Secret Of The Whispering Woods is a young middle-grade or older children’s fiction story with a strong fairy tale theme.
The story features m3.5 stars
Secret Of The Whispering Woods is a young middle-grade or older children’s fiction story with a strong fairy tale theme.
The story features magic and fairies, a royal prince and a wicked witch, all set in a faraway place. The author has put his own spin on traditional favourites and I thought that this tale had echoes of Hansel and Gretel, Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel.
Despite the enchanting land being ‘far, far away’, I did find on occasion that the narrative slipped into contemporary American terms and expressions with the odd word or turn of phrase which I felt detracted from the image that the land was in a mythical place.
Apart from that, the story tripped along at a fine pace providing the reader with a glittery, sparkling, chocolate-box style tale which many of us expect from a modern fairy tale. ...more
The Time Cave is a children’s time-travel adventure story. Tom and Jack are two young boys who set off for a sail in their skiff from their modern dayThe Time Cave is a children’s time-travel adventure story. Tom and Jack are two young boys who set off for a sail in their skiff from their modern day Cornish village. They are pulled into a dangerous cave by the tide, and the water continues to push them through a tunnel. When they emerge they find themselves in the Caribbean sea during the Eighteenth Century.
The author brings to this story his love for pirate adventures and classical children’s storylines. The story had an old-fashioned feel to it; our modern time-travellers were using feet and yards to measure wood at one point.
I liked the way that the story used the time-travel setting as a mini-history lesson for readers, but I would have liked a little more uniqueness to the pirates to make them less clichéd in dialogue and appearance. ...more
The Shop of Impossible Ice Creams: Perilous Pineapple Plot (164 pages)
This is a children’s book suitable for confident readers aged between 7 and 9 yeThe Shop of Impossible Ice Creams: Perilous Pineapple Plot (164 pages)
This is a children’s book suitable for confident readers aged between 7 and 9 years old and above. The main characters are around ten years old and live in a fictional town with descriptions and language that suggest it is based on an English town. [image]
There is plenty for readers to enjoy: water pistols, ice-cream, annoying siblings, magical gardens and good friendships. The story is sprinkled with black and white illustrations.
The story is fast-paced and easy to read with short chapters. This is book #3 of a series but the story can easily be read without reading previous books. ...more
Clarity Jones and the Magical Detective Agency is a middle grade children’s book aimed at readers between the ages of 9 and 12 years. [image]
It is a fuClarity Jones and the Magical Detective Agency is a middle grade children’s book aimed at readers between the ages of 9 and 12 years. [image]
It is a fun story set in a medieval style setting with some magic and a mystery to solve. Clarity Jones is an ex-princess and a magical detective, she’s joined by an ex-assassin, a snow gnoblin and a young street urchin as they try to solve the case of the missing court jester.
The author sprinkles the narrative with the fourth wall technique, where the narrator speaks directly to the reading audience. There are also, sections of backstory, often as mini chapters or pages of their own to fill in details about some of the characters.
The book has a good number of illustrations in black and white, of creatures and some of the events or situations. These help split up the written pages and help the reader with mental pictures. [image]
This is quite a long story at 337 pages and some of the wording would probably suit older or confident readers in the age range or above.
The Song Walker is a children’s story suitable for the ages of 9-12+. The two protagonists are both 13 years old so this would easily suit middle gradThe Song Walker is a children’s story suitable for the ages of 9-12+. The two protagonists are both 13 years old so this would easily suit middle grade readers.
The story is set in the Australian outback, primarily in the Northern Territory, a very hot dry place with large open areas and few towns or people. [image]
A young girl is alone walking through the wild landscape; she can’t remember who she is, where she is or why she is here. After a long cold night out in this place she is found by another young girl. This one is native to the land, a First Nation Australian; her name is Tarni.
Tarni is on a journey to find her sister; she is using her knowledge of the land and she invites the unusual girl with no name to go with her. Tarni gives the girl a name —Moonflower. Together they follow unseen ‘Dreaming Tracks’ as they make their way from one place to another.
This is a journey of discovery and friendship while it gently teaches the reader about Australia and some of its history and ancient belief in 'The Dreaming'. I learnt quite a lot myself. The ending pulls together another aspect of First Nation beliefs, and flows easily into the final chapter. [image]
I really enjoyed this; it would suit young readers who are looking for a friendship and adventure story or who are interested in cultural fiction.
There are no colour pictures, but chapter headings are decorated with black and white images of birds. The book is also split into four main parts; each begins with a double page depicting the Australian setting. Happy to recommend. ...more
One More Mountain is the fifth book in the Breadwinner series of cultural fiction suitable for middle grade or older pre-teen readers. The series is sOne More Mountain is the fifth book in the Breadwinner series of cultural fiction suitable for middle grade or older pre-teen readers. The series is set in Afghanistan and this particular story happens around 2021 when the Taliban have re-taken the country.
In the story, characters from previous books continue their lives, but this book can be read without knowledge of the story so far. It begins with Maryam, a female singer, and her nephew Rafi trying to leave the country for a better life in America; alas, the airport has been shut as thousands try to flee the country.
Rafi’s mother is staying in Afghanistan, where she runs a refuge for women and young girls. With news of the rebels' advance, the refuge must close for the safety of all. They then set out on a long journey to find a better place to live.
I have not read any other books in this series, however, I think these books are important as they highlight the plight of people in different parts of the world.
There is a map showing where Afghanistan is at the front of the book and a glossary of native words at the back with a short history of the country which is suitable for young readers to understand. There are no illustrations, but the descriptive passages drew their own pictures in my mind. ...more
This hardback book measures 22.5cm x 26cm – i.e., about the size of the old comic book annuals, and is a children’s story.The Boy Who Lost His Spark.
This hardback book measures 22.5cm x 26cm – i.e., about the size of the old comic book annuals, and is a children’s story. Although the recommended reading age is 5-8 years old, a few of the words and concepts may need explaining to the younger readers. I would say it is more of a book for adults to read to or with children as there are lots of words and pages to get through. [image]
The story is about a boy called Jem who is sad and struggles with some of his school lessons. He is also feeling lonely after a recent move to the countryside from the city. His younger sister has been told a tale about a creature called a 'nouka', a mischief maker who lives in the hill behind their house. When strange events occur in their house Jem gets angry and refuses to believe in the nouka, until the day that everything changes. [image]
The book is beautifully illustrated in colour on every page which helps to bring the story to life. It is a lovely tale with a folklore touch and I’m sure that readers will fall in love with the little nouka when they read all about it. ...more
Rising River Escape (Global Heroes) is a children’s book recommended for 7-9 year olds. [image]
It is one of a series of illustrated adventure books whiRising River Escape (Global Heroes) is a children’s book recommended for 7-9 year olds. [image]
It is one of a series of illustrated adventure books which teach children about the environment and saving the planet. Five children have been chosen to be Global Heroes; they live in a top secret facility called The Beehive and they are guided by Professor Darwin and a billionaire leader who finances their missions.
In this story the team are sent to Madagascar to help rescue animals after flooding threatens their homes. As well as the floods they face the Evilooters who try to profit from the disaster.
The story is just over 113 pages with fact sheets, a quiz and a glossary of important words at the back for added interest. The book has a reading book band level guide of 12 Brown which might appeal to junior school librarians. [image]
I liked the story; the mix of adventure and information worked well as did the Global Heroes themselves. Happy to recommend. ...more
Battle Of The Beast is Book #3 in The Beast And The Bethany series of children’s stories. These books have a suggested reading age of 8 years and abovBattle Of The Beast is Book #3 in The Beast And The Bethany series of children’s stories. These books have a suggested reading age of 8 years and above. [image]
In this story, the Beast is about to be released from imprisonment after a drastic change in its diet and behaviour. Bethany and Ebenezer, her 512-year-old friend, have been changing in their own ways to become helpful neighbourhood ‘do-gooders’. They are particularly sceptical about the Beast’s new self, but they reluctantly agree to look after him once more.
This is the first book in this series that I have read, it was still enjoyable but I think that reading the first two books in the series would make the reading experience much better. There’s a lot that might appeal to the target age group of readers; a wonderful sweet shop, large quantities of vomit, magical mayhem and an array of colourful creatures and interesting human characters. [image]
The book is sprinkled with black and white illustrations and I particularly liked the turquoise page edging which compliments the delightful book cover. ...more
Queen Elizabeth II and her Family: The Incredible Life of the Princess Who Became a Beloved Queen.
This is a non-fiction children’s book recommended foQueen Elizabeth II and her Family: The Incredible Life of the Princess Who Became a Beloved Queen.
This is a non-fiction children’s book recommended for readers aged around 7-9 years. Each page has lovely colourful photos that depict The Queen and members of her family.
The book features, the early years of The Queen, her background, castles and palaces that she lived in, her hobbies and pastimes. There are sections about her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as information on some of her royal duties. The book ends with photos of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations, a timeline of events in her lifetime and a section about the new King Charles.
This works well as a summary of The Queen’s life for young readers who are beginning to learn about The Royal Family. It would also make a good souvenir gift for children. ...more
Spark (The Twitchers) is a children’s story ideal for middle grade readers or those around the ages of 9-12 years of age. The story is set in England.Spark (The Twitchers) is a children’s story ideal for middle grade readers or those around the ages of 9-12 years of age. The story is set in England. [image]
The protagonists are a group of friends drawn together by an interest in bird watching. They are also keen to solve local mysteries.
In this story Jack discovers an injured cat while on his way to meet his friends. The vet confirms that the cat has been shot and it isn’t the first one. It seems someone is targeting cats and Jack is determined to find out who is behind it.
When Jack attempts to get his bird-watching friends involved in the mystery, most of them become distracted by news of a rare bird which is heading their way—so just Jack and a breakaway team follow clues to the cat hunters. [image]
This is a very readable story especially for children who enjoy wildlife and nature. Imagine a modern-day Famous Five/ Swallows and Amazons type storyline, outdoors adventure. Happy to recommend....more
The Fairy Atlas: Fairy Folk of the World is an illustrated children’s book for those with an early interest in fairies, elves, pixies and other magicaThe Fairy Atlas: Fairy Folk of the World is an illustrated children’s book for those with an early interest in fairies, elves, pixies and other magical beings from all over the world. [image]
The book covers the six continents of the world and briefly talks about different folklores and a range of magical creatures. Between these sections are pages giving more details about fairies, such as how you might see one, where to find them and how to treat them kindly. [image]
It is a lovely book with beautiful colour pictures which would be ideal to read with a younger child or to give as a gift for any child with an interest in fairies. ...more
Super Ghost is a children’s story with a suggested reading age of eight - twelve years of age. [image]
The tale is based around a superhero called DoctoSuper Ghost is a children’s story with a suggested reading age of eight - twelve years of age. [image]
The tale is based around a superhero called Doctor Extraordinary who becomes a ghost early in the narrative. The city that he once guarded now comes under threat. Only his number one fan, a young boy called Sonny, keeps faith that the Doc can return to save the day—but it’s tricky when the superhero is a ghost.
The Doc’s arch enemy Captain Chaos is also featured in this hectic and fast-paced plot, while panda bears make an appearance in a final city takeover bid.
Throughout the story the writers add breaks to talk to the reading audience about details of the story using the fourth wall technique. It allows them to explain points or just to add more fun to the script. [image]
The book is sprinkled with black and white illustrations in a cartoon style and there is good attention to detail with eye-catching graphics used for page numbers and word fonts to boost the appeal to the target audience.
Overall, a good example of an appealing children’s book. ...more
Happy From Head to Toe: A journey through the body to help you find happiness. [image]
This is an easy to read non-fiction book for older children and tHappy From Head to Toe: A journey through the body to help you find happiness. [image]
This is an easy to read non-fiction book for older children and teenagers, and is set out in a fun but informative format. Author Fearne Cotton discusses mental health in association with happiness. She uses body parts to help explain how and why we might feel sad or happy and has help from some guests like Olympic diver Tom Daley, YouTube star Betsy Griffin and McFly band member Tom Fletcher who all talk about how they cope with life.
There are plenty of relatable examples and Fearne includes points which might occur in school or with friendships while she talks about finding a happy place or moment.
