I’ve just started reading When the Wild Calls which I’ve been looking forward to for ages. I know it’s one I’m going to love!
I’ve finished reading The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice which I really enjoyed and think it is one younger readers will really like. I’ve also finished the next WishYouWas mystery, The Secret Society of Very Important Post which was such a wonderful return to the world of the Sorters. I really liked that this was set just before the Queen’s 1953 coronation. I have posted my review. I also finished reading Nush and the Stolen Emerald which is a brilliant adventure – I will be posting my review shortly.
I’m hoping to read The Wanderdays Journey to Fantome Island next.
Written by Alexandra Page Illustrated by Penny Neville-Lee Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books
I absolutely adored WishYouWas: The Tiny Guardian of Lost Letters (you can read my review here) so I was very excited to learn that there was another WishYouWas Mystery: The Secret Society of Very Important Post.
Penny Black and her mum are moving away from London to live in Scotland so that they can spend more time together. This should make Penny happy, but she is feeling sad about leaving her best friend, Wishyouwas – and she doesn’t know how to break the news that she is leaving to him.
Just as she is about to leave her flat, Wishyouwas plops into her fireplace with the news that he’s been summoned to a meeting with the Royal Postmistress, none other than Queen Elizabeth herself. And he wants Penny to attend with him.
When they arrive at the Palace, they are taken to meet the Queen’s Royal Secretary who reveals that the King’s letter to the new Queen – the Monarch’s Seal – has been stolen. Without this, the coronation, which is due to take part the following day, is in danger of not taking place. The Sorters are given the task of finding the stolen letter and delivering it to its rightful recipient, the Queen, before her coronation. But can they solve the mystery of the missing letter, and deliver it to its rightful recipient before time runs out?
And so begins a wonderfully action-packed adventure, brimming with excitement, risk and peril, as Wishyouwas and Penny work together, alongside both old and new Sorter friends, following a series of clues to unravel the mystery, and discover the whereabouts of the missing letter. Their investigations lead them to suspect that there is a villainous traitor in their midst who will stop at nothing to ensure the Sorters cannot complete their mission. I loved the unexpected twists and turns, the unveiling of clever clues leading to historical sites around London and the never-being-quite-sure where the letter was which kept me completely captivated and eagerly turning pages. I also loved that mystery was set in 1953 and gives an insight into the Queen’s Coronation which I think is something young readers will really engage with.
Penny and Wishyouwas have the most gorgeous, warm-hearted, trusting friendship. I can totally understand how hard it must have been for Penny to tell him that she was leaving. They are daring, courageous and determined, and are not afraid to take risks and break rules, all of which make them a perfect sleuthing team.
The full-and-partial page illustrations are absolutely stunning and really capture both the heart-warming bond between Penny and the adorable WishyouWas and the sense of mystery and peril.
This is a spellbinding, heart-warming mystery with a timeless quality that will make it a story which young children of 8+ will return to again and again.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Lucy Strange Illustrated by Júlia Moscardó Published by Barrington Stoke
The River Spirit is a powerful, poignant and hopeful story intertwining history and myth to create a richly atmospheric tale which completely entranced me.
Young chimney sweep Tom Waterman has started seeing strange things that should not be there: a soot monster in the chimney, fairies in the flowers by the river and the ghosts of dead ferrymen in the reeds. When Tom and his friends, Bert and Squirrel, are taken to the river by their cruel master, Mister Crow, for their weekly wash, he sees another supernatural being, a river spirit, but she is different to the other beings as she can be seen by Mister Crow and Tom’s friends.
After saving him from Mister Crow’s cruelty, Elle follows Tom, and is with him when he has to clean chimneys, filthy, soot-laden chimneys that are becoming too narrow for him to climb. His job is a dangerous one, and when Tom puts the safety of a new apprentice above his own, the purpose of Elle’s appearance becomes apparent …
This story does not shy away from the harsh reality of life for young chimney sweeps in 19th century Britain. Tom and his friends are bought by a Master Sweep and become his property, and are denied their freedom as they are forced into a dangerous job which many do not survive. The children’s appalling living and working conditions portrays the heart-breaking reality of young children forced into child labour as they are poor, orphaned or have had to become money-earners to support their family. This historical background will open up discussions about child labour in 19th century Britain and encourage empathy both for children in this historical period, but also open opportunities to discuss modern-day child labour.
