I’m still reading Mountainfell as my evening read and am really enjoying it, especially Erskin link to the animals including Sorkel -definitely a magical read. I’ve just started listening to Ruby Redfort Look Into my Eyes which has been recommended by a superfan in my class. I think this is one I’m going to enjoy. I have spent a good part of today reading The Song That Sings Us which is the most gripping read. I’m completely invested in this story and can’t wait to see where it takes me. The writing is just brilliant.
I finished listening to Bite Risk which is definitely one of my favourite reads this year. I loved the premise of the story and the unexpected twists that really did take me by surprise, and the ending was just perfect! I also read three short reads over the weekend: Crow and Calling the Whales from Barrington Stoke and Tiny the Secret Adventurer the start of a new and adorable series. I have posted my reviews for Crow and Tiny and will be posting my review of Calling the Whales tomorrow.
Written by Jenny Pearson Illustrated by Katie Kear Published by Usborne
I’m such a huge fan of Jenny Pearson’s heartfelt, humorous stories that have all found a place in my heart: stories that bring both laughter and tears, written with such tenderness, warmth and hope. The Boy Who Made Monsters is another absolute belter! A beautifully poignant, humorous and hopeful story of family, friendships and the courage and strength it takes to face monsters.
Benji McLaughlin and his older brother, Stanley have been sent to live with their Uncle Hamish on the edge of Loch Lochy in Scotland where he runs a holiday cabin lettings business. Their parents have been missing-at-sea for over five months and, whilst everyone else believes them to be dead, Benji lives with the hope that they are still alive, and that they will be reunited as a family again.
He instantly feels the magic of Loch Lochy, the place where his father grew up, and wonders if it could become a home whilst he waits for the return of his parents. His brother Stanley is much more reluctant to give this new life a chance, especially when he discovers that his uncle is having money problems and is in danger of losing his home and business.
Being a visionary and a believer in the impossible, Benji is determined to come up a plan to make enough money for his uncle so that he can pay off the debt he owes to the monstrous Gregor McGavin. And what a plan he devises – all thanks to spotting a monster in the Loch. What better way to draw in tourists than to prove that Loch Ness isn’t the only Scottish Loch with its very own monster! The only problem is that the Loch Lochy monster is rather camera-shy …
Luckily for Benji, he has his new friends Murdy McGurdy (what a brilliant name!) and Mr Dog, to help him fulfil his mission. Can they prove that there is a monster in the lake, no matter what it takes? Cue action, hilarity and mishaps aplenty as these daring friends attempt to pull off the impossible whilst dealing with mean girls, runaway carts and water dunkings. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but suffice to say that tears of laughter are guaranteed alongside moments of fear and realisation that made my heart ache for both brothers – and Murdy.
Benji is just the most wonderful young boy: curious, funny, chatty and an eternal optimist. He is empathetic towards others and is a loving and kind-hearted brother, nephew and friend: someone who is there for others when they need him. Whilst his brother has accepted the loss of their parents and is struggling with the pain of grief and with feelings of guilt, Benji is in denial. He is not prepared to accept that he will never see his parents again and hides his pain and grief deep inside where it sometimes escapes as feelings of sadness that overwhelm him. His journey to truth, acceptance and the start of healing – with the help of family, friends and professionals – is honestly and sensitively portrayed. Children are shown that grief affects people in different ways and that it takes time, help from others and taking a first step to allow healing to begin. This is a story that will speak to anyone who has lost someone they love, and encourage empathy in others.
I just have to mention Uncle Hamish who I absolutely adored. He is dealing with his own grief at the loss of his brother and is surrounded by memories of growing up with his brother in their family home, a connection that Benji also feels keenly. I can’t imagine how frightening and heart-breaking it must be for him to be in danger of losing that home. Despite his own worries, he is determined to make a home for his nephews and make them feel welcomed. He so obviously wants the best for the boys, and treats them with such kindness – even if they do sometimes take advantage of this! There is something else he does that makes me teary just thinking about it!
The black-and-white illustrations throughout are absolutely wonderful and complement both the humour and warmth of the story perfectly.
The Boy Who Made Monsters is a beautifully told story of family and friendship, of truth and acceptance, of love and hope. It’s a story that utterly captivated me, and left me smiling through my tears with that fuzzy, warm feeling that makes this such a special read, and one I cannot recommend highly enough for readers of 9+.
