Review: Fairy vs. Wizard (A Stink Adventure)

*Written and illustrated by Jenny McLachlan*
*Published by Farshore*

I absolutely adored meeting S.Tink in her first adventure, Fairy vs. Boy. Now, she’s back in Humanyland in Fairy vs. Wizard – and she’s taking the mischief and mayhem to new heights. This can be read as a standalone as it has a brilliant account of S.Tink’s first adventure at the start of this one, told in graphic novel format.

11-year-old Danny Todd is keen to make everyone at his new secondary school think he’s cool and funny despite his pointy-toed shoes and the boiled eggs in his lunchbox. He might have got away with it if he hadn’t found himself pretending to talk to a grape in order to stop everyone finding out that he was, in fact, talking to a fairy … a very mischievous fairy who has returned from Fairyland.

Stink assures Danny that she has just come for a minibreak and will be gone back to Fairyland the following day but, when Danny arrives home from school, he finds her crying as she has lost her new wings. She needs to stay for longer so that she can complete a good deed and earn enough fairy nuggets to replace – not her wings, but her old wand with a brand new Mercorn 1000.

Stink promises not to cause any trouble and to stay safely hidden in Danny’s hair but this is Stink … so that promise lasts for all of two minutes. After all, there’s the lure of Scotch eggs, a science cupboard to explore not to mention bringing some friends back from Fairyland to enjoy a Malteser playground.

After an assembly performance that goes ever-so-wrong, Danny loses any chance he ever had of gaining a reputation of being awesome and cool. When his teacher tries to help by offering Danny the starring wizard role in their form assembly, Stink is determined to help him earn an AWESOME and COOL reputation.

And who better to help train him than a real wizard? How was Stink meant to know that her old friend has morphed into an evil wizard with nefarious plans? Can the friends work together to thwart Nobeard’s dastardly plans? Can Stink complete her good deed before Danny’s reputation is cemented as a loser?

This is a fantastically funny, brilliantly bonkers adventure, guaranteed to bring giggles galore to young readers who may well be wishing for a surprise visitor the next time they open their lunchboxes. Stink is unabashedly naughty, incredibly impulsive and causes oodles of trouble … but she has a heart of gold and understands the importance of friendship.

The many wonderfully expressive and funny illustrations throughout complement the warmth, energy and humour of this story perfectly.

This is a hilarious, heart-warming adventure brimming with mischief, friendship and magic, perfect for young readers of 7+.

Thank you to Farshore 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: 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: Tiger Warrior: Fight for the Cursed Unicorn

*Written by Maisie Chan*
*Cover and inside illustrations by Alan Brown*
*Published by Orchard Books* *(an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group)*

Tiger Warrior: Fight for the Cursed Unicorn is the fifth story in this series of brilliantly exciting, magical adventures for younger readers of 6+.

The Jade Kingdom is in terrible danger and, once again, needs help from the Tiger Warrior, but Jack is having problems of his own. Stepping in to defend his friend from bullies, it is Jack who finds himself in trouble at school …

When he gets home, he shares what has happened with Yeye, his grandad, who tells him about a mythical Chinese creature, the xiezhi, who seeks out the guilty with its magical horn. As he is getting ready for dinner, Jack takes the Jade Coin out of his pocket to find it glowing … the Jade Kingdom is calling him, so he finds himself once again travelling through a magical portal to save a Kingdom.

Jack finds himself in the garden of the Jade Palace surrounded by his zodiac animal friends who have been released from the coin. He has arrived in time for a trial to determine the culprit who has brought danger to the Kingdom, and is excited to discover that a xiezhi has been brought to find the guilty party. But, when this magical creature accuses the Jade Emperor of a crime, Jack is determined to help his friend, Princess Li, prove her father, the Emperor’s innocence.

Can Jack and Li discover if the truth-telling unicorn has been cursed? Can he harness Rat’s weather power to overthrow the Dragon King? Or will Li and her father be banished from the Jade Kingdom?

I loved being back with Jack, Li and the zodiac animals in the Jade Kingdom in this action-packed, exciting adventure brimming with warmth and wonderful friendships.

The zodiac animals are absolutely amazing and I loved their joy and exuberance when they are released from the coin. When choosing an animal to help him, Rat asks Jack to trust him but Jack is not sure how he can help. When Rat’s power proves to be just what Jack needs, he learns that it is important to listen. The xiezhi also teaches him that, it is better to take time to think about a situation rather than rushing in rashly.

The full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are wonderfully energetic and expressive and complement the action perfectly.

