Review: Serial Chillers: The Witch in the Woods by Jennifer Killick

*Written by Jennifer Killick*
*Cover Illustration by Ricardo Bessa*
*Published by Farshore*

Serial Chillers: The Witch in the Woods is a seriously spooky start to what promises to be another incredible, spine-tingling series from the Queen of middle-grade horror!

Travis is not looking forward to yet another visit to Hazard Museum with his school but at least this time he has best friend Zayd for company – and it’s his first time at the Museum as he has only recently moved to Hazard. When their teacher gives her students a project to study an aspect of local history, Travis is not best impressed to be teamed up with mean-girl Seline and his ex-best friend Danielle. Seline quickly takes charge of the group – and responsibility for choosing their project, determined to get a top grade. And it’s not long before she decides on the group’s project – the local urban legend of Blood-Eyed Mary, a witch who lives in the woods. Of course, there couldn’t possibly be a 120-year-old witch wandering the woods so what harm could there be in going along with Seline’s insistence in undertaking some fieldwork? Just as long as they keep together and have enough snacks, everything will be all right – won’t it?

And so begins THE most tense, edge-of-your-seat, creepy adventure as the four teenagers head into the woods to discover the truth behind the legend, but will they all make it out alive? What if Blood-Eyed Mary is real and she is looking for her next victim? This is a story full of jump scares, danger, nail-biting tension, trepidation and gruesome moments but it is also one infused with humour, warmth and friendship. I don’t want to say too much about the plot for fear of spoilers but suffice to say that this is a story that I found impossible to put down as the fear factor increased inexorably, as the twists and turns made me gasp out loud and as the macabre occurrences sent shivers down my spine.

I loved discovering more about the history of Hazard from its sinkholes destroying parts of the town to the mystery of its missing people to its insular and isolated community with small town vibes and the sense that there is something hidden within that is controlling and dangerous. I get the uneasy feeling that there is so much more to come from a town synonymous with danger – and I can’t wait to find out its secrets! And I just have to mention the map which has left me intrigued by what more Hazard has to offer!

I really enjoyed the changing and evolving dynamics of the relationships between the four teenagers: Travis, Zayd, Danielle and Seline. These children are brilliantly portrayed and feel incredibly authentic with their differing feelings about their home town which impacts on how they act and interact. The danger they find themselves in brings them closer together, working as team, facing their fears and finding the courage and determination to keep going, stronger together. I’m really looking forward to finding out more about their family history and motivations as the series continues.

Visit Hazard, if you dare, to unearth a spine-chilling tale of danger and secrets shrouded in the mystery of an urban legend.

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

Picture Book Reviews from Little Tiger

I was very excited to receive a wonderful trio of picture books from Little Tiger and really enjoyed reading each of them and looking at their beautiful illustrations. These will all be published on 3rd April. I have reviewed each of them in this Blog Post.

*Written and illustrated by Jessica Meserve*

Our Tree is a stunning hardback picture book celebrating togetherness, community and acceptance.

Tree feels a small animal’s feet climbing up their trunk. They welcome Little Red who wants the tree all for himself but Tree good naturedly reminds him that lots of other animals and insects rely on them for food, rest and shelter from caterpillars to swifts to elephants. Little Red would rather be swishing leaves than eating them, jumping on branches than resting in them and playing by himself than being together with others. He is not at all impressed when he discovers that Tree is for everyone and not just for him so decides to find a tree that’s all for himself. In his rush to leave Tree, he falls and finds himself in need of friends …

This is a wonderful story that will teach young children the importance of friendship and community as Little Red learns lessons in sharing, tolerance and acceptance.

The language is a joy to share with younger children with its use of onomatopoeia, action verbs and repetition of the phrase “Look behind you!” which I can imagine young children enjoying joining in with as they listen to the story.

The illustrations are stunning with an image of Tree personified on every page, full of gentleness, kindness and celebrating the community that they welcome. The colours are a blend of both muted pastel natural shades of browns, greens and blues with Little Red and the other creatures shown in brighter hues. I really liked this contrast and the wide variety of animals and insects on the pages which I have no doubt young children will enjoy finding and identifying. I also loved the movement within the images which suits the use of the action verbs within the story perfectly.

A gorgeously illustrated picture book for young children of 3+.

*Written by Laura Dockrill* *and Illustrated by Kip Alizadeh*

I am Strong Just Being Me is a beautifully illustrated poem celebrating ways to be strong for ourselves and others told through the imagery of strength in nature.

This beautiful, thought-provoking story begins with a series of questions about the meaning of what it is to be strong and whether it is something we should strive to be.

Bean sets out to explore the concept of strength and begins by asking her nanna what strength is. Her Nanna answers her question by first sharing what strength is not and then by sharing a range of ways in which strength is shown from knowing when to speak up and when to be quiet to making mistakes and asking for help as well as finding the courage to say sorry, forgive and give others a second chance.

Bean and her Nanna share their conversation in her Nanna’s beautiful, wild garden and the illustrations of nature act as metaphors for the written traits of strength such as a mouse keeping quiet when a cat is hunting, birds defending their chicks or a tiny seedling growing in strength into a tree capable of changing and growing. I love the final message that there is strength in just being yourself – wonderfully empowering!

The illustrations are gorgeous with both bright and pastel colours depicting a wild, spring garden with its plants and creatures. I loved how Bean and her Nanna stand out against the more impressionistic depiction of the garden. The close bond of love between Bean and her Nanna is perfectly portrayed in both words and illustrations.

The endpapers are beautiful with beautiful illustrations of plants and herbs with a note of what they are associated with from friendship to protection to happiness and bravery.

A stunning hardback picture book with an empowering message about strength, perfect for children of 3+.

*Written by Annemarie Cool and Illustrated by James Jones*

Small Steps, Big Change is a wonderful picture book on sustainable living, inspired by The Sustainable Development Goals (formulated by the United Nations).

Children are introduced to illustrations of twelve heroes from Nature Hero to Fairness Hero and Energy Hero before they start the book. The characters encourage children to take small steps for change to protect our earth, ourselves and each other and to share these steps with friends and family.

Each of these 12 heroes share small ways in which we can make a difference for ourselves and others from sourcing food locally to taking care of our minds and bodies to saving water and energy and treating others fairly. This book is both informative and empowering and I can really see it being a catalyst for children to make changes in their own lives and to encourage the adults in their lives to do likewise. I think this is a wonderful book for teachers to share with their class to open up discussions around sustainable development. The message that taking small steps can lead to big changes is such a powerful and hopeful one.

This book is incredibly engaging with direct questions to the reader, practical advice from the sustainable development heroes and factual information. The illustrations are both fun and helpful and complement the encouragement from the heroes perfectly.

A wonderful book to encourage and inspire young readers – and their adults- to make a difference through small steps that will lead to big change. This is a book I’m excited to share with my class and is ideal for readers from 5+.

Thank you to Little Tiger for providing me with copies of these three fantastic picture books. It was my choice to review them and all opinions are my honest reviews of these books.

Review: Solving Crimes is NOT my Superpower

*Written by Nathaniel Lessore*
*Illustrated by Simran Diamond Singh*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Solving Crimes is NOT my Superpower fizzes with humour, heart and friendship wrapped up in a wonderful mystery that is sure to delight young readers.

For many years, the people of Walsham have enjoyed the benefits granted by a mysterious treasure: endless sunshine and amazing superpowers, albeit some possibly more useful than others. But who am I to argue that musical hiccups are better than colourful farts!

The only person who does not have a superpower is ten-year-old Sara despite the fact that her parents are members of the IPA (Incredible Protection Agency) who use their incredible superpowers to protect the country. Could this be because all superheroes need a nemesis and Sara hasn’t met hers – yet!

Sara meets best friends Georgie and Jasper at the school gates. It’s not long before the friends are discussing Georgie’s upcoming football match, a match she is sure they will win as her school have a lucky charm – a special football trophy. But, when they get in to school, they discover that the trophy has been stolen. Georgie is understandably upset at the loss of her team’s good-luck charm, especially as she is the team captain. Sara is determined to help her bestie and promises to track down the culprit … but what if more is at stake than a football match?

And so begins a brilliantly funny, action-packed mystery as Sara and her friends search for clues, build a list of suspects and follow the trail of the missing trophy with some genuinely hilarious encounters that are guaranteed to bring chortles of delight – maybe even enough to bring musical hiccups! I really enjoyed following Sara, Georgie and Jasper as they gather their list of perfectly plausible suspects, as they follow their investigative trail and as they eliminate from, and add to, their list. I have no doubt that young readers will love this marvellous mystery brimming with playfulness, humour and heart, but also with intrigue, suspense and twists that will keep them eagerly turning the pages to discover whodunnit!

