Review: Puloma and the Bear written by Jasbinder Bilan and illustrated by Skylar White

*Written by Jasbinder Bilan*
*Illustrated by Skylar White*
*Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

Puloma and the Bear is a captivating, hopeful story of courage, friendship and trust with a powerful message raising awareness about animals held in captivity for entertainment.

Puloma feels lonely and unwanted since moving in with her aunt and uncle after the death of her parents. Grieving their loss, she tries to make herself useful to her aunt but, when her efforts make her aunt angry, she decides to run away.

Arriving in the large town of Malpur, she is unsuccessful at finding work so, when she meets Dev, who is giving out flyers for the circus, she decides to go with him to find a job with the circus. Unaware of why they have to keep moving to avoid the police, Puloma feels the excitement of an adventure as they move to set up the circus in a new location. She feels accepted by those working in the circus and begins to develop a friendship with Dev.

But then everything changes when she discovers the reason the police have been chasing the circus. The owner, Mr Kapoor, has been keeping a black sloth bear captive. Neglected and hidden in a cage, Nyla is the circus’s star attraction, drawing large crowds to watch her dance despite the fact that this cruel practice is now illegal in India. Puloma feels an affinity with Nyla and can sense her sadness so offers to care for her. But when she sees Nyla being cruelly mistreated, she decides that she needs to rescue Nyla …

I was completely engrossed by this exciting, heartfelt adventure as Nyla gathers the courage to leave her new life, friends and comforts behind to face great danger as she strives to get Nyla to safety … Will she find a place of sanctuary before Nyla is taken from her? Will she be able to save both Nyla and herself? And, will new friendship prove stronger than loyalty to old ties?

Puloma is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who is grieving the loss of her parents and living in a home where she feels unwanted and lonely. She senses a sadness in Nyla that exists in her own life and is prepared to give up a new home and friendship in order to protect and save an animal that desperately needs her help. Puloma has a strong moral compass and shows incredible courage in overcoming her fears and facing danger to help an animal that has spent its life in captivity. I adored the bond that forms between Puloma and Nyla, a bond of trust and friendship between kindred spirits.

At the heart of this story is a powerful message about animals held in captivity and raising awareness that, despite being illegal, this practice of keeping bears in captivity for entertainment still exists.

The black-and-white illustrations are stunning, evoking circus life, the cruelty of the bear’s treatment and the bonds between friends perfectly.

A gripping adventure, poignant and hopeful, with a powerful message about animals in captivity.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This is suitable for 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Review: The Appletree Animal Agency

*Written by Katya Balen*
*Illustrated by Gill Smith*
*Published by Walker Books on 6th March*

The Appletree Animal Agency is the first book in a heart-warming, charming new series for younger readers.

Mattie Robins adores animals and longs for a puppy of her own. When she sees a shooting star from her tree house, she makes a wish for a puppy. However, she knows her wish is unlikely to come true as her dad does not think she is old enough to take responsibility for looking after a puppy.

Mattie may not have a puppy of her own, but her best friend Zoe has an adorable dog, Heinz. When the girls are cycling through Mossdale village, Heinz runs off … and finds an injured puppy which the girls take to their local vet.

But they are surprised to see that there are lots of animals in the garden. When a boy with a jackdaw on his head comes out of the vet’s cottage, they discover that Casper’s mum, Dr Polly, is the new vet and she also runs an animal rescue centre. The rescue centre is so busy that Dr Polly cannot accept any more animals until she is able to re-home some of those she already has.

Mattie, Zoe and Casper offer to help look after the animals which is just perfect for animal-loving Mattie and her friends – and means that Mattie can help look after the injured puppy as well as the kittens, goat, tortoise and myriad of other animals in the rescue centre. But Mattie knows that these animals deserve their forever home: can she and her friends find a way to match them to new owners who will be just perfect for them?

This is an absolutely delightful story, brimming with humour, warmth and friendship. I loved meeting the wonderful assortment of animals, especially Bruno the goat and Archie the ferret who bring lots of humour – and chaos! I also loved the village setting and its residents as well as the fete which gives this story such warm and cosy vibes as well as a real sense of togetherness.

Mattie is such a kind-hearted, helpful young girl who clearly adores animals and cares about their welfare. She is also a whirlwind of energy and ideas which sometimes leads to her making impulsive decisions, but she also takes responsibility for her mistakes. I loved her friendship with Zoe and Casper as they help and support each other and form a great apprentice vet team!

The black and white illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous and complement the warmth and charm of this story perfectly.

A delightful start to a heart-warming, humorous new series, perfect for young readers of 7+.

Thank you to Walker Books for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: After by Pádraig Kenny

*Written by Pádraig Kenny*
*Cover and chapter illustrations by* *Steve McCarthy*
*Published by Walker Books on 6th March*

After is a powerful, thought-provoking dystopian sci-fi adventure with the ties of humanity, the strength of community and the promise of hope at its heart. This is a story that held me utterly enthralled and will undoubtedly be one of my books of the year.

Jen loves libraries and stories, but the one she is most interested in is a true one – even though it is a story that terrifies her: the story of how the world ended. Father tells her of the destruction of habitats, human over-reliance on technology and the return to the Dark Ages after the Flood, an apocalyptic event that decimated both civilisation and technology.

Father and Jen have been on their own ever since he found Jen as a baby and took her under his protection. They survive in a desolate, almost-deserted world by finding food and shelter and avoiding the scavengers who drove them from their previous home.

When travelling towards a new home, they arrive at a town where they meet two others who are part of a small community where they are welcomed as new members. But Father has a secret: he is not human, but a humanoid AI who somehow survived the Flood. Can Jen keep Father’s secret from her new friends because, if it were revealed, she is in danger of losing the place she has come to think of as home …

This is a story that completely gripped me both as an exciting, heart-pounding survival adventure brimming with danger, secrets and revelations, and as a story exploring what it means to be human, the nature of love and belonging, and whether the real danger in technological advancement lies with created or creator. These themes would open fascinating discussions in both homes and classrooms.

This is a story that evokes strong emotions: I could absolutely feel the hope and love, the painful decisions and the need for connection – and the ending made me smile through my tears – just perfect – as were the final illustrations. There is such power in words – the power to connect and divide, the power to hurt and heal and the power to bring hope when the world seems lost. Books like this incredible story are so needed in our world right now (and not just for children) and there was one sentence said by a character at the end of this story that still bring tears as I write and I think those are tears of hope.

Whilst Jen and Father are not biologically related, it is clear that there is a strong father-daughter bond between them which I found incredibly moving. Father has a powerful instinct to protect Jen and give her what she needs to survive, both physically and emotionally, even when this means withholding the truth and taking heart-breaking decisions and risks. Jen is a wonderful young girl who is kind-hearted, curious and determined and, whilst she is happy with Father, she also has a natural human need to connect with others and feel a sense of belonging which leads her to make to make some painful decisions.

The chapter heading and page illustrations are stunning and complement this intriguing, breathtaking story perfectly.

An exceptional sci-fi adventure pulsating with hope, connection and love – a captivating story that I cannot recommend highly enough to readers of 9+.

Thank you to Walker Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

February 2025 Wrap-Up

It’s been so good to see daylight this month! It was wonderful to get a half-term break where I enjoyed lots of reading! Also, lovely to catch up with friends after another hectic work month which seems to be getting ever busier!

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 17 books this month: 6 adult books and 11 middle-grade (I’ve posted reviews for 10 of my middle-grade reads this month). Highlights for me were Prophet Song, Flowers for Algernon and The Spellshop (adult) and The Boy at the Window and Leo and Ralph (middle-grade). I’m currently reading Leo and Ralph to my class.

NetGalley:

I have two books on my Netgalley shelf and have requested one book in February. My feedback ratio is at 99% .

Books sent by publishers:

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

Books Bought:

I’ve bought 6 books this month:

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

Review: Grumpfort written and illustrated by Jamie Hammond

Grumpfort is a hilarious and heart-warming monstrously marvellous adventure which held me absolutely entranced throughout with giggles and smiles galore!

The villagers of Bogfoss live in fear of the monsters who come from the forest to feast – or nibble – on them. Rather wisely, young Mo chooses to hide at the first sign of trouble as becoming lunch for a monster does not at all appeal to him! Unfortunately for Mo, he also happens to be Monday the Sixteenth, the newest Warden to accept the role of protecting the village from monster attacks. Well, when I say ‘accept’, he doesn’t really have a choice as this is a hereditary role which he must take following the death of his grandma, Monday the Fifteenth.

Arriving late on his first day at The Roost, he is thrown in at the deep end when monsters attack the village and he is given the task of fighting them. When Mo is beaten by the goblins and needs to be rescued, the villagers ridicule him, making him a laughing stock. Feeling dejected, Mo decides to prove himself by going into the out-of-bounds forest, catching a monster and bringing it back to Bogfoss to prove himself the hero the villagers expect him to be.

But, when his plan to catch a monster backfires, Mo finds himself running for his life and, as luck would have it, straight into the home of the monsters via a booby-trapped sausage roll – a giant fortress: Grumpfort.

And so begins the most wonderfully exciting, action-packed and hilarious adventure as Mo meets the inhabitants of the fortress who are not at all what he had expected according to the entries in his not-so-trustworthy book, A Beginner’s Guide to Monsterology. When Mo is tasked with the mission of helping some of the other monsters catch the terrifying Grumpsnatcher, who has been snatching monsters, he hatches the perfect plan to solve his problem, but he didn’t reckon on friendship getting in the way …

I absolutely loved this zany adventure which has just the right amount of peril for young readers with lots of giggles with the situations the monsters find themselves in. The creatures are absolutely brilliant from the grumpy gnome to the feisty troll and the kind-hearted, sausage-roll loving snotwoggle. The villain is perfectly cast and will undoubtedly make the reader question: what makes a monster?

Mo is an incredibly likeable young boy who has the courage to be true to himself and write his own story rather than living with the weight of others’ expectations. I think this is such a powerful message for young readers.

The illustrations throughout are absolutely wonderful and complement the action and humour of the story perfectly.

Enter Grumpfort for a monstrous treat of mayhem, giggles and gasps of delight – perfect for young readers of 7+.

Thank you to Usborne for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Marty Moose: First Class Mischief written and illustrated by Claire Powell

*Published by Walker Books on 6th February*

Marty Moose: First Class Mischief is a first-class start to a new two-colour illustrated series for younger readers – and it’s completely charming and fantastically funny.

Marty Moose is definitely not a moose, but a mouse, but has this name due to the rather unfortunate placement of an ink splodge on his Birth Certificate. It’s his first day as a Postmouse at Little Ditch Post Office and he’s feeling perfectly prepared with his ironed uniform, polished buttons and waxed whiskers. He is both excited and nervous that he is at last able to follow in the paw steps of his Great-Aunt Ada, the greatest Postmouse who ever lived. After introducing himself to 27-times-in-a-row Employee of the Month, Cyril Snorter, he is taken to the sorting room where he takes charge of his first bag of postal deliveries …

With a successful start to his day, Marty is feeling confident, but then things take a downhill turn as he heads underground to Whisker Warren and promptly gets lost. Luckily, he meets Nibbles Frizzby, a brilliantly bonkers rabbit, who helps him deliver his letter and decides to keep help him with the rest of his deliveries … When the two find themselves in a booby-trapped yard with two warring toads, Marty begins to wonder if there is any way to escape … and get home in time for his favourite jam sandwiches. Could his far-from-perfect start to his new job have anything to do with a postal prankster?

Giddy goodness! This book is absolutely gorgeous from the detailed map of Little Ditch to the lively, expressive illustrations to the chapter headings and typography which will offer endless appeal to young readers not to mention the smaller size of the book which suits the tale of a mouse to perfection. And then, of course, there’s the story which is filled with zany humour and just the right amount of peril and scares for younger readers which will keep them giggling and turning pages but not too quickly as there is so much to explore in the illustrations. I really loved Marty’s marvellously awesome alliterative phrases which definitely made me giggle as I have no doubt they will be remembered and enjoyed by young readers.

A terrific tale of fearless friends and postal pranks, guaranteed to delight young readers of 6+ who I have no doubt will enjoy returning again and again to explore Little Ditch as they wait for Marty’s next adventure.

Thank you to Walker Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Dragon Riders of Roar

*Written by Jenny McLachlan*
*Cover Illustration by Ben Mantle*
*Interior Illustrations by Alla Kharkevich*
*Published by Farshore (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

I am a huge fan of The Land of Roar series so was super-excited to learn that Rose and Arthur would have more adventures in Dragon Riders of Roar which is an epically brilliant return to the most imaginary place where an incredible adventure awaits.

Twins Arthur and Rose are excited to be returning to spend two weeks in Roar, the imaginary world they have created, a world that becomes real when they crawl through the old camp bed in their grandad’s attic.

But, when Arthur discovers a secret story that Rose has been writing about Roar, he is annoyed that she has been leaving him out and makes a few additions of his own. Catching him reading her story, Rose is furious and they begin to fight with Arthur shoving the book in to the camp bed and Rose retrieving it, but its a fight that ends in giggles and memories of when they were younger, creating their imaginary land of Roar through imaginative play.

Soon afterwards, bursting with excitement and happiness, they crawl through the camp bed and find themselves back in Roar. Calling for her three dragons, Rose and Arthur fly to meet their friends Win and Mitch, only to discover that Mitch is missing! Could something have entered Roar that is a threat to the twins and their friends?

When Rose sees that creatures that she has created in her notebook are now in Roar, she realises that the Dragonlands of her notebook have come to life in Roar and, in order to find Mitch, they will need to travel to the island of Spindrift which is the location of the Dragon Rider Academy, a school where students learn to ride fearsome dragons to protect the island. But, does the island need protection against the terrifying Witch-King, who steals children for his army and leaves changelings in their place? Could there be any truth in the rumours that he is still alive and intent on revenge? And, if so, do Arthur and Rose have enough fire in their hearts to battle a terrifying villain and save both Roar, and someone closer to home, from harm?

Just wow! I absolutely loved being back in Roar with Arthur and Rose and with familiar friends as well as new friends. This is such a thrilling, action-packed adventure that transported me into a richly drawn world of danger, secrets and revelations where I was never quite sure who to trust. I really enjoyed the school setting with its dragon sorter, houses and trials to become Dragon Riders coupled with the rumoured return of a terrifying villain which brings a real sense of peril for those at the school. I also really enjoyed the camaraderie between the twins and their friends which brings lots of humour to counteract the dangerous and tense moments.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are absolutely stunning and complement this exciting adventure perfectly.

For those who are already familiar with Roar, this will be a much-welcomed addition to this fantastic world, but it can also be read as a stand-alone for those who want to jump into this adventure first, but I have no doubt they’ll then want to read the first three books in this epic series.

Take an exhilarating ride into an unforgettable world of dragons, witches and courageous friends … perfect for young adventurers of 8+.

Thank you to Farhore for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Speedwheels 3000: The Race Against Crime

*Written by Jenny Pearson*
*Cover Illustration by Nick East*
*Interior Illustrations by Katie Kear*
*Published by Usborne Books*

An hilarious, action-packed race across Europe, Speedwheels 3000: The Race Against Crime, is guaranteed to win first podium place in the hearts of readers as they join Evie and her dad on an unforgettable, zany adventure.

Evie Clutterbank is determined to have some father-daughter bonding time, but her dad’s attention has not been on his daughter for a long time. Instead, his energy and time is taken with his single-minded determination to win the world’s most famous – and most definitely, craziest – race: The Speedwheels 3000 which races through seven European countries. Can she convince her Dad to take her along as his co-pilot? Of course not! But, Evie has a plan …

Whilst her mum is fully immersed in her efforts to save the slow-worms (yes – seriously!), Evie makes a quick getaway by stashing herself in the boot of her Dad’s car, Toots, after creating a little more room by throwing out his suitcase. If only, she’d known about the lucky pants she’d unceremoniously dumped on the roadside, maybe she wouldn’t be dangling from a cliff with a boot full of stolen gold, and the police on their trail …

And how exactly did she and her Dad end up in this precarious situation? Well, Evie is the perfect person to tell her us about her racing adventures as she allows her brain time to think of a way out of her current unintended death-defying situation …

And what a tale she has to tell! All she wanted was some bonding time with her dad as they share his love of racing through Europe, but what she gets is the high-octane adventure of her life! I mean, yes, there’s incredible danger, car chases, disasters galore and the chance that her dad might go to prison, but there’s also wild camping, a bison traffic jam and a mystery to solve. Can Evie solve the mystery of who wants to frame them as gold thieves? Could it be one of the other competitors? And, is there even the teeniest chance that they could become the Speedwheel 3000 champions?

Oh wow! This is another absolute winner that had me giggling and, at times, sniffling- and not with the cold! As always with Jenny’s books, I loved the blend of humour and heart, the authentic relationships and the action-packed, brilliantly ridiculous situations that arise that guarantee laugh-out-loud moments blended with heart-warming interactions that bring both smiles and tears.

Evie is the most incredible 11¾ year old girl who I absolutely adored as she faces every situation and challenge with such positivity – even that of getting her dad to realise that he can still look for happiness even when something unbearable has happened. The relationship between Evie and her dad is beautifully and authentically portrayed as they find heart-warming moments of connection amidst the zaniness and danger of their race across Europe. I loved Evie’s cheeky, quick-witted, impetuous and confident manner which makes her incredibly likeable, but I can also understand her dad’s frustration with her! I also loved her loyalty to her dad as she stands up for him – even if it sometimes leads to disastrous situations for her had – but hilarious ones for the reader!

The illustrations throughout are absolutely wonderful – full of energy, expression and humour – and complement this brilliant story perfectly.

Race to the finish line with a story that it’d be a crime not to read – a perfect blend of humour and heart wrapped up in race like no other.

Thank you to Usborne Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas

*Written and illustrated by Peter Carnavas*
*Cover Design by Jo Hunt*
*Published by Pushkin Children’s Books*

Leo and Ralph is the most wonderful, heart-warming story of family and friendship, of saying goodbye and starting again, and of being given the space to reach for the stars.

Leo and his best friend Ralph are lying on a blanket in Leo’s backyard enjoying their last time together, looking at the night sky through Leo’s old telescope and talking about all the planets they’ve imagined. This is hardly surprising as they first met when Ralph flew down from one of Jupiter’s moons and decided to stay with Leo for as long as he needed him. But now he is older and his family are moving, his mum and dad think that it’s time to leave Ralph behind … but how do you leave behind a friend like Ralph?

Moving to a small country town feels wrong to Leo and he is anxious that he will not be able to make any friends, and his parents will continue to worry about him. After all, he was not able to make any friends in his last school so why should his new school be any different? Will be need to use the secret promise he made with Ralph? Or, can he find a new best friend who will accept him as he is and give him the space to be himself?

It won’t be long before someone likes the way you don’t fit.

This is a truly gorgeous story which I absolutely adored as I followed Leo on his journey to saying goodbye to one friend and taking tentative steps to finding another. I adored the gentleness of this story; the truth of the ebb and flow of friendship; the space and time needed for it to develop; and the connections and sense of belonging that come from a friendship filled with encouragement, acceptance and kindness. What a wonderful message for young children, especially those who feel like they don’t quite fit in, as they traverse their own friendships and times of change.

Leo is an incredibly likeable young boy whose anxieties and need for space to express himself have made it difficult to form friendships in school. His friendship with Ralph is joyous and comforting as they know each other perfectly which makes it all the more difficult for Leo to let go and build a new friendship. He feels like an alien in social situations, not being given what he needs in order to be able to interact with others, so when he finds someone who accepts him and gives him space to bond, it is just what he needs to help him open himself to friendship.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are beautiful and really complement the gentle, heart-warming nature of the story.

This is a gorgeously heart-warming story of family and friendship, of difference and acceptance, perfect for readers of 8+

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

Review: Hunt for the Golden Scarab (Time Keys)

*Written by M.G.Leonard*
*Illustrated by Manuel Šumberac*
*Published by Macmillan Children’s Books*

Hunt for the Golden Scarab is the first book in an exciting, new time-travelling adventure series, Time Keys that swept me into a rollercoaster of an adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout – absolutely riveting!

Twelve-year-old Sim Lockier lives with his mum, Callidora, in a small attic flat attached to the Sir John Soane’s Museum where his mum is a caretaker. Whilst helping his mum clean the Museum after it has closed for the day, they are disturbed by a man and a boy who should not be there. Running from them, Sim’s mum takes him through a locked door to ask for help from the old man they meet there, telling him that hunters have found her.

The next day, his mum tells him that it is no longer safe for them in London so they have to leave and find his uncle, Emmett, an uncle that Sim has never heard of. After a dangerous journey, where they are chased by a hunter, they arrive at Emmett’s home to discover a red-haired girl, his daughter, Jeopardy.

It is not long before Sim discovers the secret that his mum has been keeping from him: she can open time doors and travel back into the past. She is being hunted by the Council of Keys, an organisation who aim to control time travel, and is convinced they will take Sim if they catch up with them. The Council is searching for an ancient artefact, the golden heart scarab of Neferiti, said to grant eternal youth. Callidora aims to thwart the Council and find the golden scarab before they can use it for any nefarious purposes.

And so begins a heart-racing, action-packed adventure as Sim, Callidora and Jeopardy find themselves heading to Egypt to hunt for the golden scarab. But they are being hunted by someone who will stop at nothing to procure the artefact for the Council. Can Sim and his friends save both themselves and the golden scarab before time runs out? Can they find a door into the past and a way to protect a precious artefact?

I absolutely loved this adventure which has plenty of danger, unexpected twists and turns and a feeling of not being sure who to trust which made it a real page turner. I adore books involving time travel and I loved the idea of a link between music and doors in time that allow those who are keys to travel through time. I also really enjoyed the Egyptian setting which is richly described and gives a wonderful insight into this fascinating time period, especially the death rituals of Pharaohs.

Sim and Jeopardy form a wonderful bond of friendship and make a fantastic team when discovering the clues that may help them foil the sinister Council stealing the golden scarab. They show great determination, astuteness and courage as they face dangers and uncover secrets of the past and present – and learn more about themselves. I’m really looking forward to joining them on their next adventure. I also really liked that this adventure has such a strong, female adult role model in Sim’s mum, Callidora, who clearly adores her son and wants to protect him, even when this means keeping secrets from him, whilst at the same time giving him the skills to defend himself should the occasion arise.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are stunning and complement this time-travelling mystery adventure perfectly.

An action-packed, exhilarating time-travelling adventure, perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher, Macmillan Children’s Books, for approving me to read an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.