This is the first instalment in the Chronicles of Whetherwhy series.
Juniper and Rafferty are twins living in one of the many small villages that are lThis is the first instalment in the Chronicles of Whetherwhy series.
Juniper and Rafferty are twins living in one of the many small villages that are littered throughout Whetherwhy. They never thought to be torn apart from one another but that is exactly what happens when Juniper discovers she is an enchanter, someone with the ability to wiled the magic of all four seasons. She is sent to Thistledown Academy of Enchantment and learns much about her new abilities and herself whilst she is there.
Rafferty takes a role as an apprentice bookbinder to be closer to his sister but what he learns will shake not only the foundations of their close bond but the entire future of Whetherwhy.
Middle grade fantasy books leave me feeling some type of way I can't describe or find replicated elsewhere. This was a story full of as much heart as it was magic and I adored the many small adventures this was littered with. The main one focused on finding oneself in the world and I believe it a wonderful story for readers both young and old for precisely this reason....more
This short rhyming tale took all of three minutes to listen to. I borrowed the audio, read by the author herself, from my library but don't feel I couThis short rhyming tale took all of three minutes to listen to. I borrowed the audio, read by the author herself, from my library but don't feel I could get the full beauty of the story without the accompanying pictures. It was a very sweet little tale and think parents would enjoy reading it just as much as their children would love hearing it....more
Michael Morpurgo is a renowned author who has penned many books, often featuring animals and the themes of conservation, and most of these are, I beliMichael Morpurgo is a renowned author who has penned many books, often featuring animals and the themes of conservation, and most of these are, I believe, suitable for a younger audience.
This was one of my favourite books as a child and the story is just as heartbreaking and beautiful to me, as an adult reader. The story of the butterfly lion takes place across continents, generations, and wars. Every page had a message to deliver to the reader or a reason to move their emotions in such a way, although a heavy-handed approach was never necessary with Morpurgo's skilful execution. The ending was so different to what usually occurs inside of a children's story - a happy ever after - and it shocked me just as much as an adult reader familiar with the story as it did a child, to be denied what it felt like was promised throughout. It ensured the book's power never ended and this a story whose contents will continue on with me, and prompt a return to it in the no-doubt near future....more
This is the fourth instalment in The Griffin Gate series.
I can always trust this author to deliver a well-plotted and fast-paced magical adventure stoThis is the fourth instalment in The Griffin Gate series.
I can always trust this author to deliver a well-plotted and fast-paced magical adventure story. I already adore the characters from the previous series instalments and each new mystery they find themselves embroiled in only cements this further, as their big hearts and quick wits are revealed....more
This is the second instalment in the Emily Lime - Librarian Detective series.
It might be a new term but Daphne is still the new girl at St Rita’s, an This is the second instalment in the Emily Lime - Librarian Detective series.
It might be a new term but Daphne is still the new girl at St Rita’s, an exclusive girls’ boarding school. She is Head Librarian, Emily Lime's, Assistant’s Assistant and also helps her defend the school against the chaos always seeming to descend upon it and the evil that lurks outside its walls.
This was such a fun middle-grade read. It provided me with the perfect palette cleanser for a busy life and in-between some thick back-to-back fantasy reads with its light-hearted humour, action-packed focus, and multitude of mysteries to uncover....more
This is the first instalment in the Emily Lime - Librarian Detective series.
Daphne is the new girl at St Rita’s, an exclusive girls’ boarding school, This is the first instalment in the Emily Lime - Librarian Detective series.
Daphne is the new girl at St Rita’s, an exclusive girls’ boarding school, and, as a self-professed book worm, is excited to interview for Librarian’s assistant’s assistant immediately upon arrival. Head Librarian, Emily Lime, is more than a bit intimidating and the rest of the girls only add to the chaos that never seems to end in this school, even after lights out or when the teachers are involved! She soon finds she must buddy up with Emily if they both hope to save their school and their classmates, however.
