Written by Stewart Foster, Publishing January 2021 by Simon and Schuster An incredibly heart warming, but tough story featuring Sam, a foster child, who has moved houses 9 times. I say houses as, “a house and a home aren’t the same thing”. When we first meet Sam, he expressly explains that a house is just…
Written by Cat Weldon, Illustrated by Katie Kear, Publishing January 2021 An extraordinary debut novel! Featuring the myths and legends surrounding Odin, Loki and Valhalla. Much is explained in the story so previous knowledge of the gods and Nordic vikings isn’t entirely necessary! Whetstone is a thieving orphan targeting a gold cup said to be…
Debut books have an important role to play in the world of books. They offer readers a chance to explore new worlds, meet new characters and read from new perspectives. You could argue that any new book will do the same and while that is true, debut's bring a new voice to the mix. Each…
Written by M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman, Illustrated by Elisa Paganelli, Publishing February 2021 by Macmillan Children’s In true Adventures on Trains style, Hal and Uncle Nat are travelling together, not looking for a mystery but with the hope that one occurs. There are a few storylines working together to form an intriguing plot that…
Written by Sophie Cleverly, Illustrated by Hannah Peck, Publishing January 2021 by Harper Collins Children’s Books Violet Veil is more than just a girl, a daughter, someone to embroider, clean and stay quiet. She is a force to be reckoned with and when a hint of murder falls into her hands, she is determined to…
Written by Amy Bond, Cover by Nan Lawson, Publishing January 2021 Morgana lives in the forest with her family, friends and neighbours. They are all witches and the children learn magic as they grow older. Morgana has never shown a true ability with magic- she is unable to fly, struggles to move objects and is…
Written by Penny Chrimes, Illustrated by Levente Szabo, Publishing February 2021 by Orion Children’s Books Tiger Heart was a complete masterpiece, and one of my all time favourites, but I feel this may even top that one. Tiger Heart introduced us to Fly, Stick and the rest of the gutterlings of London. A tough life,…
Buying Christmas books is a highlight of any year for me and I love finding books that may not be the most well known or popular choice. Here are just a small selection of festive favourites in our home. Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera, Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt USA Sophie’s very sophisticated and eccentric…
A fanciful adventure where finding truth in Arthurian legends leads a young girl to learn about her own identity. Tia Hemyke is being adopted by the Treveylan family and she feels both nervous and excited at the prospect of having parents and a home of her own. Having been left at Ms. Davidson’s home when…
Advent is what started my blog two years ago and it is still a highlight on the calendar for my family. We have done all sorts of Advent celebrations since my kids were little, from plain chocolate to mini toys, and of course books. I didn’t manage a book advent this year but all our…