My heart ached for Tom as he daydreams of a life before his freedom was taken from him when he was six, bought from the Poor House, and forced to work as a climbing boy by a harsh master who cares nothing for his apprentices’ wellbeing. Tom, a ferryman’s son, never forgets where his true home is and the importance of his name, and feels close to home when he is washing in the river where he first meets Elle. He longs for the freedom of the river, yet is trapped in exploitation by a terrifyingly cruel owner. Tom is such an empathetic young boy, showing kindness, friendship and protection towards others. Tom’s decision to protect a new apprentice is a catalyst for change, and his courage brings hope of a better life for others.
The illustrations are stunning and perfectly capture both the ethereal elements of the story and the heart-breaking reality of life for young chimney sweeps.
The River Spirit is a heart-rending novella portraying the dreadful working and living conditions faced by young children in 19th century Britain, but it is also a story of friendship, kindness and hope.
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.
Thank you to Barrington Stoke for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I’m reading The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice which is a wonderful adventure as Felix becomes apprentice to wishkeeper, Rupus Beewinkle as they try to defeat the wishsnatcher. I’m really enjoying the surprises in this one, and have already bought the next in the series. I’m also reading The Secret Society of Very Important Post and am loving being back with Penny and Wishyouwas as they try to foil a plot to stop the Queen’s coronation. I’m listening to Which Way Round the Galaxy which I’m really enjoying, especially the narrator addressing the reader directly.
I finished reading The Storm and the Minotaur which is another wonderful novella from Barrington Stoke. I also finished On Silver Tides which I absolutely loved, especially the relationship between sisters, Kelda and Isla. Kelda is such a strong character, determined to protect her sister no matter what. I also read Super Sausage to the Rescue which is a wonderfully heart-warming, funny story for younger readers. I have posted my review.
Written by Rachel Morrisroe Illustrated by Jenny Taylor Published by Puffin Books
Super Sausage to the Rescue is the first adventure in a new ‘Super Pets’ series for younger readers of 7+: hilarious, exciting and full of warmth.
Dottie, an absolutely adorable dachshund puppy, yearns for her forever home after having been left at Doris Darling’s Home for Dogs by her previous owner. When nine-year-old Harry arrives at the shelter with his dad, he is excited to get to choose a dog, and quickly decides that Dottie is the perfect dog for him!
When Harry spots a squirrel outside his window, Dottie accidentally reveals the secret she has been keeping from humans. She can talk and fly! Harry’s dog has superpowers, powers that are urgently needed by Rebecca Refractor who runs Superpets, a secret organisation of superhero pets who keep the world safe from super villains.
But how can the superpets keep the world safe when they are being kidnapped by a supervillain intent on making them part of her collection? Can ‘Super Sausage’ Dottie and Harry stop the remaining superpets from being taken by Sparkletta Crystal, or will they become her next victims?
I absolutely loved this brilliantly funny, action-packed superhero adventure told from the dual viewpoints of Dottie and Harry. There is just the right amount of peril for younger readers blended with lots of laugh-out-loud moments with giggles guaranteed. I’m not sure I’ll ever think of broccoli in the same way again! The language is wonderfully playful – I’d love to fly in a wheelsparrow and visit the Factual History Museum!
I adored both Harry and Dottie who have an instant connection. They quickly build a trusting, supportive and accepting friendship. I liked that Harry needed to understand the responsibility of having a pet before he could have one although I’m not sure anything could have prepared him a superhero pet! I also really liked Rebecca who is a brilliant STEM role model with her fantastic inventions – even if they don’t always work as expected!
The full-and-partial-page illustrations are gorgeous, capturing the energy, warmth and humour of the story perfectly.
A woof-tastically wonderful start to this new series for younger readers brimming with friendship, humour and heart. I have no doubt that they will be eagerly waiting for the next superpet adventure in this series.
Thank you to Puffin Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Tom Palmer Illustration by Tom Clohosy Cole Map illustration by James Innerdale Published by Barrington Stoke
Angel of Grasmere is a powerful, thought-provoking and poignant story, set during the Second World War, which shows the impact of war on both those who fight, and their families and community at home.
August 1940, and Tarn Fothergill is climbing the steep path up the fell to the tarn, a place where she feels close to her brother, Joss – and somewhere she can grieve his loss. He had been the first man from Grasmere to sign up for the British Expeditionary Force and became one of those lost to his family and community in the chaotic retreat at Dunkirk.
Joined by her best friend, Peter and Eric (an evacuee from Manchester), the children are quickly reminded of the threat of Nazi invasion close to home as fighter planes fly overhead. The trio are keen to help the war effort by climbing up to the tarn to keep a lookout for the feared Nazi invasion. But there is also danger in their midst from someone who is angry, resentful and with nothing left to lose …
As time passes and with no sign of the war ending, hope is given to the locals by a stranger who carries out acts of kindness, earning the title: Angel of Grasmere. Could these acts have anything to do with the man who hides on the fell, someone who is traumatised by the horrors of war? How will the villagers react to the revelation of their angel’s identity?
This is such an incredibly powerful, heartrending story that does not shy away from the horrors and trauma of war and its impact on both those who fought and families and communities at home. My heart ached for the young man traumatised by his experiences in the war, yet despite his obvious emotional turmoil (with flashbacks to his time at Dunkirk and feelings of guilt and shame), he shows such empathy and care for others in helping the Grasmere community. I found him to be such an inspirational, courageous young man, someone who I cried for and, on whose behalf, I felt anger. His desire to protect and provide for others when he so needs to be protected and cared for himself is heartbreaking.
The illustration of the retreat from Dunkirk which runs along the bottom of each page serves as a constant reminder that war cannot be left behind, but reverberates beyond its field of combat with lasting effects on so many people.
Tarn, Peter and Eric are such sympathetic characters who have had to deal with huge changes in their lives as war gets ever closer to home. Tarn is grieving the loss of a brother she adored and remembers him through their shared connection with places they loved. After his father’s tragic accident, Peter has had to re-evaluate his ambitions and dreams. Tarn has not only lost her brother to war but she fears that she may be losing her best friend too as his friendship with Eric, who has been evacuated to Peter’s farm, grows. Eric has to live both with the constant fear that his home city will be bombed, and with the prejudice from others. The portrayal of the relationship between these three amazing children feels really authentic as they readjust to changes as war looms over the fells.
I’ve never been to the Lake District, but it’s somewhere I’ve always wanted to go, even more so now after reading the depiction of the fells and tarn which are a spectacular backdrop to this remarkable historical adventure.
The care, love and research that has gone into the writing of this story leaps from every page – an unforgettable story of the devastating impact of war, and the power of hope and kindness, on family, friendship and community.
This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages.
Thank you to Barrington Stoke for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of Angel of Grasmere in exchange for my honest opinion.
Author Information
TOM PALMER is the multi-award-winning, million-copy bestselling author of the Young Quills Award winners After the War and Resist, and FCBG Children’s Book Award winners Armistice Runner and D-Day Dog. In 2019, Tom was awarded the National Literacy Trust’s Ruth Rendell Award in recognition of his contribution to literacy work in the UK.
I’m listening to On Silver Tides which is a stunning story that has absolutely gripped me. I’m reading The Storm and the Minotaur which is another incredible story that blends Victorian mining with Greek mythology.
This week I’ve read Fyn Carter and the Agents of Eromlos which is a wonderful sci-fi adventure – I’ve posted my review as part of the Blog Tour. I also read Tariq and the Drowning City which I really enjoyed and is a series I’m looking forward to continuing – I have posted my review. Finally, I read Angel of Grasmere which is such a powerful, heartfelt WWII story. I will be posting my review as part of the Blog Tour.
I didn’t get to Nush and the Stolen Emerald last week, so I’m hoping to read it over the weekend.
