Review: Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels by Ruth Lauren

*Written by Ruth Lauren*
*Illustrations by Sharon King-Chai*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Tourmaline is back in her second adventure, Tourmaline and the Museum of Marvels, a magical, thrilling adventure that completely captivated me.

Tourmaline has developed magical abilities since falling into the Source of magic whilst on the Island of Elsewhere, powers which she cannot control leading to mishaps and chaos at Pellavere University where she is living with her mother and best friends, George and Mai. Not only is Tourmaline desperate to learn more about her powers and how to control them, she is determined to keep them a secret from everyone except George and Mai.

When she discovers a postcard telling her that the sender knows her secret and asking her to meet at the Dark Market where magical artefacts are traded, Tourmaline knows that another adventure is waiting …

And, oh my goodness, what an absolutely exhilarating, action-packed adventure it is as Tourmaline and her friends find themselves travelling by airship to the Dark Market to find the sender of the postcard. But things don’t quite go to plan for Tourmaline when she reveals her magical powers and becomes the most valuable magical artefact in the Market. Can she escape from those who are hunting her? Will the postcards that she finds lead her to the answers she seeks? And what truths will be revealed within the Museum of Marvels?

I absolutely loved adventuring with Tourmaline and her friends as she explores the Museum of Marvels, learning more about how it has come to exist, the wondrous magical artefacts held within it, and discovering more about her own powers. This is such an amazing adventure with the most marvellous twists and turns, and plenty of danger, that kept me eagerly turning pages. And the revelations – just brilliant! I also loved seeing the return of some familiar faces from Tourmaline’s first adventure to the Island of Elsewhere. And that ending – it has definitely whetted my appetite for Tourmaline’s next adventure.

Tourmaline, George and Mai have formed the most gorgeous friendship: supportive, loyal and humorous. Tourmaline is determined, courageous and not adverse to breaking the rules, but she is also struggling to understand and control her magical abilities. I’ve loved seeing George become more confident with more belief in himself. I’ve also really enjoyed seeing the positive influence that the friends have on each other which feels such an authentic part of a deepening, genuine friendship.

An exciting, magical adventure, brimming with daring, danger and discovery – and the most wonderful friendships! Perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

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

St Patrick’s Day middle-grade recommendations: Irish authors

Happy St Patrick’s Day! I thought today would be the perfect opportunity to share books by some of my favourite Irish middle-grade authors. I have included a link to my review for each of my book recommendations.

The Eye of the North is a brilliantly fast-paced, thrilling adventure that truly deserves the plaudit of ‘unputdownable’. It opens with the best line ever:

For as long as she could remember, Emmeline Widget had been sure her parents were trying to kill her.

and transported me into the most gripping adventure, brimming with twists and turns, with danger and daring, and with breath-taking revelations.

The Time Tider is a ferociously fast-paced, thrilling and intriguing contemporary fantasy that transported me into an enthralling adventure where the phrase ‘just one more chapter’ has never been so apt. An exhilarating, irresistible page-turner: a heart-warming, intricate story of family and friendship woven into the most brilliant time-twisty plot that is guaranteed to bring hours of reading delight!

The Silver Road is the MOST incredible, action-packed quest adventure, brimming with magic, with danger, with discoveries … I was swept into a modern world interwoven with the old magic and mythology of Ireland and was completely and utterly spellbound. I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoilers, but be prepared to meet witches, giants, wolves, ancient gods and warriors in a gripping adventure that is guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat as the peril reaches a fierce crescendo. Epically brilliant!

Elsetime is an exhilarating time-slip story which completely captivated me as it took me on a fascinating journey where past, present and future meet in ‘elsetime’, a time where intrigue, danger and revelations swirl amidst friendships, courage and hope. Inspired by the real-life Great Flood of London in 1928, this is a stunningly spectacular read with a beautifully heart-warming ending.

The Chestnut Roaster is an unforgettable, mesmerising historical fantasy which swept me into late 19^th century Paris and into a gripping, dangerous and exciting adventure that completely captivated me. A breath-taking, magical adventure: a story of loss, survival, and the strength of friendship, family and self-belief.

The Shadows of Rookhaven is an absolutely stunning story told from different viewpoints in short atmospheric chapters: tantalising and intriguing; heart-warming and heart-breaking; a story that oscillates with secrets and revelations, and a delicious darkness and tension that makes it an excruciating delight to read.

