Review: Around the World in 80 Endangered Animals

*Written by Jess French*
*Illustrated by Brendan Kearney*
*Published by Welbeck (an imprint of Hachette Children’s Books)*

Around the World in 80 Endangered Animals is a stunning, beautifully illustrated hardback book sharing fascinating facts about endangered animals from Africa, Europe and Asia, Oceania and the Americas as well as a section on Oceans. An absolutely absorbing read!

The introduction explains the different categories of endangered animals from critically endangered to ‘near threatened’ and ‘vulnerable’ as well as giving hope that, by working together and learning about the existence of these animals, we can make a difference and ensure that they do not become extinct.

Each of the continents visited is introduced with a map over a double-page with images and locations of the animals that are endangered as well as some information about the geography of each continent. These animals, and others, are then celebrated in a paragraph (or sometimes, a page) of fascinating information which is lively and engaging – and often humorous – which is a brilliant way to introduce these creatures, and make the reader care about them. Reasons as to why the animal have become endangered, such as habitat loss, hunting and disease, are also often shared.

I absolutely loved this book which I found completely fascinating as I learned about such a diverse range of animals, many I must admit I’d never heard of; about the ways these animals are threatened by humans; and, about what we can do to stop them from becoming extinct. Did you know that the African wild dog votes by sneezing? Or that the ladybird spider spends most of its time in a cosy silk-lined burrow? Did you know that the angelshark buries itself beneath the sand to ambush its dinner? Or that the numbat is a termite-guzzling machine, munching up to 20,000 every day? And, did you know that axolotis remain in their baby form forever?

I have only shared one interesting fact from each of the continents, but this book is an absolute treasure trove of fascinating facts about a wide range of animals from around the world that is guaranteed to keep children engaged and eager to find out even more about these incredible creatures – and how they can help protect them.

This wonderful book also has separate information throughout explaining clearly reasons as to why so many animals have become endangered such as the rate of extinction due to humans, the impact of climate change on habitats, the long-term harmful effects of plastic, the introduction of predators to new environments and the impact of deforestation on habitats.

I loved that the book ends with ways in which we can make a positive impact through our decisions as well as practical ways to help animals in our local environment.

The illustrations throughout, whether they be double-page images of an animal in its habitat, or smaller illustrations depicting an animal referenced in the text, are absolutely stunning and really bring to life the awe and wonder of this beautiful, diverse planet we are privileged to share with these amazing animals.

An awesome adventure around the world to meet some of the world’s endangered animals, to learn more about the threats they face and ways to help them. I have no doubt that this will become a firm favourite with readers of 8+ who will return to these amazing animals again and again.

Thank you to Hachette for sending me a copy of this gorgeous book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Colours of the World

*Written by Moira Butterfield*
*Illustrated by Jonathan Woodward*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Colours of the World is a stunning hardback book introducing the awe and wonder of the natural world’s blue, green and red habitats, and the animals that live there, through fascinating facts and incredible illustrations, making it a gorgeous gift for children of all ages.

This wonderful book is separated into three main sections focussing on three colours: Our Blue Planet, Our Green Planet and Our Red Planet with a wealth of engaging information included in each main section, each detailed in the Contents page.

Our Blue Planet focusses on oceans, rivers, lakes and clouds. The opening page shares an image of our watery world and the fact that about 71% of the Earth is covered in water. It then shares information about the water cycle, the oceans, rivers and seas including the different habitats and creatures who live in these places.

Our Green Planet focusses on forests and trees and how they support life on earth. There is information on the different types of forest and where they can be found, parts of a tree, how trees make food, and the creatures found in a range of forests from boreal forests to rainforests to temperate forests.

Our Red Planet shares information about deserts and volcanoes. There is information on the different types of desert, how animals and plants that live there are adapted to this habitat, what happens when it rains there (absolutely fascinating!). This section also focusses on volcanoes including how they are formed, the different types of volcano, the animals that survive in these surroundings and underwater volcanoes and geysers.

Each section also has some fascinating information about how people have adapted their homes to live in each of these environments from building floating homes to treehouses to building a house into a cave to keep cool.

The book closes with information on what people can do to slow down global warming and cut down on pollution including the use of renewable energy and recycling.

The information is presented in a really engaging and easy-to-follow format making use of panels, headings and sub-headings, labelled diagrams and clear explanations of processes such as the water cycle, photosynthesis and volcano formation. I really enjoyed the mixture of information on natural processes, a range of environments, how plants and animals are adapted to live in these environments and how people adapt their homes to live there – something to appeal to a wide range of readers.

