I’ve just started listening to the audiobook of Casander Darkbloom and the Threads of Power which I’ve been looking forward to for a while. I’ve also just started my next book from my Beat the Backlist challenge, Looking for Emily.
I’ve finished Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels which was a wonderful adventure – I posted my review earlier this week. It’s taken me longer than usual to finish Fireblood as it’s been hard to find time in the evenings, but it’s one I really enjoyed, especially discovering more about the firebloods and their powers. Oh my goodness – I absolutely loved Fireborn: Phoenix and the Frost Palace. No-one felt safe in this , the peril is ever-present and that ending! I’m so glad I don’t have long to wait for the final part.
I’m hoping to read Alyssa and the Spell Garden next.
Written by Ruth Lauren Illustrations by Sharon King-Chai Published by Little Tiger
Tourmaline is back in her second adventure, Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels, a magical, thrilling adventure that completely captivated me.
Tourmaline has developed magical abilities since falling into the Source of magic whilst on the Island of Elsewhere, powers which she cannot control leading to mishaps and chaos at Pellavere University where she is living with her mother and best friends, George and Mai. Not only is Tourmaline desperate to learn more about her powers and how to control them, she is determined to keep them a secret from everyone except George and Mai.
When she discovers a postcard telling her that the sender knows her secret and asking her to meet at the Dark Market where magical artefacts are traded, Tourmaline knows that another adventure is waiting …
And, oh my goodness, what an absolutely exhilarating, action-packed adventure it is as Tourmaline and her friends find themselves travelling by airship to the Dark Market to find the sender of the postcard. But things don’t quite go to plan for Tourmaline when she reveals her magical powers and becomes the most valuable magical artefact in the Market. Can she escape from those who are hunting her? Will the postcards that she finds lead her to the answers she seeks? And what truths will be revealed within the Museum of Marvels?
I absolutely loved adventuring with Tourmaline and her friends as she explores the Museum of Marvels, learning more about how it has come to exist, the wondrous magical artefacts held within it, and discovering more about her own powers. This is such an amazing adventure with the most marvellous twists and turns, and plenty of danger, that kept me eagerly turning pages. And the revelations – just brilliant! I also loved seeing the return of some familiar faces from Tourmaline’s first adventure to the Island of Elsewhere. And that ending – it has definitely whetted my appetite for Tourmaline’s next adventure.
Tourmaline, George and Mai have formed the most gorgeous friendship: supportive, loyal and humorous. Tourmaline is determined, courageous and not adverse to breaking the rules, but she is also struggling to understand and control her magical abilities. I’ve loved seeing George become more confident with more belief in himself. I’ve also really enjoyed seeing the positive influence that the friends have on each other which feels such an authentic part of a deepening, genuine friendship.
An exciting, magical adventure, brimming with daring, danger and discovery – and the most wonderful friendships! Perfect for young adventurers of 9+.
Thank you to Little Tiger for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Happy St Patrick’s Day! I thought today would be the perfect opportunity to share books by some of my favourite Irish middle-grade authors. I have included a link to my review for each of my book recommendations.
The Eye of the Northis a brilliantly fast-paced, thrilling adventure that truly deserves the plaudit of ‘unputdownable’. It opens with the best line ever:
For as long as she could remember, Emmeline Widget had been sure her parents were trying to kill her.
and transported me into the most gripping adventure, brimming with twists and turns, with danger and daring, and with breath-taking revelations.
The Time Tider is a ferociously fast-paced, thrilling and intriguing contemporary fantasy that transported me into an enthralling adventure where the phrase ‘just one more chapter’ has never been so apt. An exhilarating, irresistible page-turner: a heart-warming, intricate story of family and friendship woven into the most brilliant time-twisty plot that is guaranteed to bring hours of reading delight!
The Silver Roadis the MOST incredible, action-packed quest adventure, brimming with magic, with danger, with discoveries … I was swept into a modern world interwoven with the old magic and mythology of Ireland and was completely and utterly spellbound. I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoilers, but be prepared to meet witches, giants, wolves, ancient gods and warriors in a gripping adventure that is guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat as the peril reaches a fierce crescendo. Epically brilliant!
Elsetime is an exhilarating time-slip story which completely captivated me as it took me on a fascinating journey where past, present and future meet in ‘elsetime’, a time where intrigue, danger and revelations swirl amidst friendships, courage and hope. Inspired by the real-life Great Flood of London in 1928, this is a stunningly spectacular read with a beautifully heart-warming ending.
