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< Back Christine Corrigan Mendez Leo Gets His Nighttime ZZZs Leo loves sport. He is always busy, doing this, doing that, doing everything! But, because Leo is busy doing lots of different activities, he gets tired sometimes. Leo often wakes up during the night and cannot get back to sleep. He thinks about all the things he needs to do and the places he needs to be. He tries new techniques to get back to sleep, but nothing seems to work. One day, Leo falls asleep during class, and another day he falls asleep while playing in a soccer match! Leo’s good friends are members of the Kids Can Club and Leo decides to join. The Kids Can Club take on all kinds of projects to help kids, animals and grown-ups too. Leo shares his story with the Kids Can Club, and they make it their next mission to help Leo get back to sleep. Leo learns a new technique called the ‘Scrunch up-Five Unscrunch’, which he uses to get back his nighttime ZZZ’s. Leo Gets His Nighttime ZZZs is an illustrated picture book for newly independent readers, by author Christine Corrigan Mendez. This is an engaging and insightful book for young readers about a young boy who struggles to sleep. He tries everything to get back to sleep, but cannot do it on his own. With a little help from his friends at the Kids Can Club, Leo learns new techniques for a restful night’s sleep. The book will help young readers understand why they might struggle to sleep, and provides practical tips to help them get a good night’s sleep. The story emphasises the importance of friendship and teamwork, and will encourage young readers to share their problems or concerns with others. With full guidance on the ‘Scrunch up-Five Unscrunch’ technique, this is a fabulous resource for children and their parents or caregivers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An engaging and insightful book, with practical strategies to help young children have a restful night’s sleep. Purchase here

< Back Srdjan Macanovic Bridge Between Two Worlds: From Sarajevo to London Book blurb... Bridge Between Two Worlds is a luminous literary memoir, tracing an extraordinary journey from the siege of Sarajevo to the operating rooms and quiet beaches of Australia. At once intimate and universal, it explores how knowledge, compassion, and memory can rebuild a life shattered by war. It traces a remarkable journey - from the besieged streets of Sarajevo to the halls of Cambridge and the healing shores of Australia. Through war and exile, loss and renewal, Dr. Macanovic weaves a deeply human story of resilience, compassion, and the search for belonging. Blending memoir, reflection, and philosophy, Bridge Between Two Worlds: a Doctor's Journey from Sarajevo to London builds literal and metaphorical bridges - between East and West, past and present, science and spirit, and above all, between pain and hope. Purchase here

< Back E.N. Chanting Origin of Violet Origin of Violet by E.N. Chanting is a haunting and emotionally charged novella that delves into the harrowing journey of Violet, a twelve-year-old girl who endures unimaginable abuse and trauma. The story begins with Violet taking a drastic and violent step to escape her abusive stepfather, she calls "The Beast." The opening chapter is raw and unsettling, plunging readers into Violet's dark and chaotic world. As the story unfolds, Violet must face the consequences of her actions, including legal battles, therapy, and confinement in a psychiatric ward. Despite her traumatic past, Violet's sharp wit and determination shine through, making her a compelling and multidimensional protagonist. E.N. Chanting portrays the long road to healing, but due to the length of the novella there isn’t a great deal of time to capture the full psychological impact of the abuse on Violet. The novella doesn't shy away from the grim realities of Violet's experiences, but it also offers moments of hope and light, particularly through the relationships she forms with her therapist, attorney, and foster parents. These characters provide a sense of stability and love that helps Violet begin to rebuild her life. The author skilfully balances the dark themes with moments of humor, friendship, and hope, creating a story that is both heart-breaking and uplifting. Origin of Violet is a powerful and thought-provoking read that sheds light on the devastating impact of childhood abuse. It sets the stage for the continuation of Violet's story, leaving readers eager to see how she navigates her new life and confronts her past. The story will appeal to readers of thriller, horror, and realistic fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A haunting and emotionally charged novella about childhood abuse and the resilience of the human spirit. Purchase here

