Review: Escape from the Child Snatchers by Sufiya Ahmed

*Written by Sufiya Ahmed*
Cover illustration by Elisa Paganelli
Published by Anderson Press

Escape from the Child Snatchers is a fast-paced, gripping historical adventure set during 1865 in Bombay and London that held me enthralled throughout.

12-year-old Humza lives with his Ma and younger brother in Bombay which is under British Colonial rule. His older brother, Dani, has been gone for two years having sailed to England, employed on board as a lascar. Despite his promise to return to his family, he has not done so and, after seeing his mother upset, Humza decides to find his brother and bring him home. When he shares his plan with his best friend, Ranj, he is eager to go with Humza as he hopes to seek his fortune abroad.

And so begins an exciting, action-packed adventure as the two friends stowaway on board a ship sailing to England, arriving at the East India Docks four and a half months later, having been befriended by two lascars who direct them towards the Strangers’ Home, a place for stranded lascars and other sailors – and a perfect starting point in their search for Dani.

When the address they have been given is destroyed, the boys are befriended by an English gentleman, Basil Brookes, who promises to direct them to the Home after he has given them a meal at a local inn. Once he leaves them at the inn, they are given a terrifying warning by the innkeeper’s daughter, Daisy: Basil Brookes is a child snatcher who has kidnapped her friend, Amina, alongside other children. Can the two friends escape the clutches of the child snatcher? Will they discover the reason Dani has not fulfilled his promise to return to India? Will they be be able to rescue Dani, or will it be they who are in need of rescue?

This is an absolutely riveting adventure, brimming with danger and discoveries, and with courage and friendship. The short, action-packed chapters are perfect for encouraging readers to continue reading ‘just one more chapter’. The historical context gives readers an insight both into life under British Colonial rule in India and the deplorable kidnap and exploitation of children from other cultures by some of the wealthy in England. The authors historical note adds further context, opening up an opportunity for important class discussions.

Both Humza and Ranj are incredibly likeable young boys who have a close, supportive and loyal friendship. Together with their friend Daisy, they show courage, determination and resourcefulness in the face of terrible danger.

A gripping, heartfelt, historical adventure, perfect for children of 9+.

Thank you to Jade at Anderson Press for providing me with a copy. My review is my honest opinion of this book.

Review: The Moonhaven Chronicles: The Last Wolf written and illustrated by Rob Biddulph

*Published by MacMillan Children’s Books on 5th February*

The Moonhaven Chronicles: The Last Wolf is the first in what promises to be an absolutely gripping fantasy duology, shining a light on the legend of the werewolf in the most mesmerising, action-packed adventure that held me enthralled throughout.

In Moonhaven, Jax, his twin sister Jovi, and their best friends Esau and Fourth enjoy the sense of excitement and freedom they get from breaking curfew during the full moon to enjoy their own adventures with no one else around. After all, there have been no werewolf attacks for over 40 years, so the terrifying howl they have heard, which is giving Jax nightmares, couldn’t possibly have been a werewolf, could it? And, it absolutely will not stop them planning another Moonlighters adventure during the next curfew.

But when the seemingly impossible happens, and a werewolf attack occurs, the friends go on the run, fearing that they will be captured by the Nighthawks, who are responsible for enforcing the curfew, a curfew that they have broken. But, as they search for the truth behind the attack, will what they discover put the whole world in danger?

I absolutely loved following these four friends on their mission to discover what lies behind the werewolf attack and found myself gasping out loud at what they track down. Be prepared for plenty of dangerous situations, breathtaking revelations and edge-of-your-seat shocks. I really enjoyed the short chapters which made this a real-page turner and a one-sitting read as I just had to find out what happened next and, after that ending, I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

The short, action-packed chapters, coupled with the many stunning full page and partial-page illustrations, makes this an incredibly appealing read for children who I have no doubt will devour this story – and be eager for more.

The Moonlighters are a wonderful group of friends who I found incredibly likeable. Despite some friction and uncertainty between them (which made them feel like genuine friends),they use their different strengths, from tech genius to empathetic interactions, to work together and prove supportive and caring friends. They face their fears and show real courage and determination when seeking the truth and standing up for themselves and others.

One of the things I really like about reading fantasy adventures is their ability to reflect reality and this one does so brilliantly, opening up opportunities for some deep discussions with readers. This pertinent story includes themes such as abuse of power, the ethics of genetic engineering and the treatment of those who are perceived as ‘different’.

A howlingly gripping adventure, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for adventure-seekers of 9+.

Thank you to MacMillan Children’s Books for sending me an early copy. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: The Experiment by Rebecca Stead

*Written by Rebecca Stead*
Cover art by Devin Ellie Kurtz
*Published by Anderson Press on 1st January 2026*

The Experiment is an absolutely gripping, thought-provoking science-fiction adventure that took me on a heart-racing journey of discovery that kept me utterly enthralled.

Eleven-year-old Nathan has been keeping a secret his whole life, an incredible secret that is in danger of being exposed following something that happens to him on his family’s vacation in Florida. In order to stop his secret being revealed, Nathan must return to the Wagon, a spaceship from the planet Kast, his home world. Nathan has grown up believing that he is part of an experiment to ascertain whether the Kast can permanently maintain human form on Earth but what has happened in Florida has thrown doubt on its success …

When Nathan is recalled to the Wagon, it is with the knowledge that other members of his group, who he has spoken to virtually each year, have begun to disappear, including close friend Izzy with whom he has been communicating without his parents’ knowledge. Could the experiment have failed and will be have to leave Earth?

And so begins an absolutely riveting, action-packed adventure as Nathan and his parents are brought to the Wagon. When he meets some old friends onboard the mothership, it is not long before Nathan begins to question the nature of the experiment which has been such a part of his identity. Could Hester, who controls the ship, have been keeping the truth about the true purpose of the experiment from its participants? Can he protect those he loves from the egocentricity of someone intent on the success of the experiment, no matter the consequences? And, what will he learn about himself and what he has been taught to believe about why he is on Earth?

This really is the most compelling, thought-provoking read which I absolutely could not put down and read in a single sitting, helped by the short chapters which kept me eagerly turning pages. I really liked that the story is structured into six parts which gives the reader both an insight into the ship’s journey towards take-off, giving a sense of urgency and expectation, and a focus for what the characters will experience.

I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoilers but I found this an incredibly thought-provoking read as it delves into the human experience, interactions and relationships, self-identity and how self-concept can be affected both positively and negatively by others.

I absolutely adored the strong friendship between Nathan and his best friend, Victor with each wanting to support and protect the other, showing real courage in doing so. I loved how accepting Victor is when Nathan reveals the truth about himself, and loved that he finds joy in the ordinariness and comfort of Victor and his family. Whilst Nathan clearly adores his mum and dad, he is aware that his is not a ‘normal’ family life with his life being monitored and recorded by his mum so he enjoys the normalcy he feels through his friendships and school life. There is someone else who shows Nathan incredible kindness, friendship and understanding – but I will let the reader discover that wonderful someone for themselves!

A thought-provoking, fast-paced, page-turner, full of twists and turns, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Jade at Anderson Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Murder at the Ivy Hotel

Written by Emily Hourican
Illustrated by Paola Escobar
*Published by Scholasti*c *on 12th February 2026*

Murder at the Ivy Hotel is a cosy whodunnit, brimming with charm, intrigue and danger, that kept me utterly entranced throughout.

Meredith and her younger sister, Macy, live in an apartment in the grand Ivy Hotel in Dublin where their mother is the General Manager. Changes are afoot at the hotel as it faces a change of ownership, something that is causing their mum stress as the new owners are more interested in profit than retaining the cosy and friendly character of the beloved hotel where long-term residents and staff feel more like family than guests. When it seems that the new owners are keen to find reasons to dismiss their mum, there is a real possibility that Meredith and Macy may lose their home, something they are determined to fight against.

But then something happens that may well ruin the reputation of the hotel: the suspicious death of a guest. Could a murder have taken place and, if so, can the sisters discover the culprit and save the their home?

And so begins a terrifically twisty, intriguing mystery as the sisters and their new friend, Colin, work together to solve a puzzling crime. I loved the blend of cosy mystery, intrigue and danger that had me eagerly turning pages as I followed this sleuthing trio as they worked together to piece together the clues to discover the culprit behind this crime. I really enjoyed the sense of urgency as the mystery unfolds over the course of a week, the increasing level of peril and the red herrings all of which made this an exciting and fast-paced read which I have no doubt its young readers will adore – just as I did! I can also imagine many young readers wanting to keep their own notes – just as Colin does – as the mystery unfolds.

The tenacious trio of children in this whodunnit are incredibly likeable and together bring different qualities to form a perfect sleuthing team. Twelve-year-old Meredith has an intuitive and sensible nature whereas her ten-year-old sister Macy is more impulsive and practical. Their new friend Colin, who lives at the hotel, is meticulous and keeps notes as they investigate the crime. I also really enjoyed the feeling of family within the hotel as the children have close and trusting bonds with both employees and long-term guests who clearly care for them.

A delightfully charming and cosy mystery, with friendship and family at its heart, perfect for young sleuths of 9+.

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

Review: Swanfall by Sophie Kirtley

*Written by Sophie Kirtley*
*Cover Illustration by Ben Mantle*
*Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books*

Swanfall is a magical, wintry adventure, lyrical and mesmerising, a story imbued with the wonder of nature and the bonds of friendship, that completely captivated me.

Eleven-year-old Pip has been living with his mum in Keeper’s Cott on the wetlands for four years. He is excited to welcome the return of the Arctic swans in their annual migration from Siberia to Rushy Lake, especially his three favourites: Moonshadow, Midnight and Silver, recognisable by their unique beak markings. This swanfall is a magical experience for nature-loving Pip and is an event that he helps record each year with his mum who is a wetlands ranger. But when his mum is called away to help another ranger, circumstances find Pip alone …

Awoken in the middle of the night, Pip opens the door to discover the ground laden with snow and the call of the first swans arriving. Discovering footsteps in the snow, Pip begins to wonder if an ancient story, discovered in a donated book, could be more than just a legend …

And so begins the most magical, mesmerising adventure as Pip and his friends work together to discover the incredible, heart-breaking truth behind the legend of three siblings who disappeared in tragic circumstances many years ago. Could the book Pip has found at the mobile school library hold the key to unlocking a tragedy? Could the songs appearing in the book, and whispered in the air, reveal a way to break a terrifying curse?

This is an absolutely gripping, thrilling adventure brimming with risk and danger, with breath-taking discoveries and revelations that, coupled with the short, often cliff hanger chapter endings, made this a story that I read in one sitting.

I really enjoyed the atmospheric, wintry setting on the wetlands with snowstorms and frozen lakes which have the ability to both hide and reveal, to bring both fear and hope. I adored reading Irish folklore tales when I was growing up in Ireland, and The Children of Lir is one of my favourites, so I loved how this myth is intricately woven into this contemporary story with some wonderful twists.

Pip is an incredibly likeable young boy, someone who finds it difficult to remain focussed in school, and who is worried about losing his best friend when he begins to form other friendships. He is much more confident when surrounded by the wetlands habitat and helping his mum with her work in recording the annual swanfall. I loved how teaming up with others to solve the mystery brought Pip into a wonderfully supportive friendship group with a real sense of strength and belonging.

A spellbinding story of friendship, connection and belonging, perfect to snuggle up with on a cold, wintry day to be enveloped in an unforgettable adventure.

Review: Fear Files: Hide and Seek

*Written by Christopher Edge*
*Cover and interior illustrations by Mathias Ball*
*Published by Walker Books*

Fear Files: Hide and Seek is the start of a new spine-tingling, horror series that completely gripped me as I read the first case in the Darkive database where fear is taken to a whole new level.

Adam is on a weekend camping trip with best friend, Sol but, rather than the glamping experience he’d hoped for, he finds himself stuck in a farmer’s field in the middle of nowhere – and questioning his friendship. Determined to find some fun and adventure, Adam heads off to explore and soon finds a walled village at the edge of woodland. Despite Sol’s reservations, the boys enter the village only to discover that it is deserted. Rather than leave, Adam challenges a reluctant Sol to a game of hide and seek, but someone – or something – else is playing too … Can Adam stay one hide ahead of a scary seeker determined to find him?

Ready or not, here I come …

And so begins a deliciously scary, fast-paced and heart-racing read where tension builds inexorably as danger edges ever-and-ever closer taking the reader on a roller-coaster of emotion – from fear to relief and back again. I loved the twists in time and place within the ghost town, the use of shadow and darkness and the unsettling feeling of an ominous presence that cannot be escaped, no matter where you hide. I remember playing hide and seek at primary school where a favourite hiding place was the ‘witch’s hut’ at the bottom of the school field – no-one would dare seek you there, but you also scared yourself silly! And this is a story that will definitely bring frissons of fright. I absolutely loved the creepiness of this game as the countdown rang out, as hiders desperately sought a hiding place and as the seeker closes in … and the sense that, if caught, all would not end well … genuinely sent shivers down my spine and kept me eagerly turning pages until I reached the end … and, oh my goodness, that’s all I’m going to say …

As well as the first person account of events, there are also extracts from the Darkive case file for Adam Flynn which include encyclopedia entries, newspaper clippings and agent notes that makes this feel like the reader has been given a glimpse into a real, classified case … just brilliant … but I’m not sure I can destroy after reading. In fact, I’m bringing this straight to my school library! I also really liked the creepy illustrations and fingerprints on the pages which complement this scary story perfectly.

Get ready for an edge-of-your seat, spine-tingling adventure that is guaranteed to grip young readers of 9+ as they are given Level 4 clearance into the Darkive.

Thank you to Toppsta and Walker Books for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Night House Files: The Wintermoor Lights written by Dan Smith and illustrated by Luke Brookes

The Wintermoor Lights is the second classified case in The Night House Files and what a chilling, thrilling and terrifying case it turns out to be. I was absolutely hooked from start to finish and cannot recommend this series highly enough to readers of 11+.

Tara Fisher’s best friend, Zoe, has suddenly changed. Rather than hanging out with Tara and their friend Dennis, she has become friends with arch-enemy Jackie. Could this have anything to do with the mysterious lights that Zoe witnesses over Wintermoor on her way home from an early morning swim?

It is not long before more and teenagers witness the lights, often appearing in a trance-like state, and sharing that they have been ‘chosen’. Whilst Tara has the unsettling feeling that something dangerous and strange is happening, and is determined to discover the truth as she becomes increasingly isolated, parents and teachers dismiss it as a teenage prank. If only they had listened, then the children might not have started to disappear …

This is an incredibly gripping read, made even more so as it feels like these events genuinely took place thanks to the use of newspaper articles, interview transcripts, diary excerpts and a reliable narrator. Now, I wonder where the real Wintermoor is?

The illustrations are absolutely stunning and really capture both the fear and tragedy engendered in this case as well as the chilling horror visited upon Wintermoor by something … but I’ll let the reader find out the truth for themselves.

Another unmissable and compelling case from The Night House Files. And now I’m eagerly awaiting the next case: The House of Horrors, released in May 2026.

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

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This is suitable for 11+.

Review: Impossible Creatures: The Poisoned King

The Poisoned King sees a breath-taking and utterly magical return to the Archipelago in the second book in the Impossible Creatures pentalogy. This has undoubtedly been one of my most anticipated books of the year – and it was absolutely worth the wait!

Christopher Forrester has returned to London to live with his father after his first incredible adventure crossing into the magical world of the Archipelago. But the Archipelago is not finished with Christopher so it is that he finds himself being woken by a tiny dragon chewing on his face. Jacques may be tiny in stature but he is mighty in heart, and has made the journey through the waybetween to summon Christopher back to the Archipelago as the great dragons are in need of his help. Willingly agreeing to return, Christopher is welcomed by a sphinx who tells him of a young girl who is in great danger, a girl connected to both Christopher and the dragons, and someone they need to find …

A young girl, Princess Anya, is racing across the rooftop of her grandfather, the King’s, castle to save an egg from being taken by those who have killed the unhatched chick’s mother. And as she rejoices in the hatching of that young chick, she is not to know that her life is about to be torn apart … and what she becomes will be born of fury and tempered with love.

When Anya finds herself in the greatest danger and in need of rescue, a sphinx with a boy on his back lands beside her. And so, Anya and Christopher’s lives become entwined as they find themselves on a perilous journey to uncover the truth behind the deaths of the great dragons and reveal the heinous crimes of a would-be despot whose weapon of choice is poison. Can they enter the dragons’ lair to discover what has happened to these mighty creatures who should be invincible? Will they find a way to reveal a tyrant’s cruel plot before all hope is lost?

I only had to read the first page to be immediately drawn back into the world of Impossible Creatures – and I was completely hooked as I returned with Christopher to the Archipelago to meet both old and new friends. Be prepared to meet some creatures of myth – some friend and some foe – sphinx, manticore, winged unicorns and firebirds – and many others mentioned in The Guardian’s Bestiary included at the end of the book. I found the writing absolutely exquisite, profound in its simplicity, with powerful and much-needed messages for our time, captured within a stunning, epic fantasy adventure.

As danger increases and the taint of treachery reveals its dark machinations, I found this a story that was impossible to put down, encouraged by the short chapters, often with cliffhanger endings, but I also found it impossible to put down because of heart-warming friendships, of moments of joy, connection, laughter and love that brought hope amidst the darkness. This is a book that will sing to the hearts of children, make them feel both fierce and brave, and possibly remind adults that there is always goodness and hope amongst the darkness. Which is exactly why I read middle-grade books which I firmly believe are for readers of any age.

Christopher and Anya are two incredible children, brought together on a quest to save others and, in doing so, they form a wonderful bond of friendship and trust. There is a confidence and maturity in Christopher as he connects with the creatures of the Archipelago and feels the responsibility of protecting these magical islands. And, oh my, what can I say about Anya? She loves deeply, holds friendships dear, and is determined to put right the injustices she discovers, despite the danger and risk that this brings. She has a courageous heart and chooses to be the master of her own fate – and I adored her for it!

And, after that ending, I absolutely cannot wait to enter the Archipelago again and discover what is next for this magical place with its mythical creatures and wonderful protectors.

I will finish by saying that I loved the title, The Poisoned King, with its twofold meaning – but I will let readers discover this for themselves!

An unmissable return to the Archipelago to join a dangerous quest for justice and truth with two unforgettable, courageous children and their impossible creatures.

Thank you to the Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This is one I immediately pre-ordered and now have the stunning Waterstones special signed edition.

Review: Riverskin by Mike Edwards

*Written by Mike Edwards*
*Illustrations by Jason Cockcroft*
*Published by Walker Books*

Riverskin is a dynamic, dark and distinctive story of self-discovery, belonging and survival which flows with lyricism, a story that completely captivated me as I followed the breath-taking story of the river’s gift.

Tess lives in the turns, the twisting tunnels along the riverbank of the River Tees, with her Aunt Peg who is becoming more and more forgetful: mood-swirly. Their home is furnished with things that the dry-folk throw away, or which Peg covets, and takes from them and adapts to her own needs. There is also someone else, someone dangerous, who lives with them, but who they keep chained in a pit and control with slumber mix: Unkle Darkwater. But when Unkle reveals to Tess that he is not the only one trapped in the turns, she begins to question the stories her Aunt Peg has told her about where she came from.

When events unfold that force Tess to leave the turns, she finds herself in search of an aunt, Lilly, she didn’t know existed and discovering friendship with a dry-folk boy. Can Tess escape the danger that pursues her? Can she discover the truth of her origin and find where she truly belongs?

This is the most incredible story, both turbulent and calm, that swept me into the life of a young girl who is on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, raw and emotional, to discover the truth of her dream-glimpses. Tess is such a sympathetic and likeable young girl: kind-hearted, strong and courageous, but also fragile and lonely, yearning for something more.

I think the structure of the language is inspired, especially the use of hyphenated compound words conveying how Tess pieces together language in such a powerful and meaningful way and often with such poetic and emotional connection: mood-swirly, sorrow-sobbing, gasp-giggle, huddle-hiding.

I am familiar with stories about Jenny Greenteeth from English folklore but wasn’t familiar with Peg Powler who the author references in a note at the end of the book. These water spirits, or hags, are typically portrayed as monsters, preying on the unwary, and serving as a warning. I really enjoyed how this story inverts this depiction and questions who the real monsters are as it reveals the story of Peg and Lilly – and those of others, but I don’t want to say anything else for fear of spoilers.

A stunning, unique and unforgettable story of family and friendship, of self-discovery and acceptance, perfect for readers of 10+.

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

Review: The Lucky House Detective Agency

*Written by Scarlett Li*
*Cover Design by Thy Bui*
*Illustrated by Sian James*
*Published by Knights Of*

The Lucky House Detective Agency is the first book in a delightful new mystery series for younger readers.

Detective-book loving Felix’s parents run the Lucky House Chinese Takeaway, somewhere that Felix spends a lot of time as he helps out taking and running orders along with his best friend, Isaac. Felix is always looking for a mystery to solve so, when he hears a loud crash and sees that Optimus, the family’s lucky jade plant, has been damaged, he is determined to find out what happened and save his family’s luck. Will the detective skills Felix has learned from reading Secret Detective Society books help him solve this real-life mystery?

I absolutely loved following the sleuthing trio of Felix, Isaac and ‘Nosy’ Nina as they follow a trail of clues to discover the identity of the plant destroyer. Could the discovery of an ancient coin in the money plant’s soil lead to hidden treasure – and another mystery? Could the culprit possibly be a regular at the Lucky House?

This is a really fun, clever and exciting mystery, with just the right amount of peril for younger readers, who I have no doubt will enjoy following the clues, and case notes, to solve the mystery. But they’ll need to look out for some red herrings!

I loved the interactions between Felix’s family and the regulars, the closeness, humour (especially in the way regulars are named after their orders) and care they show demonstrates a real sense of community – and the importance of places where different cultures can come together. British-Chinese culture is represented joyfully with readers getting an insight into traditions, values, food, stories and family life.

I really liked the friendship between Felix and Isaac who, alongside Felix’s cousin Nina, each bring different strengths to the sleuthing team. Felix is impulsive and more of a risk-taker whilst Isaac is more meticulous and wary, something that gets Felix into trouble and sometimes causes friction in their friendship.

The illustrations throughout are gorgeous and complement the energy, excitement and diversity of this story perfectly.

A scrumptious start to a new detective mystery series, perfect for younger readers of 7+.

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