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?
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.
Book Craic 