The book has lots of pictures and illustrations in black and white to break up the writing and there are stops to summarise the key points made in each chapter. [image]
Even as an adult reading this book, I found several points which I could use in my day. ...more
Ice Cooper And The Depton Shadelings is a contemporary young adult story with a sprinkle of fantasy set in England. [image]
Thirteen-year-old Ice has moIce Cooper And The Depton Shadelings is a contemporary young adult story with a sprinkle of fantasy set in England. [image]
Thirteen-year-old Ice has moved from London to Depton, Warwickshire with her dad and her younger brother. Most things in Depton are normal, except for the large amount of rain and the shadowy creatures (Shadelings) that only Ice can see.
During her first day at her new school, Ice gets into trouble when she stands up to the bullies. But then the boy that she rescues goes missing and the Shadelings want Ice to follow them. [image]
This was a quick read in a realistic setting which had a secondary environmental theme. I liked Ice and her younger brother. The Shadelings were very interesting and I believe that they were influenced by a variety of myths from the county. I could easily envisage this book being longer and delving deeper into the fantasy genre. ...more
The Caravan at the Edge of Doom: Foul Prophecy: A funny, magical, action-packed adventure, for kids 9-12!: Book 2
This is book two of a middle grade seThe Caravan at the Edge of Doom: Foul Prophecy: A funny, magical, action-packed adventure, for kids 9-12!: Book 2
This is book two of a middle grade series, however, it can easily be read as a stand alone story. [image]
Twelve-year-old Harley has recently discovered that she is the Gatekeeper for the Land Of The Dead and it is her duty to help the restless souls cross over by making them a special cup of tea and allowing them to use the portal in the bathroom. As her school attendance must take priority she has set up a self-service tea machine in her Grandparents old caravan so that souls can cross without her help.
Trouble comes in the form of a broken tea machine and then a closure of all the portals of Doom which lead to the Land of The Dead. Harley must come to the rescue and uphold her Hero status.
This book was a crazy fast-paced whole lot of fun. There was plenty of toilet humour, clever characters, magic and friendship mixed with foul deeds and baddies who need banishing. [image]
The book is sprinkled with some fantastic black and white illustrations which depict Harley and the action very well. I think that this would appeal to the reading age audience very well, particularly advanced readers....more
A Flash of Fireflies is a middle grade or 9-12 years reading age story. It focuses on Hazel who is moving to England from Kuwait. She is sent on aheadA Flash of Fireflies is a middle grade or 9-12 years reading age story. It focuses on Hazel who is moving to England from Kuwait. She is sent on ahead of her parents to begin living with an eccentric aunt. [image]
Hazel is visited by three Fireflies who lead her on adventures in a fantasy world. In the real world Hazel starts summer school and makes new friends in her English class where they are studying fairy tales.
I thought the story was a good mix of fantasy and real life issues. The snippets about Kuwait and how Hazel saw England were skillfully written into the narrative. The story also deals with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) in both child and adult forms and how it can be recognised and talked about. It was introduced with sensitivity and I never felt like it was a lesson; it was just a part of Hazel’s everyday life. A good story and I would be happy to recommend it. ...more
The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger is a children’s story suitable for 8 -12 years of age and above. The setting is London in th3.5 stars
The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger is a children’s story suitable for 8 -12 years of age and above. The setting is London in the late 1700s and mixes a stage production of Shakespeare’s Othello with the fight to abolish the African slave trade.
The main protagonists are two young girls (Lizzie is twelve) who become detectives and try to solve the mystery behind an attack on Lizzie’s father at the theatre. The book also centres around the themes and rights of Africans and how the laws of equality were being fought.
The author has done a good job of adding historical facts within the storyline without it feeling like a history lesson. Lizzie and Belle are both sensible, likable characters and the secondary characters are all believable.
I liked the book layout which had plenty of excellent black and white illustrations, copies of letters and case notes and decorated chapter headings. The chapters, themselves are quite short which all make this easily readable for its intended age group. I did wonder if it is realistic that 12-year-olds in 18th Century London would have even known about the slave trade, but understand the purpose of the book. ...more