The illustrations throughout are absolutely stunning using diagrams, maps and gorgeous illustrations of the habitats and creatures who make their home in these environments to complement the text perfectly. These features combined make this a wonderfully accessible book for children of all ages whether reading independently or as a shared read at home or in the classroom.

A stunning, colourful delight brimming with fascinating facts that is guaranteed to have children immersed in its wonders for hours of fun – and learning!

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

Review: The Haunting of Fortune Farm by Sophie Kirtley

*Written by Sophie Kirtley*
*Cover Illustration by Ben Mantle*
*Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books*

The Haunting of Fortune Farm is an eerie, evocative and poignant ghost tale of family secrets, remembrance and healing that completely entranced me as I was swept into the isolated Irish setting, enraptured by voices of the past and present connecting through memories …

Twelve-year-old Edie and her little brother Pip are spending their half-term with their grandmother, Lolly, on her isolated farm, Fortune Farm, high up in the rugged landscape of the Irish mountains, on the shores of Lough Ivarr. Whilst Edie used to enjoy visiting Lolly with her family, she hasn’t seen her in years – not since her father died – and she doesn’t want to be reminded of her Dad, and the farm he grew up on, as the memories are just too painful so she keeps them buried deep inside.

When Edie finds hidden items from the past – a piece of metal, her dad’s diary and a newspaper cutting – she finds herself thrown into an adventure to discover long-lost Viking treasure and to uncover family secrets …

Oh my goodness! I was completely gripped by this incredible adventure which sent shivers down my spine as I could really feel the sense of foreboding, the eerie atmosphere and the threat of imminent danger. This astounding adventure is shrouded in an intriguing air of mystery and otherworldliness. Whispers in the wind, unexpected friendships, a trail of clues and an ancient weapon leads to terrifying danger, breathtaking revelations and the release of buried memories. There is so much that happens in this haunting mystery that left me stunned, at times tearful, and always on the edge of my seat … but I don’t want to say anything else for fear of spoilers. Suffice to say that this is an unmissable, exceptional and emotional story that I absolutely couldn’t put down.

As always with Sophie’s books, I love the Northern Irish setting which always brings me back home. I’ve camped both in the Mourne and Sperrin Mountains and walked in many of Northern Ireland’s beautiful forests, including Lough Navar and Glenariff, so know well the wild beauty, isolation and majesty of the Irish landscape but also the sense of history and connection to the past that they engender as well as the sense of otherworldliness from standing still and appreciating these magical places. I think an isolated farm cottage nestled in a valley surrounded by high mountains is the perfect setting for a ghost story where the past haunts the present and family secrets are revealed.

Edie is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who I absolutely adored. She is grieving the loss of her father and burying her memories of him deep inside as they are too painful to bring to the surface. When faced with a mystery, she is determined to solve it, even when this means following her own path and breaking rules. She shows great courage when facing her fears and standing up to a terrifying presence as well as in finding the inner strength to connect with her memories, even when they are painful.

A moving, mesmerising adventure where the past haunts the present, where memories swirl and whisper and where a family comes together to remember and heal.

Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Time Travellers: Secrets and Spies

*Written by Sufiya Ahmed*
*Illustrations by Alessia Trunfio*
*Published by Little Tiger*

I really enjoyed Time Travellers: Adventure Calling so was eager to read the second book in this exciting series of historical timeslip adventures: Secrets and Spies.

Suhana and best friends, Mia and Ayaan, are exploring Edinburgh during the Easter holidays. As it is raining, they head in to the Museum of Scotland where they meet a tour guide who tells them about the origins of the East India Company and shares that items taken are now part of a collection in Edinburgh Castle. Visiting the Castle, the three friends see an Indian sword with a tiger head and an amulet holder, but then Suhana’s phone alarm rings … and the friends find themselves spinning backwards through time … and into another time travelling adventure …

This time, the team find themselves in 1799 Seringapatam, India with a new mission: to save a young princess. Finding themselves inside a fort, they climb the walls to see thousands of tents, cannon guns and war elephants: the fort and Sultan’s palace is under siege by troops from the East India Company.

When they are disturbed by a young soldier, they find an ally in Imran who takes them to the royal palace where they see Sultan Tipu and learn of his resistance to the invaders, but is someone prepared to betray the Sultan and his family for their own greed? Can the time travellers complete their mission and save the princess before the fort is breached by those intent on ending any resistance to Imperial Rule? And, will the team return safely home to share this forgotten history with others?

