1000th Blog Post …

It’s almost my five-year Blog Anniversary and this is my 1000th post! I wasn’t sure what I’d post for this one, but thought I’d share some first and latest related to things I’ve been able to do as a result of having my Blog.

First Review posted on my Blog: POG by Pádraig Kenny

Latest Review posted on my Blog: The Secret of the Moonshard by Struan Murray.

First book approved on NetGalley: Spark by Sarah Beth Durst.

Latest Book approved on NetGalley: Delta and the Lost City by Anna Fargher.

First featured review on NetGalley: The Little Fir Tree by Christopher Corr.

Latest featured review on NetGalley: Dreamstalkers: The Night Train by Sarah Driver.

First book requested from a Publisher: I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak

Latest book requested from a Publisher: Flame Chasers by Julie Pike. (I’ve no idea if I’ll be lucky enough to be sent this, but I loved The Last Spell Breathers so I just had to request it).

I have posted 463,131 words over 1000 Blog posts (including this one!) – not sure where I found the time! I’m still loving reading, reviewing and blogging which has genuinely brought me so much enjoyment and introduced me to such a treasure trove of incredible books. I’m really not sure I’d have survived in teaching this long without being able to adventure with so many of the amazing characters I’ve met through my reading. And I make it my mission to introduce my classes to as many of these characters as I can!

I still get a buzz when I’m approved for a book I really want to read on NetGalley or when I’m lucky enough to be sent a review copy by a Publisher. Being part of an incredibly kind and supportive online children’s book community has been an absolute joy for me – and constantly adds to my TBR!

GIVEAWAY

I’m a huge believer in the benefits of Reading for Pleasure, so I’m running a Giveaway for teachers/librarians/parents/carers of children of 8+. Details below:

I’m running a Giveaway on my Twitter account (@Book_Craic) for a 3-month Book Subscription (8+) with The Rocketship Bookshop. They will contact the winner to find out what kinds of books their child/class enjoys and will then choose and post out a new release book each month for three months.

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.

Review: The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts by Alex Bell

*Written by Alex Bell*
*Illustrations by Tim McDonagh*
*Published by Faber*

Wow! Wow! Wow! I know it’s only the start of the year but The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts is already a contender for my book of the year! A splendiferous, magical adventure that transported me into an incredible world that I didn’t want to leave. The sheer enjoyment, connection and immersion I felt whilst reading this is a testament to the brilliance of the storytelling. This is the kind of story that makes readers – and that’s a real-life magic power! If there’s any doubt – this is an absolute must-read!

Twelve-year-old Eli is an apprentice librarian at the Royal Library in the Port City of Harmonia. And this is a job that suits the quiet, tweed-wearing Eli perfectly. He can live a safe, sensible life with his best friend, Humphrey who just so happens to be a poetry-loving moon tortoise, looking forward to celebrating his hundredth birthday. Whilst Eli may not be looking for adventure, adventure has a way of finding those with courageous, true hearts …

When Eli discovers that his Nana is unwell, he decides to enter the Glorious Race of Magical Beasts in order to sell the prize to pay for the treatment his Nana needs. This is no easy decision for Eli as his parents died during a race. But Eli adores his Nana and is prepared to do anything to save her, even if this means defying her wishes, and sailing into the adventure of his life …

And so begins the most magical, daring and dangerous adventure as Eli boards his friend, Jeremiah’s, ship, the Nepo to compete to get to each checkpoint in the race. It is not long before he is joined by Raven and her ice hare, who has her own reasons for winning the race. Can this trio work together, not only to overcome the many perils placed in their path by the race, but also a threat from someone hunting one of them? Can they trust each other in a race which can only have one winner, or will their secrets pull them apart? I really don’t want to say anything more for fear of spoilers, but suffice to say that this is an action-packed adventure brimming with unexpected happenings, oodles of danger, both scary and wonderful magical creatures and the most exciting race through the most fantastical places.

The world-building is quite simply sublime from the Royal Library (oh yes – libraries of all sorts are an important part of this adventure – and I’m all for that!) with its own bats to a dessert-selling restaurant with chocolate penguin waiters and an island where you will never view balloons the same again! Be prepared to meet a sentient ship, a vampire librarian and a mermaid queen and so many other extraordinary creatures of sky, land and sea as the race unfolds. I must say I am in awe of the author’s imagination and wonder if she has her own inspire-rat!

Oh my goodness! I absolutely adored Eli who has so much inner strength, kindness and courage. It is so wonderful to see that quiet, bookish children can have great adventures whilst remaining true to themselves. We underestimate them at our peril! It was so wonderful to see Eli find that he has things in common with Raven as their friendship grows. There is so much more to these three remarkable children than I have mentioned, but I think this is something readers need to discover for themselves. I have no doubt that they will be just as awestruck by these revelations as I was. I just have to mention Humphrey, the moon tortoise, who is just adorable with his penchant for over-confidence in his own abilities which brought me lots of smiles.

The illustrated chapter headings include a range of magical beasts and are absolutely stunning.

A marvellously magical adventure into a fantastical world that will completely captivate its readers, and take them on an incredible reading experience that they’ll want to return to again and again … an absolute must-buy!

Thank you to Faber Children’s Books for providing me with a 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.

Review: How Do Meerkats Order Pizza? by Brooke Barker

Who wouldn’t be intrigued by a book entitled: How Do Meerkats Order Pizza? and this one is an absolute feast of fun and facts where the scientists who study animals share what they have learned about a brilliant selection of animals.

The book starts with some favourite animal facts and asks where these facts come from. I can see children quickly becoming immersed in sharing their favourite animal facts, before learning that these facts often come from scientists. And the interjections by the animals will bring immediate giggles!

It then introduces a series of scientists and the animals which they study with an illustration of the scientist and animal. There are gorgeous illustrations of the animals, lots of fascinating facts and colourful graphic novel style illustrations with hilarious callouts which are guaranteed to bring giggles.

Learn about how meerkats communicate, find out about the discovery of a new ocean species, and learn whether or not primates get grossed out. Did you know that crows remember human faces? Or that gars look the same today as they did when the Tyrannosaurus rex was live? Have you ever wondered how roosters know it is morning? Or that jaguars love the smell of perfume? Every animal chosen makes utterly fascinating reading, and I can absolutely see children wanting to find out more, not just about the animal, but about the scientists who study them. Perfect for STEM education.

What a fantastic way to make learning fun, memorable and engaging, and to introduce the world of animal scientists to children. I think this book is a wonderful introduction not only to some amazing animals, but also to some brilliant scientists and the lengths they will go to in order to learn more about the animals they study. Anyone for peeing in a bottle? How about getting stuck in deep mud? Or making fake poo? And have you ever tried to suck up an insect through a pooter? I love that children will get to see these scientists as real people who loved animals as children and who followed their dreams of studying animals as their career.

And, How Do Meerkats Order Pizza? Read this fascinating, hilarious book to discover the answer to this, and many other intriguing questions about the incredible animals we share this wonderful planet with. This is a book that should be in every school library, and is a teacher’s dream for engaging children in purposeful, fun learning!

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

BEAT THE BACKLIST READING CHALLENGE 2024

I took part in this Challenge last year and thought it was a great way to focus me on reading backlist titles that have been on my bookshelves for a while. Whilst I didn’t meet my target of 55 books, I did read 42 and am going to add the ones I didn’t get to on to this year’s challenge.

The Beat the Backlist Challenge is in its eighth year and was started by Austine Decker. Details of how to take part are on the blog but the rules are simple:

The book must have been published in 2023 or earlier.
You have to start and finish the book in 2024.
And that’s it!

The 2024 challenge runs from 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024.

My target for this year is 46 middle-grade books.

The first 13 are the books I didn’t get to last year:

The next 33 are the books I bought last year, but which I haven’t read yet:

I’m hoping that I can meet the challenge this year – as well as reading lots of new releases this year!

Review: Marvin and the Book of Magic by Jenny Pearson with illustrations by Aleksei Bitskoff

Marvin and the Book of Magic is a heart-warming and hilarious tale that had me giggling and feeling fuzzy in equal measure.

Marvin has given up on his dream of becoming a magician after a disastrous appearance on a TV Talent Show involving a badly-behaved squirrel and ensuing chaos. Giggles guaranteed!

Marvin has always wanted to follow in the footsteps of his beloved grandad who had been a magician and had believed Marvin had a gift for magic, but Marvin no longer believes in this. His confidence and self-belief have been dented by the reaction to his TV performance which has made him doubt himself.

When his best friend Asha encourages him to take part in the school talent show, Marvin is adamant that he will never perform again. In fact, he is so sure that magic is no longer for him that he trades his box of magic tricks in exchange for an old book – a magic book. Has he just been conned, or is there still some small part of him that believes in magic? Can he find his magic again and make a comeback in the school talent show?

Be prepared for giggles galore as Marvin finds out more about his magical abilities through the book of magic, as his best friend Asha practises her talent show routine (seriously brilliant) and as they take to the stage.

I loved the friendship between Marvin and Asha which felt really genuine. Asha is confident, enthusiastic and brimming with positivity and, as soon as Marvin shows an interest in the talent show, she is immediately supportive. Will Marvin find his confidence and self-belief again? There is magic in this wonderful friendship and I absolutely loved how this was shown in the story.

The full-and-partial page illustrations throughout are wonderfully expressive and complement their warmth and humour of the story perfectly.

This is a gorgeously heart-warming, hilarious story brimming with the magic of sincere friendship, 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 providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

December Wrap-Up

I’m getting ready to go back to work tomorrow after a wonderful couple of weeks off where I definitely got to re-charge my batteries, relax and catch up. This was a good reading month where I finally managed to read some books for adults as well as middle-grade!

Goodreads Challenge:

I had set my Goodreads Challenge for this year at 104 books and managed to surpass it with 170 books. This included physical books, e-books and audiobooks. I have set my Challenge for next year at 150 books.

Books I’ve read:

As I’ve had a wonderful break over the Christmas period, I’ve read more books than I normally would: this month I’ve read 17 books which includes 3 books for adults, 2 audiobooks, 2 graphic novels and 10 middle-grade (9 physical copies and one e-book).

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 95%. I have requested and been approved to read two books in December. I also have a physical copy of Dreamstalkers.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent eight books by Publishers this month. I have read and written reviews for six of them and will be posting my reviews over the next few days. I have already posted my review for Harley Hitch Takes Flight.

Books bought:

I bought six books, and have read two of them, Stitch and The Drift.

Books gifted for Christmas:

I hadn’t quite realised how many books I’d put on my Christmas Wish List- and there were a few surprises too! I got 11 to add to my TBR and have read one over Christmas.

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

Some favourite reads of 2023 …

I’ve really enjoyed looking back through my reviews over the year in order to compile my list of 2023 favourite reads. I’ve read over 150 children’s books this year, and have chosen 20 of my most memorable reads to share. I’ve had the most amazing reading adventures this year, and have loved sharing these books with my class. I’ve really enjoyed returning to series I’ve loved, reading new books by favourite authors and enjoying books by new-to-me or debut authors.

I’ve included the opening to my review in each of my choices with a link to my full review.

Impossible Creatures: What an incredible, impossibly amazing adventure! I was absolutely gripped by Impossible Creatures from the opening lines until the final page. A powerful, stunning epic fantasy that swept me into a magical world that I didn’t want to leave. This is a story that melts into your heart and leaves an indelible mark – utterly breath-taking!

Podkin and the Singing Spear: Well, that was just incredible! 357 pages of epic fantasy perfection that I didn’t want to end, but just couldn’t stop reading! I’m a huge fan of The World of Podkin One-Ear so absolutely loved joining Podkin again for another breath-taking, thrilling adventure as he battles against an evil he thought he had defeated …

The Secret of the Blood-Red Key: The Secret of the Blood-Red Key is the next incredible adventure in the Stolen Dreams Adventures series, and follows on from the events in The Book of Stolen Dreams which was in my top reads of 2021. I have no doubt that this one will be in my top reads of 2023: it is an absolutely superb, unmissable adventure.

The Light Thieves: Search for the Black Mirror: Search for the Black Mirror is the second in The Light Thieves trilogy: a thrilling, gripping rollercoaster of an eco-adventure that kept me utterly entranced throughout. This can be read as a standalone as it starts with an innovative four-page illustrated synopsis of the first book. I also thought this was a brilliant quick reminder of the events in the first book for those of us who have read the first book, and were left with the tantalising cliffhanger that made this one an eagerly anticipated read.

The Silver Road: The Silver Road is a stunning fantasy adventure that swept me into a world of magic and myth, of danger and hope, of family and friendship that completely entranced me. This is a book I really cannot recommend highly enough – outstanding storytelling from a master storyteller who weaves magic into words.

The House Trap: The House Trap is a deliciously scary, intriguing mystery that is spine-tinglingly thrilling: an adventure that kept me utterly enthralled throughout.

The Song that Sings Us: The Song That Sings Us is a powerful, visceral and lyrical masterpiece: an environmental thriller that completely gripped me and took me on a heart-wrenching, but ultimately, hopeful journey.

Call of the Titanic: I am a huge fan of Lindsay Galvin’s historical fiction adventures, so was eagerly anticipating Call of the Titanic. Oh my goodness – this is the most incredible, heart-wrenching story of courage in the face of terrible tragedy, that completely captured me … an absolute must-read, and definitely one of my books of the year.

Fablehouse: Fablehouse is a stunning story of connection, friendship and belonging set in the 1950s, blending magic, history and Arthurian legend: an unforgettable quest adventure that completely captivated me.

Norah’s Ark: Norah’s Ark is a powerful, empathetic story told from the dual viewpoint of two children from very different worlds who find each other when they are both in need of friendship. This is a story that captured my heart and, I must admit at times, broke it a little. Whilst there are some very difficult issues addressed, there is also a real sense of hope and love woven throughout that makes this an uplifting, heart-warming read. This is a story that will stay with me, and is one I cannot recommend highly enough for homes and schools.

Saving Neverland: Saving Neverland is the most magical, mesmerising story that swept me wholeheartedly into its icy world adventure with unforgettable characters, incredible feats of peril and delight and heart-warming bonds of family and friendship. In fact, this was so good that I have already read it twice, and cannot wait to share it with my class.

Jodie: Jodie is a spine-tinglingly haunting and eerie ghost story that kept me enthralled throughout. Utterly compelling, and so beautifully written.

Carnival of the Spider: Carnival of the Spider is the third stunning adventure in the Carnival series which has absolutely captivated me with its atmospheric, dark and dangerous Victorian steampunk vibes which swept me into an action-packed, intriguing adventure that I really could not put down. This series can be read as standalones, but I have no doubt that, once one adventure has been read, the others will prove irresistible!

Until the Road Ends: Until the Road Ends is a powerful and heartfelt adventure set during World War II, a story of the enduring strength of friendship, and the incredible journey a devoted dog will take to be reunited with his friend when she most needs him. Heart-breaking, hopeful and a testament to the courage of the animals who became wartime heroes.

The Boy Who Made Monsters: I’m such a huge fan of Jenny Pearson’s heartfelt, humorous stories that have all found a place in my heart: stories that bring both laughter and tears, written with such tenderness, warmth and hope. The Boy Who Made Monsters is another absolute belter! A beautifully poignant, humorous and hopeful story of family, friendships and the courage and strength it takes to face monsters.

Spellstone: Spellstone is an absolutely gripping fantasy adventure that kept me utterly enthralled from start to finish: an epic battle blending ancient legend in a modern setting where magic swirls, evil hides where people fail to notice, and hope sparks with a young sorcerer …

The Swifts: The Swifts is a wickedly humorous, action-packed whodunnit with the most brilliant opening that perfectly captures the quirky playfulness and delicious darkness that makes this a dazzlingly mesmerising read, and one that I cannot recommend highly enough.

The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie: The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie is a deliciously dark, spine-tingling, supernatural adventure that completely enthralled me. This is a must-read for those of 10+ who enjoy darker, spookier adventures that are guaranteed to bring shivers of delight – and just the right amount of fright!

The Song Walker: The Song Walker is an absolutely stunning, transcendent, and deeply moving story: a story of friendship, of courage and of hope set in the fierce beauty of the Australian Outback that held me spellbound throughout. I have no doubt whatsoever that this will be one of my books of 2023!

The Octopus, Dadu and Me: The Octopus, Dadu and Me is an incredibly touching, sensitively portrayed story of friendship, family and acceptance that brought tears and smiles as I was completely captured by both Sashi’s rescue mission and her emotional journey.