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< Back Kathleen J Shields The First Unicorn How the first unicorn got his horn. A young colt named Aden was different to all the other horses. He liked to do good deeds, give to others, and bring good cheer. One day, after helping a nest of baby birds who were being hunted by a wild cat, Aden was approached by an angel. The angel told Aden that God had been watching him and was impressed by his kind actions. God gifted Aden a golden horn, on the condition that he shares his gift with others. But when Aden went to tell his herd of his extraordinary gift, they were not pleased. They thought the horn could be used as a weapon against them, and they chased him away. Aden traveled for miles and finally settled in a new home deep in the woods, where he shared his gift with all the woodland creatures. With his new horn, he helped a trapped turtle escape from a cavern, and an injured hedgehog who was unable to gather food. Aden was happy in his new home, giving and helping others. But one day, Aden learns that his mother has been severely injured by a wolf. He returns home to his herd and prays to God to perform a miracle. God answers his prayers, and his mother recovers from her injuries. The herd, keen to learn from Aden’s miracle, soon become a herd of unicorns, sharing Gods word. The First Unicorn by Kathleen J. Shields is a thought-provoking Christian graphic novel for middle grade readers. Partly inspired by the movie ‘The Last Unicorn,’ Shields tells the story of the first unicorn and how the horn was a gift from God for demonstrating love, kindness, and goodness. Beautifully written in rhyme, with charming illustrations and an endearing protagonist, this book is a great way to engage younger children in conversations about faith. Overall, an enchanting story that explores the origins of the mythical creature that has captured the human imagination for centuries. The book will appeal to Christian readers, and anyone with an interest in these beautiful, mythical creatures. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An enchanting story, beautifully written in rhyme, with charming illustrations and an endorsing protagonist. 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 FA Khan ABCs of My First Surgery ABCs of My First Surgery is an alphabet picture book about surgery for young children. The book follows the story of Maya, a little girl who is having surgery for the first time, to fix a broken bone in her arm. From Aa to Zz, the book contains all the essential information needed to help prepare a young child for surgery. The book provides key information about different healthcare professionals (such as nurses, anaesthesiologists, orthopaedic surgeons and paediatricians) and different procedures (such as, blood pressure testing, electrocardiogram), surgical instruments and equipment, and different healthcare conditions, treatments and medicines. This is an engaging and insightful read for both children and parents alike, and I learnt many new fun and fascinating facts. Going into hospital can be a very scary and daunting experience for children, and this book will help children feel safe and secure in this new setting. The book will help children (and parents) build knowledge and vocabulary of key terms used in surgical procedures, and will help children to understand what will happen, helping to alleviate any concerns or anxieties they may have. With clear, simple language that is accessible for young children; bright, colourful and engaging illustrations; and a sweet character that young children will relate to; this book is an excellent resource to help young children, and their parents prepare for their first surgical procedure. ABCs of My First Surgery, by author and physician FA Khan, is an excellent resource to help prepare young children for surgery, and an essential addition to any hospital library or waiting room. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : Written by a trusted physician, parent and caregiver, this is a fascinating, engaging and insightful A to Z picture book about surgery for children, and the perfect resource to help prepare young patients for a hospital procedure. 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 Jodi Dee Energy Wars - The Awakening Myles is an average, almost fourteen year old, student at Whitmore Public School. It’s just an ordinary day at school when Myles notices something unusual. A huge, flaming ball of fire, bursts out of Tommy Milfoil’s mouth towards Sally Munson. Invisible to everyone except Myles, the fireballs fly across the school, like an energy war between the students. Myles notices how the intensity of the fireballs change, depending on the energy of the people. He can see peoples energy fields, and how one person can positively or negatively impact another person’s energy, just by being near them. Myles learns that everything on the planet has an energy field, and for humans, the positive things that make people happy, like friendship or love, can increase a person’s energy field. On the other hand, negative things, like the stress associated with an exam, can put a person’s energy field on high alert. Strangely, Myles is unable to see his Principal’s energy field. When Myles’ father gives him a number of boxes left to him by his late grandmother, he discovers she had a secret life and connections with a number of important, historical figures. As Myles sets out to uncover the truth about the peculiar energy wars, and his grandmother’s secret life, he soon discovers he has a special gift and an important, clandestine mission he must fulfil. Energy Wars - The Awakening, by author Jodi Dee, is a fun, fast-paced, sci-fi, adventure for middle grade readers. The book follows the journey of Myles, as he discovers he has a special gift and unique powers. Myles is a likeable character, with typical teen troubles, that many readers will relate to. The book centres not only on his powers, but also his friendships, as he tries to navigate his new world. With plenty of quantum physics for the most avid sci-fi readers, coupled with a bit of mystery and a lot of action, this story has all the right ingredients to make this a superb middle-grade novel. The book ends on a gripping cliff-hanger, and I hope there isn’t too long to wait for the next instalment! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A gripping and thought-provoking sci-fi novel for middle grade readers, full of action and adventure. Purchase here

< Back Nikita Kapoor Pack of the Lost- The Uninviting Forest Two young wolves must face their fears and enter a dangerous forest, by author Nikita Kapoor A pack of majestic wolves live peacefully in a cave on the edge of the forest on a crooked mountain. But when the roof collapses and the cave crumbles, two young wolves, Daffodil and Jasper, become separated from the pack. Jasper tries to persuade Daffodil to search for the pack in the forbidden, uninviting forest. The forest has hidden dangers and Daffodil is scared, but she won’t allow Jasper to journey alone. She reluctantly agrees, and together they venture into the depths of the forest. Jasper and Daffodil are chased by hungry tigers, and become separated. Jasper desperately searches for Daffodil, and whilst trying to avoid danger, he meets two dogs, Cosmo and Nova. Meanwhile, Daffodil is lost, scared and alone, deep in the forest. She meets a white wolf named Iris and finds a magical amulet, with a connection to her ancestors and the wolf god, Felix. The ghost of Felix helps the pair out of danger and the friends are reunited, but Daffodil is troubled by inner turmoil, and Jasper is haunted by a disturbing dream. Will the pair ever find their way out of the uninviting forest? And can they rebuild their pack? The Uninviting Forest, by ten-year old author Nikita Kapoor, is an imaginative, magical, fantasy fiction novel for middle grade readers. This is the first book in the Pack of the Lost series, and is packed full of action and adventure. The two main characters show strength, determination and leadership skills, as they face their fears and overcome many challenges in the forest. With excellent writing for someone so young, superb world-building, and captivating characters, Nikita Kapoor is a talent to watch out for. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An imaginative, magical, fantasy fiction novel, packed full of action and adventure. Purchase here

< Back Vy Lien The Nervous Noodle: Social Anxiety, Fitting In, and Standing Out How will Nervous Noodle cope on his first day at school? It is Nervous Noodle’s first day at school, and he feels very anxious. He is worried about how he will make new friends. What if no one talks to him? What if he trips and falls? What if he cannot answer the teachers questions? What if? What if? What if? He doesn’t sleep the night before school and cannot eat his breakfast in the morning. When he arrives at school, he notices the other children, easily talking to one another and making new friends. But, when Noodle tries to say hello, no one talks to him. When he trips and falls over in class, he is embarrassed, but the kind teacher helps him into his chair. When the teacher asks him a question, he is so nervous, he gives the wrong answer. Then, at recess, he is scared to approach the children and spends his break alone. When he returns home, Noodle is hungry and exhausted and goes to bed early. The next day, Noodle wakes up feeling a little brighter. He had survived the first day, and he was strong enough to handle anything. At school, he has the courage to talk to the other children, he uses his skills to help another child, and he gets an answer correct. He plays soccer with the other children at recess and even scores the winning goal. Noodle reflects on his day, and concludes he had the best second day at school ever! The Nervous Noodle: Social Anxiety, Fitting In, and Standing Out by author Vy Lien is a fun illustrated picture book about a little boy (Noodle) who feels nervous about his first day at school. Everything that could possibly go wrong, did go wrong for Noodle on his first day. But, Noodle survived it, he picked himself up and he started again. He knew the worst was over, and he realised he was much stronger than he thought he was. The second day was a success, and Noodle soon settled into school. This is a fab story with an important message. The book will help children who might be nervous about starting school, who are scared about starting new activities, or who are feeling anxious in social situations. The book will help parents, carers and teachers talk to children about their feelings and help alleviate their anxieties. The artwork is wonderful, and young children will love the cute and colourful fruit, vegetable, and nut characters. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A fun picture book that will help children who struggle with anxiety. 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 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 Stephanie Brick The Secret Doors of Cannondale A young girl finds a secret door and is whisked away to an alternate, magical realm. Twelve-year-old Adeline Perle has moved from her mother’s military base in Illinois to Connecticut. She hopes that the family will settle down and she will finally be able to make new, long-lasting friendships. The family move into Uncle Bennie and Aunt Constance’s home on the Cannondale estate, while they find their footing in the area. Uncle Bennie asks Adeline to avoid certain areas of the estate, while Aunt Constance is recuperating from an illness. As Adeline explores the expansive estate, she finds a secret door. Despite Uncle Bennie’s warning, Adeline opens the door and discovers a secret passageway, leading to an unusual octagonal room. She explores the room and finds a book with a secret cutout. Inside the book, she finds a hidden crystal. Adeline places the crystal inside her pocket and continues to explore the house. Outside, she meets a group of teenagers having a garden party and develops an instant connection. When she returns to the house, Adeline’s world is literally turned upside down as she falls through the sky and is transported to another realm. Unbeknownst to Adeline, she has landed in the realm of Nouvaal, a dangerous world on the brink of destruction from dark magic. As Adeline attempts to make sense of the new world she learns that the crystal in her pocket has special powers, that could destroy Nouvaal if united with other lost crystals. Adeline is pursued by Heli’aa, the ‘Protector of the Realm,’ who will stop at nothing to secure the crystal for her own evil gains. The Secret Doors of Cannondale is a thrilling fantasy adventure for middle grade readers, by Stephanie Brick. The book follows the journey of Adeline, a young girl who finally finds a sense of belonging in a new home, before being suddenly uprooted again and transported to another world. The book takes readers on an exhilarating journey through time, space, and an alternate universe, full of mystery and magic. This is a delightful and enchanting tale that will appeal to readers of both fantasy and science fiction. The book ends on a nail-biting cliff-hanger, so readers will have to wait for the next instalment to find out what happens next! Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A must read for anyone looking to escape into a magical universe filled with wonder, excitement and danger. Purchase here

< Back Cynthia Hughes Can I Be President of the United States at 8? Author Cynthia Hughes encourages young people to follow their dreams. Can I Be President of the United States at 8? By author Cynthia Hughes is a small book with a very big message. The children ask their teacher a big question – Can I be President, or even Vice-President, at the age of eight? The teacher explains that it is a very long journey to become the President or Vice President of the United States, but if one imagines it, works hard at school and college, demonstrates good values, and follows their dreams, one might very well become the President by the age of forty-eight. With positive, diverse images of young people, the book will inspire young people to follow their dreams. It will provide hope and encouragement that anyone can be successful in life, if they believe in themselves and work hard: ‘If you can see it, you can be it!” With positive affirmations throughout the book, the book will help young people develop confidence and self-belief, and could inspire young people to get involved in politics. Maybe in a few years, we might hear of a politician who was inspired to enter politics or the presidential race after reading this book! The digital illustrations by Debra Gordon, are bright and engaging for younger readers, and include a diverse representation of young people, which readers will relate to. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: An inspirational book for young people, which will help them develop confidence and self-belief, and encourage them to follow their dreams. Purchase here

< 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