This was such a fun middle-grade read. It provided me with the perfect palette cleanser for a busy life and in-between some thick back-to-back fantasy reads with its light-hearted humour, action-packed focus, and multitude of mysteries to uncover....more
The author states that this book's purpose was to get adults and children laughing together. I read this alone, so can't attest to how it would appealThe author states that this book's purpose was to get adults and children laughing together. I read this alone, so can't attest to how it would appeal to a younger audience, but I needed something quick, non-taxing, and to pull me out of my anxious mind, and it definitely achieved that.
The story inside was told in rhyming couplets and with a quirky humour. It followed the story of Jock the Crocodile as he navigated his young life with the very 'in' Scottish name his mother called him, much to his father's despair. It was a quick read but every one of the pages gave me a reason to smile and I thought this a charming story overall, which I will definitely return to.
The full page illustrations were just as adorable and I loved all of the natural and animal imagery. There was something of Quentin Blake, who illustrated the Roald Dahl books, in the style and so I felt nostalgic when viewing the contents and its easy yet fun format.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, S. M. Robert, the illustrator, Evgenia Malina, and the publisher, BooksGoSocial, for this opportunity....more
This was the most adorable and dually heart-breaking and heart-warming middle grade graphic novel and the most perfect way to start off a month of reaThis was the most adorable and dually heart-breaking and heart-warming middle grade graphic novel and the most perfect way to start off a month of reading.
Eleven-year-old Darcy isn't too happy to have moved away from her friends, her school, and her home but her woes pale when confronted with her mother's. Determined to save her mother any more worries, and to distract herself from her new and lonely existence, she takes on a part-time job at The Happy Shop. This is a place where jars line every wall and, for a small price, customers can take home the different happy feelings and memories that reside inside of them.
This had such a beautiful message for younger readers and I think most who are suffering with feelings of displacement will find some of their troubles alleviated here. I had much fun reading it and fell in love with the entire cast of characters the moment they were introduced. Both this, the whimsical storyline, and the magical focus were a joy to read about and I really hope we get more adventures, in the future. There is much scope for new creations with this author's inventions here.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author and illustrator, Brittany Long Olsen, and the publisher, Oni Press, for this opportunity....more
This is probably one of the most adorable graphic novels I have ever had the pleasure of reading. If you want to silly smile and forget the world for This is probably one of the most adorable graphic novels I have ever had the pleasure of reading. If you want to silly smile and forget the world for a while then this is what you need.
This is part of the Tales of the Tiny Folk series and features two Tiny Folk at the heart of it. One is optimistic and brave, the other pessimistic and full of worries. The two work together to handle the burdens life places in their way, such as humans working on their garden home and the struggles to rehome during this time.
I loved the focus on emotion that featured here and how these two individuals with their varied outlooks to life weren't devalued or ridiculed for them. Each emotion was given a place and those not conducive to success or happiness were then overcome. Despite the young age range this was aimed at, this focus meant that there was much for adult readers to take away from this without it then taking away from a younger reader's enjoyment.
The bright colour palette was very appealing, as was the abundance of nature and animals that featured throughout. The perfect bad day remedy!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Steve Foxe, the illustrator, Daniela Barros, and the publisher, Stone Arch Books, for this opportunity....more
This was a sweet illustrated reimagining of 'Little Red Riding Hood' that centred the wolf in the tale and altered the roles of hero and villain.
I adoThis was a sweet illustrated reimagining of 'Little Red Riding Hood' that centred the wolf in the tale and altered the roles of hero and villain.
I adored the gorgeous colours and full page natural imagery that accompanied the limited wording. I especially appreciated how the colours darkened and the contents became starker as the tale turned bleaker and more grim.
The contents were suitable for all ages and would make a gorgeous story for little ones to listen to and follow along with in the illustrations, and could also be enjoyed by the reader as well.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Amélie Fléchais, and the publisher, Oni Press, for this opportunity....more
Twins, Hope and Gordon, enter a spelling contest as a means to save their family from financial ruin. Once they arrive, however, they find that there Twins, Hope and Gordon, enter a spelling contest as a means to save their family from financial ruin. Once they arrive, however, they find that there are far more than words to puzzle out, as a series of clues is left for them, revealing a hidden fortune and dark secrets about the wealthy relations they’ve never known.
This was such a fun middle grade novel! The clues they were attempting to puzzle out were littered throughout the entire novel, meaning there was always something ponder and a new revelation to make. Asides from this, the number of other individuals competing in the spelling bee meant there was a plethora of characters to meet and understand.
Hope and Gordon differed greatly in their regard for their competition and this became just as much a heart-warming tale of acceptance as it did a fun and adventurous one.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Janet Sumner Johnson , and the publisher, Pixel+Ink, for this opportunity. ...more
"Once upon a time. . . A princess was cursed to live as a snail, Two sisters were trapped by their father’s wrath, And a mother and daughter faced a hung"Once upon a time. . . A princess was cursed to live as a snail, Two sisters were trapped by their father’s wrath, And a mother and daughter faced a hungry giant.
No one is coming to save them. Will they get their happily ever after?"
Clar Angkasa uses her own words and imagery to reimagine three folk tales from her childhood in Indonesia where the central female characters and provided with autonomy and vitality.
I adored all three equally, as well as the females who centred in them. Each was lightly infused with the fantastic but full of fierce hearts and brave spirits. I flew through the pages and, despite the limited wording, felt I got a good understanding for who each of the female characters were and rooted for them as if I had spent a full-length novel getting to know them and their various personalities.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Clar Angkasa, and the publisher, Holiday House, for this opportunity. ...more
This was both a brief yet well-rounded introduction to some basics of Greek mythology, including the places, the monsters, the Olympic gods, the demi-This was both a brief yet well-rounded introduction to some basics of Greek mythology, including the places, the monsters, the Olympic gods, the demi-gods, and humans who most frequent the ancient Greek tales. It was suitable for young readers but I had much fun with this easily digestible guide and would recommend it any age reader looking to immerse themselves in the Greek myths.
Each individual was provided with a brief biography, a nickname, a food symbol, an associated colour, an icon, and a day or season. This was just enough for me to understand each iconic name without overwhelming me with details about their lives, despite already having read much fiction and non-fiction containing them.
A breakdown of the reams, domains, and territories in the ancient world was also also provided, allowing the reader to better visualise the tales told across it. Following this was an overview of the creatures, beasts, and monsters who were the villains to be defeated in these stories.
Once these basics were covered the book then went on to translate some ancient stories in a simplified language for all age ranges, which I enjoyed reading immensely.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, L. J. Tracosas, and the publisher, Z Kids, for this opportunity....more
This is the second instalment in The Last Bear series.
April Wood had an unforgettable adventure on Bear Island but has now returned to the monotony ofThis is the second instalment in The Last Bear series.
April Wood had an unforgettable adventure on Bear Island but has now returned to the monotony of home in Britain. She struggles with her peers, with school, and being apart from her furry best friend. When news reaches her that a bear has been shot near Svalbard, April is sure that it is her bear and will not let anything, not even the many miles between them, stop her from saving him.
Just like the first series instalment, this proved to be such an inspiring and heart-warming story. April's care for the planet and the creatures who roam across it are inspirational for readers of all ages and her bravery in facing head-on all that she encounters make her a resilient and loveable protagonist. I loved venturing with her across the ice and meeting again beloved characters from book one.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Hannah Gold, and the publisher, , for this opportunity....more
This is a collection of books four to six books in The Mysteries series - The Mystery of the Spiteful Letters, The Mystery of the Missing Necklace andThis is a collection of books four to six books in The Mysteries series - The Mystery of the Spiteful Letters, The Mystery of the Missing Necklace and The Mystery of the Hidden House. All three follow the discoveries made and mysteries solved by the Five Find-Outers - Pip, Bets, Larry, Daisy and Fatty - who are joined their adventures by Buster the dog.
The Mystery of the Spiteful Letters - 4/5 stars Ominous letters are being delivered to the village inhabitants and neither the policeman, Mr Goon, or the Five Found-Outers can discover who is sending them. Much sleuthing and a red-headed disguise is needed in order to solve this mystery and the children find themselves in more trouble before they manage to, once again, save the day.
I, like in all Blyton books, found much peace in the formulaic nature of the storyline. There is much humour here and also more development of the five principal characters. I was genuinely perplexed by the mystery and so had much fun attempting to piece together all that was occurring, before those living through them did.
The Mystery of the Missing Necklace - 4/5 stars The second story in this anthology is the first in this series to feature the characters aging. Fatty in particular is introduced here with a new, deeper voice but they all retained their same naïve characters and had as much fun together, despite their differing ages, as previously seen. It felt realistic still to see the siblings bickering slightly though, and how the youngest of them was always slightly overlooked before having to prove her worth. It made her character a favourite of mine and I'm glad she had her chance to shine here.
Fatty's aging played an integral part in the storyline and allowed him to adopt more adult costumes, to deceive the other village inhabitants and gather clues. I loved his disguises and so this was a true pleasure to read when they formed a primary focus, throughout this.
The Mystery of the Hidden House - 4/5 stars This final story in the anthology prominently featured the Five Find-Outers nemesis, policeman Mr. Goon. One of his relations arrives at the village and the children find ways to trick and deceive him which unknowingly land them inside another mystery to solve.
This was a solid end to a solidly enjoyable anthology. There featured the same wit, the same set of clues to decipher, and the same sinister entities as they came closer to piecing all the puzzle pieces together. These mysteries promise much fun for all age ranges and I certainly found this claim fulfilled!...more
This is the thirteenth and final instalment in the A Series of Unfortunate Events series.
I did it!
And what a journey it has been! The quiet humour andThis is the thirteenth and final instalment in the A Series of Unfortunate Events series.
I did it!
And what a journey it has been! The quiet humour and the clever potting has made each instalment a joy to read, even if nothing actually joyful was revealed in the storyline. I think Snicket has crafted something truly extraordinary here, a timeless classic suitable for all age ranges and with a finale worthy of all the heartache and tragedy that has appeared before it....more
This is the eleventh instalment in the A Series of Unfortunate Events series.
Underwater and the depths of despair are both plunged into, as the BeaudeThis is the eleventh instalment in the A Series of Unfortunate Events series.
Underwater and the depths of despair are both plunged into, as the Beaudelaire's continue to fight for their freedom and to escape the clutches of their many foes. This seems impossible in moments, especially when they become separated and are vying for a way to return to each other before they can guarantee their safety.
I've really loved my time with this series but as it has continued, the most exciting element for me has been piecing together subtly dropped clues and finding new mysteries to reveal themselves when I had long thought the path to this conclusion a transparent one. Facts are revealed as lies and what is real is never guaranteed to be so, leading this to be a more complex and thrilling story than the one I had anticipated reading when I first begun this lengthy series. I'm very eager for the siblings to find some happiness and to see where the final legs of this adventure will lead them to....more
This is the tenth instalment in the A Series of Unfortunate Events series.
Sunny Baudelaire has been separated from her two elder siblings and is in CoThis is the tenth instalment in the A Series of Unfortunate Events series.
Sunny Baudelaire has been separated from her two elder siblings and is in Count Olaf's clutches without any means for escape. Must she use her own wits, and sharp teeth, to defeat him, or will Violet and Klaus be able to concoct a scheme to enter his lair and return their not-so-baby sister to safety?
Just like in the previous series instalment, this featured a return of many former enemies, all colluding together to bring about the Baudelaire's destruction and gain their wealth as their own. I loved seeing how all that had previously transpired led up to the present moment and how new reveals were made as continuously as new mystery were presented. This series was a mixture of fun and tragic, before now, but I am truly seeing how cleverly twisted and well-plotted it is, for the first time. All is not as it had previously appeared and there is far more to the sinister Count Olaf, the Baudelaire fortune, and the disappearance of the sibling's parents than there previously appearred to be....more
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