Showing posts with label reviews: 8 to 11. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reviews: 8 to 11. Show all posts

Thursday, 8 August 2019

Review: A Pocketful of Stars

A Pocketful of Stars A Pocketful of Stars by Aisha Bushby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A heartbreaking story. Saiya's mother suffers a stroke just after they've had a fight. Drowning in guilt, Safiya finds that when she visits her mother, she sees fragments of her childhood. With each fragment, she unlocks more of her mother's history and her own personality.


I can't say much about this book, because it made it cry so much. But it's amazing, and beautiful, and I cheered, and everyone should definitely read it. Definitely. Just have tissues to hand.


As I walk through the map and see the ruined palace in the distance - ivy growing all over it, walls cracked - I can't help but remember the house from my dream with the silver branches. The park, too, looks similar. Except, instead of palm trees they're made of oak, and instead of a corner shop there's the Wicked Woodlands where the wizards live.

Almost an hour later and I'm just about to get most valuable player when Dad's voice floats up from the living room beneath me. 'Safiya!' he calls, his voice penetrating the bubble that my headphones have formed. 'Dinner!'

And, just like that, the spell is broken.


View all my reviews

Friday, 12 July 2019

Review: The Lost Tide Warriors

The Lost Tide Warriors The Lost Tide Warriors by Catherine Doyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second in the series sees Fionn, along with friends and enemies old and new, battling against Soulseekers determined to revive Morrigan.


First of all, this isn't the book to start with. Although things are explained reasonably well as you go along, you'll still likely be confused for quite a portion of it.

However, if you've read the first one, this is a fantastic follow up, expanding the mythology and keeping the same wonderful tone. I cried - quite a bit - and read as fast as I can. I still love the magic system, I've still never seen anything like it, and I'm very excited to read the third one to find out what happens next.


I received an ARC and chose to write an honest review.

(This isn't the section I wanted to copy, but my favourite one made me cry and I couldn't see the words. This one shows the use of language very well.)

The  candle  in  Sam’s  fist  was  shaking  violently.  “I  regret  this  decision,” he  called  over  his  shoulder,  just  as  Hughie  released  a  triumphant  shout,  pulled  his  free  hand  into  his  chest  and  closed  it  into  a  fist.

The  sky  ignited.  

There  were  three  awful  seconds  of  nothingness  when  both  vessels  seemed  to  hang  by  an  invisible  thread,  then  the  wind  snapped  and  the  sky  roared  and  the  world  dropped. The  wave  surged  over  
The Corpus,  taking  them  all  with  it,  screaming  at  the  top  of  their  lungs.  Hughie  Rua  threw  his  head back and laughed  as  they  flew  down,  down,   down,  following  his  billowing  sails  into  the  sea.  

The  wind  pulled  their  cheeks  from  their  mouths  and  stole  their  breath,  their  stomachs  flip  ping  upside  down  and  inside  out  as  they  cut  through  the  air. Their  screams  ran  their  voices  hoarse  before  they  hit  the  water.

Then  they  left  the  world  behind  them,  piercing  the  skin  of  the  ocean  in  two  identical points.


View all my reviews

Thursday, 27 June 2019

Review: You Won’t Believe This: Get swept up in the most stunningly moving and hilarious mystery of the year.

You Won’t Believe This: Get swept up in the most stunningly moving and hilarious mystery of the year. You Won’t Believe This: Get swept up in the most stunningly moving and hilarious mystery of the year. by Adam Baron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cymbeline is having trouble at home and at school, with someone targeting his favourite teacher and his best friend's grandmother not well. Can he help to solve both problems before they run out of time?

This is a great read. I think it's at least the second in a series, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything, there were just a couple of references to things that didn't happen in this story. All the clues come together really satisfyingly, including the ones that didn't seem like clues at the time, and I loved how everything worked out. Apart from that, there's some fabulous history on Boat People weaved carefully in.

I recommend this to everyone.


Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way.



There was music then, and dancing. We watched for a bit and then walked up past the National Gallery, where all the roads were shut. There was an EVEN BIGGER dragon in Leicester Square, after which my mouth literally dropped open. I'd been to the street that is Chinatown itself. But today it ws hung wit red paper lanterns, lots of smaller dragons dancing around beneath them to even more drummers, the sound SO loud as it thudded back off all the buildings. There were men with red-and-gold robes and long fake beards, their hats like snakes. Again I thought about trying to talk to Veronique but she kept pulling me off to see this thing, and that thing, before pointing to the end of the street. Another procession was marching towards us, this one of enormous inflatable pandas which went right over our heads. It was stunning and for a second it felt like I'd been whisked off to China.

But it wsn't
just Chinese people. There were white people and black people and Asian people. Outside one shop there were some very British-looking police officers with flags poking out from their uniforms. So we weren't in China; this was my city, where I live. My London. It made me feel bigger, as if there was more to me than I knew about. I looked at Veronique and felt something similar, remembering my thoughts when she'd first told me about Nanai. I'd thought that the Chinese bit of Veronique was, sort of, on the reverse side of her, that it had nothing to do with me. But if this party was here, where I lived, then that part of Veronique was connected to me too. It wasn't a bit of her that was different. Her Chinese bit was mixed in with her British bit. And if this was happening here, where I lived, then I was mixed in with it too.

View all my reviews

Review: Malory Towers: New Class at Malory Towers: Four brand-new Malory Towers

Malory Towers: New Class at Malory Towers: Four brand-new Malory Towers Malory Towers: New Class at Malory Towers: Four brand-new Malory Towers by Enid Blyton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Four new authors write about four new girls attending Malory Towers during Darrell River's years there.

On the plus side, the tone is almost perfect all the way through. I'm not too sure about Mam'zelle in the last one, but I can let it slide. The girls are recognizably themselves - although neither Alicia nor Gwen were ever quite that mean in Enid's stories. The new girls are intriguing and interesting in and of themselves, and the stories go along nicely.

This is a great addition to the classic stories and will go well.



'Shall we show you to your dormy?' asked Sally, her voice shaking. She was an excellent leader but she hated conflict and the tension in the common room was so thick that it felt like a heavy fog hanging in the air. 'It's really lovely.'

'What is that supposed to mean?' Margaret's words were quiet and her eyes bored into Gwen. 'What
about my parents?'

'I expect your trunk has been taken upstairs by now,' said Darrell, slightly desperately. She could see that Alicia was loving every second of the confrontation but there was something about Margaret's voice that was making Darrell feel increasingly nervous.

'Oh, you know very well!' Gwen clearly wasn't about to back down. 'My mother married up and your mother married down and that is why I am who I am and you are, well-' she gestured at Maggie -'
you.'

There was silence and the rest of the girls held their breath. They were used to arguments between them but they'd never heard anyone say anything so personal and unkind before.

'I'd rather be me with my wonderful parents, than spoilt darling Gwendoline Mary,' murmured Margaret, her face pale. 'There isn't enough money in the world that would make me ever want to swap places with you.' She turned and let her gaze sweep over them all. 'I wouldn't want to be like
any of you. Not even for one day.'

And then she turned and ran from the room, her long legs striding across the floor and out of the door before anyone could stop her.


View all my reviews

Review: Check Mates

Check Mates Check Mates by Stewart Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Felix does his best, but he just can't concentrate in school. No one seems to understand how hard it is. No one but his quiet, closed off grandfather. Granddad's been a bit depressed since Grandma died. Until he comes up with a wonderful plan to help Felix concentrate. He's going to teach him chess!


This is a sweet, nice story about a grandson and grandfather learning to connect with each other. I know a little about the chess, just the basics, and was able to follow perfectly well, so don't be put off if you don't know anything about the game. I also learned some information about the Cold War that I hadn't known before, and that was really interesting to me.

One thing I did think was odd: Felix clearly has ADHD, but he doesn't seem to be getting any help. There's mention that he refused a classroom assistant because he was embarrassed, and he's in an extra reading class, but that's it. No other accommodations for him. This is a minor thing, however.

This is a lovely story that will also lead to discussion topics, and that's a great mix.



"Phew," says Jake. "You had me worried."

"I know," I say, trying to shake the fog out of my head. "They're all dweebs! I don't know what I was thinking."

"You were thinking it was a good idea."

"No, Granddad. I wasn't."

Jake gives me a strange look.

"What?" I say. "I'm not going in there."

"No," says Jake. "It's what you just did. You were talking to your granddad."

"Did I? Was I?"

"Yeah. It's like he's getting inside your head, brainwashing you. Maybe he's a spy. My dad always says he's a bit strange."

