Review: The December Witches

*Written by Jennifer Claessen*
*Illustration by Heidi Cannon*
*Published by Uclan Publishing*

The December Witches is the final book in the A Month of Magic trilogy – what a wonderfully satisfying, heart-warming and magical conclusion to this brilliant adventure series.

It’s Clemmie’s thirteenth birthday which should be a time of celebration, gifts and cake, but instead she’s been given an unwanted gift, a gift that could not only destroy her and those she loves, but also allow twisted magic to enter the world.

There has never been magic in December, yet Clemmie is full of magic, magic that she can’t control and magic that is causing explosive harm not only to Clemmie, but to her home. When tragedy strikes, she must leave her home and fight a battle both within herself and against a force intent on making her a conduit back to the human world. Can Clemmie and her friends find a way to release her star-fuelled magic and defeat the ancient, twisted magic of their ancestors?

This is an absolutely brilliant adventure, intricately woven, and with a perfect blend of tension, peril and excitement as a magical battle weaves through the pages, taking the reader on an unforgettable journey with Clemmie and her friends. I really enjoyed the wintry, snowy setting and the Christmassy feel, especially the reference to Clemmie as Sister Christmas, the giving of star gifts and the comfort to be found in giving. I also loved Connie’s cookbook references at the start of each chapter which perfectly depict the joy, messiness and togetherness of family time!

Growing up, I absolutely loved the Arthurian legends, so I really enjoyed the references in this trilogy, from the family names of the Merlyns and Morgans to family rivalry, the Round Table, knights and mythical places.

Clemmie is the most wonderful, caring and courageous young girl who really finds her voice, her self-awareness and inner strength as she fights against those intent in taking these from her. I loved how she finds strength both through her family and her friendship with Mirabelle, Senara and Kerra who are always there for her and anchor her when she needs support.

A magical, uplifting and festive adventure with family and friendship at its heart – a perfect witchy wintery feast of a story.

#NNFN2024: My Big Book of Questions About the World

*Written by Moira Butterfield*
*Illustrated by Cindy Wume*
*Published by Walker Books*

National Non-Fiction November is an entire month dedicated to celebrating the wonderful range of non-fiction books which are published each year. This is co-ordinated by the brilliant Federation of Children’s Book Groups. I am delighted to have been invited to join the 2024 Bloggers’ Tour and today I am sharing my review of My Big Book of Questions About the World. Thank you to the FCBG for organising a copy for me, provided by the Publisher, Walker Books.

My Big Book of Questions About the World is a brilliant book for curious young minds as it answers a wide range of questions about the world around us in a fun and engaging way. Guaranteed to fascinate young readers – and have them generating further questions of their own! What a wonderful way to introduce some big ideas to children and to engage their natural curiosity when learning about the world around them.

This beautifully illustrated book opens with question prompts and images of a diverse range of young characters who lead readers through the book, making them feel like they’ve joined a group of friends to explore questions about the world … and they’ll know many answers to big questions which they can then share with their real-life friends by the end.

The book is divided into seven sections: Our World, The Land Around Us, The Sea, Plants, Animals, People, The Weather and Out in Space. Have you ever wondered … what is the world made of? Why is the sea salty? Do animals play games? Why is the sky blue? Or even, can we go on holiday to space? There is such a wide range of questions about our world that I have no doubt will fascinate young readers as they read the answers and pore over the illustrations. I can also imagine many of these questions being a catalyst into further engaging children’s interest in finding out more about the world around them. A brilliant way into STEM learning!

Each section of this book includes a series of between 5 and 8 questions with answers given in a clear, engaging manner all of which are easily accessible for younger readers. I really liked the way comparisons were made with things young readers will understand and have knowledge of such as the layers of the world being compared to a chocolate-covered lolly with ice-cream and toffee in the middle. I also really liked the friendly, chatty style of the writing that talks directly to the reader. As well as this, there are labelled diagrams and gorgeous, vivid illustrations which reinforce answers in a clear and fun way on every page.

This is a perfect book to share with younger readers of 5+ or for newly independent readers to enjoy on their own. Either way, there is lots for curious young minds to delight in and engage with as they learn more about the world around them.

Do check out the other stops on the #FCGB #NNFN2024 Bloggers’ Tour and enjoy learning about a wide range of non-fiction books this November – and beyond!

Review: Anya’s Quest written by Jasbinder Bilan and illustrated by Jane Ray

Anya’s Quest is a stunning and powerful story, inspired by Hindu mythology, that took me on an unforgettable journey along the Ganges to listen to nature’s song of hope and healing … an utterly enchanting read.

8-year-old Anya is grieving the loss of her mother three years before. She wakes in the early morning from a dream that she can’t quite remember: a dream of her mother, a white flower and a lullaby …

Whilst Anya’s father gives her all the gadgets and toys she could ever want, he does not give her the one thing she craves: his attention. It is not surprising that she feels jealous and lonely when she sees Mahi playing in the snow with her mother, the cook, as it brings back memories of time spent with her mama. When her friend is unable to visit due to the roads through the Himalayan mountains being blocked with snow, Anya’s father sends Mahi to play with Anya. However, Anya is rude to her and orders Mahi to go outside and build her a snow figure.

Later, feeling ashamed of her unkindness towards Mahi, Anya ventures outside to find her, but slips on the ice – and wakes to see the Goddess Ganga in the moonlight with her river dragon and spirit companion, Makara who pulls her chariot. Ganga has a quest for Anya to complete, and takes both her and Mahi on an incredible journey through the Himalayan mountains and along the course of the Ganges, a journey into the past and towards a future of hope … Can Anya remember her spirit song, discover her spirit animal and re-connect with nature?

I absolutely loved this stunning story with its blend of Hindu mythology, and powerful environmental message of the need to protect our planet from the harm humans are doing to it. I really liked that the message is one of hope and empowerment. Both the writing and illustrations are awe-inspiring and take the reader on the most magical journey of self-discovery, connection with nature and hope … mesmerising.

Anya is a sympathetic young girl whose grief, loneliness and jealousy initially leads her to be unkind and reject Mahi’s friendship, but she opens herself to new friendship as she searches for her spirit song and connects with Mahi through their shared appreciation of nature and desire to protect the planet through their actions.

The full-colour illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous and really encapsulate the enchanting quality of this story from the wintry scenes through the mountains and along the river to the depiction of Hindu Gods and Goddesses to the heart-warming images of family and friends surrounded by nature.

An absolutely captivating story presented in a stunning hardback edition with full-colour illustrations, perfect for children of 7+.

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

Review: Knight Sir Louis and the Cauldron of Chaos by The Brothers McLeod

Knight Sir Louis and his friends are back for more hilarious mayhem in their sixth fantastically funny and heart-warming adventure, The Cauldron of Chaos. An absolute riot of fun that is guaranteed to bring giggles galore to young readers as they join Knight Sir Louis on his perilous quest.

Knight Sir Louis is racing towards another heroic adventure on his trusty robot steed, Clunkalot, a mission to save the Kingdom of Squirrel Helm from evil, cursed living diamonds intent on world domination. With the help of his loyal, magical sword, Dave, he is able to defeat the diamonds (or is he?), but not without Dave being injured and in need of healing by his maker which means that Louis is in need of a new sword …

His friend, wizentor (wizard inventor) Pearlin is too busy building a theme park for King Burt the Not Bad to help so instead she sends him to ambitious witch, Cilla Da Spell’s market stall where he buys Steve Jabs who has a penchant for mood music, photos and giving directions, but not too sure about the actual jabbing …

When Louis goes to meet his best friend, Catalogue the boar, who is now a Police Inspector, he discovers that his help is needed to help solve a case of thievery, a case that leads towards the Big Bank and a dastardly, greedy villain … the Cauldron of Chaos who steals from the ~~rich~~ anyone and gives to ~~the poor~~ itself.

Can friends Louis, Catalogue and Pearlin come up with a plan to defeat the Cauldron of Chaos and return the stolen riches to their rightful owners? Will joining forces with Cilla Da Spell make the Cauldron invincible? Can diamonds really be a knight’s best friend? And, will they find the perfect cauldron cleanser in Transylwoofia?

Oh my goodness! This was SO much fun! I absolutely loved how playful it is in terms of wacky ideas and language – and the bookish and popular references which made me giggle. I adored the running commentary by the good citizens of Squirrel Helm. I also loved the ‘Choose Your Own’ section where the reader helps the friends decide where to go in Transylwoofia via Chapters A-F – but having to read all chapters to be successful!

The layout of this book will make it incredibly appealing to readers from its many, many brilliantly expressive and lively illustrations over partial and whole pages to its range of fonts to its graphic novel style inserts and commentary asides and insights for the reader.

There is such a wonderful bond of friendship between Louis and his friends which make them a wonderful team when coming up ideas and carrying out their plan. They show courage and determination when facing danger, never giving up and working together to complete their mission. Whilst there are PLENTY of laughs in this adventure, I also really liked that it has strong friendships and a real warmth that young readers will enjoy. A delightful, fast-paced adventure, fizzing with friendship and humour, perfect for readers of 8+.

Thank you to Dannie Price and Guppy Books for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Haunting of Fortune Farm by Sophie Kirtley

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

The Haunting of Fortune Farm is an eerie, evocative and poignant ghost tale of family secrets, remembrance and healing that completely entranced me as I was swept into the isolated Irish setting, enraptured by voices of the past and present connecting through memories …

Twelve-year-old Edie and her little brother Pip are spending their half-term with their grandmother, Lolly, on her isolated farm, Fortune Farm, high up in the rugged landscape of the Irish mountains, on the shores of Lough Ivarr. Whilst Edie used to enjoy visiting Lolly with her family, she hasn’t seen her in years – not since her father died – and she doesn’t want to be reminded of her Dad, and the farm he grew up on, as the memories are just too painful so she keeps them buried deep inside.

When Edie finds hidden items from the past – a piece of metal, her dad’s diary and a newspaper cutting – she finds herself thrown into an adventure to discover long-lost Viking treasure and to uncover family secrets …

Oh my goodness! I was completely gripped by this incredible adventure which sent shivers down my spine as I could really feel the sense of foreboding, the eerie atmosphere and the threat of imminent danger. This astounding adventure is shrouded in an intriguing air of mystery and otherworldliness. Whispers in the wind, unexpected friendships, a trail of clues and an ancient weapon leads to terrifying danger, breathtaking revelations and the release of buried memories. There is so much that happens in this haunting mystery that left me stunned, at times tearful, and always on the edge of my seat … but I don’t want to say anything else for fear of spoilers. Suffice to say that this is an unmissable, exceptional and emotional story that I absolutely couldn’t put down.

As always with Sophie’s books, I love the Northern Irish setting which always brings me back home. I’ve camped both in the Mourne and Sperrin Mountains and walked in many of Northern Ireland’s beautiful forests, including Lough Navar and Glenariff, so know well the wild beauty, isolation and majesty of the Irish landscape but also the sense of history and connection to the past that they engender as well as the sense of otherworldliness from standing still and appreciating these magical places. I think an isolated farm cottage nestled in a valley surrounded by high mountains is the perfect setting for a ghost story where the past haunts the present and family secrets are revealed.

Edie is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who I absolutely adored. She is grieving the loss of her father and burying her memories of him deep inside as they are too painful to bring to the surface. When faced with a mystery, she is determined to solve it, even when this means following her own path and breaking rules. She shows great courage when facing her fears and standing up to a terrifying presence as well as in finding the inner strength to connect with her memories, even when they are painful.

A moving, mesmerising adventure where the past haunts the present, where memories swirl and whisper and where a family comes together to remember and heal.

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

Review: Time Travellers: Secrets and Spies

*Written by Sufiya Ahmed*
*Illustrations by Alessia Trunfio*
*Published by Little Tiger*

I really enjoyed Time Travellers: Adventure Calling so was eager to read the second book in this exciting series of historical timeslip adventures: Secrets and Spies.

