Review: Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels by Ruth Lauren

*Written by Ruth Lauren*
*Illustrations by Sharon King-Chai*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Tourmaline is back in her second adventure, Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels, a magical, thrilling adventure that completely captivated me.

Tourmaline has developed magical abilities since falling into the Source of magic whilst on the Island of Elsewhere, powers which she cannot control leading to mishaps and chaos at Pellavere University where she is living with her mother and best friends, George and Mai. Not only is Tourmaline desperate to learn more about her powers and how to control them, she is determined to keep them a secret from everyone except George and Mai.

When she discovers a postcard telling her that the sender knows her secret and asking her to meet at the Dark Market where magical artefacts are traded, Tourmaline knows that another adventure is waiting …

And, oh my goodness, what an absolutely exhilarating, action-packed adventure it is as Tourmaline and her friends find themselves travelling by airship to the Dark Market to find the sender of the postcard. But things don’t quite go to plan for Tourmaline when she reveals her magical powers and becomes the most valuable magical artefact in the Market. Can she escape from those who are hunting her? Will the postcards that she finds lead her to the answers she seeks? And what truths will be revealed within the Museum of Marvels?

I absolutely loved adventuring with Tourmaline and her friends as she explores the Museum of Marvels, learning more about how it has come to exist, the wondrous magical artefacts held within it, and discovering more about her own powers. This is such an amazing adventure with the most marvellous twists and turns, and plenty of danger, that kept me eagerly turning pages. And the revelations – just brilliant! I also loved seeing the return of some familiar faces from Tourmaline’s first adventure to the Island of Elsewhere. And that ending – it has definitely whetted my appetite for Tourmaline’s next adventure.

Tourmaline, George and Mai have formed the most gorgeous friendship: supportive, loyal and humorous. Tourmaline is determined, courageous and not adverse to breaking the rules, but she is also struggling to understand and control her magical abilities. I’ve loved seeing George become more confident with more belief in himself. I’ve also really enjoyed seeing the positive influence that the friends have on each other which feels such an authentic part of a deepening, genuine friendship.

An exciting, magical adventure, brimming with daring, danger and discovery – and the most wonderful friendships! Perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

Thank you to Little Tiger for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel by Guy Bass and Pete Williamson

*Written by Guy Bass*
*Illustrated by Pete Williamson*
*Colour by Kat Cass*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel is a gorgeously gothic, deliciously dark and monstrously marvellous adventure guaranteed to bring a swarm of new fans to this brilliant series.

Fulbert Freakfinder’s Travellin’ Carnival of Unnatural Wonders is visiting Grubber’s Nubbin and ready to put on a show for the locals but no-one turns up – except Arabella Guff who tells Fulbert that fear keeps the locals inside at night, and it’s not fear of his freak show, but their fear of Castle Grotteskew …

Meanwhile, in Castle Grotteskew, mad scientist Professor Erasmus is bringing his monstrous creations to almost-life but it is his first creation, Stitch Head, who is using his antidotes to lessen the effects of his master’s ever more dangerous experiments as, should any of these creations, ever escape the castle, trouble is sure to arrive … but then the doorbell rings for the first time in a hundred years … and Fulbert Freakfinder offers to make Stitch Head a star! Could finally leaving the master who has forgotten him be the best decision Stitch Head ever makes, or could he be making a terrible mistake?

I am a huge fan of the Stitch Head series, which I was first introduced to on a teacher training course, so it was absolutely brilliant to see his adventures in this new graphic novel. The full-colour illustrations are absolutely stunning and really capture the darkness and light in this brilliant adventure as well as the expressiveness, and humour, of the many wonderful characters which really brought them to life. I just have to say that I loved the playfulness of the potion labels: a particular favourite was Just Another Manic Monster.

This is a deliciously dark, gothic tale brimming with humour and heart. My heart ached for Stitch Head as he wants nothing more than for his childhood friend to remember him. Forgotten, he spends his time averting disaster for the Professor who is determined to make his monstrous creations regardless of the dangers that might occur should one escape the Castle. I adored the friendship that develops between Stitch Head, his master’s 309^th creation and Arabella Guff who make a brilliant team as they work together to save the Castle.

An absolutely amazing start to what promises to be a fantastic new graphic novel series by the brilliant, unstoppable duo of Guy Bass and Pete Williamson. Onwards to the next adventure … The Pirate’s Eye.

Thank you to Little Tiger for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Pirates of Darksea by Catherine Doyle

*Written by Catherine Doyle*
Cover Illustration by *Manuel Šumberac*
*Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books*

Pirates of Darksea is a breath-taking, magical adventure that swept me into an action-packed, gripping quest with danger, daring, and the bonds of brotherhood and new friendships at its heart.

Christopher Reid believes in magic and stories and the seemingly impossible which leads him on a midnight mission: to go on a pirate adventure aboard the Stolen Sunrise to the secret kingdom of Darksea beyond the horizon of our world. But he is not alone – he is followed by his younger brother Max. The brothers wait together on the shoreline of Galway Bay for the arrival of Captain Thorne O’Malley, the Pirate King of Darksea. But when adventure fails to arrive, Christopher decides it’s time for Plan B …

Two years later, and the Reid family are facing their own turmoil. Christopher is in hospital and his latest treatment does not seem to be working. Whilst Max is counting out his pocket money to buy a new game for Christopher, he sees a bright red parrot tapping at his brother’s bedroom window. Attracting its attention, the visitor delivers a scroll to Max, a letter intended for his brother, inviting him to join Captain O’Malley as a cabin boy to undertake a top-secret quest. He is unsure about accepting the offer, but when the parrot snatches Max’s money, he chases after it, leading him to the pirate ship his brother was so keen to adventure upon. Hoping for magic and a miracle, Max decides to board the ship …

And so begins the most incredible, unforgettable adventure as Max finds himself in the magical kingdom of Darksea, a kingdom which is in danger from a terrifying underwater monster intent on destruction and revenge. Can Max, aided by his friend and crew mate, Ruby, complete the task set by Captain O’Malley? Will Max find the courage and inner strength to take on more than he could ever have expected in order to save Darksea and bring back its magic?

Just wow! What an amazing adventure! I absolutely loved this action-packed, gripping quest which is brimming with peril, magic and the most brilliant and unexpected twists and turns. I genuinely gasped at some of the revelations which kept me turning page after page as I was completely swept into the magic and power of the story-telling.

The world-building is spectacular from Darksea’s creation story which leads perfectly to the danger which now threatens the kingdom’s survival to the fantastical creatures and objects including mermaids, wraiths, enchanted ships and living maps. And then there’s Squawk – brilliantly sarky but with a heart of stardust – I absolutely adored him!

And what can I say about Max? My heart ached for him as he struggles with the fear of losing his brother, someone he clearly adores and looks up to. He shows incredible courage and inner strength as he faces his fears and fights to overcome the darkness that is threatening to destroy the kingdom of Darksea, even when this means great sacrifice, and having to take on much more than he could have ever expected. Ruby, who helps him when he first boards the Stolen Sunrise proves a wonderful friend and I loved how supportive they are towards each other. Throughout his adventure, Christopher is never far from Max’s thoughts and I loved this sense of brotherhood which initially brings Max to Darksea as he searches for a miracle for his brother. It gives him both the courage to face his fears and to help someone else who has lost their way.

I thought the theme of darkness and light which is threaded throughout this adventure, both in the creation and usurping of the kingdom, and in the struggles the characters face, was incredibly powerful. I also adored the bond between siblings which survives even when they are separated. And, of course, I loved that the adventure starts in Galway Bay, on the Wild Atlantic Coast of Ireland. I am a huge fan of Catherine’s stories which always sweep me into the most magical, awesome adventures, but which also reminds me of my beautiful homeland and the stories that grow from its brilliant storytellers.

A stardust-sprinkled, swashbuckling adventure with great peril, incredible courage and the bonds of brotherhood and friendship at its heart. I cannot recommend this unforgettable story highly enough: perfect for readers of 9+.

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

Review: The Secret of the Moonshard

*Written by Struan Murray*
*Illustrated by Vivienne To*
*Published by Puffin Books*

The Secret of the Moonshard is an exceptional fantasy adventure drawing the reader into an unforgettable world where war threatens between science and magic, a war that could destroy the world.

Eleven-year-old Domino has spent her life trapped in the Scientarium Celestis, a floating laboratory above the city of Abzalaymon. She has no friends and is treated terribly both by the other children and the Science Barons. However, Domino is a fighter and, when we first meet her, she is on the roof of the laboratory, exacting revenge. It’s at this moment that something that terrifies everyone occurs … a piece of the moon falls on the roof.

Whilst Domino is desperate to visit the city below, she has an affliction that makes that an impossibility: she is allergic to magic and, if she comes into contact with it, she will perish.

But, when Domino discovers that her life on the Scientarium Celestis has been founded on a bed of lies, and that the Science Barons are plotting to destroy magic, she escapes to the city below with new friends, Calvin, Magnus and thunder lizard, Oshi.

Domino finds herself gaining a taste of freedom in the marvellous city of Abzalaymon where she is exposed to technology (televisions and automobiles), an assortment of awesome and rather terrifying thunder lizards and a hidden centre of magic with both wizards and spirits living together in The Diner, the most wondrous and magical building.

Domino’s freedom is short-lived as she finds herself hunted by the Science Barons and caught in the midst of a war between science and magic, a war plotted by someone intent on destroying magic forever, magic that is centred in the Heart of the Moonshard. Can this irascible, courageous young girl stand up to both the Science Barons and the Wizards and save the world from both?

This is an absolutely gripping read that completely enthralled me from the opening line. The action is fast-paced, intricate and relentless as danger edges ever closer, as unexpected twists and turns unravel (gasps guaranteed) and as Domino finds herself unsure of who to trust in an age-old struggle for power and control.

The world-building is breath-taking from the depiction of the laboratories of the Scientarium Celestis to the wondrous city of Abzalaymon with the Moonshard at its centre, from the flying machines to the incredible thunder lizards (returned through science from a bygone age) and the terrifying yet piteous frankenstein-esque creations. The industrialisation of the city and exploitation of its citizens is powerfully portrayed as it is juxtaposed against the hidden magical realm. The magical system is brilliant with a real feeling of uniqueness – utterly superb!

Domino is the most incredible young girl. She is strong-willed, feisty and fierce, someone who absolutely stands up for herself and fights for those she cares about, and for what she believes in, with her courageous heart. I adored her fractious friendship with Calvin which brought plenty of humour as they sparred against each other. I also adored her friendship with cabbage-loving, loyal Oshi who is just the most gorgeous character who I know readers are going to adore just as much as I did.

The full-page illustrations are absolutely stunning and complement the magic, energy and action in this story perfectly. And there’s a brilliant map – something I always love in an epic fantasy adventure!

This is an absolute must-read, an unmissable adventure that is guaranteed to grip both the hearts and imaginations of its readers – perfect for readers of 9+.

Review: Tiger Warrior: Fight for the Cursed Unicorn

*Written by Maisie Chan*
*Cover and inside illustrations by Alan Brown*
*Published by Orchard Books* *(an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group)*

Tiger Warrior: Fight for the Cursed Unicorn is the fifth story in this series of brilliantly exciting, magical adventures for younger readers of 6+.

The Jade Kingdom is in terrible danger and, once again, needs help from the Tiger Warrior, but Jack is having problems of his own. Stepping in to defend his friend from bullies, it is Jack who finds himself in trouble at school …

When he gets home, he shares what has happened with Yeye, his grandad, who tells him about a mythical Chinese creature, the xiezhi, who seeks out the guilty with its magical horn. As he is getting ready for dinner, Jack takes the Jade Coin out of his pocket to find it glowing … the Jade Kingdom is calling him, so he finds himself once again travelling through a magical portal to save a Kingdom.

Jack finds himself in the garden of the Jade Palace surrounded by his zodiac animal friends who have been released from the coin. He has arrived in time for a trial to determine the culprit who has brought danger to the Kingdom, and is excited to discover that a xiezhi has been brought to find the guilty party. But, when this magical creature accuses the Jade Emperor of a crime, Jack is determined to help his friend, Princess Li, prove her father, the Emperor’s innocence.

Can Jack and Li discover if the truth-telling unicorn has been cursed? Can he harness Rat’s weather power to overthrow the Dragon King? Or will Li and her father be banished from the Jade Kingdom?

I loved being back with Jack, Li and the zodiac animals in the Jade Kingdom in this action-packed, exciting adventure brimming with warmth and wonderful friendships.

The zodiac animals are absolutely amazing and I loved their joy and exuberance when they are released from the coin. When choosing an animal to help him, Rat asks Jack to trust him but Jack is not sure how he can help. When Rat’s power proves to be just what Jack needs, he learns that it is important to listen. The xiezhi also teaches him that, it is better to take time to think about a situation rather than rushing in rashly.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are wonderfully energetic and expressive and complement the action perfectly.

This is another thrilling, fast-paced, magical adventure for young readers who will be spellbound by the Tiger Warrior’s mission to save the Jade Kingdom. There is also a sneak-peek into Jack’s next adventure: Clash of the Dragon Masters.

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

Blog Tour: Peng and Spanners by Steve Webb

Peng and Spanners is the first adventure in a fantastic new graphic novel series: an absolute riot of fun and mischief with two new stupendous superheroes that I have no doubt will become firm favourites with young readers.

Peng is looking for adventures far away from his icy home, but is not at all impressed when his parents send him to a boarding school, but perhaps Boredin Boarding School will not be quite as boring as he expects … and that might just have something to do with new friend, Spanners, a clever cat with a toolbelt full of gadgets.

On his first day at school, Peng discovers that his headteacher is on a mission to impress the inspectors: he has built a school pizza restaurant to win the Best School Dinners Award – and there’s free pizza for everyone. And, as everyone knows, free pizza trumps adventure – and boredom! Unless … the pizza parlour goes missing, and then there’s a whole lot of adventure for these two superheroes on a mission.

Can Peng-tastic and Spanners find the thief, and solve the mystery of the missing pizza place, before the school inspectors arrive? There’s just a giant talking robot intent on world-domination, a quick jail break and the need to avoid Cinderella the mop-wielding caretaker standing between success and disaster.

Peng and Spanners are the most wonderful double-act with Peng as the super ninja superhero and Spanners his possible sidey-kick. I loved the misunderstandings, the humour and the banter between this ~~duet~~ duo which brought giggles galore. Whilst Spanners might get a smidgen confused, he is a brilliant inventor who makes fantastic superhero contraptions – even if Peng doesn’t always appreciate them! And my goodness, can he tell a tall tale!

I adored the playfulness of the language from Spanners use of incorrect superhero names (hilarious – I’m still smiling at Soupman and the Incredible Sulk), Peng’s sarcasm and direct address to the reader, and the double trouble ‘We are here to judge you’ inspectors. And then, there’s Botty – guaranteed giggles. And, as if that wasn’t enough, there’s even a draw with Peng and Spanners. I just won’t mention the pizza toppings page – urgh!

I loved both the vivid full-colour illustrations throughout – which complement the energy and humour of the adventure – as well as the layout and fonts which I have no doubt will appeal to young readers.

A fantastic, fun-filled feast of wackiness that is sure to hook young readers who I have no doubt will keep coming back for more as they wait for the next adventure in Peng and Spanners Meet Mr Big.

Thank you so much to Bethany Carter and Faber Children’s Books for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour for this brilliant graphic novel, and for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Review: Shiver Point: A Tap at the Window by Gabriel Dylan

*Written by Gabriel Dylan*
*Cover Illustration by Brittney Bond*
*Published by Piccadilly Press on 1st February*

The Shiver Squad are back for another shiveringly spooky, action-packed adventure in Shiver Point: A Tap at the Window.

Riley is in her treehouse working on her latest invention when she hears screams coming from across the fields, and sees some children from Point Academy running away from Darkraven Farm which has been derelict for many years. But could something else also be making its way towards Shiver Point, something intent on revenge …

The following day, Riley and her friends are on a school trip to the local Shivering Post printworks and newsroom but, when they arrive, the police are already there. The children sneak in to the building where they learn that an intruder has vandalised the offices and broken into the archives: what could they have been looking for? Before the children can discover more, they are caught by their teacher and given an after-school detention.

After a terrifying encounter at school, the Shiver Squad find themselves at the heart of another mystery involving break-ins, missing items and sightings of strange figures in town. Could these occurrences have anything to do with the scarecrow that Riley has recently seen from her treehouse? And what is it that taps on her window three times as a storm is brewing?

Determined to save their town, and themselves, from further harm, the Shiver Squad make their way to Darkraven Farm to seek the truth behind the rumours which have haunted it for 25 years – ever since the owner and his family abandoned their home. And, oh my goodness, what they find sent shivers down my spine. Be prepared for frights and fights, danger and daring and just the right amount of grossness and horror. This is a genuinely tense, edge-of-your-seat read as clues are uncovered, truths are revealed and peril increases from a terrifyingly menacing source. Thank goodness for the humour scattered throughout which allowed me to stop holding my breath long enough to survive the adventure!

I loved following these determined and courageous children as they race to stop something truly terrifying from seeking revenge on their town. They have been brought together through their last adventure and are now firm friends with a wonderful camaraderie. This adventure gives more insight into Riley’s life as she cares for her grandfather, worried that asking for help might see her losing him. I loved how the rest of the Squad are there for her when she shares her concerns. I have to say that I have a real soft spot for Mo who is ever so cautious and sensible yet pushes himself to face his fears and support his friends – even though I think he’d rather be gardening and bird watching – much safer!

A chilling, creepy, not-to-be-missed mystery brimming with scares, screams, humour and friendship. Perfect for horror fans of 9+ who will be waiting with bated breath to join the Shiver Squad again!

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

Review: Dreamstalkers: The Night Train by Sarah Driver

*Written by Sarah Driver*
*Cover Illustration by Diana Renzina*
*Published by Farshore*

Dreamstalkers: The Night Train is a mesmerising, magical adventure that took me on an unforgettable journey into a world of disappearing dreams and roaming nightmares aboard the Night Train as I entered the world of the Dreamstalkers …

Twelve-year-old Bea Grimspuddle lives in a cottage on Thunderheart Tor with her mum, Ula and her long-eared owl, Pip. Sitting in an ancient dragon-skull, Bea views the wild moors below pondering why her dreams have disappeared. When she sees a girl from the settlement, Martha Hearthsweep, approaching her cottage, she races towards home where she discovers that everyone’s dreams have disappeared … and in their place nightmares have escaped into the living world. This scourge of nightmares threatens to destroy Thunderheart, forcing those living there to abandon their home.

When Bea breaks the news that they must leave to her mother, she discovers that Ula has been keeping secrets from her, secrets that may reveal the reason behind her mother’s sickness. But before Bea can persuade her mother to leave, a mysterious steam train arrives outside the cottage, and Bea finds herself boarding the Night Train …

And so begins the most incredible adventure as Bea, Pip and Martha journey aboard the Night Train to Silvervein where they are thrown into the mysterious world of the Dreamstalkers, a secret guild of mages, who are responsible for keeping the balance between dreams and nightmares. But what happens when the balance is broken and someone is intent on usurping dreams and inflicting nightmares for their own gain? Can Bea connect with her wild magic, enter the world of the Dreamstalkers and find a way to save her mother before the nightmares stalking her catch up with her, destroying her hopes and dreams?

This is an adventure that really immersed me in a fascinating, intricate world with the most incredible, cinematic world-building: a world of dreams and nightmares; of magic and secret guilds; of music and theatre; of mythical creatures, sentient locomotives and malefic rivers; and of wild mountains, moors and wandering towers. I absolutely loved exploring Silvervein and the world of the Dreamstalkers with Bea, learning about their history, their remarkable magical abilities, and their terrible exploitation. Utterly absorbing!

I was completely captivated as I eagerly followed Bea on her quest, not only mesmerised by the world I found myself in, but on the edge of my seat as the increasing danger for Bea and her friends reached a crescendo, as secrets were revealed and as friends and foes were unmasked.

Bea is a wonderful protagonist and I liked her all the more because of her fallibility. She has been ostracised by her peers and finds friendship with her adorable, long-eared owl, Pip – their close bond is wonderfully heart-warming. Her developing friendship with Martha is by no means easy and at times it is fractious and difficult laced with jealousy and hurt. Bea is trying to find her place in the world, who she really is, whilst finding the courage and strength to fight against a terrifying foe who seeks to control the world that she wants to become part of. I really liked that she is a complex young girl which makes her feel more genuine and someone who readers can relate to.

A captivating, magical adventure into an unforgettable world where nightmares roam, but dreams may be realised … perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

Thank you for the Publisher, Farshore, for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Graphic Novel Review: Pablo and Splash by Sheena Dempsey

*Written and Illustrated by Sheena Dempsey*
*Published by Bloomsbury*
*Published on 18th January*

Pablo and Splash is a wonderfully funny, full-colour graphic novel that is guaranteed to delight young readers of 8+ as they adventure back in time with two accidental time-travellers.

Even though she’s a penguin, Splash is not a fan of the Antarctica temperatures, and relies on a trusty scarf and hat for added warmth – even when she’s in a penguin huddle. Whilst her best friend, Pablo, thinks their home is paradise, Splash longs for a luxury holiday … in the sun! But how to get there?

After falling down an ice hole, the two friends are captured by Professor O’Brain and, whilst trying to escape her clutches, find themselves in a time-travel machine which transports them to a beach, but one which they’re sharing with … DINOSAURS! Can these accidental explorers find their way home? Or will they be stuck in the past, avoiding becoming the next meal for the locals?

This is such a fun read that brought plenty of giggles! The language is wonderfully playful including some fantastic puns – especially the fishy ones! The interactions between the two friends are just brilliant – filled with humour, warmth and oh so many problems to solve!

I adored the friendship between Splash and Pablo who are both incredibly likeable penguins! Pablo is more cautious, careful, and sensible whilst Splash is more curious, impetuous and daring with a sense of adventure. But what a brilliant pair they make as they team up to solve a rather big problem!

I loved the bright, vivid full-colour illustrations throughout which complement the energy, humour and warmth of the adventure. And, I didn’t know that penguin beaks and flippers could be so expressive!

The endmatter includes a guide for drawing Pablo and Splash and factual information. I especially enjoyed Pablo and Splash’s completely and absolutely true facts, particularly those about huddling and the Southern Lights.

A krill-tastic, laugh-out-loud adventure that is sure to capture the imaginations of young readers who, I have no doubt, will have a whale of a time as they join Pablo and Splash on their first time-travelling adventure.

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

Review: Stitch by Pádraig Kenny

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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