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< Back Josh Weiss-Roessler Future Me and the VR Prison Book blurb... After losing her grandmother, eleven-year-old gamer Lu Jacobs retreats into the controlled world of her favorite VR game with her online team. But when her grizzled, middle-aged future self appears asking for help to stop an AI bent on trapping humanity inside a VR prison, Lu has no choice but to re-enter the real world, specifically Prescott Academy, a school for gifted students where the AI has planted a spy to seed the dangerous technology that will destroy the future. Realizing this isn’t a job for one person, Lu recruits her online teammates IRL. But she still has to juggle grief, friendship, and her secret mission, while navigating dazzling technology, suspicious classmates, and the growing fear that anyone, even her teachers, could be the AI spy. As they race to uncover the truth, Lu’s hardest task may be proving to herself that she’s more than the mistakes and losses she carries. Purchase here

< Back Kathleen Welton Pigs Have Wings Pigs can’t fly, or can they? Miz Peg is a petite pig, with awfully big feet. She likes to jump and leap, but her feet get in the way! Miz Peg would love nothing more than to have wings and fly, fly away. But her friends won’t listen to her dreams and laugh at her , “Oh, my dear! You know pigs don’t have wings.” Peg watches the birds and tries to fly, but falls flat on the ground. When an owl finds Peg crying, she encourages Peg to believe in herself. Peg believes she has wings, leaps into the air, and all of a sudden, she is flying in the sky. Pigs really do have wings! Pigs Have Wings is a sweet, illustrated picture book by author Kathleen Welton. The book follows the journey of Miz Peg, a cute little pig, who dreams of flying like a bird. But no matter how hard she tries, she cannot fly. Pigs don’t have wings after all, or do they? Miz Peg and the other woodland creatures are adorable. Young children will love to hear about Peg’s dreams and will be captivated by her journey. The illustrations by Chau Pham are dreamy and capture Peg’s personality and her fantastical journey perfectly. This is an imaginative picture book, written in rhyme. The book will encourage young children to believe in themselves and follow their dreams, no matter how improbable or impossible they might seem. Miz Peg’s unwavering determination teaches young children about resilience and the importance of not giving up, even when the odds are stacked against them. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A sweet and charming picture book about an adorable little pig, with a big dream. Purchase here

< Back Hazem Nassar The Diversity Cube and the Cloud Wizard An evil wizard causes disharmony amongst the squares on a Rubik’s Cube. All of the squares on a Rubik’s Cube were different colors, had different names and spoke different languages. For years, the squares lived in peace and harmony with one another. Amongst the squares, six best friends (the ‘Bestest Six’) decided to host an annual festival to celebrate their diversity. They invited the other squares on the cube to join them, and the festival was a success, as each square learned more about their neighbours. But after the festival, one orange square ‘Orong’ made unkind comments about the other squares. An evil wizard named Druff overheard the conversation and decided to spread his hatred, to separate the squares. At the next festival, the squares refused to move, and the wizard cast a spell to freeze the cube. As the Bestest Six try to restore harmony to the cube, a battle ensues with the evil wizard. Can the six best friends defeat the evil wizard? And will harmony ever be restored to the diversity cube? The Diversity Cube And The Cloud Wizard by author and illustrator Hazem Nassar, is a unique and imaginative picture book for older children about diversity and inclusion. Nassar uses the squares and colours of a simple Rubik’s Cube to show the importance of unity and acceptance of others. The message is delivered in a simple way, that children will easily understand. It’s hard to imagine how an inanimate object will resonate with readers, but through the bright and vivid illustrations, Nassar brings the squares’ characters and story to life. The book will serve as a useful tool to discuss unity and diversity with children. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A unique and imaginative picture book for older children about diversity and inclusion. Purchase here

< Back Chris Feistl and Dave Mitchell After Escobar: Taking Down the Notorious Cali Godfathers and the Biggest Drug Cartel in History Book blurb. .. By the early 1990s, Colombia's Cali cartel had become what the former head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Thomas Constantine referred to as the 'biggest and most powerful crime syndicate in history.' Responsible for nearly 85 percent of the cocaine that reached US soil and 90 percent worldwide, they were untouchable, earning billions of dollars all while maintaining their reputation as 'The Godfathers of Cali.' They brazenly corrupted thousands of Colombian authorities and government officials, even 'buying' the outcome of the 1994 presidential election. That same year, the DEA sent young operatives Chris Feistl and Dave Mitchell to Colombia with one formidable task: help Colombian authorities take down the ruthless leaders of the brutal Cali cartel. Not an easy job for two men who looked more like California surfers than DEA agents. Standing well over six feet tall and only six years removed from the DEA Academy, they were the epitome of conspicuous in a city where most residents rarely, if ever, saw an American in person. Many of their colleagues feared for their safety, openly questioning their ability to blend in. Their almost three-year journey would lead them from the bureaucratic halls of the US Embassy to the violent streets of Cali and deep into its rural sugar cane fields, on high alert day and night as they dodged deadly cartel assassins and battled the unprecedented corruption within Colombia's security forces. Throughout their quest they formed loyal, long-term alliances, experienced shocking and devastating betrayals, participated in numerous dramatic arrests, and suffered constant setbacks. Over time, their relentless efforts began to slowly degrade the godfathers' defenses and weaken their infrastructure. After Escobar: Taking Down the Notorious Cali Godfathers and the Biggest Drug Cartel in History offers a unique, on-the-ground perspective that will be praised by true crime enthusiasts, history buffs, and Narcos fans alike. Part of Chris and Dave' s story was told in Season 3 of the acclaimed Netflix series Narcos: Rise of a New Empire. Now, they tell it for themselves. Purchase here

< Back AC Bradburn Dancing with Cara: The Nature Stories Cara is digging a big hole in her grandfather’s garden. Soil encourages her to dig deeper and Cara is surprised that Soil is wet and warm to the touch. Soil explains that it is kept warm by the trees, plants and grass, who send warmth from the sun through their roots. Soil also holds onto the rain, to provide water to other living organisms. In return, Soil stores the warmth and the water in winter and helps the trees, plants and grass grow. Cara talks to Wren, resting in her grandfather’s apple tree. Wren explains that by singing, it wakes up the flower bulbs, trees and some animals in the spring. Cara helps Wren wake up spring by singing a song ‘Wake up, wake up, springtime is here!’. Cara feels the apple tree vibrate and hears it creak as it wakes up for spring. Cara is toasting marshmallows on a fire with her grandfather when she notices how the flame changes color. Flame explains how it transforms her marshmallow, and how it can transform other things too, through its ashes. Cara talks to her Tear, when she is sad when her bunny is injured. Tear explains how it comes out when she is hurt or feels upset, and sometimes when she is happy too. Dancing with Cara: The Nature Stories is a collection of short stories by author AC Bradburn, that takes young readers on a sensory journey through nature. The book is told through the eyes of Cara, a curious and adventurous little girl who loves spending time in nature. As Cara interacts with the environment, she converses with the wildlife and the natural elements around her. As Cara communicates with the natural environment, she learns how the soil helps plants grow, and how birds wake up spring. She discovers how all living organisms are connected through the web of life, and her own place in the ecosystem. This is a delightful and profound collection of stories about nature, beautifully written by Bradburn in a lyrical prose, with exquisite illustrations by Ivy Trazsi. I was completely immersed in these stories, and for a brief moment in time, I felt like I was one with nature – just like Cara. This is a wonderful addition to any bookshelf. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An immersive, heart warming and touching exploration of nature, and our place within it. Purchase here

< Back Wendy Hewlett Witches & Whisky Maggie Glass must face her past, to solve a horrific crime, by author Wendy Hewlett Magaidh Ghlais was orphaned at the age of eight, following the brutal murder of her parents, who were found burned at the stake on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. Magaidh was found near the scene of the crime, but had no memory of her parent’s murder, or of her life before the tragic incident. Magaidh was brought up by her godmother and inherited her parents’ successful distillery business, Ghlais Whiskey, on their death. The business was run by her uncle Alastaire until Magaidh was able to take over. But Magaidh, still traumatised and grieving the horrific death of her parents, was uninterested in the business and allowed Alastaire to run it on her behalf. Magaidh changed her name to Maggie Glass to distance herself from the business, and joined the police service of Scotland. Eighteen years following the death of her parents, Detective Constable Maggie Glass is called out to the scene of a horrific crime. A young woman, Jamie Kenmore, is found burned at the stake on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. Jamie’s murder follows a similar pattern and modus operandi to her parent’s murder, and the murder of many other powerful, intelligent and successful women, found in similar circumstances. Maggie is drafted in to support the investigation, in the hope that it might trigger her childhood memories and identify the killers. But as Maggie starts to investigate the crime, she discovers a connection with her parent’s business, her uncle Alastaire, the highest ranks of the police service, and the Lords of Edinburgh, a secret society of witch-hunters. Maggie must seek the help of a witch, to help her retrieve her childhood memories, and a reporter to help bring the murderers to justice. Witches & Whisky is a thrilling and gritty police drama and murder mystery novel, by author Wendy Hewlett. The book is a traditional murder mystery story, with interesting and memorable characters, and a unique and gripping plot. DC Maggie Glass is a fascinating protagonist, and I look forward to reading more about her life, loves, and detective work. Set against the magnificent and haunting Edinburgh backdrop, and inspired by Scottish history, this is a perfect book for readers of crime fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thrilling and gritty murder mystery novel, with a gripping plot, and a fascinating protagonist. Purchase here

< Back Gabriella Fiorletta What I See is Love A day filled with love. A day in the life of a little girl, and her appreciation of the love that surrounds her. A little girl wakes up in the morning and receives a warm embrace from her mom. She sees love. Her dad drives her to school and blows her a kiss. She sees love. Her teacher greets her in class. She sees love. Her grandma bakes her cookies for lunch. She sees love. She plays with her friends at recess. She sees love. She looks at herself in the mirror before bedtime and notices how beautiful she is. She sees love. What I See is Love is a sweet and heartfelt illustrated picture book by Gabriella Fiorletta about love. Through simple narrative and everyday scenarios that young children will recognise, the book explores various expressions of love in a child-friendly way. It is a beautiful reminder that there is love all around us and we are all loved. It shows that you don’t need to use the words ‘I love you’ to show love. Love is expressed through our actions towards each other, the things we do and the things we feel and not what we say. It is also a reminder that love starts with ourselves, and encourages children to appreciate the unique qualities that make them special. I enjoyed the gentle and dreamy illustrations by Nyrryl Cadiz, the pastel color palette and the crayon-style drawings. A perfect book for a parent or caregiver to read to a child, to show them the are loved. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and heartfelt illustrated picture book, and a reminder that love is literally all around us. Purchase here

< Back Once Upon a Dance Franie's Wish: A Wander in the Wonder Another fabulous adventure in the Once Upon a Dance series Frankie’s Wish: A Wander in the Wonder, tells the story of Frankie, who lives on the magical island of Anorac. There is a legend on the island, that a magic blue feather would grant a birthday wish to the lucky person who finds it. On the day of Frankie’s special birthday, Frankie sets out on a quest to find the magic feather. Frankie’s wish is to become a famous dancer, and hopes to find the feather to make the wish come true. Frankie catches a ferry and arrives at a mysterious forest. With a little help from a number of forest friends, an eagle, a T-Rex, and a gorilla, Frankie must solve the clues hidden throughout the forest to find the magic blue feather. The final task is to ‘dance your journey’ and Frankie decides to dance the day from the beginning, from entering the forest, to meeting the forest creatures. Frankie reflects on the forest journey and realises that what is most important in life is friendship, family, and adventure. Will Frankie find the magic blue feather? And what will he wish for? Frankie's Wish: A Wander in the Wonder is a children’s picture book in the Once Upon a Dance series. Once Upon a Dance, is a unique and creative concept with Ballerina Konora narrating the story through movement and dance. Frankie is a gender neutral and relatable character, who will appeal to young children who love adventure and fantasy stories. Frankie learns important life lessons throughout the journey, which will encourage self-belief and confidence in young children. The digital illustrations are bold, bright, and engaging. Konora provides prompts and ideas for readers to act out the story, and encourages readers to use their own imagination and experiment with new movements. With photographs to accompany each movement, the book encourages active participation in the story through movement and creativity. This book is a great resource for children, parents and carers, and teachers, and will encourage readers to experiment with movement and dance. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fabulous interactive picture book, which will inspire movement and creativity in young children. Purchase here

< Back FA Khan My Superhero Mom Will Soha win her school writing competition? It is a big day for Soha at school as the teacher announces a new writing competition. Soha is excited to enter the competition and hopes she will win first prize. When her teacher explains that the competition is to write a story about ‘My Superhero Mom’, Soha is stumped. All of her friends’ moms have important jobs, like a doctor or a teacher. Soha thinks her mom doesn’t have a job or do important things. She looks different to the other moms and doesn’t speak very good English either. Soha is sad because she doesn’t think she will win the competition. But, when Soha helps her mom volunteer at the food bank and the soup kitchen, she notices how friendly and kind her mom is towards other people, how people like her mom, and how much she enjoys volunteering. Then, as her mom hands out toys to poorly children at the paediatricians office and organises a bake sale to raise money for the school library, Soha soon realises her mom does many important jobs in their community. She thinks about all the important jobs she does at home too, like creating a nice home and helping to look after the family. As Soha starts to write her story for the competition, she realises her mom is a superhero after all! My Superhero Mom by FA Khan is a wonderful, heartwarming illustrated picture book about a little girl who doesn’t realise just how amazing her mom is. She compares her mom to her friends’ moms and thinks she is not as important. But, as she understands more about what her mom does every day in the community and at home, she learns that she has superhero qualities too. This book shows gratitude and appreciation to all the moms who strive every day to create safe and loving homes for their children. It is a delightful reminder that not all superheroes wear capes, and not all superheroes have a fancy job. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful, heartwarming illustrated picture book and a fabulous celebration of moms everywhere. Purchase here

< Back Ryan Vernel The Lady of the Loch A paranormal mystery for younger readers, by author Ryan Vernel Twelve-year-old Tyler Buckland is moving from Oxford to Lochview, a small village in Scotland, to start a new life and a new school. On the long journey to Scotland, Tyler reads a book about a small Scottish village, and a haunted house, Lochview Manor, inhabited by a real-life ghost, known as the Lady of the Loch. The Lady of the Loch is reported to be responsible for the disappearance of several local children. Tyler soon discovers that his new home is located in the grounds of Lochview Manor. As Tyler explores the grounds, he meets the caretaker of the manor, Archibald Macleod, and is invited along to a ghost tour. During the tour, Tyler meets another young boy, Jackson, and the pair share a common interest in the history of the manor and paranormal activity. As the pair join forces to solve the mystery of the Lady of the Loch, they meet another young girl, Shona, who is keen to support their mission. But, when Jackson mysteriously disappears, Tyler defies his parents to help find the missing boy. He meets up with Shona and her friends to find Jackson, but soon discovers the true identity of his new friends, and a secret family connection to the legend of the Lady of the Loch. The Lady of the Loch by author Ryan Vernel is a ghost story for middle grade readers, and the first in the series of the Lochview Mysteries. This is a captivating novel, with a great hook and a gripping plot. The book builds suspense throughout, and with plenty of twists and turns, it will keep young readers engaged and entertained. Tyler is a relatable and likeable character, and young readers will enjoy following his journey, discovering clues and solving the mystery. The book is a ‘light’ ghost story and suitable for young readers in this age category. It will appeal to those who enjoy mystery and suspense. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating ghost story, with a great hook and a gripping plot. Purchase here

< Back Glynis Falloon New Friends It is Saturday morning and Katie is looking forward to a full day of fun when she hears scratching and crying noises from underneath the deck. She goes to investigate the strange noises with her grandma and finds two eyes poking through the cracks in the boards. Katie and her grandma discover a small, orange, tabby cat hidden under the deck. While Katie is keen to keep the cat, her grandma suggests she tries to find the cat’s owner. Katie and her grandma speak to their neighbors, but no-one knows where the cat lives, or to whom it belongs. So, Katie and her grandma make posters and hang them in their neighborhood, in the hope of finding the owner of the cat. While Katie tries to locate the owner, she meets new people and develops new friendships. Will Katie find the cat’s owner? How will she feel if she has to give up the cat she has become fond of? New Friends is an illustrated picture book for children, by author Glynis Falloon. The book follows the story of a little girl, who finds a cat hidden under her grandma’s deck. This is a sweet and charming picture book that young children will relate to. Katie is a loveable character with a big heart, and the little cat is adorable. The book encourages kindness and compassion, and will help children learn the importance of friendship and taking care of animals. The simple, yet engaging text makes it perfect for young readers, and the expressive illustrations bring Katie’s personality to life beautifully. Young children will enjoy following Katie’s adventures, and the book may even encourage them to develop new friendships. It’s a great way to start children thinking about animal welfare, and helping animals in their own communities. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A delightful story with charming illustrations, will help children learn the importance of friendship, kindness and compassion. https://tinyurl.com/NewFriendsBook Purchase here

Secrets of the Elementals < Back Alexander Sotberg Secrets of the Elementals A young orphan goes on an epic adventure to find his inner powers, by author Alexander Sotberg A young orphan named Garon is bullied at school and singled out by teachers as a troublemaker. Life at home is not much better, as his adoptive parents are cruel and unkind. One day, following a fight with the school bully, Garon is expelled from school. On his way home, he is ambushed by the bully and his friends, and is chased into the forest. Garon becomes lost deep in the forest, when he hears a strange voice and sees a pulsating purple light. He discovers that the voice and light belong to him. It’s his Elemental, named Aqo. Garon follows Aqo through a portal, to his ancestral home of Xanador, in search of his mother and father. As Garon enters Xanador, he learns more about the magical world and his Element. Garon is a dualweaver, a powerful force with two elemental powers. As Garon learns how to control his new powers, his arrival in Xanador has caught the attention of King Gedeon. A dualweaver is the kingdom’s most renowned enemy, and King Gedeon has sent out an army of weavers to capture him. The Xanador Saga by author Alexander Sotberg is a wonderful, fantasy fiction novel for young adult readers, and the first book in the Secrets of the Elementals series. The plot is complex with many twists and turns, but easy to read for the target reader group. Xanador is an enchanting, fantasy world, full of wonder and magic. Garon is a fascinating, well-developed and complex character. Orphaned as a child, believed to be abandoned by his parents, and bullied at school, many readers will relate to his experience and his challenges. When he learns of his ancestry and his abilities, Garon finally feels a sense of purpose and a sense of belonging. With plenty of action and adventure, magic and mystery, sorcery, and suspense. What more could you want from a fantasy fiction novel for young adult readers? Overall, imaginative, creative and beautifully written, this book will appeal to those who enjoy action and adventure, and fantasy fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful, action and adventure fantasy book full of magic and mystery, Purchase here