Suhana and best friends, Mia and Ayaan, are exploring Edinburgh during the Easter holidays. As it is raining, they head in to the Museum of Scotland where they meet a tour guide who tells them about the origins of the East India Company and shares that items taken are now part of a collection in Edinburgh Castle. Visiting the Castle, the three friends see an Indian sword with a tiger head and an amulet holder, but then Suhana’s phone alarm rings … and the friends find themselves spinning backwards through time … and into another time travelling adventure …

This time, the team find themselves in 1799 Seringapatam, India with a new mission: to save a young princess. Finding themselves inside a fort, they climb the walls to see thousands of tents, cannon guns and war elephants: the fort and Sultan’s palace is under siege by troops from the East India Company.

When they are disturbed by a young soldier, they find an ally in Imran who takes them to the royal palace where they see Sultan Tipu and learn of his resistance to the invaders, but is someone prepared to betray the Sultan and his family for their own greed? Can the time travellers complete their mission and save the princess before the fort is breached by those intent on ending any resistance to Imperial Rule? And, will the team return safely home to share this forgotten history with others?

This is another brilliant adventure with plenty of fast-paced action, danger and discoveries as the children work together to save the young princess and get her to safety as they are confronted with the exploitation, disrespect and violence of the East India Company towards the Indian people. Bengal tigers, secret passages, betrayal, and daring escapades make this a thrilling read as well as one which teaches readers about British colonialism in India.

I really enjoyed the strong friendship which has developed between Suhana, Mia and Ayaan which makes them a great time travelling team. The friends are courageous and determined, and are prepared to take risks to complete their mission which leads to both danger and discoveries. They all show respect for the beliefs and culture of those they meet which is in stark contrast to how the Indian people are treated by the colonial powers forcibly expanding into their country.

There is a wonderful section at the end of the book which gives more information about the British Empire and colonialism as well as sharing more information about Tipu Sultan and one of his ancestors who played an important and heroic role in the Second World War.

This is another fantastic adventure in this time-travelling series which is perfect for children of 8+ to both enjoy as an exciting adventure and to learn more about important aspects of our diverse history which are not well known.

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

Review: Emba Oak and the Epic Ending

*Written by Jenny Moore*
*Cover illustration by David Dean*
*Published by Maverick Publishing*

All the best endings to adventures have to start somewhere…

I absolutely loved the first three books in the Emba Oak series, so was excited to join Emba on her fourth, and final, adventure in Emba Oak and the Epic Ending… and what a perfect title this turned out to be! Brimming with adventure, peril, humour and friendship, this is an epic finale to an epic series, and one that completely captivated me.

After the end of The Screaming Sea, Emba could be forgiven for needing a little rest after flying Odolf and Whip to apparent safety on the Eyeless Isles so it seems a little harsh that she is woken with a slap in the face by a wet fish! Once awake, she discovers two threats: an imminent attack by the terrifying masked maggot and the sight of her father, Necromalcolm’s ship, anchored on the next island.

But Emba has no choice but to head to the fortress on the island as that is where the Tome of Terrible Tomorrows has been taken, and she needs to hear its next prophecy … the Final Prophecy … but it’s also where Necromalcolm and the sorceress, Monica-Sage, await her arrival … and some old ghost acquaintances!

And so begins this final, thrilling, action-packed adventure as Emba embarks on her most perilous mission to stop her evil father from ruling both the dragon and human realms. Will she be able to save both her dragon mother and her human mother, Fred from the evil clutches of her father as he prepares to enter the dragon realm? Can she possibly save both the dragon and mortal realms from being ruled by an evil tyrant? And as her birthday approaches, will she discover whether she will stay human or become wholly dragon?

I absolutely loved the blend of fast-paced action, peril, humour and heart within this adventure which makes it a real page-turner as I was completely immersed in Emba and her friends’ mission to thwart Necromalcolm and his evil plot for domination of both realms. Be prepared for impossible choices, betrayal, sacrifices, ghost armies and deadly danger … but also wonderful friendships, brilliant teamwork and heartwarming connections.

Emba is just the most wonderful heroine who is determined to save both her own world and that of the dragons, even if this comes with heartache and impossible choices. I loved the strength of the friendship she has with Odolf who is always by her side and ready to encourage and support her when she needs him most.

An epic ending to a fantastic series brimming with humour, heart and friendship – and just perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

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

Review: The Arctic Fox

*Written by Holly Webb*
*Illustrated by David Dean*
*Published by Little Tiger*

The Arctic Fox is a magical, heart-warming adventure and another gorgeous addition to the Winter Wildlife Stories series for younger readers.

Ellie can hardly believe it when her parents tell her and younger brother, Taylor, that they will be spending the first days of their Christmas holidays in Lapland. She is excited that she will get to experience the Northern lights, meet reindeer and even get to visit Santa and his elves in their village.

But before this wonderful family holiday, Ellie still has a few days of school left. Two days before the end of term, her class are taken on a visit to a museum as part of their Romans topic. When they are given some free time to explore the museum, her best friend brings her to see the costume gallery. Ellie is shocked and upset to see an early 20^th century exhibit where an arctic fox stole is worn.

Wondering whether the Arctic fox could have lived in Lapland, Ellie and her mum research these creatures only to discover that, whilst now protected, they are still rare in Finland as they had been hunted for many years. Despite this knowledge, Ellie can’t help dreaming about meeting this beautiful Arctic creature …

When the family arrive in Lapland, they are immediately immersed in its magic, enjoying day trips to Santa’s village, a reindeer sleigh ride and an evening excursion to experience the Northern lights. But thoughts of sighting an Arctic fox are never far from Ellie’s mind …

And one evening, she wakes in the snowy forest and follows the sound of a faint wail to find a young Arctic fox caught in a trap. Can Ellie rescue this little fox from the danger he is in? And can she find her way back to her holiday cabin?

I loved the magical quality of this story, and the wonderful bond that develops between fox and girl as they seek to help and protect each other. The description of Lapland is exquisite and definitely makes me want to visit. I also loved the wonderfully close and loving family bonds and the joy the family experience on this incredible holiday.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are absolutely stunning and really bring to life the magic, wonder and joy of this story with its portrayal of a family enjoying a fantastic holiday, and a young girl’s connection with a special animal.

This is a wonderfully heart-warming story that will be adored by young animal lovers and adventurers alike, and is just perfect for a cosy, snuggly read on a cold, wintry evening.

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

Review: Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman

*Written by Alex Atkinson*
*Cover illustration by Miriam Serafin*
*Published by Usborne*

Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman is a deliciously spooky, humorous mystery with a chilling edge guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.

Twelve-year-old twins Indigo and Rusty live in a 400-year-old house on the outskirts of the village of Greyscar which also happens to be a funeral home. Despite this, they do not believe in ghosts … until Indigo accidentally finds a hidden door behind a bookcase and decides to investigate.

In the dark room behind the bookcase, she finds something on a table and decides to bring it back to the funeral parlour. The old, dented urn which she has brought back frightens her when its lid rattles making her drop it … releasing an ash cloud that escapes through the open window, but not before she hears its voice …

The next morning, she wakes to an eerie silence and looks outside to see that everything has been coated in a layer of ash and, worse still, her parents are acting very strangely … as are all the other villagers … as if they have no control over their actions.

But why are the twins not affected by this smothering ash? It is not long before they discover that they are immune to the effects of the ash because they are spooksmiths who can see and communicate with ghosts. And Indigo has accidentally released a terrifying ghost on the village: the Cinderman who intends to turn everyone into zombies and hide the village from the outside world under a layer of ash.

And so begins a spine-tinglingly spooky mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat as I followed these two daring investigators as they race against time to learn the secrets of the Cinderman. What power does a name hold? Can they learn the Cinderman’s weakness before sunset? Or will Greyscar become a town of zombies trapped in ash and ruled over by a terrifying ghost lord?

I loved the inexorable building of tension as danger increases and time runs out which made this a real page-turner and totally unputdownable. The atmosphere was incredibly eerie and creepy with the ash encapsulating the town and people being controlled like puppets by an evil entity. The ghosts who help the twins in their mission are fantastic – and bring some brilliantly humorous moments as well as some poignant ones!

I really liked both Indigo and Rusty whose initial bickering and arguments change to support and teamwork as they learn to work together in their mission to defeat the Cinderman. As they find themselves in more and more peril, they come to realise the importance of family and friendship which gives them the strength, courage and determination to continue their pursuit of the terrifying Cinderman. I also have to mention Phrank who I absolutely adored – and who brought lots of humour!

A spooky and humorous horror-mystery, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect to snuggle up with on a dark evening for a frighteningly fantastic reading treat.

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

Blog Tour Review: Birdie by J P Rose

*Written by J. P. Rose*
*Cover Illustration by Keith Robinson*
*Published by Anderson Press*

Birdie is a powerful, heartfelt story of friendship, belonging and identity set in the 1950s: an unforgettable, incredibly affecting story that completely captured me.

Birdie Bagshaw has grown up in Fitzwilliam’s Children’s Home, a home for mixed race children, on the outskirts of Leeds. She adores its kind-hearted owner, Mrs Dudley so is reluctant to leave when her great-aunt sends for her. She does not want to leave the familiarity of the home, nor her friends and found family. Although frightened of starting a new life, Mrs Dudley convinces her to make the train journey to the Yorkshire Dales to live with her great-aunt, Mrs Winterbottom.

When she arrives in Barrington Dale, she has to find her own way to her great-aunt’s cottage where she is given a cold welcome. Confused by this treatment, she makes her way to school where she is subjected to appalling racism by both pupils and the teacher. Birdie feels rejected and is made to feel like an outsider by both her great-aunt and most of the villagers she meets.

When Birdie is faced with cruelty from some of the older boys, she runs to escape from them, and finds herself at the local coal mine where she meets the last remaining pit pony …

And so begins a story that broke my heart … and healed it again! The special bond that forms between Birdie and Mr Duke is just incredible and felt completely believable as their love, loyalty and trust in each other resonates throughout the story. They give each other strength to keep going in terrible circumstances – and hope that life can get better.

When Birdie discovers that Mr Duke is in terrible danger, she is determined to rescue him, no matter the risk to herself, but will she be able to save her best friend’s life?

Oh my goodness! Birdie is just the most incredible, inspirational young girl. Growing up in a home for mixed race children, she has not experienced, or has been protected from, racist abuse. My heart ached for her as she comes to realise that the reason she is being treated so horribly by others is because of the colour of her skin. But Birdie does not let this prejudice affect who she is at heart: an empathetic, caring girl whose kindness radiates from her. She is someone who enters people’s lives and changes them for the better, bringing a community together and healing those who have been lost in grief.

After reading Fablehouse, I had already learned more about the history of ‘Brown Babies’ born to relationships between African-American GIs and white British women during the Second World War, and the racism and stigma which forced many of these mothers to give up their babies in order to be ‘socially acceptable’ members of society. This story also addresses the impact of the aftermath of the Second World War on families who are grieving for those who did not come home from the war. And, of course, there is the deployment of pit ponies in the mining communities, the ‘unsung heroes’ of the coal mines, something that I found incredibly poignant and really difficult to fathom as ever being acceptable. The author’s Historical Note makes for fascinating reading and would form the basis for some wonderful classroom discussions following reading the story.

A tender story of family, connection and remaining true to yourself with the most beautiful friendship between human and animal at its heart. This is a story I cannot recommend highly enough for readers of 9+, and a definite Book of the Year for me.

Author Information

J.P. Rose was born in Manchester but was raised in Yorkshire after her adoption. Growing up she suffered extreme racism, though she continued to be proud of her diverse and rich Jamaican, Nigerian and Anglo-Irish heritage. She trained as an actress but eventually moved into writing, and she is now the author of numerous novels for adults. She owns several horses, dogs and cats and lives in London with her family.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jprosewriter
X: https://x.com/jprosewriter

Thank you so much to Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour, and to Anderson Press for providing me with a copy of Birdie in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on this week’s Blog Tour below: