Search Results

< Back Stephanie Brick The Secret Doors of Cannondale A young girl finds a secret door and is whisked away to an alternate, magical realm. Twelve-year-old Adeline Perle has moved from her mother’s military base in Illinois to Connecticut. She hopes that the family will settle down and she will finally be able to make new, long-lasting friendships. The family move into Uncle Bennie and Aunt Constance’s home on the Cannondale estate, while they find their footing in the area. Uncle Bennie asks Adeline to avoid certain areas of the estate, while Aunt Constance is recuperating from an illness. As Adeline explores the expansive estate, she finds a secret door. Despite Uncle Bennie’s warning, Adeline opens the door and discovers a secret passageway, leading to an unusual octagonal room. She explores the room and finds a book with a secret cutout. Inside the book, she finds a hidden crystal. Adeline places the crystal inside her pocket and continues to explore the house. Outside, she meets a group of teenagers having a garden party and develops an instant connection. When she returns to the house, Adeline’s world is literally turned upside down as she falls through the sky and is transported to another realm. Unbeknownst to Adeline, she has landed in the realm of Nouvaal, a dangerous world on the brink of destruction from dark magic. As Adeline attempts to make sense of the new world she learns that the crystal in her pocket has special powers, that could destroy Nouvaal if united with other lost crystals. Adeline is pursued by Heli’aa, the ‘Protector of the Realm,’ who will stop at nothing to secure the crystal for her own evil gains. The Secret Doors of Cannondale is a thrilling fantasy adventure for middle grade readers, by Stephanie Brick. The book follows the journey of Adeline, a young girl who finally finds a sense of belonging in a new home, before being suddenly uprooted again and transported to another world. The book takes readers on an exhilarating journey through time, space, and an alternate universe, full of mystery and magic. This is a delightful and enchanting tale that will appeal to readers of both fantasy and science fiction. The book ends on a nail-biting cliff-hanger, so readers will have to wait for the next instalment to find out what happens next! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A must read for anyone looking to escape into a magical universe filled with wonder, excitement and danger. Purchase here

< Back Adam Saint The Transfer Problem Adam Saint’s novel explores the future of AI technology and its impact on humanity. Ethan, a financial analyst at First Global Bank, is undertaking work to optimise financial algorithms, algorithms that enable computers to crunch data and make split-second investment decisions. Ethan’s parents died when he was a child, and he has a fraught relationship with his older brother, Robert. Robert bullied Ethan throughout his life, and they had become estranged in recent years. Robert is a top-notch hacker, whose crimes have resulted in a ban on using technology. Ethan meets Anna, a Russian citizen and a junior biomathematical researcher, at a university conference and they fall in love. Anna is conducting research, that if successful, would transfer human consciousness into a machine or a computer. Robert reappears, and Ethan introduces him to Anna. Robert persuades Ethan to use the pattern recognition technology that Anna has developed on First Global Bank’s high finance supercomputers. Together, they hatch a plan to make money on the stock market with neural network algorithms. Anna gets a job as a cleaner at Ethan’s bank and starts to integrate her work into First Global Banks systems. Their experiment is a success, but their technology triggers a global financial crash. With the economy in meltdown and society on the brink of collapse, Ethan is forced to go on the run to escape the authorities.The Transfer Problem by author Adam Saint is a fast-paced, gripping novel, with a blend of AI technology, espionage, and crime thriller. The flight scenes in the opening chapter grabbed my attention, and I found it hard to put this book down. The story does move backwards and forwards in time, which I did find a little confusing at times, but otherwise this was a fascinating story and very easy to read. This is a well-written, credible and thought-provoking book about runaway AI. It raises important questions about the future of AI technology and its impact on humanity. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fast-paced, gripping novel about runaway AI. A fascinating story and hard to put down. Purchase here

< Back Brenda Do It's Okay Not to Know Author Brenda Do encourages the development of positive learning mindsets in young children It's Okay Not to Know, by author Brenda Do, is a picture book that shows that it is okay not to know something, to have an uh-oh moment, or to make a mistake. It explains that it might be easy to feel down when something doesn’t quite go according to plan. But any challenge, no matter how big or small, is a great opportunity to learn something new, and try new things. It shows that learning new things makes you feel good, and encourages further exploration and discovery. It is like opening a surprise present and finding a special gift. It shows that it is also great to be able to help someone when they do not know something, and help them find the answers they do not know. This is a sweet and charming picture book by author Brenda Do. In essence, this story is about acknowledging and learning from failure, and using every experience as an opportunity to learn, grow and develop. Told in simple language, with two sweet characters, this book introduces younger children to the concept of positive learning mindsets in a fun and engaging way. It will provide reassurance to younger readers that it is okay not to know something or to make a mistake. It will help children develop confidence, self-belief and resilience, and will support the development of positive mindsets and learning habits for life. The illustrations by C.S Fritz are cute and colourful, and full of fun. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and charming picture book that will help children develop confidence, self-belief and resilience. Purchase here

< Back Sasha Graham Whitney Wins Everything: A Tiny Ninja Book Competitive Whitney learns an important life lesson from her Tiny Ninja, from author Sasha Graham Whitney really does win everything. From football and roller staking, to running and jumping. She is the best at everything, and she knows it! Whitney’s Tiny Ninja tries to remind her that winning is not always the most important thing, but Whitney doesn’t always listen. Whatever it is, Whitney is determined to win. Until one day, Whitney is not invited to a party because her friends are worried that she will win all the prizes, and then her soccer coach changes the rules so her team cannot win the match. Whitney is confused but soon comes to realise that there are more important things than winning and maybe her Tiny Ninja was right after all. This is a charming children’s picture book, with a positive message about kindness and compassion. It reinforces the message that being kind and helping others to succeed feels good, and is just as rewarding as winning yourself. Some young children are extremely competitive by nature and hate to lose, and this book will remind them to focus their energies on having fun and building good friendships. An important life lesson for both children and adults. The illustrations by Angelina Valieva are colourful, whimsical, and extraordinarily detailed. Children will love to find the Tiny Ninjas hidden in the pictures. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A charming children’s picture book, with a positive message about kindness and compassion. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Laura Lee Rittman Lucky Ruby - A Hanukkah and Christmas Holiday Book The holidays are approaching, and Ruby’s mom and dad are busy decorating the house, but Ruby doesn’t feel as excited as she usually would. Ruby invited her friend, Violet, to her house for a holiday party, and Ruby overheard Violet talking to another girl about Ruby celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas. Ruby is sad and wonders whether she did the right thing inviting Violet to her home. When Violet arrives, she is initially apprehensive, but soon gets involved in the celebrations. She enjoys cooking latkes with Ruby’s Bubbie, making Christmas Charade medals with Ruby’s cousin, helps Ruby’s mom light the candles on the menorah, and plays spin the dreidel with the entire family. Violet enjoys the party and recognises how lucky Ruby is to celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. Lucky Ruby - A Hanukkah and Christmas Holiday Book, is a sweet and charming holiday picture book for young readers, by author Laura Lee Rittman. The book follows the story of Ruby who is worried about her friend visiting her home after she overheard her talking about her celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas. Violet is welcomed by Ruby’s family and joins in the celebrations, soon realising that celebrating both Hanukkah and Christmas is not so weird after all. The author skilfully blends the two holidays, showing how Ruby’s family decorates the Christmas tree and also lights the menorah for Hanukkah. It is a wonderful introduction to the key holiday traditions of both the Jewish and Christian faiths, and shows how both holidays can be celebrated together. The illustrations by Cennet Kapkac are filled with warm and cosy family holiday scenes, which bring the festivities to life. This is a perfect picture book to share in preparation for the holiday season, and would also make a great Hanukkah or Christmas gift. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A sweet, charming and touching multi-cultural picture book, which celebrates friendship, family and faith in all its forms. Purchase here

< Back Jane Xu Can Pandas Be Koalas Too? A little panda named Pandy lives in Koalaland. Pandy has always believed she was a koala. She enjoys koala songs, games, and school, and her life seems perfectly content until one day, one of her friends questions her identity. He points out her physical differences and her preference for bamboo over eucalyptus leaves, leading Pandy to question who she is and where she truly belongs. The story takes readers on Pandy's emotional journey as she grapples with feelings of confusion and isolation. Her friends offer various perspectives, with one calling her a "Pand-ala," half panda and half koala, but Pandy feels whole, not divided. The turning point comes when she meets a wise platypus, who shares his own experience of being a creature that defies categorization. His advice—that only Pandy can decide who she is—empowers her to embrace her individuality and stop seeking validation from others. Can Pandas Be Koalas Too? by Jane Xu and illustrated by Sang Oh, is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated children's book that explores themes of identity, belonging, and self-acceptance. The book's message is profound yet simple: identity is not defined by others, but by oneself. This theme is conveyed in a way that is accessible to younger children, encouraging them to celebrate their uniqueness. The story also subtly addresses the challenges of feeling different and the importance of self-confidence, making it a valuable read for children navigating their own identities. Sang Oh's illustrations bring the story to life with soft, watercolor-style visuals. The artwork is whimsical and tender, perfectly complementing Pandy’s emotional journey. Overall, this is a touching and thought-provoking tale that will resonate with readers of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A beautifully illustrated picture book that celebrates diversity and individuality. Purchase here

< Back Carina Ho & Jesse Byrd Mighty Mara An inspirational book for anyone who has ever struggled to fit in, from authors Carina Ho and Jesse Byrd Everyone is the same in Sametown. Everyone except Mara. Mara is different. She is colour in a world of grey. She is unique in a world of ordinary. But, because of her uniqueness, Mara struggles to find her place in Sametown. What she wants more than anything in the world, is for people to love her just for who she is. Inspired by a TV show, Mara decides to sign up for the school talent show. She wants to show off her dance skills, but no one dances in Sametown, certainly not like Mara anyway. No-one believes she can do it. No-one thinks she has a chance. Will Mara have the courage to dance in the talent show? And will she prove her critics wrong? This is an inspirational story of a unique young girl who struggles to fit in. The odds are stacked against her - no-one believes in her and the environment doesn’t make things easy for her – but, through sheer determination, self-belief, and extraordinary talent, she realises her dream. It will encourage young children not only to accept their differences, but to embrace and celebrate their differences, and to follow their dreams. We liked that there were no words on some of the pages, which will encourage parents and children to discuss the pictures and interpret the events in their own words. The book is beautifully presented and illustrated by Monica Paola Rodriguez. We loved the colours, and the images of Mara standing out and shining in a world of dull grey. We did notice some grammatical errors, and therefore recommend the authors consider a full editorial review. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A beautifully presented picture book about an inspirational young girl with a unique talent. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Kathe Hudson and Melanie Moyer The Magic Peach Tree, A Yoga Storytelling Adventure A magical story about kindness and compassion, with a unique, yoga-inspired twist. The Magic Peach Tree, part of the Yoga Storytelling Adventure series by authors Kathe Hudson and Melanie Moyer is a creative, fun, and interactive illustrated picture book, that combines a traditional Chinese folktale with yoga movement. Young children can read the story, and then retell the story with yoga poses. The book will help children not only to express themselves creatively, but also to engage in physical practice that is beneficial to health and wellbeing. The story, adapted from a Chinese wisdom tale, follows an elderly man who ambles into a village looking for food. He is hungry, but a stall holder refuses to give him a small peach. A young girl shows the elderly man kindness and buys him a peach. After he eats the peach, the man plants the seed in the ground and a peach tree grows, feeding the entire village. The story demonstrates the importance of compassion and will encourage young readers to show kindness towards their neighbours. T he Yoga Storytelling Adventure series is a unique and innovative concept, sure to appeal to young readers who enjoy traditional folk tales and creative activities. The book Includes a Chinese word guide, to help readers develop an appreciation of a different language. Each yoga pose and breathing technique is described, with a visual image to accompany each pose, to guide young readers on their own creative yoga journey. The illustrations by Cher Jiang are stunning and complement the traditional folk tale perfectly. There is also a bonus grilled peach recipe at the end of the book, for those who are inspired by the food in the story! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A creative, fun, and interactive illustrated picture book, that combines a traditional Chinese folktale with yoga movement. Purchase here

< Back Ron Keres The Scariest Story You've Ever Heard It really is the scariest story you will ever read, by author Ron Keres The front cover of this book grabs your attention and immediately draws you in. You know you are going to be scared, but you just can’t help yourself, you have to read this book! The font, the gloomy, dark colour-scheme and the terrified eyes peeking out of the bedsheets all add to the tension. Go on, I dare you… Well, I dared, and I was not disappointed. Spooked yes, but disappointed no. The book lived up to its title of the ‘Scariest book ever’. Whilst the story is far too scary to present in pictures, this review is almost too scary to describe in words. I’ll do my best without giving the plot away. The fonts, the page layout, the black pages with small pops of colour, the lack of pictures, the use of language, all gradually build fear and suspense. Young readers will be captivated and terrified. I was! I can imagine parents playing along and adding to the drama, and young children hiding and squirming under their covers. I hope I haven’t scared you away from reading this book, it is a frighteningly good read and suitable for younger readers, I promise! And there is a really cool and funny ending too, I promise! This is a great book based on a really simple but innovative concept. Young children love spooky stories, and they will love this. Author Ron Keres and illustrator Arthur Lin have done such a fantastic job and I look forward to more of their collaborations in the future. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An innovative concept and a frighteningly good read. A GOLD WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Glenda Brown The Story of Raine One woman fights for survival when she learns her marriage is built on lies, by author Glenda Brown Following a short, whirlwind romance, seventeen-year-old Lana marries Sloan and moves to Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains to live with his family. The grand home and farm, named the ‘Shaddeau’, is set in 1,500 acres of land, far from Lana’s modest family home in Missouri. As Lana settles into life in Virginia, she soon becomes pregnant, and her baby girl, she names Raine, is born in the middle of a storm. Raine spends much of her childhood alone, while her father is busy working on the farm, and her mother is depressed. She grows up to be a shy but independent young woman, with dreams of becoming a lawyer. Raine attends college in Maryland, and meets her roommate JaDee who introduces her to an Italian named Anthony Riconi. Raine confides in her friend that one day she will marry Anthony. But JaDee warns her that he might not be a good match and his family has a questionable reputation. During a storm one evening, Raine is badly injured in a terrible car accident. Raine is rush to hospital and spends several weeks in a coma. JaDee suggests they call Anthony to her bedside, and on hearing his voice, she quickly recovers. Several years later, after Raine graduates and finds a job in real estate, Anthony proposes. The couple marry and Raine becomes pregnant with her first child. Raine feels blessed she has a good life, with a loving husband, a perfect baby, a nice apartment and financial stability. Yet, when Anthony continues to take lengthy trips home to see his family, Raine becomes suspicious. She knows little about his career, or how he earns his money, and she remembers JaDee’s warning when they first met. Raine follows her husband back to New Jersey to find out the truth, but in doing so she uncovers a whole web of lies, which puts her life, and her family home, the Shaddeau, at risk. The Story of Raine is a compelling and captivating Christian fiction novel by author Glenda Brown. Set between 1935 and 1969, the story is about a woman who is born into a privileged life, but largely neglected by her parents. It shows how her experiences as a young child and teen, and her relationship with her parents, impacted her later life choices. As she finds her own independence and marries the man of her dreams, she soon realises that she has been duped. The novel is easy to read, and hard to put down. It is quite a lengthy novel (at 444 pages), but I was hooked throughout. I particularly enjoyed the way the author weaved in the presence of storms throughout Raine’s life, from her birth right through to her death. This is a Christian novel, and there are some subtle references to God and Christian values, but this does not overwhelm the story. With a blend of romance, tragedy, mystery and suspense, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, women’s fiction and Christian fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling and captivating Christian fiction novel, that is both easy to read and hard to put down. Purchase here

< Back Linda Harkey Chatty the Hen Pheasant: Travels with the Pack Nassau finds an unusual and extremely talkative specimen hidden under the snow, by author Linda Harkey Cimaroc Lucky Nassau (or Nassau for short) is a Labrador Retriever, and a fearless hunter. One day, whilst out hunting pheasant with his owner the ‘Great One,’ there is a ferocious snowstorm. Nassau is separated from his owner, but undeterred he carries on the hunt alone. He sniffs out a pheasant under the snow and dives in head-first to retrieve the specimen. As Nassau pulls it out of the snow, he is presented with a rather strange – and extremely chatty - bird. Nassau carefully holds the bird between his teeth and begins his search for the ‘Great One.’ But the ‘Great One’ isn’t too pleased with Nassau’s discovery because he has inadvertently captured a hen pheasant, which is protected from hunting. The ‘Great One’ promptly releases the bird to the sky. This is an entertaining and educational story about a working dog, who performs an extremely important job for his human owner. Harkey shows the close bond between human and canine, and their relationship is beautifully captured in the illustrations by Mike Minick. Children will enjoy reading this story from the dog’s unique perspective, and will laugh at his frolics in the snow and his interactions with the very chatty bird. Whilst the bird is unharmed and released by the dogs’ owner, the pretext of this book is the hunting of pheasants to kill, which could upset or scare some young children (particularly in communities where children are not exposed to hunting). Parents reading this story might want to be prepared to answer questions about this type of activity and why it happens. The author might also want to consider adding some additional notes or resources, to support parents with those conversations. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An entertaining and educational story about a working dog, who performs an extremely important job for his human owner. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Stoni Astley Sanctuary's Lights A powerful and heart-breaking novel about parental neglect and domestic violence, from author Stoni Astley. Eleven-year-old Sydney and her younger siblings, Amanda, and Dylan, move to a new house, a new town, and a new school. Their mother Barbara, alcohol dependent and addicted to prescription drugs, has moved them again, this time to Ontario to escape the prying eyes of the social services and nosey neighbours. The children have spent years in and out of social services care, due to their mother’s substance abuse and violence. As the children try to settle into their new school, the neglect, the abuse, the violence, and the range continues at home. No-one hears their cries. No-one sees their bruises. No-one cares. But when their mother’s violence escalates, Sydney confides in one teacher who shows her kindness and compassion. Just when Sydney gets the support she desperately needs, and starts to believe she will escape with her siblings, her mother loses control and the lives of all three siblings are changed forever. Sanctuary’s Lights is a powerful and heart-breaking novel of three siblings who live in constant fear of their mother. While a work of fiction, the book is inspired by the authors own traumatic childhood experiences. Honestly and sensitively told from the children’s perspective, the novel is a moving tribute to all victims and survivors of childhood neglect and domestic abuse. The book highlights the brutality of a system that repeatedly fails vulnerable children, by failing to act quickly, by separating traumatised siblings, by housing them in unsuitable homes, by repeatedly allowing them to go back to neglectful and abusive parents, and by simply not caring enough. Sadly, the story of Sydney, Amanda, and Dylan, and of the author, Stoni Astley, is not an uncommon one. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘Honestly and sensitively told from the children’s perspective, the novel is a moving tribute to all victims and survivors of childhood neglect and domestic abuse. A BRONZE WINNER and highly recommended.’ Purchase here