Review: Ben’s Gargoyle written by Keith Gray and illustrated by Keith Robinson

*Written by Keith Gray*
*Illustrated by Keith Robinson*
Published by *Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

Ben’s Gargoyle is a powerful, modern gothic tale that held me utterly enthralled from start to finish.

In the darkness and loneliness of his attic room, ten-year-old Ben watches the impossible through his old, plastic telescope: a grotesque gargoyle climbing across the rooftops. Only when his fear is intensely heightened does he decide to speak to his Dad, someone who should offer him comfort and safety but who, instead, belittles, ridicules and instils fear – another bully to join those at his new school.

Ben’s mum has moved to France with her new partner, so Ben has moved in with his Dad, sleeping on a mattress, and treading on eggshells around his Dad’s volatile temper, a temper that comes to the fore when he believes that Ben is lying about the monster creeping ever closer to his window. What will he do if the gargoyle arrives at his window? Can he find the courage to stand up to the biggest bully in his life?

This is an incredibly powerful, empathetic and heart-breaking read, with themes of toxic masculinity, bullying and abuse, but there is also hope as Ben finds support from others and finds a way to protect himself. I think this novella would make a fantastic class read in upper primary school and into secondary school, opening up opportunities to discuss some difficult issues, all of which are handled sensitively in the story.

I found the gothic symbolism incredibly powerful both as a means of building ominous tension and creating hope.

My heart ached for Ben as he finds himself isolated, facing danger and fear, but I am also in awe of his resilience, his courage and his inner strength.

The illustrations throughout are absolutely stunning and complement this dark, gothic tale perfectly. Ben’s facial expressions and body language broke my heart at times but, that final illustration – just wow!

A stunning, unforgettable story of family turmoil, courage and hope, perfect for readers 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 is suitable for 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy of this book. It was my decision to review the book and my review is my honest opinion.

Review: Impossible Creatures: The Neverfear

The Neverfear sees a breath-taking and utterly magical return to the Archipelago in the third book in the Impossible Creatures pentalogy – and, wow, was it worth the wait!

Christopher and his friend, Anya, have been living on the Islet of Glimt for three months helping to take care of a myriad of mythical creatures. Christopher makes use of his connection with magical creatures to help them. This bond is deepened even further when he is summoned into the forest to help save a baby unicorn. This triggers an intensely metaphysical bond, a bond that manifests itself as a green-gold light, enabling him to communicate, connect and empathise, with the magical creatures of the Glimouria Archipelago.

But, the idyll of life on the Islet is ripped apart during the Midsummer Feast when news of terrible evil being unleashed in Glimouria is revealed by an old acquaintance of Fidens Nighthand with whom Christopher and Anya now live. Together with a small group of friends, Christopher and Anya make the journey to the City of Scholars for a meeting about the bandits terrorising the Archipelago but, en route, they are ambushed and someone the children love dearly is kidnapped. A ransom note is left which issues them with a seemingly impossible mission and a dire threat: they must complete three tasks and tell no-one of their mission, or the one they love will die.

And so begins the most incredible, breath-taking adventureas Christopher, Anya and their loyal, and utterly brilliant, companions Ratwin, the ratatoska, and Jacques, the Jaculus dragon, board The Neverfear to find three mythical treasures before time runs out for their loved one. This courageous, loyal and daring quartet are prepared take huge risks, make heart-breaking sacrifices, and place themselves in terrible danger, in order to save someone who means the world to them. Can they overcome fierce giants, outwit a pirate lord, and win a race against thieves to collect the treasures they have been tasked with finding? Can Christopher use his new-found deeper connection with magical creatures to help him when all else fails? Can they save the life of someone they love before time runs out? And, what if the kidnap is only the beginning of a horrifying plan?

This adventure completely, utterly and absolutely hooked me from the opening page and took me on an unforgettable, magical journey with a quartet of friends who have found their way into my heart. I was left gasping at the danger they find themselves in, tearful at the sacrifices and difficult decisions made, but smiling, and somewhat in awe of, the overwhelming strength of their bonds of friendship and love for others, their sheer tenacity and ingenuity, and their ability to retain a glimmer of hope, even when their world is becoming ever darker.

A breath-taking return to the Archipelago to embark on an unforgettable, perilous adventure with two courageous children and their magical and mighty creatures as they fight against someone determined to destroy all they hold dear.

Thank you to the publisher, Bloomsbury, and to NetGalley for approving me to read an e-ARC of this title. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: Ticket to Mars

*Written by Kieran Fanning*
*Published by Our Street Books*
(*an imprint of Collective Ink Ltd)*

Ticket to Mars is a gripping, sci-fi, dystopian adventure, with a poignant story of family and loss at its heart, that completely enthralled me.

Thirteen-year-old Veon Windbourne dreams of a new life with his mum in the city of Harmonia on a colonised Mars. Both are eager to escape the flooded ruins of Newer York, but their hopes are destroyed when a hidden fortune, and their ticket to a new life, is stolen. Determined to seek revenge, Veon follows the trail of the thief and finds himself on board a ship to Mars … Will he be able to find the culprit who has stolen his future, and fight for the fortune that will help him save his mother? Could the promise of a utopian dream on the red planet be nothing more than a lie?

I’m a huge fan of sci-fi and love that more high-quality books are being written for children – and this is a brilliant addition that kept me eagerly turning pages as I became totally invested both in Veon’s revelations about his life on Earth leading to his journey to Mars and the unexpected and explosive discoveries he makes when he arrives in Harmonia. This is a fantastically fast-paced, action-packed sci-fi adventure packed with unexpected twists and turns, edge-of-your-seat tension and plenty of danger that Veon faces with real courage and tenacity.

I really liked that this story includes flashbacks which give an insight into Veon’s life an Earth in the aftermath of an environmental catastrophe which has forced people to live in towers due to rising sea levels. Switching between his past and present builds a gripping, tense narrative that allows the reader to understand Veon’s motives and empathise with his predicaments once he arrives on Mars.

This new life Veon was promised is not what he expected it to be … and this leads to a compelling adventure as he is drawn into a fight for survival and freedom against a corrupt system whilst remaining determined to seek revenge against the person who is responsible for destroying his family and future. I really enjoyed the exploration of the effects of corrupt political and economic systems in this adventure, and think that this would open up some wonderful discussions with young readers.

A stellar sci-fi adventure, perfect for readers of 10+.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with a digital copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion.

Review: Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom

***Published by Farshore Books on 24th September***

Ever since The Beast & the Bethany was unleashed on an unsuspecting reading world, I have waited ever so impatiently to discover what mischief and mayhem Jack Meggitt-Phillips would create next … and, oh my goodness, it has been worth the wait! Jekyll vs Hyde: The Potion of Doom is a deliciously dark tale of doom, dastardly deeds and destruction. Oh, and it’s hilarious and utterly brilliant!

I’m sorry to say that when we meet Henrik Hyde, he is a spoiled and horrid child who is adept at the art of manipulation and deceit, a self-centred and selfish young boy who always gets what he wants. And what he wants is his inheritance! Jekyll Manor, complete with its own laboratory, comes with the added allure of re-creating a rather intriguing potion originally created by his ancestor, Dr Henry Jekyll.

Despite being warned by self-appointed new pal Gabby NEVER to meddle with the potion, Henrik’s curiosity, and desire to meet the ultimate version of himself, sees him not only making the Hyde Potion, but drinking it … and meeting alter ego Eddie Hyde. For the first time in his life, Henrik is not in complete control, and Eddie is determined to cause chaos and take control … Has Henrik unleashed a mischievous monster on the local town of Gothville? Is he in danger of losing himself to this reckless creation, or will he learn the value of friendship and taking responsibility?

What a terrific twist on R L Stevenson’s classic tale, perfect for a younger audience, but I have no doubt that adults will enjoy this wickedly witty story too, making it a wonderful choice for either a class read or shared read at home. I loved Jekyll Manor, left to run to ruin, but with an almost-life of its own, hiding its dark secrets, and a certain amount of petulance! I also really enjoyed the unexpected twists, the dark humour and the brilliant revelations that kept me eagerly turning pages – and giggling and gasping in ghastly delight! I have no idea what’s coming next from Henrik and Eddie but I can’t wait to find out!

My proof copy does not have any illustrations but I’m looking forward to getting a final copy when it’s published in September as I know they’ll be brilliant – and this is definitely a book I want to share with my new class.

A fantastically funny read, brimming with mayhem and mischief, perfect for readers of 9+ albeit I fear many will want to follow in Henrik’s footsteps … now I can only hope that Mr Meggitt-Phillips hasn’t been involved in re-creating any untested potions which could get into the hands of curious children.

Thank you to Toppsta and the Publishers, Farshore Books, for providing me with a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: How to Steal the Future

*Written by Christopher Edge*
*Illustrated by Pete Lloyd*
*Published by MacMillan Children’s Books*

How to Steal the Future is an absolutely gripping, action-packed speculative science-fiction adventure flowing with high-tension and astounding twists that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. An absolute must-read.

Drew Blake enters the challenge of his life: he has 67 minutes to reach the heart of a seemingly unsolvable maze to claim its prize – a device known as the Avenir which has the power to unlock the future. Except Blake has no interest in stealing the future. He only wants to find his sister, Evie, who has been lost in the maze for seven days.

Once inside, he meets his team mate, Meg. Together, they must face the dangerous, ever-changing challenges presented by the maze as they race against time to reach its heart, and unlock the future. Can Drew find his sister before his time runs out? Can he weave his way through, and survive, the perilous conundrums and challenges created by the maze to unveil its secrets?

What an incredibly compelling, exciting and thought-provoking read! I was immediately drawn into the maze with Drew and could really sense his trepidation, panic and confusion triggered by the obstacles placed in his way as he searches for his lost sister. The tension increases inexorably as Drew races to escape the constant dangers of the maze: dead ends, traps and closing corridors that force him along new paths, paths that take him towards an inescapable truth. Whilst the action is relentless and claustrophobic, there is also hope in the evocation of memories of his sister, in his determination to reach the heart of the maze, and in his courage in facing its secrets.

This is an incredibly clever and complex story, with such emotional depth, that I just had to keep reading. For older children, the short chapters, with cliff hanger endings, will undoubtedly make this a just-one-more-chapter read. I am a firm believer that stories should be read and shared with older readers just as much as with younger, so this is absolutely a story that I’d highly recommend as a class read aloud for Year 6 and into secondary school. I can also see lots of curiosity around the use of the experimental science of quantum computing connected to AI that I have no doubt will fascinate many children – and encourage many ‘What if?’ questions – and just maybe inspire our scientists of the future!

I really enjoyed the references to other stories within the book including Theseus and the Minotaur and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and discovering the shared central themes. At its heart, this is a story of the inimitable strength of human connection and consciousness, resilience and hope that makes it such an unforgettable and emotive read.

A heart-racing, action-packed and thought-provoking adventure through a mind-blowing maze, perfect for readers of 10+.

Thank you to MacMillan Children’s Books for sending me a proof copy of this book. It was my decision to read and review this book, and my review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: Felix and the Future Agency

*Written by Rachel Morrisroe*
*Illustrated by Paddy Donnelly*
*Published by Simon & Schuster*

Felix and the Future Agency is a marvellously magical, mesmerising contemporary fantasy adventure, set in a brilliantly realised world, that held me enthralled throughout.

Not only can twelve-year-old Felix Green predict the future, he does so through his ability to see ghosts – including that of his Grandad Jim. This supernatural ability does not help him fit in at school as he finds himself accused of perpetrating the events that he has predicted. But, when his abilities come to the attention of a top-secret magical government department, his life changes forever …

Felix meets Lydia, a Finder who seeks to recruit those with special magical abilities. She takes him to a secret world hidden in the London Underground to become part of the Future Agency where he will be trained to harness his ability as a Spirit Speaker, someone who can take messages from the spirit world to help avert predicted natural disasters.

But when a dark spectre from one of his premonitions materialises, he finds himself in a terrifying battle against a shadow monster intent on destruction. Can he discover the identity, and motive, of the monster’s master? Can he save his new friends from the spectre’s clutches? And, what will he discover about himself as he learns more about his magical abilities?

What an absolutely thrilling read! An action-packed adventure, brimming with danger, discovery and daring that kept me eagerly turning pages as I was swept into this incredible hidden world beneath the streets of London. This adventure absolutely kept me guessing, and gasping aloud at the twists and turns, and the incredible revelations that made it an unputdownable read. Whilst this a contemporary fantasy adventure, I really enjoyed discovering the historical inspiration in the author’s afterword.

The world-building is incredible and I really felt immersed in this secret world where those found to have special magical abilities are trained in a re-imagined London Underground. I really enjoyed meeting both the celestaurs, who are creatures made of stardust from animal constellations, and the ghosts, including some historical figures. I adored the Enchantment Embankment on the Magic Mile where the most amazing shops are created using dream magic. I would absolutely love to visit the Glittering Teapot and catch a fairy cake with a net!I also loved the magic system with its three branches of magic: Dream Weaving, Spirit Speaking and Astrology. Whilst most of the children are adept in one branch of this magic, a rare few can harness all three branches.

Felix is an incredibly sympathetic and likeable young boy. He is grieving the loss of his parents whilst also dealing with feelings of guilt, something that is dealt with in a sensitive manner. His magical ability has made school life difficult as accusations and disbelief lead to him becoming frustrated and to outbursts of anger. I love the sense of belonging and growing self-belief and confidence that Felix feels within the Future Agency and the strong friendships, and trust, he develops as he meets others with magical abilities. I also really liked the positive representation of neurodivergence, something that I think will speak to many readers.

I love middle-grade books that include illustrations. Each of the partial-page illustrations throughout really complements the magic and action of this adventure, especially those with the brilliant celestaurs.

An exciting, magical adventure, brimming with friendship and heart, perfect for readers of 9+ who I have no doubt will devour this, and be eager to return to the Future Agency in Felix’s next adventure, Sky Riders.

Thank you to the Publishers, Simon & Schuster for providing me with a paperback copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Monsieur Mustard: The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth

*Written and illustrated by Charley Rabbit*
*Published* *by Andersen Press*

Oh là là! Monsieur Mustard: The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth is an absolutely stunning visual, and reading, delight: a blend of illustrated chapter book and graphic novel, perfect for young readers of 7+.

After closing up for the night, restaurant owner, Fabio Fangtooth, is enjoying his alphabet soup when he disappearsss … Luckily, famous Parisian mouse detective, Monsieur Mustard, has moved to Bath, and is looking for a mystery to investigate.

When reading the local newspaper, Monsieur Mustard learns about the mysterious disappearance of Fabio but, on his way to investigate, he is himself robbed of his detective bag. This also proves fortuitous as he meets Mobbsy Slewfoot, rodent of mystery and master of disguise (otherwise known as cutting holes in items), who offers to take him to the restaurant – after accidentally damaging Monsieur Mustard’s map. And what famous detective doesn’t need a Watson to help solve a crime?

And so begins a fantastically fun-filled, action-packed adventure as the super-sleuthing duo team up with P.I Podge, a pigeon detective, to solve this puzzling crime. Can they follow the trail of clues, and capture the culprit, before someone else goes missing? Can they stay one step ahead of a villain who is intent on outwitting the famous detective and his tingling whiskers?

This is a perfect introduction to detective mystery adventures for younger readers with just enough peril, and intriguing clues, to keep them eagerly turning pages whilst giggling their way through the chaos and mayhem the sleuthing team find themselves in as they follow a trail of clues … and red herrings. I also think the animal cast of quirky characters will appeal to readers, not to mention the Beantinley! This will make such a fun read aloud book, and is one I can just imagine children enjoying sharing with each other again and again.

I absolutely loved the format of this book which I have no doubt will appeal to both younger, and more reluctant, readers. The blend of colour-illustrated chapter book, with graphic novel layout for the detective scenes, is incredibly engaging. The illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous, capturing the humour, excitement and energy of this book perfectly.

Monsieur Mustard is the most loveable detective with his dapper suit, monocle and tingling whiskers. He is clever and determined, and shows courage when facing his fear and helping a friend. I also adored Mobbsy who proves a loyal and encouraging friend to Monsieur Mustard. I am really looking forward to their next adventure.

Et voilà! What a treat of a mystery adventure: a generous dollop of humour, mixed with a heap of excitement and a dash of peril. Fantastic fun for readers of 7+.

Thank you top Jade at Anderson Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Help! Aliens Stole my Grandad written by Hannah Moffatt and illustrated by Rory Walker

*Published by* ***Everything With Words***

Help! Aliens Stole my Grandad is a fantastically funny and wonderfully warm-hearted story that sees a young boy launched into the adventure of a lifetime.

Ten-year-old Harrison’s Grandad had always dreamt of being an astronaut, so his family are gathering to honour his final wish: to launch his ashes into space on a firework rocket. But his send-off doesn’t go exactly as planned …

Waking to the sound of voices outside his window, Harrison’s curiosity outweighs his fear, and he opens the window to discover a ship, with a crew of alien pirates, who are demanding to be taken to the Earthling Prime Minister. Desperate to get his grandad’s ashes back, Harrison tells a smallish fib, and finds himself launched into the hugest out-of-this-world adventure!

As Earthling’s Prime Minister, he is taken to Cheddar Moon aboard the Jolly Ricotta for what he hopes is a friendly visit, and an opportunity to find his Grandad’s ashes. But, when he arrives, it is to discover that the pirates are far from friendly! They accuse him of firing a cannonball that has frightened away their lucky pink-feathered parrot, cursing their ship. And he has until bedtime to find their parrot, or be forced to walk the plank … into a black hole.

I absolutely loved this madcap, action-packed adventure, brimming with humour and heart, as Harrison, and Red (Daughter of Leicester, the Cook), begin a perilous quest to find the missing parrot. Be prepared for space cows, ghost pirates, cheese puns galore, and oodles of giggles and gasps.

Funny stories, told with humour and heart, are a wonderful way to help younger children cope with some difficult times in their own lives, and I think this is a story that does this in a sensitive, and age-appropriate, manner. Whilst this is a funny story, there are hidden layers, that will allow adults to explore big emotions with children.

I adored both Harrison and Red who form a wonderful friendship as they work together to break the curse, and avoid walking the plank. Both children are courageous, quick-thinking and learn to face their fears. I’d love to see them go on another adventure!

The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are absolutely brilliant and perfectly complement the zaniness and humour of this adventure.

An out-of-this-world, madcap adventure to the moon and back, brimming with heart and humour, and perfect for young readers of 7+.

Thank you to Mikka at Everything with Words for sending me a copy of Help! Aliens Stole my Grandad. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: The Time Engine 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 Time Engine is a gripping blend of science-fiction and history that sees a young boy spinning through time and into a life-changing adventure.

When 11-year-old Eric Finch arrives home from school early one day, he hears a noise coming from the attic but his mum dismisses it, telling him it was only her looking for some old papers, and forbidding him to enter the room. With his curiosity piqued, that night Eric searches the attic where he discovers a notebook belonging to his mum’s ancestor, Ada Lovelace. The book has a sketch of an intriguing machine, a machine that his mum, a brilliant mathematician, has built in secret. Unable to resist temptation, Eric begins fiddling with the machine … and finds himself travelling back to Victorian Britain, and into the heart of an incredible adventure. Could Eric’s decision have altered the fabric of time? Will he be able to find a way to return to his home or does he risk being trapped in the past?

I absolutely loved the blend of science-fiction and history in this exciting adventure, and was fascinated by the idea of a machine which would enable travel back to another time. I really enjoyed the ancestral link within the story, and the focus on two female mathematicians during two different periods of history, but two periods where women faced obstacles, but where they were determined to follow their own paths.

Both Eric and his mother have hidden depths, and real strength of character, which I think is beautifully portrayed in the story as we learn more about their lives. I loved that Eric is such a determined, resourceful and curious young boy, and that his mother continues her studies in secret, both showing courage in standing up to those who would knock them down. This is such an empowering message for young children today.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are absolutely stunning, bringing both time periods to life wonderfully and capturing the sense of adventure through brilliantly expressive characters.

An exciting time-slip adventure, perfect for young enthusiasts of history, science and maths.

Both books are 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: Questers Academy: The Box of Locks

*Written by Sam Hay*
*Cover Illustration by Marina Vidal*
*Published by Firefly Press*

Questers Academy: The Box of Locks is a thrilling, action-packed adventure, brimming with mystery, myth and magic, as three daring young friends race across London in a dangerous quest to protect the city from disaster.

Tom Friday is visiting the Natural History Museum but, instead of meeting some old school friends, he encounters Curator’s niece, Leesha, who takes him into the museum so that he can visit the shark exhibition. Once inside, they overhear some guards who reveal that there has been a break-in. A recently hatched creature of myth, a firebird, has been stolen.

When Tom, a super-recogniser, glimpses the guards, he reveals that one of them is the thief. Impressed by his talent at remembering faces, Leesha shares that she is a student at the Questers Academy, a secret summer school which works to protect mythical objects. And she needs Tom’s help to find the firebird which means that they need to eavesdrop on the meeting her aunt is holding …

Hiding in a room above the meeting, the new friends discover that a villainous organisation now have possession of most of the keys needed to open the Box of Locks, an ancient artefact which holds a doom stone capable of great destruction. When the children witness the rest of the Questers being trapped in the museum, they find themselves in a race against time to find the final key needed to open the Box of Locks, and rescue the firebird, all whilst keeping one step ahead of a sinister stranger intent on stopping them at all costs …

And so begins an action-packed, riveting adventure as Tom, Leesha, and their new friend and apprentice locksmith, Finn find themselves in a quest across London to solve an intriguing mystery before time runs out. This is an adventure brimming with danger and tension, with puzzling clues to decipher and unravel, and with incredible twists and turns that kept me eagerly turning pages. The action in this adventure takes place over the course of a day and many chapter headings have a time and a location, when it is changed, both of which will make it easier for readers to follow the trio in their quest. The short chapters and many cliffhanger chapter endings will ensure that young readers will want to continue with ‘just one more chapter’. I also loved that the Questers Academy seeks children with recognisable talents, such as code-breakers, super-recognisers and fact checkers, rather than magical abilities. And, after that ending, I’m really hoping there’s another adventure for these three.

Tom, Leesha and Finn are all incredibly likeable, astute and courageous characters who form a strong friendship as they work together to piece together clues and ciphers to solve a mystery. Whilst Leesha is eager for adventure, taking risks and breaking rules, Tom is more cautious and careful but adventure still finds him.

An exciting, fast-paced mystery adventure, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Firefly Press for sending me a proof copy. It was my decision to read and review this book, and my review is my honest opinion.