This was a fantastically enjoyable read. Storm of Odin is such an endearing character. He refuses to accept that he is a puppy when he falls to Earth, and continues to act as if he is all powerful. This leads to some perfect comedy moments.

He is adopted from a Rescue Home by Jessie, who has just moved to Wales, and is dealing with some difficult adjustments to her new life: Storm is just what she needs to help her settle in her new home.

Mix together three magicians disguised as Professors; a Not-Boy and his ‘aunt’; a dog’s new best friend in the form of a cat called Nutmeg; and, some rather hilarious sheep, and you have the perfect recipe for a fun-filled, laugh-out-loud, magical adventure.

Wow! This is such a powerful story, told through the eyes of two brave girls, Semira and Hen. Semira is a refugee, living in London, who feels trapped, helpless and alone. When buying an old hat, she finds ‘The Feather Diaries’, the diary of a young Victorian girl. Her incredible connection to Hen becomes the catalyst for the changes that Semira is brave, and strong, enough to make in her own life.

Hen is surrounded by some remarkable woman, especially her Aunt Kitty, who is brave, fierce and determined enough to go against the norms of society. Her story is both heart-breaking and uplifting, and, I must admit, led to that ‘lump in throat, eye-watering’ moment when I know the story has ‘got’ me.

As Semira develops her friendship with Hen, so too she bonds with Patrick, Chloe and Holly, who all take her under their wings, although, in the end, it is Semira who frees them. There are lot of powerful messages in this story: having the courage to stand up for, and to, others; the choice to make a positive difference to the lives of others; and, the pivotal importance of dreams, living life and not being trapped by it.

The birds are a metaphor for the journey for both girls of entrapment to freedom. In their shared love of cycling, they experience ‘The Closest Thing to Flying’, both finding their inner strength and escaping their respective ‘cages’. This book really was an emotional rollercoaster, but one I felt very privileged to ride.

This is not your typical book about unicorns! Guardians of the Wild Unicorns is a fast-paced adventure set in the beautifully evoked landscape of the Scottish Highlands, where the last herd of wild unicorns has been captured.

Rhona and Lewis are on a school residential: one is in her element whilst the other would rather be at home. All that changes when Lewis makes a promise to one of the unicorns, a promise he is determined to keep. The affinity between the unicorns and the children, and their desire to protect them, resonates throughout the story.

This bond leads to the children being able to overcome their fears, and show determination and courage in the face of some very real threats from Ailsa, the laird’s daughter.

I loved the author’s portrayal of the unicorns as endangered animals: fearful, yet proud and fierce, and ever hopeful of their freedom.

There were so many elements I loved about this story: the authenticity of Lewis and Rhona’s friendship; a refreshingly different portrayal of unicorns with a modern twist; the representation of the Scottish Highlands; and, as I am a teacher, the depiction of the joys of a school residential!

I would highly recommend it to children of 8+

This was an absolutely exquisite read, full of adventure, incredibly likeable characters and heart-warming messages.  And chocolate – lots of chocolate!

The aptly named Aventurine feels trapped by her rather too perfect and cautious dragon family, and craves nothing more than to be allowed to go on an adventure outside of the family cavern.  Ignoring family advice, she wanders outside, ready to hunt.  It is rather unfortunate for her that the first human she finds is a food mage, who entices her to drink some hot chocolate … and her life changes forever!

On the plus side, she has found her passion:  chocolate!  But, she has been transformed into a ‘puny’ girl.  Luckily, she is still a fierce, powerful dragon on the inside.  There are lots of humorous encounters and observations as Aventurine tries to fit into her human skin, and get to know the human world.  She is one feisty and determined girl, and refuses to give up on landing her dream job:  apprentice chocolatier. 

Whilst resolutely pursuing her dream, she meets Silke who becomes the friend she never knew she needed.  Silke is a fantastically clever, gregarious and resourceful girl, who suspects that her new friend may not be all she appears.  Their friendship blossoms into one of trust, playfulness, warmth and loyalty which I found wonderfully heart-warming. 

Of course, just when Aventurine finally fulfils her dream, trouble arrives in unexpected ways.  Can she protect her new ‘hoard’?  Will she have the courage and self-belief needed to unite age-old enemies?

There are many, many qualities I absolutely adored in Aventurine:

• she is feisty, quick-witted and brave, despite her hidden pain at the loss of her dragon family;
• she remains true to herself (“some things were more important than fitting in.”);
• she learns to build genuine friendships, despite her deep-rooted mistrust of humans;
• she follows her passion, no matter the obstacles in her way, and finds the inner strength to be whatever she wants to be; and,
• she defends the people she cares about with a strength and loyalty befitting a dragon.

The action is fast-paced, the events flow skilfully, and the character interactions are incredibly engaging, all helping to create a wonderfully enchanting story, with an ending that left me feeling as warm and cosy as if I’d drunk a glass of chilli-flavoured hot chocolate.

This book is full of magical chocolatey adventure for readers of 7+!

One of the reasons I wanted to read this book was because I teach topics on habitats and extreme weather, and thought this story would be perfect for my class.  And it is!  But, it’s also so much more than that! 

Two themes really struck a chord with me:  the devastating human and natural loss that happens to an ecosystem under threat, and the determination and courage of young people to take a stance and fight to protect their home.

When they discover that their home is under threat Eliza, her younger sister Avery and two of their friends decide that they are going to save it.  But how?  The children agree to go on a secret mission to find the legendary loup-garou who may be the key to saving their home before it is swallowed by the rising sea levels.

Their mission does not go according to plan as Avery becomes lost, and so begins an adventure full of determination and discoveries, with an underlying frisson of danger which permeates its way throughout the story. The gradual build-up of the hurricane is masterfully written, taking the children unawares and hurling them into a fight for survival. 

The writing opened a window into the breath-taking Louisiana wetlands landscape which gave me a mesmerising view of the marshlands, the bayou, the wildlife and climate:  it really made me appreciate the awesome beauty, and power, of nature.

As well as the powerful ecological message which permeates through this story, I also found the relationships between the children very authentic and touching.  The strong bond between them is grounded in friendship and love, especially between the two sisters, Erica and Avery.  The story is told through the viewpoint of Erica, the older sister, who feels the responsibility and, sometimes burden, of being the elder, but also has a powerful protective instinct towards her younger sibling.  Avery clearly adores her older sister, and has a more impetuous, strong-willed nature, which leads them all into danger, but also is the catalyst for the hope of saving their community.

I would highly recommend this book to children of 9+.

Thank you to Toppsta Book Giveaways and Hachette Children’s Group for my free copy for an honest review of the book.

This is an absorbing, richly-detailed historical adventure set in the late Victorian period which enthralled me from the start. 

Luciana is grieving the loss of her beloved Grandfather, the Magnificent Marko, when Thursby, the Master of the Grand Society of Magicians turns up on the day of his funeral demanding to search their home.  Luciana realises that he is searching for the key behind her Grandfather’s Golden Butterfly illusion, but she is determined to find it first.  So begins her adventure into the theatres of London alongside her childhood friend, Charley.

Luciana is a girl outside her time who is not prepared to conform to the norms of Victorian society.  She wants excitement and adventure, and protecting her Grandfather’s legacy provides her with just this.  

This story cleverly weaves together a fast-paced intriguing adventure with social issues related to women’s role in society.  Luciana, who is resourceful and determined, has no intention of letting society dictate to her as she searches out more and more pieces of the puzzle leading to the Golden Butterfly.  However, the more she finds out … the more questions are raised.  Where do her nightmares about fires come from?  What does her Grandfather really want her to discover? Will Thursby’s all-consuming desire for the Golden Butterfly lead to the destruction of Luciana’s dreams?

This story is a spectacular jigsaw which, when finished, reveals an incredible family history, steeped in sacrifice and love.

Thank you to NetGalley and Stripes Publishing for an e-ARC of this book.

I absolutely relished the deliciously rich, breath-taking world of Rumblestar which invites the reader to savour its many wonders, including the landscape of floating clouds, spectacular castle and magical creatures.  

Casper Tock is living in Faraway (our World), which is being devastated by very unusual weather conditions.  He is trying to escape from school bullies when he inadvertently unlocks the way to Rumblestar, one of the Unmapped Kingdoms, which is being threatened by an old enemy. 

There he meets the irrepressible, and brilliantly named, Utterly Thankless who promptly arrests him … and shortly after rescues him.  And so begins their incredible adventure into The Beyond where they meet magical creatures including the delightfully creepy drizzle hags and the kind-hearted, new-age snow trolls. 

Their daring mission to attempt to save both their worlds is full of fast-paced action, tension which ebbs and flows with magical ease interspersed with humour and the realisation of a deep friendship.

I adored both Casper and Utterly, and her delightfully sensitive, brave and clever, dragon, Arlo.  Casper hates taking risks and loves nothing better than lists, routines and regimented organisation.   Utterly is a quick-witted rule-breaker with a penchant for recklessness. And yet, each is just what the other needs. Together, they build a heart-warming friendship forged in adventure, honesty, loyalty and courage – and brilliant one-liners!

This is a real marvel of a story:  an enchanting read, brimming with adventure, nuggets of wisdom and a testament to the power of friendship.  I am excited to share Rumblestar with my class who I know will adore Casper, Utterly and Arlo as much as I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an e-ARC of Rumblestar.