An enchanting exploration of the imagination, beautifully brought to life with surreal illustrations. The story follows Sato, a boy/rabbit who embarksAn enchanting exploration of the imagination, beautifully brought to life with surreal illustrations. The story follows Sato, a boy/rabbit who embarks on magical adventures where everyday objects and moments transform into imaginative landscapes. Each page invites readers into Sato’s unique perspective, where garden hoses lead to ponds with “blowing water,� stars can be collected like fireflies, and watermelons serve as delightful boats.
Ainoya’s storytelling will spark curiosity and creative thinking in its readers with its gentle et richly vibrant art. The quiet charm and philosophical undertones will intrigue young children, while its focus on nature and wonder is so well put - there is no forcing here of ideas just simple exploration. Sato offers readers a soft escape into a world where imagination is vital and simple moments reveal fantastical possibilities. Thank you, Elsa! ...more
Creeping Beauty is the third instalment in Joseph Coelho's Fairy Tales Gone Bad series, accompanied by the remarkable illustrations of Freya Hartas. ICreeping Beauty is the third instalment in Joseph Coelho's Fairy Tales Gone Bad series, accompanied by the remarkable illustrations of Freya Hartas. In this version of the classic fairy tale, the narrative takes a refreshing turn by shifting the focus to Eshe, one of the fairy godmothers, whose name symbolizes life, rather than the traditional Sleeping Beauty character, Princess Rose.
While the narrative initially echoes familiar versions of Sleeping Beauty, Coelho allows Eshe to take matters into her own hands instead of relying on a prince to save the day. Along the way, the story pays homage to The Frog Prince, emphasizing the agency of women and reinventing this classic tale. Coelho's poetic background seamlessly weaves throughout the prose, with the page layout often adding a poetic touch. Hartas' black and white illustrations are gorgeous and these are sumptuously illustrated books.
Coelho's use of poetic devices and the impact of layout on reading can be explored. Furthermore, the rich and challenging vocabulary in the book presents an excellent opportunity for exploring language and expanding vocabulary skills. It would be interesting to consider the perspectives of male readers, as the male characters in the story prove either inadequate or literally wooden. A fair addition to Coelho's Fairy Tales Gone Bad series. ...more
A captivating and imaginative book that will enchant young readers with its humorous storyline and cast; shorter books for children are also to be welA captivating and imaginative book that will enchant young readers with its humorous storyline and cast; shorter books for children are also to be welcome. Balen, known for her success with books for older children, demonstrates her versatility as she ventures into writing for younger readers with a brisk and engaging pace.
The story revolves around Clem, a budding young archaeologist, and her friends Ash and Zara, who spend their weekends combing the banks of the Thames as mudlarks. Their treasure-hunting adventures take a fantastical turn when Clem discovers a mysterious grey ring and brings it home. Unbeknownst to her, this triggers a series of extraordinary storms that wreak havoc along the tideline, forcing residents to evacuate their homes.
What follows is a fantastical underwater adventure as Clem and her friends embark on a race against time to restore the magical grey ring to the creature within the Thames who searches for it. Balen's vivid and highly-imagined fantasy world unfolds underwater, where the buildings bear an eerie resemblance to those above water but show signs of decay.
Balen's writing shines through with a simple poeticism. The book carries a gentle moral message about protecting the environment, a timely and important topic. Links to mudlarking echo Katya's previous novel for older readers, October, October.
The book's appeal is further enhanced by Rachael Dean's delightful illustrations, which perfectly capture the vividly imagined underwater world created by Balen. The combination of short, suspenseful chapters and engaging artwork makes The Thames and Tide Club accessible and enjoyable, even for less confident readers. Those I have handed it to have lapped it up. Sorry. Great for newly independent readers and established ones too....more
As Darwin and Covington explore the Galapagos Islands, a fierce storm separates them. Covington finds himself stranded on Narborough Island, a treacheAs Darwin and Covington explore the Galapagos Islands, a fierce storm separates them. Covington finds himself stranded on Narborough Island, a treacherous place with an impending volcanic eruption. Without hope of rescue, he must navigate the island's challenges. Unexpectedly, a small green lizard becomes his unlikely ally, guiding him to enigmatic eggs and protecting him from a monstrous dragon creature. Galvin weaves a spellbinding narrative, imagining a thrilling period of absence in Darwin's journals and exploring the wonders and responsibilities of an uncharted world.
Lindsay Galvin's writing style is wonderful, drawing readers into Syms Covington's world from his early days as a cabin boy to his awe-inspiring survival journey. The language is vivid and evocative, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and perils of the Galapagos Islands. The novel delves into the importance of curiosity, scientific exploration, and the pursuit of knowledge and highlights the fragile balance of ecosystems and the need for responsible stewardship of our planet.
A captivating blend of historical adventure, fantastical creatures, and thought-provoking themes. KS2+...more
In "Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun" by Tọlá Okogwu, readers are transported into a world where a young British Nigerian girl named Onyekachi must cIn "Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun" by Tọlá Okogwu, readers are transported into a world where a young British Nigerian girl named Onyekachi must confront her untamed hair and unlock her hidden powers.
Onyekachi despises her unruly curls, yearning for a way to make them behave. But when her hair unexpectedly saves her best friend Cheyenne from drowning, Onyekachi's life takes an exciting turn. Her mother reveals her Solari heritage, and they journey to Nigeria for Onyekachi to attend the Academy of the Sun. However, tragedy strikes as her mother disappears, propelling Onyekachi into a world of emotional growth, confidence-building, and forging new bonds. This first book in the series explores overcoming scars, discovering one's gifts, and immerses readers in a captivating solar-powered Nigerian techno-wonderland.
"Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun" tackles essential themes of self-acceptance, embracing individuality, and the transformative power of self-discovery. Through Onyekachi's journey, young readers learn about the value of confidence and the responsibility that comes with unique abilities. The story emphasizes the importance of forming new bonds, overcoming challenges, and showcases the timeless clash between good and evil: the fact that Onyeka's hair and heritage are what gives her strength (the very things she has shunned, felt embarrassed about or not acknowledged). An enthralling adventure that seamlessly combines magic, self-discovery, and Afrofuturism. I'm very much looking forward to the rest of the series.
An enthralling adventure that combines Blakeian mythology, magic, and the power of imagination.
Adam, a young, Muslim boy living in an alternative, dysAn enthralling adventure that combines Blakeian mythology, magic, and the power of imagination.
Adam, a young, Muslim boy living in an alternative, dystopian London, encounters a remarkable being that takes the form of a Tyger. Together with his friend Zadie, they embark on a journey that tests their courage and harnesses the power of their imaginations in order to help it escape back to its own realm. As they confront evil, oppressive forces threatening their world, they discover the importance of staying true to oneself and challenging societal darkness.
Tyger explores essential themes such as societal attitudes towards others, inclusion and exclusion, and the preservation of the natural world - many of these themes are purposefully echoing those in Blake's 'Songs of Innocence and Experience'. The book encourages readers to recognize the power of imagination and emphasizes the significance of thought, reason, and empathy in shaping a better society.
The illustrations by Dave McKean, almost ethereal in nature, add depth and visual appeal and generously pattern many of the book's pages; echoing the narrative's energy.
Tyger is a thought-provoking and spiritually rich book that will captivate confident readers who enjoy delving into complex narratives. It is a story that is multi-layered and it's clear that repeated readings and sharing will help reveal richer secrets planted beneath the surface of the text....more
Xiao Xin is convinced that he is a Red Fire Warrior, but his family's constant warnings about the dangers of the world make him feel trapped, controllXiao Xin is convinced that he is a Red Fire Warrior, but his family's constant warnings about the dangers of the world make him feel trapped, controlled and isolated. Despite being small in size, Xiao Xin possesses an inner strength that his family fails to see. When he reaches his limit with their overprotective ways and their worries about him falling ill or getting lost, he decides to run away.
Pung and Ng beautifully depict the importance of overcoming fears, both as a child and as an adult, and how the past shapes the future. The illustrations themselves, which feel almost filmic in design, are rich and the limited text allows readers to connect ideas and messages without being told. ...more
In "The Dream of the Butterfly," Tutu finds herself trapped in a valley where winter never ends, surrounded by talking animals and under the rule of aIn "The Dream of the Butterfly," Tutu finds herself trapped in a valley where winter never ends, surrounded by talking animals and under the rule of a robot Emperor fueled by oil and a desire to find something greater than his parts.
Tutu is tired of working in the Emperor's polluting factory and wonders if the butterfly that appears in her dreams is the key to changing the valley's fate. With the help of a talking cat, rabbit spies, and the Flying Bandit, can Tutu make her dreams a reality and save the valley from destruction?
A satisfying conclusion to a story that has more depth with each new reading.
Tutu finds herself whisked away by a blizzard to a village of talking animals, where humans are forbidden. The Emperor seeks to hold Tutu hostage untiTutu finds herself whisked away by a blizzard to a village of talking animals, where humans are forbidden. The Emperor seeks to hold Tutu hostage until she locates a butterfly he desires. While the graphic novel hints at darker themes such as Tutu's past and being trapped to work in a factory, it is the sweet humour that pervades the tale: it owes much to 'Spritied Away'.
Tutu is a great character who is unhappy with her treatment and seeks to unravel the mystery behind this magical space. The book, which has a sense of steampunk meets Asian landscape, provides a compelling backdrop for an exciting and suspenseful adventure. It leaves with more questions than answers - and some may find this frustrating - but all are answered in the equally-delightful sequel. ...more
I should write a long review about this and would like to but I want to say that the last time I had a feeling that a 'series' was destined to be signI should write a long review about this and would like to but I want to say that the last time I had a feeling that a 'series' was destined to be significant was when I read Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban when it first came out. I get the same feeling with Skandar....more
As with most of Almond's stories, this is a tale whose liminality crosses between the reader asking what is and is not real and how much belief they hAs with most of Almond's stories, this is a tale whose liminality crosses between the reader asking what is and is not real and how much belief they have within and without in travelling between those spaces. At the centre of the liminal space, standing between sand and sea, myth and reality and school and home is Anne Lumsden who lives with her mum in the northeast of England.
Beset by seizures in her teenage years and mocked by her classmates for her learning difficulties, Annie has always felt like she does not fit in and feels closer to the sea and its denizens than people. Her mother, who is creative and caring and deeply loving, weaves stories around her daughter to make her happy and smile. One day, Annie wishes for a fantastical story of her birth and, asking her mum to make it magical, discovers that her heritage and home might be more mysterious than her mother was initially letting on.
A novella brimming with mystery and waves of questions and sumptuously illustrated by Alemagna, it is a tale that celebrates the fantasies and truths that stories can hold. ...more
Part of a series published by Graffeg that explores our darker connections with the natural world, Davies' retelling here of an old tale sees her collPart of a series published by Graffeg that explores our darker connections with the natural world, Davies' retelling here of an old tale sees her collaborate with newcomer Jenkins. Pleasantly brief, as these sorts of tales enjoy being, it looks at the story of a lone fisherman who falls in love, through song, with a Selkie (sometimes woman, sometimes seal).
Davies' language borders on the poetic and it's lovely to see both writer and publisher invite new creative illustrators to shed their seal-skin and create their own interpretations of these established tales.
This little hardback is rich in colour and language and Jenkin's watercolours and pencils do as much in setting mood and tone as does Davies' narrative. ...more
Tickling a lot of fairy tale tropes around young male characters heading off to meet their destiny and supported by a range of animal helpers due to hTickling a lot of fairy tale tropes around young male characters heading off to meet their destiny and supported by a range of animal helpers due to his kindly nature, Kingdom is Aiken's first novel for children full of the dry comedy and high jinks that she is well known for. The Kingdom of Astalon has an ancient enemy that is returning from hiding deep underground in order to exact revenge after decades in hiding. The only heroes that can save it are a young Prince, a horse, a bat, a cat and a raucous gathering of rooks. After being taught how to speak to animals by a venerable old rat called Nicodemus, Michael and his feline companion, Mickle, gather all the friends, tricks and cunning they can to overthrow the enemy. It's a delight precursor to Aiken's hugely successful Wolves of Willoughby Chase which would become her most well-known story....more
A collection that sees the first two sets of short stories brought together from 'All You've Ever Wanted (1953) and More Than You Bargained For (1955)A collection that sees the first two sets of short stories brought together from 'All You've Ever Wanted (1953) and More Than You Bargained For (1955). I loved reading these first two publications from Aiken, the earliest story in this complication was accepted for publication when the author was just 17. Here we are introduced to the fabulous Armitage family for the first time and we see Aiken's fascination with the structure and form of traditional tales that she enjoys playing with. We also see here her fascination for justice and that strong morality too which sings true throughout almost the whole collection. ...more
Chosen as our #BooksforBrookes bookclub discussion and was very well received.
With the death of her grandmother, Suraya, then very young, finds herseChosen as our #BooksforBrookes bookclub discussion and was very well received.
With the death of her grandmother, Suraya, then very young, finds herself (unknown to her at the time) gifted with a pelesit - a familiar who will do anything to protect its new charge. From her earliest days, Suraya is saved multiple times by her loyal, if not darkly-tainted, companion and when the time for bonding of blood arrives she seems happy to have the company. Suraya has lived a deeply lonely childhood with a mother who is ice-cold (wrapped in dark, family secrets) and emotionally distant. Additionally, secondary school is full of manipulative, nasty bullies who enjoy tormenting our protagonist. What will Suraya do when she suddenly finds she has the power of retribution and an ability to punish those who hurt her through the pelesit?
A story told in three plots (as I read it), Alkaf's novel is absolutely excellent. Full of complex themes around redemption, folklore, family, forgiveness with an Indonesian setting that feels like a liminal space between the old and new. Pink, as Suraya's pelesit, is a super creation - years of twisted rage and spite have been carved into him by her grandmother but Suraya offers a new insight into life which it struggles to understand. Can and should he change?
Pitched as middle-grade in the States but here, in the UK, possibly better pitched for Y6+ although some wise and deep children will be ready. I loved it and the celebration of Malay culture without it feeling like it ever took centre stage. ...more
From the illustrator who gave us the acclaimed ‘The Liszts� and ‘Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein� comes an authorial debut r**Reviewed for BooksforKeeps**
From the illustrator who gave us the acclaimed ‘The Liszts� and ‘Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein� comes an authorial debut rich with otherworldly delights and a strong sense of childness. With a brief narrative prologue in which our protagonist, Franca, is found creating collages from richly-illustrated magazines, we espy a floating arm tapping her on the shoulder. This touch evokes a peculiar feeling in Franca that tempts her to leave her home comforts and explore the world beyond. So begins her journey to meet The Queen in the Cave.
This is a calling that will take her towards the forest beyond her house, beyond the walls of nettles and thickets to a cave and a world that will both shock and delight her and her two younger sisters who accompany her. Does Franca have the courage to step beyond security’s veil and discover another side and possibility to her personality that she has yet to face?
In a sumptuously designed picture book, extended to a grand 64 pages, Sardà explores those memories and feelings we get as children that we cannot ignore: the innate compulsion to step out of adult control into new realms of possibilities that can only be navigated through self-will and independence. In this story, Franca and her sisters, Carmela and Tomasina, travel to a realm full of rich imaginings and wondrous secrets. For the younger sisters, this new world is often overwhelming but for Franca, it is a place that has lain deep within her and one she has finally allowed to germinate.
Readers will be enthralled and beguiled by Sardà’s Wonderland-like world where sun-masked fairies light the path to the cave whilst coiled serpents hide in branches. Great parades of insects and flying fish dwarf the sisters as they journey to meet the queen of this other realm. Past hanging bats and ghoulish giantesses, they travel until they finally arrive at the queen’s abode only to find that she bears a startling resemblance to Franca herself. This is as much a psychological journey as it is transitional.
The Queen in the Cave is an ode to Sardà’s own childhood in which she was nervous and curious about discovering that world outside: that liminal space between dependence and independence, control and freedom. The story’s odd, quirky realm will raise many questions with its voyage and return narrative but I, for one, am happy that its ambiguous meaning mirrors our own initial, trepidatious steps into the realm of youthhood and beyond. Like the very best children’s books, this is a rare treasure that carries interpretations, readings and re-readings beyond the recommended age range. ...more
I've read Cressida's 'Hiccup' books before and loved them; I think she has a lovely touch of humour throughout, brings her own zany, magical illustratI've read Cressida's 'Hiccup' books before and loved them; I think she has a lovely touch of humour throughout, brings her own zany, magical illustrations but it is also very wise indeed - leaving messages for the adult and young reader alike. So, I don't know why it always takes me so long to pick up her books. Perhaps I think because she's so successful that something will be lost in the books but with The Wizards of Once that it is absolutely not the case. In fact, having listened to David Tennant read it out and follow along with this hardback version, I'd argue that the whole thing is a merry triumph.
Two children, one born of wizards and the other of warriors are both disappointments to their single parents. The lowliest of their siblings and each desperate to impress. But it's as if Xar and Wish are just born into the wrong families. It'll take a witch a sword of iron and the threads of fate to sort out their futures. In a book packed with magic and creatures from times past, Wizards is an absolute gem of a book - heightened by Cowell's glorious illustrations and the incredible presentation of the book itself (get it in hardback!). Finally, Tennant's audio reading is just perfect and raise everything to another level for me. ...more
There was something sweet and experimental about the first Mason Mooney story; as if the creator was finding their feet with the setting of Grimbrook There was something sweet and experimental about the first Mason Mooney story; as if the creator was finding their feet with the setting of Grimbrook and also the concept of how they wanted their version of the graphic novel to work. It was well-paced with a cracking anti-hero, loveable sidekick (partner!) and a wacky sense of the paranormal sprinkled with a good dose of the real stuff too.
The sequel felt as if Miller was in her stride and allowing herself the freedom to unleash the creativity that may have felt a little more reserved in her first outing. In a story that sees a parallel (opposite) dimension open, Mason and Iris must face a new threat to Grimbrook before our hero disappears from reality itself. Concept aside, this is a deceptively rich plot with plenty of longer-term goings-on happening in the background and with enough humour and tongue-in-cheek paranormal-play occurring between the pages. The same cast is here but we have room for more.
I loved Miller's experimental and flamboyant play with framing and position and I found a welcome addition of more written narrative. Whilst unusual in a graphic novel for younger readers, I thought it worked really well. Miller is attempting something new here: a fusion text between a short novella in a graphic presentation. This longer text also meant the introduction of another, super character: the narrator.
The narrator guides us and interjects as the story unfolds and is intrusive in all the right places. They have a dry sense of humour and often give their opinions freely on what's going on. I loved this element and really hope Miller keeps playing and experimenting with this form and story. All in all, I was more than satisfied with the sequel and hope for more. ...more
With Serpine defeated, it's time for a new enemy to step into Valkyrie Cain's world and the threads of her part in the arrival of the Faceless Ones beWith Serpine defeated, it's time for a new enemy to step into Valkyrie Cain's world and the threads of her part in the arrival of the Faceless Ones begins to tighten (I really love that slow build-up -Voldemort-style that is happening). This time, it's another old foe of Skulduggery's, Baron Vengeous whose quest to resurrect a monstrosity named the Grotesquery. Should the Baron succeed, then the path for the Faceless Ones to return will be unavoidable. Can Skulduggery, Valkyrie and their companions halt the villain and his allies? Well yes, there's more in the series...but that's not the point!
I love the humour in this series, it's borderline Pratchettesque in places and never takes itself too seriously, except when it does. Although I felt in this one that there were too many chance arrivals at key moments, it was still plenty of fun! For a further recommendation, the audiobook is read by Rupert Degas who brings that strong, wonderful Irish lilt to the whole thing. Handy since it's all set in and around Dublin for the most part. ...more
Sophie has been touted as a gifted spell-weaver by her mother and grandmother and has shown so much potential that she has been head-hunted by the mosSophie has been touted as a gifted spell-weaver by her mother and grandmother and has shown so much potential that she has been head-hunted by the most prestigious school of magic. Before going there, both her carers suggest she spend some time with her aunt and grandmother and learn more about the magic that is bound strongly within their heritage.
But the pressure of success is far too much for Sophie and she finds herself angry, frustrated and conflicted over her future. When she finds herself in mortal danger, a series of events occur in which her life is bound up by that of a young sea-dragon and both must face their fears or face the wrath of the oceans upon both of them.
With strong nods to Miyazaki in terms of its otherworldly tenderness and that bridge between the real and fantastical, Xu's story is lovely. Sophie has her faults and she's a stronger, more engaging character for it; but so do the adults in her world too. This is heartwarming and dear and would work very well throughout primary and secondary. I particularly liked how Xu's style had strong nods to Manga but that she has absolutely made it her own.
Finally, there is a message here about following your own dreams and pursuing in life what you want to be rather than adhering to her expectations of those with greater power over you. As a book for younger readers transitioning into secondary school or going through Primary, this provides you with comfort and assurance. ...more
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