Review: Dreamstalkers: The Night Train by Sarah Driver

*Written by Sarah Driver*
*Cover Illustration by Diana Renzina*
*Published by Farshore*

Dreamstalkers: The Night Train is a mesmerising, magical adventure that took me on an unforgettable journey into a world of disappearing dreams and roaming nightmares aboard the Night Train as I entered the world of the Dreamstalkers …

Twelve-year-old Bea Grimspuddle lives in a cottage on Thunderheart Tor with her mum, Ula and her long-eared owl, Pip. Sitting in an ancient dragon-skull, Bea views the wild moors below pondering why her dreams have disappeared. When she sees a girl from the settlement, Martha Hearthsweep, approaching her cottage, she races towards home where she discovers that everyone’s dreams have disappeared … and in their place nightmares have escaped into the living world. This scourge of nightmares threatens to destroy Thunderheart, forcing those living there to abandon their home.

When Bea breaks the news that they must leave to her mother, she discovers that Ula has been keeping secrets from her, secrets that may reveal the reason behind her mother’s sickness. But before Bea can persuade her mother to leave, a mysterious steam train arrives outside the cottage, and Bea finds herself boarding the Night Train …

And so begins the most incredible adventure as Bea, Pip and Martha journey aboard the Night Train to Silvervein where they are thrown into the mysterious world of the Dreamstalkers, a secret guild of mages, who are responsible for keeping the balance between dreams and nightmares. But what happens when the balance is broken and someone is intent on usurping dreams and inflicting nightmares for their own gain? Can Bea connect with her wild magic, enter the world of the Dreamstalkers and find a way to save her mother before the nightmares stalking her catch up with her, destroying her hopes and dreams?

This is an adventure that really immersed me in a fascinating, intricate world with the most incredible, cinematic world-building: a world of dreams and nightmares; of magic and secret guilds; of music and theatre; of mythical creatures, sentient locomotives and malefic rivers; and of wild mountains, moors and wandering towers. I absolutely loved exploring Silvervein and the world of the Dreamstalkers with Bea, learning about their history, their remarkable magical abilities, and their terrible exploitation. Utterly absorbing!

I was completely captivated as I eagerly followed Bea on her quest, not only mesmerised by the world I found myself in, but on the edge of my seat as the increasing danger for Bea and her friends reached a crescendo, as secrets were revealed and as friends and foes were unmasked.

Bea is a wonderful protagonist and I liked her all the more because of her fallibility. She has been ostracised by her peers and finds friendship with her adorable, long-eared owl, Pip – their close bond is wonderfully heart-warming. Her developing friendship with Martha is by no means easy and at times it is fractious and difficult laced with jealousy and hurt. Bea is trying to find her place in the world, who she really is, whilst finding the courage and strength to fight against a terrifying foe who seeks to control the world that she wants to become part of. I really liked that she is a complex young girl which makes her feel more genuine and someone who readers can relate to.

A captivating, magical adventure into an unforgettable world where nightmares roam, but dreams may be realised … perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

Thank you for the Publisher, Farshore, for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

First Lines Fridays

First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers hosted by Wandering Words. What if instead of judging a book by its cover, its author or its prestige, we judged it by its opening lines?

Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page
Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first
Finally… reveal the book!

The child – if child it was – came naked out of the wild-ness. It came out of the sparse bleak marsh beside the village where few dared go and none came back.

Any ideas?

Goodreads Synopsis:

A desperate village. A child who emerges from the marshes. A falcon that helps her save them all.

When the child emerges from the wilderness, no one in the village knows what to do with her. She is odd – half-wild, without speech and seems to have an unnatural bond with animals – especially the falcon, who is always circling above her. The Wise-Woman takes her in, and names her Rhodd, but the rest of the villagers remain suspicious.

Over the years, as Rhodd grows, the village realises that the river, which is their connection to the wider world, is beginning to die, and eventually a dark sickness begins to spread. Soon, too soon, the villagers turn their suspicion on Rhodd and her falcon.

And so, Rhodd sets out to discover what – or who – is causing the river to dry up . . . to protect her mother, her falcon and herself…

Review: Find Peace in a Poem

Find Peace in a Poem is a beautiful illustrated collection of poetry celebrating mindfulness. It includes a wide range of much-loved and brand-new poems which are perfect for both reading aloud, or curling up alone to enjoy.

Each of the twenty poems are presented on a single or double page with gorgeous, vibrant illustrations which will help bring the poem to life for readers, and will spark curiosity and reflection.

The poems centre on a range of experiences in an imaginative way, all focussing on aspects of mindfulness from living in the moment, expressing thoughts through art, noticing the things around us to help deal with emotions and finding an inner calmness.

In ‘You Are Here’ the familiar idea of a map of a town is inverted into a map of a person’s day allowing them to reflect in the simple and memorable moments. ‘The Ink Cure’ reminds the reader of dealing with sad emotions by expressing themselves through art such as doodling. ‘Listening for Silence’ addresses the importance of noticing the silences in the noise of everyday life.

I must admit that my two favourite poems in this collection, The Colours of My Dreams and The Magic Box, are ones I’ve used with my classes and both focus on the senses and imagery, using them in the most creative and beautiful way.

I loved being introduced to both familiar and new poems and felt that all of these are perfect to help take a pause from the stresses of everyday life.

This is a powerful, stunning collection of poetry for everyone , each one offering a unique insight into mindfulness, allowing readers an opportunity to listen, reflect and dream.

Thank you to Little Tiger for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: How Do Meerkats Order Pizza? by Brooke Barker

Who wouldn’t be intrigued by a book entitled: How Do Meerkats Order Pizza? and this one is an absolute feast of fun and facts where the scientists who study animals share what they have learned about a brilliant selection of animals.

The book starts with some favourite animal facts and asks where these facts come from. I can see children quickly becoming immersed in sharing their favourite animal facts, before learning that these facts often come from scientists. And the interjections by the animals will bring immediate giggles!

It then introduces a series of scientists and the animals which they study with an illustration of the scientist and animal. There are gorgeous illustrations of the animals, lots of fascinating facts and colourful graphic novel style illustrations with hilarious callouts which are guaranteed to bring giggles.

Learn about how meerkats communicate, find out about the discovery of a new ocean species, and learn whether or not primates get grossed out. Did you know that crows remember human faces? Or that gars look the same today as they did when the Tyrannosaurus rex was live? Have you ever wondered how roosters know it is morning? Or that jaguars love the smell of perfume? Every animal chosen makes utterly fascinating reading, and I can absolutely see children wanting to find out more, not just about the animal, but about the scientists who study them. Perfect for STEM education.

What a fantastic way to make learning fun, memorable and engaging, and to introduce the world of animal scientists to children. I think this book is a wonderful introduction not only to some amazing animals, but also to some brilliant scientists and the lengths they will go to in order to learn more about the animals they study. Anyone for peeing in a bottle? How about getting stuck in deep mud? Or making fake poo? And have you ever tried to suck up an insect through a pooter? I love that children will get to see these scientists as real people who loved animals as children and who followed their dreams of studying animals as their career.

And, How Do Meerkats Order Pizza? Read this fascinating, hilarious book to discover the answer to this, and many other intriguing questions about the incredible animals we share this wonderful planet with. This is a book that should be in every school library, and is a teacher’s dream for engaging children in purposeful, fun learning!

Thank you to Faber Children’s Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

BEAT THE BACKLIST READING CHALLENGE 2024

I took part in this Challenge last year and thought it was a great way to focus me on reading backlist titles that have been on my bookshelves for a while. Whilst I didn’t meet my target of 55 books, I did read 42 and am going to add the ones I didn’t get to on to this year’s challenge.

The Beat the Backlist Challenge is in its eighth year and was started by Austine Decker. Details of how to take part are on the blog but the rules are simple:

The book must have been published in 2023 or earlier.
You have to start and finish the book in 2024.
And that’s it!

The 2024 challenge runs from 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024.

My target for this year is 46 middle-grade books.

The first 13 are the books I didn’t get to last year:

The next 33 are the books I bought last year, but which I haven’t read yet:

I’m hoping that I can meet the challenge this year – as well as reading lots of new releases this year!

WWW Wednesday

I’m aiming to read more adult books this year, so I’ve just started The Bone Season which I think I’m going to really like.

I’ve finished Bookshops & Bonedust which I absolutely loved – definitely a cosy fantasy read with a bookshop at its centre bringing people together – perfect! I’m really hoping that there will be more from Viv. I also finished listening to Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star which was a fantastic adventure with such a strong group of wonderful characters. I’m looking forward to the next one in this series. I’ve also finished reading Dreamstalkers: The Night Train which is being released in February. It was a wonderful read with fantastic world-building, a fascinating and intricate premise and a brilliant, fallible protagonist. I will be posting my review shortly.

I’m hoping to read The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts next.

What are you reading? Have you read any of these?

Graphic Novel Review: Pablo and Splash by Sheena Dempsey

*Written and Illustrated by Sheena Dempsey*
*Published by Bloomsbury*
*Published on 18th January*

Pablo and Splash is a wonderfully funny, full-colour graphic novel that is guaranteed to delight young readers of 8+ as they adventure back in time with two accidental time-travellers.

Even though she’s a penguin, Splash is not a fan of the Antarctica temperatures, and relies on a trusty scarf and hat for added warmth – even when she’s in a penguin huddle. Whilst her best friend, Pablo, thinks their home is paradise, Splash longs for a luxury holiday … in the sun! But how to get there?

After falling down an ice hole, the two friends are captured by Professor O’Brain and, whilst trying to escape her clutches, find themselves in a time-travel machine which transports them to a beach, but one which they’re sharing with … DINOSAURS! Can these accidental explorers find their way home? Or will they be stuck in the past, avoiding becoming the next meal for the locals?

This is such a fun read that brought plenty of giggles! The language is wonderfully playful including some fantastic puns – especially the fishy ones! The interactions between the two friends are just brilliant – filled with humour, warmth and oh so many problems to solve!

I adored the friendship between Splash and Pablo who are both incredibly likeable penguins! Pablo is more cautious, careful, and sensible whilst Splash is more curious, impetuous and daring with a sense of adventure. But what a brilliant pair they make as they team up to solve a rather big problem!

I loved the bright, vivid full-colour illustrations throughout which complement the energy, humour and warmth of the adventure. And, I didn’t know that penguin beaks and flippers could be so expressive!

The endmatter includes a guide for drawing Pablo and Splash and factual information. I especially enjoyed Pablo and Splash’s completely and absolutely true facts, particularly those about huddling and the Southern Lights.

A krill-tastic, laugh-out-loud adventure that is sure to capture the imaginations of young readers who, I have no doubt, will have a whale of a time as they join Pablo and Splash on their first time-travelling adventure.

Thank you to Bloomsbury for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Stitch by Pádraig Kenny

Stitch is an utterly breathtaking and heartachingly captivating, gothic tale: poignant, profound and perfect storytelling.

585-day-old Stitch marks each day of his existence with a chalk mark on the wall of the turret room in the castle where he lives. Like his friend, Henry Oaf, he has been created by Professor Hardacre who has been asleep for 327 days. Unlike his friend, who has been locked in a cage during that time, Stitch has been free to roam the castle and complete his chores. Stitch is torn between guilt at leaving his friend locked up, and going against his creator’s orders.

When the Professor’s nephew visits with his assistant, Alice, Stitch is given the confusing and upsetting news that the Professor is dead. Whilst the Professor was intent on scientific discovery, his nephew has his sights set on something darker … and Henry is his next experiment. But, before he can realise his goal, Henry escapes his clutches and runs from the castle …

Determined to find his friend, Stitch leaves the only home he has known, but can he survive in a world that he was never meant to enter? Will the friends be reunited, or separated forever by the fear, hatred and prejudice of others?

This is an absolutely stunning, incredibly powerful and thought-provoking story that completely gripped me from start to finish. The action, brimming with peril, discoveries and secrets, kept me turning pages as I was desperate to find out how the three friends would survive in a world where their differences make them more likely to be hated or feared than accepted.

Stitch is the most remarkable creation and shows more humanity than many of the humans in his life. He is empathetic, kind-hearted and perceptive as well as having an innocence and natural curiosity that makes him incredibly endearing. He doesn’t judge people on how they look and shows kindness towards those in need, even if this brings trouble for himself. The bonds of friendship between Stitch, Henry and Alice are wonderfully heart-warming.

This is a story that addresses some big issues, including selfhood and self-awareness, the depth of grief, and prejudice shown towards differences. It is a story that challenges the reader to think about what constitutes a monster: is a monster created by others or self? Are they created by our own fears, pain and prejudices, but who does that make the monster?

This is a stunning, heart-warming and unforgettable story of friendship and inner strength that completely captured my heart, and is one that I cannot recommend highly enough to readers of 9+.

Review: Marvin and the Book of Magic by Jenny Pearson with illustrations by Aleksei Bitskoff

Marvin and the Book of Magic is a heart-warming and hilarious tale that had me giggling and feeling fuzzy in equal measure.

Marvin has given up on his dream of becoming a magician after a disastrous appearance on a TV Talent Show involving a badly-behaved squirrel and ensuing chaos. Giggles guaranteed!

Marvin has always wanted to follow in the footsteps of his beloved grandad who had been a magician and had believed Marvin had a gift for magic, but Marvin no longer believes in this. His confidence and self-belief have been dented by the reaction to his TV performance which has made him doubt himself.

When his best friend Asha encourages him to take part in the school talent show, Marvin is adamant that he will never perform again. In fact, he is so sure that magic is no longer for him that he trades his box of magic tricks in exchange for an old book – a magic book. Has he just been conned, or is there still some small part of him that believes in magic? Can he find his magic again and make a comeback in the school talent show?

Be prepared for giggles galore as Marvin finds out more about his magical abilities through the book of magic, as his best friend Asha practises her talent show routine (seriously brilliant) and as they take to the stage.

I loved the friendship between Marvin and Asha which felt really genuine. Asha is confident, enthusiastic and brimming with positivity and, as soon as Marvin shows an interest in the talent show, she is immediately supportive. Will Marvin find his confidence and self-belief again? There is magic in this wonderful friendship and I absolutely loved how this was shown in the story.

The full-and-partial page illustrations throughout are wonderfully expressive and complement their warmth and humour of the story perfectly.

This is a gorgeously heart-warming, hilarious story brimming with the magic of sincere friendship, perfect for young readers of 7+.

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 for ages 7+ with a reading age of 7.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

WWW Wednesday

I’m currently reading Bookshops & Bonedust which I have been eagerly anticipating since reading Legends & Lattes last year. I’m absolutely loving being back with Viv in this gorgeous cosy fantasy. I’m listening to the audiobook of Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star which is just wonderful with a such a strong character in Cosima. I’m definitely intrigued by this one.

I’ve finished Lessons in Chemistry which, based on my reading habits, I shouldn’t have enjoyed, but I really loved it – in fact, there were tears at the end! I also finished The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor which was the perfect Christmas read. I’ve also read and reviewed two brilliant new short titles, one sci-fi horror and the other humorous and warm-hearted. Finally, I read and reviewed two graphic novels for younger readers which I know will be very popular with the children in my class.