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: 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.

Review: A Clock Strikes Murder

*Written by Michelle Harrison*
*Illustrated by Natalie Smillie*
Published by *Simon & Schuster*

A Clock Strikes Murder is the second riveting, mystery adventure for twins Spike and Merry: an intriguing whodunnit which kept me completely enthralled throughout.

Identical twins Spike and Merry are on holiday in Crete with their mum who has been employed by friend, and owner of the Museum of Cursed Objects, Yiannis, to complete some restoration work on an old painting. When the twins arrive, they discover that the other guests are there for the auctioning of Medusa’s Revenge, an antique painting rumoured to bring death to anyone looking directly into it. When one of the bidders is found dead, the twins are determined to investigate: could the curse be real, or does someone else have a motive for murder? Can they find the culprit before they strike again? And, can they uncover the family secrets behind the cursed painting?

And so begins a gripping, tense and thrilling mystery as Merry and Spike, alongside new friend, Nikos, begin their investigation into, not only the death of a guest, but a disappearance. Could these two events be linked? Can the twins use their abilities to manipulate time to help them solve the crime, and find the missing person before someone intent on revenge strikes again?

The isolated setting of the Museum, accessed through caves, at the top of a cliff is just perfect for this mystery. Tension builds inexorably as danger increases, tremors and thunderstorms strike, and the feeling of being trapped with someone dangerous, with no access to help, grows. The unexpected twists and turns, revelations and unravelling of clues kept me eagerly turning pages as I was just as keen as Merry and Spike to discover the culprit. As in Twice Upon a Time, the twins use their incredible ability to manipulate time to help them unravel the mystery and get out of sticky situations.

I loved being back with Merry and Spike as they venture to the beautiful island of Crete with their mum – and soon find another mystery to solve – and a new friend. Their different interests and strengths complement each other when piecing together clues and, despite some disagreements which are natural between siblings, their bond remains strong. Their curiosity, courage and tenacity help them to piece together clues to unravel a truly intriguing mystery.

The gorgeous chapter heading illustrations give a wonderful glimpse into each chapter alongside the chapter epigraphs.

Whilst this can be read as a standalone, I have no doubt that readers will want to spend time with the first book, Twice Upon a Time, after enjoying this gripping mystery.

A wonderful whodunnit, brimming with danger, conundrums and secrets, perfect for readers of 9+.

Review: The Unchosen One by Amy Sparkes

*Written by Amy Sparkes*
*Cover illustration by Ben Mantle*
*Published by Walker Books*

The Unchosen One is a fantastically funny, fantasy adventure brimming with heart and hope, with mayhem and magic, and with courage and camaraderie … a completely captivating story.

Twelve-year-old Tassie has a ~~slight~~ definite tendency to unwittingly cause chaos wherever she goes, and to follow her own path, despite it not being towards her lessons in Ancient Gnomeology, but rather towards an adventure …

And she hopes an adventure has come calling when she falls out of a tree into a stranger’s cart. This stranger, the Wisest of the Wise, brings Tassie to her guardian, the Chief Steward, who announces that Tassie is none other than The Chosen One, fated to fulfil an ancient prophecy to protect the Isles of Peryll from the sinister Shadow, banished a thousand years ago, but strange whispers in the breeze foretell of its vengeful return …

Not the best news for the people of Peryll, I know, but at least Tassie will have an opportunity to go on a quest outside of the Citadel walls. There is only one small problem: the prophesied child is meek and calm – not attributes that Tassie can claim so she can’t possibly be the Chosen One. Nonetheless, she is prepared to overlook this – until she learns that going on an adventure is the furthest thing expected of the Chosen One! And she’s having none of that! What if she can make a much better fate for herself? What if her true destiny is to find the real Chosen One? And, it’s not Tassie’s fault that it comes with the added bonus of an adventure …

And so begins a brilliantly exciting, action-packed adventure as Tassie teams up with her loyal, but cautious, best friend and inventor, Spin, a griffin, and Darley, an elf who is somewhat of an enigma. As they travel across the Isle of Peryll on the trail of the true Chosen One, they meet a myriad of magical creatures, some friendly and some not-so-friendly, leading to some magnificently chaotic situations which brings oodles of humour and laugh-out-loud moments.

Will Tassie find the true Chosen One before time runs out for the people of the Isles of Peryll? Can this courageous, kind-hearted and daring young girl bring hope in the face of an ancient power intent on darkness and despair?

I absolutely loved the vivid world-building, the inversion of fantasy tropes and the witty sense of humour in this adventure and found myself eagerly turning pages as I followed Tassie on her rather chaotic, but courageous, quest. And what a quest she finds herself on, from taking a death-defying ride on a dragon taxi to meeting fierce fairies and ornery orcs all whilst being hunted by three wraiths intent on death and destruction – but with the most polite manners. I know I probably shouldn’t, but I adored the wraiths – the most brilliant characters!

A heart-warming, whimsical and enchanting call to adventure – a perfect choice for young readers of 8+.

