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?
I didn’t get to read as much of Fireblood as I’d have liked to, but I am enjoying the adventure and am interested to find out more about the role of the fireblood. I’m listening to Cressida Cowell reading Which Way to Anywhere which is such fun. I love the narrator and the wackiness of the plot.
I’ve finished listening to The Marvellers which I really enjoyed. Ella is such a strong and sympathetic character. I also read Pirates of Darksea which is absolutely fantastic. I have posted my review this week.
I’m hoping to read The Day my Dog got Famous next.
Written by Catherine Doyle Cover Illustration by Manuel Šumberac Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Pirates of Darksea is a breath-taking, magical adventure that swept me into an action-packed, gripping quest with danger, daring, and the bonds of brotherhood and new friendships at its heart.
Christopher Reid believes in magic and stories and the seemingly impossible which leads him on a midnight mission: to go on a pirate adventure aboard the Stolen Sunrise to the secret kingdom of Darksea beyond the horizon of our world. But he is not alone – he is followed by his younger brother Max. The brothers wait together on the shoreline of Galway Bay for the arrival of Captain Thorne O’Malley, the Pirate King of Darksea. But when adventure fails to arrive, Christopher decides it’s time for Plan B …
Two years later, and the Reid family are facing their own turmoil. Christopher is in hospital and his latest treatment does not seem to be working. Whilst Max is counting out his pocket money to buy a new game for Christopher, he sees a bright red parrot tapping at his brother’s bedroom window. Attracting its attention, the visitor delivers a scroll to Max, a letter intended for his brother, inviting him to join Captain O’Malley as a cabin boy to undertake a top-secret quest. He is unsure about accepting the offer, but when the parrot snatches Max’s money, he chases after it, leading him to the pirate ship his brother was so keen to adventure upon. Hoping for magic and a miracle, Max decides to board the ship …
And so begins the most incredible, unforgettable adventure as Max finds himself in the magical kingdom of Darksea, a kingdom which is in danger from a terrifying underwater monster intent on destruction and revenge. Can Max, aided by his friend and crew mate, Ruby, complete the task set by Captain O’Malley? Will Max find the courage and inner strength to take on more than he could ever have expected in order to save Darksea and bring back its magic?
Just wow! What an amazing adventure! 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.
The world-building is spectacular from Darksea’s creation story which leads perfectly to the danger which now threatens the kingdom’s survival to the fantastical creatures and objects including mermaids, wraiths, enchanted ships and living maps. And then there’s Squawk – brilliantly sarky but with a heart of stardust – I absolutely adored him!
And what can I say about Max? My heart ached for him as he struggles with the fear of losing his brother, someone he clearly adores and looks up to. He shows incredible courage and inner strength as he faces his fears and fights to overcome the darkness that is threatening to destroy the kingdom of Darksea, even when this means great sacrifice, and having to take on much more than he could have ever expected. Ruby, who helps him when he first boards the Stolen Sunrise proves a wonderful friend and I loved how supportive they are towards each other. Throughout his adventure, Christopher is never far from Max’s thoughts and I loved this sense of brotherhood which initially brings Max to Darksea as he searches for a miracle for his brother. It gives him both the courage to face his fears and to help someone else who has lost their way.
I thought the theme of darkness and light which is threaded throughout this adventure, both in the creation and usurping of the kingdom, and in the struggles the characters face, was incredibly powerful. I also adored the bond between siblings which survives even when they are separated. And, of course, I loved that the adventure starts in Galway Bay, on the Wild Atlantic Coast of Ireland. I am a huge fan of Catherine’s stories which always sweep me into the most magical, awesome adventures, but which also reminds me of my beautiful homeland and the stories that grow from its brilliant storytellers.
A stardust-sprinkled, swashbuckling adventure with great peril, incredible courage and the bonds of brotherhood and friendship at its heart. I cannot recommend this unforgettable story highly enough: perfect for readers of 9+.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I’m continuing to read The Marvellers which I’m really enjoying. Ella is a wonderfully strong character, but she has lots to face – I’m looking forward to seeing how the story resolves itself. I’ve also just started reading Fireblood: The First Flight.
