< 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 Deborah Cholette Digger: Dig or Die! Nick and his friends battle to save humanity from an environmental disaster. It is just another ordinary day at school for Nick, when his friend Stewie charges into the classroom yelling the sky is falling. The school implements emergency evacuation procedures, and Nick and his friends are sent home. NASA officials confirm there is a large crack in the earth’s magnetosphere, causing the atmosphere to leak out into space. The level of breathable air has fallen to just a few miles above sea level, and people are advised to move to the lowest altitude possible. Not doing so may result in death! Nick, his mom, and his sister move into the basement of their house. Unbeknownst to his family, Nick has previously dug a secret tunnel from his house to the ravine. Nick was inspired by his builder-dad, who left the family home some years ago. As the level of breathable air continues to fall, everyone’s life is in danger and the most vulnerable members of the community are isolated in their homes. To help those in greatest need, Nick has an idea to dig further tunnels and connect the houses in the community by an underground network. As Nick enlists the help of his trusted friends, there are others in the community who will stop at nothing to save themselves. Digger: Dig or Die! is an illustrated book for newly independent readers by Deborah Cholette. This is a thought-provoking, fast-paced, action packed, sci-fi adventure, set in a post-apocalyptic world. The book considers what might happen if humans ignore the climate change emergency and continue to burn fossil fuels. Nick and his friends come together to try and save humanity and repair the damage to the earth, caused by adults. Along the way, the kids are faced with a number of obstacles and moral dilemmas, which tests their friendship and their own belief systems. The book encourages readers to think critically about the environment and climate change, and will hopefully inspire young readers to take action to protect it. Overall, an imaginative yet entirely believable science fiction story. Perfect for readers who enjoy science fiction and are interested in the environment and climate change. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An imaginative, thought-provoking, action packed, sci-fi adventure, about a group of kids who try and save humanity and repair the damage to the earth, caused by adults. Purchase here

< Back Tracey Sullivan The Polar Bear in the Closet Book blurb... Scotty is a precocious kindergartner that believes his neighbor, Miss Cora, lives with a polar bear named Poley. He shares his arctic adventures with his teacher, Miss Gracie, his classmates, and Mom a LOT. In fact, Scotty wears a parka to school everyday even thought it is hot out. Mom and Miss Cora come up with a plan so that Scotty can meet the real Poley. Scotty's fantasy takes a twist that introduces him to a new friend. Miss Gracie even gets permission from the principal for Scotty to bring Poley to school. Scotty's friends, Jessica and Ian, are excited to finally meet Poley. In this children's story, a young boy's imagination with a polar bear takes a surprising turn with Poley overcoming shyness, and a magical friendship begins. Purchase here

< Back J.T. Tenera Erift's Journeys: The Dark Messengers Joseph and Eric are back in another magical adventure, by author J.T. Tenera The Dark Messengers is the second instalment in the Erift's Journeys series, by author J.T. Tenera. It has been a year since Joseph Erift and his best friend, Eric Castis, embarked on a magical gaming adventure in the remote Murean Islands. During the trip, they met an eccentric researcher, Professor Benjamin Thessit, and were asked to track down a young man named Ryan Morter, who had stolen the Professor’s research. Life has pretty much returned back to normality in their hometown of Sethen County, and Joseph and Eric are preparing for college, when the friends are suddenly chased by strange, black shadowy creatures. They receive an urgent letter from the Professor, with VIP plane tickets, requesting their immediate return to Murean. Joseph and Eric travel back to the Murean Islands and reunite with the Professor. They discover that the strange shadowy creatures are connected to Ryan Morter, and the events that took place in the Sealed Forest a year ago. As the creatures follow their every move, Joseph and Eric must act quickly to assist the Professor, and avert the biggest catastrophe the world has ever faced, before his research is shut down by the Secretive Information Agency. The Dark Messengers by author J.T. Tenera is an epic, action-packed, sequel to the Secrets of The Sealed Forest. The book picks up a year after the first book in the series ended, and introduces some new characters, as well as the return of the two memorable protagonists, Joseph and Eric, and the eccentric Professor. I enjoyed this book even more than the first book, particularly from a character development perspective. It was great to see the characters, their relationships, and their magic, grow and develop through the series. This is a fun, entertaining and magical novel, that will appeal to middle grade readers and young adults alike. Highly recommended. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An epic, action-packed sequel, with memorable characters, and a captivating, magical world. Purchase here

< Back AC Bradburn Agent Pangolin - The Mystery of the Shiny Moon A little pangolin goes on an epic adventure as she is transported from the lush forest to the city of London, by author AC Bradburn Sunda, a Sumatran pangolin, is busy foraging for ants in the forest, when she is chased by a frightened tiger cub. She manages to escape the predator, but soon discovers that humans with guns have entered the forest and are capturing the native creatures. She notices a human bundle her parents into a sack, and follows the thief to the ocean, where she becomes trapped in a fruit freezer, onboard a vessel. Several weeks later, Sunda disembarks the vessel and finds herself on the streets of London. She meets Sidney Squirrel and Hector Hedgehog and finds a new home in the Kings Cross Nature Reserve. It’s a far cry from the Sumatran forest, but she has friends, shelter and plenty of grubs to eat. But, just as Sunda starts to settle into life in London, her home and community is put in danger again, as builders enter the nature reserve. Sunda responds immediately, and helps her friends to block a bulldozer, stalling the construction of a new office development. Her ingenuity and leadership is noticed, and Sunda is recruited as an undercover agent into the ‘Web of Light’, a secret, global network of nature activists. The ‘Web of Light’ has a solution to save the reserve, but first Sunda must solve the mystery of the shiny moon. Sunda sets out on her mission, and travels across London, through sewers, across the River Thames, and into the Houses of Parliament, where she discovers a connection with a great Warrior Queen. Will Sunda solve the mystery of the shiny moon? Will she save the nature reserve from destruction? And will she ever return to Sumatra and see her parents again? Agent Pangolin - The Mystery of the Shiny Moon by author AC Bradburn is an epic adventure / mystery novel about a little pangolin, who is inadvertently transported from the lush Sumatran Forest into the concrete city of London. Sunda is a charming character: little but mighty, strong but sensitive, feisty but compassionate. Despite her own tragic loss, she shows great courage and determination, to save her new friends. The book highlights the devastating destruction of the natural environment by humankind, and will help young readers to understand some of the issues impacting our planet. This is a great book for newly independent readers, and those who are interested in action, adventure, and the environment. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An epic adventure across continents, with a charming pangolin protagonist. Purchase here

< Back Caryn Rivadeneira Monster Match: Frankinschool Book 1 Fred meets his monster match. Fred is given a book by his teacher, following an author visit, which is inscribed to a Frank. It is a mystery, as Fred definitely recalls his mom asking for the inscription for Fred. In creative writing, the class is asked to write a story about What if...? Fred looks at his new book and has an idea. What if I am Frank in school? Frank-in-school? Frankinschool? As Fred starts to pen his story, a green mist covers the classroom, the children fall asleep, and Fred discovers that his story has come to life. He is magically transformed into Frankinschool, and his enemy, Luisa, has also transformed into Princess Maria Luisa Octavia. The pair learn that they must work together to solve the mystery of green mist to wake their classmates. Frankinschool and Princess visit the school attic, where they find a laboratory infested with bats, mice, and a rather friendly ghost, named Frank. Frank has invented a potion to send children to sleep so that he can steel their books. Frank wants his book back and will do anything to get it! Will Frankinschool and Princess recover the book before Frank finds it? Will Frank ever escape from the confines of the attic? And can they wake their classmates from their slumber? Monster Match: Frankinschool Book 1 by author Caryn Rivadeneira is a funny and entertaining chapter book for middle grade readers about a young boy who writes a story and is suddenly transformed into Frankinschool in his creative writing class. He must join forces with his number one enemy, to help him solve the mystery and return back to his human self. This is a unique and imaginative book, and will appeal to children who enjoy fantasy, adventure, and suspense. A great first instalment of a planned series, and I look forward to more adventures from Frankinschool and Princess. The wonderful black and white illustrations by Dani Jones complement the story perfectly. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A funny, entertaining, and slightly spooky chapter book for middle grade readers. Purchase here

< Back Dr Janice Cohn Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine When war breaks out in Ukraine, a young boy named Artem is sent away to Poland with his mother, while his father stays behind to fight in the army. Artem is scared and struggles to understand. He doesn’t want to leave his country or his father. Arriving in Poland, Artem and his mother are driven by volunteers to a Welcoming Center. At the centre, Artem and his mother meet a chef named Paulo working in the World Central Kitchen. A week later, they find a place to stay with a Polish family, but Artem will never forget the kindness shown by Paolo and the other volunteers. Meanwhile, a girl in America named Hannah wanted to help the war effort in Ukraine, but didn’t know how. She decides to raise money for the World Central Kitchen to help feed Ukrainian children. She makes potato pancakes, a Ukrainian treat and wraps them with yellow and blue ribbons, the official colors of Ukraine. She sells the ‘freedom pancakes’ in her neighbourhood and sends all the money straight to the World Central Kitchen. Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine is a powerful and heartfelt book by author Dr Janice Cohn, about the impact of war on Ukrainian children. The book connects the stories of a young boy from Ukraine who is forced to flee to Poland with his mother when the war breaks out, with the story of a young American girl who raises money to help feed Ukrainian children. Based on real-life experiences of Paulo and Hannah, Artem and his mother are composite characters. Cohn gently introduces young readers to the realities of war with empathy and compassion, and encourages others to support children in need across the world. The stunning illustrations by Ukrainian Yana Holubiatnikova, with hues of yellow and blue, capture the sombre mood of fear and displacement. They elevate this story into something unforgettable. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A timely and age appropriate exploration of the war in Ukraine, told from the perspective of children. Purchase here

< Back Kate Mathos Georgie Karras and the Niddle of Nern In 1941, as Europe is ravaged by the second World War, a ten-year old girl from Chicago faces an entirely different battle. Georgia Karras’s father has enlisted in the army to help with the war effort, while Georgia discovers a strange green light emanating from her attic. Georgia and her best friend Sam follow the light and find a curious letter and a small bottle of pixie potion. They fall through the floorboards and find themselves in a strange world, known as the Kingdom of Nern. As Georgia and Sam try to make sense of their new world, they meet a pixie named Lizl and a purple ‘fuzzball’ creature named Ned. They learn that many years ago, the current King of Nern began a war with the rightful Queen Aurelia. Georgia and Sam are sent on a perilous quest across Nern to find a mysterious amulet and to right the wrongs perpetrated by the King. On the journey, Georgia discovers that her father’s involvement in the war effort was not quite what she was led to believe. As Georgia tries to find the truth about her father, and restore the rightful queen on the throne, the Kings Guard and evil Leechers will stop at nothing to catch her. Georgie Karras and the Niddle of Nern is a fantasy fiction novel for middle-grade readers, by author Kate Mathos. Set in 1940’s Chicago, the book whisks readers away to an alternate world, brimming with magic and mystery. The story follows Georgia, an ordinary girl with an extraordinary destiny. Packed full of action and adventure, with a colourful cast of characters, and captivating twists and turns, the book will keep young readers on the edge of their seats. With pixies, sea witches, merfolk, dragons, pirates, and many more wonderful creatures, this book has all the ingredients for an epic fantasy fiction story. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A captivating fantasy fiction novel, with a colourful cast of characters, set in the magical and mysterious world of Nern. https://a.co/d/cS3yBPT Purchase here

< Back Hazem Nassar I Spy Amira is enjoying her favorite game, playing I-spy while swinging from a tree. She spies something green, something blue, something orange and something purple. She spies beauty all around her. But the peace and tranquillity is suddenly disrupted when a strange object hurtles through the sky. Amira struggles to open her eyes and cannot spy anything at all. I Spy is an illustrated picture book by Hazem Nassar about the harsh realities of war. Told from the perspective of a young girl named Amira, the book follows her journey to recovery and healing following a traumatic and life-threatening event. The text and illustrations convey a sense of despair and helplessness, and the imagery of Amira barely managing to open her eyes and almost letting go is deeply moving. The story transitions to a broader perspective, showing the impact of war on the wider community. The illustrations show journalists and medical professionals, highlighting the role of media and healthcare workers in documenting and addressing the consequences of conflict. The presence of diverse individuals, including those in wheelchairs and children, emphasizes the widespread and indiscriminate impact of war on people of all ages and backgrounds. The narrative also explores themes of resilience and hope. Despite the devastation, Amira observes the world around her, noting the colors and the return of people to their homeland. Overall, I Spy is a poignant reflection on the impact of war, particularly on children and communities. With simple and powerful illustrations and heart-wrenching storytelling, the book captures the fragility of life, the resilience of the human spirit, and the hope for a brighter future. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A poignant and deeply moving reflection on the impact of war on children and communities. Purchase here

< Back Tricia Copeland Azreya Aztec Priestess A young Aztec girl's journey of courage, self-discovery and emancipation. Azreya is born with light eyes and a mark on her hand. Her parents fear she is cursed, and they seek advice from a shaman, Nukpana, just two days after her birth. Nukpana confirms Azreya is Tepeyollotl, the Aztec god and Lord of Darkness, with hidden powers and the ability to transform into a beast. Nukpana suggests he trains Azreya to subdue her inner beast, help her learn to control it, and harness her gifts. Just before her fourth birthday, Azreya is sent to live with Nukpana. He trains her daily through games, physical activity, and meditation. She connects with her inner beast, a spotted leopard she names Tecuani. She also discovers her special gift is the ability to hear other peoples thoughts and see the future. For many years Azreya is hidden away, but, as Nukpana attempts to reintroduce her into society, she is ridiculed because she is different to other children. As Azreya harnesses her gifts, Nukpana asks her to help him perform his shaman duties incognito. Azreya is able to help many people by looking into their future and diverting them from danger. Soon, word gets out that Nukpana is an exceptional shaman, and he is asked to help the King. But when Azreya learns that Nukpana has lied to the King, and also realises he has exploited her for many years, she decides to escape. Alone, afraid, and scared her inner beast might surface, Azreya goes in search of her family. But, when Nukpana reveals Azreya’s true identity, she is soon pursued by the King and his army. Azreya, Aztec Priestess, by author Tricia Copeland is an engrossing chapter book for middle grade readers based on Aztec mysticism and mythology. The book is told from Azreya’s perspective, a young girl born with special gifts and extraordinary powers. The book follows her journey from birth to her teenage years, as she is torn from her family and forced to live with a shaman who exploits her for his own personal gain. It is a journey of courage, self-discovery, and emancipation, as Azreya fights for her life and her people. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and the illustrations by Matt Maes are divine. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fascinating and engaging book about Aztec mythology for middle grade readers. Purchase here

< Back Ruthie Godfrey Wagon of Worries Book blurb... We find what we are looking for... What started as a fun new collection for Mable quickly grows out-of-hand and overwhelming. She soon discovers that she can find worries everywhere she looks. So what will Mable do with all of these worries she's collected? Perhaps she can let someone else take care of them for her. A beautifully illustrated children's book touching on themes of worry and anxiety, identity, and faith. This sweet picture book is a perfect addition to your collection and makes a wonderful gift, too. Also check out other fan-favorites from award-winning author, Ruthie Godfrey. Great for bedtime reading, anytime reading, lessons in the classroom, homeschool lessons, school library collections and more! Purchase here

< Back Heather Mateus Sappenfield The River Between Hearts A young girls’ American Dream is thwarted when her family is deported, by author Heather Mateus Sappenfield Ten-year-old Rill Kruse reluctantly follows her cat to Fort Kruse, the tree house built by her father. Fort Kruse is a special place for Rill and the Kruse family, but she hasn’t visited since her father went missing over a year ago, following a kayaking accident on the Colorado river. Krill refuses to accept her father is gone, and believes he is lost somewhere down the river and will return home safely one day. As she enters the tree house, Krill is surprised to see a young girl, about the same age as her, hiding out in the tree house. She recognises the girl, but when she tries to approach her, the girl runs away. Rill eventually catches up with the girl, and learns her name is Perla. Perla is a Mexican immigrant, whose family have been caught by immigration services, taken into custody, and sent back to Mexico. Rill befriends Perla and allows Perla to hide out in the tree house. She brings her clothing, a sleeping bag, and food to eat, and helps her to write a letter to her family in Mexico. The two girls become good friends and Rill learns more about Perla’s family, their difficult life in Mexico, and their treacherous journey to the United States. As Rill comforts Perla, she starts to think about the loss of her own father, and slowly begins to accept that he will never return home. The River Between Hearts is a heartfelt, emotional novel for middle grade readers about two young girls, from different countries and different cultures, who share similar experiences of loss and grief. Despite their cultural differences, and some language barriers, the girls realise they share many things in common, and develop a close friendship. The book deals with difficult socio-political issues, such as death, illegal immigration, deportation and discrimination, in a way that young people will understand and relate to. Whilst the book deals with difficult issues, it is a wonderful story of love, friendship, compassion, hope and courage. A great novel for middle grade readers, but would also appeal to teens and adults alike. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A heartfelt, emotional novel for middle grade readers about two young girls who find a connection through unimaginable loss. Purchase here