Written by Sarwat Chadda Illustrated by Vivienne To Published by Orchard Books (an imprint of Hachette Children’s Books)
Tariq and the Drowning City is the first book in The Spiritstone Saga, a thrilling, action-packed adventure that completely gripped me.
Tariq of the River Clan, who is a seer, has a vision of catastrophe in which he sees a tidal wave destroying a great city. He is woken by his Nani who tells him that the clan must leave their home, which is suffering from drought and disease, to seek refuge in Ethrial, the capital city of Osha. When they arrive, Tariq discovers that the city in his vision is Ethrial … his clan are still in terrible danger.
When Tariq is taken before the Council Leader, he tells him that he is a seer and warns him of the imminent flooding and destruction of the city. The Leader does not believe him and orders that he be banished. There are only two people in the city who believe him: Livia, an elf inventor, who tried to keep him from getting arrested, and Artos, a member of the Silver Guard who arrested him and brought him before the Council Leader.
And so begins the most thrilling adventure as Tariq and his new friends work together to try to save the city and his clan from a tidal wave of destruction. The only way to save both is to find a spiritstone from an ancient legend called The Saga of the Spiritstones, a magical stone that has the power to control the elements. Can they find the fabled stone before time runs out, or is it no more than a fairy tale?
This is a fantastically action-packed adventure where danger meets hope, where elemental magic meets science and where the power of nature meets technological advancement. I read this is one satisfying sitting as I was desperate to find out how, and if, the new friends could overcome all the difficulties and dangers placed in their way by people, magic and nature.
There are some important themes in this story which could open up some great discussions with children. The river clans face prejudice and mistrust from those in the city and are ostracised and taken to an island away from the city without their consent. Those in power seek to ensure that they keep control and wealth at any cost even when this means they use their power to take unfairly from others and exploit those working for the city. There is a real disparity between the lives of the better-off in the city and those who live in the run-down areas which could open up discussion around equality. There is also an opportunity to discuss the impact of industrialisation on the environment (through pollution) and the need for harmony and balance between nature and society.
Tariq, Livia and Artos make a brilliant team who form firm bonds of friendship and trust as they race to save the city and those they love from a terrifying tidal wave of destruction. Whilst others in the city may show prejudice towards those who seek refuge, or who follow a deemed unacceptable path, these three are much more accepting and have a real sense of justice. They show great strength, determination and courage in standing up to those in authority and following the path which they believe to be right, even when this leads them into danger.
A gripping start to an epic fantasy adventure, perfect for readers of 9+. I’m really looking forward to the next story in the Spiritstone Saga: Tariq and the Temple of Beasts.
Thank you to Hachette Children’s Group for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Fyn Carter and the Agents of Eromlos is the start of an exciting new sci-fi series which completely gripped me and has left me eager for Fyn’s next adventure.
12-year-old Fyn Carter is woken by a storm in the middle of the night and has such a strange experience that he assumes it is a dream, but could the warning message he receives from a stranger speaking through a world window be real? Could it be the key to finding his father who has been missing for eight years?
With his mother and best friend Amy’s parents setting off on a top-secret expedition, Fyn and Amy are sent to the countryside to stay with Fyn’s Grandad, Bernie. On their way back from a day exploring, Fyn and Amy rescue an injured young fox, who they name Henry Flame, after he is attacked by a stranger’s dog, a stranger who knows Fyn’s name. Could this be the agent that the man in the world window has warned him about?
When another storm arrives and danger threatens, the world window opens and Fyn, Amy, Bernie and Henry Flame take a leap of faith and find themselves in a parallel Earth: Eromlos.
And so begins an action-packed, thrilling adventure as Fyn finds himself in a race against the agents of Eromlos to find the answers he has been searching for most of his life. Can Fyn learn who to trust as danger hunts him and his friends as they move towards discovering some incredible truths? Could Fyn, unwittingly, be the key that can save a multiverse that is in peril?
I absolutely loved this electrifying adventure which I devoured in one sitting. I really enjoyed not knowing who to trust which increased the tension and threat, and made me worry for many of the characters. There are some brilliant revelations in this story that have made me eager to continue this series. I was fascinated by Eromlos which is a parallel Earth where most of the inhabitants live without technology, but where a few use their technological advantage to control the lives of others and abuse their power.
