Blog Tour: Delta and the Lost City

*Written by Anna Fargher*
*Illustrated by David Dean*
*Published by Macmillan Children’s Books*

Delta and the Lost City is an absolutely gripping historical adventure that took me on an unforgettable journey to AD79 where both humans and nature threaten the survival of a young wolfdog determined to protect her family from harm … poignant, heart-warming and hopeful … an epic adventure of courage, survival, hope and family.

Young wolfdog Delta enjoys her life inside the walls and grounds of her master, former army general Lucius’, luxurious countryside villa southeast of the coastal cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii. She spends her time play-fighting with her mother, Luna, her friend Bellona, the golden eagle, and her favourite slave, Gaia and her son, Neo … but she misses her mistress, Herminia.

Herminia, Lucius’ beloved daughter, no longer lives in the villa as she has married and moved to Rome with her cruel and controlling husband, Marcus. When they return for a night, before moving to Pompeii for the summer, Delta witnesses a terrible crime that culminates in the death of her master, providing a catalyst that changes her life …

Delta is accused of the death of her master and soon finds herself running for her life accompanied by her friend, Bellona, but she remains fiercely loyal to, and protective of, the family she loves and will never desert them. Delta is determined to stop Marcus’ tyranny and save her family from his cruelty. And, when further danger comes from the threat of Mount Vesuvius erupting, she finds herself in a race to locate and protect those she loves before it is too late. Can she save her family from both human cruelty and nature’s unstoppable might?

And so begins an absolutely riveting, action-packed adventure as Delta faces danger, threat and a quaking earth as she fights to reach her family who have been separated from each other by the machinations of a merciless, manipulative master. The tension, danger and sense of urgency are palpable not only as Mount Vesuvius moves inexorably towards eruption, but as Marcus rips apart all Delta loves and holds dear. This is an epic adventure overflowing with heart-pounding, explosive action and with both heartbreaking and hopeful moments.

This is a story that reveals so much about the structure of Ancient Roman society which was patriarchal and hierarchical with a reliance on slaves. But it also reveals a lot about human nature, juxtaposing a master who shows kindness and respect towards those in his household, and one who is self-interested and cruel.

Delta is the most incredible young wolfdog – she has definitely found her way into my heart. She is fiercely loyal and protective of her family and is determined to save them, taking great risks and placing herself in terrifying danger to do so. She is attuned to the natural environment around her and shows empathy towards others which brings its own rewards. She has a courageous heart beating with hope and love for her family. I adored her friendship with Bellona, the golden eagle.

David Dean’s detailed black-and-white illustrations are absolutely stunning, and complement the storytelling perfectly as they really capture both the heart and action of this amazing adventure.

A truly epic, unforgettable historical adventure with an incredible young hero in wolfdog, Delta, who embodies courage, strength and love for family. A perfect adventure for readers of 9+.

Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Books for inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour, and for providing me with a copy of Delta and the Lost City in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Review: The Day of the Jackdaw written by Jo Simmons and illustrated by Lee Cosgrove

*Written by Jo Simmons*
*Illustrated by Lee Cosgrove*
*Published by Barrington Stoke*

The Day of the Jackdaw is a fantastically funny, warm-hearted and empathetic adventure about overcoming fears, belonging and acceptance.

Alex and his family are moving from the city to the countryside, but Alex is not at all keen on the move. In fact, he has made a list of things he dislikes about the countryside in his Top-Secret Stuff notebook, top of his concerns being angry badgers! Imagine his horror when he discovers from a local online newspaper article that angry badgers are the least of his concerns. Why? The village of Noggings is being terrorised by an aerial acrobat – a jackdaw called Graham – who is attacking the villagers when least expected.

Shortly after moving to Noggings, Alex makes a new friend, his neighbour Callie, who introduces him to her 12 guinea-pigs. Just as he is leaving her garden, he has his first encounter with Graham, an encounter that leaves him frozen in fear.

