Review: Stitch by Pádraig Kenny

Stitch is an utterly breathtaking and heartachingly captivating, gothic tale: poignant, profound and perfect storytelling.

585-day-old Stitch marks each day of his existence with a chalk mark on the wall of the turret room in the castle where he lives. Like his friend, Henry Oaf, he has been created by Professor Hardacre who has been asleep for 327 days. Unlike his friend, who has been locked in a cage during that time, Stitch has been free to roam the castle and complete his chores. Stitch is torn between guilt at leaving his friend locked up, and going against his creator’s orders.

When the Professor’s nephew visits with his assistant, Alice, Stitch is given the confusing and upsetting news that the Professor is dead. Whilst the Professor was intent on scientific discovery, his nephew has his sights set on something darker … and Henry is his next experiment. But, before he can realise his goal, Henry escapes his clutches and runs from the castle …

Determined to find his friend, Stitch leaves the only home he has known, but can he survive in a world that he was never meant to enter? Will the friends be reunited, or separated forever by the fear, hatred and prejudice of others?

This is an absolutely stunning, incredibly powerful and thought-provoking story that completely gripped me from start to finish. The action, brimming with peril, discoveries and secrets, kept me turning pages as I was desperate to find out how the three friends would survive in a world where their differences make them more likely to be hated or feared than accepted.

Stitch is the most remarkable creation and shows more humanity than many of the humans in his life. He is empathetic, kind-hearted and perceptive as well as having an innocence and natural curiosity that makes him incredibly endearing. He doesn’t judge people on how they look and shows kindness towards those in need, even if this brings trouble for himself. The bonds of friendship between Stitch, Henry and Alice are wonderfully heart-warming.

This is a story that addresses some big issues, including selfhood and self-awareness, the depth of grief, and prejudice shown towards differences. It is a story that challenges the reader to think about what constitutes a monster: is a monster created by others or self? Are they created by our own fears, pain and prejudices, but who does that make the monster?

This is a stunning, heart-warming and unforgettable story of friendship and inner strength that completely captured my heart, and is one that I cannot recommend highly enough to readers of 9+.

Review: Marvin and the Book of Magic by Jenny Pearson with illustrations by Aleksei Bitskoff

Marvin and the Book of Magic is a heart-warming and hilarious tale that had me giggling and feeling fuzzy in equal measure.

Marvin has given up on his dream of becoming a magician after a disastrous appearance on a TV Talent Show involving a badly-behaved squirrel and ensuing chaos. Giggles guaranteed!

Marvin has always wanted to follow in the footsteps of his beloved grandad who had been a magician and had believed Marvin had a gift for magic, but Marvin no longer believes in this. His confidence and self-belief have been dented by the reaction to his TV performance which has made him doubt himself.

When his best friend Asha encourages him to take part in the school talent show, Marvin is adamant that he will never perform again. In fact, he is so sure that magic is no longer for him that he trades his box of magic tricks in exchange for an old book – a magic book. Has he just been conned, or is there still some small part of him that believes in magic? Can he find his magic again and make a comeback in the school talent show?

Be prepared for giggles galore as Marvin finds out more about his magical abilities through the book of magic, as his best friend Asha practises her talent show routine (seriously brilliant) and as they take to the stage.

I loved the friendship between Marvin and Asha which felt really genuine. Asha is confident, enthusiastic and brimming with positivity and, as soon as Marvin shows an interest in the talent show, she is immediately supportive. Will Marvin find his confidence and self-belief again? There is magic in this wonderful friendship and I absolutely loved how this was shown in the story.

The full-and-partial page illustrations throughout are wonderfully expressive and complement their warmth and humour of the story perfectly.

This is a gorgeously heart-warming, hilarious story brimming with the magic of sincere friendship, 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 providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

WWW Wednesday

I’m currently reading Bookshops & Bonedust which I have been eagerly anticipating since reading Legends & Lattes last year. I’m absolutely loving being back with Viv in this gorgeous cosy fantasy. I’m listening to the audiobook of Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star which is just wonderful with a such a strong character in Cosima. I’m definitely intrigued by this one.

I’ve finished Lessons in Chemistry which, based on my reading habits, I shouldn’t have enjoyed, but I really loved it – in fact, there were tears at the end! I also finished The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor which was the perfect Christmas read. I’ve also read and reviewed two brilliant new short titles, one sci-fi horror and the other humorous and warm-hearted. Finally, I read and reviewed two graphic novels for younger readers which I know will be very popular with the children in my class.

I’m hoping to read Dreamstalkers: The Night Train next.

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

Graphic Novel Review: The Adventures of Invisible Boy by Doogie Horner

*Written and illustrated by Doogie Horner*
*Published by Scholastic*
*Published on 4th January*

The Adventures of Invisible Boy is a full-colour graphic novel which begins the adventures of a wonderful new superhero, and I have no doubt that children of 8+ will be keen to follow his first incredible adventure – and will be eager for more!

Eugene is working hard on his entry for the science fair, something he needs to keep secret from his parents as they don’t approve of his inventions. But he is hoping that, after he wins the science fair, he will be allowed to invent again.

Meanwhile, Stanley is worried about starting a new school in the middle of the year – what if he can’t make new friends? When he accidentally knocks over a potion at the science fair, something happens that will change his life: he is invisible! And the last place he intends to stay is in school … he’s off to have some fun!

But, when Stanley discovers that the creator of the potion has also turned invisible and he is out to cause trouble, Stanley decides that he must use his new powers to fight back – to become a superhero! Can Invisible Boy defeat the new supervillain in town? And, of course, every superhero needs a sidekick and what an unexpected, but brilliant, one he finds!

This is such a fun adventure with oodles of humour and mayhem as Stanley learns to use his new power; as he finds himself facing trouble in his efforts to help others; and, as he battles to defeat his would-be nemesis. There are so many cool inventions shared throughout the adventure and I can just imagine children wanting to use them – and maybe even come up with their own inventions!

This is also a story that lots of children will be able to relate to, or which will encourage empathy as it deals with issues such as worries about starting a new school, making new friends and loneliness.

The full-colour illustrations are brilliant and complement the action, humour and mayhem perfectly.

This is a fantastic first adventure for Invisible Boy, and is one that I know my class are going to love.

Thank you to Scholastic for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

December Wrap-Up

I’m getting ready to go back to work tomorrow after a wonderful couple of weeks off where I definitely got to re-charge my batteries, relax and catch up. This was a good reading month where I finally managed to read some books for adults as well as middle-grade!

Goodreads Challenge:

I had set my Goodreads Challenge for this year at 104 books and managed to surpass it with 170 books. This included physical books, e-books and audiobooks. I have set my Challenge for next year at 150 books.

Books I’ve read:

As I’ve had a wonderful break over the Christmas period, I’ve read more books than I normally would: this month I’ve read 17 books which includes 3 books for adults, 2 audiobooks, 2 graphic novels and 10 middle-grade (9 physical copies and one e-book).

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 95%. I have requested and been approved to read two books in December. I also have a physical copy of Dreamstalkers.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent eight books by Publishers this month. I have read and written reviews for six of them and will be posting my reviews over the next few days. I have already posted my review for Harley Hitch Takes Flight.

Books bought:

I bought six books, and have read two of them, Stitch and The Drift.

Books gifted for Christmas:

I hadn’t quite realised how many books I’d put on my Christmas Wish List- and there were a few surprises too! I got 11 to add to my TBR and have read one over Christmas.

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

Review: The Creatures of Killburn Mine by Dan Smith with illustrations by Chris King

The Creatures of Killburn Mine is the fifth book in the brilliant Crooked Oak Mysteries series. It’s an electrifying, spine-tingling and action-packed adventure that kept me utterly gripped – and ever-so-slightly grossed out – throughout.

Unable to sleep, Peter Brundle witnesses a strange light in the sky in the early hours of the morning. When he meets up with best friends, Krish and Nancy, he tells them that he has seen a U.F.O: aliens have arrived in Crooked Oak! Krish points out that there is much more likelihood that Peter has seen something much more common: a shooting star. Another possibility is given by their physics teacher, Mr Bennings, who believes that a meteorite may have fallen on the moor close to Crooked Oak. He intends to visit the moor to find evidence …

When they meet their teacher the next morning, he tells them that he didn’t find anything on the moors, but he is acting strangely and appears unkempt. The three friends decide to carry out their own investigation into what may have fallen from the sky …

And so begins a thrilling, fast-paced adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat as Peter, Krish and Nancy begin to uncover the truth behind the fallen meteorite. Could their teacher’s strange actions and appearance be linked to something not of this world? And what horrors could be slithering deep underground in Killburn Mine? This mystery is brimming with danger, tension, unexpected and scary occurrences, and is deliciously spine-chilling with just the right amount of horror and creepiness for its audience.

The illustrations are brilliant and complement the tension and scariness of the story perfectly.

Another brilliantly creepy mystery for these three friends to solve, and definitely worthy of an entry on The Mystery Shed website. This is one I am excited to share this with my class as I have no doubt that it will be a firm favourite as I have lots of fans of middle-grade horror.

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 perfect for 9+.

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

Some favourite reads of 2023 …

I’ve really enjoyed looking back through my reviews over the year in order to compile my list of 2023 favourite reads. I’ve read over 150 children’s books this year, and have chosen 20 of my most memorable reads to share. I’ve had the most amazing reading adventures this year, and have loved sharing these books with my class. I’ve really enjoyed returning to series I’ve loved, reading new books by favourite authors and enjoying books by new-to-me or debut authors.

I’ve included the opening to my review in each of my choices with a link to my full review.

Impossible Creatures: What an incredible, impossibly amazing adventure! I was absolutely gripped by Impossible Creatures from the opening lines until the final page. A powerful, stunning epic fantasy that swept me into a magical world that I didn’t want to leave. This is a story that melts into your heart and leaves an indelible mark – utterly breath-taking!

Podkin and the Singing Spear: Well, that was just incredible! 357 pages of epic fantasy perfection that I didn’t want to end, but just couldn’t stop reading! I’m a huge fan of The World of Podkin One-Ear so absolutely loved joining Podkin again for another breath-taking, thrilling adventure as he battles against an evil he thought he had defeated …

The Secret of the Blood-Red Key: The Secret of the Blood-Red Key is the next incredible adventure in the Stolen Dreams Adventures series, and follows on from the events in The Book of Stolen Dreams which was in my top reads of 2021. I have no doubt that this one will be in my top reads of 2023: it is an absolutely superb, unmissable adventure.

The Light Thieves: Search for the Black Mirror: Search for the Black Mirror is the second in The Light Thieves trilogy: a thrilling, gripping rollercoaster of an eco-adventure that kept me utterly entranced throughout. This can be read as a standalone as it starts with an innovative four-page illustrated synopsis of the first book. I also thought this was a brilliant quick reminder of the events in the first book for those of us who have read the first book, and were left with the tantalising cliffhanger that made this one an eagerly anticipated read.

The Silver Road: The Silver Road is a stunning fantasy adventure that swept me into a world of magic and myth, of danger and hope, of family and friendship that completely entranced me. This is a book I really cannot recommend highly enough – outstanding storytelling from a master storyteller who weaves magic into words.

The House Trap: The House Trap is a deliciously scary, intriguing mystery that is spine-tinglingly thrilling: an adventure that kept me utterly enthralled throughout.

The Song that Sings Us: The Song That Sings Us is a powerful, visceral and lyrical masterpiece: an environmental thriller that completely gripped me and took me on a heart-wrenching, but ultimately, hopeful journey.

Call of the Titanic: I am a huge fan of Lindsay Galvin’s historical fiction adventures, so was eagerly anticipating Call of the Titanic. Oh my goodness – this is the most incredible, heart-wrenching story of courage in the face of terrible tragedy, that completely captured me … an absolute must-read, and definitely one of my books of the year.

Fablehouse: Fablehouse is a stunning story of connection, friendship and belonging set in the 1950s, blending magic, history and Arthurian legend: an unforgettable quest adventure that completely captivated me.

Norah’s Ark: Norah’s Ark is a powerful, empathetic story told from the dual viewpoint of two children from very different worlds who find each other when they are both in need of friendship. This is a story that captured my heart and, I must admit at times, broke it a little. Whilst there are some very difficult issues addressed, there is also a real sense of hope and love woven throughout that makes this an uplifting, heart-warming read. This is a story that will stay with me, and is one I cannot recommend highly enough for homes and schools.

Saving Neverland: Saving Neverland is the most magical, mesmerising story that swept me wholeheartedly into its icy world adventure with unforgettable characters, incredible feats of peril and delight and heart-warming bonds of family and friendship. In fact, this was so good that I have already read it twice, and cannot wait to share it with my class.

Jodie: Jodie is a spine-tinglingly haunting and eerie ghost story that kept me enthralled throughout. Utterly compelling, and so beautifully written.

Carnival of the Spider: Carnival of the Spider is the third stunning adventure in the Carnival series which has absolutely captivated me with its atmospheric, dark and dangerous Victorian steampunk vibes which swept me into an action-packed, intriguing adventure that I really could not put down. This series can be read as standalones, but I have no doubt that, once one adventure has been read, the others will prove irresistible!

Until the Road Ends: Until the Road Ends is a powerful and heartfelt adventure set during World War II, a story of the enduring strength of friendship, and the incredible journey a devoted dog will take to be reunited with his friend when she most needs him. Heart-breaking, hopeful and a testament to the courage of the animals who became wartime heroes.

The Boy Who Made Monsters: I’m such a huge fan of Jenny Pearson’s heartfelt, humorous stories that have all found a place in my heart: stories that bring both laughter and tears, written with such tenderness, warmth and hope. The Boy Who Made Monsters is another absolute belter! A beautifully poignant, humorous and hopeful story of family, friendships and the courage and strength it takes to face monsters.

Spellstone: Spellstone is an absolutely gripping fantasy adventure that kept me utterly enthralled from start to finish: an epic battle blending ancient legend in a modern setting where magic swirls, evil hides where people fail to notice, and hope sparks with a young sorcerer …

The Swifts: The Swifts is a wickedly humorous, action-packed whodunnit with the most brilliant opening that perfectly captures the quirky playfulness and delicious darkness that makes this a dazzlingly mesmerising read, and one that I cannot recommend highly enough.

The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie: The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie is a deliciously dark, spine-tingling, supernatural adventure that completely enthralled me. This is a must-read for those of 10+ who enjoy darker, spookier adventures that are guaranteed to bring shivers of delight – and just the right amount of fright!

The Song Walker: The Song Walker is an absolutely stunning, transcendent, and deeply moving story: a story of friendship, of courage and of hope set in the fierce beauty of the Australian Outback that held me spellbound throughout. I have no doubt whatsoever that this will be one of my books of 2023!

The Octopus, Dadu and Me: The Octopus, Dadu and Me is an incredibly touching, sensitively portrayed story of friendship, family and acceptance that brought tears and smiles as I was completely captured by both Sashi’s rescue mission and her emotional journey.

Have you read any of these? What have been some of your favourite books this year?

WWW Wednesday

I’ve started reading Lessons in Chemistry which was given to me as a Secret Santa. It’s not one I’d usually pick up myself, but I am enjoying it. I’ve just started reading The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor which I know I’m going to love – this was one I’ve been looking forward to for ages, and was on my Christmas wish list!

I’ve finished Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain which I absolutely loved. I will be posting my review shortly. I’ve also finished two books for adults. The Haunting Season is a selection of eight eerie short stories which were just perfect to enjoy over Christmas. I’ve got The Winter Spirits on my TBR and hope to get to it in January. I saw The Drift in Waterstones and thought it would be a great scary read for over the Christmas break – and, oh my, it was. This is told from different viewpoints and in different timelines, and I really enjoyed seeing how the strands came together. It is definitely a chilling read which, I must admit, did give me nightmares, but this is an author I definitely want to read more from.

I didn’t manage to get to this one last week, so I’m aiming to make it my next read.

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

Top Ten Tuesday

This is a weekly meme now hosted by That Artsy Girl Reader. This week’s theme is The Ten Most Recent Additions to My Bookshelf . For this one, I’m sharing my Christmas book haul – some surprises and some I had on my wish list! I’m aiming to read more adult books this year, so some of these should make a good start.