< Back Steven Thedford The First Fruits Festival of Kwanzaa (A Zulu Celebration) Shaka Thomas from Charlotte, North Carolina, is preparing to honor his ancestors by singing the ngoma at the Kwanzaa first fruits harvest festival in South Africa. The festival (also known as the Calabash Festival or Umkhosi Woselwa) is a celebration among Zulus. Shaka’s grandmother was the first daughter of the Zulu king, who moved to America after marrying a man from the United States. She promised to return to South Africa every year with her family to attend festival. But Shaka is still recovering from his last bout of sickle cell anaemia and is unsure whether he will be strong enough to sing. The book highlights the significance of family, community, and cultural heritage, and offers readers a fascinating insight into the vibrant traditions of the Zulu people and the African American holiday of Kwanzaa. Through Shaka’s journey, readers learn about different cultural practices, such as the Reed Dance, the royal tasting ceremony, and the energetic Indlamu dance, and of the importance of honoring ancestors, preserving traditions, and overcoming personal challenges. The glossary at the end provides helpful definitions of key terms, enhancing the reader’s understanding of Zulu culture and language. The First Fruits Festival of Kwanzaa by Steven C. Thedford is an engaging and educational story that celebrates African heritage and the universal values of family, courage, and cultural pride. It serves as a valuable resource for readers seeking to learn more about the traditions of Kwanzaa and the Zulu people, while inspiring them to embrace their own cultural traditions. The illustrations by Khosi Pholosa beautifully complement the story, bringing the story to life with vivid depictions of family gatherings, traditional attire, and ceremonial events. The book also touches on themes of resilience, as Shaka overcomes his fears and physical limitations to perform at the festival, supported by his family and cousin Lincoln. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An engaging and educational story celebrating Zulu culture and African heritage. 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 Liza Martini Squirrels of Speedwell Farms Book blurb... When squirrels begin disappearing from their scurry homes in the suburbs of Speedwell Farms, one young squirrel sets out to uncover the truth behind the mystery. Along the way, he faces betrayal, danger, and heartbreaking secrets that challenge everything he believes about family and loyalty. Filled with suspense, adventure, and plenty of humor, this unforgettable woodland tale celebrates courage and resilience in the face of change. Young readers will be captivated by the richly imagined world, memorable characters, and fast-paced storytelling that keeps pages turning. Perfect for fans of heartwarming animal adventures and coming-of-age journeys filled with hope and determination. Purchase here

< Back Diann Floyd Boehm Charlie and the Tire Swing - How it Began A charming story about the special bond between grandparent and child, by author Diann Floyd Boehm Charlie looks at the big oak tree outside his grandparent’s kitchen window, and asks his Grandpa Jack, how did the oak tree grow so big? Grandpa Jacks tells Charlie a story from his own childhood, when he found a little acorn and with the help of his own grandfather, planted it in the garden. Young Jack waited patiently for the acorn to grow and visited his grandparents every weekend to check the trees progress. Over many weeks and months, there was still no sign of a tree, and Jack feared the little acorn had been washed away in the rainstorms, or frozen in the winter snow. Until one spring day, a little sapling sprouted from the ground. Jack took very good care of the little tree, watering it, talking to it, and protecting it from the frost in winter. Over several years, the little sapling grew into a magnificent tree, and became home to many creatures, including cardinals, owls and hawks. The tree was enjoyed by the whole family for many years, as the house and beloved tree were passed through the generations. Grandpa Jack asks Charlie to take good care of the tree and he ties an old rope and tire to the branches, so Charlie can play and enjoy the splendid specimen. Charlie and the Tire Swing: How it Began by author Diann Floyd Boehm is a sweet and wonderful picture book about a young boy and his exploration with nature with his grandfather. It shows the beauty of the relationship between child and grandparent, as Grandpa Jack lovingly tells the young boy a story from his own childhood over a mug of hot chocolate. In an age of gaming, technology, high energy entertainment and social media, this is a reminder of the simpler things in life, and the importance of nurturing relationships through conversations and storytelling. I hope this book will encourage both young children and adults to explore nature in their own backyard, and beyond. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet, wonderful and warm intergenerational story and exploration of nature. Purchase here

