< Back Kat Farrow Bobbin and the Magic Thief Can a young faerie rescue her friend from an evil thief? Miss Bobbin, a head-strong young Spindle Faerie, is an outsider in the realm of the Eastern Faeries. But she needs all the help she can get from her fae-folk when her best friend, Heddy, is stolen. One day, whilst out exploring the woods, Bobbin and Heddy approach the millers cottage. The friends know they are forbidden to get close to humans, but Heddy is attracted to something in the cottage. Entranced by the millers’ daughter singing, Heddy enters the cottage and dances on the spinning wheel. Bobbin tries to coax her out of the cottage, but Heddy is snatched suddenly by a flying sack. Bobbin chases the sack and finds the thief; a strange, little man. She chases the thief but soon loses sight of him. Unable to find her friend, Bobbin seeks the help of the fair Queen Maeb. She pleads with the Queen to help her, but the Queen makes it clear that Bobbin must rescue Heddy herself, because she is the one responsible for her disappearance. As Bobbin sets out on her mission to locate the thief and rescue her friend, she joins allies with a host of woodland creatures. But unbeknownst to Bobbin, the thief has another, more sinister motive for stealing Heddy. When Bobbin learns of the thief’s plot, she is forced to break the faerie law in order to save her best friend. Will Bobbin save her friend? Or will the thief achieve his goal and destroy the Spindle Faeries? Bobbin and the Magic Thief: A Spindle Faerie Tale is the first book in the fantasy fiction series, by author Kat Farrow. The story is a retelling of the classic Rumpelstiltskin fairytale, with a magical infusion of faeries. In this imaginative adaptation, the author transports the reader to an enchanting faerie realm, full of charming characters, wonder, and adventure . The plot, while retaining some of the original Rumpelstiltskin story, takes on many twists and turns. Bobbin is a delightful character, and her journey to rescue her friend is also a personal journey of self-discovery. This is a wonderful novel for young readers, combining elements of magic, mystery, and suspense. It will appeal to readers who enjoy traditional fairy tales as well as contemporary fantasy fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A traditional fairy tale reimagined and infused with enchanting faerie magic. Purchase here

< Back Pannell & Sigfusson The Crow's Tales: The Big Dream (Second Edition) Book blurb... With summer just around the corner, the last thing on Brandon’s mind is his final essay for sixth-grade English class. In fact, all he wants right now — aside from a refreshing, escapist nap — is to hang out on the rooftop with his friends and his pet crow, Ralph. Or even better, to build a remote-controlled car for the big upcoming race! Not only will the winner be the talk of the town, but the winning car will be featured in an exciting new video game. Can Brandon and his pit crew of friends and family raise the funds to buy the parts and construct a victorious speedster before time runs out? Through bake sales and car washes, run-ins with local police, lots and lots of elbow grease, and even more grease grease, Brandon chases the wildest dream he’s ever had. In this fun and quietly compelling middle-grade novel, Brandon experiences a true awakening when he learns the values of persistence, honesty, and community. Purchase here

< Back Jeffrey Hope Real Spies Don't Use Rowboats It is 1976 and the first day of summer in Cricket Cove, a small town on the coast of Maine. The Hassenfuss brothers are planning a summer of spy-filled adventure in their homemade rowboat. Fifth-grader John and fourth-grader Sam are spies in training and members of their own James Bond Society. When their dad buys an outboard motor, the brothers plan to use it on their boat, to explore the bay and hone their spy skills. But when their mom announces a work conference in New York, the boys are taken on an unexpected road trip to the big city. Family friends, the Johnsons, stay in their house while their own house is being renovated. The Hassenfuss family explore the sights of New York, and the brothers meet a real-life detective who gives them a special investigative training manual. But, when the boys return home to Cricket Cove, with a plan to try out their new spy skills, they soon discover that the Johnson family have broken a cardinal rule that could ruin the rest of their summer. Real Spies Don't Use Rowboats is a chapter book for newly independent readers, by author Jeffrey Hope. Set in 1976, the book follows the Hassenfuss brothers as they embark on a summer break filled with discovery, adventure and brotherly bonds. The brothers spend their days on their trusty rowboat, pretending to be spies on secret missions. Hope captures the essence of the 1970s, and the innocence and curiosity of childhood, beautifully. Full of brotherly love and lots of banter, this is a timeless story that will transport readers back to a simpler time, defined by outdoor adventures, imaginative play, and community spirit. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A gentle, funny and nostalgic tale, beautifully capturing the joy of summer during childhood. Purchase here

< Back Kathe Hudson and Melanie Moyer The Magic Peach Tree, A Yoga Storytelling Adventure A magical story about kindness and compassion, with a unique, yoga-inspired twist. The Magic Peach Tree, part of the Yoga Storytelling Adventure series by authors Kathe Hudson and Melanie Moyer is a creative, fun, and interactive illustrated picture book, that combines a traditional Chinese folktale with yoga movement. Young children can read the story, and then retell the story with yoga poses. The book will help children not only to express themselves creatively, but also to engage in physical practice that is beneficial to health and wellbeing. The story, adapted from a Chinese wisdom tale, follows an elderly man who ambles into a village looking for food. He is hungry, but a stall holder refuses to give him a small peach. A young girl shows the elderly man kindness and buys him a peach. After he eats the peach, the man plants the seed in the ground and a peach tree grows, feeding the entire village. The story demonstrates the importance of compassion and will encourage young readers to show kindness towards their neighbours. T he Yoga Storytelling Adventure series is a unique and innovative concept, sure to appeal to young readers who enjoy traditional folk tales and creative activities. The book Includes a Chinese word guide, to help readers develop an appreciation of a different language. Each yoga pose and breathing technique is described, with a visual image to accompany each pose, to guide young readers on their own creative yoga journey. The illustrations by Cher Jiang are stunning and complement the traditional folk tale perfectly. There is also a bonus grilled peach recipe at the end of the book, for those who are inspired by the food in the story! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A creative, fun, and interactive illustrated picture book, that combines a traditional Chinese folktale with yoga movement. Purchase here

< Back Heidi Solomon-Orlick I Have a Voice: A Book of Listening Book blurb... Join Victoria and her lovable sidekick, Viktor the voice monster, on an enchanting journey to discover their inner voice in "I Have a Voice". Together, they navigate adventures and challenges, learning the power of courage, kindness, and self-belief. With vibrant illustrations and 5 interactive worksheets, this heartwarming tale teaches young readers to trust and embrace their unique inner voice. Perfect for bedtime or classroom reading, this magical story will inspire imagination and empowerment in children and parents alike. Purchase here

< Back J.T. Tenera Erift's Journeys: Secrets of The Sealed Forest A magical adventure, inspired by video game fantasy, by author JT Tenera It’s Joseph Erift’s last day of eleventh grade, and he can’t wait to spend the summer playing video games with his best friend, Eric. During school, he has a run-in with a troublesome rich-kid, Clyde, and bumps into a mysterious elderly man in the school corridor, but the last day is rather uneventful. But when Joseph returns home, he finds a special package has been delivered, notifying him that he has qualified for two, all-expenses paid tickets to the tropical islands of Murean. The trip includes a professional demonstration of a new video game, but there are strict instructions not to tell anyone else about the trip, including his parents. Joseph invites his friend Eric, and the two friends sneak out of their houses and cycle all the way to the airport to catch their flight. Arriving in the remote Murean Islands, Joseph and Eric meet Professor Benjamin Thessit, a coffee-addicted, eccentric man conducting research into a powerful and ancient force...Magic. The teens soon discover that the Professor has lured them to the island under false pretences, and their mission is to hunt down a man named Ryan Morter, who has stolen important pieces of his research. So, rather than watch a demonstration of a new video game, the teens find themselves in a real-life gaming adventure, where they must discover their hidden abilities and the magic within themselves. Erift's Journeys: Secrets of The Sealed Forest is the first book in a new series, by debut author J.T. Tenera. It is a magnificent, fantasy story about two young men who go on a magical gaming adventure. The book is easy to follow, the characters are beautifully developed, and the world building is…Magic! Inspired by video game fantasy and anime, this book is packed full of action, magic and adventure. With lots of gaming references, the book will particularly appeal to middle grade readers and fans of fantasy fiction, animated series and video games. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A magnificent, fantasy story with beautifully developed characters, and magical world building. Purchase here

< 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