This is another brilliant adventure with plenty of fast-paced action, danger and discoveries as the children work together to save the young princess and get her to safety as they are confronted with the exploitation, disrespect and violence of the East India Company towards the Indian people. Bengal tigers, secret passages, betrayal, and daring escapades make this a thrilling read as well as one which teaches readers about British colonialism in India.

I really enjoyed the strong friendship which has developed between Suhana, Mia and Ayaan which makes them a great time travelling team. The friends are courageous and determined, and are prepared to take risks to complete their mission which leads to both danger and discoveries. They all show respect for the beliefs and culture of those they meet which is in stark contrast to how the Indian people are treated by the colonial powers forcibly expanding into their country.

There is a wonderful section at the end of the book which gives more information about the British Empire and colonialism as well as sharing more information about Tipu Sultan and one of his ancestors who played an important and heroic role in the Second World War.

This is another fantastic adventure in this time-travelling series which is perfect for children of 8+ to both enjoy as an exciting adventure and to learn more about important aspects of our diverse history which are not well known.

Thank you to Little Tiger for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

October Wrap-Up

October has been a long month where I’ve been very busy during the week and relaxed at the weekend. Half-term has been a wonderful opportunity to re-charge my batteries, catch up on lots of reading – and do some baking!

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 18 books this month which is the most I’ve read in a while – but I did have half-term! The highlights were Midnight Treasure, Birdie and The Haunting of Fortune Farm.

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 97%. I had my feedback at 99% with one book to leave feedback on, but then I found a couple I couldn’t resist.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 6 books by publishers this month.

Books bought:

I’ve bought 9 books this month. There goes my TBR! I’m trying to read a few more adult books as well and I’m loving cosy fantasy /witchy books.

Fairyloot Adult Book

I’ve also now got a subscription to the adult book box for Fairyloot. This month’s read is one I’m really looking forward to:

How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these? Have you any of them on your TBR?

Picture Book Review: Yours, Befana: A Letter from the Winter Witch

*Written by Barbara Cuoghi*
*Translated by Genni Gunn*
*Illustrated by Elenia Beretts*
*Published by Greystone Kids*

Yours, Befana: A Letter from the Winter Witch is a stunning, hardcover picture book, translated from Italian, which will make a cherished story to be shared and enjoyed during the winter holidays.

La Befana, the winter witch, flies on her broom from Forever and Beyond to visit children on the twelfth night after Christmas, heralding the end of the Christmas magic and the return to daily life.

This wonderfully magical story is written in free verse as a letter from Befana which makes it feel both personal and special as it directly addresses the reader, sharing secrets – and giving both advice – and warnings. Befana shares a secret: that those she visits have no hope of catching a glimpse of her as she has taken a potion that makes her invisible. When she visits, she both advises and warns that she will either leave a gift of food or coal, depending on how children have behaved throughout the year, as she is both benevolent and fearsome.

Whilst Befana dresses warmly for her winter visits, she is also a portent of Spring awakening and a new beginning and leaves the reader with a heartwarming message of love and hope.

This stunning book is beautifully illustrated in gouache with the addition of fluorescent orange acrylic. I loved looking at the detailed illustrations which encapsulate winter so perfectly with the busyness and cosiness of life indoors and the wonderful winter activities to be enjoyed in the snowy outdoors. I also loved the animal illustrations throughout, both domestic and wild. And, of course, the images of Befana as she flies through the night with her bright orange sack and boots, leaving magic in the air, are simply stunning.

Befana is part of Italian folklore which is likely to be unfamiliar to children in the UK so the addition of a section entitled ‘A Few Secrets About Me’ at the end of the story is a really helpful addition as it shares both information about Befana and other winter-witches.

This gorgeously enchanting hardback book will make a fantastic read for older children to enjoy on their own, or for younger readers to return to again and again with an adult during the winter holiday season.

Thank you to Catherine Ward and Greystone Kids for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Emba Oak and the Epic Ending

*Written by Jenny Moore*
*Cover illustration by David Dean*
*Published by Maverick Publishing*

All the best endings to adventures have to start somewhere…

I absolutely loved the first three books in the Emba Oak series, so was excited to join Emba on her fourth, and final, adventure in Emba Oak and the Epic Ending… and what a perfect title this turned out to be! Brimming with adventure, peril, humour and friendship, this is an epic finale to an epic series, and one that completely captivated me.