This is another thrilling, fast-paced, magical adventure for young readers who will be spellbound by the Tiger Warrior’s mission to save the Jade Kingdom. There is also a sneak-peek into Jack’s next adventure: Clash of the Dragon Masters.

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

Review: The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts by Alex Bell

*Written by Alex Bell*
*Illustrations by Tim McDonagh*
*Published by Faber*

Wow! Wow! Wow! I know it’s only the start of the year but The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts is already a contender for my book of the year! A splendiferous, magical adventure that transported me into an incredible world that I didn’t want to leave. The sheer enjoyment, connection and immersion I felt whilst reading this is a testament to the brilliance of the storytelling. This is the kind of story that makes readers – and that’s a real-life magic power! If there’s any doubt – this is an absolute must-read!

Twelve-year-old Eli is an apprentice librarian at the Royal Library in the Port City of Harmonia. And this is a job that suits the quiet, tweed-wearing Eli perfectly. He can live a safe, sensible life with his best friend, Humphrey who just so happens to be a poetry-loving moon tortoise, looking forward to celebrating his hundredth birthday. Whilst Eli may not be looking for adventure, adventure has a way of finding those with courageous, true hearts …

When Eli discovers that his Nana is unwell, he decides to enter the Glorious Race of Magical Beasts in order to sell the prize to pay for the treatment his Nana needs. This is no easy decision for Eli as his parents died during a race. But Eli adores his Nana and is prepared to do anything to save her, even if this means defying her wishes, and sailing into the adventure of his life …

And so begins the most magical, daring and dangerous adventure as Eli boards his friend, Jeremiah’s, ship, the Nepo to compete to get to each checkpoint in the race. It is not long before he is joined by Raven and her ice hare, who has her own reasons for winning the race. Can this trio work together, not only to overcome the many perils placed in their path by the race, but also a threat from someone hunting one of them? Can they trust each other in a race which can only have one winner, or will their secrets pull them apart? I really don’t want to say anything more for fear of spoilers, but suffice to say that this is an action-packed adventure brimming with unexpected happenings, oodles of danger, both scary and wonderful magical creatures and the most exciting race through the most fantastical places.

The world-building is quite simply sublime from the Royal Library (oh yes – libraries of all sorts are an important part of this adventure – and I’m all for that!) with its own bats to a dessert-selling restaurant with chocolate penguin waiters and an island where you will never view balloons the same again! Be prepared to meet a sentient ship, a vampire librarian and a mermaid queen and so many other extraordinary creatures of sky, land and sea as the race unfolds. I must say I am in awe of the author’s imagination and wonder if she has her own inspire-rat!

Oh my goodness! I absolutely adored Eli who has so much inner strength, kindness and courage. It is so wonderful to see that quiet, bookish children can have great adventures whilst remaining true to themselves. We underestimate them at our peril! It was so wonderful to see Eli find that he has things in common with Raven as their friendship grows. There is so much more to these three remarkable children than I have mentioned, but I think this is something readers need to discover for themselves. I have no doubt that they will be just as awestruck by these revelations as I was. I just have to mention Humphrey, the moon tortoise, who is just adorable with his penchant for over-confidence in his own abilities which brought me lots of smiles.

The illustrated chapter headings include a range of magical beasts and are absolutely stunning.

A marvellously magical adventure into a fantastical world that will completely captivate its readers, and take them on an incredible reading experience that they’ll want to return to again and again … an absolute must-buy!

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

Graphic Novel Review: The Adventures of Invisible Boy by Doogie Horner

*Written and illustrated by Doogie Horner*
*Published by Scholastic*
*Published on 4th January*

The Adventures of Invisible Boy is a full-colour graphic novel which begins the adventures of a wonderful new superhero, and I have no doubt that children of 8+ will be keen to follow his first incredible adventure – and will be eager for more!

Eugene is working hard on his entry for the science fair, something he needs to keep secret from his parents as they don’t approve of his inventions. But he is hoping that, after he wins the science fair, he will be allowed to invent again.

Meanwhile, Stanley is worried about starting a new school in the middle of the year – what if he can’t make new friends? When he accidentally knocks over a potion at the science fair, something happens that will change his life: he is invisible! And the last place he intends to stay is in school … he’s off to have some fun!

But, when Stanley discovers that the creator of the potion has also turned invisible and he is out to cause trouble, Stanley decides that he must use his new powers to fight back – to become a superhero! Can Invisible Boy defeat the new supervillain in town? And, of course, every superhero needs a sidekick and what an unexpected, but brilliant, one he finds!

This is such a fun adventure with oodles of humour and mayhem as Stanley learns to use his new power; as he finds himself facing trouble in his efforts to help others; and, as he battles to defeat his would-be nemesis. There are so many cool inventions shared throughout the adventure and I can just imagine children wanting to use them – and maybe even come up with their own inventions!

This is also a story that lots of children will be able to relate to, or which will encourage empathy as it deals with issues such as worries about starting a new school, making new friends and loneliness.

The full-colour illustrations are brilliant and complement the action, humour and mayhem perfectly.

This is a fantastic first adventure for Invisible Boy, and is one that I know my class are going to love.

Thank you to Scholastic for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Some favourite reads of 2023 …

I’ve really enjoyed looking back through my reviews over the year in order to compile my list of 2023 favourite reads. I’ve read over 150 children’s books this year, and have chosen 20 of my most memorable reads to share. I’ve had the most amazing reading adventures this year, and have loved sharing these books with my class. I’ve really enjoyed returning to series I’ve loved, reading new books by favourite authors and enjoying books by new-to-me or debut authors.

I’ve included the opening to my review in each of my choices with a link to my full review.

Impossible Creatures: What an incredible, impossibly amazing adventure! I was absolutely gripped by Impossible Creatures from the opening lines until the final page. A powerful, stunning epic fantasy that swept me into a magical world that I didn’t want to leave. This is a story that melts into your heart and leaves an indelible mark – utterly breath-taking!

Podkin and the Singing Spear: Well, that was just incredible! 357 pages of epic fantasy perfection that I didn’t want to end, but just couldn’t stop reading! I’m a huge fan of The World of Podkin One-Ear so absolutely loved joining Podkin again for another breath-taking, thrilling adventure as he battles against an evil he thought he had defeated …

The Secret of the Blood-Red Key: The Secret of the Blood-Red Key is the next incredible adventure in the Stolen Dreams Adventures series, and follows on from the events in The Book of Stolen Dreams which was in my top reads of 2021. I have no doubt that this one will be in my top reads of 2023: it is an absolutely superb, unmissable adventure.

The Light Thieves: Search for the Black Mirror: 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 can be read as a standalone as it starts with an innovative four-page illustrated synopsis of the first book. I also thought this was a brilliant quick reminder of the events in the first book for those of us who have read the first book, and were left with the tantalising cliffhanger that made this one an eagerly anticipated read.

The Silver Road: The Silver Road is a stunning fantasy adventure that swept me into a world of magic and myth, of danger and hope, of family and friendship that completely entranced me. This is a book I really cannot recommend highly enough – outstanding storytelling from a master storyteller who weaves magic into words.

The House Trap: The House Trap is a deliciously scary, intriguing mystery that is spine-tinglingly thrilling: an adventure that kept me utterly enthralled throughout.

The Song that Sings Us: The Song That Sings Us is a powerful, visceral and lyrical masterpiece: an environmental thriller that completely gripped me and took me on a heart-wrenching, but ultimately, hopeful journey.

Call of the Titanic: I am a huge fan of Lindsay Galvin’s historical fiction adventures, so was eagerly anticipating Call of the Titanic. Oh my goodness – this is the most incredible, heart-wrenching story of courage in the face of terrible tragedy, that completely captured me … an absolute must-read, and definitely one of my books of the year.

Fablehouse: Fablehouse is a stunning story of connection, friendship and belonging set in the 1950s, blending magic, history and Arthurian legend: an unforgettable quest adventure that completely captivated me.

Norah’s Ark: Norah’s Ark is a powerful, empathetic story told from the dual viewpoint of two children from very different worlds who find each other when they are both in need of friendship. This is a story that captured my heart and, I must admit at times, broke it a little. Whilst there are some very difficult issues addressed, there is also a real sense of hope and love woven throughout that makes this an uplifting, heart-warming read. This is a story that will stay with me, and is one I cannot recommend highly enough for homes and schools.

Saving Neverland: Saving Neverland is the most magical, mesmerising story that swept me wholeheartedly into its icy world adventure with unforgettable characters, incredible feats of peril and delight and heart-warming bonds of family and friendship. In fact, this was so good that I have already read it twice, and cannot wait to share it with my class.

Jodie: Jodie is a spine-tinglingly haunting and eerie ghost story that kept me enthralled throughout. Utterly compelling, and so beautifully written.