Author Information:
Jenny Pearson has been awarded six mugs, one fridge magnet, one wall plaque and numerous cards for her role as Best Teacher in the World. When she is not busy being inspirational in the classroom, she would like nothing more than to relax with her two young boys, but she can’t as they view her as a human climbing frame. Her debut novel, The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates, was shortlisted for the Costa Children’s Book Award and selected as a Waterstones Book of the Month.
Thank you so much to Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour, and to Usborne for providing me with a copy of The Boy Who Made Monsters in exchange for my honest opinion.
Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour below:
Written by Aisha Bushby Illustrated by Kübra Teber Published by Usborne
Tiny the Secret Adventurer is the first in an illustrated new series for younger readers of 5+, and it’s absolutely adorable: a big adventure for a tiny creature with a heart filled with kindness.
When the smallest sunflower blooms at Oakwood Primary School, it holds a wonderful surprise: a tiny creature resembling a human child who names herself Tiny. She spends most of her time alone in the sunflower patch, sometimes venturing out to listen to a young girl read. Wondering what it would be like to have friends, she plucks up the courage to ask some mice if she can join them in their games. Instead of welcoming her, they are horrible to her, and she runs back to her sunflower.
Overhearing a group of animals talking, Tiny learns that they don’t think she belongs in the garden as she’s different to them, and just like the humans who ruin their home. Will she ever be able to find friendship and acceptance without judgment, or is she destined to spend her time hiding from both humans and animals?
Tiny may be no taller than a forefinger, but she has a big heart, so when she discovers that Frog is in grave danger, she is determined to help him, but soon realises that she cannot carry out her plan without help from the other animals. Can she persuade them to join her in her rescue attempt?
This is the most wonderful, heart-warming story of accepting difference, finding the courage to stand up for yourself and others, working through difficulties and finding friendship. Tiny is just utterly gorgeous: kind-hearted, courageous and willing to take risks to help others. Her willingness to support and aid those who need it has a really positive impact on the other animals.
This wonderful story is beautifully illustrated in black-and-white throughout. I love how the illustrations are so expressive and really show the personalities of the animals as well as celebrating nature.
This is the start of an adventure series which I have no doubt young readers are going to adore: heart-warming and joyous with a tiny creature who makes a BIG difference!
Thank you to Usborne for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Nicola Skinner Illustrated by Rebecca Bagley Published by Barrington Stoke
Crow is a darkly humorous, intriguing and empathetic tale, exploring the anxiety that children can feel around moving house, changing schools and forming new friendships.
Hattie has reluctantly moved from Bristol to the village of Little Plug in Somerset with her chef father (who has got a new job), her older brother, Oliver and her pet rat, Sid. Feeling worried and nervous about starting a new school, Hattie reveals some things that she had not intended to. After an awkward silence and a difficult lunch in which she finds it hard to make friends as she is expecting to fail, she leaves, feeling sad and lonely.
But, after finding a den in an oak tree, she feels better, and wants to keep it for herself, so she builds a scarecrow – Crow- to protect her den from the other children. Imagine her surprise when, following a storm, Crow arrives at her home, ready to protect her, but Hattie insists that he must protect her den by scaring away the other children. Although Crow has enjoyed dancing and playing with the other children, his loyalty to Hattie proves stronger, so he becomes scarier and scarier … until he even begins to frighten Hattie. Can Hattie overcome her fears before Crow makes finding new friends impossible?
I found this an absolutely fascinating read and think it opens up lots of opportunity for discussion about children’s anxieties related to change. Hattie has found the transition to a new home and school difficult and misreads lots of situations with the other children, making it so much more difficult for her to form friendships. I enjoyed the fantasy element with Crow creating physical barriers and manifesting fear, and feel that this can be used to sensitively explore children’s own fears and the barriers that they may create for themselves when facing change. Hattie hides how she is feeling and is uncomfortable around new people, misreading the offers of friendship from others as she does not expect to make friends. On a surface level, she may come across as unlikeable and mean, but I feel this is a coping mechanism to mask her worries and fears, and her inability to read situations.