I spent most of half term in Ireland so didn’t get to read very much! I did read The Tower Ghost which is a wonderful mystery set in the County of my birth which I loved! I will be posting my review closer to publication date.
I didn’t get to this one last week, but intend to pick it up at the weekend.
Written by Becky Goddard-Hill Illustrated by Assia Ieradi Published by Collins
How I Feel: 40 wellbeing activities for kids is a beautifully illustrated and presented book of activities which will support parents and teachers in helping young children of 4+ talk about, and understand, their feelings. I think it’s also perfect for older children to use independently to promote their own well-being, regulate emotions and to encourage empathy for others.
The book introduces children to the wonderful range of animal characters (who are also on the front cover) who will be with them throughout the book which I think is a fantastic way to make young children feel comfortable, safe and secure as they complete a range of activities.
The book is divided into five areas with an opening section on activities which will help children practise identifying and talking about feelings followed by sections on activities to promote feelings of happiness, kindness, calmness and bravery. I really liked that each section has its own colour which matches the colour on the introductory page, making it easily accessible to children who are ready to use the book more independently, especially having already been introduced to the activities by an adult.
Each activity is clearly introduced and presented on a double page in large font with interaction from the expressive animal characters throughout. There are also ‘For grown-ups’ boxes throughout which gives advice for adults completing the activities with children. Children can enjoy a wide range of activities including playing animal charades, making a nature face, taking part in animal yoga, feeding a worry monster and doing the cushion walk – activities to help them become happier, kinder, calmer and braver.
Emotional regulation can be incredibly difficult for both younger and older children, so I think a book which gives children some ways to cope with a range of emotions is a much-needed and powerful resource. I can definitely see many of these activities being used not only at home but in schools to promote emotional well-being and regulation.
This is a book filled with so much positivity and simple, yet powerful activities, that is such a valuable resource (for parents, carers and teachers) for promoting well-being in young children. As a Year 6 teacher, I can absolutely see the benefits of many of these activities for older children both to promote their own well-being, emotional regulation and self-esteem as well as to build empathy.
Thank you to Lorraine Keating and Collins for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
It’s almost my five-year Blog Anniversary and this is my 1000th post! I wasn’t sure what I’d post for this one, but thought I’d share some first and latest related to things I’ve been able to do as a result of having my Blog.
First Review posted on my Blog: POG by Pádraig Kenny
First book requested from a Publisher: I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak
Latest book requested from a Publisher: Flame Chasers by Julie Pike. (I’ve no idea if I’ll be lucky enough to be sent this, but I loved The Last Spell Breathers so I just had to request it).
I have posted 463,131 words over 1000 Blog posts (including this one!) – not sure where I found the time! I’m still loving reading, reviewing and blogging which has genuinely brought me so much enjoyment and introduced me to such a treasure trove of incredible books. I’m really not sure I’d have survived in teaching this long without being able to adventure with so many of the amazing characters I’ve met through my reading. And I make it my mission to introduce my classes to as many of these characters as I can!
I still get a buzz when I’m approved for a book I really want to read on NetGalley or when I’m lucky enough to be sent a review copy by a Publisher. Being part of an incredibly kind and supportive online children’s book community has been an absolute joy for me – and constantly adds to my TBR!
GIVEAWAY
I’m a huge believer in the benefits of Reading for Pleasure, so I’m running a Giveaway for teachers/librarians/parents/carers of children of 8+. Details below:
I’m running a Giveaway on my Twitter account (@Book_Craic) for a 3-month Book Subscription (8+) with The Rocketship Bookshop. They will contact the winner to find out what kinds of books their child/class enjoys and will then choose and post out a new release book each month for three months.
I haven’t started this yet, but I’m heading to Ireland today so this will make perfect reading on my flight.
I’ve read three fantastic books this week. I was lucky enough to be sent a proof copy of The Secret of the Moonshard which is a brilliant fantasy adventure. I posted my review yesterday. I also read the final book in the Eeerie-On-Sea mysteries, Mermedusa which I really enjoyed, especially as it felt like it came full circle – a fitting and brilliant end to the series. I also read the final book in the Twitchers quartet, Feather, which involves a museum heist and another intriguing case for the twitchers to delve into. This has been the most wonderful series with brilliant mysteries, lots to learn about birds and a fantastic group of friends.
Written by Struan Murray Illustrated by Vivienne To Published by Puffin Books
The Secret of the Moonshard is an exceptional fantasy adventure drawing the reader into an unforgettable world where war threatens between science and magic, a war that could destroy the world.
Eleven-year-old Domino has spent her life trapped in the Scientarium Celestis, a floating laboratory above the city of Abzalaymon. She has no friends and is treated terribly both by the other children and the Science Barons. However, Domino is a fighter and, when we first meet her, she is on the roof of the laboratory, exacting revenge. It’s at this moment that something that terrifies everyone occurs … a piece of the moon falls on the roof.
Whilst Domino is desperate to visit the city below, she has an affliction that makes that an impossibility: she is allergic to magic and, if she comes into contact with it, she will perish.
But, when Domino discovers that her life on the Scientarium Celestis has been founded on a bed of lies, and that the Science Barons are plotting to destroy magic, she escapes to the city below with new friends, Calvin, Magnus and thunder lizard, Oshi.
Domino finds herself gaining a taste of freedom in the marvellous city of Abzalaymon where she is exposed to technology (televisions and automobiles), an assortment of awesome and rather terrifying thunder lizards and a hidden centre of magic with both wizards and spirits living together in The Diner, the most wondrous and magical building.
Domino’s freedom is short-lived as she finds herself hunted by the Science Barons and caught in the midst of a war between science and magic, a war plotted by someone intent on destroying magic forever, magic that is centred in the Heart of the Moonshard. Can this irascible, courageous young girl stand up to both the Science Barons and the Wizards and save the world from both?
This is an absolutely gripping read that completely enthralled me from the opening line. The action is fast-paced, intricate and relentless as danger edges ever closer, as unexpected twists and turns unravel (gasps guaranteed) and as Domino finds herself unsure of who to trust in an age-old struggle for power and control.
The world-building is breath-taking from the depiction of the laboratories of the Scientarium Celestis to the wondrous city of Abzalaymon with the Moonshard at its centre, from the flying machines to the incredible thunder lizards (returned through science from a bygone age) and the terrifying yet piteous frankenstein-esque creations. The industrialisation of the city and exploitation of its citizens is powerfully portrayed as it is juxtaposed against the hidden magical realm. The magical system is brilliant with a real feeling of uniqueness – utterly superb!
Domino is the most incredible young girl. She is strong-willed, feisty and fierce, someone who absolutely stands up for herself and fights for those she cares about, and for what she believes in, with her courageous heart. I adored her fractious friendship with Calvin which brought plenty of humour as they sparred against each other. I also adored her friendship with cabbage-loving, loyal Oshi who is just the most gorgeous character who I know readers are going to adore just as much as I did.
The full-page illustrations are absolutely stunning and complement the magic, energy and action in this story perfectly. And there’s a brilliant map – something I always love in an epic fantasy adventure!
This is an absolute must-read, an unmissable adventure that is guaranteed to grip both the hearts and imaginations of its readers – perfect for readers of 9+.
Written by M.G. Leonard Cover illustrations by Paddy Donnelly Mapillustrations by Laurissa Jones Published by Walker Books
Feather is the final wintery adventure in The Twitchers seasonal mystery quartet, and, oh my goodness, what an exhilarating and heart-warming ending to a series that has completely captured me with its intriguing mysteries, daring sleuths and superstars of the bird world.
