First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers hosted by Wandering Words. What if instead of judging a book by its cover, its author or its prestige, we judged it by its opening lines?

• Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page
• Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first
• Finally… reveal the book!

All theatres are haunted. Manchester’s Theatre Royale was haunted by a dead opera singer known as Cold Annie. Actors complained of an icy, creeping dread whenever they used the dressing room that had once belonged to her, and stagehands avoided the places she was said to roam late at night.

Any ideas?

I loved Jenni’s first book, The Vanishing Trick, and am really looking forward to this one when I can find time!

Synopsis:

Pull back the curtain and enter a world where mystery and magic take centre stage . . . Twelve-year-old Tig works at the Theatre Royale, cleaning, selling tickets and doing anything else that is asked of her by her tyrannical boss, Mr Snell. But Tig will do whatever it takes to get closer to her dream – to become a Stage Manager and spend her days inventing new ways to imagine and build the intricate machinery and props that bring the exciting productions to life! But when a strange new act – a talking machine – arrives at the Theatre Royale, it moves and behaves in a way that Tig just can’t work out. It’s as though it’s alive somehow . . . And when the machine appears to be hiding a dangerous secret, Tig must race against time to solve the mystery, before everything and everyone she cares about is lost forever.

I’ve almost finished The Very Merry Murder Club: 4 more stories to go. This collection has a good range of mystery stories which have been fun to read so far. I’ve just started listening to Frostheart: Escape to Aurora on Borrowbox, and it has quickly taken me back into this fantastical world. I’m looking forward to listening to the rest of this.

I’ve now finished listening to Sweep. What a story! One of my favourite reads this year. I was completely drawn into this historical fantasy world. Powerful, poignant and hopeful. Truly wonderful. I also read Libby and the Parisian Puzzle which was such a fun read. I absolutely loved the idea of a Travelling School where the children visit many of the sights of Paris – and the food! This is one I definitely think if perfect for younger fans of mystery.

I’m hoping to read Julia and the Shark next. I’ve read all of Kiran’s books and loved them, so I’m really looking forward to reading this one.

What are you reading? Have you read any of these?

I’ve really enjoyed my reading month in November, and have read some fantastic middle-grade books. The stand-out books for me this month were Sweep: The Story of a Girl and her Monster, The Chimeseekers and Shipwreck Island. I’ve really enjoyed introducing my class to the Barrington Stoke Young Editor’s work, where they can offer feedback on an upcoming title, which they absolutely loved. I’d definitely recommend this to any other teachers. I also really enjoyed attending a book launch for the first time in what seems like forever. Strictly speaking, it was at the beginning of December, not November, but it was before I’ve written this post! It was so lovely to catch up with some wonderful book bloggers, and meet some authors I greatly admire. And, it was my birthday at the start of the month, so I’ve included a section on the books I was given.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 12 books this month, 7 physical copies, 1 e-books and 4 audiobooks. I think this has been my best reading month for a while.

NetGalley:

My Feedback Ratio is at 96%. I’m trying really hard not to request too many books, but I must admit that it’s very hard as there are some fantastic books on there! I did request The Mermaid in the Millpond, but I’ve read that quickly and submitted my review. I also just had to request A Storm of Sisters, the new Michelle Harrison, but then realised it is a sampler, so I’m just going to have to be patient and wait for the release in February.

Books sent by publishers/authors:

I have been lucky enough to have been sent these books by publishers and authors this month.

Books bought:

I have no control when it comes to buying books that I eventually intend to read and, despite knowing I was getting books for my birthday, I still managed to buy 12 books! From these, I have read Fledgling and The Chimeseekers, and I’ve almost finished The Very Merry Murder Club.

Birthday books!

I got 9 books for my birthday, all of which I might just have hinted at except for Mort which is one my husband read years ago, and wants to see if I’ll like!

That’s a wrap! How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these? Have you any of them on your TBR?

Nature’s Treasures is an absolutely stunning, fascinating hardback delight of a book which is guaranteed to entrance young and older nature lovers from 7+.  If ever a book deserves to be a cherished addition to any school or home bookshelf, it is this one.

It is just as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside.  With a holofoil cover, gilded edges, and a breath-taking collection of interior photographs and illustrations enhancing the exuberant descriptions, this is a truly special book.

This wonderful collection of nature’s treasures begins with an author introduction to some of the intriguing objects to be found in the book.  It is divided into four chapters, each with an introductory page:  animals; plants, fungi and algae; minerals and rocks; and objects made by nature.  It has an easy-to-follow format with a contents page, glossary and index.

As an adult, I was completely absorbed in learning about these remarkable objects, so I can only imagine the wonder a child will take from learning about these.  Each of the items has a double-page in the book with gorgeous presentational features including:  amazing close-up photographs; detailed diagrams; gorgeous illustrations; an introduction to the object; and, fascinating facts telling the story of each treasure which clearly show the author’s respect for, and knowledge and love of, nature.  Through words, photos and illustrations, these extraordinary natural creations are placed in the hand of every curious child, taking them on an incredible journey of discovery through the wonder that is our natural and awe-inspiring world.

I love that there are many objects in this book that children can go on a nature spotting adventure to find, and see in their natural environment.  There are even some tips on responsible nature spotting. 

Nature’s Treasures is the perfect gift for curious children who are sure to spend many happy hours absorbed in this treasure trove of objects from the natural world which is presented in a stunning hardback edition.

Thank you to the Publisher and Abi Walton for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’m still listening to Sweep on Borrowbox. It is so good! It gives a really powerful insight into the life of young sweeps in Victorian London. Nan and her gollum, Charlie have such a gorgeous relationship. There have been some very poignant moments, and the cruelty shown by the orphan’s owners is heart-breaking; however, there are also some adults who want to help Nan and her friends. I’m also continuing to dip into The Very Merry Murder Club and have now read the first six stories. I’m enjoying the variety in the stories which have all been fun reads, especially Shoe-Dunnit and The Beast of Bedleywood.

I’ve read The Girl who Talked to Trees, a series of interwoven stories told by trees to a young girl trying to save the oak tree in her meadow. I’ve posted my review as part of the Blog Tour. I’ve also read The Mermaid in the Millpond which is being published by Barrington Stoke in January. It is a brilliant, dark and atmospheric story set in the Victorian era which I can highly recommend. I will be writing my review to post shortly.

I was lucky enough to be sent a copy of Libby and the Parisian Puzzle by the Publisher. It is one I’ve really been looking forward to so I intend to read it this weekend.

What are you reading? Have you read any of these?

The Girl who Talked to Trees is a magical interwoven collection of stories celebrating a young girl’s deep connection to the trees that surround her as they tell her their stories, transporting her to different times and places.    I was utterly entranced by these beautifully written stories resonating with an ecological message of the need to respect and appreciate the natural treasures we have around us.  

This is an exquisite hardback illustrated edition that would make a very special gift for young readers, one to be cherished and returned to again and again. 

Eleven-year-old Olive’s best friend is a 400-year-old oak tree, so when her father decides to cut it down in order to build a summerhouse to impress his friends, this shy young girl decides that she must speak out to protect her friend. Her father makes a bargain with her:  she has seven hours to think of something more impressive than a summerhouse to stop him from cutting down the tree …  Will Olive find a way to change her father’s mind with help from her friend?  Will she be able to keep the promise she makes to the oak trees? 

Seven hours for seven trees and seven stories to tell …

And what wonderfully captivating stories the trees share with her! I absolutely love the idea of listening to the memories of trees, who have witnessed so much, as they tell their stories … stories of danger, of revenge, of change, of hope, of friendship and love … stories that sing with an appreciation of these natural treasures.

Olive is taken on an unforgettable adventure through time and place: to a medieval forest, an underwater forest, into a maze and to Persia and North America.  Each of the stories told by the trees she encounters is a sheer delight imbued with a fairy tale magical quality, but also with messages of the need to preserve, appreciate and protect our trees. 

Before each tree’s story, there is a wonderful illustrated double-page spread about the tree with fascinating tree facts.  And oh my:  the illustrations!  They are absolutely gorgeous:   from the front cover, to the many full-and-partial page internal images and the end pages.  The illustrations are vivid and warm, resonating with the wonder and beauty of the natural world. 

This is a really special book that engenders such an appreciation of nature, and is sure to enchant young readers as they enjoy the magical tree stories and delight in the gorgeous illustrations.  Perfect for children of 8+. 

Thank you so much to Zephyr and Lynda Smythe for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour, and for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Please do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Pie-Rats and the Mist Island Treasure is a guaranteed giggle-inducing, pie-tastic treasure of an adventure:  playful, hilarious and brimming with piratical capers that are sure to delight young readers.

Captain Greentail has inherited the Black Biscuit and leads a daring and brave crew who also just happen to be fiercely funny and loyal!  When they are attacked by their rivals, the Pantaloonies, they find themselves facing a pie-rat’s worst nightmare:  running low on loot!  Luckily, there be rumours of hidden treasure on Mist Island, and so begins the Pie-Rats daring adventure to replenish their stores …

Of course, there just might be a few obstacles for them to overcome like … finding the island, fighting off the ghosts who are rumoured to protect the treasure, and unexpected chicanery … but this will be no trouble to an intrepid crew of rats, hamsters and cheese sandwiches – will it?

This is an exciting, hilarious, playful and action-packed adventure that captured me wholeheartedly.  I mean, who wouldn’t be delighted by piratical food fights, ear-wax figures and a quest for lost treasure? 

I adored the wonderfully eccentric crew of the Black Biscuit who kept me thoroughly entertained and laughing out loud.  Captain Greentail turns tail and hides at any sign of trouble, making perfect excuses for his actions, but I still adored him!  Steady Eddy holds the crew together, and is a brave, clever and kind First Mate. Then there is his friend George, the mouldy cheese sandwich – yes, that’s right – a mouldy cheese sandwich who may not speak, but goodness, his actions speak louder than words – comedic genius!  Add to this the Pantaloonies, ghost pirates and the other not-to-be-missed island inhabitants, and be prepared for a feast of zany delightfulness!

The illustrations scattered throughout are absolutely delightful and brilliantly expressive!

This is a riot of pie-rat-licious fun that is sure to take young readers on an exciting adventure:  a delicious treat of a story, perfect for readers of 7+. I’m so looking forward to the crew’s next adventure!

Thank you to Kate Poels for an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

I’m currently dipping into the stories in The Very Merry Murder Club and have read three of them so far. I keep hearing how brilliant The Last Bear is, so I decided to pick it up this week as it’s been on my TBR for a long time! I’m absolutely loving it so far. The relationship between April and the Bear is so special, and I can’t wait to see how it continues. I’ve also started listening to Sweep which is wonderful so far – it’s a heart-warming, magical story of a young sweep, set in the Victorian era, whose life changes when she is rescued from a chimney fire by a lump of coal which she discovers is, in fact, a soot golem. These two friends begin to carve out a life for themselves, and I’m so looking forward to finding out more, although I think this one might be a tearjerker!

I finished reading Christmas Dinner of Souls which was satisfyingly terrifying in a perfectly middle-grade way! The stories that are told are brilliant, and I loved the whole concept of sitting around the table, serving meals and telling scary tales. This one has already been snapped up by a girl in my class. I also finished listening to Shipwreck Island which was absolutely gripping. I love the relationship between Ellie and Seth who think they may have reached safety on a new island. This island is being ruled by a Queen who is the vessel for a God, a Queen who Ellie forms a friendship with. This is such a powerful story of manipulation, politics, power struggles and friendship with some incredible revelations! I can’t wait for the final book!

I didn’t get to this one last weekend, but will be reading it this weekend.

What are you reading? Have you read any of these?

The Bear Who Sailed the Ocean on an Iceberg is a poignant, humorous and tenderly written story of heartache and healing, of family and friendship:  an utterly compelling read that entranced me from start to finish.

Twelve-year-old Patrick Jolly is trapped by the sadness within him.  He is the target of bullies at school; his best friend has moved away; and, his mum is suffering from depression after the loss of his baby sister.  As if these aren’t big enough worries, imagine his surprise when he walks into his garage and finds a polar bear in the freezer! 

However, this is no ordinary polar bear.  Wilbur Ambrose Cedric Barnaby Montague the Third (otherwise known as Monty) is a well-read, eloquent and polite talking bear who has inadvertently found himself on an adventure which sees him travelling by melting iceberg, ship and canal to take refuge in Patrick’s freezer! 

So begins Patrick’s mission to find a way to keep Monty safe, to get him home to Greenland, to keep him supplied with fish and condensed milk, and to avoid raising the suspicions of mean-spirited neighbour Mr Crankly, all of which is rather difficult when your guest doesn’t appreciate the danger he will be in if he is caught.  I mean, what can possibly go wrong when a large polar bear decides that he has had enough of hanging out in the garage, and has a little sleep in the garden hammock instead? 

I absolutely adored the genuine friendship that develops between Monty and Patrick.  Monty enters Patrick’s life at a time when he desperately needs a friend, and offers him some sage advice, and helps him to confront the difficult situation he finds himself in. The wonderful Monty is partial to Oscar Wilde, condensed milk and has a tendency to wander off, a tendency which leads to plenty of humorous situations, and tricky moments for Patrick as he attempts to keep others from discovering Monty.

The story deals with themes of loss, grief and bullying in a sensitive manner, and offers a perfect opportunity for these issues to be discussed with children.  There is also a strong environmental message relating to climate change threaded throughout the story which I really enjoyed.  I loved that this is a story that is written with an emotional depth that encourages empathy as we are given an insight into the lives of many of the characters. 

The illustrations are completely charming and complement the whimsical nature of the story beautifully. I particularly adored the inside cover illustrations of a sunglasses-wearing Monty dancing – just perfect!

An utterly captivating, warmly humorous adventure that is sure to entrance, and provide food for thought, to readers of 9+.

Thank you to Laura Smythe and the Publisher, Everything with Words for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

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I’m listening to Shipwreck Island which I’m really enjoying. I’m loving the twists and danger and can’t wait to see where this one leads. I’ve had Christmas Dinner of Souls since last Christmas, so think it’s about time I picked it up as I’m looking forward to reading a few scarier stories in the lead up to Christmas.

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I’ve read Pie-Rats and the Mist Island Treasure which is a really fun and playful story that I really enjoyed. I also read Revenge of the Beast which is just as deliciously dark as the first one. Bethany is just wonderful! I also read The Bear who Sailed the Ocean on an Iceberg which completely captured me. It is a poignant, humorous and tenderly written story that deals with some big issues in a sensitive way. I’ll be posting my review soon.

This is a story I’ve really been looking forward to. The book is gorgeous with beautiful illustrations.

What are you reading? Have you read any of these?