Review: Cruise Ship Kid: Thief at Sea

*Written by Emma Swan*
*Illustrated by Katie Saunders*
*Published by Usborne Books*

Cruise Ship Kid: Thief at Sea! is the first in a fantastically fun new mystery adventure series set aboard a ship where a crime has taken place, and a young definitely-not-a-detective is all aboard to solve the case – with a little help from the reader!

10 and a ¼ year old Silver lives aboard the Potentia cruise ship as her mum is the Deputy Cruise Director. She spends most of her time with The Gang – a group of elderly, but young-at-heart, cruise-o-philes, who enjoy back-to-back cruises around the world. They have taken Silver into their hearts, and she clearly adores them, but what she would really like is a BFF who is her own age. Could she possibly find one on the ship’s 2-week Mediterranean summer cruise – a time when more children come aboard?

Whilst on a Venice excursion to the famous Murano glass shop, she meets posh girl Yana, who had laughed at her during the Sail Away Party, but who now invites her to the pool the next day. When the other kids are rude to her and she falls into the pool, Silver finds herself, once again, being laughed at – and rescued by one of her Gang. Despite this disastrous start at her attempt to find a BFF, she immediately forgives Yana, and begins a mission to change herself so that Yana will like her. Will Yana want to spend more time with her if she changes her accent and wears the clothes she suggests? What is Silver prepared to do in order to please the girl who she is desperate to have as a BFF?

When two expensive watches, brought on board by Yana’s uncle and his girlfriend Paula-with-a-P, go missing, Silver sees an opportunity to spend more time with Yana. Although she definitely isn’t a detective, Silver invites Yana to help her solve the mystery of the missing watches – and perhaps she’ll also find a BFF. Will she discover some super sleuthing skills along the way and stop an injustice? Can Silver find the courage to listen to her ‘in-between-ears’ voice and be true to herself? I loved following the mystery as Silver uncovers clues, identifies and eliminates suspects, makes mistakes and fights to protect her friends.

This is a wonderfully action-packed, hilarious adventure with plenty of heart-warming moments, and some important messages about forming genuine friendships and remaining true to yourself. I really enjoyed learning more about entertainment and dining aboard the cruise ship, and the excursions available, especially as I’m hoping to go on my first ever cruise this summer – something my husband has been trying to persuade me to do for years!

I really enjoyed that this book is written in diary format with wonderful doodles and notes. Whilst this is a longer book, I have no doubt that the short chapters, gorgeous, expressive illustrations and chatty, funny, fast-paced style will appeal to younger readers as they break up for their summer holidays. It’s certainly one I’ll be recommending to my class. I also loved how interactive the story is with Silver’s kind and friendly nature shining through, showing friendship towards the reader as she encourages them to interact with her and her adventure – and even write their responses!

I absolutely adored Silver who, understandably, wants to have friends her own age, something that is tricky when she lives aboard a cruise ship where children who arrive do not stay for long. She is torn between her desperation to have a friend her own age and her loyalty to her mum, her ship family (the Gang) and the crew. This leads to Silver doubting herself and others, breaking rules she knows she shouldn’t, and putting herself in difficult situations to gain friendship. Silver’s honesty and genuineness with the reader makes her an incredibly likeable character, even more so because of her fallibility. And I just have to mention the Gang who play such an important, and active, part in Silver’s life – what an absolutely fantastic bunch of octogenarians+ who brought lots of smiles – and how wonderful to see such positive intergenerational relationships.

Embark on the adventure of the summer with the cruise ship kid, and help her solve an intriguing mystery … guaranteed summer fun for readers of 8+.

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

Review: The Scream of the Whistle by Emily Randall-Jones

*Written by Emily Randall-Jones*
*Illustration by Micaela Alcaino*
*Published by Chicken House Books*

The Scream of the Whistle is a superbly spooky, supernatural mystery that completely captivated me as the tragic tale of a lost village unfolded: a tale of loss, of family and friendship and of hope.

Following her parents’ separation, twelve-year-old Ruby, her brother Sam, and their mother are staying with her Gram in the village of Melbridge, once a thriving railway village but no longer so.

When Gram takes Ru to the abandoned railway station to help her connect with her family history, she tells her that it is built on a ley line. Ru is more interested in her discovery: that following the railway track will lead her back home where she aims to get her mum and dad back together. But before she can put her plan into action, her Gram insists that she watches the lunar eclipse on May Eve, a time when she believes that a gateway between worlds opens …

As soon as an opportunity arises, Ru sneaks out at night and heads to the train track but she has not gone far when she hears the scream of a whistle and sees an old steam train waiting on the platform. The conductor, Mr Cribbins, assures her that he can take her home so she climbs aboard, but the train does not stop at her home station …

And so begins an unsettling, eerie and thrilling mystery, with some moments of horror, that most definitely sent shivers down my spine as Ru finds herself trapped on a train travelling towards terrible danger, with two new friends, Elfie and Malik. Why is Cribbins intent on keeping the girls on board the train as it heads towards its final destination? Why is Malik unable to leave? Is there any way to prevent the disaster that they are heading towards? There is a palpable sense of fear and tension as the truth is slowly realised, as the steam train moves inexorably through its horrifying history and as the children fight against what seems an inevitable tragedy brought about by one man’s desire for revenge.

Ru is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who is hurting at the separation of her parents and hoping that, by getting them into the same room, she can bring them back together. This need is what leads her on to the steam train where she finds herself solving a mystery with two new friends, each with different reasons for being trapped on the train. She shows incredible courage in facing her fears and helping her friends as she comes to realise the reality of their frightening situation. And the ending brought tears – just perfect!

Jump aboard this spooky, mesmerising mystery for a terrifically thrilling adventure, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Laura Smythe PR and Chicken House books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Blog Tour Review: Naeli and the Secret Song by Jasbinder Bilan

Naeli and the Secret Song is a captivating historical adventure, exploring the connections between India and Britain during the 19^th century, as it follows a young girl’s incredible journey to solve a musical mystery.

Naeli has not seen her English father since he returned to England when she was just five years old, despite his promise to return to her and her mother in Hyderabad. Now it is too late as her beloved mother, a talented musician at the palace of the Nizam, has died from malaria.

Following in the footsteps of both her father and mother, Naeli is also a brilliant musician having been taught to play the violin by her father before he left India. The one connection she still has to her father is his precious violin, a family heirloom, that she continues to play through her loneliness and grief.

When Naeli receives a mysterious invitation, she makes a decision that takes her on a journey from India to England, a journey that will change her life. Despite not knowing who has sent the ticket, Naeli grasps the opportunity to find out what has happened to her father, daring to hope that she might one day be reunited with him.

Leaving her homeland India, and her ayah, Vanya, behind, she boards a ship from Calcutta to Southampton, determined to find answers to the mystery of her missing father … On the long voyage to England, she meets Jack who is being sent to boarding school by his clergyman father in order to get an English education. The two are good company for each other and soon become firm friends enjoying exploring the ship and watching the musicians rehearse. But, when Naeli arrives in Southampton, they must go their separate ways …

I absolutely loved this incredible, action-packed adventure as Naeli finds herself embroiled in an intriguing mystery that brings danger, discoveries and dastardly plots. As Naeli begins to unravel the dreadful truth, she must leave London and travel to the wilds of Northumberland to learn more of her musical heritage. Can she discover what has happened to the father who has seemingly abandoned his family? Can the secret song that she plays on her violin bring her the answers she is longing for? I don’t want to say too much more for fear of spoilers, but suffice to say that this is a genuinely gripping mystery that kept me turning pages as I gasped at the cliffhanger chapter endings and the twists and turns that kept me enraptured throughout.

Naeli is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who is grieving the loss of her adored mother and, whilst she is welcome at the palace of the Nizam and cared for by her ayah, she no longer feels that India has anything left for her. She shows great courage, resilience and resourcefulness in her endeavours to find out what has happened to her father, learning more about her dual heritage, and the strength of friendship.

This is a story about connection: connections between countries, connections within family and connections through music. I loved that Naeli remains connected to her parents, even when they are not with her, through their shared love of music and their secret song.

A mesmerising, musical mystery that plays an adventurous tune of longing and hope, of family and belonging and of danger and daring.

Thank you to Lorraine Keating and Chicken House books for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour, and for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Review: Relic Hunters: The Amulet of Hath written by Vashti Hardy and illustrated by Rebecca Sheerin

*Written by Vashti Hardy*
*Illustrated by Rebecca Sheerin*
*Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

The Amulet of Hath is the second exciting adventure in the Relic Hunters series, where steampunk fantasy, archaeology and technology combine in a thrilling race to discover the secrets of an ancient treasure.

Siblings Mabel and George Greystone have been bitten by the adventuring bug and are eager to begin another quest with their Aunt Lucy, a relic hunter who searches for special ancient artefacts.

When Aunt Lucy arrives, she tells them that, not only has an ancient artefact been found, the amulet of Hath, but that she has permission to borrow it from the museum before it is put on display. The relic hunters hope that the amulet will unlock clues to lead them to the lost land of Hath and its hidden treasure.

But before Aunt Lucy can collect the amulet, unscrupulous and ruthless rival, Byron Cogsworth, gets his hands on it. Hoping that a photograph of the amulet will be enough, the Greystones travel by Hover Galleon to Zephra to begin their search. Will they be able to find Hath and discover its true treasure before Cogsworth snatches the riches? Can they be successful with only half the clues to the amulet’s secrets, or will they have to reach a deal?

This is another wonderfully imaginative, action-packed Indiana-Jones-esque adventure with a brilliant blend of archaeology, steampunk and technology from ancient relics to robotic camels. There is a real sense of peril as Cogsworth is willing to stop at nothing to satisfy his greed and need for glory including tricks and threats – and worse! I really liked the references to ancient animal gods, which reminded me of Ancient Egyptian gods, on the amulet which opened up a trail of clues to help the relic hunters on their path to finding Hath. I also really enjoyed the idea that those from ancient times could create and harness incredible technology capable of giving warnings and messages to those from modern times.

Mabel and Will are proving themselves to be very capable, courageous and determined relic hunters when joining Aunt Lucy on her quest. I really liked that Aunt Lucy trusts the children, values their opinion, and is protective of them, as they work together to complete the quest. It is obvious that they are more precious to her than any ancient treasure. I also loved that Grimm, the talking stuffed cat relic, is an important part of the quest. He is grumpy and reluctant to take part in the adventure, yet he proves incredibly helpful!

The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are wonderful and really capture the excitement of the adventure and brilliant world-building perfectly.

An exhilarating adventure, with the importance of family at its heart, to find the true treasure at the end of a perilous quest, perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

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 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy of The Amulet of Hath in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Letters to a Dog written by Piers Torday and illustrated by Alice McKinley

*Written by Piers Torday*
*Illustrated by Alice McKinley*
Published by *Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

Letters to a Dog is a poignant, heart-warming and humorous story that brought both tears and smiles as a grieving father and son find a way to re-connect in the most magical way.

Eleven-year-old Jamie adores animals and longs for a pet and, one pet in particular: an adorable brown-and-white terrier who he had met whilst at the dog home, pretending that he was looking for an adoptive dog even though he knows his dad is not keen.

Whilst in hospital facing a life-changing operation, nurse Shirley suggests that he writes a letter to the dog which seems a good idea to Jamie as he is desperate to share his feelings with someone. He cannot share them with his dad because Jamie has fallen out with him, and is refusing to speak to him, until he allows him to open up about how he is feeling after the loss of his mother.

Imagine his excitement and surprise when Dog writes back – he’s got his very own dog pal! And so begins the most wonderful correspondence – honest, funny and hopeful – and a way for two who are lonely and miss what they have lost, to make a fresh connection.

This is a beautifully told, empathetic story that does not shy away from the heartbreak that families go through when dealing with loss and the different ways that people cope with grief. It also a story that shines with love, memories and promises fulfilled.

The illustrations are absolutely wonderful in two different styles. One has more simple line drawings capturing Jamie’s sketches in his letters to Dog. The others are gorgeously detailed illustrations showing things that have deep meaning for Jamie including his time in hospital, visiting dog and memories of his mum. The final illustration is absolutely perfect – and captures the essence of the story perfectly.

A paw-some blend of humour and heart, of finding a way to communicate and re-connect, and of an adorable dog who brings a family together again.

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

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.

Review: The Elixir written by Lindsay Galvin and illustrated by Kristina Kister

*Written by Lindsay Galvin*
*Illustrated by Kristina Kister*
Published by *Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

The Elixir is an absolutely compelling historical fantasy novella, set in seventeenth century England, that completely captured me, holding me utterly entranced from start to finish.

Ann Storer lives in an apothecary shop with her parents, older brother and sister, Edward and Katherine. Whilst the rest of her family follow recipes to make tinctures, Ann’s creations follow no such structure, yet have a more powerful healing effect on those she makes them for. Ann believes that her medicines are more successful for two reasons, both of which she keeps secret from her family: her ability to see a person’s colours to understand what she needs to give them to heal, and the secret spiral mark she scratches into the bottom of the tincture bottle. Someone did know her first secret and taught her the second: her Grandmother, a herbalist and healer, who was accused of witchcraft but who died in the local jail before officially convicted.

Whilst her parents have been called out of town on apothecary business, they leave their children to welcome their new boarder: Isaac Newton. He has an interest in apothecary and carries out his own experiments in his attic bedroom whilst attending the local grammar school to study. Having Newton boarding in their home does not deter Ann from making her tinctures and collecting herbs under the moonlight so that she can continue to heal those in need.

But, when witchfinder, Abel Geach, arrives in town, Ann knows exactly where he will look first. Can she keep him from discovering her secrets, secrets that would certainly see her accused of the devil’s work – just like her Grandmother?

When Ann is in danger of having one of her special bottles found by Geach, Newton helps her and she finds herself telling him about her synaesthesia which leads to them creating the Elixir of Life, a potion with the power to heal all ailments and even prevent death. Newton warns her that they should keep their discovery hidden, and untested, until the witchfinder leaves.

But then the plague strikes and danger comes for her family … what is Ann prepared to risk to save the lives of the people of her town?

This is a truly gripping story where the tension is palpable as danger builds and impossible choices are made. There are plenty of unexpected twists and turns with an ending that took me completely by surprise. A masterful blending of history, science and fantasy that left me utterly captivated – and astounded!

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and capture the time period and the emotion of the story perfectly.

An enthralling page-turner that captures the indomitable spirit of a young girl who uses her innate abilities to help others and stand against hatred and prejudice.

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

Blog Tour Review: A Place of a Thousand Wishes

*Written by Sarah Merrett*
*Cover Design and illustration by Holly Ovenden*
*Internal Illustrations by Ewa Beniak-Haremska*
*Published by Everything With Words*

A Place of a Thousand Wishes is a magical, mesmerising historical fantasy adventure that completely captured me and took me on an incredible journey to learn if wishes can be granted …

Twelve-year-old Mason and his dad have moved to Dingbury in the hope of making a success of their new business: selling the world’s best ice-cream. When the ice melts in their ice cream cart, his father heads off to the warehouse at the dock to get some more, leaving Mason with strict instructions to look after the cart.

Soon, Mason’s attention is drawn to the most incredible sight: a dozen huge gas balloons floating over the town. Mason is filled with excitement as he witnesses the return of Darlington the Miraculous, the famous Wish Maker. As thousands of bubbles fall from the balloons and burst over the crowd to bring a refreshing mist, something else falls from a bubble that bursts in front of Mason, something that acts as a catalyst to changing his life … an invite to Darlington Manor and the hope of having a wish granted by the great Wish Maker.

But before he is able to attend the Manor, he finds himself chasing a young thief, Clem, who takes one his ice-creams. When he returns to take the cart home, disaster strikes, and it is destroyed. Could the loss of the cart have anything to do with the stranger with a silver pocket watch chain who had been buying ice-cream? But why would someone want to destroy a young boy’s dreams?

At least he still has the invitation to Darlington Manor and, despite his father forbidding him to attend, he cannot resist the opportunity to see the Wish Maker perform. In awe of the spectacle presented to guests at the Manor, with beautiful floating bubbles and colourful carousels, Mason hopes that he is chosen to have his wish granted, but someone else is determined to destroy his dreams, and those of the Wish Maker …

And so begins the most stunning adventure that held me entirely enthralled as I was swept into a world of danger, intrigue and magic. I was absolutely gripped as the mystery unfolded, as secrets were revealed and as magical connections were made. I really felt the increasing tension and peril, as Mason and his new friend, Clem, seek to right wrongs and return something magical to its rightful owner. Can Mason use the magical gifts he shares with Darlington to thwart a villain intent on the destruction of both their dreams?

I loved the historical setting of Britain in the late 19^th century with the popularity of ice-cream and the spectacle of hot air balloons. I thought this blended, and connected, perfectly with the magical setting of the Wish-Maker’s bubbles that can take wishes to the stars and with the ability to create (including ice sculptures) through a paranormal phenomenon. Whilst Darlington has discovered something out-of-this-world that enhances his gift and enables him to live in a spectacular manor, others are not so fortunate and we are given an insight into the lives of those living in fear of becoming homeless or being thrown into a workhouse. I liked that Darlington has a social conscience, using his gift to help others. This is in sharp contrast to someone else who thinks only of himself, determined to take what is not his to earn fame and fortune, regardless of the cost to others.

I absolutely adored both Mason and Clem who are incredibly likeable. Whilst Mason believes in dreams and the power of wishes to come true, Clem has no such hopes and instead looks for fun and adventure to brighten up her life. She is a feisty and daring young girl who proves herself a wonderfully supportive and loyal friend to Clem, her belief in him bringing him hope when he is flooded with hopelessness. Both children are incredibly courageous and determined, overcoming fears, facing danger and standing up to, and for, others.

I am a huge admirer of Ewa Beniak-Haremska’s stunning and distinctive illustrations and these are no exception. The historical and magical qualities of the adventure are blended perfectly through gorgeous black and white illustrations which capture the tone of the story superbly.

A spectacular story of wishing upon the stars, of family and friendship, and of hopes and dreams – perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Mikka at Everything with Words for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion, and for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Blog Tour Review: Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky

*Written by Pari Thompson*
*Illustrated by Elisa Paganelli*
*Published by MacMillan Children’s Books*

Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky is the third and final adventure in this spellbinding, spectacular eco-fantasy trilogy: a stunning, epic finale to an incredible series that resonates with the magic of nature, friendship and family.

Daisy Thistledown has secured the support of the Iffenwilders and their powerful water magic to help the Greenwilders, those who use plant magic, in their mission to rescue the Botanists who are being held as prisoners somewhere in the Amazon rainforest.

One of those Botanists is Daisy’s mum, and she is determined to save her from the Grim Reapers. This ruthless, dangerous group, led by the Reaper King, is intent on taking control of the Greenwild’s magic for themselves, attacking more and more pockets of the Greenwild, destroying nature, displacing people and imprisoning and harming Botanists to reach their goal of usurping green magic.

When the rescue mission is ready to leave, it comes under attack. Making their escape, the flotilla arrives in the heart of the Amazon, everyone except Max, Daisy’s Iffenwilder friend, and her young friend, Acorn, who was last seen sneaking aboard Max’s boat in search of her caterpillar.

Max and Acorn find themselves shipwrecked on a deserted island, an island that holds both dangers and wonders, a place where Max discovers incredible secrets, magical plants and where they befriend the most incredible creatures. Will they find a way to leave the ocean pocket and reunite with those in Amazeria who are fighting to save the Greenwild, the Marindeep and everything that is precious to them? Can the knowledge they gain on the island bring them a step closer to defeating the Grim Reapers?

After a terrifying ordeal and heart-pounding escapades, Daisy and her friends, the Prof and Indigo, eventually find themselves in Amazeria, the most magical and truly breathtaking pocket of the Greenwild. But the Reaper King is moving ever closer, threatening all that these courageous friends hold dear … Will Daisy and her friends be able to save Daisy’s mother, rescue the missing Botanists and protect the Greenwild before all is lost?

Just wow! This is a dazzling, richly imagined adventure that completely swept me in to its magic. I was on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages, as I followed these courageous friends facing great peril, taking incredible risks and making the most astounding discoveries, never quite knowing who they could trust which made this an utterly compelling read. I really enjoyed the dual narratives of Daisy and Max as they each learn more about their families, as they appreciate the wonders of their magical environments and as they reveal breathtaking secrets.

There is a wonderful environmental message threaded throughout the series which juxtaposes the awe and wonder, the harmony and benefits, of nature with its destruction and ultimate decimation by those who want to destroy and usurp this vital resource for power and greed, regardless of the effects on both the environment and those who rely on on it. But I love how nature, and those who understand its magic, fight back.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are absolutely stunning and really celebrate both the magic and wonder of nature and the battle to protect it, complementing the story perfectly. I’m a huge fan of maps in stories and this one has the most gorgeous map I’ve ever seen: a full colour map of Amazeria – just perfect!

Sail into a breath-taking, unforgettable adventure above the Amazon forest where secrets hide, danger lurks and courageous friends fight for survival.

Thank you to MacMillan Children’s Books for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Review: Dracula & Daughters by Emma Carroll

*Written by Emma Carroll*
*Integrated illustrations by Marta Bertello*
*Published by Faber & Faber Ltd*

Dracula & Daughters is the start of a superb, spellbinding new series by the queen of historical fiction, but this one has a supernatural bite!

It’s midnight on a starless night and Mina is on a mission that she doesn’t relish, but it’s one she hopes will help her on the path to becoming Temstown’s first female doctor. When she gets to her destination, she is discovered by a girl who accuses her of an illegal activity, but Mina has not had the chance to complete her mission as the person she has come to collect has already broken out of her coffin …

It’s been twenty years since the contagion struck, but its effects have resonated throughout Temsworth ever since with strict protection rituals being followed including eating garlic, spreading salt and carrying silver. But will these protections be enough to stop a vampire who has come to hunt?

So begins an absolutely gripping gothic adventure as Mina, her younger sister, Buffy and their cousin, Bella, discover a family secret that will change their lives and lead them on a hunt, not to cull, but to heal vampires with the help of a special book – and their own incredible powers. This is an edge-of-your-seat, high-stakes adventure brimming with danger, revelations and deliciously dark twists and turns that will bring gasps … Are the vampires the villains or the victims? Could those with their own agenda have brought danger back to Temsworth?

This is a brilliantly atmospheric read with the increasing air of icy coldness permeating the city, the pervading hold of ever-increasing peril, the stifling control exercised by the Watchmen and the uncertainty of the fate of friends.

I absolutely adored the three cousins who each have their own strengths which they combine brilliantly when solving the mystery behind a famous death, and stopping the contagion spreading through the city. They are a strong, courageous and tenacious team who support and give strength to each other. Underestimate these girls at your peril!

As well as being a superb supernatural adventure, this story feels like it is set in an alternative 19^th century with references to grave robbing, anatomy lectures and stalwarts of gothic literature – with a twist! There is also reference to gender inequality within society, something that is particularly evident as Mina wants to have the same rights as male students to have access to medical training, and as female scientists have not had their work valued. It is so wonderful that this story celebrates strong female characters who are intelligent, gutsy and who are determined to forge their own path in life.

A compelling, dark gothic adventure, with family and friendship at its heart, a story that pulsates with danger, secrets and hope.

Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

May Wrap-Up

Wow! We’re almost half way through the year – and I’m about to start my final half term with my wonderful Year 3 class – that definitely flew by! It’s been great to have a relaxing half-term break as I know next term will be hectic as it’s report writing!

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 18 books this month. My highlights were Shadow Thieves and the Greenwild books (middle-grade), Sunrise on the Reaping (young adult) and The Women (adult).

NetGalley:

I have four books on my Netgalley shelf with two new requests this month. My feedback ratio is at 97%.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 9 books by publishers this month. I have read and written reviews for 7 of these with some of my reviews being posted next week as part of Blog Tours.