Carnival of the Spider: Carnival of the Spider is the third stunning adventure in the Carnival series which has absolutely captivated me with its atmospheric, dark and dangerous Victorian steampunk vibes which swept me into an action-packed, intriguing adventure that I really could not put down. This series can be read as standalones, but I have no doubt that, once one adventure has been read, the others will prove irresistible!

Until the Road Ends: Until the Road Ends is a powerful and heartfelt adventure set during World War II, a story of the enduring strength of friendship, and the incredible journey a devoted dog will take to be reunited with his friend when she most needs him. Heart-breaking, hopeful and a testament to the courage of the animals who became wartime heroes.

The Boy Who Made Monsters: I’m such a huge fan of Jenny Pearson’s heartfelt, humorous stories that have all found a place in my heart: stories that bring both laughter and tears, written with such tenderness, warmth and hope. The Boy Who Made Monsters is another absolute belter! A beautifully poignant, humorous and hopeful story of family, friendships and the courage and strength it takes to face monsters.

Spellstone: Spellstone is an absolutely gripping fantasy adventure that kept me utterly enthralled from start to finish: an epic battle blending ancient legend in a modern setting where magic swirls, evil hides where people fail to notice, and hope sparks with a young sorcerer …

The Swifts: The Swifts is a wickedly humorous, action-packed whodunnit with the most brilliant opening that perfectly captures the quirky playfulness and delicious darkness that makes this a dazzlingly mesmerising read, and one that I cannot recommend highly enough.

The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie: The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie is a deliciously dark, spine-tingling, supernatural adventure that completely enthralled me. This is a must-read for those of 10+ who enjoy darker, spookier adventures that are guaranteed to bring shivers of delight – and just the right amount of fright!

The Song Walker: The Song Walker is an absolutely stunning, transcendent, and deeply moving story: a story of friendship, of courage and of hope set in the fierce beauty of the Australian Outback that held me spellbound throughout. I have no doubt whatsoever that this will be one of my books of 2023!

The Octopus, Dadu and Me: The Octopus, Dadu and Me is an incredibly touching, sensitively portrayed story of friendship, family and acceptance that brought tears and smiles as I was completely captured by both Sashi’s rescue mission and her emotional journey.

Have you read any of these? What have been some of your favourite books this year?

Review: Emba Oak and the Screaming Sea by Jenny Moore

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

The Fantastically Fast-paced, Fun-filled Fight for a Friend

I absolutely loved the first two books in the Emba Oak series, so was eager and excited to join Emba on her third, and penultimate, adventure in Emba Oak and the Screaming Sea… and what an amazing adventure it turned out to be with oodles of daring and danger, a good dose of humour and heart and a plucky young heroine, ready to fight for family and friendship.

After the end of The Beckoning Bones, Emba could be forgiven for allowing herself a little time for self-pity, but this determined young girl has an important quest to undertake, a quest that involves rescuing her best friend and fighting for her guardian. Oh, and there’s also the small matter of saving both the human world and dragon realm from her power-hungry, immortality-seeking father.

After consulting the Tome of Terrible Tomorrows, Emba is given a rather cryptic prophecy which directs her towards the coast. Whilst journeying through the mountains with her loyal friend Whip, she stops to rest at a goatherd’s hut where she meets some unwelcome, but much-changed, acquaintances …

And so begins an exhilarating, action-packed and humorous adventure as Emba embarks on her mission to rescue her best friend Odolf from the clutches of her evil father. Will she be able to persuade the ~~kind-hearted~~ most dreaded Grand Thief Master to hand over a stolen item? Can she fight the monster who has returned to the Screaming Sea? And, can she stand against Necromalcom and his ghost army?

I absolutely loved the humour and playfulness in this exciting adventure with enough danger, twists and cliffhangers to make it a one-sitting read. I particularly loved the incorrect names Grimp gave to Necromalcolm and his description of what happened to him – brilliant! And I will never view a turnip in the same way again! I also adored the Grand Thief Master who thrives on being the meanest, nastiest thief around– when she’s not helping out those in need, but she’d definitely deny any helpfulness or kindness traits – after all, she has a reputation to maintain!

Emba is such a wonderful, kind-hearted and courageous young girl who is determined to embark on a rescue mission which leads her on an incredible adventure where she makes new friends, confronts her fears and learns more about herself. She faces an inner battle to accept the magic which she has inherited from her father, fearing that it will make her as evil as her father if she makes use of it. I also really liked that she keeps her connection to her mother and guardian through her dreams, especially as she finds herself undergoing some extraordinary changes.

Another fantastic, fast-paced, fun-filled adventure, perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

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

12 children’s books with a snowy setting …

Last week, I shared some of my favourite books set during the Christmas period, so today I thought I’d share some of my absolute favourite books that have snowy settings …

Where I have written a blog post for a book, I have shared it alongside the synopsis from Waterstones.

When Tasha builds a snow girl with her grandpa, all she wants is for her to be real. If only wishes on snow could come true… Then Tasha meets Alyana, a friend made of wishes, starlight, snowfall and magic. But when your best friend is made of winter, what do you do when spring comes?

You can read my review here.

Barbegazi are fabled creatures who live in the alps, rather like gnomes. Tessa knows that they exist because her beloved grandfather told her about them. So she sets out to prove to her family and friends that her grandfather wasn’t just a confused old man. Soon she finds not only a family of Barbegazi but also a dastardly plot to kidnap one and keep it captive. But Tessa realises that uncovering the truth carries great responsibilities – and sometimes things have to remain a secret.

A young Viking girl is swept by a storm on to a desolate English
beach. Cruelly orphaned there, Ylva becomes set on revenge, tracking
a killer through dangerous hinterland.

She wants only the favour of the Norse gods and the comfort of
her stories. But when a stranger decides to protect Ylva –
seeming to understand her where others cannot – Ylva must
decide if her own legend will end in vengeance or forgiveness …

You can read my review here.

Way out in the furthest part of the known world, a tiny stronghold exists all on its own, cut off from the rest of human-kin by monsters that lurk beneath the Snow Sea. There, a little boy called Ash waits for the return of his parents, singing a forbidden lullaby to remind him of them… and doing his best to avoid his very, VERY grumpy yeti guardian, Tobu.

But life is about to get a whole lot more crazy-adventurous for Ash. When a brave rescue attempt reveals he has amazing magical powers, he’s whisked aboard the Frostheart, a sleigh packed full of daring explorers who could use his help. But can they help him find his family . . . ?

You can read my review here.

In the snowy kingdom of Erkenwald, whales glide between icebergs, wolves hunt on the tundra and polar bears roam the glaciers. But the people of this land aren’t so easy to find – because Erkenwald is ruled by an evil Ice Queen and the tribes must stay hidden or risk becoming her prisoners at Winterfang Palace.

Join Eska, a girl who breaks free from a cursed music box, and Flint, a boy whose inventions could change the fate of Erkenwald forever, as they journey to the Never Cliffs and beyond in search of an ancient, almost forgotten, song with the power to force the Ice Queen back.

Deep in the forest, magic is waiting . . .

Sparkling with frost and magic, Shadows of Winterspell will sweep you up in a world of friendship and magic, to uncover family secrets and find out who you really are.

Stella has been living behind the magic of the forest for most of her life. Lonely, she enrolls at the local school, and as she begins to make friends, she discovers that she is even more different than she thought. But as autumn turns to magical winter, Stella realizes that uncovering her own family secret is the only way to release the forest from the grip of a dark and old magic.

At the stroke of midnight on the dawn of December, five-year-old Finn Albedo is found frozen in the city park standing on a pedestal of ice. His heart is beating, he is smiling serenely, but no one can wake him. Finn’s big sister, Bianca, suspects that the beautiful sparkling book Finn got from the library has something to do with it, but the book has vanished. Does the tall mysterious stranger who first discovered Finn know more than they will admit?

Each day, more children are found frozen and Bianca realizes she’s running out of time. Her quest to discover the truth and rescue her little brother hurls her into a fantastical winter wonderland, full of beauty and danger, where all is not as it seems. Can Bianca save her brother and the other Ice Children before they are forever lost?

You can read my review here.

When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are sent to stay with a kind professor who lives in the country, they can hardly imagine the extraordinary adventure that awaits them.

It all begins when the children explore the professor’s rambling old house. When they come across a room with an old wardrobe in the corner, Lucy opens the door and gets inside. To her amazement, she suddenly finds herself standing in a wood, with snowflakes falling through the air. Lucy has found Narnia, a magical land of fauns and centaurs, nymphs and talking animals and the magnificent lion, Aslan. They are joined by the beautiful but evil White Witch, who has held the country in eternal winter for a hundred years.

You can read my review here.

It sounded like a respectable and worthy enough death for an explorer – tumbling from an ice bridge to be impaled upon a mammoth tusk – but Stella really, really didn’t want that to happen, just the same.

Join Stella Starflake Pearl and her three fellow explorers as they trek across the snowy Icelands and come face-to-face with frost fairies, snow queens, outlaw hideouts, unicorns, pygmy dinosaurs and carnivorous cabbages . . .