Fyn and Amy are wonderful characters who have an amazing friendship: supportive, trusting and loyal. They show so much courage and determination in facing the agents of Eromlos, and in standing up for themselves and others. Grandad Bernie is absolutely brilliant and I loved that an older person is such an active part of the adventure.
An exhilarating start to a superb new sci-fi series with friendship and family at its heart, perfect for young adventurers of 9+.
Author Information
Ian Hunter is a children’s author who lives on the south coast of England, UK, with his partner and their two cheeky cats (aka writing mascots). He loves anything creative and can usually be found writing, planning an adventure holiday, or escaping to a fantasy world.
Fyn Carter and the Agents of Eromlos is Ian’s debut novel. He has many more stories to tell and is excited to share them with children and young-hearted adults like him everywhere.
Thank you to the author, Ian Hunter for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Abi Elphinstone Illustrated by Kristina Kister Published by Simon & Schuster
Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons is a splendiferously magical, mesmerising adventure brimming with action, excitement and warmth that completely captivated me.
Ten-year-old Ember Spark lives in Yawn, a quiet village on the east coast of Scotland surrounded by cliffs and the wild Swirling Soup Sea. This might sound like the perfect place for an adventure, but Ember believes that, despite craving it, she is living in the most unlikely place for it to find her … but, of course, adventure has a habit of sneaking up on you … especially where magic roams.
On a cloudy Sunday afternoon, Ember is at the beach, skimming stones across the water but, as she is about to leave, she spots something clinging to a rock in the sea. She is surprised to see a hamster in danger and, determined to save him, she jumps in, only to be pulled beneath the waves. The hamster makes an extraordinary jump on to her shoulder and together the two make it back to shore with Ember learning that her new friend’s name is Forty Winks – and she may just have been wrong as to what kind of creature he is!
When a malodorous smell invades the village, Ember is keen to investigate but school awaits. Once in class, her teacher, Mrs Rickety-Knees, gives her some strange instructions, instructions that lead her straight into an incredible adventure …
Making her way to Stonechatter Castle, Ember finds a secret cave where magical beasts recuperate, cared for by Rusty Fizzbang, Vet to Magical Beasts. And he is looking for an apprentice vet. Well, actually, he’s looking for two apprentice vets. Luckily, Mrs Rickety-Knees has also sent new classmate, Arno Whisper, but he’s not really looking for adventure … and Ember is definitely not looking for a friend.
But these two have been brought together to help a baby dragon, whose heart is breaking, after being separated from her parents … Can Ember and Arno become a team and work together to protect these magical beasts? Can they thwart the plans of dastardly criminal, Jasper Hornswoggle, who is intent on exploiting these wonderful creatures? And, can they become the friend each of them needs?
I am always in awe of Abi’s ability to draw me into a magical world and make my heart connect so deeply with the story and characters. I loved meeting both the magical beasts (including dragons, unicorns and hippogriffs) in the hidden sanctuary, accessed via a most brilliant password, and those in our world who need help and protection.
I adored Ember Spark whose name suits her perfectly. She is a flame-haired, feisty and courageous girl who clearly adores animals and has an affinity with them. But she has also been hurt by her parents’ separation and is so scared of losing anyone else that she rejects her friends in order to protect herself, and is not prepared to make new friends. Arno Whisper seems an unlikely adventurer, but he has a lot to teach Ember about facing your fears even when you are scared. Together, they make a brilliant team, protecting magical beasts, but can friendship sneak up on them in the midst of adventure?
The chapter heading and whole-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are gorgeous and complement the magic and warmth of the story perfectly.
I have no doubt that these two incredible children, and their daring missions to help protect and care for magical beasts, will find their way into the hearts of young readers who will be eager to continue their adventures in Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix.
I was lucky enough to have been gifted a proof copy by the wonderful Mel Taylor-Bessent – thank you. I have pre-ordered a special sprayed-edge signed edition for my niece who is a huge Abi Elphinstone fan, and will be buying a finished copy for my class library where I know it will be very popular.
Book Craic 