< Back Joanne Russo Insull Don't Follow Pino! Brothers, Dugan and Pino, escape their yard and are lost far away from home, by author Joanne Russo Insull This is a picture book for young readers about two dogs, brothers Dugan and Pino. Dugan loves to go on a walk with his mom and big brother, Pino. Every morning, they walk around their neighborhood and meet lots of new people. Dugan and Pino try to be on their best behavior when they walk on their leash, and if they are very lucky they might even receive a nice treat or two. When they are not out walking, they like to play outside in their back yard. The yard is locked and safe, and Dugan and Pino run and play with the squirrels and chipmunks. But one day, a workman who is fixing a pole behind the house, forgets to shut the gate. Pino suggests to Dugan that they go on a walk outside, without their mom. Dugan is reluctant, he knows they shouldn’t leave the yard alone, but Pino is persistent. Dugan is scared they will get lost, or get into big trouble, but he follows Pino through the gate and out into the street. He tells himself, “Don’t follow Pino!”, but he continues to follow him into a field, far away from home. As Dugan becomes more concerned, he hears his mom calling from the other side of the field. He turns around and sees her waving at the entrance, walking quickly towards them. But Pino thinks it’s a game, and he runs even further away. Suddenly, Dugan notices his mom turn around and walk slowly in the opposite direction. Dugan panics and decides to follow his mom rather than Pino. He runs as fast as he can to catch up with his mom, and Pino follows closely behind. Mom is happy to see her boys again, and quickly puts on their leashes. Dugan feels bad for scaring mom and promises never to run away again. Pino, on the other hand, has other ideas! Don't Follow Pino! by Joanne Russo Insull is a sweet picture book about a couple of mischievous dogs, who escape the safety of their back yard and become lost far away from home. Dugan is influenced by his older brother, Pino, and tags along even though he knows he shouldn’t. Mom eventually finds them, but Pino thinks it’s a game, and runs away. Mom’s quick reaction is to turn and walk in the opposite direction, to bring the boys safely home. Dugan and Pino are sweet and adorable characters, and younger children will enjoy reading about their exciting adventure. This is a fun read for the whole family, but there are some important messages for young people too, about peer pressure, following rules, personal safety. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet picture book about two mischievous pups, and a fun read for the whole family. Purchase here

< Back Stephanie Scott Tools to Cool Finding Ways to Cope Nini the bird helps readers find different ways to keep cool. Tools to Cool Finding Ways to Cope, by author Stephanie Scott, is an illustrated seek and find book for young readers, with tools to help them cope in stressful situations. On each page, a different situation, scenario, or emotion is presented, (ie, feeling stressed or worried at school, making new friends, or feeling angry or mad) and then provides a number of coping mechanisms, such as finding a quiet space to calm down and relax, deep breathing, or dancing. On each page, the reader is asked a number of questions, to help them find a solution that might work for them, and a ‘Can you find?’ bubble, which encourages readers to look for the item in the illustration. This also encourages positive action, by encouraging the reader to explore further in real life. There are over 20 coping tools and strategies hidden in the book. Tools to Cool Finding Ways to Cope is a unique and interactive seek and find book, where readers are encouraged to find coping tools and strategies that are hidden in the illustrations. This is a cleverly crafted book for young readers, which addresses the topic of coping with stress, with a fun and engaging activity. The book follows an endearing character, Nini the bird, as she navigates her way through different scenarios. The book is designed to be used independently by children, and will encourage readers to take control and develop their own coping mechanisms. It will also make an excellent resource for parents, carers, and teachers to discuss stress and coping mechanisms with young children. It will encourage open conversations about emotions, and teaches valuable life skills in an accessible and enjoyable way. Overall, a charming and educational illustrated book that not only entertains children, but also empowers them to handle stress in a positive and proactive manner. Star rating: 5 stars Summary: A unique and interactive seek and find book for young readers, which addresses the topic of coping with stress, with a fun and engaging activity. Purchase here