"My granddad's not strange," I snap. "And he's not a spy. What does your dad know? He's never even spoken to him."

"Sorry, didn't mean to upset you." Jake puts his arm around my shoulder. "He's not strange. Not really - now let's get some dinner and then we'll go and shoot some hoops."

"Hoops? What is hoops?"

Granddad, I say in my head. You're going to have to stop this.

View all my reviews

Saturday, 15 June 2019

Review: The Garden of Lost Secrets

The Garden of Lost Secrets The Garden of Lost Secrets by A M Howell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Clara is staying with her aunt and uncle while her father recovers from a gas attack during the Great War. She remembers them as kind figures, joking and laughing, but the two bleak, strained adults who take her in are almost strangers. They both work for an Earl and while Clara tries to make herself helpful in the grounds and their tiny cottage, she notices some things that don't quite add up...

This would be a fantastic additional novel for a class studying the First World War, as it deals with how things were going in Britain with most of the men away. It also talks about something I had never known; England's farmers were growing pineapples in hothouses! It's interesting to learn about the different types. The writing is so atmospheric it's like being there, in the damp warm hothouses and the damp, freezing coal cellars.

I want to mention the writing again, as it is amazing. Crows bustled in the sky like black handkerchiefs is just one example of this, keeping the lines perfectly readable but still very evocative.

I recommend this to anyone at all interested in the War or in a good mystery story.


I received a proof copy which did not affect my review in any way.


The windows rattled gently in the wind. A scuffle on the gravel outside.

"What was that?" whispered Will.

Another scuffle.

Clara's breath caught in her throat.

A scrabbling, sniffing noise just beyond the glass.

"An animal - a rat maybe," Will whispered. "On the hunt for some food." He brought his hands to his cheeks and twitched his fingers like whiskers.

Clara rolled her eyes, smiling. The weight of her secret felt a fraction lighter now that she had shared it. She focused on one of the pineapples, sitting proudly in its planting bed, the thin crown of leaves, the quilted fruit. Will was right. She should open the envelope. She
would open the envelope. But once she did, she knew that things would be different. And sitting there, in the warmth, listening to the drip-drip-drip of condensation, a new friend by her side, she wasn't so sure she wanted things to change just yet.

View all my reviews

Friday, 14 June 2019

Review: The Good Thieves

The Good Thieves The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good old fashioned adventure set in New York City, with a disparate group of people brought together to right an awful wrong. Vita is a wonderful character, leading her troupe unfalteringly in defense of her beloved grandfather. It's an exciting read and will interest anyone who enjoys heists or found family stories.

View all my reviews

Review: The Paper & Hearts Society

The Paper & Hearts Society The Paper & Hearts Society by Lucy Powrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tabby is hoping that her new town will mean an end to her old problems. Hoping for some new friends, she joins a book club and is soon happily embroiled in their plans and schemes. The past she'd hoped to leave behind is not finished with her, though, and it threatens everything she's built for herself in this new life.

What a fantastic read. All the characters suffer with various forms of anxiety and none of them are made fun of or made to feel lesser; they're treated with care and respect by the other characters. Even during the inevitable fallout they mostly listen to each other. It's refreshing to see. This will be a great book for tweens to read, as it tackles some heavy topics, most notably social media bullying. I think this will do really well.


I received a proof copy of this book, which did not affect my review in any way.

View all my reviews

Thursday, 6 June 2019

Review: Evie and the Animals

Evie and the Animals Evie and the Animals by Matt Haig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet story about Evie, who has the power to talk to animals, and her battle both to be accepted and to fend off a villain with the same power. I was expecting an all out showdown between the two and was pleasantly surprised when the whole matter was decided by something Evie had done as a toddler years before. It's a good lesson without being too preachy; what you put out into the world comes back around to you. I hope Matt plans to write more in this series, as they're perfect for early readers.

View all my reviews

Friday, 3 May 2019

Review: A Wolf Called Wander

A Wolf Called Wander A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Based on the travels of a real life wolf, this wonderful book tells the story of a year old wolf who is forced to leave his home ground when another pack attacks his. In the aftermath of the attack, he struggles to find any of his pack or a place where they can be safe, always desperately missing his home ground.

This is a beautifully illustrated book, full of real life details about wolves in general and Wander in particular. His loneliness for parts of the book is stark and heartrending, and the intricacies of wolf culture are fascinating. One part near the end, when Wander is thinking about one of his brothers, had me in tears.

