teacher-recommendations

Written by Lindsay Galvin
Cover illustration by Manuel Šumberac
Published by Chicken House Books

I’m a huge fan of Lindsay Galvin’s historical fantasy adventures, having previously loved Darwin’s Dragons and The Great Phoenix of London, so I was excited to read Cleopatra’s Amulet, another historical fantasy that takes the reader to Ancient Egypt to meet a young Cleopatra as she races to solve an intriguing mystery.

Twelve-year-old Cleopatra, the Princess of Cats, attends the festival of Bastet, the cat-headed god, alongside her father, sister and cat. Afterwards, on their way to the Temple of Bastet, their father gives his daughters gifts of a senet set for his older daughter and a cat-amulet for his younger daughter. But before they can arrive at the Temple, the chariot is attacked and their father, the Pharaoh, is kidnapped. The sisters are taken aboard a barge travelling along the Nile and forced into exile.

So begins the most thrilling and intriguing adventure, brimming with daring and danger, with secrets and revelations, as Cleo turns detective to unearth the truth. Can she discover who is so desperate to sit on the throne that they are willing to kill for it?

I absolutely loved the blend of historical and fantasy elements in this adventure. The rich descriptions of the pyramids, the Nile and the mummification workshop completely immersed me in the period, while the references to animal-headed Egyptian gods and goddesses added a fantastic layer of mythology. I also adored the fantasy elements as both the cat-amulet and enchanted senet board game summon animal gods but are they there to protect Cleo and lead her towards the truth, or will they bring her towards danger?

In my experience as a primary school teacher, young children are always fascinated by the Ancient Egyptians, especially in the process of mummification and in the many gods and goddesses with animal heads that they worshipped, so I have no doubt that they will be keen to open this book. The short chapters, cliffhanger endings and fast-paced action, alongside the fantasy elements and mystery to solve, will keep them reading and eagerly turning pages.

I really liked Cleopatra who is astute, curious and courageous, qualities that help her in her investigation to find the truth behind her father’s kidnap. I also really enjoyed the firm friendship that develops between Cleo and Fabius, a slave and scribe-in-training, who works with Cleo to help solve the mystery.

The author’s note at the end of the book is a brilliant addition to this story as it sets out the historical context including information about Cleopatra, the process of mummification and how to play senet.

An epic adventure that brings Ancient Egypt to life, in the most magical way, for young readers of 9+.

Thank you to Laura Smythe PR and Chicken House Books for sending me a copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion of the book.

Written by Jasbinder Bilan
Cover and internal illustrations by *Sònia* Albert
Cover design by Steve Wells
Published by Chicken House Books

Girl with a Sabretooth Tiger is an exciting, heart-warming adventure set in the late Stone Age which completely captivated me as I joined a courageous young girl on her awe-inspiring personal quest.

Eleven-year-old Swallow lives with her Ma, Pa and baby sister, Bear. Her tribe values the tradition of storytelling to keep memories of their past alive. As she sits around the fireside and listens to the story of a sacred stone from legend that will grant wishes, Swallow dreams of obtaining a piece in the hope that it will cure her sick little sister.

Determined to turn her dream into reality, Swallow sets out on a journey to the faraway green god mountain to seek a piece of this sacred stone: jadeite. Around her neck, she wears the tooth of a sabretooth tiger given to her by her Grandma before she died, hoping the spirit of this tiger will help guide and protect her on her quest. Just as she is about to leave the camp, she is joined by another young member of the tribe, Ishi, and together they set off on an incredible adventure. Can Swallow find the stone and save her sister before time runs out?

I absolutely loved this action-packed quest, brimming with danger and wonder. I was taken on an exciting and richly imagined journey by river, sea and land, through forest and mountains, in search of a sacred stone. I really enjoyed the connection between Swallow and the spirit of the sabretooth tiger as she is guided towards her destination by animal star clusters.

Swallow is an incredibly sympathetic young girl who clearly loves her little sister and her family. She shows great courage, resourcefulness and strength when enduring the hardships and danger of her quest. I enjoyed her developing friendship with Ishi which felt authentic as both react to situations and show their emotions. I also really enjoyed Swallow’s deep connection to both the spiritual and natural world.

For the last couple of years I have taught in Year 3 and have covered the Stone Age period. This book, with its shorter chapters and immersion in the Neolithic period, would work perfectly to complement a unit of work on the Stone Age. As I read, I have made many associations with the work I taught in Year 3 including life in later stone age settlements, cave art and stone circles. I can see many children in Year 3 being filled with excitement at making connections between a period of history they are studying, and the sheer enjoyment of reading this wonderful adventure.

The illustrations throughout are absolutely wonderful and really complement the excitement of the adventure and the majesty of the landscapes as well as the bonds of family and friendship.

A beautifully lyrical story of the bonds of family and friendship, of spirituality and nature set in a richly imagined pre-historic landscape, perfect for children of 8+.

Thank you to Laura Smythe PR and Chicken House Books for providing me with a copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion of the book.