I’m loving Skandar and the Phantom Rider which I’m now reading a physical copy of rather than listening to the audiobook as I had to return it on my library account, and I couldn’t wait for a re-issue. I think this is even better than the first one. I’m listening to Dead Good Detectives which is spookily fun. Sid Jones and Zen are a great duo, trying to help Bones – the ghost of a 300-year-old pirate – recover his lost treasure. I’m definitely looking forward to picking up the final one in this duology, Ghost Rescue, when it is released in August.

I finished reading The Boy Who Made Monsters which is just as brilliant as all Jenny’s heartfelt, humorous reads. I have posted my review.

I didn’t get to this last week, so I’m hoping to get to it this week. It’s half term and, whilst I would usually get lots of reading done, I’m going to Ireland to visit family so I don’t think there’ll be quite so much reading!

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

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. 

Benji McLaughlin and his older brother, Stanley have been sent to live with their Uncle Hamish on the edge of Loch Lochy in Scotland where he runs a holiday cabin lettings business.  Their parents have been missing-at-sea for over five months and, whilst everyone else believes them to be dead, Benji lives with the hope that they are still alive, and that they will be reunited as a family again.  

He instantly feels the magic of Loch Lochy, the place where his father grew up, and wonders if it could become a home whilst he waits for the return of his parents.  His brother Stanley is much more reluctant to give this new life a chance, especially when he discovers that his uncle is having money problems and is in danger of losing his home and business. 

Being a visionary and a believer in the impossible, Benji is determined to come up a plan to make enough money for his uncle so that he can pay off the debt he owes to the monstrous Gregor McGavin.  And what a plan he devises – all thanks to spotting a monster in the Loch.  What better way to draw in tourists than to prove that Loch Ness isn’t the only Scottish Loch with its very own monster!  The only problem is that the Loch Lochy monster is rather camera-shy …

Luckily for Benji, he has his new friends Murdy McGurdy (what a fantastic name for a brilliant young girl!) and Mr Dog, to help him fulfil his mission.  Can they prove that there is a monster in the lake, no matter what it takes?  Cue action, hilarity and mishaps aplenty as these daring friends attempt to pull off the impossible whilst dealing with mean girls, runaway carts and water dunkings. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but suffice to say that tears of laughter are guaranteed alongside moments of fear and realisation that made my heart ache for both brothers – and Murdy.

Benji is just the most wonderful young boy:  curious, funny, chatty and an eternal optimist.  He is empathetic towards others and is a loving and kind-hearted brother, nephew and friend:  someone who is there for others when they need him.  Whilst his brother has accepted the loss of their parents and is struggling with the pain of grief and with feelings of guilt, Benji is in denial.  He is not prepared to accept that he will never see his parents again and hides his pain and grief deep inside where it sometimes escapes as feelings of sadness that overwhelm him.  His journey to truth, acceptance and the start of healing – with the help of family, friends and professionals – is honestly and sensitively portrayed. Children are shown that grief affects people in different ways and that it takes time, help from others, and taking a first step to allow healing to begin.  This is a story that will speak to anyone who has lost someone they love, and encourage empathy in others.

I just have to mention Uncle Hamish who I absolutely adored. He is dealing with his own grief at the loss of his brother and is surrounded by memories of growing up with his brother in their family home, a connection that Benji also feels keenly. I can’t imagine how frightening and heart-breaking it must be for him to be in danger of losing that home. Despite his own worries, he is determined to make a home for his nephews and make them feel welcomed. He so obviously wants the best for the boys, and treats them with such kindness – even if they do sometimes take advantage of this! There is something else he does that makes me teary just thinking about it!

The Boy Who Made Monsters is a beautifully told story of family and friendship, of truth and acceptance, of love and hope.  It’s a story that utterly captivated me, and left me smiling through my tears with that fuzzy, warm feeling that makes this such a special read, and one I cannot recommend highly enough for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Fritha Lindqvist and Usborne for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.  I’m looking forward to buying the final copy to see the illustrations which I have no doubt will be gorgeous.

I’m listening to the audiobook of Skandar and the Phantom Rider, and am really enjoying being back with Skandar and his friends. There’s so much happening, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this goes, especially in relation to his sister. I’ve just started The Boy Who Made Monsters and already have no doubt that I’m going to love it as much as all Jenny’s books.

I absolutely loved The Magic Hour which is a brilliantly action-paced adventure where everything is not as it seems. I’ll be posting my review shortly. I also finished listening to The Day No One Woke Up which I really enjoyed. This is a great science-fiction adventure which shows the importance of making connections and friendships. I also read the full colour illustrated The Unbelievable Top Secret Diary of Pig which is so funny. I adored Pig who is completely in the dark about what fate awaits him – so glad he’s got a great best friend in Duck! I will post my review in the next few days.

It’s time! I’m currently almost finished When the Sky Falls with my class which they’re completely engrossed in, so I’m so excited to read Until the Road Ends on NetGalley.

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

Thank you to Mikka at Everything With Words for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour for Small Bites Back. Today, I am excited to share a wonderful post from Hannah Moffatt:  Why humour’s a great empathy-builder. I’m also sharing my review of this fang-tastically brilliant story!

Why humour’s a great empathy-builder

by Hannah Moffatt

When I wrote SMALL BITES BACK, I loved challenging fantasy stereotypes:
· Vampires survive on a diet of blood.
· Vampires burn in the sun.
· Vampires are bad. Tooth fairies are good.
In SMALL BITES BACK (spoiler alert!) none of these are true. As a writer, flipping the script is fun. For readers, it’s a chance to flip their own thinking, too.
That’s one of the great things about comedy, and a reason I think funny books are so important: they encourage young readers to grow into open-minded adults.
After all, humour helps us question power – just look how often comedians use it to take swipes at politicians. And comedy plays on surprise, by deliberately not giving you the answers your brain is wired to expect. My boss loves telling us about the vicar in the town where he grew up. Specifically, he likes telling us about the names the vicar chose for his sons: Matthew, Mark, Luke … and Derek. Everyone laughs at the story. But just because we expect the last name to be John, doesn’t make it true. People can surprise us – if we give them the chance.
In SMALL BITES BACK, swamp creatures have grown up believing the tooth fairies’ warnings that they should stay away from the vampire dentists. Harvey has grown up assuming if he ever encountered a vampire, it would bite him. But as the story goes on, Harvey gradually comes to understand the vampires’ world and challenge his assumptions.
In stories humour doesn’t just surprise us, it builds empathy. It teaches readers to question their thinking and see things from fresh points of view – whether those are the views of a vampire dentist or the wobbly new kid who’s just arrived in your class.
I really hope the stereotype switch ups I’ve made in my stories make readers smile. But more than that, I hope they get children questioning the stories they tell themselves about other people. Who knows; that new kid who looks or acts different to you, might just end up being your best friend…

Review

Small! was one of my absolute favourite reads of last year, so I was very excited to see that Harvey is back in Small Bites Back, and what a fang-tastically playful, gigglesome and heart-warming treat it is!   This can be read as a standalone, but I have no doubt that readers who haven’t already met Harvey will be grabbing a copy of Small! for a giant treat after reading his latest adventure!

Harvey has now been accepted at Madame Bogbrush’s School for Giants – even if he’s not actually a giant – but, he is the new Chosen One, responsible for saving his classmates from grave danger – like not having their homework done!  Harvey is worried that even more serious trouble will find him, and he’s not wrong!  Well, I mean, being confronted by zombie clowns is – probably – more dangerous than facing Madame Bogbrush with an excuse for not having homework done. 

The clowns have been sent by the Unspeakable Circus’ Ring Mistress to take Norma Enormous and Twinkle, the football-loving Skelephant to perform there.  Oh, and she wants Harvey too!  If they don’t go, she has threatened to set zombie lions on the school.  Norma and Twinkle have signed Never-Ending Contracts which cannot be broken – or can they?  Could the bite marks that Harvey has spotted be a clue to breaking them, and freeing his friends? 

So begins the MOST brilliant, fast-paced, laugh-until-your-belly-aches adventure as Harvey and his best friend, Walloping Toenail, find themselves heading into the mountains to find a dentist.  And, oh my, do they find a dentist!  Viscount Bloodsucker, who has a penchant for black hair dye and sparkling teeth, runs the Happy Fang Dental Surgery.  Oh, by the way – he’s a VAMPIRE!  But these vampires are more interested in blood oranges and convincing the other creatures of the Stinking Sinking Swamp that dental check-ups are important -if only others would visit them and take their oral hygiene seriously! Overcoming his fear, Harvey asks for help from the vampires.  Can they assist him in locating the source of the bite mark to break the never-ending contracts and save his friends?  Can Harvey outsmart the Ring Mistress before he becomes a zombie lion meal?

Oh my goodness!  This really is the most wonderful adventure, brimming with everything to delight young (and older) readers!  Giggles galore, twists and turns, danger, and astonishing revelations not to mention trouble-making tooth fairies, zombie lions and werewolves!    I loved the inclusion of Bonnie Bonbon’s Vampire Surveillance Reports, Clot’s apprentice notes, the chapter headings, the use of capitalisation and bold text, all of which will appeal to young readers.  And Chapter 4 – genius!   I also adored the many wonderfully warm and sometimes ever-so-slightly yucky illustrations sprinkled throughout the text which complement the story perfectly. 

I adored being back with Harvey and his friends, especially the wonderfully loyal Walloping Toenail who overcomes his own fears to support his friend. I also enjoyed the development of his new friendship with apprentice dentist Clot. Harvey feels the weight of expectation from his parents and school, but proves himself to be a wonderful friend who faces his fears with courage, and whose own kindness brings out the best in others.  As he learns more about the vampires, Harvey finds himself challenging the stereotypes he has, and by doing so, opens himself up to a new friendship. 

Small Bites Back sparkles with friendship and warmth, guaranteed to bring jaw-aching grins of delight to young readers of 7+. 

Thank you to Mikka at Everything With Words for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on this fang-tastic Blog Tour :

Thank you to Little Tiger for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour for this stunning book. Today, I am excited to share a wonderful post from Sophie Cameron where she shares her Top 10 Spanish snacks – I just need a trip to Spain to try them out! I’m also sharing my review of this exceptional story.

Top 10 Spanish snacks by Sophie Cameron

My new book Away With Words is about an 11-year-old girl, Gala, who moves from Spain to Scotland to live with her dad and his boyfriend. Gala is initially very homesick, and amongst the many things she misses from Spain are the snacks and sweets. I’ve lived in Spain for almost seven years, so for me it’s the other way around (I have a sweet tooth and there are times I would pay ridiculous amounts of money for a Creme Egg) but I’ve come to enjoy a lot of Spanish snacks too. Here’s my top ten, in no particular order – look out for them next time you’re in Spain!

(Just to note, some of these aren’t exclusive to Spain and are also popular in South America, the Philippines or other parts of the world.)

1. Flaó. This is a type of cheesecake from Ibiza and Formentera, made with goat’s cheese and peppermint. (I’ve been told it has to be peppermint, not spearmint – just FYI for anyone who wants to try making it.) I’m not really a cheesecake fan but I find this delicious.

2. Kikos Gigantes. These are large grains of corn, fried or toasted and covered with lots of salt. I’ve spotted the regular-size ones in the UK, but I’m not sure you can get the giant ones.

3. “Campesina” crisps. Spanish supermarkets don’t have the wide variety of crisp flavours that their UK counterparts offer, but they do have the excellent “campesina” – this means “rural” or “country”, and they’re flavoured with tomatoes, onion, garlic and paprika.

4. ColaCao. This is a type of powdered chocolate drink that you can mix with hot or cold milk, famed for its “grumos” – the little lumps of powder that don’t dissolve properly, which are the best bit, in my opinion.

5. Ensaïmadas. This pastry is originally from Mallorca, and is shaped in a spiral with lots of powdered sugar on top. Gala’s step-dad, Ryan, attempts to make them from her in Away With Words, but he doesn’t get them quite right!

6. Coca. Coca is a type of pastry that’s popular in Catalonia and various other regions of Spain, with a base and toppings, rather like pizza. There are lots of varieties, either sweet or salty – I like “coca de sofrito”, which is made with onions and peppers and is typical of the Balearic Islands, and “coca de chocolate”.

7. Palmeras. These originate from France and are made and sold in lots of different countries – where they’re also referred to as pig’s ears, little hearts or eyeglasses – but they’re so ubiquitous in Spain that I can’t help but think of them as Spanish too. They’re made from puff pastry and covered in sugar or chocolate. 

8. Pipas. Pipas are sunflower seeds, which are of course sold in lots of places, but Spain seems to have a wider range and I’ve heard many Spanish people lament that they’re just not the same abroad. I like BBQ flavour best but you can also get salted, bacon, ketchup…

9. Turrón. This is a Spanish staple at Christmas – a type of nougat made of honey or sugar, eggs and almonds or other nuts. There are dozens of different types, from raspberry and pistachio to crème brûlée or rum and raisin. As I said, I have a sweet tooth but even I have a pretty low limit on how much turrón I eat, as it’s extremely sweet.

10. Dinosaurus biscuits. These are my kids’ favourites but I end up eating them, too, much to their dismay. They’re biscuits shaped like dinosaurs but are weirdly delicious, salty and buttery at the same time.

Thank you to Sophie for sharing these delights. They all sound absolutely delicious – my very sweet tooth is calling out for turrón!

Review

Away With Words is a truly exceptional story that completely gripped me:  a story of family and friendship, of finding a way to be listened to and heard, and of the power of language. 

Gala has moved with her dad from their home in Cadaqués in Spain to Fortrose in Scotland to live with her dad’s boyfriend, Ryan.  Gala did not have a choice in the move and does not want to be there.  She misses her old life, desperate to return to her friends, her flat, her grandmother and to be herself again.  On her first day at her new school, she feels overwhelmed and lonely, barely understanding any of the words that fall from the mouths of those around her, as she is learning to speak English. 

Gala lives in a world where words appear physically as they are spoken and where colours and fonts reflect emotions and give insight into their owner.  Whilst most people ignore the fallen words as they are swept away or fade after a few days, Gala is surprised to find a girl taking someone else’s words.  She discovers that this girl is Natalie who shares that she has an anxiety disorder, selective mutism, which means that she is unable to speak in school.

The girls find ways to communicate, and soon become firm friends.  Natalie is an avid reader of words, and saves the words she collects that others have so easily created, using them to write poetry. When Natalie gives Gala a poem that she has written for her using the words she has gathered from her word-searching, they have a profound effect on Gala, having the power to make her feel better.  The girls decide to write poems and secretly leave them for others who are in need of cheering up.  This has the desired effect until someone else starts sending messages that are full of meanness … can Gala and Natalie prove that they are not behind the nasty messages … can they find a way to communicate which will allow them to be truly listened to and heard?

This is an incredible story that captured me wholeheartedly.  I was completely fascinated by the concept of words manifesting physically, and even more so by the associated synaesthetic perceptions.  The friendship which develops between Gala and Natalie is just gorgeous and I loved how they took risks and supported each other, but also how they reached out to others who they sensed were hurting too. 

Words hold such power – the power to hurt and to heal, to blame and to free, and to hide and reveal.  The courage and strength that both girls show as they unite to fight to have their truth heard brought tears – I found the imagery used beautifully poignant and it is something I will never forget. This is a powerful, thought-provoking and moving story that certainly does have a magical way with words.  A must-read for those of 11+.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

My Name is Sunshine Simpson is a beautifully heartfelt, humorous and moving story of family, friendship and community:  a story of finding your voice, a story of acceptance and a story of celebration. 

10-year-old Sunshine Simpson has spent the year getting to know new girl, Evie, after being assigned as her buddy when she joined Beeches Primary at the start of the year. She feels that they have become friends, with common interests; however, Evie seems to be becoming increasingly mean towards Sunshine, disguising her meanness behind a smile and humour, whilst projecting herself as the perfect student.  Whilst Evie shines brightly, Sunshine feels like she is fading into the background … 

Beeches Primary is celebrating its Golden Jubilee with each class hosting an assembly for their parents at the end of the summer term.  Miss Peach, Sunshine’s teacher, tells the class that their presentations will be entitled:  And this is why X is important to me.  Sunshine is disheartened and feels like she will have nothing of interest to present, nor does she like being centre stage as she is worried that she will make a fool of herself.

If anyone can make Sunshine feel brighter, it is her larger-than-life Grandad who always knows just what to say to make her feel better, and stronger.  He is encouraging, supportive and an absolute joy to be around:  he’s her biggest cheerleader when she needs picking up, and gives the BEST advice which is so empowering.  But something is not right with her Grandad … he is taking day time naps, and is getting weaker … are her parents keeping something from her?

My heart went out to Sunshine as she deals with a tricky friendship at school, with the pressure she has put on herself, with the stress of having to perform in her school assembly and with changes at home.  Will Sunshine find her voice, her pride and her confidence, despite all the things that are going wrong in her life?  I absolutely adored Sunshine who is an incredibly likeable young girl:  warm, honest and kind-hearted, but struggling to believe in herself, and losing her self-confidence.  She is not perfect, and makes mistakes, which she accepts and learns from, and I think this fallibility makes her even more endearing.  This is a story that will resonate with many young readers and will encourage empathetic discussions about belonging, identity, friendships and family.

It is so wonderful to see the loving, close relationships within Sunshine’s family, including her extended family.  The twinzies, Peter and Lena, are absolutely adorable. Her parents, and Grandad, offer such great life-affirming advice and encourage Sunshine to believe in herself, and find her path.  Grandad Bobby is the most amazing role model for Sunshine, having come from Jamaica as part of the Windrush Generation, and made a life for himself and his family in England whilst celebrating his heritage, and grabbing the adventures that life has to offer. 

This is a story that shines brightly and warms the heart!  It is both poignant and uplifting and sings a song of being proud of who you are, and finding the courage to be yourself.  I cannot recommend this gorgeous book enough – perfect for readers of 9+ – and definitely one for school and class libraries.

Thank you to Fritha Lindqvist and Usborne Publishing for a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’m reading The Magic Hour which I’m absolutely loving. I’m loving the style with the very present narrator and am fascinated by where this story will take me. I’m also listening to The Day No One Woke Up which is absolutely gripping. The only other book I’ve read by the same author is Boy in the Tower which is also sci-fi.

I finished Legends and Lattes which was just so brilliant – I loved the community that built around the coffee shop and the brilliant group of characters. So looking forward to Bookshops and Bonedust! I also finished Ghostlight which is a brilliantly tense ghost story that completely gripped me. I also read Away with Words which I loved. I’ll be posting my review as part of the Blog Tour later this week.

I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Jenny Pearson, so I’m hoping to read The Boy Who Made Monsters next – and I expect there’ll be tears!

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

The Kingdom Over the Sea is a stunning, powerful and magical adventure that completely enthralled me from the fast-paced, intriguing prologue to the wonderful ending which makes me desperate for more from this world.

Grieving the recent loss of her mother, Yara finds a letter from her, with a strange set of instructions, telling her that she must return to the city of her birth, Zehaira, a place that is not on any map and one that Yara has never heard of.  Yara decides to follow the instructions, and finds herself in a city with golden domes where she can understand the language, a language which her mother had taught her. 

It is not long before Yara discovers that the world her mother has sent her to is not the world that she left 12 years before.  Magic has been outlawed and the Sultan’s alchemists have risen in power, determined to wipe out any trace of magic and destroy those who wield it – the sorcerers.  Will Yara be able to find a place to belong in this new world?  Can she discover the secrets of her past?  Will she be able to find a way to save the sorcerers from their usurpers?

What an incredible adventure this is!  Exciting, fast-paced, and brimming with danger, plots and secrets hidden just out of reach.  Sorcerers, alchemists, jinn not to mention flying carpets, hidden hideouts and elemental magic … perfect!

Yara is the most amazing young girl with incredible inner strength which makes her courageous, and determined to stand up for what she believes is right, even when this means breaking the rules or facing terrible danger.  I love the bond she forms with Ajal (who is the most wonderful character) as well as her friendship with Mehnoor and Rafi who prove loyal and supportive friends. 

This is an absolutely mesmerising, magical adventure, but is one which doesn’t shy away from dealing with themes such as prejudice and persecution fuelled by hatred, fear and power.  This makes it a really powerful read, and one which opens lots of opportunity for discussion.

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and complement this magical adventure perfectly.

A truly breath-taking, magical read, with family, friendship and hope at its heart, perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

Today, I’m delighted to share the gorgeous cover image for the exciting conclusion to The Lucky Diamond trilogy: The Great Forest by Valinora Troy. The cover art is by Phan Duy.

The Great Forest follows on from The Lucky Diamond and Revenge of Queen Rose.

Synopsis:

“Everything here hates you. The trees long to consume you, the ground to swallow you, the plants to poison you, and as for the creatures who live here… Your only chance of survival is to do exactly as I say. Clear?”

Twins Cathy and Alan are thrilled to be asked by the king of the Diamonds to enter the Great Forest on their eleventh birthday to complete the cleansing of the land. After all, Queen Rose is dead and all darkness gone from the trees. But when their home is attacked by a horde of vicious boars, and Alan and Cathy are unwillingly taken to the Great Forest, the twins realise that evil remains there. Now they are faced with a terrible choice: escape from their captors and take their chances at survival, or find out who is waiting for them in the centre of the forest, and why?

Cathy and Alan are about to face the deadliest battle of their lives, against the forest, the monsters, … and each other.

This exciting finale to the series will be published on 21^st June. The ebook is currently available here for pre-order at a special price of .99 cent/.99 pence.

About the Author:

About the Author:

Valinora Troy has been writing since she was a child. Her first story popped into her head when she was 5 or 6, about a little girl who found a magic diamond. Recently she completed a M.A. in Creative Writing, specialising in Children & Young Adult fiction. Her short stories for adults have appeared in numerous venues. She has also served as a panellist for the CYBILS award, visits schools and libraries, and occasionally run writing classes for talented young authors. She hails from Blackrock, Co Louth, Ireland, and after living in Dublin for a number of years, recently returned to Louth to live in a magical writing cottage. Find out more at Valinora Troy – Children’s Fantasy Writer.

I’m almost finished Legends and Lattes and have really enjoyed this. I love that Viv’s visit to a goblin coffee shop has led to her fulfilling her own dream. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that everything works out perfectly for her. I’m about three quarters of the way through listening to the audiobook of Ghostlight which is just incredible. This is brilliantly scary and tense. Just as I thought things might work out ok for Gabe and his friends, the plot took an unexpected twist and now I don’t know if they’ll all be ok, so not sure what to expect, but am desperate to find out. I’ve just started Away with Words which is so different to anything I’ve read before, but I think it’s one I’m going to enjoy, and learn from!

I read Emba Oak and the Beckoning Bones which is the second in this wonderfully heart-warming and humorous adventure: I have posted my review. I also read My Name is Sunshine which I absolutely loved. It brought smiles and tears. I am currently writing my review. I also read The Kingdom Over the Sea which was exactly the kind of adventure I enjoy. I really liked the fantasy element with sorcerers and alchemists and loved the elemental magic, but I also enjoyed the underlying themes rooted in the modern world. I have almost finished my review! Finally, I devoured Small Bites Back and loved being back with Harvey and his giant friend, Walloping Toenail as they try to save their friends from a never-ending contract performing in the Unspeakable Circus, not to mention the school being over run with zombie lions. This is a joy of a story: playful, genuinely funny with gorgeous friendships. I will be posting my review as part of the upcoming Blog Tour later this month.

I’ve had a proof of this on my TBR for a while now, and it’s one I’ve really been looking forward to, so I’m aiming to get to it over the weekend!

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