Later, Alex attends a meeting in the village hall with his family where the villagers are discussing how to rid themselves of their menacing avian foe before he can create chaos at their upcoming summer fete. Can Alex discover the reason for Graham’s ruinous rampages and put a stop to them before he brings more mayhem to the villagers?

This is an adventure that is guaranteed to being plenty of giggles as Graham’s antics have the villagers in uproar. They are determined to stop his attacks, but this clever corvid is always one swoop ahead of the hapless villagers.

Alex is a clever, empathetic and kind-hearted boy who overcomes his initial fear of Graham to find out more about him, putting aside his, and the villagers, pre-judgments and giving him a chance to be understood. Alex, despite his pre-judgments of life in the countryside, finds the courage to give his new community a chance, finding friendship and a sense of belonging. I think this is a wonderful message for young children as they are faced with changes in their lives, whether that be moving home or school.

The full-and-partial page illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous and capture the mayhem and warmth of the adventure perfectly.

This is a deliciously delightful tale of mischief and mayhem, flying high with heart and humour.

This book is published by Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This one is for ages 9+ with a reading age of 8.

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

Review: The Wanderdays: Journey to Fantome Island

*Written by Clare Povey*
*Cover Illustration by Ben Mantle*
*Published by Usborne*

The Wanderdays: Journey to Fantome Island is an exciting, enthralling aquatic adventure that completely captured me.

Twelve-year-old Nellie Wanderday is making breakfast, wondering when her mum, Nellie, will phone, when she is given the most terrible news by her best friend, Funmi. Her mum, a famous ocean explorer and documentary maker, has been reported missing whilst on her latest expedition in the North Atlantis Ocean.

After receiving an enigmatic message from an environmental journalist and friend of their mum, Flo and her brother, Joseph discover that their mum is involved in a dangerous mission. She is searching for proof that local TV presenter, Sir Frederick Titan, is not the environmental hero that he claims to be, but rather that he has been exploiting and destroying habitats for profit. Could Titan have discovered that Nellie was investigating him? Could he be responsible for the disappearance of her boat? And, what is the secret project he is hiding from the world on the mysterious Fantome Island?

So begins the most brilliant, edge-of-your-seat, exciting adventure. Flo, Joseph and their best friends, Funmi and Isaac, join Nellie’s friend, Marianne de la Mer, aboard a submarine in search of Nellie, and to discover the secrets of Fantome Island and proof of Titan’s crimes against the natural world. I loved the clever uncovering of clues along the way which allowed the children to follow Nellie’s trail. There is plenty of danger, threat and tension that kept me eagerly turning pages and I must admit I was completely taken by surprise at some of the twists and turns – utterly brilliant.

There is a powerful and pertinent environmental message weaved throughout the adventure which addresses exploitation of natural resources, damage to ocean life caused by ghost nets and the climate crisis.

I really liked the strong sibling bond between Flo and her younger brother, Joseph. Flo is incredibly supportive and protective of her brother who has OCD and is there for him when his intrusive thoughts and worries becoming overwhelming. Joseph has a natural curiosity and a love of marine life and doesn’t let his OCD hold him back from exploration and adventure. All four children have their own strengths and talents which make them a great team as they show courage and determination in standing against a vile villain.

A fantastic start to an exhilarating new series where friendship, teamwork and courage meet danger and dastardly villains – perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

Thank you to Usborne for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

May Wrap-Up

It’s been a very busy month at work with the run-up to SATs and SATs week. We also had Sports Day. We also opened our new library and I arranged an author visit from Guy Bass who spoke to the children and opened the library. He was absolutely brilliant and the children loved listening to him, chatting to him and having their books signed. I’m glad I’ve had a week off for half-term to re-charge. I’ve just come back from a quick visit to Ireland to visit family which was wonderful. Now, to report writing and Year 6 production!

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 15 books in May: 13 physical books and 2 audiobooks. I have written and posted reviews for 11 of these and will be posting my reviews for The Wanderdays and Nush and the Stolen Emerald shortly.

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 97%. I have requested and been approved to read one book in April.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent twelve books by Publishers this month.

Books bought:

I bought 15 books in May – no wonder my TBR never decreases!

How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these? Have you any of them on your TBR?

Review: The Secret Society of Very Important Post

*Written by Alexandra Page*
*Illustrated by Penny Neville-Lee*
*Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books*

I absolutely adored WishYouWas: The Tiny Guardian of Lost Letters (you can read my review here) so I was very excited to learn that there was another WishYouWas Mystery: The Secret Society of Very Important Post.

Penny Black and her mum are moving away from London to live in Scotland so that they can spend more time together. This should make Penny happy, but she is feeling sad about leaving her best friend, Wishyouwas – and she doesn’t know how to break the news that she is leaving to him.

Just as she is about to leave her flat, Wishyouwas plops into her fireplace with the news that he’s been summoned to a meeting with the Royal Postmistress, none other than Queen Elizabeth herself. And he wants Penny to attend with him.

When they arrive at the Palace, they are taken to meet the Queen’s Royal Secretary who reveals that the King’s letter to the new Queen – the Monarch’s Seal – has been stolen. Without this, the coronation, which is due to take part the following day, is in danger of not taking place. The Sorters are given the task of finding the stolen letter and delivering it to its rightful recipient, the Queen, before her coronation. But can they solve the mystery of the missing letter, and deliver it to its rightful recipient before time runs out?

And so begins a wonderfully action-packed adventure, brimming with excitement, risk and peril, as Wishyouwas and Penny work together, alongside both old and new Sorter friends, following a series of clues to unravel the mystery, and discover the whereabouts of the missing letter. Their investigations lead them to suspect that there is a villainous traitor in their midst who will stop at nothing to ensure the Sorters cannot complete their mission. I loved the unexpected twists and turns, the unveiling of clever clues leading to historical sites around London and the never-being-quite-sure where the letter was which kept me completely captivated and eagerly turning pages. I also loved that mystery was set in 1953 and gives an insight into the Queen’s Coronation which I think is something young readers will really engage with.

Penny and Wishyouwas have the most gorgeous, warm-hearted, trusting friendship. I can totally understand how hard it must have been for Penny to tell him that she was leaving. They are daring, courageous and determined, and are not afraid to take risks and break rules, all of which make them a perfect sleuthing team.

The full-and-partial page illustrations are absolutely stunning and really capture both the heart-warming bond between Penny and the adorable WishyouWas and the sense of mystery and peril.

This is a spellbinding, heart-warming mystery with a timeless quality that will make it a story which young children of 8+ will return to again and again.

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

Review: The River Spirit written by Lucy Strange and illustrated by Júlia Moscardó

*Written by Lucy Strange*
*Illustrated by Júlia Moscardó*
*Published by Barrington Sto*ke

The River Spirit is a powerful, poignant and hopeful story intertwining history and myth to create a richly atmospheric tale which completely entranced me.

Young chimney sweep Tom Waterman has started seeing strange things that should not be there: a soot monster in the chimney, fairies in the flowers by the river and the ghosts of dead ferrymen in the reeds. When Tom and his friends, Bert and Squirrel, are taken to the river by their cruel master, Mister Crow, for their weekly wash, he sees another supernatural being, a river spirit, but she is different to the other beings as she can be seen by Mister Crow and Tom’s friends.

After saving him from Mister Crow’s cruelty, Elle follows Tom, and is with him when he has to clean chimneys, filthy, soot-laden chimneys that are becoming too narrow for him to climb. His job is a dangerous one, and when Tom puts the safety of a new apprentice above his own, the purpose of Elle’s appearance becomes apparent …

This story does not shy away from the harsh reality of life for young chimney sweeps in 19^th century Britain. Tom and his friends are bought by a Master Sweep and become his property, and are denied their freedom as they are forced into a dangerous job which many do not survive. The children’s appalling living and working conditions portrays the heart-breaking reality of young children forced into child labour as they are poor, orphaned or have had to become money-earners to support their family. This historical background will open up discussions about child labour in 19^th century Britain and encourage empathy both for children in this historical period, but also open opportunities to discuss modern-day child labour.

My heart ached for Tom as he daydreams of a life before his freedom was taken from him when he was six, bought from the Poor House, and forced to work as a climbing boy by a harsh master who cares nothing for his apprentices’ wellbeing. Tom, a ferryman’s son, never forgets where his true home is and the importance of his name, and feels close to home when he is washing in the river where he first meets Elle. He longs for the freedom of the river, yet is trapped in exploitation by a terrifyingly cruel owner. Tom is such an empathetic young boy, showing kindness, friendship and protection towards others. Tom’s decision to protect a new apprentice is a catalyst for change, and his courage brings hope of a better life for others.

The illustrations are stunning and perfectly capture both the ethereal elements of the story and the heart-breaking reality of life for young chimney sweeps.

The River Spirit is a heart-rending novella portraying the dreadful working and living conditions faced by young children in 19^th century Britain, but it is also a story of friendship, kindness and hope.

This book is published by the wonderful Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages. This is suitable for 9+ with a reading age of 8.

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

Review: Super Sausage to the Rescue!

*Written by Rachel Morrisroe*
Illustrated by Jenny Taylor
Published by Puffin Books

Super Sausage to the Rescue is the first adventure in a new ‘Super Pets’ series for younger readers of 7+: hilarious, exciting and full of warmth.

Dottie, an absolutely adorable dachshund puppy, yearns for her forever home after having been left at Doris Darling’s Home for Dogs by her previous owner. When nine-year-old Harry arrives at the shelter with his dad, he is excited to get to choose a dog, and quickly decides that Dottie is the perfect dog for him!

When Harry spots a squirrel outside his window, Dottie accidentally reveals the secret she has been keeping from humans. She can talk and fly! Harry’s dog has superpowers, powers that are urgently needed by Rebecca Refractor who runs Superpets, a secret organisation of superhero pets who keep the world safe from super villains.

But how can the superpets keep the world safe when they are being kidnapped by a supervillain intent on making them part of her collection? Can ‘Super Sausage’ Dottie and Harry stop the remaining superpets from being taken by Sparkletta Crystal, or will they become her next victims?

I absolutely loved this brilliantly funny, action-packed superhero adventure told from the dual viewpoints of Dottie and Harry. There is just the right amount of peril for younger readers blended with lots of laugh-out-loud moments with giggles guaranteed. I’m not sure I’ll ever think of broccoli in the same way again! The language is wonderfully playful – I’d love to fly in a wheelsparrow and visit the Factual History Museum!

I adored both Harry and Dottie who have an instant connection. They quickly build a trusting, supportive and accepting friendship. I liked that Harry needed to understand the responsibility of having a pet before he could have one although I’m not sure anything could have prepared him a superhero pet! I also really liked Rebecca who is a brilliant STEM role model with her fantastic inventions – even if they don’t always work as expected!

The full-and-partial-page illustrations are gorgeous, capturing the energy, warmth and humour of the story perfectly.

A woof-tastically wonderful start to this new series for younger readers brimming with friendship, humour and heart. I have no doubt that they will be eagerly waiting for the next superpet adventure in this series.

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

Review: Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons

Written by Abi Elphinstone
Illustrated by Kristina Kister
Published by Simon & Schuster

Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons is a splendiferously magical, mesmerising adventure brimming with action, excitement and warmth that completely captivated me.

Ten-year-old Ember Spark lives in Yawn, a quiet village on the east coast of Scotland surrounded by cliffs and the wild Swirling Soup Sea. This might sound like the perfect place for an adventure, but Ember believes that, despite craving it, she is living in the most unlikely place for it to find her … but, of course, adventure has a habit of sneaking up on you … especially where magic roams.