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

Review: The Thing About Giants by Christopher Galvin

*Written by Christopher Galvin*
*Cover and interior illustrations by Brie Schmida*
*Published by Walker Books*

The Thing About Giants is a completely captivating, epic fantasy adventure, brimming with danger and discoveries, with hope and heart and with friendship and family. Utterly unputdownable!

Young giant Corman and his father are on a dangerous mission from their underground home to the Upside. But, what could possibly cause danger to two giants, danger that makes them fear for their lives?

In the city of Fathach, whose walls and buildings are constructed from the bones of giants, twelve-year-old Jacq Dyer has been chosen to follow in the footsteps of her parents – and become a giant hunter, but what if she wants to choose her own path?

When Corman is separated from his father, he must find a way back home, but instead he finds a young girl who has also been separated from her father. Can the giant and the giant hunter overcome their fear and mistrust of each other and find the courage to change both their lives? What if everything you believed has been built upon the bones of lies? Will discovering the truth have the power to bring two worlds together?

Wow! What an absolutely incredible adventure. I loved the braided narrative structure that gave an insight into both the lives of giants and humans and allowed for some cliffhangers that made this a definite just-one-more-chapter read. In fact, this was a read-in-one-sitting book for me as I was completely drawn into the world and lives of Corman and Jacq and was gripped by their quest, not only to return to their families, but by the breathtaking discoveries they made that led them not only towards life-changing revelations but also towards increasing danger. I am being purposefully vague as to what happens as I really don’t want to reveal any spoilers for this gripping and epic adventure but, suffice to say, that I’m a HUGE fan of fantasy middle-grade and this is one of the best I’ve read – and will definitely be on my books of the year list.

The world-building is superb from the chapter epigraphs which give an insight into the history, politics and beliefs of both giants and those who built, and control, Fathach to the vivid and wonderful descriptions of the natural world outside the city contrasted with the eponymous city built on the bones of giants. I loved that different groups of giants – including river, forest and rock giants – were distinguished by their connection to nature and how they lived in harmony with the world around them. It made it all the more poignant that they were being persecuted by humans intent on their destruction including forcing them to leave their homes and find safe haven in other places. There are some important messages in this story about the abuse of power, manipulation and prejudice, but there is also hope that there are those who are willing to stand against these.

I absolutely adored both Corman and Jacq: kind-hearted, courageous, curious and empathetic – traits that allow them to work together to overcome fears, break down prejudices and bring hope. These are two characters, alongside Misneach (just wait to meet him!), who have found their way into my heart and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there are more adventures for this wonderful trio.

A breath-taking, gigantic treat of an adventure for readers of 9+.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing me with an e-Arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Murder at Hotel Marvelo written by Ruth Lauren and illustrated by Federica Frenna

*Published by Piccadilly Press on 12th March*

Murder at Hotel Marvelo is a marvellously magical murder mystery that completely captured me from the intriguing opening to the I-need-the-next-book-now ending.

Twelve-year-old Finnian Marvelo opens the doors of his parents’ hotel to a griffin – yes, a griffin – who wants to book a room. She’s just one of the magical beings who come to the Hotel Marvelo to take a break from the magical arts, safe in the knowledge that it is protected by magical wards that prevent the use of magic whilst at the Hotel. That is – until a guest, the wizard Henry Gravelaxe, is found in the spa – murdered by magical means. And, when Detective Bianco arrives to investigate, she rather quickly deduces that the only possible culprits are the Marvelo siblings parents – but how could they possibly benefit from the death of a guest? Taken into custody and in danger of banishment, can the siblings prove their parents’ innocence and discover the identity, and motive, of the real culprit?

And so begins an exciting mystery adventure as siblings Finnian, Juniper and Teddy investigate how a magicide could have occurred in a place where the use of magic should be impossible. I absolutely loved following these three young sleuths as they follow a trail of clues to identify and eliminate suspects, a trail that leads them into tricky situations and danger, but which also allows them to find some new friends. As time runs out, the tension increases and the stakes become higher, making this an unputdownable story that I was completely invested in as the mystery deepened … and truths were slowly revealed.

As if investigating their very first murder wasn’t enough to contend with, the children also have to adjust to life with the guardian sent by Social Services to care for them after their parents have been taken away. And, Mrs Weatherley is definitely not in favour of children who would rather be sleuthing than studying.

The Hotel Marvelo is the most wonderful establishment that welcomes a diverse group of magical beings from griffins (Emily is absolutely brilliant!) and water sprites to alchemists and sorcerers. The children make use of its hidden passageways, and its incredible library, to help them with their investigation, but could it also have other hidden secrets?

I absolutely adored this clever, courageous and determined sleuthing trio. Their different strengths and qualities allow them to work successfully as a team and support each other during the investigation. Not only are there a diverse group of magical beings staying at the hotel, but there is also implied diversity within the Marvelo family, something that I think is so important to allow all children to see themselves represented in what they read, but also to allow children to develop empathy through the stories they read.

The captioned full-page illustrations, map and floor plans are absolutely stunning and complement the sense of mystery and magic within the story perfectly.

A marvellously magical whodunnit, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for children of 9+.

Review: Cruise Ship Kid: Kidnap at Sea written by Emma Swan and illustrated by Katie Saunders

Cruise Ship Kid: Kidnap at Sea! is the second adventure in this hilarious, heart-warming mystery series where 10 ¼-year-old Silver, once again, invites the reader to help her solve a crime – and this time, there’s been a kidnapping!

Silver and her mum are on board a new ship, the Fabula, complete with Mega Slide, following her mum’s promotion. Silver has a new mission: to convince her mum to get her a mobile phone. She is soon distracted from her mission by the arrival of The Gang, her elderly friends who need help to get into their cabins as they need to access them via a phone app! It seems everyone has a phone except Silver – but she has a plan! Can she convince social media influencer, Kindness Kay, who has come on board to promote the cruise on her channel, to help her convince her mum to get her a phone?

But, when Kay is kidnapped, Silver finds herself on an entirely different mission. Getting out her detective notepad, Silver’s ready to solve the case of the missing influencer alongside The Clotted Cream Crime Investigation Team (a.k.a The Gang) … Can they discover the culprit and rescue Kay before they arrive in the next port?

I absolutely loved being back with Silver and The Gang in this action-packed, fun-filled adventure packed with oodles of heart-warming moments. I loved following the trail of clues as investigations led to suspicions and suspects, motives and alibis – and some fantastic red herrings along the way. I also loved that the team met in the most wonderful eateries and relaxed with activities on board which gives a great insight into time on board the cruise ship – and brought plenty of smiles and giggles!

As in the first book, I think that young readers will love the interactive, diary format of this book alongside the doodles and notes – and clues from future Silver! The short chapters, energetic and expressive illustrations, chatty and friendly style will definitely appeal to younger readers despite the longer length of the book. Children will really feel that they are part of the story as Silver invites them to help her solve the mystery – and even gives them places in the book to write their ideas and responses. Children in my class have really enjoyed reading Thief at Sea and I have no doubt they will enjoy this one just as much.

Whilst Silver’s first mission is to convince her mum to get her a mobile phone, I appreciated that the story shared some messages about the use of mobile phones, including the importance of taking breaks so as not to miss out on real life and that what is portrayed on social media is often not what real life is like.

Silver is such a positive role model for young readers – curious, determined and kind-hearted, but she’s also someone who sometimes has her confidence knocked and loses her voice – but works through this to feel proud of her achievements.

Set sail with the cruise ship kid for another fantastically fun adventure, perfect for readers of 8+.

Thank you to Usborne Books for providing me with a copy of this book. It is my decision to read and review this book and this review is my honest opinion of the book.

Review: Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged

*Written by Eve Wersocki-Morris*
*Illustrated by Honie Beam*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged is the second sleuthing mystery in this series set in 1950s London – brimming with excitement, thrills and twists, it held me enthralled from start to finish.

Twelve-year-old Clem, the youngest gangster in London, is on her way to her dad’s with best friend, Gilbert, when they are seemingly kidnapped and taken to the London Palladium. When they arrive, they discover that one half of their favourite musical duo, the Wade Sisters, has disappeared alongside some jewellery. Betty’s brother, and manager, Eddy, wants them to find his missing sister before the upcoming Palladium performance. With a crime to solve and a show to save, Clem and Gilbert are eager to begin their investigations … but will they be able to find Betty, and discover the culprit behind her disappearance, before time runs out?

I absolutely loved being back with Clem and Gilbert as they follow a twisty trail of clues, and discover suspects, which takes them to some wonderfully atmospheric criminal hangouts, linked to the world of entertainment, which gives this mystery a deliciously darker edge – but diffused with sharp humour. I loved visiting hangouts such as The Corney Brothers’ Picture House, Mercutio’s Pickle Cafe and the Chicken Leg Jazz Club (what wonderful names!) where Clem and Gilbert unearth clues and discover new leads in their intriguing investigations.

This is a brilliantly action-packed, fast-paced adventure, with plenty of twists and turns, red herrings and danger which kept me eagerly turning pages. I also loved the sharp wit and humour, the quick interactions and the camaraderie between familiar characters. I have no doubt that this is a story that will hugely appeal to, and engage, young fans of whodunnit mysteries.

Clem’s determination, courage and feistiness, coupled with Gilbert’s enthusiasm, politeness and quick-thinking, make for a brilliant sleuthing team. They have a wonderfully warm and witty friendship, but will their friendship become threatened by Gilbert’s commitment to his new school and Clem’s worry that she will lose her sleuthing partner and best friend?

The full-page illustrations are absolutely stunning capturing the glamour, dark undertones and action-packed excitement of the 1950s theatre and gangster world. And I loved the newspaper at the end – I wonder if there’s a clue hidden in there for a next book – I hope so!

A thrilling, twisty mystery – perfect entertainment for young readers of 9+.

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

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.