< Back Charles Byrd The Reaper's Guide on How NOT to Take a Soul! A young girl dreams of becoming a Grim Reaper. Eleven-year-old Lyra Corvin is a living girl in the Underworld. She has no memory of her childhood or recollection of how she came to the Underworld. Lyra works as an assistant to a Grim Reaper named Silas. She hopes one day to become a Grim Reaper herself, but Silas does not think she has the necessary people skills to do the job. But, when a strange case presents itself to the Grim Reaper, he asks for Lyra’s help. Lyra is sent to the Living Realm, to help guide a young boy to the Afterlife, but the circumstances on the death scroll keep changing. Lyra meets the boy named Casper at a bus stop, and discovers she is not invisible to him, as expected. Casper is scared of Lyra and runs away. As she tries to catch him, Lyra trips and falls, and her precious necklace is broken in the tussle. Casper falls in the road and is hit by a bus. His soul leaves his body and becomes a ghost, but his body does not die. Lyra must take Casper to the Underworld to seek Silas’s advice. During the journey, Lyra and Casper are chased by Soul Eaters who want to capture their souls. But when Silas suddenly disappears, Lyra seeks help from various creatures of the Underworld. She wants to help return Casper’s soul to his body, find her necklace, and understand why she has no memories of her childhood. As Lyra and Casper try to evade capture from Soul Eaters and Spectres, they go on a journey to the Greek Afterlife, where Lyra finally learns the truth about her family history. The Reaper's Guide on How NOT to Take a Soul! by Charles Byrd is a funny and slightly scary book for young readers about ghosts and ghouls, spectres and soul eaters, and all kinds of terrifying creatures that inhabit the Underworld. The book follows a seemingly ordinary girl who somehow came to live in the Underworld, and her work as an assistant Grim Reaper. At just eleven, she is not quite ready to step into the Grim Reaper’s shoes, and she must learn the key tricks of the trade. Byrd crafts a rich, detailed world, filled with intriguing characters and dark secrets. Overall, this is a unique and captivating book that explores the darkly enchanting world of life, death and the supernatural. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An imaginative, funny and slightly scary book for young readers about the job of a Grim Reaper, and the ghosts and ghouls that inhabit the Underworld. Purchase here

< Back Karissa Nix I Can Go Anywhere Book blurb... Let's go on an adventure! Kambria has a magic trick; she can go anywhere, and she doesn't need a car, a train, or a plane. All she needs is her imagination! Today Kambria is traveling to different national parks around the United States and learning about the things that make each one of them special. First, she goes to see the trails of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. Then she visits Acadia National Park, on an island near Maine. She goes to Florida, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Washington State, and so many more. Kambria's imaginary exploration takes her from coast to coast across the country as she shares interesting facts for everyone to enjoy. This children's story introduces many of the largest and most well-known national parks in the United States with descriptions and fun facts about each one. Purchase here

< Back I.K. Silver Little Wanderers: The Everlasting Seasons A tiny dwarf goes on a big adventure into the unknown, by author I.K. Silver Snowy is a tiny, grumpy dwarf who lives in the Winter Village, where winter lingers all year long. He spends his days cutting down trees in the forest, in the freezing snow and biting winds, but he dreams of adventure and a better life. Snowy hasn’t ventured beyond the village, and wants to explore the outside world. When he reads a book about the Originem, a village from another age and time, where there is undiscovered treasure, and the sun always shines and the green grass grows, he decides that’s where he must go. So he packs his bags and leaves the pearly white village to find the Originem and its hidden treasure. Snowy sets off and meets a new friend, Kokoro, and together they travel through magical lands, where they meet lots of strange creatures and encounter many dangers along the way. Their journey is long and hard, but before they reach their final destination, the friends must first solve the mysteries surrounding the four villages of everlasting seasons. Little Wanderers: The Everlasting Seasons is a captivating fantasy adventure book by author IK Silver, with a multitude of interesting creatures and characters, an enticing plot, and a magical world that will engage middle grade readers. This is an action-packed book, full of imagination, exploration and adventure, which will appeal to those who enjoy fantasy fiction and adventure stories. Snowy is a unique, funny and strong-willed character, who shows strength, courage and determination to leave his home and follow his dream. The book has all the key ingredients for a wonderful fantasy fiction story, a magical world, adventure and danger, colourful characters, and valuable life lessons. The book is most suited to younger readers in this age category. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A captivating fantasy adventure, with a multitude of interesting characters, an enticing plot, and a magical world that will engage middle grade readers. Purchase here

< Back Charly Froh Lotti and the Impossible Dream Lotti overcomes many obstacles to follow her dream, by author Charly Froh Eleven-year-old Lotti starts a new school at Little Hill Middle School, New York. Lottie tries desperately hard to try and hide her knee injury and the scar on her leg, from a medical accident when she was a baby. Teased throughout kindergarten, Lotti vowed never to reveal her scar again. But the school rules state she has to wear the school PE uniform and Lotti is required to wear a pair of shorts. Her classmates notice the scar on her leg and tease her relentlessly. When an Olympic rhythmic gymnast visits the school and showcases her skills, Lotti is fascinated by the sport. She contacts the gymnasium and joins up straight away. Lotti worries about wearing a leotard and revealing her scar to the other gymnasts, but also worries whether she can achieve the skills and flexibility required, due to her knee injury. Lotti does not want special treatment, and through hard work and determination, makes the team who will compete in the upcoming Junior Regional Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships . Lotti finds friendship and a sense of belonging at the gym, and is determined to succeed in the sport. At the same time, she settles into school, develops new friendships, experiences her first slumber party, and goes on a date to the movies with a boy. But as the Junior Regional Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship approaches, Lotti is anxious about wearing the championship leotard, and revealing her scar to her teammates. When her teammates notice the scar, some of them question her place on the team, and think she has taken the place of a more capable gymnast. Lotti’s role in the championship is put in jeopardy. Will Lotti’s team mates accept her place in the team? Will she compete in the Regional Championships? And can she put her traumatic kindergarten experience behind her to move forward in life and shine in the sport she loves so much? Lotti and the Impossible Dream by author Charly Froh is a sweet, heart-warming and inspiring story about a young girl who is determined to follow her dream. Against all odds, and with the support of a loving family, supportive coach and good friends, Lotti overcomes many challenges and becomes a successful rhythmic gymnast. Based on a true story, this book will inspire others to follow their own dreams. Young readers will relate to Lotti’s experiences, her fears and anxieties, lack of confidence, school bullies, and struggle to fit in. It will help to develop confidence, self-esteem and resilience in younger readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet, heart-warming and humorous novel, which will inspire young readers to follow their dreams. Purchase here

< Back Nikita Kapoor Pack of the Lost- The Uninviting Forest Two young wolves must face their fears and enter a dangerous forest, by author Nikita Kapoor A pack of majestic wolves live peacefully in a cave on the edge of the forest on a crooked mountain. But when the roof collapses and the cave crumbles, two young wolves, Daffodil and Jasper, become separated from the pack. Jasper tries to persuade Daffodil to search for the pack in the forbidden, uninviting forest. The forest has hidden dangers and Daffodil is scared, but she won’t allow Jasper to journey alone. She reluctantly agrees, and together they venture into the depths of the forest. Jasper and Daffodil are chased by hungry tigers, and become separated. Jasper desperately searches for Daffodil, and whilst trying to avoid danger, he meets two dogs, Cosmo and Nova. Meanwhile, Daffodil is lost, scared and alone, deep in the forest. She meets a white wolf named Iris and finds a magical amulet, with a connection to her ancestors and the wolf god, Felix. The ghost of Felix helps the pair out of danger and the friends are reunited, but Daffodil is troubled by inner turmoil, and Jasper is haunted by a disturbing dream. Will the pair ever find their way out of the uninviting forest? And can they rebuild their pack? The Uninviting Forest, by ten-year old author Nikita Kapoor, is an imaginative, magical, fantasy fiction novel for middle grade readers. This is the first book in the Pack of the Lost series, and is packed full of action and adventure. The two main characters show strength, determination and leadership skills, as they face their fears and overcome many challenges in the forest. With excellent writing for someone so young, superb world-building, and captivating characters, Nikita Kapoor is a talent to watch out for. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An imaginative, magical, fantasy fiction novel, packed full of action and adventure. Purchase here

< Back Michael Dow Nurse Florence Why and How Do We Sneeze? A lesson in sneezing from Nurse Florence, by author Michael Dow Friends, Jean, Condi, and Sonia are playing together in the playground, when suddenly Sonia sneezes. At lunch time they sit with Nurse Florence, and Sonia explains that she sneezed whilst playing outside, and asks her to explain why. Nurse Florence explains that there are many different reasons why people sneeze, but one common cause of sneezing is caused by different types of allergens that are present in the air we breathe, such as dust mites, bacteria and pollen. She explains what people can do to reduce sneezing, such as trying to avoid the allergens that make you sneeze, and allergy medications for those who sneeze a lot. Nurse Florence, Why and How Do We Sneeze? By Michael Dow is an educational and entertaining book for young readers about the human body, and why and how people sneeze. This book introduces readers to the human body, biology and medicine, in a fun, engaging, accessible and age-appropriate way for younger readers. The book will help children understand medical terminology and build vocabulary about the human body, and is a great resource for parents, carers, teachers and medical professionals to help explain the workings of the human body to younger aged children. Inspired by the work of Florence Nightingale, this book also provides a great introduction to the role of the nurse, and is ideal for those who are interested in nursing, medicine, science and other healthcare professions. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An educational and entertaining book for young readers about the human body. Highly recommended. Purchase here

< Back Kathleen Troy Dylan's Villain Dylan’s Dog Squad is back and they face their biggest challenge yet, by author Kathleen Troy Twelve-year-old Casey, his American Cocker Spaniel, Dylan, and Casey’s best friend Sumo, make up Dylan’s Dog Squad, a trio of detectives on a mission to solve mysteries, and find missing persons and animals. The Squad has been hired by their neighbour, ten-year-old Holly, to solve their first case. A famous chimpanzee, Bailey, has disappeared from his treehouse, while at the same time, the police are investigating missing postal packages across the town. As Dylan tracks down the mischievous chimp, and saves him from drowning in a neighbours swimming pool, he is captured on camera and becomes an overnight social media sensation. The newfound celebrities are invited to the opening of a new primate habitat at San Diego Zoo, where Dylan saves the day again when Bailey wreaks havoc in the visitor’s centre. Returning home, Dylan hopes that he will pass the coveted American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Test at the Dream Big K-9 Academy. But, as Dylan finally takes his test, the owner of the Academy collapses and is suddenly rushed to hospital. The trio are faced with their biggest case yet, as they discover a notorious criminal, the Sledgehammer, has put the future of the Academy in jeopardy. The Squad risk their reputations and their lives to expose the Sledgehammer, and bring him to justice. Will Dylan’s Dog Squad catch the criminal? Will the trio save the Academy from closure? And, will Dylan ever pass his Good Citizen Test? Dylan's Villain is the third instalment of the Dylan's Dog Squad series, by author Kathleen Troy. This is a charming and humorous book for young readers, with a captivating plot, and loveable and entertaining characters. I particularly enjoyed the special bond shared between Casey and Dylan, and Dylan’s sweet and funny commentary throughout the book. Readers will be thoroughly entertained and will laugh out loud at Dylan’s antics and observations. This was a delight to read and will captivate readers of all ages. I look forward to reading more from Kathleen Troy and Dylan’s Dog Squad in the future. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming chapter book for readers of all ages, with a host of entertaining and amusing characters. Purchase here

< Back MM Myers Blessings Through Time Blessings Through Time is a heartfelt work of fiction that weaves together faith, family, and spiritual heritage through the unique lens of a historic doll. Authored by Mary Myers, the book offers a gentle yet profound exploration of Christian values. The story is structured around the experiences of Faith, a young girl who inherits a doll said to have been crafted by Mary, the mother of Jesus, and later enhanced by Jesus and Joseph. This doll, passed down through generations, becomes a tangible symbol of faith, hope, and love. The narrative alternates between Faith’s present-day experiences and the doll’s own recollections, which span from biblical times to the modern era. This dual perspective allows readers to witness both the historical and personal significance of the doll, making the story accessible and engaging for readers of all ages. One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to blend spiritual lessons with relatable family moments. Through the doll’s stories, readers are transported to the childhood of Jesus, witnessing his kindness, curiosity, and the loving relationships within the Holy Family. The doll recounts moments such as Jesus playing in the hills, learning carpentry from Joseph, and teaching others with compassion and wisdom. The book highlights the importance of intergenerational faith. The act of passing down the doll mirrors the transmission of spiritual values and family stories, emphasizing that faith is both a personal journey and a communal inheritance. Myers’ writing is simple, sincere, and evocative, making the book suitable for children, families, and anyone interested in faith-based stories. The tone is nurturing and uplifting, with a focus on hope, resilience, and belief. Through the journey of a humble doll, Myers invites readers to reflect on their own spiritual heritage and the ways in which love and faith are passed down through generations. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A touching and imaginative tale that celebrates family, love and faith. Purchase here