Picture Book Review: I’m Going to Make a Friend

*Written by Darren Chetty*
*Illustrated by* *Sandhya Prabhat*
Published by *Little Tiger Books*

I’m Going to Make a Friend is a gorgeous hardback picture book exploring the nature of friendship and the courage it takes to find new friends when you have moved to a new neighbourhood.

A young child introduces themself as they move house, asserting that they are not afraid yet their body language shows otherwise. Whilst everyone assures them they they will make new friends, the child wonders how long this will take, and doesn’t seem at all sure of how to make these new friends.

Using an abundance of creativity and imagination, they make a friend for themself using junk modelling, showing a keen awareness of different friendship qualities and asking questions about new friends: Will my friend like noisy fun? Will they tell me lots of stories? Should they hug me when I am sad? But, can their creativity in building a friend help make a real friend?

The double meaning of ‘make a friend’ offers a perfect opportunity to explore with young children what they understand friendship to be and the qualities of a friend that are important to them. This is encouraged by the use of paired questions relating to friendship which will make it easier for them to think about and explore what is important for them, for example: Will they want to play how I want to play? Or have their own ideas? Should they hug me when I’m sad? Or give me some space?

The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and really show the child’s changing emotions that sometimes seem to be at odds with the written words but not the underlying intention of the words as shown through devices such as capitalisation. I liked both that the child had the comfort of their cat travelling with them in each image as they navigated their way towards a new friend, and that there is the promise of someone else looking for a friend that perhaps the new child hasn’t yet noticed. There is so much to explore in both the images and language that will engage young children. I also really loved the change in the endpapers from those at the front of the book where the child plays alone to those at the end where a friendship has been formed.

This is an absolutely gorgeous, empathetic story for younger readers which shows the courage it takes to make a new friend when you move home, but also the joy of forming that new friendship. This will be a wonderful addition to any Reception and Key Stage 1 class library.

Thank you to Little Tiger for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion. This book will be published on 1^st May.

Review: The Boy in the Tree

*Written by Lisa Thompson*
*Illustrated by Katie Kear*
Published by *Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

The Boy in the Tree is a captivating, heartfelt story of family and connection, of the power of memories, of making a stand and finding the courage to accept the difficult changes that life may bring.

12-year-old Noah has struggled to settle in to secondary school and is constantly getting in to trouble which has resulted in him losing his best friend from primary school. Sitting outside the headmaster’s office during his latest detention, he overhears school prefect, Grace Whitlock, talking to the headmaster about starting a campaign to save the old oak tree on Waterford Avenue which is soon going to be cut down so that a new road can be built to provide access for new houses.

On his way home after detention, Noah goes to see the oak tree and is reminded of visiting it in happier times when his mum and dad were not constantly arguing. Noah makes a decision to become involved in the campaign to help save the oak tree even if it only has two members: himself and Grace – and she is not convinced that he is sincere. Noah proves her wrong when he takes his protest into the branches of the tree, refusing to come down until the tree is saved, but he is secretly hoping that his actions can also save his parents’ marriage.

It is not long before Noah attracts the attention of the media and suddenly the Boy in the Tree has become viral news. Can Noah’s protest protect the oak from determined council planners? Is there any hope that his actions can stop his parents from splitting up?

This is wonderful story of connection with nature as people are brought together through memories of the old tree, reminding them of its importance in the community. It is also a story of the power of activism and taking a stand for something you strongly believe in and Noah strongly believes in the importance of saving the tree and its ecosystem, especially since he has struck up a bond with the pigeon who is nesting there. Sometimes, it only takes one person to make a difference and lead the way so that others can find the confidence to follow their hearts and so an individual making a stand becomes a community coming together to make a difference.

Noah is an incredibly sympathetic young boy whose school life is affected by changes in his home life as he is struggling with the breakdown of his parents’ marriage, something that he keeps to himself, perhaps because he hopes that they will never actually split up. He certainly hopes that his protest will bring them together, but what if change is sometimes for the better?