The full-and-partial page illustrations throughout are gorgeous, expressive and complement the darkly humorous nature of the story perfectly.
This is a heartfelt story of overcoming anxieties and finding friendship, sometimes when it is least expected!
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 7+ with a reading age of 7.
Thank you so much to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy of this wonderful book to read and review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Toby and the Silver Blood Witches is a heartfelt story that perfectly blends together a magical fantasy adventure with difficult and poignant real-life issues. A truly mesmerising, empathetic story that captured me completely.
When going to close his attic window, 12-year-old Toby finds a rather unusual woman, wearing a patchwork dress, and asking for his help to save her niece whose life may be in danger. Of course, her claim that she is a witch couldn’t possibly be true, but then Toby discovers a wand …
And so begins a captivating, exciting adventure as Toby finds himself caught up in a race against time to save a young witch from the clutches of a sinister organisation intent on unearthing the source of witch magic. There is a real sense of peril as Toby and his new friends edge closer and closer to the terrible truth. I really enjoyed the unexpected twists and revelations and, as this is the start of a series, I liked that there are nuggets introduced here that make me eager to read the next book to find out more.
I loved learning about the witches and their home, Little Witchery, which is wonderfully whimsical with its living houses, magical flying creatures and magical items. Little Witchery is a sanctuary for the witches against the persecution they suffered at the hands of the witchfinders. Will Toby be able to help them fight against tyranny from a modern-day foe? Little Witchery is also subject to its own politics which would open up lots of discussion around making a decision to fight or hide as a means of defence and protection.
Toby is an incredibly sympathetic young boy. He cares for his chronically ill mum who has M.E, missing out on activities with his friends in order to ensure that he is there to care for her. There are many reasons that young carers remain hidden, and I found it incredibly sad that Toby is one of these. He didn’t have any adults he felt he could confide in, expecting that he should cope on his own and fearing that he could be separated from his mum if his role as her carer became known. It is this vulnerability that the bullies who target him use against him in the most heart-breaking way. This theme in the story opens up much-needed opportunity for discussion about young carers in a sensitive manner, and will encourage empathy in others.
The wyline witches are just wonderful, and I really liked that they show Toby that it is alright to admit when things are tough and to ask for help, and that they help him just as he aids them.
This is an enchanting, heart-warming adventure that is just perfect for readers of 9+.
Author Bio
Sally Doherty lives in leafy Surrey with her husband and three-legged (but speedy) rescue dog. After studying French and German at university, she worked for a year in London before unexpectedly falling ill with M.E. Being stuck at home and often in bed for sixteen years, however, has lit a cauldron of stories bubbling inside her imagination.
Sally’s debut book and the first in a trilogy, TOBY AND THE SILVER BLOOD WITCHES, was a finalist for The Wishing Shelf Awards 2021 and shortlisted for both The Selfies and The Rubery Book Awards 2022.
Thank you to Dave for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour. I had already purchased a copy of this fantastic book when it was first published, and am so glad that it won the Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award, 2022.
I’m almost finished listening to the audiobook of Bite Risk which is so good. I love the premise of this story with adults having to be locked up once a month when they become rippers, and the children looking after the safety of the walled town. I’m loving finding out more about how this place has come in to existence – so many twists – brilliant! I’m also reading Mountainfell from my ‘Beat the Backlist’ challenge, and I’m enjoying it so far.
I’ve finished reading Fable House and have posted my review. I’ve also finished listening to the audiobook of Where the River Takes Us which was just fantastic. This is set during the mining strikes of the 1970s and, whilst there is hardship for Jason and his brother Richie after the tragic loss of their parents, it is also a wonderfully heart-warming tale of friendship told in such authentic voices. Just brilliant! Finally, I read Toby and the Silver Blood Witches which I absolutely loved. I will be taking part in the Blog Tour this Friday.
I’m aiming to read two upcoming new releases by the wonderful dyslexia-friendly publisher, Barrington Stoke, next. I have loved books by both of these authors, and am really looking forward to reading these.
Fablehouse is a stunning story of connection, friendship and belonging set in the 1950s, blending magic, history and Arthurian legend: an unforgettable quest adventure that completely captivated me.
Heather has been sent to Fablehouse, a home for the unwanted ‘Brown Babies’ born to relationships between African-American GIs and white British women during the Second World War. When out wandering, she finds a cairn which makes her feel at peace; however, she suffers a racist attack by some of the local village children. She is rescued by three other children who are living at Fablehouse: Arlene, Nat and Lloyd and it is not long before they form a close friendship, despite Heather’s initial reluctance for fear of being hurt. When the children find a stranger at the cairn who needs their help, they bring him to Fablehouse, determined to help him discover who he is and where he has come from …
And so begins the most incredible adventure as the children discover that Pal is none other than Palamedes – a Saracen knight from Arthurian legend – who has been tasked with guarding the magical doorway between the fae and human world – a doorway that has been opened, allowing the fae to take children from Fablehouse, and replace them with changelings … Can Heather and her three friends (the Roamers) fulfil their quest to rescue the children, and close the doorway before the fae wreak havoc on the human world?
I really enjoyed this enthralling adventure which is both poignant and heart-warming. I didn’t know of the history of ‘Brown Babies’, but it is clear from the story that many were rejected by society, making it difficult for mothers to keep them, leading to many being sent to homes. Growing up, I loved reading stories of the Knights of the Round Table, so I loved the blending of Arthurian legends and the fae with both the 1950s setting and Fae Feld. This is a story that builds to an exciting crescendo as Heather and her friends battle a terrible foe intent on dominion over the human and fae world: the danger and tension is palpable as the Roamers fight for both fae and humans, finding strength in each other when it is most needed.
Heather and her friends are wonderful characters who form a strong friendship which gives them the strength to face danger and overcome difficulties. My heart ached for these children as they faced hatred and cruelty from others but, despite this, they show incredible resilience, courage and self-belief as they work together to save their friends and home. Whilst Heather has an inner core of anger which she unleashes when she needs to protect her friends, she is also an empathetic young girl who understands what it is to be abandoned, to be treated unfairly and to need a true home.
This is a magical, enchanting story of friendship, self-acceptance and belonging, highly recommended for readers of 9+.
The Magic Hour is an explosively exhilarating time-twisting adventure that gripped me from the opening pages and kept me utterly captivated throughout.
Eleven-year-old Ailsa Craig is always running late although it pays off when she misses being at home when her house explodes on New Year’s Eve. Rather than going to see the temporary home her father has found, Ailsa is drawn to her old home in search of the steamer trunk which her much-loved astronomer Grandma has bequeathed her. But instead, she makes a discovery that will change her life forever! She finds herself in a parallel Edinburgh where an extra hour exists in every day: The Magic Hour!
As Ailsa explores this new world, she learns more about its secrets, and discovers that gaining an extra hour comes at a terrible price. Can Ailsa battle both those from her own world and the faerie world who are manipulating time, and save herself and those she loves?
Oh my goodness! Every second counts in this exceptionally exciting, fast-paced adventure that had me on the edge of my seat from the opening pages. The short chapters kept me wanting to read just one more and, before I knew it, I had finished. I was completely fascinated by, and immersed in, this richly imagined world and loved learning about how the Magic Hour was operated, who could spend time there and the consequences of having an extra hour. In any story that includes the Fae, I hope for trickery and intrigue, and this did not disappoint with breath-taking twists and revelations. The element of danger really increases as Ailsa discovers more about the Middlemarket and the tensions between the Fae groups within it as well as the human threat from outside. I loved the inclusion of a creature from Scottish myth whose ominous presence sent shivers down my spine. This is a story fizzing with discoveries, secrets and darkness, guaranteed to brings gasps of shock and delight as the threads come together – utterly brilliant!
Ailsa is a wonderful young girl – strong, determined and courageous – who shares her time between her mum and her dad who have split up. She feels like she doesn’t belong at school, and finds solace in the books she reads. When she takes advantage of the Magic Hour, she finds that she has time to complete her work, and even finds friendship with rich-girl Credenza Dingwell who also visits the parallel Edinburgh. She also makes two other friends in the Middle Market, Sydekyck, a cat and Tobias Ragwort who warns her that the Magic Hour is not all it seems. Ailsa is determined to stand up to others for the sake of her family and friends, but can she and her friends stop time from taking what it is owed?
I loved the narrator’s observations and the use of footnotes which gave tantalising glimpses of secrets given to the reader before Ailsa is aware. I also enjoyed the acerbic wit in these notes.
The Magic Hour is a thrilling, fast-paced adventure with an ending that is guaranteed to make you desperate for Ailsa’s next adventure.
Thank you to Harriet Dunlea and Scholastic for an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I’m currently about half way through Fablehouse and am really enjoying it. Heather is a wonderful main character, and I’m loving the Arthurian legend element. I’ve just started listening to the audiobook of Where the River Takes Us and think it will be a wonderful adventure.
I didn’t finish any books this week which I think is a first!
I didn’t get to this one this week, so am aiming to read it over the weekend.
Written by Lindsay Galvin Cover and Interior Illustration by Gordy Wright Cover Design by Steve Wells Published by Chicken House
I am a huge fan of Lindsay Galvin’s historical fiction adventures, so was eagerly anticipating Call of the Titanic. Oh my goodness – this is the most incredible, heart-wrenching story of courage in the face of terrible tragedy, that completely captured me … an absolute must-read, and definitely one of my books of the year.
The story is written from the dual viewpoint of Clara Montgomery who finds herself aboard the Carpathia and Sidney Daniels (a third-class cabin steward) who gives his testimony during the inquiry which follows the tragic sinking of the Titanic. These two viewpoints are interspersed throughout the story alongside telegrams to and from the Titanic and other ships. The use of fictionalised testimony in the style of the actual testimony given at the inquiry, and the telegrams to and from the Titanic and other ships, really brought home the reality of this tragic event, and brought tears at the loss of so many lives and the devastating and unimaginable situation they found themselves in.
12-year-old Clara Montgomery, who dreams of adventure, is eagerly looking forward to a visit from her cousin, Harry Cottam, who is a telegraph operator aboard RMS Carpathia. When an impetuous decision sees her hide inside a trunk he is taking back to England, she finds herself diving headlong into the adventure of her life …
Clara falls asleep inside the trunk, and rather than waking on her family’s New York farm, she finds herself aboard a train and then being loaded by crane into the cargo hold of the Carpathia. As she tries to free herself from the trunk, she hears a growl outside, and realises that there is an animal in the hold with her. Despite her fear, she opens the trunk, and is relieved to discover that the animal she thought was a bear is a huge Newfoundland dog – Rigel. Clara adores animals and has an affinity with them, so the two quickly form a bond: one of friendship, trust and protection which holds them close throughout their forthcoming adventures.
When Clara is discovered by the first-class steward, he doesn’t believe her account of how she became a stowaway, and takes her to see the Captain who takes her under his protection. Clara is determined that she will not be separated from Rigel so sneaks out at night to visit him and take him for a walk on deck. Something out at sea draws Rigel’s attention: could it be a sea serpent that most believe is a creature of myth, but which the Captain asserts may be real? Could this serpent possibly exist and, if so, will it prove itself friend or foe?
As Clara and Rigel explore the Carpathia, and discover adventure and excitement on board, little do they know that they are about to find themselves caught up in a rescue mission as the Carpathia races through an ice-field, and towards the sinking Titanic …
Clara’s adventure aboard the Carpathia and Sidney’s testimonial to the U.S Senate Inquiry (which has been interspersed throughout the narrative) come together when Rigel senses that someone is in need of help, and Clara puts her trust in him, and finds herself heading towards danger ….
I really liked Clara whose strong will, determination and impetuous nature may lead her into trouble on occasions, but these traits also help her to stand up to those who seek to belittle her, and to face danger with incredible courage.
I really enjoyed the blend of historical fiction with a fantasy element which did have truth in sea-faring historical accounts. I also really enjoyed that the story was set aboard the Carpathia, and loved finding out more about its Captain who sounds like an incredible person. Reading the Author’s Note gives a wonderful insight into some of the real people mentioned in the story including Sidney Daniels, Rigel, Captain Rostron and Harold Cottam: I totally agree with the author’s heading of ‘True Heroes’.
Call of the Titanic is a truly unforgettable, poignant story of fortitude and friendship in the face of a devastating catastrophe, and is one that I cannot recommend highly enough for readers of 9+.
Thank you so much to Laura Smythe PR and Chicken House for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Book Craic 