I want to mention the illustrations again, because without them this would be a whole other book. Still good, still sad and happy and heart rending, but emptier. The illustrations add so much to the story and the whole package is just perfect together.

An amazing book for nine and up.



My raven will be hungry. We have not eaten in days. I call her and open the hide. Good things spill out in a warm steamy pile. I take a few bites and call for my raven again. She led me to water all the way across the dry flats. I will be glad of her company over the meat. It feels wrong to eat alone.

My raven doesn't come.

I call her again.

A whole pack of ravens rise up from the grass with a great rattling call. They come to me. They swarm around the meat. I am happy to share. I take the parts that are a wolf's due and settle in to chewing as the ravens pick over their bits of meat.

I search for mine among them but they look all alike. I call to her but none of them look up. I sniff the air but ravens all smell the same to me. My raven had a bald patch on her chest much like the white line on my shoulder. I look for it, and when I find her, I yip a greeting.

She carries on eating and squabbling with her pack as if I'm not there. As if kinship between a wolf and a raven is impossible. As if all the days we have traveled together mean nothing at all. When the shadows grow long and the air cools, every one of the ravens takes to the sky without a backwards look. They roost together on the other side of the water, far away from me. My raven has her pack now.

I have eaten my fill. There is more water than I can drink and yet I have never felt so empty. I know; I have always known, that the raven could never be a pack mate to me. No mere bird could take the place of Pounce or Wag, certainly not Warm. And yet we have taken a journey together. We have shared meat. She was my guide and companion. The soft talk of doves and the cheerful trills of the wren do not comfort me. The clouds turn golden, orange and pink against a sky of deeper and deeper blue. Even this beauty cannot lift me.


View all my reviews

Tuesday, 26 March 2019

Review: Royal Rebel

Royal Rebel Royal Rebel by Carina Axelsson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lily is the heir to the only queendom in the world, first in line to inherit its' throne. She's coming towards the age when she'll be involved more in the politics of ruling. Sadly, this cuts into her favourite secret hobby; filming fashion vlogs! She's just starting to become more popular. But how can she keep that part of her life secret, when every part of her life is under scrutiny?


A cute story for preteens. I liked Lily; she makes some silly decisions, but she is only thirteen and she has a good heart under it. This is the first in a series and I'll be looking forward to reading more of them when they publish.

View all my reviews

Saturday, 23 February 2019

Blog tour: The God of All Small Boys






Hi and welcome to my first ever blog tour! I couldn't have chosen a better book for it; the wonderful God of All Small Boys by Joseph Lamb, set in WW1. Joseph was kind enough to answer a question for us about this fascinating book.


What makes Joe's book different to other WWI children's books out there?

I suppose the biggest difference between my book and others set during WWI is that mine only touches on the actual fighting which took place - and even that a little abstractly through a dream sequence, and the cinematic showing of The Battle of the Somme (which is available to watch online for free as it has been in the public domain for a long time - and was a valuable resource for research!)

It also focuses on the lives of the children who lived through the war; and includes events which impact upon the families left behind, as well as touching upon the way people thought in those days, living under the belief that war was in some way noble.

It also isn’t just based on the children all the time. Some of their parents play important roles in the story, as do people’s parents in the real world!



You can follow the rest of the blog tour for more insights and answers. The next stop is Roachies Reviews tomorrow. The book itself will be available from 14th February in all good bookshops.


Some summers were made for growing up...

Dundee, 1917. When his father goes to fight in the war, 11-year-
old James is sent to live with his mill-town relatives and his cousin, Billy. In this unfamiliar world of poverty, bullying, and uncertainty, James fights to be accepted and learns the true value of friendship and family.
‘The God of All Small Boys is the one who grows trees, with branches in just the right places, so we can climb right to the top. He invented  fireworks and dogs and sticks and horses and muddy puddles. And he lets us find secret places... like this!’ 


James and Billy are flung together when James' father goes to fight in 1917. Through initial misunderstandings, the boys come to like and respect each other, and with the help of The God of All Small Boys they will learn from each other and from those around them during one tumultuous year. Perfect for fans of Michael Morpurgo and John Boyne.

Thursday, 7 February 2019

Review: The Star-spun Web

The Star-spun Web The Star-spun Web by Sinéad O'Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sinéad hits it out of the park with her second novel, a tale of world slipping, spiders – *a* spider, at least – and children who might be each other. Trust me, it all makes sense when you read it. And you definitely should read this one. Children will love it, and it introduces its central conceits very gently. They'll be learning as they read!

I'm very much looking forward to having this one in my hands, so that I can shove it into other peoples' hands.


Receiving an ARC did not affect my review in any way.


"They'd never leave me without saying anything, they'd never just go and not try to let me know they were all right. They'd never just forget me."

After a few minutes he lifted his face and sniffed, the ache in his chest so painful it felt like the air he was breathing had claws. "But Tess has proved one thing. Mum and Dad were right all this time. They
knew this was possible, what Tess and me are doing." Moose turned, scampering up his sleeve until he came to rest on Thomas's shoulder. "I'll make sure their names aren't a laughing stock anymore. Whatever Tess needs, I'm going to help her - and then together we can figure out how to prove my parents were the best scientists the world has ever known."

He reached into his shirt pocket and took out a few crumbs of cheese. Moose crawled on to his outstretched palm to nibble them and Thomas felt his heart slow and the pain in his chest gradually lessen. "You were the best present they ever gave me," he whispered, running a gentle finger down Moose's back. The mouse responded by putting one tiny paw on Thomas's thumb and the boy smiled.

Finally Thomas blew out the candle and they lay down to sleep. High above the heads of the boy and his mouse, dashed across the face of the clear night sky, a web of stars was sparkling; in another world, in which the stars had been scattered in a different configuration across the heavens, a girl and her spider were dreaming of them.


View all my reviews

Review: The Midnight Hour

The Midnight Hour The Midnight Hour by Benjamin Read
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fantastic start to what promises to be a brilliant new series. It does suffer a little, like an increasing number of books, from 'Hero has no idea what's going on and no one tells them' which can make a book hard to follow if it's all from the hero's point of view. But once Emily starts understanding what's happening, things pick up and it's non stop to the conclusion.

I hope this series runs for a long time. It deserves to, and there's plenty more stories of the Midnight Hour to be told.


I received a proof copy in exchange for an honest review.


She rocked there for a while, stiff with fright. What had just happened? Also, why was she starving? She added 'fear' to the long list of things that made her hungry, and tugged her bag open to root around for an emergency sandwich.
'OW!' She yanked her hand back out and sucked the end of her finger. Something sharp had stuck straight up under the nail. 'What the heck?' She peered in the bag, muffling a scream when something moved inside. There was a shuffling and a grunting noise, and then a small black nose appeared, follow by a brown, sleepy face.
'
Hog! What are you doing in there? You're very naughty."
She cupped her palm and his small-footed weight filled her hand with warmth. She held him up, grinning, and cooing over him. The old lady on the other side f the aisle was not as pleased. She got up and moved away, giving them both a filthy look. Who cared? Look what a nice nose her spiky stowaway had.
'Something very scary just happened, Hoggins. I'm glad you're here." The Hog did not respond, but wriggled with pleasure at the nose rub.
She squeezed him (not too tight) and he tucked in under her chin. The street lamps and headlights streamed by as the bus took them into the city.
'Wait, have you been eating my sandwiches, you little git?'


View all my reviews

Saturday, 15 December 2018

Review: Noel Streatfeild's Christmas Stories

Noel Streatfeild's Christmas Stories Noel Streatfeild's Christmas Stories by Noel Streatfeild
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A beautiful set of short stories by Noel Streatfeild, all set around or featuring Christmas in one way or another. Like most of Noel's stories, dancing and theatre feature heavily. These are quite oldfashioned stories now, but that only adds to their charm. This is a fantastic collection for children of 8 to 11.

But the case was not back in half an hour, nor was it back by dinner time on Christmas Day, though it was not for want of trying. The police promised to let the Wards know the moment there was news. Jock's Scoutmaster rang other Scoutmasters, and they rang the guides, and the guides rang Brown Owls, until finally there did not seem to be a street within miles of South Kensington where someone was not asking 'Do you know a little girl called Emily whose grandfather is staying with her for Christmas, whose birthday is in December?'
It was, of course, a miserable Christmas for the Wards.


View all my reviews

Thursday, 22 November 2018

Review: The Missing Barbegazi

The Missing Barbegazi The Missing Barbegazi by H.S. Norup
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fantastic adventure story set deep in the snowy mountains. The skiing terminology threw me at first; I figured most of it out from context, but it was quite unfamiliar to me. It didn't really matter, anyway, because I got swept up in the adventure story. This is a fascinating story of a young girl meeting the Yeti like creature her grandfather was scorned for believing in. I hope it's going to be a series, as a couple of minor story threads are left at the end, but if not it works fine on its own. A great read for Christmas.


I received a proof copy in exchange for an honest review.

He uncovered the sky-blue carrier and snaked his way backwards through the tunnel, keeping a solid grip on the handles of the sack.

Back inside, he whistled triumphantly.

"It brought the berry gift!" Bowing, with a flourishing movement of his hand, he split the carrier open with one of his sharp claws. Clear, see-through bags tumbled out, revealing the abundance of berries.

Maman looked in wonder at the growing mountain of wild strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. There were even some of the large cultivated strawberries that Gawion loved.

"Nourishment," she said. "We are saved." The desperate gleam in her eyes made Gawion wonder just how close to starvation they'd come.


View all my reviews

Saturday, 3 November 2018

Review: Through the Water Curtain and other Tales from Around the World

Through the Water Curtain and other Tales from Around the World Through the Water Curtain and other Tales from Around the World by Cornelia Funke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read a lot of folk and fairy tales. I know a lot of them. This is a fantastic collection of lesser known folk tales. I knew (versions of) three of these, but they were all very enjoyable. Cornelia Funke's musing on each title are thought provoking, but not too deep for young children. The compact size and lovely illustrations will make it a great gift this Christmas. A fantastic addition to Pushkin's collection.


Back home the old father sat in the choom with his youngest daughter, waiting in vain for the storm to abate. But the blizzard redoubled its force, and it seemed the camp would be blown away at any minute.

"My daughters did not heed my words," the old man reflected, sadly. "They have angered Kotura even more. Go to him, my last daughter, though it breaks my heart to part with you; but you alone can save our clan from certain doom."

Youngest daughter left the camp, turned her face into the north wind and pushed the sled before her.


View all my reviews

Tuesday, 30 October 2018

Review: Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow

Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There's a trend in fantasy books. Maybe it's always been there and I'm only noticing it now, or maybe it is getting more popular. The trend is to drop the heroine - or hero, but it's usually a heroine - into the middle of a situation they know nothing about, and have everyone refuse to explain anything to them for whatever reason. I understand this is meant to hook people in and make them want to know what's happening, and sometimes it works really well! David Eddings' Pawn of Prophecy did it almost perfectly. This book - not so much, sadly.

But once I got past that point and Morrigan started actually being told things, this was a good read, full of interest and excitment. I loved picturing the school and Nevermore - the living map may be my favourite thing in a long time. I'll read the next one, because hopefully now we're past the explanation-y bits.

(Am I the only one who kept picturing Jupiter as Skulduggery Pleasant? Just me? Ok. ::slinks away::)


I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews

Thursday, 18 October 2018

Review: The Dog Who Lost His Bark

The Dog Who Lost His Bark The Dog Who Lost His Bark by Eoin Colfer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WHY DO I DO THIS TO MYSELF I KNEW THIS BOOK WOULD MAKE ME CRY AND I READ IT ANYWAY I AM IN WORK ARGLEBARGLE right. This is a beautiful story about a boy and a dog who help each other heal after some bad things. There's a touch of fantasy to it, but not enough to detract from the story. PJ Lynch's illustrations are, as always, fabulous and add just the right tone to the story. Buy it. In fact, buy one for you and one to give away, because you won't want to share it.

View all my reviews

Saturday, 6 October 2018

Review: JW Untitled Autumn 18

JW Untitled Autumn 18 JW Untitled Autumn 18 by Jacqueline Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jacqueline goes back to the old days with her new novel, My Mum Tracy Beaker. Tracy has matured a little, but she's still a spitfire, charging into situations without thinking. Her daughter, Jess, is one of Jacqueline's 'timid, bookish' heroines, and Cam features hugely, along with other characters from the Tracy Beaker trilogy.

I won't spoil the story for you ... if you've read enough Wilson books, you'll recognise it anyway ... but it's a good read with engaging characters. A great Christmas present for the nine year old in your life.

View all my reviews