Abigale believes there is more to life than the dull, grey world she inhabits, by author Angie Bailey < Back Angie Bailey Believe Thirteen-year-old Abigale Johnson was born into a family of Never-Believers. A family who did not believe in Christmas, or birthdays, or fun, adventure or magic. A family whose life was dull and grey. But Abigale was a little different from the Johnson’s. She had dreams of a better life, and a life a little less grey. So Abigale spent most her time tyring to avoid her family, particularly her brothers who were the meanest of the mean, and teased and taunted Abigale every single day. One day, on a dreaded train trip to visit her despicable and very grey Aunt Violet, Abigale’s life changes for ever. After a knock on the head, Abigale discovers an alternate Fae world of wonder and magic, fae-folk, and Believers. Whizzing along on the Faedora magic train, Abigale meets lots of new friends and discovers Christmas and other wonderful celebrations. At thirteen, Abigale has her first ever birthday party, full of love and laughter. But not everyone on the magical train is happy with Abigale’s arrival, and they plot a sinister spell to extract her from the train during the next pink moon, putting her life in mortal danger. As Abigale’s new friends try to save her from doom, they soon discover Abigale has some important royal connections, and even her despicable Aunt Violet is not quite who she seems. Believe is an imaginative and enchanting novel. Well written by Angie Bailey and full of wonder, mystery and magic, the book has fabulous characters and a magnificent plot. This book will captivate both adults and younger readers. The book is the first part of a series, and we can’t wait to read the next instalment in Abigale’s magical journey. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An enchanting novel, with fabulous characters and a magnificent plot. This book will captivate both adults and younger readers.’ A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Claudine C Wargel Hattie and Dirks Great Garden Surprise The second instalment in The Adventures of Hattie Mae Bramble series Twelve-year-old Hattie Mae lives on a farm in Central Illinois. She dreams of becoming a veterinarian and enjoys helping out with the farm animals, but is less keen on tending to the plants, especially in the hot Illinois summer. Halloween is approaching and Hattie is looking at the pumpkins in Mr Pinchly’s garden shop, with her little brother, Dirk. They notice how expensive the pumpkins are and think they could produce their own pumpkins on their farm, for a fraction of the cost. When they bump into Dirk’s friend who cannot afford to buy a pumpkin, the siblings have an idea to make sure every kid has a pumpkin for the next Halloween. Hattie and Dirk are carving pumpkins with the 4-H club in their garden. The session ends with a messy pumpkin fight, and squidgy pumpkin guts splattered all over the ground. In the spring, Hattie and Dirk plant their pumpkin seeds, and look after the seedlings carefully. But during the summer, their piglets escape and trample all over the pumpkin patch. Most of the pumpkin plants are destroyed, but in the fall Hattie and Dirk harvest a small number of pumpkins and sell them from their farm. But little do they know, following their pumpkin fight the previous year, there is a surprise hidden away in their back garden. Hattie and Dirk’s Great Garden Surprise is a delightful book for middle grade readers by Claudine C. Wargel, and the second book in The Adventures of Hattie Mae Bramble series. Set in the 1970s, on a Central Illinois farm, this is a charming story of a twelve-year-old girl, and her adventures with her little brother. The book beautifully captures the essence of rural life, during a time before cell phones, the internet, computer gaming and social media. It is a reminder of a simpler life when children could play in their natural environment without external distractions. But it is not all play, as Hattie and Dirk have to help out on the farm and complete their daily chores. Hattie and Dirk learn important lessons about responsibility and perseverance, and the rewards of hard work. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful story, delicately crafted to evoke a sense of nostalgia for simpler times. Purchase here

< Back Kristin Nilsen The Scott Fenwick Diaries: A Novel Book blurb... In this laugh-out-loud, feel-good sequel to Worldwide Crush, superfan Millie grows out of her celebrity crush and lands awkwardly in something even more her first ever IRL middle school crush. Is Millie ready to graduate from posters on the wall to a living, breathing boy who sits next to her in Social Studies? By herself, absolutely not. But with a little help from her friends—maybe! Feeling comically unprepared for this next phase of middle school, Millie calls on an adorkable cast of characters for instructions and Shauna, her wise bestie who uses her Magic 8 Ball for advice; her two cranky grandmas, who call cute boys “foxes”; Pringles, her beloved bulldog; and her bunny-loving neighbor, Tibbs, who dedicates herself to getting Millie an invite to the bar mitzvah of her dreams. But when a secret game of Truth or Dare at the bar mitzvah leads to her ultimate fantasy—Millie and Scott swaying together on the dance floor—the moment is ruined in humiliating fashion. And Millie doubts she’ll ever be ready for real-world middle school love after all. Amidst a whirlwind of embarrassing family shenanigans and side-splitting missteps, Millie learns to trust her own instincts, grow up on her own terms, and never, ever sacrifice her friends for a crush. Purchase here

< Back Hazem Nassar If I Must Go, You Must Stay Salma is all alone, trapped underneath the rubble following an explosion. She cannot see or hear her mama, or papa, or big brother Ahmad. Suddenly she hears Ahmad’s voice. She cannot see her brother, but she can see a small yellow bird. Ahmad provides comfort and reassurance that someone will rescue her soon. But, it is so dark, and Salma is frightened. Ahmad explains that he is on his way ‘up’ and it is time for him to use his wings and go. Salma begs him not to leave her behind. She wants wings too, and wants to go ‘up’ with him. She does not know what she will do without her brother. Ahmad explains that she is not ready, but if he must go, she must stay to tell his story. Will Salma find her own wings? Will she be rescued from the rubble? If I Must Go, You Must Stay is an illustrated picture book by Hazem Nassar about a little girl who is trapped under the rubble after a bombing in her village. Alone and frightened, Salma hears her brothers voice, and sees a small yellow bird. Realising the bird is Ahmad’s spirit watching over her, Salma finds comfort and strength in a dire situation. This beautifully written and illustrated picture book explores the devastating impact of war from a child’s perspective, and handles grief sensitively and with grace. Salma’s journey from fear to courage, guided by her brothers spirit, is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A heart-wrenching and uplifting story about the devastating impact of war on young children. 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 E.M. Schorb FIVE AND TEN, A Fairy Tale, a Few Poems, and a Fable Five and Ten, A Fairy Tale, a Few Poems, and a Fable is a collection of previously published stories and poems by author E.M. Schorb. The stories and poems are accompanied by a small number of sweet, hand drawn, illustrations by the authors’ daughters. The first story is a traditional fairy-tale called The Golden Squirrel about the Czar of Russia who asked his magician to perform a magic poem to turn his son, Prince Leo, into a golden squirrel. By turning his son into a squirrel, he hoped to bring him home from China in secret, and to protect him from being stolen by his enemies. Prince Leo, in the guise of a little squirrel, faces a perilous journey back to Russia, where he comes face to face with his fathers’ enemies, and a great white bear. The collection includes six sweet and funny, cleverly crafted poems, The Ghost Shop, The Riddle of the Clock, Monsieur Elan, Instant Angels, The Squid, Sock Puppets Song, The Horrid Truth, and The Rubber Church. My particular favourite from this collection is, It Must Have Been the Angels, which beautifully describes the wonder of nature and humankind. This is a beautiful collection of traditional poems and stories, reminiscent of a time gone by. Reading this book, I was taken back to my own childhood, sitting on my grandmother’s knee, whilst she read poetry. I hope young readers will get to experience the same joy and wonder whilst sharing this book with their loved ones. The book will appeal to readers who enjoy poetry and those who enjoy classic fables and fairy tales. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A wonderful, sentimental collection of poems, fables and fairy tales that will be treasured by readers forever. Purchase here

< Back Aaron Derr Baseball Buddies Building a Team Can new team captain Luis motivate a team of baseball players? Eleven-year-old Luis has recently moved from Texas to Ohio and misses his old friends. He joins the McIntyre Manatees, a community baseball team of boys and girls from the local neighborhood. It is the first day of practice, and he meets his coach, Joe, and his new teammates. Joe explains that now the players are a little older, it is time for them to take more of a leadership role in the team. He asks each player to describe their reason for playing baseball, and Luis explains he plays baseball to have fun. Joe selects Luis as the new team captain, because although baseball is about working hard and trying to win, it’s mainly about having fun. But Luis is not happy. He has never been a captain before and does not think he would make a good leader. The Manatees have three weeks to get ready for their first game and Coach Joe helps Luis prepare the team. Luis thinks the team are working too hard, and not enjoying the practice. They start to incorporate more fun into the practice, but soon the players are having too much fun! Luis calls a players-only meeting to try and improve their game, but some of the team are not happy with the new arrangement and only one player turns up to the meeting. Can Luis bring the team together? And how can he motivate the team to work hard, whilst still having fun? Baseball Buddies: Building a Team is a baseball-themed chapter book for middle grade readers by Aaron Derr. The book follows Luis’s journey as he joins a new baseball team in a new town and is immediately given the responsibility of team captain. Luis is a reluctant captain, but with help from his coach, he develops confidence and leadership qualities. The book shows that anything is possible with a little guidance and a positive mindset. It demonstrates the importance of friendship, teamwork, commitment, and fun, both on and off the field. This is a fun and entertaining book that will help young readers develop confidence and self-esteem. It might also inspire young readers to take up leadership roles, in sport or elsewhere. Perfect for budding baseball players, and anyone interested in sport and other team adventures. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, entertaining and inspiring baseball themed chapter book, with a positive message about the importance of friendship, teamwork, commitment, and fun. Purchase here

< Back Hans Ness Rolo on the Planet of the Cats Rolo on the Planet of the Cats is the sequel to Rolo the Pet Earthling, by author Hans Ness. Rolo is a thirteen year old juvenile male hooman from planet Earth, who was adopted as a pet earthling on the planet Blorx. Rolo has lived his whole life on Blorx, but escapes and travels to Earth with his pet Quiggles in search of the ancient home of his ancient ancestors. But, when Rolo arrives on Earth he cannot find a single earthling in sight. Much to his disappointment and mild terror, he discovers that catlings have overthrown the hoomans and taken their place at the top of the pyramid of power. He is summoned before the court, charged as an illegal alien, and remanded at a detention centre - the Litterpool Pound for Stray Hoomans. He escapes and stows away on a Flying Circus skyship, where he meets Ailey, an eleven-year-old juvenile hooman and a circus performer on the ship. Ailey agrees to help Rolo find his family in the mythical city of Zorx, in return for helping her flee the circus. Rolo and Ailey are fugitives are on the run, but bounty hunters are hot on their trail. Rolo on the Planet of the Cats is a fun and entertaining addition to this unique and captivating sci-fi adventure series, by author Hans Ness. Featuring strange creatures, alien worlds, and not-so-cute-cats, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy imaginative, alien-themed stories. I loved the first book in the series, and I loved this one even more! With a unique plot, memorable characters, and plenty of humour, this is a thoroughly enjoyable, laugh-out-loud story that will appeal to readers of all ages. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A fun, quirky, and action packed sci-fi sequel, about a young earthling who escapes from the planet Blorx to discover Earth has been overtaken by catlings. Purchase here

< Back Cheryl Johnson Charli's Adventure Journal, Destination Victoria, Texas and Beyond Young explorer, Charli, and her adventures in her hometown, Victoria, Texas. Inspired by a famous explorer from the 1800’s named Ida Phieffer; Charlotte (Charli) Beatriz Phieffer writes stories about her travel adventures in her journal. Charli’s dad travels all over the world with his work, and sometimes Charli travels with him. She loves to explore and learn new things about the different places she visits. In this book, Charli explores her hometown, Victoria in Texas, which was founded two hundred years ago and has a fascinating history. In her journal, Charli captures a series of adventures in Victoria and beyond: from camping at Lake Texana, zoo-keeping at Texas Zoo, and the annual, lighted Christmas parade. There are twenty-two adventures in total and each adventure is captured on a double-page spread. Each spread includes Charli’s personal experience of the adventure, lots of fascinating facts and beautiful photography. It includes the location of the adventure, Charli’s favorite and most interesting things, and a special imagination or adventure challenge, where Charli had to learn something new or take part in a new activity. Charli's Adventure Journal, Destination: Victoria, Texas and Beyond, is a wonderful travel adventure book by author Cheryl Johnson. Written as a journal extract, the book combines a story of a fictional character, with a handy travel resource. Charli is a charming, fun, and adventurous character and I particularly liked the whimsical illustrations. Young people will relate to the character and enjoy reading about her adventures. The travel resource provides lots of fascinating facts and insightful information about each place and can be used by readers to help plan their own travel adventure. I didn’t know much about Victoria before I read this book, but I do now! It has inspired me to visit this fascinating and historical town, and I look forward to reading more about Charli’s other adventures too. Overall, an insightful and entertaining book for adventurers and travel enthusiasts of any age. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun, insightful and entertaining story, with a charming protagonist and a handy travel guide of Victoria, Texas. Purchase here

< Back Kathleen Troy Dylan's Villain Dylan’s Dog Squad is back and they face their biggest challenge yet, by author Kathleen Troy Twelve-year-old Casey, his American Cocker Spaniel, Dylan, and Casey’s best friend Sumo, make up Dylan’s Dog Squad, a trio of detectives on a mission to solve mysteries, and find missing persons and animals. The Squad has been hired by their neighbour, ten-year-old Holly, to solve their first case. A famous chimpanzee, Bailey, has disappeared from his treehouse, while at the same time, the police are investigating missing postal packages across the town. As Dylan tracks down the mischievous chimp, and saves him from drowning in a neighbours swimming pool, he is captured on camera and becomes an overnight social media sensation. The newfound celebrities are invited to the opening of a new primate habitat at San Diego Zoo, where Dylan saves the day again when Bailey wreaks havoc in the visitor’s centre. Returning home, Dylan hopes that he will pass the coveted American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Test at the Dream Big K-9 Academy. But, as Dylan finally takes his test, the owner of the Academy collapses and is suddenly rushed to hospital. The trio are faced with their biggest case yet, as they discover a notorious criminal, the Sledgehammer, has put the future of the Academy in jeopardy. The Squad risk their reputations and their lives to expose the Sledgehammer, and bring him to justice. Will Dylan’s Dog Squad catch the criminal? Will the trio save the Academy from closure? And, will Dylan ever pass his Good Citizen Test? Dylan's Villain is the third instalment of the Dylan's Dog Squad series, by author Kathleen Troy. This is a charming and humorous book for young readers, with a captivating plot, and loveable and entertaining characters. I particularly enjoyed the special bond shared between Casey and Dylan, and Dylan’s sweet and funny commentary throughout the book. Readers will be thoroughly entertained and will laugh out loud at Dylan’s antics and observations. This was a delight to read and will captivate readers of all ages. I look forward to reading more from Kathleen Troy and Dylan’s Dog Squad in the future. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A charming chapter book for readers of all ages, with a host of entertaining and amusing characters. Purchase here

< Back Charly Froh Lotti and the Impossible Dream Lotti overcomes many obstacles to follow her dream, by author Charly Froh Eleven-year-old Lotti starts a new school at Little Hill Middle School, New York. Lottie tries desperately hard to try and hide her knee injury and the scar on her leg, from a medical accident when she was a baby. Teased throughout kindergarten, Lotti vowed never to reveal her scar again. But the school rules state she has to wear the school PE uniform and Lotti is required to wear a pair of shorts. Her classmates notice the scar on her leg and tease her relentlessly. When an Olympic rhythmic gymnast visits the school and showcases her skills, Lotti is fascinated by the sport. She contacts the gymnasium and joins up straight away. Lotti worries about wearing a leotard and revealing her scar to the other gymnasts, but also worries whether she can achieve the skills and flexibility required, due to her knee injury. Lotti does not want special treatment, and through hard work and determination, makes the team who will compete in the upcoming Junior Regional Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships . Lotti finds friendship and a sense of belonging at the gym, and is determined to succeed in the sport. At the same time, she settles into school, develops new friendships, experiences her first slumber party, and goes on a date to the movies with a boy. But as the Junior Regional Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship approaches, Lotti is anxious about wearing the championship leotard, and revealing her scar to her teammates. When her teammates notice the scar, some of them question her place on the team, and think she has taken the place of a more capable gymnast. Lotti’s role in the championship is put in jeopardy. Will Lotti’s team mates accept her place in the team? Will she compete in the Regional Championships? And can she put her traumatic kindergarten experience behind her to move forward in life and shine in the sport she loves so much? Lotti and the Impossible Dream by author Charly Froh is a sweet, heart-warming and inspiring story about a young girl who is determined to follow her dream. Against all odds, and with the support of a loving family, supportive coach and good friends, Lotti overcomes many challenges and becomes a successful rhythmic gymnast. Based on a true story, this book will inspire others to follow their own dreams. Young readers will relate to Lotti’s experiences, her fears and anxieties, lack of confidence, school bullies, and struggle to fit in. It will help to develop confidence, self-esteem and resilience in younger readers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A sweet, heart-warming and humorous novel, which will inspire young readers to follow their dreams. 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