< 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

< Back Sara Kale My 1st Book of AI : An Easy Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Kids My 1st Book of AI by Sara Kale is an introduction to artificial intelligence for young children. With its gentle tone and engaging examples, this book attempts to demystify AI, making it approachable and understandable for ages 3 to 7. Children are invited to explore what AI is - explaining that it stands for "Artificial Intelligence," a tool made by people to help with everyday tasks. The book uses relatable analogies, like comparing AI to a hammer or pencil, to show that AI is not a person, but a helpful tool that lives inside computers and devices. It reassures young readers that AI does not have feelings, cannot love, and is always under human control. The book shines in its focus on safety and responsible use. Children are encouraged to always ask a trusted adult before using new apps or sharing information, and to treat their privacy as something precious. Through playful activities, like sorting pictures just like AI does, kids are invited to think critically and creatively, learning that their own curiosity and kindness are what make any tool truly powerful. The book emphasises the importance on real-life connections. It reminds children that while AI can be helpful in finding information, reading aloud, or helping doctors, real friendships and family time matter most. The closing pages encourage kids to put down their screens, play outside, and spend time with loved ones, reinforcing that people are irreplaceable. Parents and educators will appreciate the conversation starters and practical advice woven throughout, making this book perfect for shared reading and discussion. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A warm, reassuring, and age-appropriate guide to the world of AI. Purchase here

Darby the sheep-herd dog makes a remarkable discovery at Windrush Farm, by author Molly Awiszus < Back Molly Awiszus Puddles of Windrush Farm Roland is out in the fields one day, when his sheep-herding dog, Darby, finds an abandoned egg by a pond. Darby refuses to move until Roland collects the egg and takes it home to Windrush Farm. The family keep the egg safe and warm in an egg incubator, turning it several times every day, just as a mother duck would. After three weeks, a tiny mallard duckling breaks free from the egg. The duckling is named Puddles and soon becomes an integral part of the family, following Roland everywhere, playing with the dog and snuggling with the children. At four months old, Puddles disappeared for a few months and returned back to Windrush Farm, with a mate in tow, the following spring. For three more years, Puddles and her mate migrated south to warmer climates during fall and winter, and returned back to the farm in spring. Roland built a special duck house on Windrush Farm Pond, where Puddles nested and laid her own eggs. Soon, there was a brood of tiny ducklings waddling around Windrush Farm. Puddles was last seen at the farm in 2017, at eighteen years old. This is a charming and sweet picture book, beautifully told by Awiszus who shares fond memories of her time volunteering at the farm. Based on a real-life story, Awiszus was inspired to write the book, after Roland and his wife told her the story of the abandoned egg and the duckling that became part of their family. Illustrator Lisa Greenleaf beautifully captures the farm scenes. The book contains further information about the farm, and a percentage of the profits from the sale of the book go to the farm. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A charming and sweet picture book about an abandoned egg and a duckling who becomes part of the family at Windrush Farm. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Megan Helm Earth Science: An Introduction to How Our World Works Megan Helm’s Earth Science: An Introduction to How Our World Works is an accessible and engaging primer on the fundamental concepts that shape our planet and its place in the universe. The book is thoughtfully organized, beginning with an introduction to the field of Earth science and progressing through a logical sequence of topics: the solar system, the moon, eclipses, Earth’s processes, and contemporary issues like climate change. Helm explains complex scientific phenomena, such as the formation of the solar system, the rock cycle, and plate tectonics, in simple, straightforward language. For example, the explanation of moon phases uses clear diagrams and relatable analogies, helping readers visualize why the moon appears to change shape throughout the month. Similarly, the section on eclipses demystifies the difference between solar and lunar eclipses, addressing common questions with concise answers. The book excels in connecting scientific concepts to everyday experiences. The discussion of weather fronts and pressure systems, for instance, not only defines terms but also explains how these phenomena affect daily weather, making the science relevant and practical. The inclusion of real-world examples, such as the Kola Superdeep Borehole in the section on Earth’s layers, adds depth and context. Helm also addresses urgent global issues, dedicating a chapter to climate change. This section is particularly effective, outlining the causes, effects, and potential solutions in a balanced and hopeful manner. The book encourages readers to consider their own impact on the environment, offering actionable suggestions like using clean energy and recycling. Visually, the book is well-supported by diagrams and illustrations that reinforce the text, aiding comprehension. The glossary at the end is a valuable resource for readers encountering scientific terminology for the first time. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An excellent educational resource, which makes Earth science approachable, relevant, and inspiring for its audience. Purchase here

< Back Cynthia Hughes Can I Be President of the United States at 8? Author Cynthia Hughes encourages young people to follow their dreams. Can I Be President of the United States at 8? By author Cynthia Hughes is a small book with a very big message. The children ask their teacher a big question – Can I be President, or even Vice-President, at the age of eight? The teacher explains that it is a very long journey to become the President or Vice President of the United States, but if one imagines it, works hard at school and college, demonstrates good values, and follows their dreams, one might very well become the President by the age of forty-eight. With positive, diverse images of young people, the book will inspire young people to follow their dreams. It will provide hope and encouragement that anyone can be successful in life, if they believe in themselves and work hard: ‘If you can see it, you can be it!” With positive affirmations throughout the book, the book will help young people develop confidence and self-belief, and could inspire young people to get involved in politics. Maybe in a few years, we might hear of a politician who was inspired to enter politics or the presidential race after reading this book! The digital illustrations by Debra Gordon, are bright and engaging for younger readers, and include a diverse representation of young people, which readers will relate to. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspirational book for young people, which will help them develop confidence and self-belief, and encourage them to follow their dreams. Purchase here

< Back Christine Copeland Have You Seen the Ghost of John Author and artist Christine Copeland brings an old folk song to life through beautiful watercolour illustrations Have You Seen the Ghost of John? by author Christine Copeland, is based on a folk song of the same name. The sheet music is included at the start of the book, and the author encourages readers to sing along. The book tells the story of newlyweds Abigail and Peter Williams who visit Peters family in their New England village, but they sense a presence, which, unbeknownst to them, is the ghost of their ancestor John Williams. Readers are encouraged to find John Williams in the beautiful watercolour illustrations. This is an interactive picture book, where readers are encouraged to get involved by singing along and finding John Williams in the illustrations. Young readers will love to get involved, and sing along with their parents or carers. The illustrations by Copeland are stunning and a piece of art in their own right. They capture the era and the New England scenery perfectly, and include a touch of humour. Star rating: 5 Stars. Purchase here

< Back Janice Hechter Where Are the Women? Girl scouts will stop at nothing to get a statue of women represented in Central Park. Where Are the Women? The Girl Scouts’ Campaign for the First Statue of Women in Central Park tells the true story of a group of young girl scouts who set out to raise awareness of the lack of women statues in Central Park, New York, in 2016. At the time, none of twenty-two statues in the park portrayed a real-life woman. The girls supported an organisation called Monumental Women, which works to bring statues of women into the park. The girl scouts made signs, cards and pins, and marched down the cobbled sidewalks of Central Park West to raise awareness and protest about the number of women represented on pedestals in Central Park. The girls raised funds to help pay for a statue by selling cookies, and throughout 2017 and 2018 raised thousands of dollars. But the girls were disappointed when the proposed location of the statue was a dark, isolated corner outside of the park. As the girls continued to fight for a statue in the park, public awareness increased. Finally, in 2020, a sixty-year-old ban of new statues in the park was overturned and a statue of three inspirational women was revealed. The three women, Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady changed history when they fought for women’s rights. Where Are the Women? The Girl Scouts’ Campaign for the First Statue of Women in Central Park by author Janice Hechter is an inspirational true story about an inspirational group of girl scouts. Through perseverance and self-less determination, the young women worked tirelessly to get the first statues of real-life women in Central Park. This is an inspiring and empowering story, which highlights not only the importance of representation, but also the impact of youth activism. It demonstrates how the collective efforts of individuals, can drive significant change. The young women featured in this book, are a credit to girls and women everywhere. Truth, Anthony, Cady, and all the other women who fought for gender equality, would be proud of their achievements. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : This is an inspiring and empowering story, and a must-read for anyone interested in social justice, history and youth advocacy. 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 Louiza Kallona The Tickling Tale of Smoo Will siblings Lucy and Ben find one of the worlds ticklers, and restore laughter to the world? Lucy and Ben McClafferty live in a farmhouse in Fiddle Wood, in the Scottish Borders. Across the world, people are sad and gloomy. No one has laughed, or giggled, or even smiled for many months. Grandma McClafferty is worried that something bad has happened to Gabel Lylhu (otherwise known as Belly Laugh), an old man who lives in Durness, in the north of Scotland. Gabel is a tickler and has brought laughter to the world, by tickling Smoo with a laughing gull feather for almost 150 years. Smoo is a deep cave hidden out of sight at the very top of Scotland, and one of the ‘armpits of the world’. Grandma McClafferty has an idea. She will take Lucy and Ben to visit Gabel and bring laughter back to the world. Lucy and Ben’s parents would never agree, so she tells them she is taking them on a trip to Loch Ness. So, Lucy, Ben, Grandma McClafferty and Uncle Patrick travel all the way to Durness, to find Gabel Lylhu’s cottage. They find Gabel sound asleep in his cottage, and when they finally wake him, they discover he has been asleep for four months. They need to take Gabel’s laughing gull feather to Smoo, and tickle its armpits during a full moon, to restore laughter to the world. But when the only laughing gull feather is destroyed, Lucy and Ben must go on an epic adventure, to help Gabel find another. Will they find another laughing gull feather? And will they ever restore laughter to the world? The Tickling Tale of Smoo is a fun, fantasy adventure story, by debut author Louiza Kallona. Full of eccentric characters, amazing adventures, and plenty of magic and mystery, this book will appeal to middle grade readers who enjoy comedy and fantasy fiction. Louiza Kallona is a creative and entertaining storyteller, and I look forward to reading more from her in the future. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: Brilliantly written, with unique characters, an imaginative plot, and lots of humour, this is a laugh-out-loud fantasy adventure not to be missed! Purchase here

< Back Julie Stephens Mountain Mutts - Joy's Tale A wonderful tale of friendship, by author Julie Stephens This is a story about two dogs, named Winter and Spring. The two best friends were inseparable, wherever Winter went, Spring would follow. Winter and Spring loved to play and explore together, until the day Winter sadly passed away, leaving Spring sad, alone and confused. Then one day, a new puppy named Joy arrived in the household. Joy wants lots of attention, but Spring is not interested in the energetic newcomer. She misses her dear friend, Winter. Joy plays and sleeps alone, and waits patiently until Spring is ready to be her friend. Eventually Spring takes notice, and the pair become good friends. Spring teaches the young pup how to climb down the steps, how to cross the river, and how to fetch a stick. Now, Spring and Joy are inseparable, but Winter will never be forgotten. Mountain Mutts - Joy's Tale by author Julie Stephens is a wonderful picture book for young children, about the friendship and love that exists between dogs. Spring is despondent when her play mate and best friend Winter passes away. She is no longer interested in having fun or making new friends, but all that changes when she meets a lively little pup, named Joy. Joy helps Spring overcome her grief and shows her that there is still lots to live for. This is a poignant story about love and loss, beautifully told through the eyes of adorable dogs. The story deals with complex issues, such as depression and grief, in a way that younger children will understand and can relate to. The book will appeal to readers who love dogs, and may help those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The book features beautiful photographs of three wonderful dogs, Winter, Spring and Joy . Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A poignant picture book for younger readers about love and loss, beautifully told through the eyes of adorable dogs. Purchase here