< 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 Jessica Lee Anderson Naomi Nash: Saving Snakes Naomi and her friends set up a new club to rescue snakes in their neighborhood. Naomi’s mom is a veterinarian at the Austin Exotic Animal Hospital, and often brings home animals for rehabilitation. This time her mom is bringing home a five-foot-long, western rat snake, that had accidently swallowed two ceramic eggs. Naomi is looking forward to meeting the creature, but her brother Nolan is not interested in the slightest. Naomi names the snake Beauty and her mom shows her how to take care of the snake. Naomi decides to set up a snake rescue club, Naomi Nash Saves Snakes in a Dash, with Nolan and her friend, Emma. After Naomi completes a quiz to prove she is responsible enough to rescue snakes, her parents permit her to set up the club as a trial run. But their neighbor, Taylor, isn’t too keen on snakes and objects to a snake rescue club on their street. Undeterred, the snake rescuers advertise their services and get their first job, to rescue a plain-bellied water snake that is trapped by a neighbors pool. They also rescue a DeKay’s brownsnake stuck to a glue trap in the neighbours garage. Naomi Nash: Saving Snakes is an illustrated chapter book by author Jessica Lee Anderson, part of the Naomi Nash series. The book follows a little girl who is inspired by her mom’s veterinary work and decides to set up a club to rescue snakes. This is a fun, entertaining and educational book, full of interesting snake facts that will help young readers learn more about snakes, and other wildlife. Naomi is a cute and charming character and a positive role model for young readers. She has a sense of adventure, a love of wildlife, and a strong community and entrepreneurial spirit. I hope this book will encourage even the most snake-phobic readers to take an interest in these fascinating creatures. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more about Naomi Nash and her amazing adventures. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An entertaining and educational book, with a cute and charming protagonist. Purchase here

< Back Kristen Niedzielski A Bee In A Big Universe A bee discovers just how little he really is, in comparison to the universe. Brian is a very busy, and very fast bee. His friend, Sam the Snail, challenges Brian to fly to the end of the universe. Brian is confused, he has only ever known the meadow where he lives, and that is big enough. Brian asks his mom, What is the universe, and how big could it be? His mom explains that the universe is far bigger than the meadow, and much higher than the sun. It includes millions of planets and stars, and only some can be seen in the night sky. She explains that the universe is so big, no one has seen it all, and no one knows where it ends. Brian tries to fly as far as he can to reach the end of the universe, but his wings soon get tired, and he doesn’t get very far. When Brian explains to Sam just how vast the universe is, Sam apologises to his friend for being mean. One evening, Brian watches all the sparkling stars in the night sky and realises that he is a very small bee, in a very big universe. His mom teaches him about the solar system, and the names of all the planets. Brian decides that he would like to be a scientist bee when he grows up, and study the stars, moons, and the planets in the solar system. A Bee in a Big Universe is an entertaining and insightful picture book, written and illustrated by Kristen Niedzielski. This is a fun, engaging and accessible picture book that will help younger children learn about the universe and help build vocabulary about the solar system, planets, and seasons. The book provides additional resources for parents and carers and will hopefully inspire young children to learn more about science and astronomy. The digital illustrations are bright, fun and attractive for the target reader group. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, engaging and accessible picture book for younger readers about the solar system and the universe. Purchase here

< Back Aurora Winter Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse: The Marvelous Multiverse App A thrilling, magical, mystery ride through the multiverse, by author Aurora Winter Siblings, Ana and Zachary, from Los Angeles, California, are visiting their Aunt Wendy and Uncle Shockley in Vancouver. Ana is an aspiring actress, who dreams of making it big in Hollywood. Zachary is in remission from cancer, and immunocompromised. The siblings are in quarantine following their travels and are alone in the house and bored. They explore their aunt and uncle’s house, and find their uncle’s experimental, hydrogen-fueled car, named the Parallel Universe Pod (P.U.P). While they are exploring the car, Ana activates the Marvelous Multiverse app, which takes them on a joyride across the solar system. The P.U.P transports them to a parallel world and they crash land on a planet called Lokey, accidentally killing the evil Emerald Censor. Ana and Zachary meet the magical and mysterious inhabitants of Lokey and become instant heroes. When they learn of a Wizard Snapdragon with magical healing powers, they set off to find her, in the hope that she will cure Zachary’s cancer. But their arrival in Lokey has not gone unnoticed, and the siblings are soon pursued by Queen Crimson, who is determined to avenge the death of the Emerald Censor. As the siblings navigate this new world, the cruel Queen Crimson kidnaps Zachary. Ana must rescue her brother, whilst at the same time must confront the evil forces that are determined to destroy her. Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse: The Marvelous Multiverse App is a magical, fantasy fiction, adventure novel, and the first book in a planned series, by author Aurora Winter. This is a fun, fantastic, fast-paced, fantasy adventure, well-executed by Winter. With a unique and imaginative plot, a mesmerising magical multiverse, and a host of wonderful and magical creatures, this book will appeal to young adult readers who enjoy adventure and fantasy fiction. Inspired by books, such as Wizard of Oz and Harry Potter, and movies such as Back to the Future, this book can sit proudly alongside those classics. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, fantasy fiction novel, packed full of magic and adventure. A thrilling ride through the multiverse, not to be missed! Purchase here

< Back Rashmi Kumar Shah I Found My Piece Book blurb... When a child learns that his family is moving to a new place for his mommy’s job, he doesn’t know how to react. The new place is very different from what he is used to, and he is filled with questions about his new school: Will I make any friends? What will my teacher look like? What if the class has learned more than I have at my old school? He finds himself feeling very nervous. Fortunately, his mommy is there to help guide him. She teaches him about meditation, a way to sit with his feelings, focus on his breath, and find a way to feel calm — replacing the puzzle piece of himself that had started to unravel. Meditation helps him put roots on his feelings so that he can face the change with a clear mind and heart. 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 Kristin Nilsen Worldwide Crush: A Novel Rory Calhoun is a teen popstar with perfect teeth and messy hair who’s inspiring first crushes all over the globe. Millie Jackson is just one of the millions of fans who love him—but that doesn't mean her heart doesn't break for him every single day in this laugh-out-loud coming-of-age story. How many of Rory’s fans collect “data” about him in a special notebook hidden in their underwear drawer? Or have faked a fascination with whale migration for a chance to visit his hometown? Millie may not be Rory’s only fan at Susan B. Anthony Middle School, but she's convinced she's the biggest—and the best. Rory’s new song “Worldwide Crush” is climbing the charts, and his lyrics are clear: he’s looking for love—and he’s looking in the audience. Meaning Millie’s secret fantasies of running in the surf and eating waffles with him may not be crazy after all . . . she could be that girl! But first she has to get to his concert—his completely sold-out concert in a city nowhere near her home for which she does not have tickets or a ride. She just has to figure out how. 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 Daniel Collins The Little Candle Book blurb... This children's picture book follows a short candlestick's journey to self-acceptance. The story begins in a candle shop, where the short candle is bought by a man as a holiday gift for his youngest daughter Tonya. Tonya treasures it as her own holiday candle, carrying it with her as a valued possession during the Christmas Holiday. The short candle eventually realizes that his size doesn't matter when it comes to making someone happy. He soon learned that he was a century candle, and that he was made to burn for a hundred years or more. So joyful was he to learn this that he would have jumped for joy had he been gifted with any legs. Through the example of a candle, The Little Candle shows readers why comparing oneself to others isn't worthwhile. Everyone has their own special gifts and talents and it is recognized by others, although it may not be apparent at the moment. 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 Nick Vakalopoulos There's Something About ROBINS The beautiful robin is captured in this children’s picture book, by author and wildlife photographer, Nick Vakalopoulos. There's Something About ROBINS follows a robin in its natural habitat, as it hops in the grass, searches for food, listens for predators, and prods the ground to find a worm or a bug. The robin soars through the sky before landing on the ground to feed its young. There's Something About ROBINS features glorious technicolour photographs of Robins in their natural environment, taken and edited by Vakalopoulos. This book is a great introduction to robins for young readers, but older readers will enjoy the photography too. We might be fortunate to spot a robin in nature, but we rarely get an opportunity to see a robin up close, and in this level of detail. The robin is a stunning bird, and the photographs wouldn’t look out of place on a festive greetings card. The book might inspire children and adults to grab their binoculars and explore birds in their natural habitats. While aimed at a younger audience, this book is a great reference for readers of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A glorious book about the beautiful robin, and a perfect resource for wildlife enthusiasts. Purchase here

< Back Julie Ellis Williams The Trouble With Milo Minus The Trouble with Milo Minus, written by Julie Ellis Williams and illustrated by Bill Dussinger, is a delightful and meaningful children’s story that cleverly blends math concepts with important social-emotional lessons. The book centers on Milo Minus, a character who embodies negativity—both as a math symbol and in his behavior. Milo is portrayed as a bully who takes away from others, whether it’s snacks, points in games, or simply the joy of those around him. His actions leave him isolated and lonely, a situation many children can relate to, either from personal experience or observation. The narrative takes a thoughtful turn when Milo encounters Zeb Zero, a character who challenges Milo’s belief that he must always be negative because of his “minus” identity. Zeb demonstrates that even a zero can be helpful and valued by others, encouraging Milo to reconsider his actions and their impact. This pivotal moment is both educational and empowering, showing young readers that change is possible and that one’s identity is not fixed by past behavior or labels. A particularly creative aspect of the story is how it uses math operations as metaphors for personal growth and relationships. When Milo and another minus sign, Maddy, are knocked off a bench together, they discover that “two negatives make a positive.” This clever play on mathematical rules reinforces the idea that collaboration and openness to change can lead to positive outcomes, both in math and in life. The illustrations by Bill Dussinger are lively and engaging. The visual storytelling complements the text, making the book accessible and enjoyable for young readers. The story’s classroom origins are evident in its interactive and discussion-friendly approach, encouraging children to think about their own behavior and how they can make a difference. The Trouble with Milo Minus is an excellent resource for parents, teachers, and counselors seeking to foster empathy and resilience in young readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A clever, well-crafted, kid-tested, and librarian-approved picture book that uses humor, math, and heart to teach children about the power of positive change. Purchase here