Just Jack by Kate Scott, illustrated by Alex Gunn

Having read and adored Giant, I was really excited to read Just Jack, but knew I’d want an uninterrupted time to do it. So, I saved it until I could take Jack on holiday. Once I’d got myself settled in the shade on my sun lounger I tucked in… Ever since Dad left, Jack and … Continue reading Just Jack by Kate Scott, illustrated by Alex Gunn

The Book Of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdoch

Cover illustration by Jill Calder, internal illustrations by Ian Schoenberg Boy has been an outcast for as long as he can remember. The hump on his back, the mystery surrounding his birth, and his ability to communicate with animals make him a constant source of wrath and ridicule to those he lives with. When a … Continue reading The Book Of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdoch

The Girl Who Thought Her Mother Was A Mermaid by Tania Unsworth

I really wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but between the captivating cover by Helen Crawford-White, and the enticing opening, I couldn’t wait to dive straight in… “The first time Stella Martin ran away, it was in her sleep. The second was by accident. But the third time she did it on purpose, … Continue reading The Girl Who Thought Her Mother Was A Mermaid by Tania Unsworth

The Lost Magician by Piers Torday

Publication Date: 6th September 2018 Cover illustration by Ben Mantle Having survived the Blitz, Simon, Patricia, Evelyn and Larry are sent to Barfield Hall while their parents find them a new home in London. The mysterious Professor Kelly is working on a top secret project to end human conflict once and for all, which leaves … Continue reading The Lost Magician by Piers Torday

The Great Sea Dragon Discovery by Pippa Goodheart

Cover illustration by Lisa Horton Billy Ellwood spends his days at school dreaming of bigger, more exciting questions than those posed by his teacher. Would a plant drink no as happily as water? How do spiders know how to spin perfect fly-catching webs? When his dad loses his job, Billy takes a job at the … Continue reading The Great Sea Dragon Discovery by Pippa Goodheart

Kick by Mitch Johnson

Cover illustration by Oriol Vidal Budi has a dream. He’s going to be just like his hero, Kieran Wakefield, and play for Real Madrid. Until then, he’ll keep stitching the boots in the factory that pays his meagre wages. While playing football with his mates after work, one miss-kick of the ball shatters not only … Continue reading Kick by Mitch Johnson

The Boy Who Hit Play by Chloe Daykin

Publication Date: 5 July 2018 It’s Elvis’s 12th Birthday, and as he blows out the candles on his cake, it’s time to ask the question: “Why?” Why was he left on a bench at the zoo 12 years ago, and who left him there? With the only clues to where he came from being the … Continue reading The Boy Who Hit Play by Chloe Daykin

Across The Divide by Anne Booth

Publication Date: 7 June 2018 Cover illustration by Serena Rocca When Olivia’s mum is arrested for her role in a pacifist protest, she finds herself rushed off to Lindisfarne to stay with her dad, a man she barely knows anymore. With life at home in complete turmoil, that’s the last thing she needs if she’s … Continue reading Across The Divide by Anne Booth

The Last Chance Hotel by Nicki Thornton

Publication Date: 7 June 2018 Cover and inside illustrations by Matt Saunders As very important guests descend on the Last Chance Hotel, Seth Seppi wishes he was just a little bit magic, so he could be in with a chance of completing the myriad of tasks set by hotel owners, Mr and Mrs Bunn, and … Continue reading The Last Chance Hotel by Nicki Thornton

Boy Underwater by Adam Baron, illustrated by Benji Davies

Publication Date: 1 June 2018 Grab your tissues (to muffle laughter and mop up tears) and get ready for one of the stand out reads this year… It’s that time in Year 4 when Cymbeline’s class are due to start swimming lessons, which is great, or it would be if he’d ever been swimming before. … Continue reading Boy Underwater by Adam Baron, illustrated by Benji Davies