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.
I’m choosing my next physical book to read as I’ve just finished one, but I’m listening to the audiobook of The Marvellers which is a wonderful read so far. I’m really enjoying finding out more about Marvellers and Conjurors as Ella is the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute, a magic school in the cloud for marvellers. I think she’s definitely going to have challenges fitting in, but she’s a wonderfully strong character.
I’ve finished listening to the audiobook of Like a Curse – this was a brilliant duology. I also finished Wilder which is a wonderful adventure with important environmental messages and a brilliant main character in Rhodd. I also read Peng and Spanners which is such a fun graphic novel. I have posted my review. I also read Time TravellersAdventure Calling which is the start of a new timeslip historical series. I have posted my review. Finally, I read Tiger Warrior:Fight for the Cursed Unicorm, the fifth book in this great series for younger readers. I will post my review shortly.
I didn’t get to this one last week, but I’ll hopefully get to it over the weekend.
Peng and Spanners is the first adventure in a fantastic new graphic novel series: an absolute riot of fun and mischief with two new stupendous superheroes that I have no doubt will become firm favourites with young readers.
Peng is looking for adventures far away from his icy home, but is not at all impressed when his parents send him to a boarding school, but perhaps Boredin Boarding School will not be quite as boring as he expects … and that might just have something to do with new friend, Spanners, a clever cat with a toolbelt full of gadgets.
On his first day at school, Peng discovers that his headteacher is on a mission to impress the inspectors: he has built a school pizza restaurant to win the Best School Dinners Award – and there’s free pizza for everyone. And, as everyone knows, free pizza trumps adventure – and boredom! Unless … the pizza parlour goes missing, and then there’s a whole lot of adventure for these two superheroes on a mission.
Can Peng-tastic and Spanners find the thief, and solve the mystery of the missing pizza place, before the school inspectors arrive? There’s just a giant talking robot intent on world-domination, a quick jail break and the need to avoid Cinderella the mop-wielding caretaker standing between success and disaster.
Peng and Spanners are the most wonderful double-act with Peng as the super ninja superhero and Spanners his possible sidey-kick. I loved the misunderstandings, the humour and the banter between this duet duo which brought giggles galore. Whilst Spanners might get a smidgen confused, he is a brilliant inventor who makes fantastic superhero contraptions – even if Peng doesn’t always appreciate them! And my goodness, can he tell a tall tale!
I adored the playfulness of the language from Spanners use of incorrect superhero names (hilarious – I’m still smiling at Soupman and the Incredible Sulk), Peng’s sarcasm and direct address to the reader, and the double trouble ‘We are here to judge you’ inspectors. And then, there’s Botty – guaranteed giggles. And, as if that wasn’t enough, there’s even a draw with Peng and Spanners. I just won’t mention the pizza toppings page – urgh!
I loved both the vivid full-colour illustrations throughout – which complement the energy and humour of the adventure – as well as the layout and fonts which I have no doubt will appeal to young readers.
A fantastic, fun-filled feast of wackiness that is sure to hook young readers who I have no doubt will keep coming back for more as they wait for the next adventure in Peng and Spanners Meet Mr Big.
Thank you so much to Bethany Carter and Faber Children’s Books for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour for this brilliant graphic novel, and for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Sufiya Ahmed Illustrations by Alessia Trunfio Published by Little Tiger
Time Travellers: Adventure Calling is the first in an exciting new series of historical timeslip adventures. Perfect for readers of 8+ who I have no doubt will not only be gripped by the thrilling adventure but will also find themselves immersed in learning about aspects of our missing diverse history.
Suhana, Mia and Ayaan are visiting the Houses of Parliament after having been chosen as winner and runners-up in an art competition run by their local MP. Suhana has joined Year 6, and does not really know Mia and Ayaan who are good friends. When they arrive with their Headteacher, Mr Hayes, they witness a Fridays for Future protest against climate change by a group of teenagers. Whilst Mr Hayes is disdainful of the protest, attesting that it is a waste of time, another teacher disagrees, citing the suffragette movement.
Once inside the Houses of Parliament for a tour, the children are immediately fascinated by its history and organisation. After the tour, Suhana is keen to go back to Westminster Hall to learn more about women’s suffrage, but then she hears a phone ringing, her phone … and the three children find themselves spinning back through time to 17th June 1911, and into the middle of a women’s suffrage demonstration.
Suhana is surprised to see Indian women taking part in the march, and immediately races towards them, losing Mia and Ayaan in the crowd. She meets Lolita Roy and her niece, Reena, who are suffragists focussed on peaceful campaigning; they invite her to take part in the march. But will Suhana be reunited with her new friends in time to return to the present? Can her experiences and discoveries in the past impact on the history which is presented in the present?
This is a brilliant adventure with plenty of fast-paced action, danger and discoveries as the children race against time to find their way back home whilst learning more about the suffrage movement and the diversity within it that is not common knowledge in the present.
Suhana is an incredibly sympathetic young girl. She has joined a new school in Year 6 and has been fostered since her mother left. Her Headteacher doesn’t like her and takes every opportunity to belittle her. It is such a credit to Suhana that she remains curious, impulsive and enthusiastic: her inner strength in the face of adversity is so inspiring as is her desire to have hidden aspects of our diverse history revealed. Mia and Ayaan prove themselves to be wonderful friends to Suhana and, together, these three make a great time travelling team.
There is a wonderful section at the end of the book which gives more information about the Women’s Suffrage Movement and key over-looked figures in its movement in the UK: Lolita Roy and Princess Sophia Duleep Singh. There is also further information about Fridays for Future.
This is a terrific start to this new time-travelling series, and I’m really looking forward to joining Suhana, Mia and Ayaan in their next adventure: Secrets and Spies.
Thank you to Little Tiger for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Oh my goodness, January has been a long, long month with ups and downs – how is it only 31 days! I had some wonderful birthday celebrations, enjoyed some fantastic books, but also caught Covid for the second time and don’t seem to be able to get rid of an endless cold.
Books I’ve read:
I’ve read 15 books this month which includes 2 books for adults, 1 poetry book, 1 non-fiction book, 1 graphic novel and 10 middle-grade books. Four of these were audiobooks, one an e-copy and ten physical copies.
NetGalley:
My feedback ratio is at 96%. I have requested and been approved to read two books in January.
Books sent by publishers:
I am grateful to have been sent ten books by Publishers this month. I have read and reviewed three of them and will post reviews for the others over the course of this month and next as some are not coming out until April and May.
Books bought:
I bought seven books, and have read two of them, Iyanu: Child of Wonder and The Chalk Man.
How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these?Have you any of them on your TBR?
Written by Alex Bell Illustrations by Tim McDonagh Published by Faber
Wow! Wow! Wow! I know it’s only the start of the year but The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts is already a contender for my book of the year! A splendiferous, magical adventure that transported me into an incredible world that I didn’t want to leave. The sheer enjoyment, connection and immersion I felt whilst reading this is a testament to the brilliance of the storytelling. This is the kind of story that makes readers – and that’s a real-life magic power! If there’s any doubt – this is an absolute must-read!
Twelve-year-old Eli is an apprentice librarian at the Royal Library in the Port City of Harmonia. And this is a job that suits the quiet, tweed-wearing Eli perfectly. He can live a safe, sensible life with his best friend, Humphrey who just so happens to be a poetry-loving moon tortoise, looking forward to celebrating his hundredth birthday. Whilst Eli may not be looking for adventure, adventure has a way of finding those with courageous, true hearts …
When Eli discovers that his Nana is unwell, he decides to enter the Glorious Race of Magical Beasts in order to sell the prize to pay for the treatment his Nana needs. This is no easy decision for Eli as his parents died during a race. But Eli adores his Nana and is prepared to do anything to save her, even if this means defying her wishes, and sailing into the adventure of his life …
And so begins the most magical, daring and dangerous adventure as Eli boards his friend, Jeremiah’s, ship, the Nepo to compete to get to each checkpoint in the race. It is not long before he is joined by Raven and her ice hare, who has her own reasons for winning the race. Can this trio work together, not only to overcome the many perils placed in their path by the race, but also a threat from someone hunting one of them? Can they trust each other in a race which can only have one winner, or will their secrets pull them apart? I really don’t want to say anything more for fear of spoilers, but suffice to say that this is an action-packed adventure brimming with unexpected happenings, oodles of danger, both scary and wonderful magical creatures and the most exciting race through the most fantastical places.
The world-building is quite simply sublime from the Royal Library (oh yes – libraries of all sorts are an important part of this adventure – and I’m all for that!) with its own bats to a dessert-selling restaurant with chocolate penguin waiters and an island where you will never view balloons the same again! Be prepared to meet a sentient ship, a vampire librarian and a mermaid queen and so many other extraordinary creatures of sky, land and sea as the race unfolds. I must say I am in awe of the author’s imagination and wonder if she has her own inspire-rat!
Oh my goodness! I absolutely adored Eli who has so much inner strength, kindness and courage. It is so wonderful to see that quiet, bookish children can have great adventures whilst remaining true to themselves. We underestimate them at our peril! It was so wonderful to see Eli find that he has things in common with Raven as their friendship grows. There is so much more to these three remarkable children than I have mentioned, but I think this is something readers need to discover for themselves. I have no doubt that they will be just as awestruck by these revelations as I was. I just have to mention Humphrey, the moon tortoise, who is just adorable with his penchant for over-confidence in his own abilities which brought me lots of smiles.
The illustrated chapter headings include a range of magical beasts and are absolutely stunning.
A marvellously magical adventure into a fantastical world that will completely captivate its readers, and take them on an incredible reading experience that they’ll want to return to again and again … an absolute must-buy!
Thank you to Faber Children’s Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I’m currently reading Wilder which is an absolutely stunning read with its links to the environment and real sense of mystery. I’m listening to Like a Curse which is such a powerful, captivating story with such a strong, feisty character in Ramya.
I’ve finished reading Shiver Point:A Tap at the Window which is such a brilliantly, spooky read with a wonderful group of children. I have posted my review.
I was lucky enough to be sent a proof copy of The Secret of the Moonshard which is being released at the end of February, so I’m hoping to make it my next read.
Written by Gabriel Dylan Cover Illustration by Brittney Bond Published by Piccadilly Press on 1st February
The Shiver Squad are back for another shiveringly spooky, action-packed adventure in Shiver Point: A Tap at the Window.
Riley is in her treehouse working on her latest invention when she hears screams coming from across the fields, and sees some children from Point Academy running away from Darkraven Farm which has been derelict for many years. But could something else also be making its way towards Shiver Point, something intent on revenge …
The following day, Riley and her friends are on a school trip to the local Shivering Post printworks and newsroom but, when they arrive, the police are already there. The children sneak in to the building where they learn that an intruder has vandalised the offices and broken into the archives: what could they have been looking for? Before the children can discover more, they are caught by their teacher and given an after-school detention.
After a terrifying encounter at school, the Shiver Squad find themselves at the heart of another mystery involving break-ins, missing items and sightings of strange figures in town. Could these occurrences have anything to do with the scarecrow that Riley has recently seen from her treehouse? And what is it that taps on her window three times as a storm is brewing?
Determined to save their town, and themselves, from further harm, the Shiver Squad make their way to Darkraven Farm to seek the truth behind the rumours which have haunted it for 25 years – ever since the owner and his family abandoned their home. And, oh my goodness, what they find sent shivers down my spine. Be prepared for frights and fights, danger and daring and just the right amount of grossness and horror. This is a genuinely tense, edge-of-your-seat read as clues are uncovered, truths are revealed and peril increases from a terrifyingly menacing source. Thank goodness for the humour scattered throughout which allowed me to stop holding my breath long enough to survive the adventure!
I loved following these determined and courageous children as they race to stop something truly terrifying from seeking revenge on their town. They have been brought together through their last adventure and are now firm friends with a wonderful camaraderie. This adventure gives more insight into Riley’s life as she cares for her grandfather, worried that asking for help might see her losing him. I loved how the rest of the Squad are there for her when she shares her concerns. I have to say that I have a real soft spot for Mo who is ever so cautious and sensible yet pushes himself to face his fears and support his friends – even though I think he’d rather be gardening and bird watching – much safer!
A chilling, creepy, not-to-be-missed mystery brimming with scares, screams, humour and friendship. Perfect for horror fans of 9+ who will be waiting with bated breath to join the Shiver Squad again!
Thank you to Piccadilly Press for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I’ve just started listening to the audiobook of Like A Curse which I already I’m going to love. I’m also reading Wilder which is wonderful.
I listened to the audiobook of Clutch which was absolutely brilliant – tense, gripping and such a fantastic plot. I also read The Clockwork Conspiracy which was a a wonderful mystery. I will be sharing my review before publication. I also read a book for adults! I absolutely loved The Drift which I read over Christmas and was recommended The Chalk Man as one to read. Oh my goodness! This was dark, intriguing and really had me on the edge of my seat, reading late into the night. I love how she uses timelines in her stories, and the twists leading up to the revelation of the culprit. C J Tudor is now a must-read author for me and I’ve already bought The Burning Girls.
I was sent a copy of Shiver Point:A Tap at the Window which I intend to read next. The first book in this series was brilliant, so I’m really looking forward to reading this one.
I’m continuing reading The Bone Season which I’m really enjoying. I’ve also just started Wilder which has such an intriguing opening. I’m definitely invested in finding out the marsh’s secrets and more about Rhodd’s background.
I’ve read The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts which is brilliant. I absolutely love the world’s that Alex Bell creates. I will post my review shortly. I’ve also listened to the audiobook of Foxlight which is a mesmerising read. I loved the wildness of this story and the bond between the sisters. Just gorgeous! Finally, I absolutely devoured Oh Maya Gods! This was such a brilliant return to some familiar characters from the Who Let the Gods Out series but with new heroes in Vesper and Aster who must take on the Mayan God of the underworld! I cannot wait to travel to Egypt with them in their next adventure.
Written by Jess French Cover Illustration by George Ermos Published by Piccadilly
Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain is the first book in an exhilarating, epic, fantasy adventure that completely gripped me as I was taken on the most incredible quest with three courageous children seeking their own truths.
Kayla, Alethea and Rustus live in insular, walled cities on the island of Ramoa, cities which are surrounded by the wildness of the Beastlands, a forbidden place which citizens have been taught to fear as terrifying beasts roam freely there.
Kayla is a cadet Sky Rider, training at the Sky Academy in Sophiatown. She has a close bond with her winged pangron, Faro, her only friend. When Faro is stolen, Kayla is determined to rescue him and finds herself in the Beastlands …
Alethea is a healer living in the poorest district of Ataria. A terrible disease, known as the Scourge, is rife in the city, taking the lives of many of its people. When Alethea’s beloved grandmother catches the disease, Alethea pledges to find a cure, a cure which can only be found beyond the Beastlands …
Rustus is determined to follow in the footsteps of his family, despite their disdain for him and his own misgivings, and become one of the Scorched: elite warriors who protect the city. But when he fails the initiation, he is banished to the Beastlands …
These three children were never meant to meet, yet destiny has forged a path for them, a path which brings them together in an incredible quest: a race to reveal truths which threaten to endanger their world, truths that the children don’t yet know they are racing towards …
Wow! This is the most incredible, action-packed adventure brimming with danger, secrets and revelations that kept me desperately turning pages as I raced with the children to Frostfall Mountain. What secrets is the island hiding? Are the creatures of the Beastlands really a threat to the cities, or is there greater danger from elsewhere?
The world-building is fantastic, and I really felt immersed in both the cities (with their military, districts and politics) and the Beastlands which explains the genuine shivers of fear and the apprehension I felt for the children as they race to find answers … I adored exploring the Beastlands and its inhabitants, both flora and fauna, (even if some of its inhabitants were quite scary!) and loved the message of respecting and finding harmony with both rather than seeking to harm and exploit.
I really enjoyed that the story is written from the perspectives of the three children which gives an insight into all three children as they deal with their own problems. Kayla, Alethea and Rustus have very different personalities and upbringings, but they do have in common that they understand what it is to be treated differently by others and to have others criticise and not believe in them. I really enjoyed the slow building of the friendship between the children as they learn to work together, open up to, and trust each other. They are all strong, sympathetic characters who face their fears, work for the greater good and have a wonderful respect for the creatures and plants that others’ fear and exploit.
Be prepared for a heart-pounding race through dangerous forests and perilous mountains in this absolutely thrilling, unmissable adventure.
Thank you to Piccadilly for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Book Craic 