Review: Anya’s Quest written by Jasbinder Bilan and illustrated by Jane Ray

Anya’s Quest is a stunning and powerful story, inspired by Hindu mythology, that took me on an unforgettable journey along the Ganges to listen to nature’s song of hope and healing … an utterly enchanting read.

8-year-old Anya is grieving the loss of her mother three years before. She wakes in the early morning from a dream that she can’t quite remember: a dream of her mother, a white flower and a lullaby …

Whilst Anya’s father gives her all the gadgets and toys she could ever want, he does not give her the one thing she craves: his attention. It is not surprising that she feels jealous and lonely when she sees Mahi playing in the snow with her mother, the cook, as it brings back memories of time spent with her mama. When her friend is unable to visit due to the roads through the Himalayan mountains being blocked with snow, Anya’s father sends Mahi to play with Anya. However, Anya is rude to her and orders Mahi to go outside and build her a snow figure.

Later, feeling ashamed of her unkindness towards Mahi, Anya ventures outside to find her, but slips on the ice – and wakes to see the Goddess Ganga in the moonlight with her river dragon and spirit companion, Makara who pulls her chariot. Ganga has a quest for Anya to complete, and takes both her and Mahi on an incredible journey through the Himalayan mountains and along the course of the Ganges, a journey into the past and towards a future of hope … Can Anya remember her spirit song, discover her spirit animal and re-connect with nature?

I absolutely loved this stunning story with its blend of Hindu mythology, and powerful environmental message of the need to protect our planet from the harm humans are doing to it. I really liked that the message is one of hope and empowerment. Both the writing and illustrations are awe-inspiring and take the reader on the most magical journey of self-discovery, connection with nature and hope … mesmerising.

Anya is a sympathetic young girl whose grief, loneliness and jealousy initially leads her to be unkind and reject Mahi’s friendship, but she opens herself to new friendship as she searches for her spirit song and connects with Mahi through their shared appreciation of nature and desire to protect the planet through their actions.

The full-colour illustrations throughout are absolutely gorgeous and really encapsulate the enchanting quality of this story from the wintry scenes through the mountains and along the river to the depiction of Hindu Gods and Goddesses to the heart-warming images of family and friends surrounded by nature.

An absolutely captivating story with full-colour illustrations, perfect for children of 7+.

Thank you to Walker Books for providing me with a copy of this stunning book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Spirit of Loughmoe Abbey by Megan Wynne

The Spirit of Loughmoe Abbey is a heart-breaking, haunting ghost story, a story that captures pain, hope and healing, and one which held me enthralled throughout.

Gwen has been home-schooled but, when her mother needs to go in to hospital, a reluctant Gwen is sent to boarding school at Loughmoe Abbey – an impressive, old house within the grounds of a monastic site. But she immediately feels lost and trapped, finding it difficult to make friends, to adapt to sharing a dorm with four other girls, and struggling with the expectations for learning in a classroom. Her only comfort is that she has been allowed to bring her dog, Bella – even though she has to stay in the kennels.

On a walk with Bella, Gwen finds herself at the Bell Tower, the only place which students are forbidden to enter without written permission from the Principal. When she is met by an older girl who has clearly been crying, Gwen’s curiosity is stirred, and she is determined to find out what happens in the Tower. After a strange occurrence which frightens Gwen, she is told the secret of the Tower by the Principal. But surely, there could not be ghosts in the school – and why would one want to communicate with her?

Gwen is given permission to visit the Tower and, when she does, she meets a spirit who shares a secret with her and tells her that she wants to help both Gwen and her mother. But can she trust this ghost? Can they work together to help Gwen’s mum heal?

This is such a heart-achingly moving story that deals with some powerful themes, including grief and mental health, in a sensitive manner. I loved the idea of a boarding school that brings people who need help to it, the blend of school life with the supernatural and the unexpected twists that were just perfect. I think there is so much potential to learn the stories of other students at Loughmoe Abbey and I really hope there’s a return to this wonderful school which is definitely not a typical boarding school.

Gwen is such a sympathetic young girl whose only understanding of education before joining Loughmoe Abbey is her mother’s very relaxed home-schooling which has meant that she finds herself academically behind the other students. She struggles with understanding what friendship is, with learning in an environment and in a manner that are not suited to her neurodivergence, and with the constant worry about her mum, putting extra pressure on herself to do well in the hope that this will make her mum better.

A stunning story of family and friendship, of healing and hope, of loss and connection, perfect for young readers of 9+.

Thank you to the publisher, Our Street Books, for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Dead Yard: Seeds of Doom

Written *by P.J. Killburn*
*Illustrated by Markia Jenai*
*Published by Little Tiger*

Dead Yard: Seeds of Doom is the start of a spine-tingling new series, set in contemporary London, with a fantastic fusion of Caribbean folklore, heart and humour.

Aspiring film-maker Jermaine’s work on his entry for the junior film competition isn’t exactly going to plan when his werewolf is attacked by a little old lady with a walking stick. Arranging to meet his cast the following day to continue filming, Jermaine intends to continue getting some shots that evening until he is abruptly reminded that he has somewhere else he needs to be …

Jermaine’s great-great-uncle Carl has died and he needs to attend his Dead Yard, a party to celebrate his life with lots of music and food. Heading outside to the marquee to avoid the dancing, Jermaine can’t helping treating himself to one of his mother’s patties which leads him into trouble with his great-great-grandmother, Miss Nell, who warns him that eating before midnight, when the spirit passes to the afterlife, is forbidden. Imagine his shock when he also finds out that he’s in trouble with his Uncle Carl who has not passed on, but is instead following him home as they’re now connected – and Jermaine is the only one who can see him! Can Jermaine undo what he has inadvertently done and help Uncle Carl pass on? Or does Uncle Carl have another reason for not passing on?

When his friend Annette calls round, Jermaine discovers that children are falling ill with a mystery sickness, a sickness that soon affects his little sister Kayla. Can Jermaine, best friends Assad and Annette, and Uncle Carl discover the cause of this illness and save the children before something even worse is unleashed?

I really enjoyed this action-packed, exciting story with its blend of horror and humour which sits perfectly within middle-grade. Representation in children’s stories is so important so that children can see themselves in books and so that they can learn about different cultures so it was wonderful to see the celebration of Caribbean culture with its music, dance, food and stories. I loved learning more about its folklore through the stories Miss Nell tells, but could they be more than just stories? With strangers lurking in the neighbourhood, cursed cassava seeds causing chaos and children in danger, there is plenty of mystery, uncertainty and revelations to make this an enthralling read.

Jermaine is an incredibly likeable young boy who clearly adores his wonderful extended family and values his friendships. He has a keen interest in film-making and loves food – something that leads him into more trouble than he might have expected! I loved his growing bond with Uncle Carl as he learns more about him and as they work together to save those they care about.

I really enjoyed the setting of contemporary London with the mention of familiar places alongside the culture and folklore of a Caribbean community. I adored the strong sense of community within the story with people coming together to support each other when things become difficult.

The front cover of this book is absolutely stunning and I have no doubt will encourage readers to pick up this book and then make connections as they read. The internal illustrations are also wonderful and capture both the sense of danger and strength of family perfectly.

Cric? Crac! This is superb story for spooky season and is perfect for readers of 9+ to curl up with and enjoy – maybe with some patties.

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

Review: Find Peace in a Poem

Find Peace in a Poem is a beautiful illustrated collection of poetry celebrating mindfulness. It includes a wide range of much-loved and brand-new poems which are perfect for both reading aloud, or curling up alone to enjoy.

Each of the twenty poems are presented on a single or double page with gorgeous, vibrant illustrations which will help bring the poem to life for readers, and will spark curiosity and reflection.

The poems centre on a range of experiences in an imaginative way, all focussing on aspects of mindfulness from living in the moment, expressing thoughts through art, noticing the things around us to help deal with emotions and finding an inner calmness.

In ‘You Are Here’ the familiar idea of a map of a town is inverted into a map of a person’s day allowing them to reflect in the simple and memorable moments. ‘The Ink Cure’ reminds the reader of dealing with sad emotions by expressing themselves through art such as doodling. ‘Listening for Silence’ addresses the importance of noticing the silences in the noise of everyday life.

I must admit that my two favourite poems in this collection, The Colours of My Dreams and The Magic Box, are ones I’ve used with my classes and both focus on the senses and imagery, using them in the most creative and beautiful way.

I loved being introduced to both familiar and new poems and felt that all of these are perfect to help take a pause from the stresses of everyday life.

This is a powerful, stunning collection of poetry for everyone , each one offering a unique insight into mindfulness, allowing readers an opportunity to listen, reflect and dream.

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

November Wrap-Up

Where did November go! I’ve been ridiculously busy at work this month and often working late in the evening with planning, so not as much reading done as I would have liked. I’m so glad I’ve made it a rule that I don’t work at the weekend, but I have now started a Christmas Movie Sunday afternoon, so only read in the morning.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 9 books this month which was a lot less than when I had half-term! I enjoyed all of these – the ones that really stood out for me were The Colour of Hope, Utterly Dark and the Heart of the Wild and Stitch.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 6 books by Publishers this month as well as a copy of Ember Spark, thanks to the kindness of two wonderful authors, Abi Elphinstone and Mel Taylor-Bessent.

NetGalley:

My Netgalley ratio is at 96%. I have five books on my shelf. I have read Stitch which is amazing and will hopefully find time to write my review this weekend. I have also been sent physical copies of three of these after I had requested them.

Books bought and gifted:

It was my birthday in November so I had some book presents but, as always, I also treated myself to some new books! I tend to ask mostly for adult/young adult books for my birthday and Christmas and buy children’s books myself.