Ava is on a school trip to the Royal Swan Natural History Museum when she discovers that a heist has taken place: hundreds of bird of paradise skins from the Alfred Wallace collection have been stolen. The only clue is a large, black feather left on the floor, but the police are not interested. The Twitchers have found their next case …
And so begins another fantastic mystery as the Twitchers find themselves following a trail of clues which leads them into ever-increasing peril. Could the mysterious girl, who Ava meets outside the museum, and her raven help solve the mystery? Will the Twitchers be able to outwit a dangerous gang of thieves and recover the bird skins before time runs out?
This is a brilliantly fast-paced and action-packed mystery that kept me gripped throughout. I loved following the Twitchers as they work together to piece together clues, putting themselves in danger to help someone in need as well as working as a team to attempt to recover the bird skins for the Museum. There is a real feeling of urgency and a genuine sense of danger as the children get closer and closer to uncovering the truth, but will they be able to escape the clutches of devious criminals who will stop at nothing to escape justice?
I adore this group of friends who have been brought together through an appreciation of bird-watching and caring for the environment. Their friendship feels incredibly authentic and I love the camaraderie between them. They all have their strengths which, when brought together, makes them a formidable sleuthing team. Ava discovers the heist at the museum and immediately takes the case to her friends. She shows herself to be incredibly kind-hearted and empathetic when dealing with a difficult situation. I love how Ava, Tara, Twitch, Jack, Terry, Ozuru and Tippi are so supportive of each other, their curious natures and their tenacity in bringing criminals to justice. Their respect for, and enjoyment of, the natural environment, and their passion for bird-watching and protecting birds, really shines through in these adventures.
Feather is a perfect ending to this exceptional adventure series which celebrates bird-watching, caring for the environment and friendship as well as having a fantastic mystery at its heart. I know that, just like Twitch, Spark and Clutch, this one will be flying off my class library shelves.
Written by Maisie Chan Cover and inside illustrations by Alan Brown Published by Orchard Books(an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group)
Tiger Warrior: Fight for the Cursed Unicorn is the fifth story in this series of brilliantly exciting, magical adventures for younger readers of 6+.
The Jade Kingdom is in terrible danger and, once again, needs help from the Tiger Warrior, but Jack is having problems of his own. Stepping in to defend his friend from bullies, it is Jack who finds himself in trouble at school …
When he gets home, he shares what has happened with Yeye, his grandad, who tells him about a mythical Chinese creature, the xiezhi, who seeks out the guilty with its magical horn. As he is getting ready for dinner, Jack takes the Jade Coin out of his pocket to find it glowing … the Jade Kingdom is calling him, so he finds himself once again travelling through a magical portal to save a Kingdom.
Jack finds himself in the garden of the Jade Palace surrounded by his zodiac animal friends who have been released from the coin. He has arrived in time for a trial to determine the culprit who has brought danger to the Kingdom, and is excited to discover that a xiezhi has been brought to find the guilty party. But, when this magical creature accuses the Jade Emperor of a crime, Jack is determined to help his friend, Princess Li, prove her father, the Emperor’s innocence.
Can Jack and Li discover if the truth-telling unicorn has been cursed? Can he harness Rat’s weather power to overthrow the Dragon King? Or will Li and her father be banished from the Jade Kingdom?
I loved being back with Jack, Li and the zodiac animals in the Jade Kingdom in this action-packed, exciting adventure brimming with warmth and wonderful friendships.
The zodiac animals are absolutely amazing and I loved their joy and exuberance when they are released from the coin. When choosing an animal to help him, Rat asks Jack to trust him but Jack is not sure how he can help. When Rat’s power proves to be just what Jack needs, he learns that it is important to listen. The xiezhi also teaches him that, it is better to take time to think about a situation rather than rushing in rashly.
The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are wonderfully energetic and expressive and complement the action perfectly.
This is another thrilling, fast-paced, magical adventure for young readers who will be spellbound by the Tiger Warrior’s mission to save the Jade Kingdom. There is also a sneak-peek into Jack’s next adventure: Clash of the Dragon Masters.
Thank you to Hachette for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Book Craic 