After the end of The Screaming Sea, Emba could be forgiven for needing a little rest after flying Odolf and Whip to apparent safety on the Eyeless Isles so it seems a little harsh that she is woken with a slap in the face by a wet fish! Once awake, she discovers two threats: an imminent attack by the terrifying masked maggot and the sight of her father, Necromalcolm’s ship, anchored on the next island.

But Emba has no choice but to head to the fortress on the island as that is where the Tome of Terrible Tomorrows has been taken, and she needs to hear its next prophecy … the Final Prophecy … but it’s also where Necromalcolm and the sorceress, Monica-Sage, await her arrival … and some old ghost acquaintances!

And so begins this final, thrilling, action-packed adventure as Emba embarks on her most perilous mission to stop her evil father from ruling both the dragon and human realms. Will she be able to save both her dragon mother and her human mother, Fred from the evil clutches of her father as he prepares to enter the dragon realm? Can she possibly save both the dragon and mortal realms from being ruled by an evil tyrant? And as her birthday approaches, will she discover whether she will stay human or become wholly dragon?

I absolutely loved the blend of fast-paced action, peril, humour and heart within this adventure which makes it a real page-turner as I was completely immersed in Emba and her friends’ mission to thwart Necromalcolm and his evil plot for domination of both realms. Be prepared for impossible choices, betrayal, sacrifices, ghost armies and deadly danger … but also wonderful friendships, brilliant teamwork and heartwarming connections.

Emba is just the most wonderful heroine who is determined to save both her own world and that of the dragons, even if this comes with heartache and impossible choices. I loved the strength of the friendship she has with Odolf who is always by her side and ready to encourage and support her when she needs him most.

An epic ending to a fantastic series brimming with humour, heart and friendship – and just perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

Thank you to Maverick Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Arctic Fox

*Written by Holly Webb*
*Illustrated by David Dean*
*Published by Little Tiger*

The Arctic Fox is a magical, heart-warming adventure and another gorgeous addition to the Winter Wildlife Stories series for younger readers.

Ellie can hardly believe it when her parents tell her and younger brother, Taylor, that they will be spending the first days of their Christmas holidays in Lapland. She is excited that she will get to experience the Northern lights, meet reindeer and even get to visit Santa and his elves in their village.

But before this wonderful family holiday, Ellie still has a few days of school left. Two days before the end of term, her class are taken on a visit to a museum as part of their Romans topic. When they are given some free time to explore the museum, her best friend brings her to see the costume gallery. Ellie is shocked and upset to see an early 20^th century exhibit where an arctic fox stole is worn.

Wondering whether the Arctic fox could have lived in Lapland, Ellie and her mum research these creatures only to discover that, whilst now protected, they are still rare in Finland as they had been hunted for many years. Despite this knowledge, Ellie can’t help dreaming about meeting this beautiful Arctic creature …

When the family arrive in Lapland, they are immediately immersed in its magic, enjoying day trips to Santa’s village, a reindeer sleigh ride and an evening excursion to experience the Northern lights. But thoughts of sighting an Arctic fox are never far from Ellie’s mind …

And one evening, she wakes in the snowy forest and follows the sound of a faint wail to find a young Arctic fox caught in a trap. Can Ellie rescue this little fox from the danger he is in? And can she find her way back to her holiday cabin?

I loved the magical quality of this story, and the wonderful bond that develops between fox and girl as they seek to help and protect each other. The description of Lapland is exquisite and definitely makes me want to visit. I also loved the wonderfully close and loving family bonds and the joy the family experience on this incredible holiday.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are absolutely stunning and really bring to life the magic, wonder and joy of this story with its portrayal of a family enjoying a fantastic holiday, and a young girl’s connection with a special animal.

This is a wonderfully heart-warming story that will be adored by young animal lovers and adventurers alike, and is just perfect for a cosy, snuggly read on a cold, wintry evening.

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

Review: Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman

*Written by Alex Atkinson*
*Cover illustration by Miriam Serafin*
*Published by Usborne*

Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman is a deliciously spooky, humorous mystery with a chilling edge guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.

Twelve-year-old twins Indigo and Rusty live in a 400-year-old house on the outskirts of the village of Greyscar which also happens to be a funeral home. Despite this, they do not believe in ghosts … until Indigo accidentally finds a hidden door behind a bookcase and decides to investigate.