I loved how supportive both Sara’s friends and her parents are, believing in her even when she doesn’t believe in herself. They can see something in her that Sara finds it more difficult to see: she is kind, supportive and helpful towards others and acts out of love and friendship. She’s a tenacious, courageous young girl who faces her fears and does what she believes is right. I’m not sure what this says about me but I also loved that she finds her own jokes hilarious (they are!).

The illustrations are absolutely brilliant and so expressive, capturing the humour, joy and energy of this story perfectly.

A super-tastic, exciting start to a wonderfully hilarious and heart-warming new series.

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

Review: The Appletree Animal Agency

*Written by Katya Balen*
*Illustrated by Gill Smith*
*Published by Walker Books on 6th March*

The Appletree Animal Agency is the first book in a heart-warming, charming new series for younger readers.

Mattie Robins adores animals and longs for a puppy of her own. When she sees a shooting star from her tree house, she makes a wish for a puppy. However, she knows her wish is unlikely to come true as her dad does not think she is old enough to take responsibility for looking after a puppy.

Mattie may not have a puppy of her own, but her best friend Zoe has an adorable dog, Heinz. When the girls are cycling through Mossdale village, Heinz runs off … and finds an injured puppy which the girls take to their local vet.

But they are surprised to see that there are lots of animals in the garden. When a boy with a jackdaw on his head comes out of the vet’s cottage, they discover that Casper’s mum, Dr Polly, is the new vet and she also runs an animal rescue centre. The rescue centre is so busy that Dr Polly cannot accept any more animals until she is able to re-home some of those she already has.

Mattie, Zoe and Casper offer to help look after the animals which is just perfect for animal-loving Mattie and her friends – and means that Mattie can help look after the injured puppy as well as the kittens, goat, tortoise and myriad of other animals in the rescue centre. But Mattie knows that these animals deserve their forever home: can she and her friends find a way to match them to new owners who will be just perfect for them?

This is an absolutely delightful story, brimming with humour, warmth and friendship. I loved meeting the wonderful assortment of animals, especially Bruno the goat and Archie the ferret who bring lots of humour – and chaos! I also loved the village setting and its residents as well as the fete which gives this story such warm and cosy vibes as well as a real sense of togetherness.

Mattie is such a kind-hearted, helpful young girl who clearly adores animals and cares about their welfare. She is also a whirlwind of energy and ideas which sometimes leads to her making impulsive decisions, but she also takes responsibility for her mistakes. I loved her friendship with Zoe and Casper as they help and support each other and form a great apprentice vet team!

The black and white illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous and complement the warmth and charm of this story perfectly.

A delightful start to a heart-warming, humorous new series, perfect for young readers of 7+.

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

Review: Grumpfort written and illustrated by Jamie Hammond

Grumpfort is a hilarious and heart-warming monstrously marvellous adventure which held me absolutely entranced throughout with giggles and smiles galore!

The villagers of Bogfoss live in fear of the monsters who come from the forest to feast – or nibble – on them. Rather wisely, young Mo chooses to hide at the first sign of trouble as becoming lunch for a monster does not at all appeal to him! Unfortunately for Mo, he also happens to be Monday the Sixteenth, the newest Warden to accept the role of protecting the village from monster attacks. Well, when I say ‘accept’, he doesn’t really have a choice as this is a hereditary role which he must take following the death of his grandma, Monday the Fifteenth.

Arriving late on his first day at The Roost, he is thrown in at the deep end when monsters attack the village and he is given the task of fighting them. When Mo is beaten by the goblins and needs to be rescued, the villagers ridicule him, making him a laughing stock. Feeling dejected, Mo decides to prove himself by going into the out-of-bounds forest, catching a monster and bringing it back to Bogfoss to prove himself the hero the villagers expect him to be.

But, when his plan to catch a monster backfires, Mo finds himself running for his life and, as luck would have it, straight into the home of the monsters via a booby-trapped sausage roll – a giant fortress: Grumpfort.

And so begins the most wonderfully exciting, action-packed and hilarious adventure as Mo meets the inhabitants of the fortress who are not at all what he had expected according to the entries in his not-so-trustworthy book, A Beginner’s Guide to Monsterology. When Mo is tasked with the mission of helping some of the other monsters catch the terrifying Grumpsnatcher, who has been snatching monsters, he hatches the perfect plan to solve his problem, but he didn’t reckon on friendship getting in the way …

I absolutely loved this zany adventure which has just the right amount of peril for young readers with lots of giggles with the situations the monsters find themselves in. The creatures are absolutely brilliant from the grumpy gnome to the feisty troll and the kind-hearted, sausage-roll loving snotwoggle. The villain is perfectly cast and will undoubtedly make the reader question: what makes a monster?

Mo is an incredibly likeable young boy who has the courage to be true to himself and write his own story rather than living with the weight of others’ expectations. I think this is such a powerful message for young readers.

The illustrations throughout are absolutely wonderful and complement the action and humour of the story perfectly.

Enter Grumpfort for a monstrous treat of mayhem, giggles and gasps of delight – perfect for young readers of 7+.

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

Review: Marty Moose: First Class Mischief written and illustrated by Claire Powell

*Published by Walker Books on 6th February*

Marty Moose: First Class Mischief is a first-class start to a new two-colour illustrated series for younger readers – and it’s completely charming and fantastically funny.

Marty Moose is definitely not a moose, but a mouse, but has this name due to the rather unfortunate placement of an ink splodge on his Birth Certificate. It’s his first day as a Postmouse at Little Ditch Post Office and he’s feeling perfectly prepared with his ironed uniform, polished buttons and waxed whiskers. He is both excited and nervous that he is at last able to follow in the paw steps of his Great-Aunt Ada, the greatest Postmouse who ever lived. After introducing himself to 27-times-in-a-row Employee of the Month, Cyril Snorter, he is taken to the sorting room where he takes charge of his first bag of postal deliveries …

With a successful start to his day, Marty is feeling confident, but then things take a downhill turn as he heads underground to Whisker Warren and promptly gets lost. Luckily, he meets Nibbles Frizzby, a brilliantly bonkers rabbit, who helps him deliver his letter and decides to keep help him with the rest of his deliveries … When the two find themselves in a booby-trapped yard with two warring toads, Marty begins to wonder if there is any way to escape … and get home in time for his favourite jam sandwiches. Could his far-from-perfect start to his new job have anything to do with a postal prankster?

Giddy goodness! This book is absolutely gorgeous from the detailed map of Little Ditch to the lively, expressive illustrations to the chapter headings and typography which will offer endless appeal to young readers not to mention the smaller size of the book which suits the tale of a mouse to perfection. And then, of course, there’s the story which is filled with zany humour and just the right amount of peril and scares for younger readers which will keep them giggling and turning pages but not too quickly as there is so much to explore in the illustrations. I really loved Marty’s marvellously awesome alliterative phrases which definitely made me giggle as I have no doubt they will be remembered and enjoyed by young readers.

A terrific tale of fearless friends and postal pranks, guaranteed to delight young readers of 6+ who I have no doubt will enjoy returning again and again to explore Little Ditch as they wait for Marty’s next adventure.

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

Review: Dragon Riders of Roar

*Written by Jenny McLachlan*
*Cover Illustration by Ben Mantle*
*Interior Illustrations by Alla Kharkevich*
*Published by Farshore (an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers)*

I am a huge fan of The Land of Roar series so was super-excited to learn that Rose and Arthur would have more adventures in Dragon Riders of Roar which is an epically brilliant return to the most imaginary place where an incredible adventure awaits.

Twins Arthur and Rose are excited to be returning to spend two weeks in Roar, the imaginary world they have created, a world that becomes real when they crawl through the old camp bed in their grandad’s attic.

But, when Arthur discovers a secret story that Rose has been writing about Roar, he is annoyed that she has been leaving him out and makes a few additions of his own. Catching him reading her story, Rose is furious and they begin to fight with Arthur shoving the book in to the camp bed and Rose retrieving it, but its a fight that ends in giggles and memories of when they were younger, creating their imaginary land of Roar through imaginative play.

Soon afterwards, bursting with excitement and happiness, they crawl through the camp bed and find themselves back in Roar. Calling for her three dragons, Rose and Arthur fly to meet their friends Win and Mitch, only to discover that Mitch is missing! Could something have entered Roar that is a threat to the twins and their friends?

When Rose sees that creatures that she has created in her notebook are now in Roar, she realises that the Dragonlands of her notebook have come to life in Roar and, in order to find Mitch, they will need to travel to the island of Spindrift which is the location of the Dragon Rider Academy, a school where students learn to ride fearsome dragons to protect the island. But, does the island need protection against the terrifying Witch-King, who steals children for his army and leaves changelings in their place? Could there be any truth in the rumours that he is still alive and intent on revenge? And, if so, do Arthur and Rose have enough fire in their hearts to battle a terrifying villain and save both Roar, and someone closer to home, from harm?

Just wow! I absolutely loved being back in Roar with Arthur and Rose and with familiar friends as well as new friends. This is such a thrilling, action-packed adventure that transported me into a richly drawn world of danger, secrets and revelations where I was never quite sure who to trust. I really enjoyed the school setting with its dragon sorter, houses and trials to become Dragon Riders coupled with the rumoured return of a terrifying villain which brings a real sense of peril for those at the school. I also really enjoyed the camaraderie between the twins and their friends which brings lots of humour to counteract the dangerous and tense moments.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are absolutely stunning and complement this exciting adventure perfectly.

For those who are already familiar with Roar, this will be a much-welcomed addition to this fantastic world, but it can also be read as a stand-alone for those who want to jump into this adventure first, but I have no doubt they’ll then want to read the first three books in this epic series.

Take an exhilarating ride into an unforgettable world of dragons, witches and courageous friends … perfect for young adventurers of 8+.

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

Review: Speedwheels 3000: The Race Against Crime

*Written by Jenny Pearson*
*Cover Illustration by Nick East*
*Interior Illustrations by Katie Kear*
*Published by Usborne Books*

An hilarious, action-packed race across Europe, Speedwheels 3000: The Race Against Crime, is guaranteed to win first podium place in the hearts of readers as they join Evie and her dad on an unforgettable, zany adventure.

Evie Clutterbank is determined to have some father-daughter bonding time, but her dad’s attention has not been on his daughter for a long time. Instead, his energy and time is taken with his single-minded determination to win the world’s most famous – and most definitely, craziest – race: The Speedwheels 3000 which races through seven European countries. Can she convince her Dad to take her along as his co-pilot? Of course not! But, Evie has a plan …

Whilst her mum is fully immersed in her efforts to save the slow-worms (yes – seriously!), Evie makes a quick getaway by stashing herself in the boot of her Dad’s car, Toots, after creating a little more room by throwing out his suitcase. If only, she’d known about the lucky pants she’d unceremoniously dumped on the roadside, maybe she wouldn’t be dangling from a cliff with a boot full of stolen gold, and the police on their trail …

And how exactly did she and her Dad end up in this precarious situation? Well, Evie is the perfect person to tell her us about her racing adventures as she allows her brain time to think of a way out of her current unintended death-defying situation …

And what a tale she has to tell! All she wanted was some bonding time with her dad as they share his love of racing through Europe, but what she gets is the high-octane adventure of her life! I mean, yes, there’s incredible danger, car chases, disasters galore and the chance that her dad might go to prison, but there’s also wild camping, a bison traffic jam and a mystery to solve. Can Evie solve the mystery of who wants to frame them as gold thieves? Could it be one of the other competitors? And, is there even the teeniest chance that they could become the Speedwheel 3000 champions?

Oh wow! This is another absolute winner that had me giggling and, at times, sniffling- and not with the cold! As always with Jenny’s books, I loved the blend of humour and heart, the authentic relationships and the action-packed, brilliantly ridiculous situations that arise that guarantee laugh-out-loud moments blended with heart-warming interactions that bring both smiles and tears.

Evie is the most incredible 11¾ year old girl who I absolutely adored as she faces every situation and challenge with such positivity – even that of getting her dad to realise that he can still look for happiness even when something unbearable has happened. The relationship between Evie and her dad is beautifully and authentically portrayed as they find heart-warming moments of connection amidst the zaniness and danger of their race across Europe. I loved Evie’s cheeky, quick-witted, impetuous and confident manner which makes her incredibly likeable, but I can also understand her dad’s frustration with her! I also loved her loyalty to her dad as she stands up for him – even if it sometimes leads to disastrous situations for her had – but hilarious ones for the reader!

The illustrations throughout are absolutely wonderful – full of energy, expression and humour – and complement this brilliant story perfectly.

Race to the finish line with a story that it’d be a crime not to read – a perfect blend of humour and heart wrapped up in race like no other.

Thank you to Usborne Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas

*Written and illustrated by Peter Carnavas*
*Cover Design by Jo Hunt*
*Published by Pushkin Children’s Books*

Leo and Ralph is the most wonderful, heart-warming story of family and friendship, of saying goodbye and starting again, and of being given the space to reach for the stars.

Leo and his best friend Ralph are lying on a blanket in Leo’s backyard enjoying their last time together, looking at the night sky through Leo’s old telescope and talking about all the planets they’ve imagined. This is hardly surprising as they first met when Ralph flew down from one of Jupiter’s moons and decided to stay with Leo for as long as he needed him. But now he is older and his family are moving, his mum and dad think that it’s time to leave Ralph behind … but how do you leave behind a friend like Ralph?

