< Back Jennifer R Sommer Her Eyes Were on the Stars: Nancy Grace Roman, "Mother of Hubble" Space Telescope Nancy Grace Roman’s journey to becoming ‘Mother of Hubble’. As a young girl, Nancy Grace was fascinated by the stars in the night sky and started her own astronomy club to search for constellations. As she moved from place to place for her dad’s job, the stars became her nearest and dearest friends. By junior high, Nancy knew she wanted to become an astronomer, but astronomy was not a typical career for a young woman in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Most colleges at the time did not accept girls, but Nancy found one that did and was accepted onto a science course. She also worked as an assistant at an observatory and earned a degree in astronomy in 1946, and later a PhD. As a scientific researcher, Nancy began to study the stars in the Milky Way and made some new discoveries. In 1959, she was asked to set up the space astronomy program at a new space agency, NASA. Nancy’s significant scientific achievements, her position as Chief of Astronomy for NASA, and her role in the space telescope project, led to her nickname the ‘Mother of the Hubble’. This is a remarkable book for middle grade readers, about a remarkable scientist, Nancy Grace Roman. During a time when few women went to college, and fewer studied astronomy, Nancy went on to become one of the leading scientists of her generation. I had heard of Nancy, but I knew little about her life. This book has inspired me to go and study more about this incredible woman and her achievements. Well-researched by Jennifer R Sommer, and based on many conversations with Nancy herself, this is an insightful and accessible book for readers of all ages. The book will appeal to readers interested in science, and particularly astronomy. The starry illustrations by Gayle Cobb are simply stunning. This is a fascinating read and highly recommended. The book will inspire children and adults alike to look up. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A remarkable book about a remarkable scientist, Nancy Grace Roman. Purchase here

< Back Christy Burbidge Paulie The Piping Plover's Sea Turtle Rescue: A Martha's Vineyard Tale Paulie the Piping Plover lived on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. It was his first migration south to the Gulf of Mexico, and he was going to miss his friends, Liam the lobster, Sarah the sea turtle and Belle the blue fish. But just as Paulie is about to leave, he discovers that Sarah has been cold-stunned and taken to the Sea Turtle Rescue Center on Cape Cod. Worried about their friend, Paulie, Liam and Belle build a raft and ride in the wake of a ferry all the way to Cape Cod. When they arrive at the Rescue Center, they find Sarah is safe and well looked after. The three friends decide to help spread the word about cold-stunned sea turtles and come up with a plan. They face an arduous journey back home, but they are determined to help other sea turtles stranded on the beaches of Cape Cod. Paulie The Piping Plover's Sea Turtle Rescue: A Martha's Vineyard Tale is a charming, illustrated picture book by author Christy Burbidge. When three friends learn that Sarah the sea turtle is missing, they will stop at nothing to find her. With strength and determination, the friends work together to find Sarah. Inspired by the work of the Rescue Center, the friends hatch an innovative plan to help other sea turtles. This is an inspiring and engaging picture book for young readers, with an adorable cast of characters and charming illustrations Mary Jo Helchowski. Perfect for young children who love birds, sea turtles and other sea creatures, as well as for budding explorers and conservationists. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : An inspiring and engaging tale, with an adorable cast of characters, charming illustrations, and an important message about friendship and ocean conservation. Purchase here

< 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 Deborah Erdmann and Kate Jungwirth Haunted Hemlock Book blurb... Dominic and his friends are invited back to Point Beach for the holidays to await the ghostly apparition of the Christmas Tree Ship. It soon becomes clear there are more mysteries that need solving, when the owner of a nearby cabin sees dead people and the hauntings have spread to the small town of Two Rivers. When a ghost hunter is called to the scene, the young detectives become entangled in a spirited effort to solve this spooky case. Will they be able to scare the ghosts away in time for a Christmas miracle? 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 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