On a cloudy Sunday afternoon, Ember is at the beach, skimming stones across the water but, as she is about to leave, she spots something clinging to a rock in the sea. She is surprised to see a hamster in danger and, determined to save him, she jumps in, only to be pulled beneath the waves. The hamster makes an extraordinary jump on to her shoulder and together the two make it back to shore with Ember learning that her new friend’s name is Forty Winks – and she may just have been wrong as to what kind of creature he is!

When a malodorous smell invades the village, Ember is keen to investigate but school awaits. Once in class, her teacher, Mrs Rickety-Knees, gives her some strange instructions, instructions that lead her straight into an incredible adventure …

Making her way to Stonechatter Castle, Ember finds a secret cave where magical beasts recuperate, cared for by Rusty Fizzbang, Vet to Magical Beasts. And he is looking for an apprentice vet. Well, actually, he’s looking for two apprentice vets. Luckily, Mrs Rickety-Knees has also sent new classmate, Arno Whisper, but he’s not really looking for adventure … and Ember is definitely not looking for a friend.

But these two have been brought together to help a baby dragon, whose heart is breaking, after being separated from her parents … Can Ember and Arno become a team and work together to protect these magical beasts? Can they thwart the plans of dastardly criminal, Jasper Hornswoggle, who is intent on exploiting these wonderful creatures? And, can they become the friend each of them needs?

I am always in awe of Abi’s ability to draw me into a magical world and make my heart connect so deeply with the story and characters. I loved meeting both the magical beasts (including dragons, unicorns and hippogriffs) in the hidden sanctuary, accessed via a most brilliant password, and those in our world who need help and protection.

I adored Ember Spark whose name suits her perfectly. She is a flame-haired, feisty and courageous girl who clearly adores animals and has an affinity with them. But she has also been hurt by her parents’ separation and is so scared of losing anyone else that she rejects her friends in order to protect herself, and is not prepared to make new friends. Arno Whisper seems an unlikely adventurer, but he has a lot to teach Ember about facing your fears even when you are scared. Together, they make a brilliant team, protecting magical beasts, but can friendship sneak up on them in the midst of adventure?

The chapter heading and whole-and-partial-page illustrations throughout are gorgeous and complement the magic and warmth of the story perfectly.

I have no doubt that these two incredible children, and their daring missions to help protect and care for magical beasts, will find their way into the hearts of young readers who will be eager to continue their adventures in Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix.

I was lucky enough to have been gifted a proof copy by the wonderful Mel Taylor-Bessent – thank you. I have pre-ordered a special sprayed-edge signed edition for my niece who is a huge Abi Elphinstone fan, and will be buying a finished copy for my class library where I know it will be very popular.

Blog Tour: The Narzat written by Luke Marchant and illustrated by Rory Walker

*Written by Luke Marchant*
*Illustrated by Rory Walker*
*Published by Everything with Words*

The Narzat is a fantastically funny, fast-paced adventure fizzing with warmth and friendship – and a huge explosion of wickedness!

If you ever make the loooooooong trek to the Jumble Jungle Wood, you will find a feast of imaginative delights with a myriad of astounding animals and plants – mostly harmless, but some absolutely lethal! I’d make the journey for the choco-oaks alone!

This magical place is home to The Narzat who doesn’t know how he arrived in the Jumble Jungle Wood, but he does know that the sparkling silver, inscripted locket (his ‘shiny’) he wears is his most precious possession. In fact, wishing on it has brought him his two best friends: The Looky Lizard and the Chatty Chirper. They become inseparable after thwarting the persistent attempts of the always-hungry Ravenoserous to make them a tasty meal. Luckily, if you stay away from the Deep Dark Depths, you are unlikely to meet his insatiable hunger – and his jagged teeth!

One day, whilst playing a game of Snakes and Ladders (with a python who likes back massages), the friends are interrupted by a loud bang. It is not until later that they discover who was responsible when they meet Lord and Lady Snide who have arrived in search of shiny treasure, and eager to kill these wondrous creatures for their furs.

Can the Narzat and his friends defeat these cruel interlopers before they destroy the harmony of the Jumble Jungle Wood? Will the Narzat finally discover where he has come from?

Oh my gigglesome goodness, this is an absolute riot of humour and heart. I adored the playfulness of the language, the wackiness of the jungle creatures (I want a hug-a-slug) and the terrific twists. This story has one of my favourite paragraphs ever, and it refers to teenage trees (utterly genius!).

There is so much to laugh-out-loud at in this story (and I did!) but there is also danger and dastardly deeds courtesy of truly dreadful villains – and Lord and Lady Snide are truly some of the most horrid baddies I have encountered! I was desperate for them to get their comeuppance!

I absolutely adored the Narzat and his two best friends. The constant bickering between the Looky Lizard (who uses sign language and miming to communicate) and the Chatty Chirper (who is not so good at what most birds can do – flying) brought lots of giggles. These three have such a strong bond of friendship that was such a joy to witness as they endeavour to outwit Lord and Lady Snide. The Narzat is absolutely adorable: kind-hearted, courageous and protective of his friends, even when this puts him at risk.

The illustrations are absolutely wonderful – so full of energy and expression – complementing the story perfectly.

Take a visit to the magical Jumble Jungle Wood for a wickedly fun and heart-warming adventure guaranteed to bring giggles galore and gasps of wonder.

Thank you so much to Mikka at Everything with Words for inviting me to be part of the Blog Tour and for sending me a copy of The Narzat in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:

Review: The Island at the Edge of Night by Lucy Strange

Written by Lucy Strange
Cover Illustration by Katie Hickey
Published by Chicken House

The Island at the Edge of Night is a dark, suspenseful, gothic mystery that completely captured me as I was swept into an absorbing adventure on a remote Scottish island where danger lies and secrets unfold.

Something happens to 12-year-old Faye Fitzgerald one fateful, stormy night, a night in which she creeps towards an ancient yew tree guarding a graveyard, a night in which she hears a scream … but Faye’s memories of that night are buried deep within her.

The events of that night are the reason that Faye finds herself on a ferry boat to a newly opened boarding school on a bleak, isolated Scottish island, a place where wicked children are sent to be reformed. What wickedness could Faye have perpetrated to lead to her being sent away from her family?

The school on Auk Island is run by Dr Lighter and his wife, Nurse Violet, who run it more like a prison, keeping the children locked in their rooms at night for their own safety and ensuring that they work hard for their board.

The island is a desolate place, with no trees, so Faye feels she must be mistaken when she hears an owl. Having been surrounded by nature when she lived in the Forest House with her botanist father, Faye yearns to have the freedom to roam the island and feels drawn to its towering mountain, the Knife. Instead, she is kept indoors, locked in her room and is supervised on outings to exercise.

Until one night Faye finds her room has been left open by someone who needs her help, someone who the children have been told has died on the island … and he has access to secret passages and keys to locked doors.

And so begins the most gripping mystery as Faye finds herself embroiled in uncovering family secrets, in discovering a seam of dark treachery within the school and in keeping the children on the island safe. This is an incredibly atmospheric, intricate read where there is a genuine sense of endangerment and threat that kept me on a knife-edge as I learned truths alongside Faye and was left stunned by the unexpected twists and turns.

Faye is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who had been brought up by a loving father until his experiences in the First World War and his own disappointments lead to him turning away from his home to move in with, and rely, on his sister. Faye feels a visceral affinity to nature and is determined to connect with the natural environment, and the freedom and release it brings her, when she is taken to Auk Island. I loved the otherworldliness of this deep connection which felt raw, wild and life-affirming for Faye. I really admired Faye’s fearlessness, resilience and determination in fighting to help others on the island, in uncovering the island’s sinister secrets whilst, at the same time, trying to find the courage to face the secrets she keeps deep within herself.

A masterfully written, breath-taking and gripping mystery rooted in family, friendship and the healing power of nature that richly deserves to become a classic of gothic literature.

Thank you to Lorraine Keating and Chicken House books for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.