The Chestnut Roasteris an unforgettable, mesmerising historical fantasy which swept me into late 19th century Paris and into a gripping, dangerous and exciting adventure that completely captivated me. A breath-taking, magical adventure: a story of loss, survival, and the strength of friendship, family and self-belief.
The Shadows of Rookhaven is an absolutely stunning story told from different viewpoints in short atmospheric chapters: tantalising and intriguing; heart-warming and heart-breaking; a story that oscillates with secrets and revelations, and a delicious darkness and tension that makes it an excruciating delight to read.
Stitch is an absolutely stunning, incredibly powerful and thought-provoking story that completely gripped me from start to finish. The action, brimming with peril, discoveries and secrets, kept me turning pages as I was desperate to find out how the three friends would survive in a world where their differences make them more likely to be hated or feared than accepted.
The Lost Girl King is a truly spellbinding adventure that swept me into the mythical land of youth and into an action-packed, unforgettable quest brimming with daring, courage and wit. This is a magical, joyous and exciting adventure brimming with family and friendship, with danger, delight and hope … an absolute must-read!
Pirates of Darkseais stardust-sprinkled, swashbuckling adventure with great peril, incredible courage and the bonds of brotherhood and friendship at its heart. I absolutely loved this action-packed, gripping quest which is brimming with peril, magic and the most brilliant and unexpected twists and turns. I genuinely gasped at some of the revelations which kept me turning page after page as I was completely swept into the magic and power of the story-telling.
Sally in the City of Dreamsis a wonderfully charming and exciting historical adventure with friendship and family at its heart. I have no doubt that young readers will enjoy getting to know Sally and her friends as they travel from early 1900s Ireland to New York, the City of Dreams, to start a new life. A heart-warming, exciting historical adventure with strong friendships, sure to be adored by young readers of 9+.
The Spirit Snatcheris a spine-tinglingly thrilling, spooky story that completely captivated me: an adventure brimming with friendship, humour, danger and a brilliant cast of supernatural creatures.
Search for the Black Mirror is the second in The Light Thieves trilogy: a thrilling, gripping rollercoaster of an eco-adventure that kept me utterly entranced throughout. This is a brilliantly inventive, unputdownable eco-adventure that is guaranteed to captivate readers of 9+.
The Wild Way Homeis an absolute treasure trove of adventure, excitement and danger set in a wild and natural environment whilst, at its heart, it resonates with the importance of family, friendship and acceptance. This is a truly breath-taking story – both painful and heart-warming – that completely captured me as I was transported back in time for an action-packed adventure with Charlie and Harby who prove that being born millennia apart is no barrier to friendship.
The Way to Impossible Islandis a stunning, action-packed timeslip adventure linking the past to the present in such an exciting and mesmerising way. It wholeheartedly captured me from the peril in the opening chapter to the wonderfully uplifting ending, transporting me into a richly evocative landscape with the most wonderful characters. This is an exhilarating and heartfelt adventure where the ancient past and present day meet through the hopes and fears of the most remarkable young characters who find each other at just the right time … an unforgettable story of friendship, family and acceptance.
Written by Katya Balen Illustrated by Richard Johnson Published by Barrington Stoke
Little House is a powerful, poignant and empathetic story that speaks such heartfelt truth about home, family and hope.
Juno doesn’t want to stay in the countryside with her grandfather for the summer as she’d rather be spending it in the city, enjoying time spent with her friends. She doesn’t really understand why her mother has to leave her even when she explains to Juno that she wants to help children who have lost their homes and family.
Whilst Grandpa is spending time in his workshop, Juno explores his house and, in the attic, discovers a homeless, abandoned family of dolls and a neglected little house. She immediately feels a connection with this lost family and a responsibility towards them. Can she make them a new home and, at the same time, learn to understand and accept the choices her mother has made?
This may be a short story but, my goodness, it is a much-needed call to empathise with all those who have been torn from their homes in whatever circumstances. Through Juno’s epiphany, she comes to understand the importance of home and caring for the plight of others. This is a story that offers so much opportunity to open discussion about what makes a home and the importance of actively caring for others. I think the metaphor of the doll house and family is a brilliant way to sensitively engage children in empathising with what is happening to children and families in many places in the world.
Juno goes through a turmoil of emotions (including anger, resentment, fear and loneliness) as she moves from feeling powerless to feeling empowered through her desire to help, and the strong, empathetic feelings this engenders. Her grandfather’s gentle, kind nature and his practical and emotional support is just what Juno needs as she works through her own changing feelings.
This is a beautifully told, thought-provoking novella with a message that brought tears, brought anger, and brought hope. It has had such an impact on me as an adult reader, and I have no doubt will be a story that speaks to the hearts of younger readers.
The full-and-partial page illustrations are absolutely stunning and really express the importance of home, family and love in such a warm and tender way.
This is the author’s third novella for Barrington Stoke and is another triumph of heartfelt writing carrying important messages that will encourage empathy and discussion. I can’t recommend this highly enough and think it is a story that should be shared in every school.
This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This one is for ages 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 listening to the audiobook of Fireborn: Phoenix and the Frost Palace which I’m absolutely loving – no idea why I’ve waited so long to read it. I’m also continuing reading Fireblood which I’m really enjoying, especially as I think we’re about to meet some dragons!
I’ve finished listening to the audiobook of Greenwild: The World Behind the Door which was such a fantastic story. I loved the world of Greenwild, accessed via Kew Gardens. I’m really looking forward to reading the next one in this series. I also read Little House which is such a powerful, empathetic story told beautifully. I will be posting my review shortly.
I’m hoping to read Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels next.
Written and illustrated by Jenny McLachlan Published by Farshore
I absolutely adored meeting S.Tink in her first adventure, Fairy vs. Boy. Now, she’s back in Humanyland in Fairy vs. Wizard – and she’s taking the mischief and mayhem to new heights. This can be read as a standalone as it has a brilliant account of S.Tink’s first adventure at the start of this one, told in graphic novel format.
11-year-old Danny Todd is keen to make everyone at his new secondary school think he’s cool and funny despite his pointy-toed shoes and the boiled eggs in his lunchbox. He might have got away with it if he hadn’t found himself pretending to talk to a grape in order to stop everyone finding out that he was, in fact, talking to a fairy … a very mischievous fairy who has returned from Fairyland.
Stink assures Danny that she has just come for a minibreak and will be gone back to Fairyland the following day but, when Danny arrives home from school, he finds her crying as she has lost her new wings. She needs to stay for longer so that she can complete a good deed and earn enough fairy nuggets to replace – not her wings, but her old wand with a brand new Mercorn 1000.
Stink promises not to cause any trouble and to stay safely hidden in Danny’s hair but this is Stink … so that promise lasts for all of two minutes. After all, there’s the lure of Scotch eggs, a science cupboard to explore not to mention bringing some friends back from Fairyland to enjoy a Malteser playground.
After an assembly performance that goes ever-so-wrong, Danny loses any chance he ever had of gaining a reputation of being awesome and cool. When his teacher tries to help by offering Danny the starring wizard role in their form assembly, Stink is determined to help him earn an AWESOME and COOL reputation.
And who better to help train him than a real wizard? How was Stink meant to know that her old friend has morphed into an evil wizard with nefarious plans? Can the friends work together to thwart Nobeard’s dastardly plans? Can Stink complete her good deed before Danny’s reputation is cemented as a loser?
This is a fantastically funny, brilliantly bonkers adventure, guaranteed to bring giggles galore to young readers who may well be wishing for a surprise visitor the next time they open their lunchboxes. Stink is unabashedly naughty, incredibly impulsive and causes oodles of trouble … but she has a heart of gold and understands the importance of friendship.
The many wonderfully expressive and funny illustrations throughout complement the warmth, energy and humour of this story perfectly.
This is a hilarious, heart-warming adventure brimming with mischief, friendship and magic, perfect for young readers of 7+.
Thank you to Farshore for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I’m continuing reading Fireblood: The First Flight and am fully expecting to meet some dragons soon! I’m listening to the audiobook of Greenwild: The World Behind the Door which is just wonderful. I’m loving the links with nature and the world of Greenwild.
I’ve finished listening to the audiobook of Which Way to Anywhere read by the author which is such fun. I really like the style where the narrator talks to the reader and loved the humour. I also read The Day my Dog Got Famous which was such a fantastic read. I posted my review at the start of the week. I also read and reviewed Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel. I loved the original story, so it was wonderful to re-read it as a graphic novel.
Written by Guy Bass Illustrated by Pete Williamson Colour by Kat Cass Published by Little Tiger
Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel is a gorgeously gothic, deliciously dark and monstrously marvellous adventure guaranteed to bring a swarm of new fans to this brilliant series.
Fulbert Freakfinder’s Travellin’ Carnival of Unnatural Wonders is visiting Grubber’s Nubbin and ready to put on a show for the locals but no-one turns up – except Arabella Guff who tells Fulbert that fear keeps the locals inside at night, and it’s not fear of his freak show, but their fear of Castle Grotteskew …
Meanwhile, in Castle Grotteskew, mad scientist Professor Erasmus is bringing his monstrous creations to almost-life but it is his first creation, Stitch Head, who is using his antidotes to lessen the effects of his master’s ever more dangerous experiments as, should any of these creations, ever escape the castle, trouble is sure to arrive … but then the doorbell rings for the first time in a hundred years … and Fulbert Freakfinder offers to make Stitch Head a star! Could finally leaving the master who has forgotten him be the best decision Stitch Head ever makes, or could he be making a terrible mistake?
I am a huge fan of the Stitch Head series, which I was first introduced to on a teacher training course, so it was absolutely brilliant to see his adventures in this new graphic novel. The full-colour illustrations are absolutely stunning and really capture the darkness and light in this brilliant adventure as well as the expressiveness, and humour, of the many wonderful characters which really brought them to life. I just have to say that I loved the playfulness of the potion labels: a particular favourite was Just Another Manic Monster.
This is a deliciously dark, gothic tale brimming with humour and heart. My heart ached for Stitch Head as he wants nothing more than for his childhood friend to remember him. Forgotten, he spends his time averting disaster for the Professor who is determined to make his monstrous creations regardless of the dangers that might occur should one escape the Castle. I adored the friendship that develops between Stitch Head, his master’s 309th creation and Arabella Guff who make a brilliant team as they work together to save the Castle.
An absolutely amazing start to what promises to be a fantastic new graphic novel series by the brilliant, unstoppable duo of Guy Bass and Pete Williamson. Onwards to the next adventure … The Pirate’s Eye.
Thank you to Little Tiger for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written and illustrated by Jen Carney Published by Puffin Books
The Day My Dog Got Famous is a woof-tastically wonderful adventure brimming with heart, humour, family and friendship.
Ten-year-old Ferris Foster has a real talent for drawing and has entered his comic strip, Astoundog, into his class art competition. However, he loses to his nemesis, Destiny Dean, who epitomises mean girl and takes great delight in boasting about yet another win. He can’t even escape from her taunts during the Easter holiday as she is also his next-door neighbour!
When Destiny insults his best friend, Aldo, Ferris offers a challenge: to see which of them can get the most likes for their talented dogs on YouStream over the Easter holidays. There’re just a few problems to overcome: Ferris doesn’t have a YouStream channel and Aldo isn’t exactly the most talented dog ever unless drooling, trumping and eating things that are best avoided count. But how difficult can it be to train a dog to trampoline? Or play football?
Before Ferris can get too far with Aldo’s ‘training’, he meets his new foster sister, Tia, who is staying with his mums for a few days whilst her nan has an operation. After meeting Destiny and witnessing her boasting, and unkindness towards Ferris, Tia agrees to help him win the challenge. After helping Ferris set up his own YouStream channel, they start looking for ways for Aldo to show his talents …
When bees and sneezes lead to Aldo doing the most amazing trick, could he be about to become an internet superstar? Could he replace Astoundog (star of Ferris’ comic, The Hoot) with his super talents? Or will Aldo prove more of a one-hit wonder?
I absolutely loved this heart-warming, hilarious adventure which made me giggle so much (don’t think I’ll ever look at tights in the same way again!) but there were also parts that made my heart ache for both Ferris and Tia – and Destiny! I also loved the comic strips interspersed throughout the story and the many drawings which complement the energy and warmth of the story perfectly.
Family is tons more important than stuff.
Ferris is the most wonderful, empathetic young boy with a kind and caring heart. He lives with his two mums and his foster sister, almost four-year-old Keely, who communicates through Makaton. He has had 13 foster brothers and 8 foster sisters and has welcomed them into his home alongside his wonderful mums who are just brilliant. The warmth and love that they have to give to those who need care and support when life is tough is inspirational.
A hilarious, heart-warming story, perfect for readers of 9+ who I have no doubt will be just as eager as I am to join Ferris in his next adventure.
Thank you to Puffin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
February definitely went by much quicker than January. I went to Ireland to visit family during half-term which was wonderful – but not much reading done!
Books I’ve read:
I’ve read 10 books this month: 8 physical copies and 2 audiobooks.
NetGalley:
My feedback ratio is at 96%. I have requested and been approved to read one book in January.
Books sent by publishers:
I am grateful to have been sent six books by Publishers this month.
Books bought:
I have bought 8 books and have read only one of them in February!
How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these?Have you any of them on your TBR?
Book Craic 