Written by Zana Fraillon Published by Chicken House Scruffity is born into the harsh, grey world of a puppy farm. Taken from his mamma and locked in a concrete cage, what he yearns for most is Family. To belong is The Way of Dog. But no one wants him. Just as his chances of adoption … Continue reading The Way of Dog
The Blackthorn Branch by Elen Caldecott Published by Andersen Press In a small Welsh village, the fair folk are stirring under the mountain. The Fair folk ,who lure children into their underworld. What a description for a book, what a way to hook children and adults in. Cassie’s brother Byron is having problems, at home and … Continue reading Middle Grade Must Reads – March 2023
The Midnight Guardians Christmas 1940 and Col has been evacuated from London to the country to stay with an aunt. Both Col’s parents are dead and he only has a sister who is left behind in London. Together with Col's childhood imaginary friends ( a Bengal tiger, a badger and a miniature knight ) they … Continue reading Looking back at some of my Literary favourites
Wildsmith Into The Dark Forest is written by Liz Flanagan, author of the Legends of the Sky trilogy, a fantasy dragon themed three book instalment that if you haven't yet had the pleasure of you should definitely add to your reading lists. After reading this February publication, Wildsmith Into The Dark Forest, I am hopeful … Continue reading Wildsmith Into The Dark Forest by Liz Flanagan
Published by Puffin on 5th January Perfect for readers aged 8+ Stunningly illustrated by Geraldine Rodriguez Number 14 Darlington Road, looks like a perfectly ordinary townhouse - at first glance, anyway, but magic is good at hiding . . . when it's waiting for the right person to discover it . . . Whenever there … Continue reading Saving Neverland – The Must Read of 2023
Written by Liz Flanagan Illustrations by Joe Todd Stanton Published by Uclan When war comes to her city, Rowan and her mum must flee to the Dark Forest to live with the grandfather Rowan never knew she had - and his white wolf Arto. Although she misses her father, Rowan makes new friends, including a … Continue reading Wildsmith
Helen (@helenbyles) When 12-year-old John Nicol gets a job at the Forth Bridge construction site, he knows it’s dangerous. Four boys have already fallen from the bridge into the Forth below. But John has no choice―with his father gone, he must provide an income for his family―even if he is terrified of heights. John finds … Continue reading BookBound Review Rivet Boy by Barbara Henderson
Published on 5th January by Little Tiger To read this story, you need to visit Brutalia But Brutalia doesn't like visitors, so don't approach anyone, and keep your eyes peeled for escape routes, and wear brown so you blend in. Look, it's probably best if you just disguise yourself as a RAT. OK with that? … Continue reading Mort the Meek and the Perilous Prophecy – Double Review
Myself and my youngest son had the pleasure of interviewing Andy Griffiths, and sharing this with you alongside my son's review of the latest title in the series, The 156 Storey Treehouse. Where did the idea for the tree house series come from? One day Terry and I were working on a story and it … Continue reading Interview with Andy Griffiths, author of the Treehouse series
Published by Firefly Press Sequel to the fantastic Dread Wood There is a new craze at Dread Wood high school. Flinch is a new app that everyone is playing, the aim of the game is to scare your friends and the more you do that the more points you get. Of course our group of … Continue reading Fear Ground by Jennifer Killick
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