The second instalment in Probert's brilliant graphic novel series. Continuing the adventures of Bea and Cad, this book delves deeper into the magical The second instalment in Probert's brilliant graphic novel series. Continuing the adventures of Bea and Cad, this book delves deeper into the magical world of Irpa. The story picks up with the duo on a mission to stop the giant bird Kest from extinguishing the lights of their world. Along the way, they uncover more about their planet and its ancient beings, confronting various challenges and shadowy creatures.
The narrative balances thrilling action with moments of introspection, particularly focusing on Bea's struggles with anxiety and fear, depicted visually as dark clouds surrounding her. Cad’s cheerful and adventurous spirit provides a counterbalance, making their partnership dynamic and engaging. The artwork is stunning, filled with vivid landscapes and imaginative creatures that draw readers into the fantasy realm. I'm always reminded of Henson's work.
Lightfall: Shadow of the Bird effectively mixes humor with serious themes, making it a compelling read for middle-grade audiences. The story not only entertains but also explores deeper emotional and psychological aspects, ensuring it resonates with both young readers and adults....more
This book offers fresh takes on three timeless fairy tales, imbued with a Muslim twist. Rumaysa finds herself ensnared in a tower within an enchanted This book offers fresh takes on three timeless fairy tales, imbued with a Muslim twist. Rumaysa finds herself ensnared in a tower within an enchanted forest, compelled to spin straw into gold after being taken from her parents by a witch. Her sole companion is Zabina, an owl (who was smashing - I would have liked them to stay in the story more). Whilst escaping, she encounters Suleiman, a lost boy on a magic carpet mission to rescue a princess captured by a dragon.
Together the pair begin to free other familiar characters not only from their fairy tale role but also from their gendered and cultural constraints. The book stands out for portraying the female characters as strong, independent, and clever, rather than fixating on traditional happily-ever-after endings or romance. Suleiman, too, embarks on a journey to challenge gender expectations.
I enjoyed the book, although I felt that at times, it was a bit too forceful in its approach to challenging stereotypes. It might have been more impactful to give children the freedom to read between the lines and show rather than tell. In addition, there is no growth in Rumaysa whilst all other characters around her change. ...more
Shah takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the vibrant streets of Mumbai, where a group of resilient and resourceful children defy the oddsShah takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the vibrant streets of Mumbai, where a group of resilient and resourceful children defy the odds to chase their dreams and fight against corruption. Set amidst the backdrop of the city's bustling railway stations, slums, and factories, this heartwarming tale showcases the power of friendship, loyalty, and the indomitable spirit of the underdogs.
The story revolves around Ajay, a street kid who earns his living by selling newspapers but aspires to become a journalist. His encounter with a renowned environmentalist and the discovery of an abandoned printing press set the stage for a thrilling adventure. Ajay, along with his diverse group of friends, including a railway apprentice engineer, an artist, a seasoned cook, and a budding cricketer, comes together to start their own newspaper, The Mumbai Sun.
When Ajay stumbles upon a diabolical plan by a corrupt alliance of builders and politicians to demolish a neighbouring slum, he embarks on a relentless pursuit to uncover the truth. Despite their meagre resources and constant threats from goons, Ajay and his crew utilize their street smarts to dig deep and expose the sinister plot. The fast-paced narrative weaves themes of hope, resilience, and the triumph of the ordinary.
Varsha Shah's writing shines through in her ability to depict the energy, ambition, and resilience of the characters. The narrative sparks moments of laughter, concern, and elation, evoking a range of emotions from readers. Its themes encourage discussions about power imbalances, social change, and the impact of individual actions. I thoroughly enjoyed it. ...more
The story follows Mike, accompanied by his trusty dog Bowow, as they embark on an unexpected journey triggered by a peculiar party invitation. Amidst The story follows Mike, accompanied by his trusty dog Bowow, as they embark on an unexpected journey triggered by a peculiar party invitation. Amidst the scorching heat of the Philippines and the mesmerizing landscapes of the Chocolate Hills, a deep chasm opens up, leading Mike and Bowow into a world of mystery and enchantment...and London.
As Mike plunges into the unknown, he finds himself awakening in the home of a girl named Kaneisha, situated in bustling London. Both Mike and Kaneisha have received the same cryptic invitation, prompting them to delve further into the unknown. Together, they set off on a surreal and dreamlike escapade, venturing through chimneys and encountering a host of whimsical characters along the way.
The book's distinctive illustrations, rendered in vibrant full colour, add a delightful touch of humour and visual interest to the story. The accessible layout and shorter chapters make it an ideal choice for newly independent readers, allowing them to immerse themselves in the adventure at their own pace.
A charming and engaging book invites valuable lessons about friendship and open-mindedness. A really beautiful and engaging first chapter book....more
Creeping Beauty is the third instalment in Joseph Coelho's Fairy Tales Gone Bad series, accompanied by the remarkable illustrations of Freya Hartas. ICreeping Beauty is the third instalment in Joseph Coelho's Fairy Tales Gone Bad series, accompanied by the remarkable illustrations of Freya Hartas. In this version of the classic fairy tale, the narrative takes a refreshing turn by shifting the focus to Eshe, one of the fairy godmothers, whose name symbolizes life, rather than the traditional Sleeping Beauty character, Princess Rose.
While the narrative initially echoes familiar versions of Sleeping Beauty, Coelho allows Eshe to take matters into her own hands instead of relying on a prince to save the day. Along the way, the story pays homage to The Frog Prince, emphasizing the agency of women and reinventing this classic tale. Coelho's poetic background seamlessly weaves throughout the prose, with the page layout often adding a poetic touch. Hartas' black and white illustrations are gorgeous and these are sumptuously illustrated books.
Coelho's use of poetic devices and the impact of layout on reading can be explored. Furthermore, the rich and challenging vocabulary in the book presents an excellent opportunity for exploring language and expanding vocabulary skills. It would be interesting to consider the perspectives of male readers, as the male characters in the story prove either inadequate or literally wooden. A fair addition to Coelho's Fairy Tales Gone Bad series. ...more
A captivating and imaginative book that will enchant young readers with its humorous storyline and cast; shorter books for children are also to be welA captivating and imaginative book that will enchant young readers with its humorous storyline and cast; shorter books for children are also to be welcome. Balen, known for her success with books for older children, demonstrates her versatility as she ventures into writing for younger readers with a brisk and engaging pace.
The story revolves around Clem, a budding young archaeologist, and her friends Ash and Zara, who spend their weekends combing the banks of the Thames as mudlarks. Their treasure-hunting adventures take a fantastical turn when Clem discovers a mysterious grey ring and brings it home. Unbeknownst to her, this triggers a series of extraordinary storms that wreak havoc along the tideline, forcing residents to evacuate their homes.
What follows is a fantastical underwater adventure as Clem and her friends embark on a race against time to restore the magical grey ring to the creature within the Thames who searches for it. Balen's vivid and highly-imagined fantasy world unfolds underwater, where the buildings bear an eerie resemblance to those above water but show signs of decay.
Balen's writing shines through with a simple poeticism. The book carries a gentle moral message about protecting the environment, a timely and important topic. Links to mudlarking echo Katya's previous novel for older readers, October, October.
The book's appeal is further enhanced by Rachael Dean's delightful illustrations, which perfectly capture the vividly imagined underwater world created by Balen. The combination of short, suspenseful chapters and engaging artwork makes The Thames and Tide Club accessible and enjoyable, even for less confident readers. Those I have handed it to have lapped it up. Sorry. Great for newly independent readers and established ones too....more
A verse novel by current Children's Laureate, Joseph Coelho, with illustrations by Kate Milner, takes readers on a poignant and surreal journey througA verse novel by current Children's Laureate, Joseph Coelho, with illustrations by Kate Milner, takes readers on a poignant and surreal journey through grief and healing. Fourteen-year-old Daphne, grappling with the loss of her father, seeks solace in the library, where she immerses herself in books to avoid confronting her pain. However, when she loses her phone, which holds the last voicemail from her father, she embarks on a Wonderlandesque quest to retrieve it. Guided by a message to "follow the nuts," Daphne enters a bewildering forest of past memories, reminiscent of the Greek myth of Daphne who transformed into a tree to escape Apollo's pursuit.
Coelho's poetic adaptation seamlessly weaves the ancient legend with Daphne's modern-day tale, creating a narrative that is both accessible and powerful. Through verses dedicated to loss, grief, and the sanctuary of books, Coelho explores the depths of Daphne's emotions with tenderness and raw honesty. The language employed is both imaginative and relatable, effectively conveying challenging themes while maintaining an emotional maturity that resonates with readers of all ages.
Milner's dreamlike & scarred illustrations add an evocative layer to the story, capturing moments like the sudden din of removing earphones or the presence of the monstrous creature Hoc, who tries to keep Daphne lost in the forest. The illustrations embellish the mood and tension, complementing Coelho's poetic narrative.
Coelho's exploration of grief and transformation is masterfully executed, utilizing various poetic forms, perspectives, and literary conventions to engage readers and invite introspection. The book's varied tone, form, and viewpoint add depth and nuance to the narrative, making it suitable for emotionally mature readers across a wide range of ages. Coelho and Milner have crafted a work that is not only a homage to ancient myths but also a mirror reflecting the complexities of the human experience. Through the eyes of Daphne, readers are reminded of the importance of embracing emotions, confronting grief, and finding the strength to heal and grow....more
A captivating and heartfelt coming-of-age story that takes readers on a transformative journey filled with adventure, joy, and the complexities of famA captivating and heartfelt coming-of-age story that takes readers on a transformative journey filled with adventure, joy, and the complexities of family and grief. On her 12th birthday, Brie is surprised with a gift from her deceased mother, a woman who had a zest for life.
Through the letters her mother left behind, Brie embarks on a treasure hunt across her Jamaican town, uncovering secrets that will shape her understanding of herself and her family. Despite the frequent absence of her father and his lack of attention, Brie finds solace and support from her best friends, Nana, and her aunt and uncle as she navigates the emotional and strategic ups and downs of her journey.
Brie's treasure hunt becomes a catalyst for healing and growth. The story explores the complexity of an ordinary family grappling with the aftermath of a parent's death, portraying the emotions and challenges with sensitivity and honesty. A poignant, short novel that celebrates the power of resilience, and self-discovery: a resonant coming-of-age tale....more
Galvin's second outing is another historical fiction novel this time transporting us to Victorian Brighton. Set against the backdrop of the arrival ofGalvin's second outing is another historical fiction novel this time transporting us to Victorian Brighton. Set against the backdrop of the arrival of a giant octopus at the seafront aquarium, the story follows 12-year-old Vinnie, who finds herself staying with her aunt in Brighton while her mother attends to business in Paris. Having already enjoyed Darwin's Dragons, I was really impressed to find that I enjoyed this second outing even more.
Beyond the captivating setting, the novel sheds light on the harsh working conditions of industrial Victorian Britain, particularly regarding child labour. The author highlights the disparity between the privileged and the less fortunate. At its core, the book celebrates the power of friendship through the bond between Vinnie, Charlie, and Temitayo. Each character is endearing in their resourcefulness, loyalty, and unwavering sense of justice. Temitayo's determination to forge her own path and reject the predetermined future set by others adds an empowering element to the narrative.
The incredible octopus, Ghost, serves as a central character, revealing its astonishing capabilities and emotional depth: it helped that I had read several octopus non-fiction texts prior to this. I felt like I already knew Ghost. The bond between Vinnie and Ghost is particularly heartwarming, drawing readers even closer to this fascinating animal.
A carefully plotted novel that combines historical accuracy, captivating storytelling, and memorable characters. Vivid descriptions and attention to detail create an immersive reading experience that both educates and entertains. Highly recommended KS2+ ...more
An enthralling adventure that combines Blakeian mythology, magic, and the power of imagination.
Adam, a young, Muslim boy living in an alternative, dysAn enthralling adventure that combines Blakeian mythology, magic, and the power of imagination.
Adam, a young, Muslim boy living in an alternative, dystopian London, encounters a remarkable being that takes the form of a Tyger. Together with his friend Zadie, they embark on a journey that tests their courage and harnesses the power of their imaginations in order to help it escape back to its own realm. As they confront evil, oppressive forces threatening their world, they discover the importance of staying true to oneself and challenging societal darkness.
Tyger explores essential themes such as societal attitudes towards others, inclusion and exclusion, and the preservation of the natural world - many of these themes are purposefully echoing those in Blake's 'Songs of Innocence and Experience'. The book encourages readers to recognize the power of imagination and emphasizes the significance of thought, reason, and empathy in shaping a better society.
The illustrations by Dave McKean, almost ethereal in nature, add depth and visual appeal and generously pattern many of the book's pages; echoing the narrative's energy.
Tyger is a thought-provoking and spiritually rich book that will captivate confident readers who enjoy delving into complex narratives. It is a story that is multi-layered and it's clear that repeated readings and sharing will help reveal richer secrets planted beneath the surface of the text....more
A captivating, richly illustrated book that explores themes of gratitude and forgiveness. Leina is the only boat owner in town, ferrying locals to theA captivating, richly illustrated book that explores themes of gratitude and forgiveness. Leina is the only boat owner in town, ferrying locals to the forest for hunting and tree chopping. But the townsfolk are wary of the forest, as not everyone who ventures in returns. When Leina's friend Oren fails to come back, she embarks on a quest to find him. In the forest, she meets a mysterious figure called Mr Spadefoot who claims to be The Lord of the Toadstools. Leina suspects that Mr Spadefoot knows where Oren is and agrees to join him for dinner in his underground palace. It's there that she discovers the truth about the forest and the missing townsfolk. The story is weird and wonderful, folkloresque in its shape and design with a healthy dose of Jim Henson's Labyrinth to boot. Sarda's illustrations are simply incredible....more
Dr. Morley leads a team on an Arctic expedition in search of a rare jellyfish. Despite spotting other sea creatures like narwhals and orcas, the jellyDr. Morley leads a team on an Arctic expedition in search of a rare jellyfish. Despite spotting other sea creatures like narwhals and orcas, the jellyfish remains elusive. However, illustrator Savage reveals a fun twist: the jellyfish has been following them all along.
Savage's detailed artwork showcases the crew's preparations, clothing, and equipment, as well as the ship's various compartments. These are lovely cutaways that lend the book a feeling of both William Grill with a touch of Stephen Biesty The crew faces challenges such as storms, polar bears, and massive ice shelves. The ocean surface is often split in half to show both above and underwater views, with occasional panels to vary the pace. This is a story about perseverance with a light ecocritical message too - just lovely and a seriously impressive debut. ...more
In "The Dream of the Butterfly," Tutu finds herself trapped in a valley where winter never ends, surrounded by talking animals and under the rule of aIn "The Dream of the Butterfly," Tutu finds herself trapped in a valley where winter never ends, surrounded by talking animals and under the rule of a robot Emperor fueled by oil and a desire to find something greater than his parts.
Tutu is tired of working in the Emperor's polluting factory and wonders if the butterfly that appears in her dreams is the key to changing the valley's fate. With the help of a talking cat, rabbit spies, and the Flying Bandit, can Tutu make her dreams a reality and save the valley from destruction?
A satisfying conclusion to a story that has more depth with each new reading.
Dan Santat's 'The Aquanaut' is a visually rich graphic novel that follows the adventures of a group of sea-dwelling creatures who, in manning a portabDan Santat's 'The Aquanaut' is a visually rich graphic novel that follows the adventures of a group of sea-dwelling creatures who, in manning a portable yet mechanical diving suit, seek out the daughter of a deep-sea researcher who died with a special mission unresolved.
Sophia is full of humour and wit but feels abandoned by her Uncle who is too busy drowning in the guilt of surviving the shipwreck that his brother survived. His only drive is the hope that his research will be a lasting testament to his brother. Can this strange cast of sea creatures bring Sophia and her uncle together?
Richly illustrated with fine moments of drama and action, this is a funny story but with a touch of pathos to it. I found the creatures sweet too - as if the finding Nemo cast trapped in the tank escaped into this book. Nods to Jacques Cousteau were welcome too and tapped into the themes of conversation. Would do well throughout KS2. ...more
I adored this book from Pushkin. From Jacqueline Molnár's illustrations, where her strong-colour play evokes a richly traditional form in storytellingI adored this book from Pushkin. From Jacqueline Molnár's illustrations, where her strong-colour play evokes a richly traditional form in storytelling, to Anna Bentley's incredibly deft touch in translating Lázár's imagination - it's an absolute success and all the richer from a second reading. It tells, in a traditional tale format with a modern twist, the story of Poor Jonny, our classic wanderer through tales, and Princess Arnica a - in some part - stereotype-challenging female protagonist, as they search for a way to lift a witch's curse off them.
Told through a dual-blended narrative that reminded me of The Princess Bride, each chapter opens with a discussion between a leading adult storyteller and their younger co-teller. Although the adult steers the story, interjections and questions from the young listener make the telling richer and much wiser. Sometimes both intrude mid-story but it's all for the better. This, for me, was what made the story itself so special for such openings and interruptions acted as opportunities for big questions about life and living in general.
The story itself is made of several episodes in which Arnica and Poor Johnny attempt to lift a witch's jealous curse which sees one of them always having to take the form of a duck. Knowing that somewhere out there is a Seven-Headed Fairy who can cure them, they head off encountering a range of characters along the way and helping each to overcome their own problems. Each encounter is set down to prove how much our heroes love each other but also how such love and kindness can help others too.
Since the narrators are situated in the present, there are moments in which the 'traditional' elements and encounters within the narrative rub shoulders with our time. A witch who has the ability to change form is neighboured by a gang of bandits who find that they are incredibly good at football. A band of 12 selfish brothers are only a few fields away from a man who takes offence at anything said to him. This play between modern sensibilities and activities alongside more traditional tropes and characters is what made the story feel so 'new' yet 'established' at the same time.
Finally, I take my hat off to Molnar's strange, delightful illustrations which play with traditional tale themes too - lots of hidden icons and images throughout celebrate some of the implicit messages. However, I suspect that the reason the story works so well 'now' is down to Anna Bantley's outstanding work in bringing Lazar's Hungarian story across to these shores.
In what is an unusual alliance between a young girl named Mink and a young zebra named Gabriel, Rundell and Ogilvie present us with a classic adventurIn what is an unusual alliance between a young girl named Mink and a young zebra named Gabriel, Rundell and Ogilvie present us with a classic adventure that champions celebrating and fighting for the freedom to be your true self and coming together to overthrow oppression and wickedness.
Known for loving her father but delighting in not playing by society’s rules, Mink decides to stay up past normal bedtime and play in the city park whilst all the other children are abed. Mink soon finds herself face-to-face with an unusual visitor, a baby zebra, and discovers that she has a gift for being able to ‘feel’ animals' emotions and thoughts, beautifully realised by Ogilvie’s artwork in a riotous fanfare of exploding colours. It isn't long before Gabriel the zebra shares his plight with Mink: his parents have been stolen by a man with an ‘unlovely smile’ who intends to kill them and then stuff them in glass boxes for display along with a host of other animals.
With no time to lose, Mink encourages Gabriel to find his inner warhorse and fight for his parents’ freedom. Employing the help of two more creatures, a cantankerous but delightful dog called Rainbow and a ledgerdemain-proficient squirrel named Rodentina, they head off in search of the evil, Terry-Thomas-inspired, Mr. Spit. Can they find the courage, wit and tenacity to win the day?
