Picture Book Review: Yours, Befana: A Letter from the Winter Witch

*Written by Barbara Cuoghi*
*Translated by Genni Gunn*
*Illustrated by Elenia Beretts*
*Published by Greystone Kids*

Yours, Befana: A Letter from the Winter Witch is a stunning, hardcover picture book, translated from Italian, which will make a cherished story to be shared and enjoyed during the winter holidays.

La Befana, the winter witch, flies on her broom from Forever and Beyond to visit children on the twelfth night after Christmas, heralding the end of the Christmas magic and the return to daily life.

This wonderfully magical story is written in free verse as a letter from Befana which makes it feel both personal and special as it directly addresses the reader, sharing secrets – and giving both advice – and warnings. Befana shares a secret: that those she visits have no hope of catching a glimpse of her as she has taken a potion that makes her invisible. When she visits, she both advises and warns that she will either leave a gift of food or coal, depending on how children have behaved throughout the year, as she is both benevolent and fearsome.

Whilst Befana dresses warmly for her winter visits, she is also a portent of Spring awakening and a new beginning and leaves the reader with a heartwarming message of love and hope.

This stunning book is beautifully illustrated in gouache with the addition of fluorescent orange acrylic. I loved looking at the detailed illustrations which encapsulate winter so perfectly with the busyness and cosiness of life indoors and the wonderful winter activities to be enjoyed in the snowy outdoors. I also loved the animal illustrations throughout, both domestic and wild. And, of course, the images of Befana as she flies through the night with her bright orange sack and boots, leaving magic in the air, are simply stunning.

Befana is part of Italian folklore which is likely to be unfamiliar to children in the UK so the addition of a section entitled ‘A Few Secrets About Me’ at the end of the story is a really helpful addition as it shares both information about Befana and other winter-witches.

This gorgeously enchanting hardback book will make a fantastic read for older children to enjoy on their own, or for younger readers to return to again and again with an adult during the winter holiday season.

Thank you to Catherine Ward and Greystone Kids for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Blog Tour: The World Between the Rain

*Written by Susan Cahill*
*Cover and Internal Illustrations by Holly Ovenden*
*Published by Everything With Words*

The World Between the Rain is a lyrical, dream-like fantasy adventure, a story of loss and healing, of family and secrets, of gods and demons, that completely enthralled me as I was caught in its magic.

It is the anniversary of her father’s death, and Marina wakes to a world where her mother has fallen in to a deep sleep, a sleep from which Marina and her younger sister, Seri, cannot rouse her. Heading to the nearby village to seek help, they discover that many others have also been afflicted by this strange sleeping sickness.

The sisters arrive home to discover a stranger: a grandmother that they hadn’t known existed. Ursula takes them, and their mother, to stay with her in her isolated house across the bay, a house with a carved bear’s head on the banister, a house full of books, shadows and secrets.

After listening to her newly-found grandmother’s stories of old gods living amongst humans and ancient battles causing their destruction, Marina needs to find some space to be alone, and leaves the house to head through the steadily increasing rain. But on her way back, she falls through a gap in the ever-present Irish raindrops … and into another world … the watery world of Ishka …

And so begins an utterly mesmerising mystery as Marina finds herself in a world of dream weavers, of terrifying creatures, of gods and demons … Can she find her way back to her world? Can she stop the monster that is devouring dreams? And, could this world between the rain be closer to her real world than she could have ever imagined?

This incredibly powerful and moving story is an allegory of the journey through grief which I found both poignant and compelling. The watery, imaginary landscape is a symbol both of being trapped in grief and that of a healing, transformative force. Coupled with this story of a young girl’s grief is an absolutely gripping story of gods – a story of unforgetting, of family and shadows and of re-connection – truly magical.

I grew up in rural County Donegal so absolutely understand the ever-rain that really does feel different in Ireland – there is a softness, a magic that I haven’t felt elsewhere. I used to love wandering over the wild bog land and mountains, tilting my face towards the rain, arms stretched up and just ‘being’ – there is definitely magic in that feeling! The rain in this story makes for a wonderfully eerie and atmospheric read and is just perfect as a portal to another world.

Marina is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who has been trapped by her grief following the death of her father, someone who believed in magic and who encouraged it in his daughter. Unable to show outwards signs of grief, Marina buries her feelings of guilt, loneliness, fear and loss deep within whilst her mother and younger sister deal with their grief in their own way. Her cathartic journey allows her to face her grief and step on to the path towards facing her inner demons, the path towards acceptance and healing. It is a journey that takes incredible inner strength and courage, and a journey that brings both friendship and hope.

This is a stunning, spellbinding story that resonates with warmth, hope and family, a story of awakening and finding your way back home … utterly breath-taking.

Thank you to Mikka at Everything with Words for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of The World Between the Rain in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Author Guest Post and Review: Happy Hills: Knick Knacks Attacks

Today, I’m delighted to be able to share a fascinating guest post from author and illustrator Sophy Henn on the inspiration behind Happy Hills. I will also be sharing my review of this hilarious graphic novel.

Guest Author Post

Sophy Henn on the inspiration behind Happy Hills

One of my favourite bits of my job is doing Q&A sessions after events. Now, I must confess I rarely get to do them as I am always running out of time BUT when I do I am consistently thrilled by the variety of questions I get, but three pop up rather a lot…

How old are you?

What’s your favourite colour?

And… Where do you get your ideas from?

So, in case you are interested…

1) REALLY old (but huge thanks to the very sweet girl who suggested I was 27!)
2) Rainbow
3) EVERYWHERE.

Ideas for stories really are everywhere, they are happening around us all the time but we must stay vigilant or we will miss them! I like to scribble or doodle my ideas down when they pop up as my memory is appalling and also because more often than not I will get a bit of an idea and either have to let it grow over time in my sketchbook, or match it with something else that has been lingering there.

This was the case with Happy Hills. I have been making comics for many years and used comic strips throughout the Pizazz series but it still felt like a bit of a leap to make an ENTIRE comic book. But it was going over my sketchbooks and seeing all the characters I had dreamt up that gave me the idea to create an ensemble cast of cute but VERY feisty characters that could populate this imaginary land.

With my head full from browsing pages and pages of sketchbooks I sat down and drew pretty much the whole cast, straight away on one page of a sketchbook. And the idea of them looking so cute but having very contrasting traits was making me laugh but it was also resonating!

As a middle aged woman I find myself often pigeon holed in one way or another, but I delight in still having the capacity for great silliness, or maybe getting furious about an injustice or possibly just wanting to sing and dance – despite what the world expects of me! And despite huge leaps and bounds this happens in all areas of society, but I think girls and young women suffer from preconceived ideas of looks /behaviour more than most. So not only did a cast of cute but spirited and silly characters make me laugh it felt like something with worth and meaning.

I wanted to keep the energy high so while I decided to have a narrative thread that ran through the books in recurring strips, I would pepper this with running gags, standalone strips and mini series that run from book to book. In my head it became a sketch show, rather like The Fast Show, with catchphrases, familiar jokes and surprisingly poignant moments. Hopefully.

The core ideas for the strips themselves come from a very disparate selection of sources – memories of my childhood, of my daughter’s childhood, moments I have witnessed and overheard when I am out and about, pop culture references, old comic strips I made years ago, films, TV and occasionally even BOOKS! As I said before the kernels of stories are everywhere, you just have to keep your eyes and ears open – oh and don’t forget to jot them down!

Review

Knick Knacks Attacks is the second madcap, hilarious book in the Happy Hills full-colour graphic novel series.

I loved the introduction to the residents of Happy Hills which is included at the start of the book – with some great asides by the flowers! As Ace wakes up and wonders where he is, he is reminded by Captain that he now lives in Happy Hills, but someone else has sight their sights on the zany residents of his new home …

Knick Knacks loves collecting things and this time, he has set his sights on swiping a collection of new Happy Hills friends – whether they like it or not! As the residents of Happy Hills live their own wacky lives with stare-offs and dance-offs, Knick Knacks plots his first friendship swipe … will the residents realise the danger they are in before it’s too late, or will Happy Hills lose its eccentric residents to a villainous collector?

Wowzers! Giggles are absolutely guaranteed in this chaotic adventure when the mischievous villain Knick Knacks comes up with his brilliantly inventive schemes for collecting his new friends. Meanwhile, the wondrously bizarre cast of characters in Happy Hills are oblivious to what is happening as they are caught up in their own laugh-out-loud stories. And just wait for the flower narrators – genius!

Whilst this is a fantastically funny story, it also has some heart-warming messages about friendships.

The full-colour, vibrant illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and so very expressive with a variety of panel sizes, captions and speech balloons which will appeal to young readers. I loved that there are tutorials to encourage young readers to draw Shroomer and Knick Knacks – maybe they’ll even be tempted to continue the story … before they can get their hands on the next Happy Hills adventure.

A delicious delight that is sure to capture the attention of young readers of 5+ as they head to Happy Hills for another wacky adventure.

Author Information

Sophy Henn is an award-winning picture book author and illustrator with an MA in Illustration from the University of Brighton. She is the creator of the much-loved Bad Nana fiction series, the Pom Pom series, the Ted board books series and has recently created the non-fiction titles Lifesize and Lifesize Dinosaurs. Her debut picture book Where Bear? Was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal and was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. Sophy was the World Book Day Illustrator in 2015 and 2016. Her books are published throughout the world.

Thank you to Nic Wilkinson and Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of Happy Hills: Knick Knacks Attacks in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Witchspark

*Written by Dominique Valente*
*Artwork by Eleonora Asparuhova*
*Published by Usborne*

Witchspark is the most magical, heart-warming story sparkling with friendship, hope and humour that completely captured me as I was swept into a fantastical alternative Britain for a spellbinding adventure.

12-year-old Eglantine Bury is abruptly awoken when she is shaken out of bed by none other than her sentient house, Huswyvern, who warns her that her uncle Lichen is visiting, and he is bringing trouble with him – the terrifying Whistlewitch.

When Eglantine’s father is subjected to illegal magic, Eglantine’s worst fears are realised … she is in danger of losing her home, and her father is taken by the Whistlewitch who has given her an ultimatum: hand over her home within three months, or lose her father forever. The only way to defeat the Whistlewitch and save both her home and father is to find her Witchspark and bond with Huswyvern. But Eglantine has failed her spark test so how can she possibly find her magical spark?

Meanwhile, 14-year-old Princess Victoria feels stifled by her mother’s over-protective determination to keep her safe, not allowing her any freedom within the Royal Palace. On top of this, she is fighting to control the magical powers which she cannot have as magic is forbidden to royals. As her magical abilities create havoc within the royal household, she fears that her secret will be revealed … and she will lose her royal status. Could someone who should have her best interests at heart be determined to usurp power? And, what would they do if they find out about her Witchspark?

Both girls are in danger, they both need help and they are both desperate enough to seek it from a source banned by the Department of Isle-Spark Regulations who strictly control the use of magic within the Magic Isles. Can the lessons from Miss Hegotty’s Course for Aspiring (and Ungovernable) Witches help them both on their magical journeys? Can someone who they only meet through correspondence bring these two girls together to help each other in finding friendship, self-belief and the courage to fully embrace their Witchspark and all it offers to them?

This is THE most magical adventure that swept me into a richly portrayed alternative Victorian Britain, a world where sentient houses, ghosts and mythical creatures care for a young girl who is in danger of losing all that she holds most dear. I found the magical system absolutely fascinating and loved the idea of an inner magical force and its link to nature and talent. I also really enjoyed learning about the underpinning politics and power struggles governing the use of magic. Those from rich families and males are more likely to pass the isle-spark test than those who are females or from poorer backgrounds. Could there be a reason for the imbalance? And is there someone willing to fight back against this injustice?

I loved that this adventure has such strong female protagonists who stand up for both themselves and others – even when this leads to danger from those in positions of power. Eglantine is the most wonderful young girl. She has incredible inner strength and courage, never giving up in her determination to find her magical powers, a resilience and strength she has honed from overcoming difficulties due to her limb difference and in facing prejudice and hatred from her dreadful uncle Lichen. I adored the friendship she has with both her sentient house, Huswyvern and Arthur, her loyal wyvern dragon butler who are both such fantastic, likeable characters. I also adored Princess Victoria who, far from enjoying the freedom others might think royalty affords her, feels constricted. She is fighting an inner battle with her uncontrollable magical abilities, seeking to give up a part of herself, but will she learn to embrace who she truly is and find the freedom she lacks?

After that ending, which brought a huge smile, I can’t wait for these ungovernable young ladies’ next adventure!

The illustrations, including framed chapter heading and full-page illustrations, are stunning and really complement the magical story-telling imbued with both warmth and peril.

A truly mesmerising, magical adventure which sparks with humour, heart and girl power! Perfect for young adventurers 9+.

Thank you to Fritha Lindqvist and Usborne for sending me a copy of Witchspark in exchange for my honest opinion.

Monthly Wrap-Up

What a month! I’ve had my first experience of teaching Year 3, having moved from Year 6 and, oh my goodness, I don’t think I’ve ever been so exhausted in a first few weeks of teaching! Moving Year groups was a big adjustment for me, and moving to the Junior School was a big adjustment for my new class. I’m loving getting to know my new class who are the most wonderful group of children. And of course, I’m loving reading to them every day and sharing books with them.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 12 books this month which, considering how much I’ve been working and napping in the evening, is ok with me!

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 99%. I haven’t requested any books this month and have two on my shelf to leave feedback for.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 21 books by publishers this month which is the most I’ve ever received in a single month.

Books bought:

I’ve bought 3 books this month.

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

Blog Tour Review: The Last Boy by Eve McDonnell

*Written by Eve McDonnell*
*Cover design and illustration by Holly Ovenden*
*Published by Everything With Words*

The Last Boy is a heartachingly poignant story inspired by the true story of George Brewster, a young Victorian climbing boy. A compelling, compassionately-told story that completely gripped me as I took this young boy, who is an awe-inspiring beacon of hope, strength and courage, into my heart.

George Brewster is six years old when he is sold by his older brother to a cruel Master Sweep. Six years later, and he is still the property of Master Wyer, who has taken him to Birr Castle to clean the music room chimney. Whilst climbing the chimney, he gets stuck in a narrow flue, but is able to free himself, and climb to the top, when he sees something that his incredible mathematical prowess has allowed him to predict: a storm of stars. He makes a wish upon these stars that brings him hope: a wish to be the last climbing boy.

When his incredible skill with numbers comes to the attention of a powerful lady, he may just have found a way to make his wish come true, but only if he can fulfil her secret wish, a wish that should be impossible …

And so begins an inspirational story that weaves history, science and magic into a tapestry of words that enveloped my heart bringing tears, anger, hope and awe. I was immediately immersed in this vividly drawn historical period where the locals’ superstitions about the meteor storm bring panic and fear of a return to famine; where astronomy is being used to explain a natural phenomenon; and, where society still accepts, or turns a blind eye to, young children’s suffering as they live the horrendous life of climbing boys. Can a young mathematical genius, with his sights turned towards the heavens, be a catalyst for change and a harbinger of hope?

I loved the blend of history and magical realism which made this such a captivating read. Whilst this is rightly and most definitely George’s story, I was also fascinated by Lady Rosse’s story. Both George and Lady Rosse have made wishes they desperately want to come true, and both have deeply personal reasons for making those wishes. I really enjoyed the way their stories become entwined and the connections they have – but I don’t want to say anything else for fear of spoilers!

I absolutely could not put this book down, and read it in one sitting, as ‘just one more chapter’ turned to becoming completely and utterly lost in its pages. I won’t deny that this was a heart-breaking read that brought many tears, but it was also an inspirational one as the goodness, endurance and courage of this incredible boy shines through and lights the story with empathy and hope. It shows that change is possible, and that one person can be that catalyst and, my goodness, do we need that in the world today.

George Brewster is an extraordinary young boy who will now live in my heart forever. When his mother dies and his older brother cannot afford to keep him, he is sold to a Master Sweep who treats him like a possession and subjects him to the most terrible cruelty as he endures the harsh life of a climbing boy. Despite this cruel life, George has a heart filled with a great capacity for empathy and an unwavering determination to ensure that he will be the last boy to endure the unbearable life of a climbing boy. He has some wonderful friends in the other climbing boys, including a young girl, Elsie and it is for these friends, and all climbing boys, that he risks everything to fulfil his wish upon the stars.

An incredibly powerful, moving story of a young boy wishing upon the stars to be the last boy: the last boy to suffer at the hands of a cruel master, and the last boy who must risk everything to bring an end to something that should be unimaginable. I cannot recommend this highly enough to readers of 9+ and firmly believe it is a book that should be in all school libraries.

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

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Blog Tour: The Great Phoenix of London

*Written by Lindsay Galvin*
*Cover Illustration by Gordy Wright*
*Published by Chicken House Books*

The Great Phoenix of London is the fourth of Lindsay Galvin’s incredible historical adventures, and this time she’s taking the reader back to 1666, and the start of the Great Fire of London … and what a terrifically thrilling adventure, brimming with great danger and feats of courage, awaits the reader…

December 1664: 9-year-old Gil and his family witness a comet streaking across the sky, and a glowing rock falls to the earth: a heaven-stone. Roly, Gil’s toddler cousin, will not settle without the stone, so it is taken in to their Grandparents’ home, but could it be a harbinger of ill omen?

Two years later and Gil has lost relatives, including his father, to the Plague. Visiting his Grandparents home in Pudding Lane, he is witness to a bakery fire that sparks an inferno, one that relentlessly sweeps through the London streets igniting fear in its citizens as they desperately seek to outrun the fire and seek safety.

As riots and fights break out, Gil is separated from his Grandparents and cousin Roly. He is helped by new friend Jennet who promises to get him to safety, and his mother. In his satchel, Gil carries the heaven-stone, a stone that soon hatches revealing a bird of myth, a bird of fire … a phoenix. But could someone else be prepared to stop at nothing to possess this legendary creature of fire?

And so begins a gripping, fast-paced adventure as Gil attempts to outrun the rapidly spreading fire and reach his mother. There is a palpable sense of urgency and danger, not only as the fire spreads, but as mob mentality heightens the peril. And for Gil, there is an added threat as he is pursued by a determined cold-hearted stranger intent on taking possession of the fabled bird at any cost. Now, this is how to write an unputdownable, page-turning adventure! I loved the short chapters with many cliffhanger endings which made it just impossible not to keep reading. I just had to follow Gil through the burning streets of London as he strives to protect his magnificent, magical new friend. Can Gil outrun the great fire that threatens the city of London, and be reunited with his family? Can he keep his extraordinary newly-born friend from the clutches of a cold-hearted pursuer?

This is a truly breath-taking read that brings this historical period expertly to life for readers, sweeping them effortlessly into the story – and then bringing a wonderful twist to the adventure with the inclusion of a glorious mythical creature in the phoenix. I absolutely adored every moment learning about this incredible creature, but I don’t want to spoil this experience for readers. Suffice to say that meeting this magical fiery creature will bring both wonder and heartache.

Gil and Jennet are both really likeable characters who both clearly adore their families. I enjoyed that they have a more fractious path to friendship as they each have their own priorities. Building trust and friendship is not easy for either as they have lost so much, and as they face terrifying danger from the fire which may see them lose even more. Jennet is such a strong character who is forthright and a risk-taker, and who shows such bravery as she faces danger for her new friends. Gil is a kind-hearted, courageous young boy who is prepared to stand up for others even when this puts him in danger. I loved the bond of friendship that develops between the phoenix and Gil, and how they are determined to protect each other, and think this is such a special part of the story.

A truly unforgettable, mesmerising story of courage and friendship as an inferno brings chaos, but a creature of myth brings hope … an unmissable adventure for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Lynda Smythe PR and Chicken House Books for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for providing me with a copy of The Great Phoenix of London in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Review: The Shop-Witch’s Quest

*Written by Aisha Bushby*
*Illustrated by Patri De Pedro*
*Published by Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

The Shop-Witch’s Quest is a charming, magical adventure bringing a hero and a shop-witch together on a quest that shows the value of working together and of appreciating others.

13-year-old shop-witch Laurel sometimes wishes to be a hero, undertaking daring adventures, but instead she works in her parents’ magic shop, Witch Wares Emporium. A newly opened shopping centre just outside her village of Elfingham has led to competition for business – and an often-empty Emporium.

When a hero, carrying a sword and wearing newly polished boots, enters the shop, Laurel gets an order for the magical items Aliya will need for her first heroic quest, an order that may help save the shop from going out of business. But when she cannot provide one item from her list, Aliya refuses to purchase any of the items from Laurel.

Worried that she will lose her home if the shop closes, Laurel takes her cat-familiar, Bedlam and hero Aliya on a quest to find the item, and save her parents’ shop. Can Laurel become a hero and complete the quest before it is too late for Aliya to complete her own quest?

This is a gorgeous adventure that had me smiling throughout. I loved the array of magical items from mega-hearing earrings to self-writing parchment to bright-ideas lamps. I also loved the many types of witches from smith-witch to potion-witch to garden-witch. I can just imagine the fun young children would have discussing these and coming up with their own ideas. A wonderfully imaginative, creative opportunity!

I loved the friendship that develops between Laurel and Aliya, despite a tricky start. Working together allows them each to appreciate what the others does, and to share their worries. They prove to their families that they can be successful and Laurel realises that being a shop-witch brings its own adventure. I just have to mention cat-familiar Bedlam who is brilliant – bossy and wise, with heart of gold!

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

An enchanting, magical adventure, perfect for young readers of 7+.

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 7+ with a reading age of 7.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy of The Shop-Witch’s Quest in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Ghost Tide by Jim Cockin

Written *by Jim Cockin*
*Cover Design by Nell Wood*
*Cover Illustration by Martha Vine*
*Published by Lightning (an imprint of Eye Books*)

Ghost Tide is a gripping, ghostly adventure that held me absolutely enthralled throughout with its eerie atmosphere, sense of foreboding and chilling occurrences.

Fourteen-year-old Charlie does not want to leave his friends in London behind during the Christmas holidays, but his mum is working nights and his dad is working abroad. So Charlie finds himself sent to stay with his Uncle Patrick and his daughter, Ariel, in the coastal town of Dunstrand in East Anglia.

Charlie arrives at the isolated, run-down Darkwater House to discover that there is no wi-fi access, but there is laughter from an empty room. Deciding to explore the beach, Charlie finds a strange locked brass box, a box that a stranger in an antiques shop warns him is dangerous. But before he can heed this advice and throw the box back into the sea, the box is opened … and something sinister escapes …

And so begins a chilling, spine-tingling mystery as the two cousins unite in their quest to stop a terrifying presence from wreaking havoc on the local community as it seeks something it has lost. Can they discover what has been freed from the ‘box of souls’? Will they be able to re-capture what should never have been released before harm comes to others? I absolutely loved the coastal, wintery setting, the perfectly-gauged building of tension, the ever-increasing danger as the children become more isolated and the revelation of secrets that made this a real page-turner that frequently sent shivers down my spine.

This story starts with an intriguing prologue which is blended into the mystery brilliantly as clues are uncovered by two daring and determined children. I loved learning more about the history of Dunstrand and visiting its museum, antiques shop and lighthouse giving a real sense of time and place. I really enjoy spooky, supernatural stories that bring frissons of fear: the ominous happenings, the terrifying presence and the real sense of peril and threat certainly make this a scary read – but not too scary for readers of 9+.

There is initially friction between Charlie and Ariel as neither really wants to be in Darkwater House. Ariel is grieving the loss of her mother which is causing her to lash out at her father. This makes Charlie feel uncomfortable, especially as Ariel does not hide that she doesn’t want him there. However, their shared ability to sense the supernatural brings them together and helps them to work as a team with determination, strength and courage when battling the presence that has been released from the ancient box.

A strikingly spine-chilling, mesmerising ghostly tale, guaranteed to bring shivers of delight and fright to young readers of 9+.

Thank you to the Jim Cockin and Eye Books for sending me an early copy of Ghost Tide in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: I am Rebel by Ross Montgomery

*Written by Ross Montgomery*
*Cover Illustration by* *Keith Robinson*
*Published by Walker Books*

I am Rebel is a wonderfully warm-hearted adventure that brought smiles and tears as I followed a most courageous and loyal friend’s epic journey through danger, loss and separation in the hope of being reunited with his human. Told from the perspective of a faithful, loving and good dog, this is a heartachingly tender, humorous and unforgettable tale of bravery, hope and true friendship.

Rebel has lived his whole life with his best friend, Tom, who found him as a pup and brought him to his parents’ sheep farm where the two have become inseparable, bonded by love, loyalty and friendship.

But their idyllic life is torn apart when the King’s guardsmen threaten Tom’s parents’ livelihood with a demand for higher taxes. Whilst his parents are not prepared to defy the King, 12-year-old Tom seethes with the injustice meted out by a tyrannical King, and joins a rebellion against him, a decision which sees him leaving Rebel behind as he heads to war …

But Rebel knows that his human is marching into terrible danger, and he is determined to find him and bring him safely home before it’s too late … and so begins an epic quest as Rebel digs deep for the courage to leave his home for the first time ever, to follow the boy he loves most in the world and to never give up hope that their unbreakable bond will bring them back together before war can separate them forever … Rebel is a beacon of courage, hope and love, but will this be enough to save his human when he needs him most?

This is not only an action-packed, thrilling adventure, but is also one that pulls at the heartstrings as Rebel faces terrifying danger and takes heart-racing risks to find Tom. But he also makes some wonderful new friendships with other animals along the way and proves himself to be a true friend, helping those in need despite his own desperate need to be reunited with Tom. One friendship in particular, with Jaxon the masterless dog, is the most beautiful portrayal of the growth of a strong, loving friendship, one where the discovery of the true meaning of freedom flourishes and where love challenges each to confront inner truths, conquer fears, loss and separation, and ultimately find where their heart truly belongs.

I’m Tom’s dog, and he’s my human. We belong to each other.

Not since Cosmo in I, Cosmo have I found a dog I have adored as much as Rebel. He is the BEST dog! He is torn away from his idyllic world by a decision, which he doesn’t really understand, made by the boy he loves more than anything in the world, a boy who saved him when he was a pup, and one who he is now determined to save from the horrors of war. Rebel never wavers in his love for, and loyalty towards Tom, even when he has some doubt over Tom’s love for him. He has such a big heart and a boundless capacity for love, empathy and friendship that engenders loyalty and reciprocal friendship in others.

An incredible and heart-warming story of friendship, belonging and the indestructible bond between a good dog and his boy. Perfect for animal lovers and adventurers of 9+.

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