantastic chapter book for young readers.
Another heart-warming, delightful and fun-filled adventure from The Appletree Animal Agency that is guaranteed to enchant young readers of 7+.
Thank you to Walker Books for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Dominique Valente Artwork by Eleonora Asparuhova Published by Usborne
Witchlight is the enchanting sequel to Witchspark: a magical, mesmerising adventure glowing with heart, warmth and friendship, with danger, daring and dastardly villains, a story that held me spellbound as I ventured back to the Magic Isles …
Miss Hegotty’s Secret Society for Witches is meeting in none other than sentient house, Huswyvern, but poor Hus has got a cold – and its sneezing is causing chaos. Eglantine, who is magically bonded to Hus, is searching for a cure in her Grimoire – but it keeps directing her to a page that has been torn out!
Meanwhile, Miss Hegotty is determined to expose the truth about the binding of magic in young girls, and boys from poor backgrounds. Could the Department of Isle-Spark Regulation be involved in the binding in order to retain power amongst society’s wealthiest, and most powerful, men? As two courageous society members go undercover to seek answers, Eglantine and wyvern-butler, Arthur, are tasked with a new mission: to welcome a new society member.
Making their way to Edinburgh via lightning-carriage, Eglantine and Arthur meet aspiring journalist Myrtle who reveals that she is investigating a flu amongst magical creatures that is putting them in terrible danger. But magical creatures, and sentient houses, cannot become sick, so could they be affected by a magical curse? And who could be responsible for placing such a terrible curse upon them?
And so begins the most incredible, magical adventure as Eglantine and her friends enter a fight against injustices, a fight to help those who are being wronged and a fight to ensure a fair society with rights for all, including magical creatures. Can they find a way to counter a curse capable of great harm? Can they expose the truth before time runs out? And, can they save each other from power-hungry villains who will stop at nothing to keep the power to which they feel entitled? Be prepared for time and portal travel, disguise spells and genie wishes, ghosts and magical beings, including a book dragon!
It was wonderful being back in the company of Eglantine and her best friend, Princess Victoria, two incredibly courageous, resilient and determined young ladies who are resolved to stand up against injustice and to fight for those they love despite the danger this places them in.
The illustrations, including framed chapter headings and full-page illustrations, are gorgeous and really complement the magic, warmth and peril in this adventure.
A spellbinding, magical adventure which glows with warmth, hope and friendship, perfect for readers of 8+.
Thank you to Fritha Lindqvist and Usborne for sending me a copy of Witchlight. It was my decision to review it, and my review is my honest opinion.
Over the last year, I’ve read lots of books that are just perfect for spooky season so I thought I’d bring together some of my favourites.
I’m sharing them in the order I read them over the year, and have linked my review for each of these spooky season treats beneath its image.
Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cindermanis a deliciously spooky, humorous mystery with a chilling edge guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. Twelve-year-old twins Indigo and Rusty live in a 400-year-old house on the outskirts of the village of Greyscar which also happens to be a funeral home. Despite this, they do not believe in ghosts … until Indigo accidentally finds a hidden door behind a bookcase and decides to investigate.
Black Gables is a deliciously dark, spine-tinglingly spooky and gloriously gothic mystery that swirls with danger, frights and secrets … an absolutely riveting read. Twelve-year-old Rosella Frawley’s mother has lost her memory after an accident so the family have returned to the place where she grew up, Black Gables, in the hope that the familiarity of her childhood home will trigger her memory to return. But Black Gables is not a place for hope …
The Haunting of Fortune Farmis an eerie, evocative and poignant ghost tale of family secrets, remembrance and healing that completely entranced me as I was swept into the isolated Irish setting, enraptured by voices of the past and present connecting through memories … When Edie finds hidden items from the past – a piece of metal, her dad’s diary and a newspaper cutting – she finds herself thrown into an adventure to discover long-lost Viking treasure and to uncover family secrets …
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 …
The Boy at the Windowis a spine-tingling, poignant gothic ghost story which held me utterly entranced from the opening line. Whilst the heavy, thick fog surrounding Hugo’s home might play tricks on the imagination, Hugo is convinced that what he sees at the window is real – a real ghost boy!
Serial Chillers: The Witch in the Woodsis a seriously spooky start to what promises to be another incredible, spine-tingling series from the Queen of middle-grade horror! Travis is not looking forward to yet another visit to Hazard Museum with his school but at least this time he has best friend Zayd for company – and it’s his first time at the Museum as he has only recently moved to Hazard. When their teacher gives her students a project to study an aspect of local history, Travis is not best impressed to be teamed up with mean-girl Seline and his ex-best friend Danielle. Seline quickly takes charge of the group – and responsibility for choosing their project, determined to get a top grade. And it’s not long before she decides on the group’s project – the local urban legend of Blood-Eyed Mary, a witch who lives in the woods.
School of Doomis a hilarious and heart-warming monster-packed school adventure that kept me completely captivated throughout. Eddie Harp enjoys munching on wheelie bins and guzzling paint but has to avoid these temptations as she lives in the human realm, a place where these culinary delights are to be avoided if you want to fit in, but Eddie is better at standing out than fitting in … a trait that earns her an unexpected 12th birthday present. Eddie receives a summons to enrol at the School of Doom in the Outer Realms as she is deemed unfit for school life in the human realm.
The Scream of the Whistleis a superbly spooky, supernatural mystery that completely captivated me as the tragic tale of a lost village unfolded: a tale of loss, of family and friendship and of hope. When Gram takes Ru to the abandoned railway station to help her connect with her family history, she tells her that it is built on a ley line. Ru is more interested in her discovery: that following the railway track will lead her back home where she aims to get her mum and dad back together. But before she can put her plan into action, her Gram insists that she watches the lunar eclipse on May Eve, a time when she believes that a gateway between worlds opens …
Dracula & Daughtersis the start of a superb, spellbinding new series by the queen of historical fiction, but this one has a supernatural bite! It’s midnight on a starless night and Mina is on a mission that she doesn’t relish, but it’s one she hopes will help her on the path to becoming Temstown’s first female doctor. When she gets to her destination, she is discovered by a girl who accuses her of an illegal activity, but Mina has not had the chance to complete her mission as the person she has come to collect has already broken out of her coffin …
Gloamis a deliciously dark, spine-chilling gothic horror, a thrilling, tension-filled and atmospheric story, that completely captivated me. After the death of their mother, the Clayton-Fenn siblings, and their stepdad, are relocating to Gloam Island where they have inherited their grandmother’s old, neglected house which has been empty since her death a year before. Strange amulets, each with a painted eye, hang in each room and, when Gwen is frightened that night by a noise and sees yellow eyes staring at her, she assumes it is the amulet, but could something more sinister be in the house?
Spirit Warriorsis a stunning historical fantasy adventure, an enthralling story of danger, discovery and daring, that completely captured me from start to finish. 13-year-old Evie lives on the island of Xaymaca, in The Mangrove Hotel, which is owned and run by her adoptive mother, Ms Bell. The Hotel is sustained by magic from a larimar gemstone that was found with Evie who was the sole survivor of a shipwreck nine years previously. Despite Ms Bell’s objections, Evie is determined to attend the annual Carnival of Magic (Myal) in the hope that she will find a mage – a spirit waker – to help her communicate with her parents’ spirits.
The Wintermoor Lightsis the second classified case in The Night House Files and what a chilling, thrilling and terrifying case it turns out to be. I was absolutely hooked from start to finish and cannot recommend this series highly enough to readers of 11+. Tara Fisher’s best friend, Zoe, has suddenly changed. Rather than hanging out with Tara and their friend Dennis, she has become friends with arch-enemy Jackie. Could this have anything to do with the mysterious lights that Zoe witnesses over Wintermoor on her way home from an early morning swim?
Dead Yard: Seeds of Doomis the start of a spine-tingling new series, set in contemporary London, with a fantastic fusion of Caribbean folklore, heart and humour. Aspiring film-maker Jermaine’s work on his entry for the junior film competition isn’t exactly going to plan when his werewolf is attacked by a little old lady with a walking stick. Arranging to meet his cast the following day to continue filming, Jermaine intends to continue getting some shots that evening until he is abruptly reminded that he has somewhere else he needs to be …
Uncle Zeedieis the second book in The Blood Texts series, perfect for fans of seriously spine-chilling horror. Lacey and her younger brother George are spending the weekend with their weird Uncle Zeedie, an old friend of their acrimoniously divorced parents, in his isolated mansion in the Welsh valleys. But at least he’s rich so the mansion and food should be amazing, except neither are: the house is cold with lots of unfurnished rooms, the sandwiches are mouldy and the house smells of sour milk. Oh, and then, there’s the bloodstains on the locked door to the basin. Could Uncle Zeedie be hiding a terrifying secret, a secret linked to the Missing Child posters that they find?
After reading The Shoe Creeper, I’ll never look at a stray shoe in the same way again! A superbly dark, spine-tingling horror adventure: a perfect spooky season treat! Twelve-year-old Ethan Halston has grown up on stories of The Shoe Creeper shared with him by his beloved gran. Of course, he doesn’t believe the stories despite his gran’s assurances that they are true. After all, there’s no way stories of a terrifying monster, who catches his victims by sniffing out their malodorous shoes, before feasting on their fear and taking their toes, can be real – can they?
I have really enjoyed all of these books and can highly recommend them for a spooky season read.
Written by David Macphail Illustrated by Rory Walker Published by Everything with Words
Aliens Made me do it! is a hilarious, heart-warming adventure, a gigglesome delight, perfect for young readers of 7+.
Eleven-year-old Hillman Patel was not expecting his Dad’s prized 1978 Ford Anglia to be crushed before his eyes and he was DEFINITELY not expecting an alien spaceship to be the cause of the destruction. So, what exactly do you do when a Princess of the Galaxy, Cassiopeia, and her trigger-happy custard-nuking robot demand to be taken to see your leader? Well, of course, you take her to see your Grandad! Will he able to help to help her defeat her arch-enemy, Prince Perseus, whose armada is on its way to destroy Earth? Of course not! But Hillman just might …
Meanwhile, Prince Perseus and his robot have crash-landed and find themselves in the rather unfortunate position of sinking into a mountain of garbage. Luckily, they are rescued by a young girl, Roz, who turns down the prestigious Order of Medusa in order for their help with a daring bank heist to help her Grandad…
And so begins a fantastically action-packed and chaotically brilliant adventure that is guaranteed to bring giggles galore. Be prepared for bank heists with a difference, mutated shopping trolleys, a profusion of explosions, chases – and custard – lots of custard! I never knew something so delicious could be so dangerous!
Can Hillman and Cassiopeia find her armada (which she has accidentally miniaturised – could happen to anyone!) and return it to battle form before Perseus’s armada arrives to pulverise Earth? Can Roz be the catalyst that makes Perseus think twice about his determination to obliterate Earth? After all, she has saved him and given him the opportunity to show off his singing talent!
I loved the twists and turns, the fast-paced action and the unexpected surprises. As well as its madcap humour, this adventure has some gorgeously heart-warming moments showing the importance of family and friendship. The short chapters, together with the illustrations, will appeal to young readers as I have no doubt that they will want to read just one more chapter … and another …
The full-and-partial-page illustrations are fantastic and really complement the humour and wonderful wackiness and energy of this adventure.
Illustration by Rory Walker
A fantastically funny, action-packed adventure with family and friendship at its heart.
Thank you to Mikka at Everything With Words for providing me with a copy of this book. It was my decision to review the book and my review is my honest opinion.
Welcome to my stop on the Blog Tour for Aliens Made me do it! Today, I’m sharing a post from the author, David Macphail:
What inspired you to write this book?
One day I was stuck in traffic on a grey, grim, grotty road, the kind of place where even the pigeons look depressed. I happened to wonder if aliens were looking down, watching, perhaps from somewhere up on Alpha Centauri, little green folk with three eyes, maybe, sitting in front of a tiny little TV screen, monitoring the Earth. Which begged the thought, oh boy have you got the wrong channel! There must be something more exciting in the galaxy than watching a sad line of cars creep past a shabby discount carpet warehouse. “Have you tried Netflix, guys??”
But then it struck me. What if instead of watching, the aliens came to Earth? What if they came here on a desperate mission? What if the fate of the Earth was at stake? And instead of swooping into Washington D.C. or parking outside Number 10, they landed in a kid’s back garden in some plain, middle of nowhere town? The alien stomps forward, demands, “Take me to your leader!” And the kid, doing his best, marches the alien straight to the only level of leadership he has access to – his grandad, who’s sitting watching Countdown and picking hobnob crumbs out of his cardigan.
From that silly thought, the story began to develop. Maybe the fate of the world depends not on presidents or prime ministers—but on kids. And the action plays out in a town where their usual idea of drama involves the chip shop running out of vinegar.
In this book, the universe’s biggest crisis shows up in the most ordinary place possible—and it’s up to ordinary kids to save the day. Just as well. Let’s face it, if Earth is counting on us grown-ups, we’re all doomed.
Illustration by Rory Walker
Thank you so much to David for providing me with this post and to Mikka at Everything with Words for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour.
Book Craic 