Rundell and Ogilvie share the space so well in what is a delightfully inspired partnership from Bloomsbury. At times, Rundell’s narrative dominates but is always accompanied by Ogilivie’s richly-coloured vignettes. At other times, the words are reduced so that the watercolour, pen and print illustrations can dominate: the escape of the animals from their cages is an absolute delight and a real cavalcade of colour and energy. It is clear that Ogilvie has spent time with the text and chosen key moments to represent with real care.
With a rich cast of cunning animals and a sense of adventure that exudes a similar warmth and humour to Dodie Smith’s One Hundred and One Dalmatians, The Zebra’s Great Escape is a delightful modern-day classic with a strong-willed and determined young girl whose passion for fighting for what is right is something all readers can aspire to....more
Anyone who has a lovely of books that sit between those liminal spaces of reality and fantasy that is similar to the work of Aiken and Wynne Jones wilAnyone who has a lovely of books that sit between those liminal spaces of reality and fantasy that is similar to the work of Aiken and Wynne Jones will love spending time with Watson's 'Glister' and to think that it's too high-brow for younger readers then misunderstands how clever and adept young, independent readers can be.
Collating together four stories which focus on Glister Butterworth and her life at Chilblain Hall, this series sees our eponymous hero as she seeks to understand, relate to and then save her family home which is very much like Hogwarts with regards to its ever-changing architecture and residents but, perhaps, with a touch more Trollope to it.
From teapots haunted by frustrated writers, to a literal family tree that blooms past members, to a wonderfully folkloric encounter with the fey-folk in which Glister fights for the return of her missing mother, Watson has created a rich and complex narrative, presented in clear lines and muted tones (each book is coloured in a single colour).
This graphic novel thrums with layers of meaning and it's clear that Watson is catering here to many readers who will arrive at Chilblain Hall with different levels of understanding and life experience. I think he knows that, when they return with each new read, they will find something new and exciting to catch their imagination. The sign of a very fine book. ...more
Inspired by her Conch great-grandmother, who emigrated to Key West in the late 1800s, Holm's Newbery Honor book takes place during the Great DepressioInspired by her Conch great-grandmother, who emigrated to Key West in the late 1800s, Holm's Newbery Honor book takes place during the Great Depression as seen through the eyes of a very keen-minded and sharp Turtle whose mother is forced to send her only daughter to live with her sister and nephews whilst she works.
Upon a rather surprising and unwelcome arrival, Turtle encounters the Diaper Gang which consists of her male cousins who try and keep their stomachs happy by looking after the town's babies in return for food. The arrival of Turtle and her cat is not a welcome one - and not just because she's a girl but because it's another mouth to feed.
The setting itself is one of hardship and little money - but Holm keeps it at bay enough that the reading isn't too, well, 'depressing'. Instead, she focuses - mainly through dialogue - on the friendship between the Diaper Gang and Turtle's gradual unravelling of her mother's past.
Although reviews here speak of Turtle's voice and wit being out of turn within a historical framework, I have to say that it was her voice that I loved the most. She's as sharp as a pin and sees the truth for what it is better than most adults. Her relationship with Nana Philly is just lovely. A sweet, funny story. I imagine in a small reading group in class, it'd be lovely for separate readers to 'do the voices' for different characters. ...more
I should write a long review about this and would like to but I want to say that the last time I had a feeling that a 'series' was destined to be signI should write a long review about this and would like to but I want to say that the last time I had a feeling that a 'series' was destined to be significant was when I read Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban when it first came out. I get the same feeling with Skandar....more
Once again, Morpurgo lifts the veil of some of the silenced stories from the wars. This time he explores, through the eyes of Lily Tregenza, life in tOnce again, Morpurgo lifts the veil of some of the silenced stories from the wars. This time he explores, through the eyes of Lily Tregenza, life in the seaside village of Slapton. During the Second World War, we discover how this little town was overtaken by American troops who used the land to practice and prepare for D-Day. Tragedy strikes and, as is often Morpurgo's way, he wraps the tragedy with love and hope, ensuring that the history never swamps the narrative. These stories are always, always about people and are richer for it. ...more
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