When Stella and three other junior explorers get separated from their expedition can they cross the frozen wilderness and live to tell the tale?

Feodora and her mother live in the snowbound woods of Russia, in a house full of food and fireplaces. Ten minutes away, in a ruined chapel, lives a pack of wolves. Feodora’s mother is a wolf wilder, and Feo is a wolf wilder in training. A wolf wilder is the opposite of an animal tamer: it is a person who teaches tamed animals to fend for themselves, and to fight and to run, and to be wary of humans.

When the murderous hostility of the Russian Army threatens her very existence, Feo is left with no option but to go on the run. What follows is a story of revolution and adventure, about standing up for the things you love and fighting back. And, of course, wolves.

Somewhere in the deep and frozen north is an island surrounded entirely by ice. The inhabitants love their snowstorm isle-with its scattered wooden cottages, its small patches of forest, and its single mountain peak. Most of all they love the magnificent ice bears that roam the streets, giving the island its name-The Isle of Bears.

Life with bears is dangerous, as Marv Jackson knows-the large crescent moon shaped scar on his face acts as a constant reminder of the night he survived a bear attack. But something tells him the legendary tale of that night, isn’t quite the full story, and that the truth lies with a mysterious skating girl and her magnificent polar bear.

Mila and her sisters live with their brother Oskar in a small forest cabin in the snow. One night, a fur-clad stranger arrives seeking shelter for himself and his men. But by the next morning, they’ve gone – taking Oskar with them.

Fearful for his safety, Mila and her sisters set out to bring Oskar back – even it means going north, crossing frozen wild-lands to find a way past an eternal winter.

Have you read any of these? Have you any other snowy setting recommendations?

Review: Clarity Jones and the Magical Detective Agency

*Written by Chris Smith*
*Illustrated by Kenneth Anderson*
*Published by Puffin Books*

Clarity Jones and the Magical Detective Agency is an absolute riot of a magical adventure which is guaranteed to bring giggles galore and keep any young (and older) reader completely entranced.

After being chased by trainee knights from the Knights’ Academy, Mutt finds himself in front of a building he has never seen before in Meandermart: the Magical Detective Agency. When Mutt sees a sign advertising for an apprentice, he decides to apply, and is offered a trial by the lead detective, Clarity Jones. Just like the rest of Meandermart, Mutt has no idea what a detective is (which is not surprising as Clarity has invented the word) but he is intrigued, and desperate, enough to accept her offer of a trial period with the Magical Detective Agency. He joins a rather unusual team: a walking chest filled with magical items, a snowgnoblin obsessed with clean fur, an assassin with a penchant for knives and Clarity Jones who has forged her own career path!

It is not long before Mutt is called upon to prove himself worthy of becoming an apprentice when the Detective Agency are given a mystery to solve by none other than the Duchess who is the Warden of Meandermart. Her jester has gone missing and she wants him found before important visitors arrive.

And so begins a fantastically action-packed, hilarious adventure as the Agency find themselves in a race against time to hunt down clues to find the jester who seems to have disappeared into thin air. Will they be able to find him before he needs to entertain the Duchess’s guests? Can they discover who is behind his disappearance and what they have to gain? And will anyone be able to explain exactly what a detective does?

I love the narrator’s asides which give the reader insights before the characters are aware whilst still keeping plenty of surprises in store. There is oodles of peril, wonderful twists, laughs galore and a fast-paced plot that kept me thoroughly entertained.

The characters are all absolutely wonderful and incredibly likeable from Mirko, the snow gnoblin who is ~~rather~~ incredibly fussy about the cleanliness of his fur – to be fair, white is really hard to keep clean. Smyll, the walking chest, stores a wonderful collection of magical items which Clarity makes great use during her investigations. She has followed her own path, searching for magical items and inventing her own detective agency. She is also someone who sees potential in others and gives them a chance when they need it. Oh, and she loves pockets – enough said! Nissassa (very clever name!) was an assassin for the notorious White Hand Clan who has definitely not become de-skilled. And then, there’s Mutt who I absolutely adored. He is clever, kind-hearted and courageous, and is looking for a place to belong. Will he find family and friendship by completing his apprenticeship?

I love a map in a book and this one has a wonderfully detailed map of Meandermart. There are also stunning expressive full-and-partial-page illustrations throughout which complement the action and humour perfectly.

This is an absolutely delightful, hilarious fantasy adventure that I have no doubt young readers will adore – just as much as I did!

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