Winter is on its way, and Little Goose is excited, and impatient, to begin the migration to a warmer climate. With her Grandfather’s warning to stay close, the geese eventually begin their journey. Fascinated by the wealth of things to see, she finds herself at the back, enjoying all the new sights. But then danger arrives in the form of early snow and, as Little Goose fights against snowflakes and hailstones to keep up, she realises that she has become separated from the others … and finds herself falling to the ground … towards a house with a red-brick chimney.
Little Goose is found by Finn and his mum who take care of her, but can they help her find her way back to the wild geese, and her family?
This is a gorgeously heart-warming read for younger children celebrating the changing beauty of the seasons and natural world, and the fascinating life of migratory birds. It is also a story about helping others, and finding the way home. Finn makes a special connection with Little Goose so feels her loss, but this is lessened by his mother’s reassurance that he will see Little Goose again.
The illustrations are stunning with the wonderfully wintery blue and white colour palette turning to the green and yellows of spring and the oranges and yellows of autumn. The friendship between Finn and Little Goose is perfectly portrayed in the vivid, energetic and joyous illustrations. I adored the illustrations inside the house with the red-brick chimney which felt so homely, cosy and safe.
This is a beautifully presented hardback book, opening into a double-page map of Little Goose’s journey to Ireland from Greenland with the most gorgeous illustrations throughout complementing a story brimming with the re-assuring warmth of family and friendship.
An exquisite, magical picture book that is sure to bring joy to young readers as winter approaches – and they look to the sky hoping for a sight of their own Little Goose.
Thank you to The O’Brien Press for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Eve McDonnell Cover design and illustration by Holly Ovenden Published by Everything With Words
The Last Boy is a heartachingly poignant story inspired by the true story of George Brewster, a young Victorian climbing boy. A compelling, compassionately-told story that completely gripped me as I took this young boy, who is an awe-inspiring beacon of hope, strength and courage, into my heart.
George Brewster is six years old when he is sold by his older brother to a cruel Master Sweep. Six years later, and he is still the property of Master Wyer, who has taken him to Birr Castle to clean the music room chimney. Whilst climbing the chimney, he gets stuck in a narrow flue, but is able to free himself, and climb to the top, when he sees something that his incredible mathematical prowess has allowed him to predict: a storm of stars. He makes a wish upon these stars that brings him hope: a wish to be the last climbing boy.
When his incredible skill with numbers comes to the attention of a powerful lady, he may just have found a way to make his wish come true, but only if he can fulfil her secret wish, a wish that should be impossible …
And so begins an inspirational story that weaves history, science and magic into a tapestry of words that enveloped my heart bringing tears, anger, hope and awe. I was immediately immersed in this vividly drawn historical period where the locals’ superstitions about the meteor storm bring panic and fear of a return to famine; where astronomy is being used to explain a natural phenomenon; and, where society still accepts, or turns a blind eye to, young children’s suffering as they live the horrendous life of climbing boys. Can a young mathematical genius, with his sights turned towards the heavens, be a catalyst for change and a harbinger of hope?
I loved the blend of history and magical realism which made this such a captivating read. Whilst this is rightly and most definitely George’s story, I was also fascinated by Lady Rosse’s story. Both George and Lady Rosse have made wishes they desperately want to come true, and both have deeply personal reasons for making those wishes. I really enjoyed the way their stories become entwined and the connections they have – but I don’t want to say anything else for fear of spoilers!
I absolutely could not put this book down, and read it in one sitting, as ‘just one more chapter’ turned to becoming completely and utterly lost in its pages. I won’t deny that this was a heart-breaking read that brought many tears, but it was also an inspirational one as the goodness, endurance and courage of this incredible boy shines through and lights the story with empathy and hope. It shows that change is possible, and that one person can be that catalyst and, my goodness, do we need that in the world today.
George Brewster is an extraordinary young boy who will now live in my heart forever. When his mother dies and his older brother cannot afford to keep him, he is sold to a Master Sweep who treats him like a possession and subjects him to the most terrible cruelty as he endures the harsh life of a climbing boy. Despite this cruel life, George has a heart filled with a great capacity for empathy and an unwavering determination to ensure that he will be the last boy to endure the unbearable life of a climbing boy. He has some wonderful friends in the other climbing boys, including a young girl, Elsie and it is for these friends, and all climbing boys, that he risks everything to fulfil his wish upon the stars.
An incredibly powerful, moving story of a young boy wishing upon the stars to be the last boy: the last boy to suffer at the hands of a cruel master, and the last boy who must risk everything to bring an end to something that should be unimaginable. I cannot recommend this highly enough to readers of 9+ and firmly believe it is a book that should be in all school libraries.
Thank you to Mikka at Everything with Words for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour for this extraordinary book, and for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Lindsay Galvin Cover Illustration by Gordy Wright Published by Chicken House Books
The Great Phoenix of London is the fourth of Lindsay Galvin’s incredible historical adventures, and this time she’s taking the reader back to 1666, and the start of the Great Fire of London … and what a terrifically thrilling adventure, brimming with great danger and feats of courage, awaits the reader…
December 1664: 9-year-old Gil and his family witness a comet streaking across the sky, and a glowing rock falls to the earth: a heaven-stone. Roly, Gil’s toddler cousin, will not settle without the stone, so it is taken in to their Grandparents’ home, but could it be a harbinger of ill omen?
Two years later and Gil has lost relatives, including his father, to the Plague. Visiting his Grandparents home in Pudding Lane, he is witness to a bakery fire that sparks an inferno, one that relentlessly sweeps through the London streets igniting fear in its citizens as they desperately seek to outrun the fire and seek safety.
As riots and fights break out, Gil is separated from his Grandparents and cousin Roly. He is helped by new friend Jennet who promises to get him to safety, and his mother. In his satchel, Gil carries the heaven-stone, a stone that soon hatches revealing a bird of myth, a bird of fire … a phoenix. But could someone else be prepared to stop at nothing to possess this legendary creature of fire?
And so begins a gripping, fast-paced adventure as Gil attempts to outrun the rapidly spreading fire and reach his mother. There is a palpable sense of urgency and danger, not only as the fire spreads, but as mob mentality heightens the peril. And for Gil, there is an added threat as he is pursued by a determined cold-hearted stranger intent on taking possession of the fabled bird at any cost. Now, this is how to write an unputdownable, page-turning adventure! I loved the short chapters with many cliffhanger endings which made it just impossible not to keep reading. I just had to follow Gil through the burning streets of London as he strives to protect his magnificent, magical new friend. Can Gil outrun the great fire that threatens the city of London, and be reunited with his family? Can he keep his extraordinary newly-born friend from the clutches of a cold-hearted pursuer?
This is a truly breath-taking read that brings this historical period expertly to life for readers, sweeping them effortlessly into the story – and then bringing a wonderful twist to the adventure with the inclusion of a glorious mythical creature in the phoenix. I absolutely adored every moment learning about this incredible creature, but I don’t want to spoil this experience for readers. Suffice to say that meeting this magical fiery creature will bring both wonder and heartache.
Gil and Jennet are both really likeable characters who both clearly adore their families. I enjoyed that they have a more fractious path to friendship as they each have their own priorities. Building trust and friendship is not easy for either as they have lost so much, and as they face terrifying danger from the fire which may see them lose even more. Jennet is such a strong character who is forthright and a risk-taker, and who shows such bravery as she faces danger for her new friends. Gil is a kind-hearted, courageous young boy who is prepared to stand up for others even when this puts him in danger. I loved the bond of friendship that develops between the phoenix and Gil, and how they are determined to protect each other, and think this is such a special part of the story.
A truly unforgettable, mesmerising story of courage and friendship as an inferno brings chaos, but a creature of myth brings hope … an unmissable adventure for readers of 9+.
Thank you to Lynda Smythe PR and Chicken House Books for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of The Great Phoenix of London in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Lucy Strange Illustrated by Pam Smy Published by Walker Books
Lockett & Wilde’s Dreadfully Haunting Mysteries: The Ghosts of the Manor is the start of a wonderfully warm-hearted, spooky, funny mystery series that I absolutely adored.
Matilda Lockett plays the ghost of Poor Dead Edna in her Aunt Evelyn’s supernatural stage show ably assisted by her rather theatrical Uncle Barnabus. When Signora Valentina (Aunt Evelyn) is visited by Lady Beauchamp after the stage séance, she offers her a large sum of money to rid her home, Beauchamp Manor, of an unwelcome ghost guest.
Unable to resist this offer, the family soon find themselves settling in to the Manor where Matilda makes a startling discovery … she can see spirits! It is not long before she meets ghost boy Edgar Wilde and together they decide to become a super sleuthing team to solve the mystery of the haunted house …
And so begins a wonderfully exciting and light-hearted spooky mystery as the detecting duo team up solve a twisty mystery. Could there be a criminal in their midst? Can they find a way to rid the Manor of its unwanted guest?
I loved the blend of an atmospheric gothic setting with the fantastic humour brought by both events and characters, especially Colin, the talking parakeet, who shares rude rhymes – and may, or may not be, sensitive to the presence of spirits! I think this is a brilliant way to introduce gothic stories to younger readers.
I absolutely adored both Matilda and Edgar who form a wonderful bond of friendship as they connect over their enjoyment of sleuthing. Matilda is curious and courageous and proves to be just the anchor that Edgar needs – and Edgar is just the friend that Matilda is seeking. I really liked the warm, loving relationship between Matilda and her Aunt and Uncle and loved that, despite some misunderstandings, it is clear that this is a genuinely close bond.
The many full-and-partial-page illustrations that accompany the story are stunning and form an integral part of the story including the use of speech within some of illustrated pages. I loved the blue within the black, white and grey palette – and readers may well make a connection with the use of blue as they read! The character illustrations are wonderfully expressive and embody the 1930s setting perfectly.
Who needs trick or treating at Halloween? Why not share this gorgeous book instead – it really is a treat with its hardback, foiled cover and stunning illustrations. And, like all good mysteries, there’s some trickery to be found within its pages.
Thank you to Walker Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Aisha Bushby Illustrated by Patri De Pedro Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)
The Shop-Witch’s Quest is a charming, magical adventure bringing a hero and a shop-witch together on a quest that shows the value of working together and of appreciating others.
13-year-old shop-witch Laurel sometimes wishes to be a hero, undertaking daring adventures, but instead she works in her parents’ magic shop, Witch Wares Emporium. A newly opened shopping centre just outside her village of Elfingham has led to competition for business – and an often-empty Emporium.
When a hero, carrying a sword and wearing newly polished boots, enters the shop, Laurel gets an order for the magical items Aliya will need for her first heroic quest, an order that may help save the shop from going out of business. But when she cannot provide one item from her list, Aliya refuses to purchase any of the items from Laurel.
Worried that she will lose her home if the shop closes, Laurel takes her cat-familiar, Bedlam and hero Aliya on a quest to find the item, and save her parents’ shop. Can Laurel become a hero and complete the quest before it is too late for Aliya to complete her own quest?
This is a gorgeous adventure that had me smiling throughout. I loved the array of magical items from mega-hearing earrings to self-writing parchment to bright-ideas lamps. I also loved the many types of witches from smith-witch to potion-witch to garden-witch. I can just imagine the fun young children would have discussing these and coming up with their own ideas. A wonderfully imaginative, creative opportunity!
I loved the friendship that develops between Laurel and Aliya, despite a tricky start. Working together allows them each to appreciate what the others does, and to share their worries. They prove to their families that they can be successful and Laurel realises that being a shop-witch brings its own adventure. I just have to mention cat-familiar Bedlam who is brilliant – bossy and wise, with heart of gold!
The illustrations are absolutely wonderful and complement this magical adventure perfectly.
An enchanting, magical adventure, perfect for young readers of 7+.
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 to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy of The Shop-Witch’s Quest in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Eibhlís Carcione Cover design and internal illustrationsby Holly Ovenden Published by Everything With Words
Black Gables is a deliciously dark, spine-tinglingly spooky and gloriously gothic mystery that swirls with danger, frights and secrets … an absolutely riveting read.
Twelve-year-old Rosella Frawley’s mother has lost her memory after an accident so the family have returned to the place where she grew up, Black Gables, in the hope that the familiarity of her childhood home will trigger her memory to return. But Black Gables is not a place for hope …
Rosella starts the local school, Black Gables, named after its entrance: the black gables of the workhouse that had once stood there. She immediately feels the suffocating atmosphere as fingers of thick, greenish fog reach from the lake that edges the school. There is no laughter as children arrive, and Rosella reluctantly enters the school as a strange assortment of teachers appear, expecting work to be completed in silence. And then she meets the seriously sinister headmaster, Mr Edge …
And so begins an intriguing, creepy mystery with a lyrical and surreal quality that held me completely enthralled as Rosella tries to make connections with the past and discover the secrets of Black Gables and the lake ghouls. Could Mr Edge be communicating with these ghouls? Will Rosella’s determined efforts to seek the truth put her in danger? And, is everyone at the school quite what they appear?
This is an intensely eerie, chilling and dark mystery that sent shivers down my spine and kept me eagerly turning pages – sometimes from behind my fingers! Black Gables feels like a place both lost and hidden in time, yet waiting for a renewal which creeps ever closer with an inexorable feeling of foreboding as Rosella gets more and more entangled in her search for the truth before time runs out.
The portrayal of the teachers and students is just incredible! I absolutely felt the sense of the macabre and the strangeness which emanates from them with their old-fashioned clothing, draconian attitudes, unusual appearances and assortment of creatures. I loved that rather unsettling feeling with a few of the characters as I didn’t know if Rosella should trust them, but hoped she could. Mr Edge is a particularly sinister character not least because, whilst everyone adulates him, creepiness oozes from him.
Rosella is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who is struggling to deal with her mum not recognising her daughter, and hoping desperately that the family’s return to Black Gables will help her mum’s memories return. She senses something is not quite right with the school and refuses to become another compliant student. Instead, she is determined to discover the truth that hides in the lake and shows great courage in standing up for herself and others as she pursues her investigation.
The perfect spooky season read … visit Black Gables … if you dare!
Thank you to Mikka at Everything With Words for sending me an early copy of Black Gables in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Hilary McKay Illustrated by Keith Robinson Published by MacMillan Children’s Books
Rosa by Starlight is a stunning, beautifully told contemporary fantasy adventure where magic flows, bringing the chance of hope and happiness for a young girl in need of both.
Following the death of her parents, Rosa has been living with her aunt and uncle. They treat her cruelly including locking her in her room at night, taking away her fairy tale books and cutting down her apple tree in order to replace it with the artificial grass that is their business.
As Rosa’s world becomes more insular and lonelier, she finds magic when a large, black cat walks through her window – and the window is closed! Rosa adores Balthazar who helps her find a beautiful Venetian glass bead bracelet in her garden, but what connection could this bracelet have to Rosa?
The discovery of the bracelet coincides with Rosa’s aunt and uncle’s announcement of a trip to Venice which they intend to take when Rosa is on a school trip to Wales. When the school trip is cancelled at the last minute, Rosa must accompany her aunt and uncle to Venice …
Once in Venice, Rosa finds herself abandoned by her cruel, heartless aunt and uncle. Staying in a hotel run by the Mancinis, she begins to explore the city – noticing its cats – and its magic. When Rosa finds herself in incredible danger, can magic save her? Will she find the friendship and family she desperately wants amongst the cats and people she meets in Venice?
Whilst Rosa’s story is a heart-wrenching exploration of loneliness, told through the window of magical realism, it is also a story imbued with a sense of awe and a feeling of hope. The Venetian setting of shadows and light adds to the magic of the story and gives the reader a sense of being ‘outside of reality’ as they explore the Venice Rosa experiences from its hotels and piazzas to its bridges and waterways … and her unique bond with its feline friends.
Rosa is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who has felt loneliness from a young age after her cold, heartless aunt and uncle become her guardians. She has a gentle and kind nature, but also an inner strength, determination and resilience which gives her hope as she takes small freedoms and makes connections that may bring her happiness.
The illustrations are absolutely stunning and complement the magical, heartfelt story-telling perfectly.
A magical, timeless and beautifully told story that is just perfect for readers of 8+.
Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Written by Alexander Armstrong Illustrated by Tom Roberts Published by HarperCollins
Evenfall: The Golden Linnet is an incredibly gripping, magical fantasy adventure that swept me into a world hidden within our world, a world where an age-old battle between good and evil is fought on an epic scale.
Sam has a feeling that there is more to life than he is currently experiencing so, when he finds that he is part of an ancient organisation, The Order of the Evening, his life changes forever. His mum has died in a tragic accident and his dad has been unwell since her death, but could there be something sinister behind what has happened to his parents?
Determined to find out more about the Order and his place within it, Sam finds himself seeking its artefacts and learning more about those who protect it – and him. But Sam is not the only one seeking these artefacts and he is in unimaginable danger. Can he protect the Order from those who seek to usurp its magic and goodness and destroy the world?
This is an absolutely riveting, intricate fantasy adventure with an epic scope that kept me utterly enthralled as I learned more about the history of the Order and Sam’s role within it. I was kept on edge as the levels of danger increased for Sam and his friends as they are pursued relentlessly, never being quite sure of who they could trust.