Stitch is an absolutely stunning, incredibly powerful and thought-provoking story that completely gripped me from start to finish. The action, brimming with peril, discoveries and secrets, kept me turning pages as I was desperate to find out how the three friends would survive in a world where their differences make them more likely to be hated or feared than accepted.

The Lost Girl King is a truly spellbinding adventure that swept me into the mythical land of youth and into an action-packed, unforgettable quest brimming with daring, courage and wit. This is a magical, joyous and exciting adventure brimming with family and friendship, with danger, delight and hope … an absolute must-read!

Pirates of Darksea is stardust-sprinkled, swashbuckling adventure with great peril, incredible courage and the bonds of brotherhood and friendship at its heart. I absolutely loved this action-packed, gripping quest which is brimming with peril, magic and the most brilliant and unexpected twists and turns. I genuinely gasped at some of the revelations which kept me turning page after page as I was completely swept into the magic and power of the story-telling.

Sally in the City of Dreams is a wonderfully charming and exciting historical adventure with friendship and family at its heart. I have no doubt that young readers will enjoy getting to know Sally and her friends as they travel from early 1900s Ireland to New York, the City of Dreams, to start a new life. A heart-warming, exciting historical adventure with strong friendships, sure to be adored by young readers of 9+.

The Spirit Snatcher is a spine-tinglingly thrilling, spooky story that completely captivated me: an adventure brimming with friendship, humour, danger and a brilliant cast of supernatural creatures.

Search for the Black Mirror is the second in The Light Thieves trilogy: a thrilling, gripping rollercoaster of an eco-adventure that kept me utterly entranced throughout. This is a brilliantly inventive, unputdownable eco-adventure that is guaranteed to captivate readers of 9+.

The Wild Way Home is an absolute treasure trove of adventure, excitement and danger set in a wild and natural environment whilst, at its heart, it resonates with the importance of family, friendship and acceptance. This is a truly breath-taking story – both painful and heart-warming – that completely captured me as I was transported back in time for an action-packed adventure with Charlie and Harby who prove that being born millennia apart is no barrier to friendship.

The Way to Impossible Island is a stunning, action-packed timeslip adventure linking the past to the present in such an exciting and mesmerising way. It wholeheartedly captured me from the peril in the opening chapter to the wonderfully uplifting ending, transporting me into a richly evocative landscape with the most wonderful characters. This is an exhilarating and heartfelt adventure where the ancient past and present day meet through the hopes and fears of the most remarkable young characters who find each other at just the right time … an unforgettable story of friendship, family and acceptance.

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Review: Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel by Guy Bass and Pete Williamson

*Written by Guy Bass*
*Illustrated by Pete Williamson*
*Colour by Kat Cass*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel is a gorgeously gothic, deliciously dark and monstrously marvellous adventure guaranteed to bring a swarm of new fans to this brilliant series.

Fulbert Freakfinder’s Travellin’ Carnival of Unnatural Wonders is visiting Grubber’s Nubbin and ready to put on a show for the locals but no-one turns up – except Arabella Guff who tells Fulbert that fear keeps the locals inside at night, and it’s not fear of his freak show, but their fear of Castle Grotteskew …

Meanwhile, in Castle Grotteskew, mad scientist Professor Erasmus is bringing his monstrous creations to almost-life but it is his first creation, Stitch Head, who is using his antidotes to lessen the effects of his master’s ever more dangerous experiments as, should any of these creations, ever escape the castle, trouble is sure to arrive … but then the doorbell rings for the first time in a hundred years … and Fulbert Freakfinder offers to make Stitch Head a star! Could finally leaving the master who has forgotten him be the best decision Stitch Head ever makes, or could he be making a terrible mistake?

I am a huge fan of the Stitch Head series, which I was first introduced to on a teacher training course, so it was absolutely brilliant to see his adventures in this new graphic novel. The full-colour illustrations are absolutely stunning and really capture the darkness and light in this brilliant adventure as well as the expressiveness, and humour, of the many wonderful characters which really brought them to life. I just have to say that I loved the playfulness of the potion labels: a particular favourite was Just Another Manic Monster.

This is a deliciously dark, gothic tale brimming with humour and heart. My heart ached for Stitch Head as he wants nothing more than for his childhood friend to remember him. Forgotten, he spends his time averting disaster for the Professor who is determined to make his monstrous creations regardless of the dangers that might occur should one escape the Castle. I adored the friendship that develops between Stitch Head, his master’s 309^th creation and Arabella Guff who make a brilliant team as they work together to save the Castle.

An absolutely amazing start to what promises to be a fantastic new graphic novel series by the brilliant, unstoppable duo of Guy Bass and Pete Williamson. Onwards to the next adventure … The Pirate’s Eye.

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

Review: The Day my Dog Got Famous by Jen Carney

*Written and illustrated by Jen Carney*
*Published by Puffin Books*

The Day My Dog Got Famous is a woof-tastically wonderful adventure brimming with heart, humour, family and friendship.

Ten-year-old Ferris Foster has a real talent for drawing and has entered his comic strip, Astoundog, into his class art competition. However, he loses to his nemesis, Destiny Dean, who epitomises mean girl and takes great delight in boasting about yet another win. He can’t even escape from her taunts during the Easter holiday as she is also his next-door neighbour!

When Destiny insults his best friend, Aldo, Ferris offers a challenge: to see which of them can get the most likes for their talented dogs on YouStream over the Easter holidays. There’re just a few problems to overcome: Ferris doesn’t have a YouStream channel and Aldo isn’t exactly the most talented dog ever unless drooling, trumping and eating things that are best avoided count. But how difficult can it be to train a dog to trampoline? Or play football?

Before Ferris can get too far with Aldo’s ‘training’, he meets his new foster sister, Tia, who is staying with his mums for a few days whilst her nan has an operation. After meeting Destiny and witnessing her boasting, and unkindness towards Ferris, Tia agrees to help him win the challenge. After helping Ferris set up his own YouStream channel, they start looking for ways for Aldo to show his talents …

When bees and sneezes lead to Aldo doing the most amazing trick, could he be about to become an internet superstar? Could he replace Astoundog (star of Ferris’ comic, The Hoot) with his super talents? Or will Aldo prove more of a one-hit wonder?

I absolutely loved this heart-warming, hilarious adventure which made me giggle so much (don’t think I’ll ever look at tights in the same way again!) but there were also parts that made my heart ache for both Ferris and Tia – and Destiny! I also loved the comic strips interspersed throughout the story and the many drawings which complement the energy and warmth of the story perfectly.

Family is tons more important than stuff.

Ferris is the most wonderful, empathetic young boy with a kind and caring heart. He lives with his two mums and his foster sister, almost four-year-old Keely, who communicates through Makaton. He has had 13 foster brothers and 8 foster sisters and has welcomed them into his home alongside his wonderful mums who are just brilliant. The warmth and love that they have to give to those who need care and support when life is tough is inspirational.

A hilarious, heart-warming story, perfect for readers of 9+ who I have no doubt will be just as eager as I am to join Ferris in his next adventure.

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

Review: Pirates of Darksea by Catherine Doyle

*Written by Catherine Doyle*
Cover Illustration by *Manuel Šumberac*
*Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books*

Pirates of Darksea is a breath-taking, magical adventure that swept me into an action-packed, gripping quest with danger, daring, and the bonds of brotherhood and new friendships at its heart.

Christopher Reid believes in magic and stories and the seemingly impossible which leads him on a midnight mission: to go on a pirate adventure aboard the Stolen Sunrise to the secret kingdom of Darksea beyond the horizon of our world. But he is not alone – he is followed by his younger brother Max. The brothers wait together on the shoreline of Galway Bay for the arrival of Captain Thorne O’Malley, the Pirate King of Darksea. But when adventure fails to arrive, Christopher decides it’s time for Plan B …

Two years later, and the Reid family are facing their own turmoil. Christopher is in hospital and his latest treatment does not seem to be working. Whilst Max is counting out his pocket money to buy a new game for Christopher, he sees a bright red parrot tapping at his brother’s bedroom window. Attracting its attention, the visitor delivers a scroll to Max, a letter intended for his brother, inviting him to join Captain O’Malley as a cabin boy to undertake a top-secret quest. He is unsure about accepting the offer, but when the parrot snatches Max’s money, he chases after it, leading him to the pirate ship his brother was so keen to adventure upon. Hoping for magic and a miracle, Max decides to board the ship …

And so begins the most incredible, unforgettable adventure as Max finds himself in the magical kingdom of Darksea, a kingdom which is in danger from a terrifying underwater monster intent on destruction and revenge. Can Max, aided by his friend and crew mate, Ruby, complete the task set by Captain O’Malley? Will Max find the courage and inner strength to take on more than he could ever have expected in order to save Darksea and bring back its magic?

