< Back Sandra Sorenson-Kindt Teddy: A Boy Who Swam with Angels Author Sandra Sorenson-Kindt tells her father’s childhood story. It is July 1938 in Arizona and nine-year-old Teddy is looking forward to the fourth of July celebrations, his favourite holiday. Teddy is one of six children, and although the siblings do not always get along, they are always there for one another. Teddy is sometimes called Mr. Serious and Weirdo by his brothers’ friends because he likes to read and talk to animals. On the morning of the fourth of July, the family head out to Tonto National Forest, for a picnic with their aunt, uncle, and cousins. As the parents prepare lunch, the children play dodgeball, frisbee and volleyball. When the children are called inside to get out of the hot Arizona sun, Teddy escapes the campsite for his own adventure. He wonders down the riverbank in search of wildlife, away from his annoying siblings and cousins. Teddy soon gets lost and starts to burn under the hot sun. But things get much worse for Teddy when he gets stuck in the mud, and then falls into a fast-flowing river. Teddy is swept far away from camp, but he floats on his back and treads water to keep afloat. When a storm arrives, the river swells, and Teddy is swept further downstream. Teddy is exhausted and gives up hope of seeing his family again. Will Teddy survive the rapid river torrent? And will he ever see his family again? Teddy: A Boy Who Swam with Angels is a chapter book for middle grade readers by author Sandra Sorenson-Kindt. This is a sweet and charming story about a young boy in search of wildlife and adventure, who falls into a river and is swept far away from his family. When the boy gives up hope, he is rescued by an angel who pulls him out of the river and directs him to safety. When the boy questions why he was saved because he is just an ordinary kid, his mother explains that he is special to her and God. Set in the late 1930’s, prior to the outbreak of war in Europe, this is a wonderfully nostalgic book of a precious time gone by. The author was inspired by the story of her father, who was swept away by a river on the fourth of July when he was a young boy. Her father believed he was saved by an angel that day. This is a beautifully written book, with exquisite, pencil drawn illustrations by Sandra Jessop. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderfully nostalgic children’s book, with important life lessons for all ages. Purchase here

< Back Kathleen J Shields The First Unicorn How the first unicorn got his horn. A young colt named Aden was different to all the other horses. He liked to do good deeds, give to others, and bring good cheer. One day, after helping a nest of baby birds who were being hunted by a wild cat, Aden was approached by an angel. The angel told Aden that God had been watching him and was impressed by his kind actions. God gifted Aden a golden horn, on the condition that he shares his gift with others. But when Aden went to tell his herd of his extraordinary gift, they were not pleased. They thought the horn could be used as a weapon against them, and they chased him away. Aden traveled for miles and finally settled in a new home deep in the woods, where he shared his gift with all the woodland creatures. With his new horn, he helped a trapped turtle escape from a cavern, and an injured hedgehog who was unable to gather food. Aden was happy in his new home, giving and helping others. But one day, Aden learns that his mother has been severely injured by a wolf. He returns home to his herd and prays to God to perform a miracle. God answers his prayers, and his mother recovers from her injuries. The herd, keen to learn from Aden’s miracle, soon become a herd of unicorns, sharing Gods word. The First Unicorn by Kathleen J. Shields is a thought-provoking Christian graphic novel for middle grade readers. Partly inspired by the movie ‘The Last Unicorn,’ Shields tells the story of the first unicorn and how the horn was a gift from God for demonstrating love, kindness, and goodness. Beautifully written in rhyme, with charming illustrations and an endearing protagonist, this book is a great way to engage younger children in conversations about faith. Overall, an enchanting story that explores the origins of the mythical creature that has captured the human imagination for centuries. The book will appeal to Christian readers, and anyone with an interest in these beautiful, mythical creatures. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An enchanting story, beautifully written in rhyme, with charming illustrations and an endorsing protagonist. Purchase here

< Back D Burton Smith Quoth the Raven Author D. Burton Smith offers a fascinating insight into the world of a young raven. Named after an Edgar Allan Poe poem, Quoth the North American raven lives high up in a nest on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the ocean. He is one of three chicks, and his mom and dad take good care of him and his siblings. They keep their nest fresh, clean, and tidy, and bring food for the chicks every day. Until he is two or three years old, and finds a partner of his own, Quoth joins a rowdy group of young ravens, called the unkindness of ravens. He enjoys dropping and catching objects from the sky, and he catches small animals, like mice, to eat. He likes shiny things, and often picks up objects that have been left by humans. One day, he meets a raven named Viola. After courting for many months, Quoth and Viola build a nest together and prepare for their own chicks. Quoth the Raven is a delightful and beautifully illustrated picture book by author D. Burton Smith, about the life of a North American raven, named Quoth. The book follows his journey from before he was born, his life as a chick and a young adolescent, until he meets a life partner of his own. Burton Smith describes the behaviours and habitat of this beautiful, and often misunderstood, bird. While often associated with death and illness, raven’s are one of the smartest birds in the world. They can use tools, play games, and mimic animal, bird, and even human sounds. Ravens can even recognise people and hold grudges against those who have wronged them! The illustrations by Paul Hock are stunning. Each page is a work of art, with vivid colours and intricate details that bring Quoth’s world to life. Written from the perspective of the raven, this is a charming story that will engage readers of all ages. While primarily aimed at children, the illustrations and story make it a pleasure to read for adults and children alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A delightful and beautifully illustrated picture book, that will spark children’s curiosity about the natural world and this magnificent species. Purchase here

< Back Bashir Bashir The Dreams Factory Book blurb... This is a story of a young boy named Jicho who realises that sometimes he can control his dreams. His excitement spills into his waking life as he passes the days mostly preparing for his dream time. However sparring with his subconscious leads to more than just the happy times, but reckoning with the sad as well. Get to know the wacky characters he meets along his dreamscape as he helps bring balance to a realm overrun by nightmares. Purchase here

< Back D.L. Bush Forgotten Secrets of the Tuscarora Eye: A Hannah Hallie Hawkins History Mystery Book blurb... It’s challenging enough to be a knobby-kneed eleven-year-old with braces, but for one who has inherited a family curse, things are especially complicated. Hannah never imagined what she and her best friends, Chan and Aimee, would discover when they stepped into her late great-aunt Buggy’s Victorian house in the Middle of Nowhere, North Carolina. The mansion, which had been in the Hawkins family for generations, held many long-forgotten secrets. One of those secrets, the curse of the Tuscarora Eye, would impact Hannah directly. With less than a week to find the wampum pendant, believed to offer protection for those born with the Tuscarora Eye, tensions are running high. The house itself, with its shadowy corners and spooky noises, only adds to the girls’ growing anxiety. Is the dark-haired boy, who is leaving mysterious messages in the woods, hoping to help or hinder the girls’ efforts? Will the girls be able to work together to solve Hannah’s most important mystery, or will Hannah’s insecurities tear them apart? Forgotten Secrets of the Tuscarora Eye is perfect for middle-grade mystery fans who enjoy old houses, adventuring, and family history. Purchase here

< Back Josh Weiss-Roessler Future Me and the VR Prison Book blurb... What if your future self told you the world was ending, and the only way to stop it was to… go to school?! Lu Jacobs used to believe if you did everything right, things would work out. Until her grandma died. Even though everyone said Lu could save her. So she stopped trying. Instead, she spends her time in The Aftermath, a VR game with clear rules and consequences, and a leaderboard her team has fought their way to the top of. Then her future self shows up. An artificial intelligence is rewriting the past. The future is collapsing. And the key to stopping it is hidden inside Prescott Academy, the most advanced school in the world. Hoverboard parks. Teachers who have invented microscopic medical drones and hacked the most secure networks. The VRoom, where students live their lessons. More than enough to keep Lu from thinking about her grandma. But somewhere inside it all, there’s also an AI pretending to be human. And if Lu can’t find it in time, the future becomes a virtual prison no one can escape. Lu does not have a plan. But she does have her team. That will have to be enough. Purchase here

< Back Sarah Lloyd Emma Murphy and the Ultimate Power An imaginative and entertaining debut novel by author Sarah Lloyd. Emma Murphy is a quiet, shy, ordinary girl, but on one extraordinary day at school, her life is turned upside down and changed forever. Her Uncle Rossa unexpectedly turns up at her school, and teleports her to another part of the city, where she meets her Aunt Scarlet and her cousins Jade and Simon. Emma learns that her parents have been arrested and detained by an alien government agency, and that her family has harboured a dark secret for many years. Emma and her family set out to rescue her parents and find shelter in a secret safe house. Emma discovers that her parents are not who she thought they were, and that she is a direct descendant of an alien Queen, with magical, superhuman powers. As Emma comes to terms with her new identity and new powers, she is thrust into battle with the aliens. Will Emma learn how to control her powers and save her family? And will she take up her rightful place as Queen of an alien planet? Emma Murphy and the Ultimate Power is an imaginative and entertaining chapter book about a young girl who discovers her true identity and is thrown into an extraordinary alien world of wonder and magic. The first book in a series of three, the ‘Ultimate Power’ is a great introduction to science fiction for younger readers. Emma is a relatable and likeable character, who must conquer her fears to save her family and secure her future. Her confidence grows throughout the book, and she transforms from a shy, anxious girl, into a strong, powerful, young woman. A great role model for girls and young women! I can’t wait to read more about Emma and her alien adventures in the future. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Set in an extraordinary alien world with a strong female protagonist, this is a great introduction to science fiction for younger readers. Purchase here

< Back A.M. Berkowitz The Magical Farm Mysteries: Bubble Gum Rocks Book blurb... A place where ordinary days turn into extraordinary adventures! When three curious sisters - Avianna, Avery, and Ainsley - spend the summer at their Grandma and Grandpa's farm, they stumble upon a magical and sparkly surprise, bubble gum rocks! What mysterious powers do these magical stones hold? Join the sisters as they discover the wonders of the magical farm in their delightful first mystery of The Magical Farm Mysteries series! Perfect for ages 6-10. Purchase here

< Back Stacey A. Raymond The Adventures of Bailey & Bernard: Bailey's Lost Ball Book blurb... Join Bailey, the lovable shaggy sheepdog, and Bernard, her quick-witted seagull best friend, in The Adventures of Bailey & Bernard: Bailey's Lost Ball! When Bailey's favorite red ball gets swept away by the ocean’s waves, it's up to Bernard to save the day—armed with his guitar and a heart full of song. Together, they face the splashing surf with courage, creativity, and a little help from a musical melody. This heartwarming tale is packed with fun, friendship, and the power of teamwork. Perfect for young readers, Bailey's Lost Ball reminds us that no challenge is too big when you’ve got the right friend by your side. So, what would you do if your favorite ball disappeared into the sea? Dive in with Bailey and Bernard for a journey of laughter, tunes, and endless adventure! Purchase here

< Back Kim C. Lee and Dr. Troy E. Boddy A Proud History for Alex Alex celebrates Black history and culture on a special field trip. Ms. Robinson is planning a field trip to the Sandy Spring Slave Museum and African Art Gallery. The students are excited, but one student named Alex is apprehensive. He has learnt about slavery, and doesn’t want the trip to make him sad or angry. Alex’s mom reassures him, and his dad agrees to accompany him on the trip. During the trip, Alex and the other students learn that Black history did not start with slavery, but that slavery interrupted Black history. They learn about the continent of Africa and how enslaved Black people built the foundations of the United States of America. They learn about Black culture; influential Black people such as Martin Luther King Jnr; how Africans created science, mathematics, religion, medicine, and education; the Civil Rights Movement; and notable achievements of Black people. While Alex and some other students are distressed when they hear about racism and discrimination against Black people, Alex is proud when he learns that his own family are part of the history of Sandy Spring. A Proud History for Alex is an inspiring and thought-provoking picture book for newly independent readers by authors Kim C. Lee and Dr. Troy E. Boddy. The book follows the journey of Alex and a group of young students as they visit the Sandy Spring Slave Museum and African Art Gallery on a school field trip, and learn more about Black history. The book captures Alex’s emotions; his initial apprehension about the trip, and feelings of pride when he learns how enslaved African people built America, and how Black culture has shaped society. The book provides an engaging summary of Black history, accessible for young readers. The authors emphasise the contributions and achievements of African Americans, highlighting their significant role in shaping the nation. The book also addresses the struggles faced by American Americans, in an age-appropriate way. I particularly enjoyed the mixed method artwork, which creates a powerful visual narrative and complements the text beautifully. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An inspiring and thought-provoking picture book for younger readers, celebrating Black history and Black culture in the United States. Purchase here

< Back Barbara C. Mishkin TIP's Magical Birthday It is Thaddeus Issac Pendleton’s (aka Little TIP’s) tenth birthday, and he is looking forward to his first ever birthday party at his new house. The house is decorated, TIP wears his best clothes, and he waits for his friends to arrive. His friend Oliver is high spirited and has lots of friends. Katie is kind-hearted and gentle, and loves to wear a bow in her hair. Twins, Marco and Mario love sports and are good athletes. TIP’s friend Malik is from Senegal, and he is a good wrestler. His friend Jimmy wears a patch on his eye, and his friend Henry walks with a cane. As more and more friends arrive at the party, TIP recognises that each friend is interesting, unique, and very special. The entertainment begins and his friend Lucas is the magician for the party, and another friend is the puppeteer. As they all tuck into their party food, TIP receives an unexpected gift from his grandmom and grandpop. TIP's Magical Birthday is a fun picture book, by author Barbara C. Mishkin, about a young boy who celebrates his tenth birthday with his friends. The story shows how individual differences – whether cultural, physical, interest-based or personality-based – enhance friendships. Through this simple yet engaging story, young readers will learn the importance of kindness and inclusivity. The illustrations are bright and engaging, capturing the excitement of a birthday party, while showcasing each friends unique traits. Overall, a delightful picture book and a reminder for children (and grown-ups) that the best celebrations are those with family and friends, where everyone is welcomed, valued and respected. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : A fun and delightful picture book for young readers, and a wonderful celebration of diversity, inclusion and friendship. www.tipsmagicaljourneybook.com Purchase here

< Back Lori Giesey Staycation Book blurb... “Is that what you're feeling?” Papa has to stay close to home this year, so Mima adapts Cousin Camp into a staycation adventure Charlie, Maddie, and Sophie will never forget. When big feelings arise during pool parties, crafting, and climbing, they must learn to lean in and listen or let the discomfort ruin their opportunities for laughter and growth. After three decades of facilitating adventures for youth and adults in both personal and professional settings, Mima (aka Lori Giesey) is capturing the most memorable moments from real-life events in Cousin Camp Chronicles, a series of purposeful adventures curated to help young children cultivate their imagination, sense of wonder, and belief in themselves. Join a growing group of cousins who learn they are physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger than they think, especially when they work together. Avid adventurer Mima (aka Lori Giesey) finds joy in helping others discover their strengths and power. Purchase here