Review: The Day of the Jackdaw written by Jo Simmons and illustrated by Lee Cosgrove

*Written by Jo Simmons*
*Illustrated by Lee Cosgrove*
*Published by Barrington Stoke*

The Day of the Jackdaw is a fantastically funny, warm-hearted and empathetic adventure about overcoming fears, belonging and acceptance.

Alex and his family are moving from the city to the countryside, but Alex is not at all keen on the move. In fact, he has made a list of things he dislikes about the countryside in his Top-Secret Stuff notebook, top of his concerns being angry badgers! Imagine his horror when he discovers from a local online newspaper article that angry badgers are the least of his concerns. Why? The village of Noggings is being terrorised by an aerial acrobat – a jackdaw called Graham – who is attacking the villagers when least expected.

Shortly after moving to Noggings, Alex makes a new friend, his neighbour Callie, who introduces him to her 12 guinea-pigs. Just as he is leaving her garden, he has his first encounter with Graham, an encounter that leaves him frozen in fear.

Later, Alex attends a meeting in the village hall with his family where the villagers are discussing how to rid themselves of their menacing avian foe before he can create chaos at their upcoming summer fete. Can Alex discover the reason for Graham’s ruinous rampages and put a stop to them before he brings more mayhem to the villagers?

This is an adventure that is guaranteed to being plenty of giggles as Graham’s antics have the villagers in uproar. They are determined to stop his attacks, but this clever corvid is always one swoop ahead of the hapless villagers.

Alex is a clever, empathetic and kind-hearted boy who overcomes his initial fear of Graham to find out more about him, putting aside his, and the villagers, pre-judgments and giving him a chance to be understood. Alex, despite his pre-judgments of life in the countryside, finds the courage to give his new community a chance, finding friendship and a sense of belonging. I think this is a wonderful message for young children as they are faced with changes in their lives, whether that be moving home or school.

The full-and-partial page illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous and capture the mayhem and warmth of the adventure perfectly.

This is a deliciously delightful tale of mischief and mayhem, flying high with heart and humour.

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

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

Review: The Wanderdays: Journey to Fantome Island

*Written by Clare Povey*
*Cover Illustration by Ben Mantle*
*Published by Usborne*

The Wanderdays: Journey to Fantome Island is an exciting, enthralling aquatic adventure that completely captured me.

Twelve-year-old Nellie Wanderday is making breakfast, wondering when her mum, Nellie, will phone, when she is given the most terrible news by her best friend, Funmi. Her mum, a famous ocean explorer and documentary maker, has been reported missing whilst on her latest expedition in the North Atlantis Ocean.

After receiving an enigmatic message from an environmental journalist and friend of their mum, Flo and her brother, Joseph discover that their mum is involved in a dangerous mission. She is searching for proof that local TV presenter, Sir Frederick Titan, is not the environmental hero that he claims to be, but rather that he has been exploiting and destroying habitats for profit. Could Titan have discovered that Nellie was investigating him? Could he be responsible for the disappearance of her boat? And, what is the secret project he is hiding from the world on the mysterious Fantome Island?

So begins the most brilliant, edge-of-your-seat, exciting adventure. Flo, Joseph and their best friends, Funmi and Isaac, join Nellie’s friend, Marianne de la Mer, aboard a submarine in search of Nellie, and to discover the secrets of Fantome Island and proof of Titan’s crimes against the natural world. I loved the clever uncovering of clues along the way which allowed the children to follow Nellie’s trail. There is plenty of danger, threat and tension that kept me eagerly turning pages and I must admit I was completely taken by surprise at some of the twists and turns – utterly brilliant.

There is a powerful and pertinent environmental message weaved throughout the adventure which addresses exploitation of natural resources, damage to ocean life caused by ghost nets and the climate crisis.

I really liked the strong sibling bond between Flo and her younger brother, Joseph. Flo is incredibly supportive and protective of her brother who has OCD and is there for him when his intrusive thoughts and worries becoming overwhelming. Joseph has a natural curiosity and a love of marine life and doesn’t let his OCD hold him back from exploration and adventure. All four children have their own strengths and talents which make them a great team as they show courage and determination in standing against a vile villain.

A fantastic start to an exhilarating new series where friendship, teamwork and courage meet danger and dastardly villains – perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

Thank you to Usborne for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

May Wrap-Up

It’s been a very busy month at work with the run-up to SATs and SATs week. We also had Sports Day. We also opened our new library and I arranged an author visit from Guy Bass who spoke to the children and opened the library. He was absolutely brilliant and the children loved listening to him, chatting to him and having their books signed. I’m glad I’ve had a week off for half-term to re-charge. I’ve just come back from a quick visit to Ireland to visit family which was wonderful. Now, to report writing and Year 6 production!

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 15 books in May: 13 physical books and 2 audiobooks. I have written and posted reviews for 11 of these and will be posting my reviews for The Wanderdays and Nush and the Stolen Emerald shortly.

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 97%. I have requested and been approved to read one book in April.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent twelve books by Publishers this month.

Books bought:

I bought 15 books in May – no wonder my TBR never decreases!

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

WWW Wednesday

I’ve just started reading When the Wild Calls which I’ve been looking forward to for ages. I know it’s one I’m going to love!

I’ve finished reading The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice which I really enjoyed and think it is one younger readers will really like. I’ve also finished the next WishYouWas mystery, The Secret Society of Very Important Post which was such a wonderful return to the world of the Sorters. I really liked that this was set just before the Queen’s 1953 coronation. I have posted my review. I also finished reading Nush and the Stolen Emerald which is a brilliant adventure – I will be posting my review shortly.

I’m hoping to read The Wanderdays Journey to Fantome Island next.

Review: The Secret Society of Very Important Post

*Written by Alexandra Page*
*Illustrated by Penny Neville-Lee*
*Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books*

I absolutely adored WishYouWas: The Tiny Guardian of Lost Letters (you can read my review here) so I was very excited to learn that there was another WishYouWas Mystery: The Secret Society of Very Important Post.

Penny Black and her mum are moving away from London to live in Scotland so that they can spend more time together. This should make Penny happy, but she is feeling sad about leaving her best friend, Wishyouwas – and she doesn’t know how to break the news that she is leaving to him.

Just as she is about to leave her flat, Wishyouwas plops into her fireplace with the news that he’s been summoned to a meeting with the Royal Postmistress, none other than Queen Elizabeth herself. And he wants Penny to attend with him.

When they arrive at the Palace, they are taken to meet the Queen’s Royal Secretary who reveals that the King’s letter to the new Queen – the Monarch’s Seal – has been stolen. Without this, the coronation, which is due to take part the following day, is in danger of not taking place. The Sorters are given the task of finding the stolen letter and delivering it to its rightful recipient, the Queen, before her coronation. But can they solve the mystery of the missing letter, and deliver it to its rightful recipient before time runs out?

And so begins a wonderfully action-packed adventure, brimming with excitement, risk and peril, as Wishyouwas and Penny work together, alongside both old and new Sorter friends, following a series of clues to unravel the mystery, and discover the whereabouts of the missing letter. Their investigations lead them to suspect that there is a villainous traitor in their midst who will stop at nothing to ensure the Sorters cannot complete their mission. I loved the unexpected twists and turns, the unveiling of clever clues leading to historical sites around London and the never-being-quite-sure where the letter was which kept me completely captivated and eagerly turning pages. I also loved that mystery was set in 1953 and gives an insight into the Queen’s Coronation which I think is something young readers will really engage with.

Penny and Wishyouwas have the most gorgeous, warm-hearted, trusting friendship. I can totally understand how hard it must have been for Penny to tell him that she was leaving. They are daring, courageous and determined, and are not afraid to take risks and break rules, all of which make them a perfect sleuthing team.

The full-and-partial page illustrations are absolutely stunning and really capture both the heart-warming bond between Penny and the adorable WishyouWas and the sense of mystery and peril.

This is a spellbinding, heart-warming mystery with a timeless quality that will make it a story which young children of 8+ will return to again and again.

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

Review: The River Spirit written by Lucy Strange and illustrated by Júlia Moscardó

*Written by Lucy Strange*
*Illustrated by Júlia Moscardó*
*Published by Barrington Sto*ke

The River Spirit is a powerful, poignant and hopeful story intertwining history and myth to create a richly atmospheric tale which completely entranced me.

Young chimney sweep Tom Waterman has started seeing strange things that should not be there: a soot monster in the chimney, fairies in the flowers by the river and the ghosts of dead ferrymen in the reeds. When Tom and his friends, Bert and Squirrel, are taken to the river by their cruel master, Mister Crow, for their weekly wash, he sees another supernatural being, a river spirit, but she is different to the other beings as she can be seen by Mister Crow and Tom’s friends.

After saving him from Mister Crow’s cruelty, Elle follows Tom, and is with him when he has to clean chimneys, filthy, soot-laden chimneys that are becoming too narrow for him to climb. His job is a dangerous one, and when Tom puts the safety of a new apprentice above his own, the purpose of Elle’s appearance becomes apparent …

This story does not shy away from the harsh reality of life for young chimney sweeps in 19^th century Britain. Tom and his friends are bought by a Master Sweep and become his property, and are denied their freedom as they are forced into a dangerous job which many do not survive. The children’s appalling living and working conditions portrays the heart-breaking reality of young children forced into child labour as they are poor, orphaned or have had to become money-earners to support their family. This historical background will open up discussions about child labour in 19^th century Britain and encourage empathy both for children in this historical period, but also open opportunities to discuss modern-day child labour.

My heart ached for Tom as he daydreams of a life before his freedom was taken from him when he was six, bought from the Poor House, and forced to work as a climbing boy by a harsh master who cares nothing for his apprentices’ wellbeing. Tom, a ferryman’s son, never forgets where his true home is and the importance of his name, and feels close to home when he is washing in the river where he first meets Elle. He longs for the freedom of the river, yet is trapped in exploitation by a terrifyingly cruel owner. Tom is such an empathetic young boy, showing kindness, friendship and protection towards others. Tom’s decision to protect a new apprentice is a catalyst for change, and his courage brings hope of a better life for others.

The illustrations are stunning and perfectly capture both the ethereal elements of the story and the heart-breaking reality of life for young chimney sweeps.

The River Spirit is a heart-rending novella portraying the dreadful working and living conditions faced by young children in 19^th century Britain, but it is also a story of friendship, kindness and hope.

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.

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

WWW Wednesday

I’m reading The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice which is a wonderful adventure as Felix becomes apprentice to wishkeeper, Rupus Beewinkle as they try to defeat the wishsnatcher. I’m really enjoying the surprises in this one, and have already bought the next in the series. I’m also reading The Secret Society of Very Important Post and am loving being back with Penny and Wishyouwas as they try to foil a plot to stop the Queen’s coronation. I’m listening to Which Way Round the Galaxy which I’m really enjoying, especially the narrator addressing the reader directly.

I finished reading The Storm and the Minotaur which is another wonderful novella from Barrington Stoke. I also finished On Silver Tides which I absolutely loved, especially the relationship between sisters, Kelda and Isla. Kelda is such a strong character, determined to protect her sister no matter what. I also read Super Sausage to the Rescue which is a wonderfully heart-warming, funny story for younger readers. I have posted my review.

I’m hoping to read When the Wild Calls next.

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

Review: Super Sausage to the Rescue!

*Written by Rachel Morrisroe*
Illustrated by Jenny Taylor
Published by Puffin Books

Super Sausage to the Rescue is the first adventure in a new ‘Super Pets’ series for younger readers of 7+: hilarious, exciting and full of warmth.

Dottie, an absolutely adorable dachshund puppy, yearns for her forever home after having been left at Doris Darling’s Home for Dogs by her previous owner. When nine-year-old Harry arrives at the shelter with his dad, he is excited to get to choose a dog, and quickly decides that Dottie is the perfect dog for him!

When Harry spots a squirrel outside his window, Dottie accidentally reveals the secret she has been keeping from humans. She can talk and fly! Harry’s dog has superpowers, powers that are urgently needed by Rebecca Refractor who runs Superpets, a secret organisation of superhero pets who keep the world safe from super villains.

But how can the superpets keep the world safe when they are being kidnapped by a supervillain intent on making them part of her collection? Can ‘Super Sausage’ Dottie and Harry stop the remaining superpets from being taken by Sparkletta Crystal, or will they become her next victims?

I absolutely loved this brilliantly funny, action-packed superhero adventure told from the dual viewpoints of Dottie and Harry. There is just the right amount of peril for younger readers blended with lots of laugh-out-loud moments with giggles guaranteed. I’m not sure I’ll ever think of broccoli in the same way again! The language is wonderfully playful – I’d love to fly in a wheelsparrow and visit the Factual History Museum!

I adored both Harry and Dottie who have an instant connection. They quickly build a trusting, supportive and accepting friendship. I liked that Harry needed to understand the responsibility of having a pet before he could have one although I’m not sure anything could have prepared him a superhero pet! I also really liked Rebecca who is a brilliant STEM role model with her fantastic inventions – even if they don’t always work as expected!

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are gorgeous, capturing the energy, warmth and humour of the story perfectly.

A woof-tastically wonderful start to this new series for younger readers brimming with friendship, humour and heart. I have no doubt that they will be eagerly waiting for the next superpet adventure in this series.

Thank you to Puffin Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Blog Tour: Angel of Grasmere by Tom Palmer

*Written by Tom Palmer*
Illustration by Tom Clohosy Cole
Map illustration by James Innerdale
*Published by Barrington Stoke*

Angel of Grasmere is a powerful, thought-provoking and poignant story, set during the Second World War, which shows the impact of war on both those who fight, and their families and community at home.

August 1940, and Tarn Fothergill is climbing the steep path up the fell to the tarn, a place where she feels close to her brother, Joss – and somewhere she can grieve his loss. He had been the first man from Grasmere to sign up for the British Expeditionary Force and became one of those lost to his family and community in the chaotic retreat at Dunkirk.

Joined by her best friend, Peter and Eric (an evacuee from Manchester), the children are quickly reminded of the threat of Nazi invasion close to home as fighter planes fly overhead. The trio are keen to help the war effort by climbing up to the tarn to keep a lookout for the feared Nazi invasion. But there is also danger in their midst from someone who is angry, resentful and with nothing left to lose …

As time passes and with no sign of the war ending, hope is given to the locals by a stranger who carries out acts of kindness, earning the title: Angel of Grasmere. Could these acts have anything to do with the man who hides on the fell, someone who is traumatised by the horrors of war? How will the villagers react to the revelation of their angel’s identity?

This is such an incredibly powerful, heartrending story that does not shy away from the horrors and trauma of war and its impact on both those who fought and families and communities at home. My heart ached for the young man traumatised by his experiences in the war, yet despite his obvious emotional turmoil (with flashbacks to his time at Dunkirk and feelings of guilt and shame), he shows such empathy and care for others in helping the Grasmere community. I found him to be such an inspirational, courageous young man, someone who I cried for and, on whose behalf, I felt anger. His desire to protect and provide for others when he so needs to be protected and cared for himself is heartbreaking.

The illustration of the retreat from Dunkirk which runs along the bottom of each page serves as a constant reminder that war cannot be left behind, but reverberates beyond its field of combat with lasting effects on so many people.

Tarn, Peter and Eric are such sympathetic characters who have had to deal with huge changes in their lives as war gets ever closer to home. Tarn is grieving the loss of a brother she adored and remembers him through their shared connection with places they loved. After his father’s tragic accident, Peter has had to re-evaluate his ambitions and dreams. Tarn has not only lost her brother to war but she fears that she may be losing her best friend too as his friendship with Eric, who has been evacuated to Peter’s farm, grows. Eric has to live both with the constant fear that his home city will be bombed, and with the prejudice from others. The portrayal of the relationship between these three amazing children feels really authentic as they readjust to changes as war looms over the fells.

I’ve never been to the Lake District, but it’s somewhere I’ve always wanted to go, even more so now after reading the depiction of the fells and tarn which are a spectacular backdrop to this remarkable historical adventure.

The care, love and research that has gone into the writing of this story leaps from every page – an unforgettable story of the devastating impact of war, and the power of hope and kindness, on family, friendship and community.

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of Angel of Grasmere in exchange for my honest opinion.

Author Information

TOM PALMER is the multi-award-winning, million-copy bestselling author of the
Young Quills Award winners After the War and Resist, and FCBG Children’s Book Award winners
Armistice Runner and D-Day Dog. In 2019, Tom was awarded the National Literacy Trust’s
Ruth Rendell Award in recognition of his contribution to literacy work in the UK.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

WWW Wednesday

I’m listening to On Silver Tides which is a stunning story that has absolutely gripped me. I’m reading The Storm and the Minotaur which is another incredible story that blends Victorian mining with Greek mythology.

This week I’ve read Fyn Carter and the Agents of Eromlos which is a wonderful sci-fi adventure – I’ve posted my review as part of the Blog Tour. I also read Tariq and the Drowning City which I really enjoyed and is a series I’m looking forward to continuing – I have posted my review. Finally, I read Angel of Grasmere which is such a powerful, heartfelt WWII story. I will be posting my review as part of the Blog Tour.