Just wow! What an amazing adventure! I absolutely loved this action-packed, gripping quest which is brimming with peril, magic and the most brilliant and unexpected twists and turns. I genuinely gasped at some of the revelations which kept me turning page after page as I was completely swept into the magic and power of the story-telling.

The world-building is spectacular from Darksea’s creation story which leads perfectly to the danger which now threatens the kingdom’s survival to the fantastical creatures and objects including mermaids, wraiths, enchanted ships and living maps. And then there’s Squawk – brilliantly sarky but with a heart of stardust – I absolutely adored him!

And what can I say about Max? My heart ached for him as he struggles with the fear of losing his brother, someone he clearly adores and looks up to. He shows incredible courage and inner strength as he faces his fears and fights to overcome the darkness that is threatening to destroy the kingdom of Darksea, even when this means great sacrifice, and having to take on much more than he could have ever expected. Ruby, who helps him when he first boards the Stolen Sunrise proves a wonderful friend and I loved how supportive they are towards each other. Throughout his adventure, Christopher is never far from Max’s thoughts and I loved this sense of brotherhood which initially brings Max to Darksea as he searches for a miracle for his brother. It gives him both the courage to face his fears and to help someone else who has lost their way.

I thought the theme of darkness and light which is threaded throughout this adventure, both in the creation and usurping of the kingdom, and in the struggles the characters face, was incredibly powerful. I also adored the bond between siblings which survives even when they are separated. And, of course, I loved that the adventure starts in Galway Bay, on the Wild Atlantic Coast of Ireland. I am a huge fan of Catherine’s stories which always sweep me into the most magical, awesome adventures, but which also reminds me of my beautiful homeland and the stories that grow from its brilliant storytellers.

A stardust-sprinkled, swashbuckling adventure with great peril, incredible courage and the bonds of brotherhood and friendship at its heart. I cannot recommend this unforgettable story highly enough: perfect for readers of 9+.

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

Review: How I Feel: 40 wellbeing activities for kids

*Written by Becky Goddard-Hill*
*Illustrated by Assia Ieradi*
*Published by Collins*

How I Feel: 40 wellbeing activities for kids is a beautifully illustrated and presented book of activities which will support parents and teachers in helping young children of 4+ talk about, and understand, their feelings. I think it’s also perfect for older children to use independently to promote their own well-being, regulate emotions and to encourage empathy for others.

The book introduces children to the wonderful range of animal characters (who are also on the front cover) who will be with them throughout the book which I think is a fantastic way to make young children feel comfortable, safe and secure as they complete a range of activities.

The book is divided into five areas with an opening section on activities which will help children practise identifying and talking about feelings followed by sections on activities to promote feelings of happiness, kindness, calmness and bravery. I really liked that each section has its own colour which matches the colour on the introductory page, making it easily accessible to children who are ready to use the book more independently, especially having already been introduced to the activities by an adult.

Each activity is clearly introduced and presented on a double page in large font with interaction from the expressive animal characters throughout. There are also ‘For grown-ups’ boxes throughout which gives advice for adults completing the activities with children. Children can enjoy a wide range of activities including playing animal charades, making a nature face, taking part in animal yoga, feeding a worry monster and doing the cushion walk – activities to help them become happier, kinder, calmer and braver.

Emotional regulation can be incredibly difficult for both younger and older children, so I think a book which gives children some ways to cope with a range of emotions is a much-needed and powerful resource. I can definitely see many of these activities being used not only at home but in schools to promote emotional well-being and regulation.

This is a book filled with so much positivity and simple, yet powerful activities, that is such a valuable resource (for parents, carers and teachers) for promoting well-being in young children. As a Year 6 teacher, I can absolutely see the benefits of many of these activities for older children both to promote their own well-being, emotional regulation and self-esteem as well as to build empathy.

Thank you to Lorraine Keating and Collins for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Secret of the Moonshard

*Written by Struan Murray*
*Illustrated by Vivienne To*
*Published by Puffin Books*

The Secret of the Moonshard is an exceptional fantasy adventure drawing the reader into an unforgettable world where war threatens between science and magic, a war that could destroy the world.

Eleven-year-old Domino has spent her life trapped in the Scientarium Celestis, a floating laboratory above the city of Abzalaymon. She has no friends and is treated terribly both by the other children and the Science Barons. However, Domino is a fighter and, when we first meet her, she is on the roof of the laboratory, exacting revenge. It’s at this moment that something that terrifies everyone occurs … a piece of the moon falls on the roof.

Whilst Domino is desperate to visit the city below, she has an affliction that makes that an impossibility: she is allergic to magic and, if she comes into contact with it, she will perish.

But, when Domino discovers that her life on the Scientarium Celestis has been founded on a bed of lies, and that the Science Barons are plotting to destroy magic, she escapes to the city below with new friends, Calvin, Magnus and thunder lizard, Oshi.

Domino finds herself gaining a taste of freedom in the marvellous city of Abzalaymon where she is exposed to technology (televisions and automobiles), an assortment of awesome and rather terrifying thunder lizards and a hidden centre of magic with both wizards and spirits living together in The Diner, the most wondrous and magical building.

Domino’s freedom is short-lived as she finds herself hunted by the Science Barons and caught in the midst of a war between science and magic, a war plotted by someone intent on destroying magic forever, magic that is centred in the Heart of the Moonshard. Can this irascible, courageous young girl stand up to both the Science Barons and the Wizards and save the world from both?

This is an absolutely gripping read that completely enthralled me from the opening line. The action is fast-paced, intricate and relentless as danger edges ever closer, as unexpected twists and turns unravel (gasps guaranteed) and as Domino finds herself unsure of who to trust in an age-old struggle for power and control.

The world-building is breath-taking from the depiction of the laboratories of the Scientarium Celestis to the wondrous city of Abzalaymon with the Moonshard at its centre, from the flying machines to the incredible thunder lizards (returned through science from a bygone age) and the terrifying yet piteous frankenstein-esque creations. The industrialisation of the city and exploitation of its citizens is powerfully portrayed as it is juxtaposed against the hidden magical realm. The magical system is brilliant with a real feeling of uniqueness – utterly superb!

Domino is the most incredible young girl. She is strong-willed, feisty and fierce, someone who absolutely stands up for herself and fights for those she cares about, and for what she believes in, with her courageous heart. I adored her fractious friendship with Calvin which brought plenty of humour as they sparred against each other. I also adored her friendship with cabbage-loving, loyal Oshi who is just the most gorgeous character who I know readers are going to adore just as much as I did.

The full-page illustrations are absolutely stunning and complement the magic, energy and action in this story perfectly. And there’s a brilliant map – something I always love in an epic fantasy adventure!

This is an absolute must-read, an unmissable adventure that is guaranteed to grip both the hearts and imaginations of its readers – perfect for readers of 9+.

Review: Feather (The Twitchers series) by M.G. Leonard

*Written by M.G. Leonard*
*Cover illustrations by Paddy Donnelly*
*Map* *illustrations by Laurissa Jones*
*Published by Walker Books*

Feather is the final wintery adventure in The Twitchers seasonal mystery quartet, and, oh my goodness, what an exhilarating and heart-warming ending to a series that has completely captured me with its intriguing mysteries, daring sleuths and superstars of the bird world.

Ava is on a school trip to the Royal Swan Natural History Museum when she discovers that a heist has taken place: hundreds of bird of paradise skins from the Alfred Wallace collection have been stolen. The only clue is a large, black feather left on the floor, but the police are not interested. The Twitchers have found their next case …

And so begins another fantastic mystery as the Twitchers find themselves following a trail of clues which leads them into ever-increasing peril. Could the mysterious girl, who Ava meets outside the museum, and her raven help solve the mystery? Will the Twitchers be able to outwit a dangerous gang of thieves and recover the bird skins before time runs out?

This is a brilliantly fast-paced and action-packed mystery that kept me gripped throughout. I loved following the Twitchers as they work together to piece together clues, putting themselves in danger to help someone in need as well as working as a team to attempt to recover the bird skins for the Museum. There is a real feeling of urgency and a genuine sense of danger as the children get closer and closer to uncovering the truth, but will they be able to escape the clutches of devious criminals who will stop at nothing to escape justice?

I adore this group of friends who have been brought together through an appreciation of bird-watching and caring for the environment. Their friendship feels incredibly authentic and I love the camaraderie between them. They all have their strengths which, when brought together, makes them a formidable sleuthing team. Ava discovers the heist at the museum and immediately takes the case to her friends. She shows herself to be incredibly kind-hearted and empathetic when dealing with a difficult situation. I love how Ava, Tara, Twitch, Jack, Terry, Ozuru and Tippi are so supportive of each other, their curious natures and their tenacity in bringing criminals to justice. Their respect for, and enjoyment of, the natural environment, and their passion for bird-watching and protecting birds, really shines through in these adventures.

Feather is a perfect ending to this exceptional adventure series which celebrates bird-watching, caring for the environment and friendship as well as having a fantastic mystery at its heart. I know that, just like Twitch, Spark and Clutch, this one will be flying off my class library shelves.

Review: The Clockwork Conspiracy

*Written by Sam Sedgman*
*Illustrations by Stephanie Shafer*
*Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books*

The Clockwork Conspiracy is a gripping, enigmatic and fast-paced adventure brimming with danger, daring and deceit.

Twelve-year-old Isaac Turner is helping his father (who is a horologist) in his role as Keeper of the Great Clock (Big Ben) on the night the clocks go back. But, when his father goes to investigate a peculiar occurrence and does not return, Isaac goes to find him only to discover that his father, Diggory, has vanished, leaving only his broken pocket watch, and an enigmatic message, behind.

It is not long before Isaac meets Hattie, the daughter of his Godfather, Solomon Bassala, and Speaker of the House who lives in the Palace of Westminster as Solomon offers him a place to stay whilst a search ensues for his father.

Not willing to wait for the authorities to discover what has happened to Diggory, Isaac and Hattie, are determined to carry out their own investigation to find him and discover why he has been taken. And so begins an incredible, action-packed and intricate adventure as the two friends unravel cryptic clues and follow a twisty puzzling path, towards the discovery of a devious plot.

As they race through London landmarks, and over its rooftops, to save Diggory and time itself, they find themselves in increasing peril as someone will stop at nothing to implement a new law that will change the nature of time itself. Can these two determined children use their ingenuity to unmask the mastermind behind a dastardly play for power? Can they save those they love before time runs out for them?

I loved the political machinations, the secret society, the false trails, the code-breaking, the science of time through horology and chronometry and the many twists and turns that kept me on the edge-of-my-seat. I also loved learning more about the Palace of Westminster and thought this was perfectly weaved into the plot. Absolutely gripping and fascinating in equal measure.

An exhilarating, intriguing, locked-room mystery perfect for adventurers of 9+.

Thank you for the Publisher, Bloomsbury Children’s Books and NetGalley for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Blog Tour: Peng and Spanners by Steve Webb

Peng and Spanners is the first adventure in a fantastic new graphic novel series: an absolute riot of fun and mischief with two new stupendous superheroes that I have no doubt will become firm favourites with young readers.

Peng is looking for adventures far away from his icy home, but is not at all impressed when his parents send him to a boarding school, but perhaps Boredin Boarding School will not be quite as boring as he expects … and that might just have something to do with new friend, Spanners, a clever cat with a toolbelt full of gadgets.

On his first day at school, Peng discovers that his headteacher is on a mission to impress the inspectors: he has built a school pizza restaurant to win the Best School Dinners Award – and there’s free pizza for everyone. And, as everyone knows, free pizza trumps adventure – and boredom! Unless … the pizza parlour goes missing, and then there’s a whole lot of adventure for these two superheroes on a mission.

Can Peng-tastic and Spanners find the thief, and solve the mystery of the missing pizza place, before the school inspectors arrive? There’s just a giant talking robot intent on world-domination, a quick jail break and the need to avoid Cinderella the mop-wielding caretaker standing between success and disaster.

Peng and Spanners are the most wonderful double-act with Peng as the super ninja superhero and Spanners his possible sidey-kick. I loved the misunderstandings, the humour and the banter between this ~~duet~~ duo which brought giggles galore. Whilst Spanners might get a smidgen confused, he is a brilliant inventor who makes fantastic superhero contraptions – even if Peng doesn’t always appreciate them! And my goodness, can he tell a tall tale!

I adored the playfulness of the language from Spanners use of incorrect superhero names (hilarious – I’m still smiling at Soupman and the Incredible Sulk), Peng’s sarcasm and direct address to the reader, and the double trouble ‘We are here to judge you’ inspectors. And then, there’s Botty – guaranteed giggles. And, as if that wasn’t enough, there’s even a draw with Peng and Spanners. I just won’t mention the pizza toppings page – urgh!

I loved both the vivid full-colour illustrations throughout – which complement the energy and humour of the adventure – as well as the layout and fonts which I have no doubt will appeal to young readers.

A fantastic, fun-filled feast of wackiness that is sure to hook young readers who I have no doubt will keep coming back for more as they wait for the next adventure in Peng and Spanners Meet Mr Big.

Thank you so much to Bethany Carter and Faber Children’s Books for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour for this brilliant graphic novel, and for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour: