< 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 Rhonda Mcdonald JESUS Was A Child Like You Book blurb... Jesus Was A Child Like You invites young readers to explore the childhood of Jesus through a thoughtful blend of faith, research, and imagination. Inspired by years of teaching in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, this engaging narrative answers the questions children naturally ask—What was Jesus like as a child? Did He laugh, learn, and grow just like them? Grounded in historical context and supported by Scripture references, this book transforms curiosity into connection. It helps children see Jesus not as distant, but relatable—someone who understands their experiences. Give children a story they can see themselves in—and a relationship they can grow into. Purchase here

< Back Nick Vakalopoulos A Blue Jay Is Hungry A Blue Jay Is Hungry is a photography book by author and wildlife photographer, Nick Vakalopoulos, about the magnificent bird, the Blue Jay. Written in rhyme, the book follows a Blue Jay as it goes about its daily business. The Blue Jay is captured in glorious photography, as it searches for food, rests on a branch, and then launches into the air, before swooping down like an arrow to eat a tasty nut. The photographs depict the bird in various moments of flight and action, showcasing the birds beautiful colors and patterns, as well as its anatomy. A Blue Jay Is Hungry is an educational and entertaining book for readers of all ages. Full of interesting facts about the Blue Jay and stunning photography from Vakalopoulos, the book will appeal to readers who are interested in nature and wildlife photography. Each page includes a full color photography of a Blue Jay in its natural habitat, resting in trees and soaring through the air. The book will increase awareness of the magnificent bird and will help to prompt further discussions about wildlife and conservation. Written in a simple and engaging rhyme, this book can be enjoyed by readers both young and old. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful and insightful picture book about the magnificent Blue Jay, accompanied by glorious wildlife photography. 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 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

Will Harley James solve the clues to find the missing statue, and save the world from ultimate destruction? < Back Leah Cupps Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings Harley Rebecca James, a budding cryptologist, and the daughter of a world-renowned archaeologist, is on an expedition to Tikal Guatemala. Out walking with her dog one day, Harley discovers a Mayan carving and a missing stone from six nooks carved into the wall. When Harley finds the sixth stone, and places it in the wall, part of the wall collapses and she discovers a hidden, glowing, statue. But before Harley can tell her dad about the mysterious artefact, it is stolen from under her bed. Harley soon learns about the legend of the three Mayan Kings, and if her statue meets two other missing statues, it could result in world destruction. Harley must follow the clues to find the statue before it gets into the wrong hands. Little does she know that a criminal gang is also in search of the missing statue, and Harley and her friends must stop them before it’s too late. Harley James and the Mystery of the Mayan Kings is a superb story for young, independent readers. Harley is a strong, confident, female lead, with a quest for knowledge and adventure. The book will appeal to those who like action, adventures, and mystery stories. With lots of interesting facts about Mayan history, readers might be inspired to learn more about this fascinating, ancient civilisation. There are cryptic clues throughout the book, that will also encourage readers to learn more about code breaking and cryptology. The book is complemented by wonderful illustrations, and other resources to access on the authors website. As the first in the series, this book sets the scene for future adventures of Harley James, and we look forward to reading the next instalment. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A superb mystery story, with a strong female lead. A BRONZE WINNER and highly recommended.’ 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 Danielle Marietta and Marissa Kearney Truth Tales: The Air Fair-He Gabe’s adventure with the tooth fair-he. One day, during school, Gabe loses a tooth when he bites into an apple. He looks after the tooth carefully until he returns home, hoping he might receive a payment from the tooth fairy. He wonders, Do tooth fairies really exist? And how do fairies get their magic? Gabe has an idea. That evening, he asks his dad to help him catch a tooth fairy so he can ask her himself. He places the tooth under his pillow and uses an old glass saltshaker as a trap, to catch the fairy and block her magic. In the middle of the night, Gabe is woken by the bell he attached to the saltshaker. Much to his surprise, he finds a warm glowing light shining inside the trap and a tiny tooth fairy. But this is no ordinary tooth fairy. This isn’t even a she-fairy. This is an air fair-he, or tooth fair-he. A male tooth fairy, with a fresh haircut and cool winged-sneakers. Tony, the air fair-he, agrees to tell Gabe all his fairy secrets, on the condition that he releases him from the trap. Tony shrinks Gabe to miniature proportions and travels with him in his backpack to a toothy kingdom. After receiving his own pair of winged-sneakers, Gabe is shown around the Root Canal and learns all about the air fair-he’s, the jewel-hers, and the mouthguards. B ut just as he learns how human teeth are turned into precious gemstones, the mouthguards notice an intruder in the kingdom. Can Gabe escape before the mouthguards capture him? Truth Tales: The Air Fair-He is a fun and imaginative tale for newly independent readers by Danielle Marietta and Marissa Kearney . The book is a modern twist on the traditional tooth-fairy story, with a lesson or two on dental hygiene. It follows the journey of a young boy named Gabe on a quest to trap the elusive tooth fairy. But the tooth fairy isn’t quite as he imagined, and he goes on a magical adventure to the land of the air fair-he’s, the jewel-hers, and the mouthguards. The book beautifully captures the innocence and wonder of childhood, making it a charming read for children and the young at heart. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A traditional tooth-fairy story, with a contemporary twist. Purchase here

< Back Melanie Joy Mezzancello Love Snaggs - A Little Dog’s Courageous Journey An epic story of one little pups’ adventure on earth and in the afterlife, by author Melanie Joy Mezzancello A little Yorkie pup doesn’t have the best start in life. Born in a puppy mill, he spends his early days locked in a small cage with other frightened pups, before being sold to a pet store in Winter Park, Florida. But his future turns brighter when he is adopted by a young couple and taken to a new comfortable, and loving home. The couple name the pup Snaggs, and he is soon joined by his brother, Linus, a Silver Phantom Cockapoo, and sister, Sasha, a tiny caramel-white Maltese Poodle mix. Snaggs lives a full and happy life with his mommy, daddy, brother and sister, but as he grows older, he suffers from a number of health conditions and becomes very sick. Snaggs’ brief time on earth comes to an end, but his journey is not yet over. When he wakes, he has passed over the Rainbow Bridge into Summerland, a heavenly place where animals go when their time on earth is over. But Snaggs misses home and worries about the family he left behind, so he sets off on an epic journey up the Spire Mountain to find a ram named Shaman, who he believes will help him find his way back to earth. Will Snaggs find his way home? And will he ever see his beloved family again? Love Snaggs - A Little Dog’s Courageous Journey is a sweet and imaginative canine adventure story for younger independent readers, with a unique and unexpected twist. This is not a typical abandoned/neglected/lost pup story, it is an epic story of one little pups’ adventure on earth and in the afterlife. The little pup shows strength, courage, and determination to follow his dream and reunite with his family. He meets lots of wonderful and fascinating characters throughout this journey, and faces many dangers along the way. Snaggs is an adorable character, and this book will appeal to dog lovers of all ages, and readers interested in fantasy and adventure stories. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet and imaginative canine adventure story with an adorable main character with a unique and unexpected twist. Purchase here

< Back K. I. Knight and Jane R. Wood Finding Family Treasure A group of fifth graders research their family histories, by authors K. I. Knight and Jane R. Wood Ms. Johansson is teaching her class of fifth graders about the history of America, and has a special family history project planned to engage the students. She has invited a genealogist, Ms Tucker, into the school to show the students how to research their family histories and produce a family tree. While most students are looking forward to the project, there are a couple of students who are a little worried about the task. One boy, who was adopted as a baby, knows little about his birth family and is anxious about sharing his story after he was teased by a classmate. Another boy refuses to participate in the project, as his father does not like to talk about his past. With a little help from Ms. Johansson and Ms Tucker, the students research their own family histories and learn about the early immigrants to America, and major historical events that happened across the world, including the holocaust, the slave trade, and the trail of tears. One student learns he was descended from one of the earliest documented Africans to arrive in Virginia in 1610, after the ship he was travelling on from Africa to New Spain was hijacked by English pirates. Another student discovers that a distant relative helped the colonists and provided supplies to the troops when the war broke out against England in 1775. While the students learn about their own family histories, they also learn about their commonalities and shared history. Finding Family Treasure is an entertaining and fun book for middle grade readers about the history and culture of America, expertly researched and written by authors K. I. Knight and Jane R. Wood. Told through the perspective of a diverse group of young students, the book brings American history to life for young readers. With additional resources and information about researching family history, this book may encourage readers to conduct their own research and produce a family tree. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful book, providing a fascinating insight into American history for young readers. 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 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