Moving to a small country town feels wrong to Leo and he is anxious that he will not be able to make any friends, and his parents will continue to worry about him. After all, he was not able to make any friends in his last school so why should his new school be any different? Will be need to use the secret promise he made with Ralph? Or, can he find a new best friend who will accept him as he is and give him the space to be himself?

It won’t be long before someone likes the way you don’t fit.

This is a truly gorgeous story which I absolutely adored as I followed Leo on his journey to saying goodbye to one friend and taking tentative steps to finding another. I adored the gentleness of this story; the truth of the ebb and flow of friendship; the space and time needed for it to develop; and the connections and sense of belonging that come from a friendship filled with encouragement, acceptance and kindness. What a wonderful message for young children, especially those who feel like they don’t quite fit in, as they traverse their own friendships and times of change.

Leo is an incredibly likeable young boy whose anxieties and need for space to express himself have made it difficult to form friendships in school. His friendship with Ralph is joyous and comforting as they know each other perfectly which makes it all the more difficult for Leo to let go and build a new friendship. He feels like an alien in social situations, not being given what he needs in order to be able to interact with others, so when he finds someone who accepts him and gives him space to bond, it is just what he needs to help him open himself to friendship.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are beautiful and really complement the gentle, heart-warming nature of the story.

This is a gorgeously heart-warming story of family and friendship, of difference and acceptance, perfect for readers of 8+

Thank you to Pushkin Children’s Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Hunt for the Golden Scarab (Time Keys)

*Written by M.G.Leonard*
*Illustrated by Manuel Šumberac*
*Published by Macmillan Children’s Books*

Hunt for the Golden Scarab is the first book in an exciting, new time-travelling adventure series, Time Keys that swept me into a rollercoaster of an adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout – absolutely riveting!

Twelve-year-old Sim Lockier lives with his mum, Callidora, in a small attic flat attached to the Sir John Soane’s Museum where his mum is a caretaker. Whilst helping his mum clean the Museum after it has closed for the day, they are disturbed by a man and a boy who should not be there. Running from them, Sim’s mum takes him through a locked door to ask for help from the old man they meet there, telling him that hunters have found her.

The next day, his mum tells him that it is no longer safe for them in London so they have to leave and find his uncle, Emmett, an uncle that Sim has never heard of. After a dangerous journey, where they are chased by a hunter, they arrive at Emmett’s home to discover a red-haired girl, his daughter, Jeopardy.

It is not long before Sim discovers the secret that his mum has been keeping from him: she can open time doors and travel back into the past. She is being hunted by the Council of Keys, an organisation who aim to control time travel, and is convinced they will take Sim if they catch up with them. The Council is searching for an ancient artefact, the golden heart scarab of Neferiti, said to grant eternal youth. Callidora aims to thwart the Council and find the golden scarab before they can use it for any nefarious purposes.

And so begins a heart-racing, action-packed adventure as Sim, Callidora and Jeopardy find themselves heading to Egypt to hunt for the golden scarab. But they are being hunted by someone who will stop at nothing to procure the artefact for the Council. Can Sim and his friends save both themselves and the golden scarab before time runs out? Can they find a door into the past and a way to protect a precious artefact?

I absolutely loved this adventure which has plenty of danger, unexpected twists and turns and a feeling of not being sure who to trust which made it a real page turner. I adore books involving time travel and I loved the idea of a link between music and doors in time that allow those who are keys to travel through time. I also really enjoyed the Egyptian setting which is richly described and gives a wonderful insight into this fascinating time period, especially the death rituals of Pharaohs.

Sim and Jeopardy form a wonderful bond of friendship and make a fantastic team when discovering the clues that may help them foil the sinister Council stealing the golden scarab. They show great determination, astuteness and courage as they face dangers and uncover secrets of the past and present – and learn more about themselves. I’m really looking forward to joining them on their next adventure. I also really liked that this adventure has such a strong, female adult role model in Sim’s mum, Callidora, who clearly adores her son and wants to protect him, even when this means keeping secrets from him, whilst at the same time giving him the skills to defend himself should the occasion arise.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are stunning and complement this time-travelling mystery adventure perfectly.

An action-packed, exhilarating time-travelling adventure, perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher, Macmillan Children’s Books, for approving me to read an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.