< 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 Daniel Lawrence Abrams Aliens Venmoed Me a Trillion Dollars: The Short Story Douglas “Doug” Dawkins is a sceptical YouTuber known for debunking popular conspiracy theories. Doug’s wife, Lena, is an internationally acclaimed scientist, conducting groundbreaking astronomical research with the Belarusian State University. While Doug scoffs at the notion of alien life, Lena’s research has found undeniable proof of super-advanced, extraterrestrial communications. When Doug is contacted by aliens out of the blue, he thinks it is a scam. The aliens offer Doug huge sums of cash to conceal the truth about extraterrestrial life. They ask him to forward on a computer virus to the Belarusian State University, to destroy his wife’s research before it is made public. Believing the communication to be a prank, Doug sends the virus to the National Security Agency, to protect his own back. The virus completely destroys the NSA’s servers, and two NSA agents are sent to Doug and Lena’s home to spy on the couple, believing them to be Belarusian spies. When the aliens make contact again, Lena requests demonstrable proof that the aliens are real. But, when the aliens provide irrefutable proof of their existence, Doug and Lena find themselves in a whole heap of trouble. Aliens Venmoed Me a Trillion Dollars is a short genre-bending story by author Daniel Lawrence Abrams that fuses satire, science-fiction, conspiracy debunking, and espionage. Abrams delivers a sharp, satirical comedy about a guy who makes his living debunking conspiracy theories, only to discover indisputable proof of alien life. What starts out as a seemingly absurd message from an alien, quickly spirals into a darkly comedic series of events. Lena’s scientific integrity and Doug’s cynicism collide in high-stakes decisions that test their loyalty, love, and the very boundaries of reality. I enjoyed the clever inversion of roles: the sceptic becomes the target of the ultimate conspiracy, and the scientist must demand proof that shakes the foundation of her beliefs. The writing is sharp and laced with dry humor and biting social commentary. The result is a gripping page-turner that is both thought-provoking and laugh-out-loud funny. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : Satire meets sci-fi in this fast-paced, darkly comic short story by Daniel Lawrence Abrams. Purchase here

< Back Eliana Hidalgo Mrs Owl's Messy Library Mrs Owl has so many books, she doesn’t know what to do with them all. Mrs Owl had many, many books. She loved all of her books, but her library was a mess! It was crowded, dark and very, very dusty. One day, Mrs Owl couldn’t find one of her favorite books. She searched the library and tripped over a pile of books, falling all the way down the stairs. Mrs Owl had finally had enough of the mess and decided to clean the whole library. Several weeks later, the library was thoroughly clean, but the book Mrs Owl was looking for was still nowhere to be seen. But when she finally finds the book, hidden in a special place, Mrs Owl thinks there is something missing from the library. She decides to open up the library to the neighborhood and invites all of her friends to borrow and read the books. Mrs Owl's Messy Library is a charming, illustrated picture book by Eliana Hidalgo, about a wise and book-loving owl who has so many books, she doesn’t know what to do with them all. After she loses one of her favorite books in the mess, she decides a thorough clean is well overdue. After the library is clean, she realizes that the library could be enjoyed by others in her community and opens it up, so others can enjoy her beloved books. This is a sweet story with an adorable owl character. The book celebrates the joy of reading and sharing an enjoyable book with others. It will hopefully inspire a love of reading among young readers. The pastel colored, whimsical illustrations by Sara E, Steinberg are simply delightful. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: With sweet animal characters, themes of kindness and generosity, and the joy of discovering an enjoyable book, this is perfect for young readers who love animals and books alike. Purchase here

< Back Paul Sanders Victim or the Crime - The Day Before Jerry Died: A Grateful Dead Thriller A successful author is forced to relive his childhood abuse in order to clear his name. Dan Wilcox wakes up one morning with a gash on his head, and his shirt slashed and splattered in blood. He cannot recall how he got into that state and realises he has lost four days of his memory. He changes out of his blood-stained clothes and decides to retrace his steps back to the last thing he can remember, a visit to his parents’ home in Marquette, Michigan . Dan had not spoken to his parents in fifteen years, and he had hoped to speak to them to help him deal with unresolved childhood trauma. He travels to his parent’s house and finds the house ransacked, and his mother dead on the kitchen floor, with a knife sticking out of her neck. Dan calls the police and then Diana, a p sychiatrist who as helping him process the neglect and abuse he suffered as a child, from his mother and father. Detective Robinson is assigned the case and Dan is suspected of killing his mother to inherit her wealth. Dan learns that his father has been dead for several years and his sister Louise has been missing for many years, also presumed dead. His brother, Mark, lives in California and has a solid alibi. Dan is confident he played no part in his mother’s murder and begs Diana to perform hypnosis. Diana refuses but she does review his case files and recorded therapy sessions. When Dan’s bloodied clothes are found by the police, he feels he has no choice but to run. He confides in Diana, and she agrees to flee with him, to try and help him solve the mystery of his mother’s death. As the fugitives travel across the country, they are pursued by Detective Robinson and the Michigan State Police. Dan has flashbacks to the scene of the murder, and he is forced to relive painful childhood memories. As the runaways attempt to track down Dan’s estranged relatives, they discover sordid details about his father’s meddling in a juvenile court case, and the truth about his sister’s disappearance. Victim or the Crime - The Day Before Jerry Died: A Grateful Dead Thriller is a tense and gripping psychological thriller by author Paul Sanders. The novel is a well written, authentic and believable work of crime fiction. Told partly through Dan’s flashbacks with graphic descriptions of childhood abuse, it is a harrowing and difficult read in places. I enjoyed the weaving of the Grateful Dead throughout this story, and the musical references. This is a lengthy novel (at 683 pages), but it flows at a good pace and is easy to read. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy detective stories, psychological thrillers, true crime and the Grateful Dead. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A tense and gripping psychological thriller about one man’s search for the truth. Purchase here

Author Ellen Dee Davidson creates an enchanting and magical world < Back Ellen Davidson WIND It’s a very strange day for sixth-grader Katie. Her classmates mock her as she thinks she hears the old oak tree outside her classroom window talk to her, and later at home she senses her beloved cat, Sasha, is trying to tell her something. Then without any warning, an earthquake strikes the town and Katie falls through a crack in the floor and into the deep dark basement below. But when Katie awakens from the fall, she finds herself in a strange and mysterious world. She encounters Za, a grumpy alien from a far distant planet, also lost in the strange new world. The only hope for the pair is to find the elusive Winged Ones, hidden away in the Golden Hills at the far corner of the planet. Katie reluctantly joins Za on the journey quest, and she is given a charm bracelet to help guide her on the journey. Accompanied by Kira, a friendly lion, the pair set off on a perilous journey, through forests and meadows, deep caves, and rivers. There are many dangers along the way, and the new friends must fend off river monsters and flying beasts, fish men and flower fairies. Katie soon discovers she has a special power to talk to all the creatures featured on her charm bracelet. But as Za is captured, Katie must use all of her strength and courage to resist the powerful forces of the Poison One, to save her friend and herself. Wind is a wonderfully written, faced-paced, fantasy story for young middle grade readers. Ellen Dee Davidson creates a magical and enchanting world, and takes the reader on an extraordinary journey, packed full of amazing characters and fascinating scenes. The main character is well developed, and readers will relate to her journey and her personal struggles, as they learn more about her life at home. The book was gripping, entertaining and full of unexpected twists and turns - a real page-turner and hard to put down! Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A wonderful, faced-paced, fantasy story, packed full of amazing characters and fascinating scenes. A SILVER winner and highly recommended.’ 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 Joe Burud AJ and the Bouncing Ball AJ has fun with his favourite ball, by author and illustrator Joe Burud AJ finds his favourite ball hidden underneath his bed. He throws the ball and chases it around the house, into the kitchen where it clashes into the pots and pans, into the bathroom where it makes a bubbly mess, and into the living room where it knocks over a lamp. But the ball isn’t quite finished yet, and accidently hits AJ’s dad straight on the head! Finally, AJ manages to catch the ball and is whisked off to bed before it causes anymore damage. When AJ’s dad assesses the damage, the mischievous ball is going to be in so much trouble! This is a fun, short and sweet picture book for younger children, written in rhyme. Children will laugh at the mischievous bouncing ball and the havoc it creates as it bounces around the house. They will laugh at AJ’s unsuccessful attempts to catch the ball and I am sure they will (secretly) enjoy the ball hitting the poor dad’s head! I like the way Burud represents the simplicity and joy of play and childhood – sleeping with a treasured toy and having so much fun you don’t notice the mess left behind. In an age when so many little people are attached to technological devices, it was a pleasure to read about a little boy having so much fun with a simple ball. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A fun, short and sweet picture book for younger children, and a pleasure to read about a little boy having so much fun with a simple ball. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here