I’ve just started Wendington Jones and the Missing Tree, and am definitely intrigued by the synopsis. I’ve also just started The Sky Over Rebecca which is set in Sweden and is one I’m really enjoying.

I’ve read a lot this week as I’m on Easter holiday – and some of these are short! I finished Eternity Engine through a mixture of audiobook and reading the physical copy. This was an absolutely breath-taking read that, as I got further through, I really didn’t want to stop reading – utterly brilliant! I also read Nic Blake and the Remarkables which I enjoyed, but not as much as I thought I would.

It was wonderful to be back with Herbie and Violet in Festergrimm and this time their old enemy Sebastian Eels is back to open Festergrimm’s spooky waxworks. This one focuses on the legend of Ludo Festergrimm, a clockwork maker, who made a mechanical robot to help find his missing daughter.

I also read Boot It! which is a World Book Day book following Sami from Boy, Everywhere. This was a wonderful short read, dealing with racism in football, and definitely think it will be a popular one in class.

I also read The Curio Collectors, another short one by the brilliant dyslexia-friendly publisher, Barrington Stoke. This is set in the Victorian era and follows Lily and Tom who travel the country with Ma Hawker, showing off their collection of curiosities. Lily is tricked in to buying a bag of worthless items, but is is hiding something very important to a young maid. I really enjoyed this charming historical tale.

I also picked up The Haunted Hills which has been on my TBR for ages. It is a powerful, heart-breaking and redemptive story of loss, grief and guilt that completely gripped me, and is one that I became completely absorbed in.  Carl is visiting the Peak District with his parents as he tries to come to terms with a tragic event in his life, which has deeply affected his mental health, in the hope that it will give him time to heal.  Whilst there, he gets lost and is saved by a mysterious boy and his dog.  Could this be the ghost of the Lost Lad or a manifestation of Carl’s own feelings of loss?  I was completely swept into the wild and haunting landscape of the Peak District which proved a perfect background for Carl’s story.  I liked the introspection of the flashbacks to his friendship with Jack as he works to come to terms with what has happened.  I also really liked that his parents are present in such a supportive way. This is an incredibly powerful story of bereavement, guilt and hope.  

I also read Stink which is brilliantly funny, and have posted my review. Finally, I read The Treasure Hunters which I really enjoyed – I will be posting my review tomorrow.

I have only read Our Sister, Again by Sophie Cameron which I really liked, so I’m hoping to pick up Away with Words next.

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

Stink is a fairy-tastically action-packed, warm-hearted adventure with giggles galore, oodles of mischief and gorgeous friendships. 

On Danny Todd’s 11^th birthday, something strange happens – something so strange that he decides to write a diary so he doesn’t forget anything!  Amongst his collection of six presents – which includes two pet rats – his little sister has bought him a fairy door, and then immediately runs off with it, only to superglue it to his bedroom wall.  Angry with his little sister’s delight in supergluing things around his room, he pretends that it is a real fairy door, and summons a fairy to teach her a lesson. 

Of course, he wasn’t expecting to summon a real live fairy, but that is exactly what he gets – whether he likes it or not. And she’s definitely not your sparkly, cutesy kind! In fact, S.Tink is more of a rude, naughty, mess-making, trouble-bringing fairy – with attitude!  There is only one way that Danny can get her out of his hair:  help her perform a good deed so that she can earn enough fairy nuggets to get herself a new pair of wings!  And then she’s straight back through that fairy door! 

And so begins a hilarious, non-stop adventure as Danny, his best friend Kabir, and S.Tink are determined to complete a good deed for grouchy next-door neighbour, Professor Najin.  Cue mischief and mayhem as S.Tink uses her not-quite-potent magic, her penchant for causing trouble and her naughty nature to try to earn enough fairy nuggets for her much-needed new wings.  And then there’s the troll poo, the ravenous gnome and the fart-propelled boat:  seriously laugh-out-loud brilliance!

S.Tink is such a brilliant character and one who I absolutely adored.  She reminds me of Picklewitch in her feistiness, playfulness and mischievousness.  I think Danny, Kabir and S.Tink make a wonderful team, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how their friendship develops, and what mischief they get up to in their next adventure. 

The wonderfully expressive and funny illustrations complement the warmth and humour of this story perfectly.

Stink is a fabulously funny tale guaranteed to delight young readers of 7+ and is perfect for sharing as a read aloud.

Wildsmith:  City of Secrets is the second book in the fantastic Wildsmith series which starts with Into the Dark Forest.  It is every bit as enchanting, exciting and heart-warming as the first:  a perfect fantasy adventure for young readers of 7+.

Rowan is missing her father, who she has had to leave behind in the city of Holderby, to escape the war with the Estrians.  She is staying with her Grandpa and her mother in his home close to the Dark Forest where she has recently discovered that, like her Grandpa, she is a wildsmith – someone who can speak to, and heal, both magical and non-magical creatures. 

Imagine Rowan’s surprise when she wakes in the night to find that her father has arrived – but he is not alone!  He has brought a young pegasus who he has rescued from the Estrians who are breeding pegasi in captivity.  Despite the danger of hiding a rare and valuable magical creature, Rowan is determined to help the young pegasus, and keep it safe from those who are intent on hunting it.

And so begins a brilliantly exciting, fast-paced and magical adventure as Rowan must use all her courage, ingenuity and determination to protect Mouse – and herself- from capture by an old foe.  Rowan faces danger, betrayal and separation as she is forced to flee her new home in the forest …  Will she be able to evade relentless pursuers?  Who could have betrayed her family?  Can she find a place of sanctuary for the young pegasus when war continues to rage?

Rowan is an incredibly likeable, kind-hearted young girl who is not scared to stand up for what she believes is right, even when this puts her at risk.  I loved the close bond of friendship and trust she develops with Mouse, the young pegasus.  She is able to empathise with Mouse’s separation from his mother as she faces her own separation.  Rowan faces her fears with courage and shows great inner strength when making difficult decisions. 

There is so much in this adventure that will appeal to younger readers:  the gripping, action-packed adventure written in short chapters; the inclusion of magical creatures and those who can use magic; the perfect balance of danger with hope and friendship; and the discovery of secrets and exploration of new places.  Whilst this can be read as a standalone, those who have read the first book will enjoy meeting characters from the first book which I think is something that really appeals to younger readers:  that sense of connection and familiarity which makes re-reading books and enjoying books in a series a wonderfully comforting and joyous reading experience.

The full- and partial-page illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, and complement the story perfectly, especially capturing the wonderful bonds of friendship and family.  I think the illustrations of Mouse will see many young readers yearning for their own pegasus!

This is a magical treat of an adventure for young readers, an adventure brimming with courage, friendship and hope.  I have no doubt that they will be as eager to read this young wildsmith’s next adventure as I am!

Thank you to Uclan Publishing for a finished copy in return for my honest opinion.

I’m listening to the audiobook of Eternity Engine which I’m really enjoying. It’s definitely a gripping read – I keep waiting for the twist as I just know there will be one! I’m just about to start The Treasure Hunters which I’m really looking forward to as I’ve read a couple of books by Lisa Thompson which I really liked.

I finished reading The Wolves of Willoughby Chase. I had no idea what this was about – apart from that there were wolves! It wasn’t what I was expecting, but I really loved it! I loved the friendship between Bonnie and Sylvia who find themselves in such a terrible situation. Miss Slighcarp is a brilliant villain. This is definitely a classic that I will be recommending to my class! I also read Ross Montgomery’s new book which is released at the start of May – Spellstone. I absolutely loved it, and have posted my review. I loved the first book in the Wildsmith series so was excited to have been sent the second in the series: City of Secrets. This is a magical adventure series for younger readers and is just gorgeous. I will be posting my review tomorrow which is publication day. Finally, I read another from my ‘Beat the BackList’ challenge, Fake. This is the second book by Ele Fountain that I’ve read and it’s so different from Boy 87. This one is a sci-fi where people rely on digital technology and home online-learning due to antibiotics no longer working and it being unsafe for people to mix. When Jess turns 14, she can go to a real school where she meets others in a classroom. Her sister Chloe is ill and needs medicine which is becoming increasingly expensive. When Jess does something to try to help her family, she makes their lives even harder and puts them – and herself- in danger. This was such a different read and one that I really enjoyed. It deals with control, identity and explores what is real and fake and different realities – this would open up some fascinating discussion in an end of Year 6/KS3 class. I’m definitely keen to read more of this author’s work.

I’m hoping to read Nic Blake and the Remarkables and Festergrimm next as I’m on my Easter holidays.

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

Spellstone is an absolutely gripping fantasy adventure that kept me utterly enthralled from start to finish:  an epic battle blending ancient legend in a modern setting where magic swirls, evil hides where people fail to notice, and hope sparks with a young sorcerer …

The last members of a secret magical organisation, the Order of the Stone, meet in an old theatre where rain pours down inside and audience is asleep.    Its leader, Wainwright, tells them that he has found a sorcerer who may be their last hope in defeating an evil magician intent on finding the Spellstone and unleashing the dark magic contained within, destroying the world. 

12-year-old Evie wakes from a strange dream of a theatre where the audience sleeps and rain pours down.  As the dream fades, she leaves for school amidst a heatwave, feeling unseen by others:  her parents, her teachers and the other children.  Walking home along the canal towpath, she is knocked over by a cyclist, and helped by someone she recognises from her dream.  This man introduces himself as Wainwright, one of the last true magicians, and informs her that the Spellstone, which he is tasked with keeping hidden, is being hunted by an evil magician.  He gives her a rusted piece of metal on a chain and tells her to take care of it and keep it hidden.  Before a confused Evie can find out more, he is running from men who are closing in on him …

Later that night, Evie hears a sound at the window and, on opening it, discovers the cat from her dream.  And she can talk!  She warns Evie that smoke-men are coming for her and they have to leave.  Desperate for answers, Evie follows and finds herself at an abandoned narrowboat which is not what it seems.  Inside, she meets the other members of the Order …

And so begins the most incredible, exhilarating adventure as Evie finds herself immersed in an ancient battle against a power-hungry magician intent on unleashing the evil bound within the Spellstone on an unsuspecting world.  Will Evie discover her magical power before it is too late?  Can she find the hidden Spellstone and destroy it before it returns darkness to the world?  Can she defeat a cold-hearted and cruel magician who has an army of ever-watching sinister smoke-men at his command? 

Just wow!  What an absolute page-turner!  I was completely engrossed in this brilliantly captured world:  a world where ordinary people are oblivious to the danger they are facing; where magic hides in plain sight, unseen and unnoticed by most; but where a few are prepared to make sacrifices for the good of the many.  The secrets, the revelations and the palpable danger kept me on the edge of my seat as I was drawn into a heart-pounding high-stakes race by a courageous few to defeat a spine-chillingly evil magician.

Evie is an incredibly likeable protagonist.  She does not understand why her world has changed, why she is not noticed by others, including her busy parents.  When she learns of the existence of the Order of the Stone, and her place within it, she is understandably doubtful, but shows determination and courage when facing fears and dangers and in making difficult decisions.  What really struck me about Evie is her inner strength and kindness and her belief in the inherent spark of goodness in others which brings hope when it is much needed.  I really liked the close bond of friendship that develops between Evie and the other members of the Order who must work as a team in their efforts to defeat the dark magician.  I particularly liked Alinora who is sarcastic, quick-tempered and rude, but with a heart of gold! 

I’m a huge fan of the Arthurian legends and Tolkien and spent a disproportionate part of my teenage years reading in this genre, so I loved the allusions to both, and loved the fresh twist that made this an unforgettable read that I am really looking forward to sharing with my class.

Spellstone is an absolute masterpiece:  perfect for readers of 9+ who will be spellbound by this thrilling, magical adventure. 

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

100 Ideas for Primary Teachers:  Reading for Pleasure is, without doubt, an invaluable and essential addition for any school looking to either begin, enhance, or embed their provision of a reading for pleasure curriculum. 

The ideas in this book are based on Scott’s (aka The Reader Teacher) five-point framework to revolutionise reading in schools:  Reading Roadmap.  At its heart is the aim that children become confident, enthusiastic and empathetic readers through a collaborative approach taken by teachers, reading leads, schools and communities with a unified goal of encouraging a lifelong love of reading.  It’s a goal which I’m absolutely committed to achieving within my school, so this book is exactly what I need to help me continue our school journey towards fully implementing and embedding a reading for pleasure curriculum for all children.

This book will give any school a wealth of practical, easy-to-apply ideas, and is a wonderful guide to help in implementing a reading for pleasure curriculum from ideas for individual teachers to reading leads to whole-school leadership. 

It takes a single step to start a journey and I wholeheartedly think that this is an indispensable resource to help schools begin or continue their reading journey:  a journey that really is life-changing for children.  My single step started with engaging with the primary school reading community on Twitter, with authors and publishers and with Scott’s Primary School Book Club – and I can honestly say that my engagement with reading has made a vast difference to the engagement of the children I teach.  I am hugely excited to continue my development as reading lead within my school by using more and more of the ideas within this much-needed book.

The book is divided into 11 parts:

• Raising reading children
• Creating a reading classroom
• Being a reader teacher
• Leaders are readers
• Setting up a reading school
• Understanding text types
• Cultivating a reading community
• Love your libraries
• Engaging with your reading environment
• Participating with parents and families
• Working with writers and illustrators

Each part has a detailed selection of hands-on ideas and explains clearly how each can be accomplished as well as giving additional teaching tips and ways of taking the idea further for schools whose reading for pleasure curriculum may be more established. 

I think what really stands out for me is how committed, enthusiastic and knowledgeable Scott is, and this makes Reading for Pleasure such an appealing read which really offers helpful, practical and ready-to-use recommendations.

Thank you so much to Scott Evans and Bloomsbury Education for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour for 100 Ideas for Primary Teachers:  Reading for Pleasure, and for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review. 

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

It’s been a great month for reading: I’ve read so many wonderful books, and am really looking forward to snuggling up with more books over the Easter holidays!

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 15 books this month: 12 physical and 3 audiobooks. I’ve also read another 5 books from my Beat the Backlist Challenge (38 left!):

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 9 books by Publishers this month, including a gorgeous indie paperback edition of The Tale of Truthwater Lake which has a quote from my review of the hardback copy which was just wonderful to see as its a first for me!

NetGalley:

I’m so excited to have been approved to read Phil Earle’s next book! I am currently reading When the Sky Falls to my class which they’re loving.

Books bought:

Another epic fail month when it comes to trying not to buy new books, but they do look good on my bookshelves – and I actually read one of them this month!

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

I’m reading The Wolves of Willoughby Chase which is one I can’t believe I haven’t read already. I’m only a couple of chapters in, and I’m really enjoying it. I’ve just started listening to Eternity Engine. I loved the first two books in this trilogy and am looking forward to the shocks and surprises I’m sure it will throw at me.

I’ve finished Into the Goblyn Wood which I really enjoyed, but it ended on such a cliffhanger – I’m definitely looking forward to the next one. I also finished listening to The Arctic Railway Assassin. What a brilliant end to this series which I have absolutely loved. It was so wonderful having Hal’s mum along in this one! I’ve also finished On Wings to the Stars which was a wonderful story with a focus on the Second World War in Malta which I didn’t know anything about. I will be posting my review shortly.

I’m hoping to read The Treasure Hunters next.

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

Noor loves her mum, and all the other hijabi women in her family, but wonders why do they wear headscarves?Is it so they can hide snacks for later? Or because they’re a super spy and hiding their secret identity? Full of curiosity, Noor sets out to find her answer, but her family are all busy and have no time to answer this important question. Just as Noor is ready to give up on her quest, her Ammu arrives home and knows just the thing to say.

Not Now, Noor! is a wonderful, heartfelt celebration of Muslim women, of family and of identity which deserves a place in both homes and primary school libraries where its humour, warmth and gorgeous illustrations will delight young readers as they learn about the importance of hijabs.

Noor is curious and full of questions and, whilst she knows what her ammu’s hijab is not, she is determined to learn why the women in her family wear a hijab …

This leads to lots of wonderfully warm-hearted humour as Noor lets her imagination create her own ideas whilst her family are too busy to answer her questions … until her ammu helps her understand the importance of the hijab to Muslim women: a very powerful message of community and identity.

I loved how this story will not only help children learn about the hijab, but it also celebrates curiosity, not being afraid to ask questions and the imagination through the eyes of an inquisitive, quick-witted and observant young girl.

The vibrant illustrations are just stunning and really capture the warmth and humour in the story as well as the closeness of Noor’s loving family.

All children deserve to see themselves represented in books and this will not only do this for young Muslim children, but it will also open up conversations for all children which is so important to encourage tolerance, understanding and kindness.

Not Now, Noor! is a funny and heart-warming tale to share with young readers of 3+ who will delight in both the humour and illustrations whilst spending time with a loving Muslim family.

Thank you to Lily Orgill and Puffin Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

There are so many books I’m looking forward to in April. I have already read a proof copy of The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie and am looking forward to getting the final copy for my class library. Lots of these will be released during my Easter holiday, so I’m definitely going to be enjoying lots of these over that time.

I have taken the synopsis for each of these from the Waterstones website.

Wendington Jones has her world abruptly up-ended when her adventuring mother dies in a car crash in late 1920. Left in the care of her Grandmamma and her valet Rohan, Wendington receives a parcel in the middle of the night, seemingly from her dead mother. It’s half of a manuscript from a book her mother was writing, and describes a mystery surrounding the mythical Tree of Life. When Wendington reads that the tree could have the power to bring her mother back to life, she throws herself into finding the remainder of the manuscript and solving her mother’s mystery. However, her initial attempts are laced with danger. Other people also seek to find the Tree of Life and Wendington has to trick, fight and talk her way out of many perilous situations. Does Wendington have what it takes to complete her mission?

Rowan starts to embrace her gifts as a magical wildsmith who heals and speaks to animals. But saving a young pegasus brings difficult decisions. Danger comes closer than ever, threatening her family and even Rowan’s own life. When she is betrayed, which friends can she trust? With her family divided and war still raging, where does Rowan belong now?

‘Once was, once wasn’t.’ So began the stories Marjan’s father told her as a little girl – tales of mythical beasts that filled her with curiosity and wonder: Griffons. Unicorns. Dragons. But Marjan is not a little girl anymore. After her father’s sudden death, she is trying to hold it all together: her schoolwork, her friendships and her dad’s struggling veterinary practice. But a mysterious visitor soon reveals that Marjan’s father was no ordinary vet. The creatures from his stories are real – and he travelled the world to care for them. Stepping into a secret world hidden in plain sight, where magical creatures are bought and sold, treasured and trapped, Marjan must take her father’s place. The deeper in she gets, the closer she comes to a shocking truth that will put both humans and beasts in terrible danger.

When Delores Mackenzie is chased home by a restless spirit, she is sent to the mysterious Uncles in Edinburgh Old Town to learn how to control her unusual ‘gifts’. Scared and alone, she finds her new home at the Tolbooth Book Store is full of curious surprises: some welcome, others less so. But when a sinister apparition threatens the lives of her strange new housemates, Delores must gather all her strength to save them.

When lonely Vincent is forced to go on an outdoor activity weekend with three other kids from his class, he’s counting the seconds until he can escape home. But one of his classmates is hiding a secret: she’s convinced there’s pirate treasure buried deep within a nearby mountain. Suddenly, this boring trip becomes an exciting adventure! But a thief is hot on the trail, intent on stealing the loot for themselves… can the Treasure Hunters work together to stop them?

A tense, page-turning story that sensitively deals with themes of family upheaval and kleptomania.  Ren’s family lose their home in a fire. They’re living with her grandmother now and things are a bit tense.  Ren lost her collection of things, her clothes; her brother lost his little bear and is inconsolable. So Ren starts replacing things with other people’s possessions. They’ve got loads of stuff, after all.  But she gets caught and has to strike a terrifying deal to avoid detection…

All legends start somewhere . . . After defeating the evil Grendilock and saving Cadno, the last firefox, Charlie Challinor is looking forward to a well-earned rest. But when a familiar face appears from the realm of Fargone, Charlie’s family is once again swept up into adventure. Along with Lippy, Roo and new magical friend Blodyn, Charlie must travel to Fargone to face the dreaded Draig, the shadowy monster that is slowly draining the life from the land – and uncover the lost secret that links Draig’s history to Charlie’s own.

Flick is a magician who needs answers. Her father is still missing, and top illusionist the Great Fox doesn’t seem interested in finding him, despite his promises. Meanwhile, she and her friend Charlie must represent the Great Fox in a new competition in the Swiss town of Linth. The Global Order of Magic is electing a new chancellor, and the Fox insists that if he wins, it will help – but Flick isn’t so sure. Determined to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance and of The Bell System, his greatest and most mysterious magic trick, Flick must pull off an impossible diamond heist to win. But danger lurks around every corner, and nothing is what it seems.

It’s not easy being a Remarkable in the Unremarkable world. Some things are cool – like getting a pet hellhound for your twelfth birthday. Others, not so much – like not being trusted to learn magic because you might use it to take revenge on an annoying neighbour. All Nic Blake wants is to be a powerful Manifestor like her dad. But before she has a chance to convince him to teach her the gift, a series of shocking revelations and terrifying events launch Nic and two friends on a hunt for a powerful magic tool she’s never heard of… to save her father from imprisonment for a crime she refuses to believe he committed.

Shaman by name and shaman by nature – Billy just hasn’t found his magic … yet. His selfish, globetrotting parents abandon him for yet another summer in Charles Darwin’s strange, museum-like house, where Billy stumbles across a 200-year-old giant talking tortoise named Charles Darwin, by the famous man himself. Charles D, the tortoise, knows every inch of the house and every artefact in it, and he’s keen to help Billy realise his powers and set him on the path to adventure. A beautifully carved Inuit ivory necklace is the first object that whisks him back in time to the shrieking chaos of an Arctic blizzard to meet its rightful owner, a girl called Ahnah, her shape-shifting grandmother and the mysterious explorer Pytheas.

Skandar Smith has achieved his dream to train as a unicorn rider. But as Skandar and his friends enter their second year at the Eyrie, a new threat arises. Immortal wild unicorns are somehow being killed, a prophecy warns of terrible danger, and elemental destruction begins to ravage the Island.  Meanwhile, Skandar’s sister, Kenna, longs to join him – and Skandar is determined to help her, no matter what. As the storm gathers, can Skandar discover how to stop the Island tearing itself apart – before it’s too late for them all?

After the defeat of her cruel father, Emba Oak’s nights are haunted by strange dreams with beckoning dragons calling her to faraway mountain peaks. With an ever-flowing stream of questions about her nature, her dragon fire and fury, Emba knows she must go. But can Emba control the growing powers inside her or will everything fall apart along the way?

There’s an egg snatcher in Aves Wood – the Twitchers are on the case! It’s spring, and Aves Wood is alive with migrating birds returning to build their nests. But eggs are going missing. Could someone be stealing from the nests of the wild birds? Horrified, the birdwatching detectives set up a stakeout, patrolling the woods to protect the nesting birds and hunting down the despicable egg thief. But the Twitchers are soon caught in their own trap. Can they work together to prove their innocence and catch the real criminal before any more birds get hurt?

A boy and a bear meet, become friends and have the adventure of their lives! The fourth thrilling adventure set in a fictional Sri Lanka is jam-packed with peril, thieves and a Nuwan works at the library, delivering books. One day, he accidentally takes away a very valuable key that’s been hidden inside one of the books, and in the process thwarts the plans of some very dangerous thieves. On the run, he hides in a cave, only to discover in the middle of the night that he is sharing it with a big, hairy, terrifying bear! After some hair-raising moments, he and the bear reach an understanding and they travel on together, evading the bad guys and hoping the key will unlock the answers to the mystery so that they can stop running and return home…

Samia, Ava and Frankie are thrilled to win a whirlwind trip of European capital cities. But when the Euro Metro rumbles through the night to their first destination and shots are fired, it becomes crystal clear that this is no ordinary school trip.  Their enigmatic chaperone, Miss Watson, is forced to admit that the children are being used as cover for a spying mission. Her colleague in M16 has vanished-presumed dead-and has left behind a trail of cryptic clues leading to vital information.  On their arrival in Paris, Samia, Ava and Frankie are catapulted into a world of art, espionage and terrible danger. Can the children solve the fiendish clues hidden on famous European landmarks and avoid the scary strangers who are stalking their every move?

When Lark’s mum takes her family with her on a research trip to Cambodia, Lark never expects that she’ll end up stranded on a deserted island! But that’s exactly what happens when her boat is shipwrecked. With her only companion a baby gibbon, Lark faces many dangers – brutal storms, scorching sunshine and jellyfish-infested waters. And with dwindling food and water, she must make a plan to find her way off the island before it’s too late…

Do any of these catch your interest? What are your most anticipated books for April?