Sam is an incredibly sympathetic character who is grieving the loss of his mother and desperate for his father to get well again. He forms a wonderfully close and trusting friendship with Ish and Goz and they work brilliantly as a team showing courage and determination in the face of incredible danger.
A powerful fantasy with friendship and family at its heart, perfect for readers of 10+.
Thank you to Toppsta for sending me a proof copy in exchange for my honest review.
Written by P.G. Bell Illustrated by George Ermos Published by Usborne
The Beanstalk Murder is a terrifically twisty murder mystery that kept me utterly spellbound as I followed Anwen and Cerys to the Sky Kingdom to solve a gigantic whodunnit …
Apprentice meadow-witch Anwen Sedge is attending the weekly market in Old Stump trying to avoid trainee sorceress Cerys Powell who she blames for sabotaging her entrance exam to attend the Academy of High Magic. Cerys is not at all impressed with the way Anwen is exacting revenge which leads to an argument between the two. However, something much worse than pigeon poop falling from the sky is about to change their lives …
A giant falls from the sky, flattening the village of Old Stump. When Anwen and her Grandma Eira examine the body, Anwen makes a discovery: the giant has been murdered and dumped in their village! Despite no contact between giants and humans since the signing of a treaty at the end of the Great Beanstalk War, Eira is determined to seek justice and let the giants know what has happened to one of their own. Luckily, she just so happens to have an illegal magic bean which she plants to grow to the Sky Kingdom so that she can send a message to the giants. Unfortunately, her plan doesn’t quite go as she had intended and Anwen and Cerys find themselves at the top of the beanstalk and facing the giants whose King is missing …
And so begins an incredibly exciting, action-packed mystery as Anwen and Cerys discover that a royal murder has been committed, but who could be the culprit and what possible motive could they have? Anwen is determined to use her witchy-skills and her now-diminutive size to her advantage to solve the colossal case and drags Cerys into her investigations whether she likes it or not. But can these two daring young sleuths keep themselves safe whilst all around them there is giant danger for the tiny duo? I absolutely loved the twists and turns, the secret revelations, following the trail of clues and red herrings … and loved that I didn’t have a clue who the culprit was, but enjoyed guessing – and being proved wrong!
This is an ingenious twist on a fairytale and murder mystery and I can see so much scope both for another adventure in this world and for other fairytale murder mysteries to join this one. The world-building is fantastic! I loved wandering around the Sky Kingdom Palace, meeting some of its wonderfully helpful animal characters and would love to spend some time in Fortune Hall. I loved both the Folk Magic linked to an appreciation of nature that Anwen uses and the High Magic that Cerys excels at from projection to glamour.
I loved seeing how Anwen and Cerys begin to work together as a team and slowly build friendship despite a fractious relationship. Cerys is incredibly driven to attend the Academy of High Magic and is proud of what she has achieved so much so that she can appear boastful and derogatory about Anwen’s Folk Magic skills. Anwen is an astute, keenly observant and curious young girl who gives as good as she gets. I loved that both girls come to accept and respect both their own, and each other’s, magical abilities which leads to a much closer friendship.
A wonderfully warm-hearted, magical whodunnit that reaches giant-sized heights of delight, perfect for readers of 9+.
Author Information
P.G. Bell is a native of South Wales, where he was raised on a diet of Greek mythology, ghost stories and Doctor Who. He’s had all sorts of jobs over the years, from lifeguard to roller-coaster operator, but has always wanted to write stories. He lives in Wales with his wife Anna and their two children. The Train to Impossible Places, P.G.’s debut series, has enjoyed widespread success, including shortlistings for the Branford Boase Award, the Crimefest Awards and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.
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 book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Do check out the other stops on this week’s Blog Tour below:
August has been wonderful – the first half spent reading lots and catching up, and the second half on holiday in Disney World which was absolutely fantastic. Just what I needed, but now ready to head back to school to meet a new class and see what the year brings!
Books I’ve read:
I’ve read 13 books this month: 10 physical copies and 3 e-books.
NetGalley:
My feedback ratio is at 97%. I haven’t requested any books this month much as I am tempted!
Books sent by publishers:
I am grateful to have been sent 9 books by Publishers this month.
Books bought:
I’ve only bought one book this month, but I am also very excited that I finally got a subscription for Fairyloot (Adult Book) as I had signed on to the waiting list ages ago!
How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these?Have you any of them on your TBR?
Book Craic 