The illustrations throughout are absolutely stunning, and so expressive, from their depiction of a changing family life to the impact of environmental action on a community.

A beautifully told, empathetic story of family, environmental activism, and change for the better.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson

*Written by Jenny Pearson*
*Cover Illustration by Tom Clohosy Cole*
Published by *Usborne*

Shrapnel Boys is a blisteringly brilliant Second World War adventure that completely and utterly captured me from start to finish, a story that evoked so much emotion and now has a place in my heart forever. This is a definite book of the year for me and is one that I cannot recommend highly enough.

Two days before Britain’s Declaration of War, 12-year-old Ronnie, his younger brother Micky and best friend Lugs are happy to say goodbye to a rival gang in a way that sees them get a caning by headmaster, Mr Etherington. Whilst other children are being evacuated to the countryside for their safety, Ronnie’s mum cannot bring herself to send her boys – and neither would they have left her! Ronnie is the man of the house and is determined to take care of his mum and younger brother ever since his mum kicked her husband out two years before.

When war is declared on 3^rd September, Ronnie feels a sense of excitement and the anticipation of change. After spending time in the cupboard under the stairs after the first air raid warning, their neighbour, Vera, recommends a friend of her son’s to build them an Anderson shelter. And so Johnny Simmons enters the family’s lives …

Whilst Ronnie takes an instant dislike to Johnny, Micky and his mother seem happy to welcome him into their home. Micky is beyond excited when Johnny buys him a bike but, before long, he is doing jobs for his new friends and a divide is opening up between the brothers, with Micky becoming increasingly secretive and spending more and more time apart from his brother …

As war rages relentlessly on London with the Blitz raining nightly terror and destruction, Ronnie is facing his own battle at home, desperate to save his younger brother from the insidious influence of those intent on leading him into trouble, trouble that could have grave consequences for the war. The only time Micky freely gives Ronnie is when they, with friend Lugs, race to collect shrapnel as part of a competition with a rival gang. The shared experience of collecting shrapnel, with both the excitement and danger involved, works to bring both gangs together, but could they be facing greater danger from elsewhere?

This is a story that really hits hard and quite rightly so, but it is also absolutely appropriate for readers at the upper end of primary school and beyond and would open up so much powerful and much-needed discussion in classrooms and at home. It is a story that perfectly encapsulates both the terrifying nightly destruction of the Blitz but also the indomitable human spirit shown by many as they adjusted to a new way of life with resilience and a sense of togetherness despite the fear that must have hung over their daily lives.

But I think it is also so important to show the other side of human nature – the side that will exploit others for their own ends, those who will charm, manipulate and control and, if that doesn’t work, threaten and hurt. At times, this is not an easy story to read: it is one that has had a real impact on me, one that has shown me things I didn’t know, that has made me both tearful and angry but, my goodness, I think this is a powerful story for our time and shows the importance of learning lessons from history.

This is also a story of the strength of family and friendship and the enduring love between brothers and friends. Relationships are such an important part of this story from the protective bond Ronnie feels towards his mother to the sibling bond he has with Micky, who he is determined, and desperate, not to allow anyone to hurt and who he is prepared to take great risks for, and make sacrifices, to save. There is a reciprocal bond of sibling protection from Micky, even if Ronnie doesn’t always see it.

I absolutely adored the friendship between Ronnie and his best friend, Lugs, two young boys who clearly enjoy each others’ company, get up to mischief together and enjoy plenty of banter, but who always have each others’ back even when this involves great risk. They have an almost innate ability to sense when the other is struggling and are there for each other as their world implodes to hold each other together – such a positive counterpart to the more toxic relationship in this adventure. Two other relationships really stood out for me: Ronnie’s relationship with his headmaster, Mr Etherington and Lugs’ relationship with his feral cat, Tiger.

An astonishing story challenging the strength of the bonds of family and friendship when the world is raining down horror, hardship and harm … a profound, powerful and courageous story that deserves to sit with other classic war stories.

Thank you to Fritha Lindqvist and Usborne Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opionion.

Review: Clem Fatale has been Betrayed

*Written by Eve Wer*socki-Morris
*Illustrated by Honie Beam*
Published by *Little Tiger*

Clem Fatale has been Betrayed is a high-octane gangster heist set amidst the shady underbelly of 1950s London and, my goodness, what an utterly fantastic, fast-paced compelling adventure!

Twelve-year-old Clem Fatale is on a heist with her father and boss, jewel thief extraordinaire and leader of the notorious Spider Gang. Despite the gang planning the theft of Lord Weatherdale’s Fool’s Canary diamond to perfection, the robbery goes drastically wrong when Clem discovers that her father has disappeared, the diamond is missing and the police are on their way. Oh, and she has accidentally kidnapped Lord Weatherdale’s son.

Whilst Clem is reluctant to hide out at her socialite mum’s home in the countryside, the rest of the gang are eager to lie low away from the city. But Clem is determined to find her father and find out the identity of those who double-crossed him. When the other members of the gang refuse to help, she leaves with Lord Weatherdale’s son, Gilbert, and starts her mission to find her father …

And so begins the most incredible, fast-paced adventure as intrepid Clem and her prisoner (or is that sidekick?), Gilbert find themselves thrown into an intriguing mystery that involves daring, danger and dastardly villains. They find themselves hanging out in glamorous nightclubs, greasy spoon cafes, secret safehouses and involved in high-speed car chases as they follow a trail of clues which leads them into so much danger and discovery. Could someone have betrayed the Spider Gang? Can she work out who is friend and who foe, and find her father, before it is too late?

I absolutely loved the post-war 1950s London criminal underworld setting which shows both the darkness and glamour of this world with an added touch of noir. Oh, and did I mention the sea-themed socialite party – pure genius! The streets of London still show the damage caused by the Second World War yet also the resilience of people getting on with their lives in this post-war era where rationing is still in place. There is also reference to the racism and prejudice faced by immigrants from both Europe and the Caribbean. But there are also those who are prepared to stand up for those who need help, those who seek a new path to counter their disillusionment with a society which does not seem to have learned from their recent past. I think this story would make a brilliant class read aloud not only because it is completely compelling and would hold a class enraptured, but also because it would open up opportunities for rich discussion.

Clem and Gilbert are absolutely wonderful and make the most brilliant sleuthing team. Clem is strong-willed, determined and courageous, being prepared to take risks and stand up both to, and for, others. Gilbert is a very polite young boy who has led a sheltered life where he is lonely and mostly ignored by his rich father, but he is so open for adventure and I loved how excited he is to be solving the mystery with Clem, despite his fear. I loved the humour that develops between them as they bond of friendship and trust grows. I’m definitely looking forward to more adventures from this quick-thinking, clever and courageous duo!

The full-page illustrations are absolutely stunning and complement the 1950s gangster setting and excitement of the story perfectly.

An exhilarating, clever and action-packed mystery, brimming with heart and humour, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Little Tiger for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Ember Spark and the Unicorn’s Secret

*Written by Abi Elphinstone*
*Illustrated by Kristina Kister*
Published by *Simon & Schuster Ltd*

Ember Spark and the Unicorn’s Secret is the third marvellously magical, fizzingly exciting adventure for the apprentice Vets to Magical Beasts.

Ember Spark is spending the start of her Christmas holiday with her Dad, his girlfriend, Sally and Ember’s best friend Arno Whisper in the fishing village of Slumber. When her nibblesqueak, Forty Winks, starts trying to steal Sally’s beauty products, the children discover the initial ‘TB’ on the items. Could they have found a connection to one of the elusive collectors of magical beasts? Could a collector be using magical beasts to create beauty products with almost magical abilities?

Deciding to share their discovery with Rusty Fizzbang, a Vet to Magical Beasts, they visit him in Stonechatter Cave where he is surrounded by magical beasts needing help, including a very determined pygmy dragon, Whirlwind, who is intent on eating his beard! Rusty advises them to visit their teacher, Mrs Rickety-Knees, to undertake some internet research on the company behind the beauty products. But, on their way to visit her, they are kidnapped and find themselves aboard a flight to the Amazon rainforest.

And so begins another terrifically thrilling adventure as Ember and Arno find themselves at the mercy of a cold-hearted, cruel villain intent on causing harm to magical beasts. Can Ember and Arno come up with a plan to foil this villain? Can they escape their clutches and save the magical beasts who are in desperate need of their help?

I absolutely loved joining Ember, Arno and Forty Winks on their daring, action-packed adventure which is brimming with excitement and danger, with old friends and new, with incredible courage and moments of fear as well as plenty of humour and warmth. I was utterly gripped by Ember and Arno’s perilous adventure, their determination to defeat a merciless villain and her minions and their courage and resilience when faced with dangerous and difficult situations.

As always with Abi’s stories, I adored the richly imagined world with its own fantastical creations, the array of magical beasts, the brilliance of the names such as Whirlwind, Tuggetty Vine and Loose Cannon. I never fail to be awestruck by the imaginative delights, the warmth and humour, the wonderful messages and the astounding adventures that greet me in Abi’s books. So, it is no surprise at all that Ember Spark was the first class story I read to my new Year 3 class and they absolutely adored it as they have Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix. This is a series that the children are eager to continue, and to re-read, with some even telling me that they have pre-ordered the third book. I even had a parent telling me that Ember Spark was the first book her child insisted she bought for him and they’re reading it as a bedtime story. Now, if that’s not magic, I don’t know what is!

I absolutely adore both Ember and Arno who have very different natures with Ember being more feisty and impetuous whereas Arno is more cautious and considered. Their friendship feels really genuine, including the disagreements that they have and how they work through them to put the well-being of the magical beings at the forefront, learning that working as a team is better than working alone.

As always, the illustrations throughout are gorgeous and complement the magic, excitement and warmth of this adventure perfectly.

A mesmerising, magical adventure, brimming with warmth, peril and humour, that will undoubtedly continue to ignite the hearts and imaginations of its readers as they wait eagerly for Ember Spark’s next adventure – just as I am!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton

Hidden Treasure is a stunning, historical mystery adventure set in London during the Great War, a story of loss, of family and friendship and the healing power of memories.

Searching for items to sell on the banks of the River Thames, young mudlark Bo hears the call of the river and finds a precious treasure which, when held, shows her a vision of the past. Bo is not the only one the river has spoken to on that day and she soon meets Billy, an orphan who the river has sent to meet her. Could these two children’s destinies be linked by the treasures the river has given to them?

When Bo’s older brother goes off to to war, she knows that selling the precious object would help her family but Bo cannot part with it and keeps its discovery a secret from her family. Only Billy and her best friend are aware of what Bo has found so she is shocked and frightened to be confronted by a man who demands that she return his treasure to him.

And so begins the most gripping mystery as Bo and Billy learn more about the magical power of the object, as they discover its other half and the ballad that tells a story of a past tragedy. But there are others intent on getting the treasure no matter the cost. Can Bo and Billy reveal the secrets of the river treasure and have one of the most precious things they have ever lost returned to them? Can they learn the real meaning of the treasure before others take it from them for their own gain?

I absolutely loved this intriguing, heartfelt mystery and loved the twists and turns, the unexpected revelations, the increasing danger and the discovery of the secrets of the river’s treasure which has waited many years to give up its poignant truths to the river girl. This is also a story of loss and grief and the importance of memories in keeping loved ones with us. I loved the lyrical, at times ethereal, quality of the writing which made this such an evocative, touching story.

Bo and Billy are incredibly sympathetic young children who have both lost parents. The river brings them together to help them find what they have both lost. The strong bond of friendship and trust that develops between them is gorgeous and I loved how they are there for each other when they both most need a friend.

This is an enthralling historical adventure flowing with magic, intrigue and friendship, perfect for readers of 9+.

Review: A Sequence of Cosmic Accidents by S.A. Reyhani

*Written by S.A. Reyhani*
*Illustrated by Kristina Kister*
*Published by Rock the Boat (an imprint of Oneworld Publications Ltd)*

The universe makes no mistakes …

A Sequence of Cosmic Accidents is a debut sci-fi fantasy that fizzes brightly with excitement, humour and darkness, an adventure that completely gripped me and took me on an incredible journey to a parallel world I didn’t want to leave …

Twelve-year-old Arian Wight lives in an old Edwardian house in Hertfordshire with his dad. His mum has been dead for a year following a tragic accident and Arian deals with this loss by putting up a Wall of Nothing, not speaking about her and not crying since her death. Just before his mother died, his parents had been approved as fosterers so, when his father receives a call from the Head of Fostering, with an emergency placement, his dad agrees to accept the fosterling. Arian does not want a foster brother – and that is not what he gets as, shortly after the phone call, a girl is left at the door with a rather disturbing letter for his dad.

Madlock has a penchant for red, a strange tattoo and her unusual use of language does nothing to hide her rude behaviour towards her foster family. When Arian’s dad goes to answer the door, she tells her foster brother that she’s from another world, a world of magick and she needs him to help her on a mission. In his desperation to get away from this strange girl, Arian strikes an impossible deal, but a deal that will change his life forever.

When Madlock opens a wormhole, Arian and best friend Pete find themselves in Madlock’s world, Aerth, a world where she is a wanted fugitive, determined to prove her innocence, but could there be any truth in the accusations being made against her? Or could an ancient enemy be twisting the truth for their own goals? Can this trio work together to solve the mystery that has brought them together or will their destinies take different directions?

This is an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat adventure that kept me eagerly turning pages as I was gripped by the danger, intrigue and darker edge as secrets are revealed and unexpected occurrences made me gasp out loud. There is also plenty of humour in this story, especially Madlock’s use of Victorian insults, which works brilliantly to counter the tension and darker moments.

I really enjoyed learning about Madlock’s world, a world which has allowed Magick to flourish, thereby not having the need of technology that our world relies on. The magical system is brilliant and utterly fascinating with children being more powerful than adults and with those immune to magic also playing an important role. There are also some scary creatures and some wonderful companion creatures, something I always enjoy in fantasy adventures. This really is a brilliantly realised, fascinating and complex world that I loved travelling to.

I really liked both Madlock and Arian who are dealing with loss and grief in their own way and who need each other more than each realises. They are both strong characters who make their own decisions based on what they think is the right thing to do even if these decisions may lead to more danger and tension between them. I really liked following the development of the friendship between Madlock and Arian which is certainly fractious at times but is also one that feels authentic.

An exhilarating, magical adventure brimming with danger, darkness and humour that is guaranteed to captivate readers of 9+.

Thank you to Rock the Boat for providing me with a proof copy. It was my decision to read and review this book and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: Becoming Grace written by Hilary McKay and illustrated by Keith Robinson

Becoming Grace is the beautifully told, captivating and heartfelt story of the childhood of Victorian heroine Grace Darling and the incredible courage she shows in rescuing survivors of the Forfarshire shipwreck.

Grace is the daughter of a lighthouse keeper, growing up happily as part of a large, loving family on the Farne Islands surrounded by the wild beauty of the sea, watching eider ducks and seal pups. But she is also all too aware of the dangers of stormy seas as she has helped look after survivors brought home by her father and brothers following shipwrecks.

I really enjoyed learning about Grace’s life, spending time with her brothers and sisters, undertaking her studies through home-schooling and helping with duties at the lighthouse including polishing mirrors and milking the goats. There is a real sense of teamwork and I loved when the family welcomed another member to their team: a black puppy called Happy who becomes a much-loved member of the family.

This is a story that ebbs and flows with the ups and downs of family life, with happy times and sad times and with the inevitable changes that occur as years pass. One of the big changes for Grace was a move to a new lighthouse further out at sea on Longstone Rock where more ships were likely to see the light and avoid the treacherous rocks. But, in September 1838, disaster struck when paddle steamer, The Forfarshire was wrecked on Harcar Rock. Looking out of the lighthouse window, Grace saw people on the rocks and alerted her father to their plight, and so began a father and daughter dangerous rescue mission …

Grace’s courage in helping her father row the coble through a stormy sea is all the more incredible as she has a fear of drowning due to an accident as a child so she is able to empathise with the frightened and panicked survivors of the shipwreck. Her quick actions and determination to alert her father and help him in the rescue mission saved the lives of nine people. This selfless act of bravery brought young Grace Darling to the attention of none other than Queen Victoria and has made her a famous figure in British history.

The illustrations throughout are absolutely stunning and really capture both the bleak beauty of island life and the strong family bonds as well as bringing to life the strength and courage of this incredible young heroine.

A captivating story of courage and family bonds and a wonderful testament to the life of an incredible young heroine, Grace Darling.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This is suitable for 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Review: The Last House in the Row written by Lesley Parr and illustrated by Richard Johnson

The Last House in the Row is a poignant, yet heart-warming story of cross-generational connection and friendship – a story that held me completely captivated throughout.

Eleven-year-old Hayley thinks that her elderly neighbour is trying to steal her cat, Judy Garland. Attempting to entice her beloved pet out of Boo’s garden with salmon, Hayley is doubly berated by her mum when she gets home: once for opening the salmon and twice, for using an unkind nickname, Boo, for her elderly neighbour, Lillian. Hayley knows very little about the elderly lady who lives alone in the last remaining house in what was once a row of 15 houses, never leaving her home and whose only visitors are Judy Garland and the doctor.

When searching for her cat, she climbs the wall to look into Lillian’s garden and sees Judy Garland under the apple tree clearly enjoying Lillian’s company but, when she lifts the cat, it proves too much for Hayley and she shouts at her elderly neighbour. Hayley’s parents are cross with her for encroaching on Lillian’s privacy and insist that she apologise.

Reluctantly, Hayley drops a note through Lillian’s door and quickly leaves, only to twist her ankle when she trips over a large stone. Lillian comes to her aid and brings her in to her home, showing her care and kindness that Hayley had not expected and so the seeds of a wonderful friendship are sown …

I absolutely adored the bond that quickly forms between strong-willed Hayley and Lillian as they discover they share some interests including a love for old films and acting. I love how they look forward to spending time together and the joy and happiness they so clearly bring each other. My heart ached as I learned the reason that Lillian refused to leave her home, the reason for the sadness in her heart that Hayley has helped lift. But when there is a misunderstanding between the pair, their friendship is broken. Will Hayley be able to heal the damage she has unwittingly caused to their friendship? Can she help Lillian find her way back into a world that she had left behind?

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and capture the emotions and deep connection in the friendship between Hayley and Lillian perfectly.

A touching story, perfectly portraying a beautiful cross-generational friendship and connection which brought both smiles and tears.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

March Wrap-Up

I’m very late posting my March wrap-up as I went to visit my family in Ireland at the start of April and just arrived back yesterday. I’m not sure why but this has seemed a very busy month (maybe parents evenings, assessments, prep for next half term) so I haven’t got as much reading done as I normally would. However, I’m off work for just over another week so aim to get lots more reading and reviewing completed.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 11 books this month. My highlights were After and Serial Chillers: The Witch in the Woods (both children’s books) and Starling House (adult book).