A thousand years ago the Isle of Joya floated freely on the sea, so the myth goes. A myth that every inhabitant knows. It was a beautiful island full of colourful song birds and then Governor Adori arrived, and with him, the ravens. The birds and animals retreated to the sea, while the Governor divided … Continue reading The Girl Of Ink & Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Tag: friendship
The Ethan I Was Before by Ali Standish
Publication Date: 29th June 2017 Ethan was game for anything. With Kacey by his side, there was no challenge too big, no dare they wouldn't take on. And then, his dare killed her. The Ethan he was before was gone, left behind in Boston, as his family move to the tiny sea side town to … Continue reading The Ethan I Was Before by Ali Standish
The Elephant Thief by Jane Kerr
I've been waiting a few weeks to read this book. As soon as I got it home from Kenilworth Books, my son stole it - “It's about an elephant mum, what did you expect?” I thought I'd get it back after a couple of days, but no. He loved it so much he lent it … Continue reading The Elephant Thief by Jane Kerr
The Pumpkin Project by Katie Smith
Lottie doesn't like school, mainly because of the class bully, Penelope. Home isn't much fun either. Her Mum is always cross and Gramps just sits in his chair. She looks after them all, which often means she's late for school, and she never gets any help with her homework. When the school project is announced, … Continue reading The Pumpkin Project by Katie Smith
The Boy, The Bird & The Coffin Maker by Matilda Woods
Publication date: 1st May 2017 Alberto is Allora’s coffin maker, living alone following the plague that swept through the town 30 years ago with the same relentless ferocity that now sees fish fly out of the sea. He notices food disappearing from his kitchen, and soon begins leaving food for the scrap thin boy he … Continue reading The Boy, The Bird & The Coffin Maker by Matilda Woods
Just Call Me Spaghetti-Hoop Boy by Lara Williamson
It's not very often I read a book and can't review it straight away, but this is one of those rare occasions where a book touches me so deeply, I need to walk away, cry, think, and return. Meet Adam Butters. He loves spaghetti hoops, comics, his bobble hat and his family. But there's a … Continue reading Just Call Me Spaghetti-Hoop Boy by Lara Williamson
The Night Spinner by Abi Elphinstone
The final (and best) book in the Dreamsnatcher trilogy, we meet Moll and Griff back in Tanglefern, as with the help of the Elders, they look for clues to find the final Amulet, knowing it won't be long before the last two Shadowmasks being hunting for them. With the Old Magic struggling to break through … Continue reading The Night Spinner by Abi Elphinstone
Beetle Queen by M.G. Leonard
I have been desperate to get my hands on this since finishing Beetle Boy, I needed to know what happened to Novak. When I saw Waterstones were releasing early, I was straight down to my local store to pick one up, and didn't move from the minute I turned the first beautifully sprayed edged page … Continue reading Beetle Queen by M.G. Leonard
Me and Mister P by Maria Farrer, illustrated by Daniel Rieley
Arthur has had enough. His life is a never ending cycle of Liam this, Liam that, Liam blah blah blah, while Arthur just gets told off. He picks up his lucky crystal and his survival tin and leaves home. Forever. Or, he would have done if Mister P hadn't been stood on his doorstep with … Continue reading Me and Mister P by Maria Farrer, illustrated by Daniel Rieley
Varjak Paw by S.F. Said
This is a re-read of a book I first enjoyed over 10 years ago, and am about to use with a group of my Year 5’s for Key Skills, and with my Year 3&4 Telling Tales Book Club, just because I can! Well, if I'm being totally honest, it's also because Scholastic asked me if … Continue reading Varjak Paw by S.F. Said