Review: Into the Witchwood by Méabh McDonnell

*Written by Méabh McDonnell*
*Cover Illustration by Erin Brown*
*Published by The O’Brien* *Press*

Enter the Witchwood – if you dare! Into the Witchwood is a dark, thrilling, magical adventure that took me on an incredible journey through the Witchwood: a story that utterly enthralled me from start to finish.

Rowan is peering through her Nana’s window, watching her using magic, rather than attending her 13^th birthday party. She is grieving the loss of her mum who disappeared in the Witchwood surrounding their home six months before, a wood that she is forbidden to enter as she has been told there is a malevolent witch at the bottom of an ancient well at the centre of the wood. But Rowan is determined to enter the Witchwood and bring her mum home … hoping that being a witch will help her succeed.

What she is not expecting is that her younger sister Lila and her neighbour, Farid, will follow her into the wood; what she is not expecting is that she has been tricked by the witch; and, what she is not expecting is that she has to make a terrifying bargain …

And so begins a dark, dangerous and twisting tale as Rowan, Lila and Farid must follow the rules of the woods to try to escape the clutches of the witch. They face terrifying challenges, trickery and danger as they learn to work together to overcome the obstacles in their path, but can they outwit the witch in the well, or will she trap them in the Witchwood?

I really enjoyed the allusions to folklore and fairytales from the witch in the woods luring children into her lair to the dangerous enchantment of a fairy ball and the mystical nature of the trees. I just also have to mention one creature in this story who stole my heart: Tali! I’d definitely like a Tali to be on my side – even if I might not always be prepared for the acerbic wit!

The Witchwood is a perfect setting, richly described, and really enhances the ominous, at times chilling, atmosphere which permeates the adventure as the tension builds irresistibly, making this an unputdownable read. I really felt the sense of danger and uncertainty every time one of the children broke a rule of the woods, not sure what to expect, and eagerly turning pages to find out what would happen.

Rowan is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who is grieving the loss of her mother and struggling to accept that she has gone. This grief manifests itself in her lashing out at her family, especially her younger sister Lila, and in her making a decision that puts herself and others in danger. She shows tremendous courage in facing her fears, in taking steps along the path of healing and acceptance and in keeping memories alive – even when they hurt.

A mesmerising, magical and transformative adventure, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for readers of 9+.

Thank you to The O’Brien Press for providing me with a proof copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Graphic Novel Review: Pablo and Splash by Sheena Dempsey

*Written and Illustrated by Sheena Dempsey*
*Published by Bloomsbury*
*Published on 18th January*

Pablo and Splash is a wonderfully funny, full-colour graphic novel that is guaranteed to delight young readers of 8+ as they adventure back in time with two accidental time-travellers.

Even though she’s a penguin, Splash is not a fan of the Antarctica temperatures, and relies on a trusty scarf and hat for added warmth – even when she’s in a penguin huddle. Whilst her best friend, Pablo, thinks their home is paradise, Splash longs for a luxury holiday … in the sun! But how to get there?

After falling down an ice hole, the two friends are captured by Professor O’Brain and, whilst trying to escape her clutches, find themselves in a time-travel machine which transports them to a beach, but one which they’re sharing with … DINOSAURS! Can these accidental explorers find their way home? Or will they be stuck in the past, avoiding becoming the next meal for the locals?

This is such a fun read that brought plenty of giggles! The language is wonderfully playful including some fantastic puns – especially the fishy ones! The interactions between the two friends are just brilliant – filled with humour, warmth and oh so many problems to solve!

I adored the friendship between Splash and Pablo who are both incredibly likeable penguins! Pablo is more cautious, careful, and sensible whilst Splash is more curious, impetuous and daring with a sense of adventure. But what a brilliant pair they make as they team up to solve a rather big problem!

I loved the bright, vivid full-colour illustrations throughout which complement the energy, humour and warmth of the adventure. And, I didn’t know that penguin beaks and flippers could be so expressive!

The endmatter includes a guide for drawing Pablo and Splash and factual information. I especially enjoyed Pablo and Splash’s completely and absolutely true facts, particularly those about huddling and the Southern Lights.

A krill-tastic, laugh-out-loud adventure that is sure to capture the imaginations of young readers who, I have no doubt, will have a whale of a time as they join Pablo and Splash on their first time-travelling adventure.

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

New feature: #MGTakesOnThursday

It will be my blogiversary on 11th April which also happens to be my wedding anniversary! Six years of marriage, and one year of blogging! At least I’ll always remember my blogiversary although, on reflection, I do wonder why I started a blog on this date! I wanted some way of marking this occasion, so I’ve made a decision to be brave and introduce something new to my blog …

So, what have I decided to do?

I started my blog after re-igniting my love for reading, and the books I love are most definitely middle-grade. I have been thinking for a while about what I’d like to do to celebrate both my blogiversary, and my love of middle-grade books, so I’m taking a chance on trying introducing something new … even if I’m the only one who takes part!

I’ve decided to start a weekly feature to celebrate and recommend middle-grade books. It is called Middle-Grade Takes on Thursday and is, quite simply, a celebration of middle-grade children’s books. I’d love if others could take part in this feature!

How do I join in with #MGTakesOnThursday?

I hope this will be a straightforward and enjoyable feature to take part in, and that it brings some attention to some great middle-grade books. If you would like to use the banner I’ve created (through Canva), please feel free to use it.

The steps to take part are below.

Post a picture of the front cover of a middle-grade book which you have read and would recommend to others with details of the author, illustrator and publisher.
Open the book to page 11 and share your favourite sentence.
Write three words to describe the book.
Either share why you would recommend this book, or link to your review.

I’d love if anyone who wants to give this a go would comment in the comments box and include a link to your post so I can visit, comment and find some great middle-grade recommendations. If you do create a post and are on Twitter, and would like to share your post, please use the hashtag #MGTakesOnThursday so I can find it, read it and share it!

Right, I’m going to road test this, and give it a go!

Author: Dominique Valente
Illustrator: Sarah Warburton
Publisher: Harper Collins

Favourite Sentence from Page 11:

Willow had answered a knock on the attic window only to find herself confronted by a rather grumpy oak tree with a face carved deep within its trunk.

This book in three words:

MAGICAL, ADVENTUROUS, HUMOROUS

Everyone, regardless of age, should treat themselves to this heart-warming, enchanting story filled with adventure, warmth and humour: a treasure of a story that sparkles with a special kind of magic that captures and holds the reader under its spell! Read more in my review.

How did I do? Is this a feature you would like to take part in?