In the dark room behind the bookcase, she finds something on a table and decides to bring it back to the funeral parlour. The old, dented urn which she has brought back frightens her when its lid rattles making her drop it … releasing an ash cloud that escapes through the open window, but not before she hears its voice …

The next morning, she wakes to an eerie silence and looks outside to see that everything has been coated in a layer of ash and, worse still, her parents are acting very strangely … as are all the other villagers … as if they have no control over their actions.

But why are the twins not affected by this smothering ash? It is not long before they discover that they are immune to the effects of the ash because they are spooksmiths who can see and communicate with ghosts. And Indigo has accidentally released a terrifying ghost on the village: the Cinderman who intends to turn everyone into zombies and hide the village from the outside world under a layer of ash.

And so begins a spine-tinglingly spooky mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat as I followed these two daring investigators as they race against time to learn the secrets of the Cinderman. What power does a name hold? Can they learn the Cinderman’s weakness before sunset? Or will Greyscar become a town of zombies trapped in ash and ruled over by a terrifying ghost lord?

I loved the inexorable building of tension as danger increases and time runs out which made this a real page-turner and totally unputdownable. The atmosphere was incredibly eerie and creepy with the ash encapsulating the town and people being controlled like puppets by an evil entity. The ghosts who help the twins in their mission are fantastic – and bring some brilliantly humorous moments as well as some poignant ones!

I really liked both Indigo and Rusty whose initial bickering and arguments change to support and teamwork as they learn to work together in their mission to defeat the Cinderman. As they find themselves in more and more peril, they come to realise the importance of family and friendship which gives them the strength, courage and determination to continue their pursuit of the terrifying Cinderman. I also have to mention Phrank who I absolutely adored – and who brought lots of humour!

A spooky and humorous horror-mystery, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect to snuggle up with on a dark evening for a frighteningly fantastic reading treat.

Thank you to Usborne for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Blog Tour: The World Between the Rain

*Written by Susan Cahill*
*Cover and Internal Illustrations by Holly Ovenden*
*Published by Everything With Words*

The World Between the Rain is a lyrical, dream-like fantasy adventure, a story of loss and healing, of family and secrets, of gods and demons, that completely enthralled me as I was caught in its magic.

It is the anniversary of her father’s death, and Marina wakes to a world where her mother has fallen in to a deep sleep, a sleep from which Marina and her younger sister, Seri, cannot rouse her. Heading to the nearby village to seek help, they discover that many others have also been afflicted by this strange sleeping sickness.

The sisters arrive home to discover a stranger: a grandmother that they hadn’t known existed. Ursula takes them, and their mother, to stay with her in her isolated house across the bay, a house with a carved bear’s head on the banister, a house full of books, shadows and secrets.

After listening to her newly-found grandmother’s stories of old gods living amongst humans and ancient battles causing their destruction, Marina needs to find some space to be alone, and leaves the house to head through the steadily increasing rain. But on her way back, she falls through a gap in the ever-present Irish raindrops … and into another world … the watery world of Ishka …

And so begins an utterly mesmerising mystery as Marina finds herself in a world of dream weavers, of terrifying creatures, of gods and demons … Can she find her way back to her world? Can she stop the monster that is devouring dreams? And, could this world between the rain be closer to her real world than she could have ever imagined?

This incredibly powerful and moving story is an allegory of the journey through grief which I found both poignant and compelling. The watery, imaginary landscape is a symbol both of being trapped in grief and that of a healing, transformative force. Coupled with this story of a young girl’s grief is an absolutely gripping story of gods – a story of unforgetting, of family and shadows and of re-connection – truly magical.

I grew up in rural County Donegal so absolutely understand the ever-rain that really does feel different in Ireland – there is a softness, a magic that I haven’t felt elsewhere. I used to love wandering over the wild bog land and mountains, tilting my face towards the rain, arms stretched up and just ‘being’ – there is definitely magic in that feeling! The rain in this story makes for a wonderfully eerie and atmospheric read and is just perfect as a portal to another world.

Marina is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who has been trapped by her grief following the death of her father, someone who believed in magic and who encouraged it in his daughter. Unable to show outwards signs of grief, Marina buries her feelings of guilt, loneliness, fear and loss deep within whilst her mother and younger sister deal with their grief in their own way. Her cathartic journey allows her to face her grief and step on to the path towards facing her inner demons, the path towards acceptance and healing. It is a journey that takes incredible inner strength and courage, and a journey that brings both friendship and hope.

This is a stunning, spellbinding story that resonates with warmth, hope and family, a story of awakening and finding your way back home … utterly breath-taking.

Thank you to Mikka at Everything with Words for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of The World Between the Rain in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour: