Review: The Museum of Lost Umbrellas by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

*Written by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick*
*Cover Illustration by George Ermos*
*Published by Faber & Faber Limited*

The Museum of Lost Umbrellas is the first book in The Cloud Witch Chronicles, a new fantasy series for middle-grade readers. It’s an utterly captivating, deliciously cosy read, but with swirls of danger, that took me on the most incredible adventure to an unforgettable, magical island in the heart of the Celtic Sea.

Ten-year-old Dilly Kyteler arrives on Ollipest Island to start a new life with her Grand-Aunt Florence who lives in a beautiful cottage with secrets of its own. Whilst the cottage seems welcoming, her Aunt does not seem particularly pleased to see her and treats her rather brusquely. But, the following morning she meets her aunt’s friend, Digbee, and her grandson Callum who is spending the summer holiday on the island so things look brighter for Dilly as she may just make a friend. And there’s another new arrival, a large dog who has walked out of the sea, a companion that she has longed for.

Dilly and Callum are sent on some errands to the nearby town of Wurmston but, on their way home, Parsley, the wolfhound, leads them to a grand building: The Museum of Lost Umbrellas, due to re-open the following day after a lengthy closure. When the children enter the museum, they are immediately entranced by the wonderful assortment of umbrellas. Imagine Dilly’s surprise when a small green umbrella opens its hand-shaped handle and waves at her …

And so begins the most magical, mesmerising adventure as Dilly and Callum learn about the magic of Ollipest, magic that the islanders are so desperate to keep secret that the use of magic on the island has been forbidden, and magical items have been kept locked away from their owners. But when the Museum re-opens, it brings danger for the islanders, danger from a sinister stranger determined to destroy Ollipest’s magical heritage. Can Dilly connect with her family’s magic in time to help save the islanders, her family and friends? Can a community overcome its fear and stand against those who seek to manipulate, control and destroy?

What an incredible adventure, brimming with excitement, danger and revelations, and one that I really didn’t want to leave behind so I’m really glad there’s more to come from this world. The world-building is breath-taking from the wishing-door and the alleyway portals to the sentient library and the magical objects connected to island families. I loved the magical system with its links to many aspects of nature magic as well as the idea of everyday objects imbued with magical qualities, such as umbrellas, that can help you fly – just like in Mary Poppins with her parrot-headed umbrella – perhaps an inspiration for a certain talking parrot in the story.

I love book maps and this one has a brilliant map shaped like a creature from Irish mythology with some brilliant place names, including those linked to the shape of the ‘wurm’. I also really liked the names of characters used in the story, many with connections to nature, history and literature – and other words for umbrellas. Whilst this is a fantasy adventure, I really appreciated the historical context as I learned about the persecution of the islander’s ancestors and how they hoped to find safe haven in Ollipest.

Dilly is a wonderful young girl who, due to the death of her mum, has had to move to an unfamiliar place with a family member she does not know. I loved her bravery, strength and determination as she opens herself to her cloud magic ability and fights for her new home and those she cares about, despite knowing the risk she is taking and the danger she is facing. She is a force for good, standing up to evil, prejudice and hatred, despite her fear that she may lose the place she now calls home.

Fly, up, up, up and away into a mesmerising, magical world, brimming with heart and warmth, with danger and daring, a world where adventure and excitement await … perfect for children of 8+.

Thank you to Faber Children’s Books for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The World’s Worst Alien

*Written by Alice Primmer*
*Illustrations by Fred Blunt*
*Published by Walker Books*

The World’s Worst Alien is a fantastically funny, zany adventure that kept me giggling, and sometimes pondering, throughout as I followed alien, and world-creator, Sky on her month-long mission to save her project from pesky humans.

So, you think you know how Earth was created? Well, think again! We are actually the end-result of a school project created by an interdimensional being (a.k.a an alien) who wanted to move from bottom to top of the class! And Sky was certain – well, almost – certain of success if only evolution hadn’t seen the dinosaurs being replaced with humans. And they just happened to be ruining her creation so, in an effort to rescue her project, Sky decides she has no choice other than to visit Earth to fix her project – something that will actually require her to do something she really doesn’t enjoy: make an effort.

When she arrives in London, Sky finds herself walking in to Oak Lane Primary School as a Year 6 pupil with the intention of becoming a Youtube Influencer as she is sure these are the people who can change the world. She soon meets Zana who offers to help her with creating a Youtube Channel, but it is not long before she is getting her new friend (whatever one of those is), and herself, into all sorts of trouble …

And so begins a brilliantly funny adventure as Sky begins her month-long mission to save the world she has created by replacing humans with a much-more deserving successor. But what if the humans have something to teach Sky, something about the value of friendship, something about determination and effort, and something about the power of a few to make a big difference for many …

There is no doubt that Sky is incredibly honest in front of both adults and her classmates as she doesn’t have any pre-conceptions of how she should behave which leads to lots of incongruous situations, misunderstandings and oodles of humour. It also leads to her sometimes coming across as uncaring, but is that something that can change as she learns more about human emotions, and opens herself up to these, as she connects with Zana and the members of the Eco Club? Will what she learns about humans in the microcosm of the Oak Lane Primary School community change her mind about replacing them in her project?

I really enjoyed the environmental focus in this adventure which shows that a few can make a real difference and, when people come together, they can effect change for the better. What a wonderful message for children to learn!

The illustrations throughout are absolutely brilliant and really complement the action, energy and humour in this wonderful story.

Could the world’s worst alien just make the best difference when she comes to visit her school project? A wonderfully humorous adventure for readers of 8+.

Thank you to Walker Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime by Jennifer Claessen

*Written by Jennifer Claessen*
*Illustrations by Heidi Cannon*
*Published by uclan publishing* *(now Fox & Ink Books)*

Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime is a gripping, time travel adventure, diving into the mythology of Ancient Greece, which held me completely enthralled as I travelled between ancient and modern-day Crete.

A dilapidated, old villa in Crete is not eleven-year-old, Netta Becker’s idea of the perfect summer holiday but then, she didn’t choose this destination. It is, however, the ideal holiday for her history-buff younger brother, Remy, who is fascinated by Greek myths. Expecting to be bored and missing her swimming, Netta is surprised when she wakes from a dream where she has spoken to a Princess of Crete who thinks she’s a god …

Later, on a family excursion to the Palace of Knossos, Netta has a vivid dream of an ancient past where King Minos is discussing the completion of his latest project with its creator, but what if it is more than a dream? What if Netta is actually being pulled back 4,000 years to Bronze Age Crete, to a time when a greedy, cruel King is celebrating the opening of his labyrinth, a maze rumoured to hold a monster at its centre? Can Netta and Remy discover why she is travelling back in time before she becomes trapped in time? Can Netta help those from the past who are in danger? Can she discover the truth of the monster in the maze?

When I was in primary school, I did not have access to many books at home, but my teacher, Mr Little, was always willing to lend me his books and some of my favourites were his collections of Norse and Greek myths, so I absolutely loved that this adventure draws on some famous Greek myths – but with the most wonderful and unexpected twists that, at times, made me gasp aloud.

This is a story told from the perspective of two strong, courageous young girls who become friends as they strive to stop a terrible tyrant from committing the most monstrous deeds. I really enjoyed the increasing level of tension and danger as Netta becomes inexorably drawn into the past, as she becomes involved not only in a daring rescue mission, but in a courageous mission to discover the truth of what hides in the labyrinth. As well as the story unfolding in ancient Crete, there is also a mystery to be solved in modern Crete and, oh wow, I was not expecting that! This was a story that I read in one sitting as I was completely captured by both the adventure and the mystery. I really hope there’s more to come from Netta Becker and her wonderful younger brother!

An action-packed, heart-racing time-travelling adventure, where monsters lurk and friendships flourish, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Fox & Ink Books for sending me a copy. It was my decision to read and review this book, and my review is my honest opinion of this book.

June Wrap-Up

How do I always forget how hectic the last half-term of school is? Reports, transition, meeting new class, endless paperwork – and then the usual planning, prep, marking, assessment – not to mention the actual teaching in the class which is the best part! After over 20 years in the classroom, I still love my job, but that doesn’t mean I’m not ready for a break! My reading has definitely taken a dip this month!

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 12 books this month. My highlights were A Language of Dragons and Where the Heart Should Be (both Young Adult books) and The Invisibles and Cruise Ship Kid (both middle-grade).

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 97%. I had my wish to read Impossible Creatures: The Poisoned King granted and am so excited to read this over the summer break.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 9 books by publishers this month. I have read and reviewed 5 of them and aim to get the others read and reviewed before the end of July.

Books Bought:

I’ve bought 6 books this month, three adult books and three middle-grade books.

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

Blog Tour Review: The Invisibles by Susie Bower

*Written by Susie Bower*
*Cover Design and Illustration by Thy Bui*
*Published by Pushkin Children’s*

The Invisibles is a stunning fantasy adventure brimming with mystery, magic and friendship, an adventure that completely captivated me from start to finish.

Merlin and his three friends live in the Land of Magics, a place of wonder where flying fish leap from the SeaSky and winged pigs fly through the sky. They live in stilt-houses and row between islands to get food and clothing from the trees on Provisions Island and gain knowledge from Library Island where books are alive. They can enjoy everything in this magical place, never growing old, but are warned by The Book of Secrets that they must never sail to the Island of Darkness, a place where a terrifying Creature is imprisoned.

But when one of the children, Merlin, suggests that the Book could be lying, he is dared to sail to the Island of Darkness where he discovers the terrifying truth, a truth that will not only change his life, but also the lives of his friends …

A young girl wakes up in Wasteland, a dreary world of greyness and rain, where only grown-ups live, grown-ups who do not believe in the magic and the power of the imagination. She has no memory of who she is or her magical home but soon finds herself in danger as the grown-ups call for the Catcher and Invisibles snatch her precious rucksack. Who are these Invisibles, both hostile and helpful, and why does the song they sing and the graffiti they write stir memories?

When the girl finds a notice on a door asking for help in exchange for bed and boarding, she meets an old man, Mr Smith, who employs her with a warning to keep the front door locked at all times. But there are secrets in Mr Smith’s house, secrets that could help her find out who she is and perhaps even find her way home before she is captured by the Catcher …

This is an absolutely stunning story which completely enchanted me as I followed a young girl on a journey of discovery, an adventure with incredible twists and turns, breath-taking revelations and oodles of tension and danger as the Catcher comes ever closer to destroying hope. I loved discovering the connections within the story as truths revealed themselves – and there were definitely moments that made me gasp. The world-building is brilliant, juxtaposing the wonder and creativity of the Land of Magics, where talents are nurtured but can also be misused, with the dreariness and lack of imagination in the Wasteland.

This is also a story about the strength and endurance of true friendship, of the courage needed to make sacrifices to protect or help friends, of the regrets of fractured friendships and of the hope of renewed connections and openness.

A magical, mesmerising fantasy adventure, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Pushkin Press 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: 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.