Review: Shipwrecked written by Jenny Pearson and illustrated by Nick East

*Written by Jenny Pearson*
*Illustrations by Nick East*
*Published by Usborne*

Well, that was spectacularly stupendous! Shipwrecked is the PERFECT summer read which swept me into a desert island adventure sparkling with exciting escapades, giggles galore, and fantastic friendships.

Sebastian Sunrise is excited to have won a place on the Climate Avengers Summer Camp with best friends, Lina and Étienne. Unfortunately, Sebastian has a penchant for finding trouble so when he loses a volleyball game, he finds himself challenging the winners to a boat race. What could possibly go wrong? Well, there is the storm, the overturned boat, the being lost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the being hit in the face by fish falling from the sky, and … oh, yes … the being stranded on a desert island.

And so begins the most wonderfully action-packed, laugh-out-loud, heart-warming adventure as the three children become castaways on an island which offers plenty of surprises and challenges. Will these three friends be able to work as a team to survive on the island, or will its challenges and hardships prove too much for them?

Oh my goodness! I absolutely loved spending time with Sebastian, Lina and Étienne on Sunshine Island as they learn how to survive by using the resources on the island to build shelter (and not just any old shelter!) and find food and water, as they work together to protect young turtles from dangerous pirates and as they never give up hope of seeing their families again.

Lina has been reading Lord of the Flies and is determined that they won’t descend into savagery as she leads the group – but she does have a hatchet and is willing to use it! Be prepared to meet the most amazing animals in the majestic Tarquin Tarantino who lays her eggs on the beach; in the free-spirited I’ll-do-it-my-way goat Giuseppe Garibaldi; and in the patiently-waiting-to-sting-you jellyfish Julian Jehoshaphat. The humour in this adventure flows perfectly and brought so many smiles from the banter between the friends to the hilarious situations they find themselves in as they practise their survival techniques whilst trying to have fun! Burnt bums, toileting trials and blongberry bewitchment await …

As always with Jenny’s characters, Sebastian, Lina and Étienne are incredibly likeable and genuine, and I found myself immediately warming to them, but unable to stop myself giggling at how they deal with the situations they find themselves in. Each learns more about themselves as they face the challenges and joys of the island and show their individuality and strengths. They have very different personalities, but they use their strengths to work together as a team, supporting each other and deepening their friendship as they learn to survive on the island and protect its inhabitants from harm.

My proof copy does not have the illustrations by Nick East, but I have no doubt that they’ll be a perfect addition to enjoy when I buy the published copy.

The perfect summer getaway to an unforgettable, hilarious and heart-warming desert island adventure, perfect for readers of 9+.

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

Review: The Summer I Saved the Wild by Rachel Faturoti

*Written by Rachel Faturoti*
*Cover Illustration by Mirelle Ortega*
*Published by* Hodder Children’s Books
*(an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group)*

The Summer I Saved the Wild is a powerful and heartfelt eco-adventure in which nature-loving Kamaria’s life is forever changed when her summer brings new people, new creatures and new adventure … a story that completely captivated me as I followed this courageous young girl on her quest to save mythological creatures desperately in need of her help.

During her summer, thirteen-year-old Kamaria is sent a journal and letters posthumously by her beloved Aunty Fisayo, a zooarchaeologist, who encourages her to believe in herself through her positive messages as she shares details of her Asoca adventure. Kamaria loves nature so, when she discovers that the Wilderness Wanderer competition is taking place in her home town of Pennyville, she is determined to take part in the hope of winning an opportunity to attend an eco-camp in Sweden where one of her best friends from her virtual school lives. But will her overprotective parents allow her the freedom to take part on the series of quests that form the competition? This problem is solved by the arrival of her cousin, Precious, who offers to team up with Kamaria for the competition so that her parents, with conditions, allow her to take part. Precious has her own condition for helping Kamaria: she wants her to keep a secret, a secret that requires Kamaria to lie to her parents as Precious pursues her own dream …

And so begins a powerful and evocative adventure as both the fragility and regenerative nature of the environment and family relationships are explored; as a community comes together, through the courage and strength of a young girl finding her voice, to save something precious and vital; and, where the freedom is found to follow your dreams. I loved the magical realism elements within this adventure with the link between the mythical creatures, the connection to the emotions of others, care for the environment and the messages in the journal.

Kamaria is an incredibly likeable and sympathetic young girl who clearly loves nature and has a real connection with and desire to save the flora and fauna of her local natural environment, but she also finds it difficult to find her voice in a world where her parents are over-protective, have kept secrets from her, and where she feels she cannot speak out against others even when they bring her distress. I loved the connection she has with her beloved Aunty Fisayo through the entries she has written in the journal she sends to Kamaria three years after her death. I also really enjoyed the friendship that forms between Kamaria and Precious as they work together to support each other to pursue their dreams, learning more about each other as their friendship deepens, but also having fractious moments which made the friendship feel genuine.

An inspirational eco-adventure where a deep and heartfelt connection to nature proves a catalyst for both personal and environmental change. An empowering read for those of 9+.

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

WWW Wednesday

I’m reading Aliya to the Infinite City which I’m really enjoying. I love the use of flying carpets, time travel and an alternate Egypt. I’m listening to the audiobook of Rainbow Grey: Eye of the Storm which is just as gorgeous as the first one – Rainbow and Nim are such a wonderful combination.

I listened to the audiobooks of Murder at the Museum and Death at the Lighthouse which are wonderful murder mystery whodunnits. Montgomery Bonbon/Bonnie Bonnie Montgomery is such a brilliant character and I love that her Grandad is her able assistant. Such a fun series! I also read I am Rebel which will is fantastic – a definite contender for a book of the year! I have posted my review.

I didn’t get to The Summer I Saved the Wild last weekend, but I’m hoping I will be able to get to it this weekend.

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

Review: I am Rebel by Ross Montgomery

*Written by Ross Montgomery*
*Cover Illustration by* *Keith Robinson*
*Published by Walker Books*

I am Rebel is a wonderfully warm-hearted adventure that brought smiles and tears as I followed a most courageous and loyal friend’s epic journey through danger, loss and separation in the hope of being reunited with his human. Told from the perspective of a faithful, loving and good dog, this is a heartachingly tender, humorous and unforgettable tale of bravery, hope and true friendship.

Rebel has lived his whole life with his best friend, Tom, who found him as a pup and brought him to his parents’ sheep farm where the two have become inseparable, bonded by love, loyalty and friendship.

But their idyllic life is torn apart when the King’s guardsmen threaten Tom’s parents’ livelihood with a demand for higher taxes. Whilst his parents are not prepared to defy the King, 12-year-old Tom seethes with the injustice meted out by a tyrannical King, and joins a rebellion against him, a decision which sees him leaving Rebel behind as he heads to war …

But Rebel knows that his human is marching into terrible danger, and he is determined to find him and bring him safely home before it’s too late … and so begins an epic quest as Rebel digs deep for the courage to leave his home for the first time ever, to follow the boy he loves most in the world and to never give up hope that their unbreakable bond will bring them back together before war can separate them forever … Rebel is a beacon of courage, hope and love, but will this be enough to save his human when he needs him most?

This is not only an action-packed, thrilling adventure, but is also one that pulls at the heartstrings as Rebel faces terrifying danger and takes heart-racing risks to find Tom. But he also makes some wonderful new friendships with other animals along the way and proves himself to be a true friend, helping those in need despite his own desperate need to be reunited with Tom. One friendship in particular, with Jaxon the masterless dog, is the most beautiful portrayal of the growth of a strong, loving friendship, one where the discovery of the true meaning of freedom flourishes and where love challenges each to confront inner truths, conquer fears, loss and separation, and ultimately find where their heart truly belongs.

I’m Tom’s dog, and he’s my human. We belong to each other.

Not since Cosmo in I, Cosmo have I found a dog I have adored as much as Rebel. He is the BEST dog! He is torn away from his idyllic world by a decision, which he doesn’t really understand, made by the boy he loves more than anything in the world, a boy who saved him when he was a pup, and one who he is now determined to save from the horrors of war. Rebel never wavers in his love for, and loyalty towards Tom, even when he has some doubt over Tom’s love for him. He has such a big heart and a boundless capacity for love, empathy and friendship that engenders loyalty and reciprocal friendship in others.

An incredible and heart-warming story of friendship, belonging and the indestructible bond between a good dog and his boy. Perfect for animal lovers and adventurers of 9+.

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

WWW Wednesday

I’m listening to Murder at the Museum which is a brilliant mystery with a really likeable protagonist in Montgomery Bonbon/Bonnie Montgomery – and I love that she has Grampa Banks by her side. I’m also just about to start I am Rebel which I’m so excited to read.

I’ve finished listening to Kyan Green and the Infinity Racers which I really enjoyed – fast-paced, action-packed and great fun – I’m looking forward to reading the next book. I also read Betty Steady and the Toad Witch which is a book for younger readers which was brilliantly funny and is one I think my new class will love. I also finished listening to Which Way Round the Galaxy which is wacky and utterly brilliant – I loved Cressida Cowell’s narration. Finally, I read another wonderful book for younger readers, Bronte Tempestra and the Lightning Seeds.

I’m hoping to read The Summer I Saved the Wild next.

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

Blog Tour Review and Extract: Pirate Academy Missing at Sea

*Written by Justin Somper*
*Illustrations by Teo Skaffa*
*Published by uclan publishing*

Welcome to my stop on the Blog Tour for Pirate Academy: Missing at Sea, the second book in the Pirate Academy series. I will be sharing my review of Missing at Sea and an extract from Book 1: New Kid on Deck.

Review: Pirate Academy: Missing at Sea

Pirate Academy: Missing at Sea is the second book in the Pirate Academy series which opened with the wonderfully exciting New Kid on Deck and this one is just as sea-tastically thrilling as Barracuda class face new challenges and dangers in this swashbuckling adventure …

It’s 2507 … and four weeks after Barracuda class’s last adventure when they stood up for the ideals of the Pirate Federation, who control the world’s oceans, and fought against those who would usurp their position, the newly-established League of True Pirates who intend to take control of the oceansthrough foul means.

Barracuda class are fizzing with excitement as they prepare for the Oceans Bound weekend where they will face a series of challenges to test their pirate skills … without their teachers. But, when the class learn that Jasmine’s Uncle Noah, a member of the League of True Pirates, has escaped from the Pirate Federation’s prison, they find themselves in dangerous waters … Could the unscrupulous League have seized control of the Oceans Bound weekend for their own nefarious purposes? Can Jasmine, Jacoby, Neo and their friends work together to defeat these villainous pirates?

And so begins an absolutely riveting, fantastically thrilling adventure as Jasmine, Jacoby and Neo encounter peril from some terrifying challenges. I mean, who wants to encounter snakes, spiders, sharks and skulls on a weekend adventure away from class? The increasing danger and tension as I followed the story kept me on the edge of my seat and, I must admit, I gasped at the unexpected revelations which make me desperate to read the next adventure.

wound one Barracuda and you wound us all

Barracuda class have such strong bonds of friendship and make a wonderfully supportive team, always showing courage and a willingness to come to each other’s aid when faced with danger. Like all friends, they enjoy plenty of banter, some disagreements, healthy competition and even a little jealousy, something that makes them feel more genuine as a group.

Both Neo and Jasmine have been through a lot of turmoil with the loss of a parent, and parents who have been missing for months, which made my heart ache for them so I loved the emotional support that they offered each other. Despite how frightened they are by what has happened to their parents and the threat of the League, neither lets fear hold them back, showing great fortitude as they face deadly dangers and difficult decisions.

The partial-and-full-page illustrations are fantastic – energetic, expressive and highlighting both the strong friendships within the story and the peril Barracuda class face.

An action-packed, swashbuckling delight with a shiver of danger and a heart of friendship, perfect for young adventurers of 8+.

Extract from Pirate Academy: New Kid on Deck

Enjoy this extract from Chapter 2 where we first meet the New Kid on Deck:

The boy stood on the burning deck. At least, it was easy to imagine that the deck was burning, as the setting sun turned the light from pale gold to the deep orange of flames.

He was alone on the deck of the old “Scavenger”. It was a small sailing ship which had seen better days. Nowadays, it was mostly used to trawl for any bits and pieces washed into the shallows. The stuff nobody wanted anymore. Like him.

The boy had a pair of binoculars pressed tight against his eyes. He was watching the arrival of the fine pirate ships in the distant harbour. Seeing a flicker of movement, he raised the binoculars to see the sprawl of buildings that crept up the hill and people racing down it. Even through his binoculars, they looked like ants.

He felt rough hands grab him by his collar, giving him a start. He had been watching the harbour and the hill so intently, he hadn’t heard the telltale footsteps. Now, he could identify his attacker from his rotten breath alone. As his binoculars fell, he found himself looking into a red face, with angry eyes and a largely toothless mouth.

“I thought we agreed you’d stay below decks until I gave you the all-clear.”

The boy’s eyes narrowed. “I was bored. We’ve been travelling for so long and I know every inch of that cabin . . . not that there are many inches to get to know.”

The man spat – something yellowish-green dripping slowly down from his blistered lips to the deck below – then shook his head. “You ungrateful so-and-so. There’s many a lad of your age and position in life who’d be mighty thankful for a cabin to call his own and fish-scale broth for his supper.”

“A cabin barely a metre from port to starboard? It’s more like a dog cage! As for your vile—”

Before he could finish, he was grabbed roughly again, this time one hand gripping his collar, the other tugging his left ear. In this painful position, he was dragged over to the very edge of the foredeck.

He knew there was no point in struggling. This thug was three times his size and packed with muscle.

The muscled thug yanked the boy up and over the edge of the deck, so that he seemed to be flying over the side. He felt queasy – not for the first time that night. Was this how it was going to end – dropped into the icy water, in the darkening night, having to swim for it? He wasn’t the strongest swimmer. He wasn’t the strongest anything.

Thank you to Graeme Williams and uclan publishing for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour, and for providing me with a copy of New Kid on Deck.

Do check out the other stops in the Blog Tour:

June Wrap-up

This has been such a busy term! Reports finished, teacher assessments entered, production rehearsals going well … but I am completely exhausted, and so looking forward to a break.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 12 books in June: 8 physical books, 2 e-books and 2 audiobooks.

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 98%. I have not requested any books this month but do have 3 on my Netgalley shelf.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 12 books by Publishers this month.

Books bought:

I have bought four books this month.

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

WWW Wednesday

I’m really enjoying Ferris which is such a gentle read – really magical. I’m listening to Kyan Green and the Infinity Racers which is a super fun adventure four great friends and plenty of out-of-this-world action.

I’ve finished Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow which I absolutely loved – definitely twists I wasn’t expecting and I can’t wait for the next instalment. I also read Dark Matter which I’ve had on my TBR for a long time. I really enjoyed this slow-paced tense ghost story which wasn’t as scary as I was expecting, but it is such a beautifully written story about survival and isolation. I also read Reek which is being published by Barrington Stoke – a lot of action packed into this short dystopian read. I will be posting my review shortly.

My weekend didn’t go to plan so I didn’t get a chance to pick this one up, but I’m hoping to get to it this weekend.

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

Review: The Houdini Inheritance by Emma Carroll

*Written by Emma Carroll*
*Cover Illustration by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini*
*Published by Faber & Faber*

The Houdini Inheritance is a spectacular showstopper from the Queen of Historical Fiction: a gripping historical mystery where a transatlantic voyage takes two young friends to Coney Island’s amusement parks to protect the secrets of the world’s greatest escapologist … and discover some of their own.

It’s summer 1926 and 12-year-old Glory and her best friend, Dennis are watching a master of escapology, none other than the great Harry Houdini, as he performs a death-defying stunt. As he jumps off Sidford-by-the-Sea’s pier locked in chains, he holds the crowd entranced …

When Glory and Dennis learn that Houdini is putting on an extra show at their local theatre, they are determined to see him perform again. After returning a missing dog to its grateful owner, they are made special guests at the show. As soon as an opportunity arises during the performance, Glory offers Houdini her Grandfather’s Boer War handcuffs to escape from: a decision that is the catalyst for an incredible adventure as Houdini entrusts her with his priceless trunk containing all his secrets.

And so begins the most wonderfully thrilling, action-packed mystery as Glory and her older sister Effie, with Dennis and his Granny Vic, find themselves on a transatlantic journey to Coney Island, New York to return the trunk to its rightful owner. Can they keep the trunk safe, or will its secrets fall into the hands of a merciless adversary who will stop at nothing to take what is kept within?

This is a real rollercoaster of intrigue with suspects to be investigated, suspicions to be confirmed, secrets to be unravelled not to mention threats, danger and death-defying acts. Absolutely superb and utterly unputdownable!

I loved the 1920s setting, in both England and America, which are richly described and really immersed me in the adventure. This is a story that juxtaposes the excitement of theatrical shows and stunts and the glamour of transatlantic crossings with the prejudice shown towards others, with bitter rivalry, and with the hurt and emptiness felt by loss.

Glory and Dennis are wonderfully likeable protagonists who have a strong and loyal bond of friendship; they work brilliantly as a team who trust and support each other. Glory is a curious, impetuous and fearless young girl who wants nothing more than a dog in her life. Dennis is more gregarious and is drawn to anything theatrical, whether that be magical shows or attending a séance. Both children show determination and courage when faced with difficult decisions and dangerous situations. I really liked that Glory and Dennis also had support from their family and thought that both Effie and Granny Vic were brilliant – and such strong characters.

As I read, I really appreciated the title of this book as the theme of ‘inheritance’ is threaded throughout. I enjoyed seeing how it related to each family and how it affected and shaped them, but also how it leads to a realisation of the importance of living your own life, of having your own dreams. The ending was incredibly heart-warming – and just perfect!

Escape into an exhilarating rollercoaster of an adventure, guaranteed to get your heart pounding and your mind racing as you discover the secrets hidden in this mesmerising mystery. Perfect for readers of 9+.

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

Blog Tour: Delta and the Lost City

*Written by Anna Fargher*
*Illustrated by David Dean*
*Published by Macmillan Children’s Books*

Delta and the Lost City is an absolutely gripping historical adventure that took me on an unforgettable journey to AD79 where both humans and nature threaten the survival of a young wolfdog determined to protect her family from harm … poignant, heart-warming and hopeful … an epic adventure of courage, survival, hope and family.

Young wolfdog Delta enjoys her life inside the walls and grounds of her master, former army general Lucius’, luxurious countryside villa southeast of the coastal cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii. She spends her time play-fighting with her mother, Luna, her friend Bellona, the golden eagle, and her favourite slave, Gaia and her son, Neo … but she misses her mistress, Herminia.

Herminia, Lucius’ beloved daughter, no longer lives in the villa as she has married and moved to Rome with her cruel and controlling husband, Marcus. When they return for a night, before moving to Pompeii for the summer, Delta witnesses a terrible crime that culminates in the death of her master, providing a catalyst that changes her life …

Delta is accused of the death of her master and soon finds herself running for her life accompanied by her friend, Bellona, but she remains fiercely loyal to, and protective of, the family she loves and will never desert them. Delta is determined to stop Marcus’ tyranny and save her family from his cruelty. And, when further danger comes from the threat of Mount Vesuvius erupting, she finds herself in a race to locate and protect those she loves before it is too late. Can she save her family from both human cruelty and nature’s unstoppable might?

And so begins an absolutely riveting, action-packed adventure as Delta faces danger, threat and a quaking earth as she fights to reach her family who have been separated from each other by the machinations of a merciless, manipulative master. The tension, danger and sense of urgency are palpable not only as Mount Vesuvius moves inexorably towards eruption, but as Marcus rips apart all Delta loves and holds dear. This is an epic adventure overflowing with heart-pounding, explosive action and with both heartbreaking and hopeful moments.

This is a story that reveals so much about the structure of Ancient Roman society which was patriarchal and hierarchical with a reliance on slaves. But it also reveals a lot about human nature, juxtaposing a master who shows kindness and respect towards those in his household, and one who is self-interested and cruel.

Delta is the most incredible young wolfdog – she has definitely found her way into my heart. She is fiercely loyal and protective of her family and is determined to save them, taking great risks and placing herself in terrifying danger to do so. She is attuned to the natural environment around her and shows empathy towards others which brings its own rewards. She has a courageous heart beating with hope and love for her family. I adored her friendship with Bellona, the golden eagle.

David Dean’s detailed black-and-white illustrations are absolutely stunning, and complement the storytelling perfectly as they really capture both the heart and action of this amazing adventure.

A truly epic, unforgettable historical adventure with an incredible young hero in wolfdog, Delta, who embodies courage, strength and love for family. A perfect adventure for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Books for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour, and for providing me with a copy of Delta and the Lost City in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour: