I received a review copy of this book from Capstone Press via Edelweiss for which my thanks.
Combining photographs with silhouettes and illustrations, I received a review copy of this book from Capstone Press via Edelweiss for which my thanks.
Combining photographs with silhouettes and illustrations, Cat Fact Frenzy (2025) by Nikki Potts is a small picture book packed with nuggets of information, not only entertaining and informative for its intended readership, children but also for older readers, weaving in facts which just might be new even to a seasoned cat lover! This is the newest of the Fact Frenzy books by Capstone Press and releases in August this year!
Over four separate sections, this book takes one from the ancient world through basic and superlative cat facts to wrap up with facts about famous cats including those who’ve taken the internet by storm! It might begin with a page warning off ‘dog lovers� but this dog lover who also happens to be a cat lover was undeterred and carried right on.
The Egyptians were no doubt the original cat lovers and worshippers and it is no surprise that the journey here, after a few basics like how long cats have been around, moves to them, be it the cat goddess Bastet or the custom of shaving off the eyebrows in mourning when the family cat died. But it was later sections that held the most surprises for me; I knew, for instance, as do most, that male cats are toms, but didn’t know that female cats are queens or Mollys. That they sleep a lot was not a surprise but the proportion of waking hours spent on grooming was one! That they likely had better hearing than us (as do dogs) I figured (not how much better, though), but I had no idea they had so many bones (230 to our 206). There are several other interesting aspects of their anatomies including the ability to taste ‘air�! And did you know, they only meow to their humans?
I promise I haven’t given all the surprises away, there are plenty more including oldest, biggest, smallest and other records (including a sprinting power much more than Usain Bolt!) as also an introduction to some famous and not so famous kitties (and owners), some of whom one has certainly heard of—Isaac Newton and Grumpy Cat, among them (the first is indeed the mathematician and not a cat masquerading under his name)!
A quick and fun read which will teach one plenty about our feline friends (or just felines if you don’t yet consider them friends). Presented simply and in an easy to grasp way, kids will come away having picked up plenty (facts, legends, and purrsonalities) and can enjoy the many photographs as well....more
I received a review copy of this book from Floris Books via Edelweiss for which my thanks.
Beautifully illustrated with an autumn palette, Swedish authI received a review copy of this book from Floris Books via Edelweiss for which my thanks.
Beautifully illustrated with an autumn palette, Swedish author Cecelia Heikkila’s The Slightly Spooky Tale of Fox and Mole (2025) is about friendship and the dynamics between friends which can be sensitive, about being attentive to one’s duties even if one has fun, and also about the seasons, specifically autumn, just the time to be sitting by the fireside and enjoying a spooky story which is just what our friends in this story do; but what when that story starts to come true?
Fox and Mole are neighbours, their houses sharing a wall. Summer sees numerous people visit their town with kite flying and plenty of lively activity—something in which Mole happily partakes while Fox spends his time baking cookies and making jam, not only to offer the visitor but also in preparation for the tougher seasons. As autumn dawns and all the visitors leave, Fox and Mole have each other’s company to enjoy but this usually plays out in Mole visiting Fox’s home, and untidily snacking on cookies and jam while Fox reads aloud from a book to entertain them both, hinting fruitlessly to Mole to be a little neater. Some of these evenings are spent reading the story of the Scuffling Monster, a little too scary for them such that Fox closes the book shuddering, what happens next not revealed even to the reader!
Fox doesn’t seem to mind this arrangement even if Mole isn’t the most considerate or courteous of guests, but his kindness and tolerance are pushed to the limits when Mole forgets his birthday, and Fox let alone receiving a gift or even greeting, finds Mole expecting him to show him the hospitality he usually does! What happens next? Well that you’ll have to read to find out but as I hinted earlier, it involves something of the monster story starting to come true.
This is a cute little story with just the slightest bit of creepiness to it, nicely woven in with the friendship and dynamics between Fox and Mole. Even the intended readers (kids above age 6) won’t find this necessarily a scary story but one with just a hint of that element. The focus of the story though is the friendship and how that is tested and the conflict resolved, in which kindness, understanding and acknowledging one’s mistakes plays a role.
One reason I chose to read this book was the artwork and that I really loved. The images bring out the jolly and lively summer environment, can get one feeling the autumn winds as also the comfort of reading (and snacking by the fireside). It is in the illustrations that the spooky element of the story comes through very strongly as a dark shadow enters and takes over; if one focuses on those elements alone, they can be scary indeed. But just the same, the show disperses too, warmth and normalcy reentering their lives.
An enjoyable read for any time of the year, but especially autumn!
4.5 stars
for some of the illustrations, have a look at my blog: ...more
I received a review copy of this book from Pushkin Press via Edelweiss for which my thanks.
While Eva Frantz is an established writer of crime novels, I received a review copy of this book from Pushkin Press via Edelweiss for which my thanks.
While Eva Frantz is an established writer of crime novels, I discovered her work only through her writing for children when I read The Mystery of Raspberry Hill last year which while meant for younger readers has darker shades and heavy themes being set in a sanatorium and with a heroine who isn’t sure how long she has to live (and quite morbid as a result). Having very much liked the book, I was keen to read another of her offerings for young persons, The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor, also a mystery, but this time with a Christmassy background and feel. Like Raspberry Hill, this too has supernatural elements, but while this book has grief and loss among its themes, there isn’t that feeling of the ominous as in Raspberry Hill.
In The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor, twelve-year-old Flora Winter or ‘Flick� as her mother calls her travels to the seaside town of Helmersbruk with her mother—a nice place for a holiday, no doubt, but it’s the middle of winter. There they are to be tenants of the Gatekeeper’s cottage at Helmersbruk manor while the only other resident, an old man called Fridolf lives in the Washhouse. The manor itself is empty and locked up. Flora has only recently lost her father and the grief is still strong (‘Most of all, she missed dad. It was like a blister that refused to heal. She could forget about the pain briefly but as soon as she moved, it would blaze again�.). Her mother, an author, is also heartbroken but now able to get back to writing, she escapes into her work, sometimes even forgetting Flora and things like getting meals on the table.
At Helmersbruk, Flora has her homework with her but is broadly free to explore. She roams around the grounds and the garden, taking up some gardening in the process (there are flowers that bloom even in the cold) but most of all she is curious about the manor itself into which there seems no way. Or is there? Some strange things start to occur as Flora spots a white squirrel, hears whispering voices, and even dreams of herself floating into the manor. She meets and befriends a young boy who seems to live close by but who never stops by long enough for her to learn too much. Amidst these explorations and adventures, small little Christmassy things also begin to be found by her, a shepherd, an angel—different parts of a nativity scene. But what are all these strange things leading up to and does she ever manage to enter Helmersbruk manor?
Intermittently are also chapters following another story—written in the form of letters to a loved one and connected with Helmersbruk’s past. As these chapters unfold, we start to pick up hints as to Flora’s present-day adventures.
The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor was a really fun story which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It had a wonderful combination of mystery, Christmas and the supernatural which made it a perfect read for this time of the year. The mystery was nicely done and had plenty of surprises since I wasn’t able to entirely guess how things would piece together nor pick up on some of the crucial links until they were spelled out. I very much liked how things shaped up at the end.
Flora is a likeable character and nicely done, a young girl struggling with grief as well as not really belonging to the world that she’s growing up in, in the sense of the typical struggles at school to fit in socially and a strand of unhappiness related to that. She’s a sensible and good-hearted girl, more mature in many ways than her years but not flawless—falling into misunderstandings and jumping into conclusions at times (incidentally, we end up doing this too in the story with Frantz managing to successfully misdirect us on some points).
The supernatural elements here are nicely done as well—and within my handling capacity, this being a book for younger readers. Dreamy scenes and whispering voices are part of these but there’s also more which is fun to discover while reading.
Family, loss and grief, friendships and fitting in, Christmas, fate, present and past links are some of themes explored in this Christmas mystery full of secrets and surprises and very readable as a result!
Neptune’s Secret Code (2024) is a full-length fantasy-adventure for children from author Genna Rowbotham, two of whose picture books for much younger Neptune’s Secret Code (2024) is a full-length fantasy-adventure for children from author Genna Rowbotham, two of whose picture books for much younger kids I’ve read and reviewed previously. My thanks to Genna for kindly sending me a review copy of this book which explores themes of facing and not being imprisoned by one’s fears, positive thinking and belief in oneself, lessons as relevant for us adults sometimes as the kids this is aimed at. And surprisingly this book also happens to feature a kitten, Leo who leads our young heroine to her adventure, something I didn’t know when starting it, and so also anticipates #ReadingtheMeow2024 which kicks off on Monday!
Young Hannah is travelling with her dad and mom to the Morvoren, Cornwall where she must spend six weeks with her Auntie Meg while her parents are on a business trip. This isn’t a holiday Hannah is too keen on and we soon sense in her a fear or dislike of the sea. There’s little choice but Hannah is determined not to set foot anywhere near the sea, which might prove hard as Auntie’s Meg lovely little cottage is right by it. Meg has a few surprises for Hannah when they arrive at her cottage—among these is her new pet, a tiny kitten whom Hannah names Leo and immediately befriends. The other present is trickier, a pretty swimming costume with plenty of sparkles which she likes, and yet—it’s a swimming costume and she never wants to go near the sea. The sparkles win though and she does decide to try it on (and no more).
Meanwhile as she steps out to play with Leo on her first morning in Morvoren, the little kitten gets up to all sorts of mischief. But chasing a crab and playing with pebbles at a rock pool turn out more than a simple game when both Leo and in an effort to rescue him, Hannah are pulled right into the pool and taken to a different world altogether—the Kingdom of Neptune, no less. Here Hannah finds she must face various fears from frightening monsters to the sea itself if she ever wants to rescue Leo and return home.
Neptune’s Secret Code is a delightful undersea adventure with magical settings and characters, plenty of danger and also valuable lesson learnt along the way, mostly shown. With just a few characters, this will also be easy for younger readers to grasp.
The undersea settings take us, among others to Neptune’s Cave, a beautiful pearl island marbled in different shades of pink and also a glittery blue crystal castle. But amidst all this beauty, fears must also be faced as Hannah finds it is she who has to make the effort before she can return home to Auntie Meg—whether it is facing scary sea monsters who’ve been let loose in Neptune’s kingdom or worse, her own fears of the water. Luckily, she is not alone, for there is Neptune himself with his long white beard, trident and chariot drawn by hippocamps, a sweet dolphin Domitus and rainbow-haired mermaid Marcie, whom Hannah doesn’t immediately take to but does end up befriending. These new friends (Leo is there too but he can’t do much) help her face her fears, working with her to complete her tasks. In the process, she not only learns many lessons but also forms friendships, understanding their value, too.
The book puts across its messages well, both telling and showing but not in a didactic manner. It is in the course of her undersea adventure that Hannah learns these, whether about not allowing herself to be overcome by her fears or to think positive thoughts and many come both from the situations she is confronted with and those she meets, particularly Marcie, rather than being ‘taught� by an elder which makes it much more effective.
An entertaining and nicely paced fantasy adventure which has plenty of excitement and danger, animals, monsters and mythological characters and also a main character young readers can relate to and will enjoy following, while learning some important lessons painlessly along the way. Illustrated in black and white by Terry Cooper....more
The first of a trio of delightful and charming children’s books, Finnigan the Circus Cat, written and illustrated by Mary T. Wagner gives us not only The first of a trio of delightful and charming children’s books, Finnigan the Circus Cat, written and illustrated by Mary T. Wagner gives us not only a lovely setting and adventure threads but is also about unusual friendships as valuable or more than family, standing by and being there for each other and also about compassion, courage and love. My thanks to Mary for very kindly sending me review copies of all three of these wonderful books which I enjoyed very much.
Narrated by a little mouse Maximillian or Max, we see how he lives with his cousin Leroy (both coming from a long line of circus mice) at Farnsworth Circus Museum in Wisconsin—a former circus converted into a museum with all the wagons displayed in Old Man Farnsworth’s barn and open to visitors every week. There are no animals anymore but the elaborately decorated wagons, posters, and the atmosphere remain. When Old Man Farnsworth dies, a younger branch of the family comprising Fred and Shirley and their three children Lucy, Charlie and little Donovan move in, with them also their dog Boomer. Max and Leroy are initially a little worried but Boomer is the gentlest creature they’ve ever met and even keeps the menacing neighbourhood cats, Hector and Godfrey at bay. The meals from this Farnsworth branch are delicious which means Max and Leroy are living a very good life. Then one day, eight-year-old Lucy brings home a little ball of fur—a tiny kitten who must stay in the barn and be kept a secret from her family as Fred is allergic and it will be sent away.
At first terrified, Max and Leroy soon take the new arrival under their wing, convincing him that they are ‘fairy godmothers� resulting in the three becoming friends who have little adventures together and lead a quiet life always having to keep below the radar. The only ‘threat� they might have around is young Donovan whose eyes are sharper than any of the others, but while he knows they are there, he can’t speak a word yet which means they are safe—at least as long as he stays silent.
It is from Max and Leroy that Finnigan gets his name and this was my favourite episode in the first book—not only how his name came about but also how they get Lucy and her friend (in on the secret) to understand and give him the perfect name they’ve selected.
Finnigan is a circus cat because he lives in a circus of course but also for another reason. As he begins to grow, with his long legs and unusually long tail he manages to pick up a real circus talent—swinging on the trapeze. This comes in handy enabling him to save his friends and keep trouble at bay.
Being set in a circus museum, the circus magic and atmosphere is an element which stands out all through. Max, Leroy and Finnigan are endearing characters as is quiet Boomer (and also the humans who also give us some surprises) and one grows to love them all. I loved that the adventures (although there are real dangers to be faced) are kept light hearted and free of too much drama, save for a moment or two.
The book is also illustrated with lovely pen and ink illustrations by the author herself, another of her multiple talents (one can’t but be in awe of her vast experience as I see from her brief bio—former journalist, criminal prosecutor, judicial clerk, talk show host, girl scout writer and artist).
An enchanting book for readers young and old (and in between)!...more
The only other of the Oz books that I’ve read other than The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (which was the only one I knew as a child) is The Marvelous Land oThe only other of the Oz books that I’ve read other than The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (which was the only one I knew as a child) is The Marvelous Land of Oz (1904) but on revisiting it now after many years, I was surprised to find how, besides being a fun and imaginative adventure introducing plenty of new characters as also having us catch up with old friends, the book also simply overflows with witticisms, wisdom and puns. Even more surprising were the political threads, which I didn’t at all remember and which did have me wondering what Baum really thought of the suffragettes (more on that in a bit)! A very different book from the first, a book which I think while enjoyable for young readers, has a lot more to offer for older ones, with many threads to unravel.
In The Marvelous Land of Oz (1904) we meet a young boy Tip, whose been brought up by and lives with an old quasi-witch Mombi—quasi since she is not permitted to practice proper magic by orders of the good witch of the South, Glinda. As is usual, Tip isn’t treated all that well an made to do various chores. So, to get back at Mombi and have a little fun in the process Tip manufactures a Pumpkinhead, a stick figure complete with joints and a pumpkinhead, dresses it in colourful attire and positions it at a bend in the road go give the old woman a good scare as she returns from the market. But something very different is in store for the Pumpkinhead as Mombi jus happens to be bringing back with her ‘the powder of life� and uses Pumpkinhead to test it. With this Jack Pumpkinhead comes to life and Tip is in for a punishment, to be turned into a marble statue. To escape this fate, he decides to run away with Jack Pumpkinhead to whom he is now ‘father� to the Emerald city to the Scarecrow, now ruler there. Jack’s joints however are not very well made and along they way, Tip who has taken with him the powder of life uses it to bring to life a saw horse whom Jack rides. But after some adventures, as they get to the Emerald City and are briefly separated, Jack and Saw Horse meeting Scarecrow and Tip left outside, the city is attacked by the all-girl army of General Jinjur, armed with knitting needles, who quite easily oust poor Scarecrow.
Now Scarecrow, accompanied by Tip, Jack Pumpkinhead and the Saw Horse journey to the land of the Winkies to seek help from the Tin Woodman, but while that is forthcoming, neither the journey back to the Emerald City nor the confrontation with Jinjur and her army turn out very easy. Our adventurers are joined by Mr H.M. Woggle Bug, TE, and must face numerous challenges and obstacles in regaining the Emerald City, with even Glinda whose help they finally seek unable to vanquish their enemies with ease. And the outcome isn’t quite what they expect with secrets revealed and things taking a very different direction one would have imagined, as Oz’s throne is restored to its rightful ruler!
I was lucky to have an edition of this book from Dover Publications which is a faithful reproduction of the original with all 120 line-illustrations and 16 colour plates. These made my reading experience all the more special of this book which is miles above (and also in that sense very different from) its predecessor.
What stands out most when reading the book is the clever writing spread across the book, for instance, in the initial chapters, in the form of a dialogue between the not-too-bright Jack Pumpkinhead and Scarecrow when they first meet—a few pages along—where Jack claims and the Scarecrow accepts that they don’t understand each other as they belong to different ‘countries� and require an ‘interpreter� when all the while the reader can see they perfectly understand each other. When an interpreter is called, she takes the opportunity to have some fun before pointing out the obvious, the languages they’re speaking are one and the same:
"Where on earth did you come from, and how do you happen to be alive?� “I beg your Majesty’s pardon,� returned the Pumpkinhead; “but I do not understand you.� “What don’t you understand?� asked the Scarecrow. “Why, I don’t understand your language. You see, I came from the Country of the Gillikins, so that I am a foreigner.� “Ah, to be sure!� exclaimed the Scarecrow. “I myself speak the language of the Munchkins, which is also the language of the Emerald City. But you, I suppose, speak the language of the Pumpkinheads?� “Exactly so, your Majesty� replied the other, bowing; “so it will be impossible for us to understand one another.� “That is unfortunate, certainly,� said the Scarecrow, thoughtfully. “We must have an interpreter.� “What is an interpreter?� asked Jack. “A person who understands both my language and your own. When I say anything, the interpreter can tell you what I mean; and when you say anything the interpreter can tell me what you mean. For the interpreter can speak both languages as well as understand them.� “That is certainly clever,� said Jack, greatly pleased at finding so simple a way out of the difficulty.
The Scarecrow has doubtless retained his brains (may be not so apparent from the preceding conversation) and from him spring many of the gems in this book. Like when his one soldier-strong ‘Royal Army� declares himself scared of the all-girl army, he remarks
“But, for my part, not being a soldier, I am fond of danger…�
And when told that the Tin Woodman is having himself plated with Nickel,
“If his wit bears the same polish, how sparkling it must be!�
The Tin Woodman himself is not far behind, when he remarks to Jack Pumpkinhead ever aware and in fear of the shortness of his life (for pumpkins must spoil someday)
“Do not, I beg of you, dampen today’s sun with the showers of tomorrow. For before your head has time to spoil you can have it canned, and in that way it may be preserved indefinitely.�
Some of my favourites though came from the mouth of the Woggle Bug. When the Saw Horse breaks its leg and must have it replaced, for instance, he is rather irked:
"It was a shame that I broke my other leg!� it growled. “On the contrary,� airily remarked the Woggle-Bug, who was walking alongside, “you should consider the accident most fortunate. For a horse is never of much use until he has been broken.�
And as he is a rather educated Woggle Bug (more on that in a bit), he can’t resist a good pun, even when checked repeatedly:
“I myself am Thoroughly Educated, and I say that puns display genius. For instance, were I to ride upon this Saw-Horse, he would not only be an animal he would become an equipage. For he would then be a horse-and-buggy.�
But before I go overboard on just this aspect of the book of which there are so many lines I’ve marked, I really must stop.
Of old friends from the first book, we meet the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman and also Glinda, the good witch but not Dorothy or the Lion. The Queen of the Field Mice and her subjects appear as well and end up playing quite an important role, both helping our band of travellers when they are headed back to the Emerald City to face Junjur and also as a pawn in one attack, using a stereotypical tool of fear! There are also plenty of new characters including the witch Mombi and General Jinjur, but among the standouts to me was the Woggle Bug. Mr H. M. Woggle Bug TE or Mr Highly Magnified Woggle Bug, Thoroughly Educated seems straight out of Lewis Carroll and I loved his Carrollian tale—of the rather fun way he became as he did—Thoroughly Educated and Highly Magnified and in a dapper costume. There are also Jack Pumpkinhead and the Saw Horse (rather at loggerheads—no pun intended—with each other) and a curious creature the party end up manufacturing from sofas, palm leaves and a Gump which helps them more than once and shows a rather dignified side when things settle down and it must decide on its fate.
There are many themes and aspects that one could tease out from the book whether issues of gender, guardianship/parenthood, rulers and reigns or even education, but since I don’t want to ramble on and on, I’ll confine myself to one other that really struck, and this was the political thread. In Jinjur and her band we have an all-woman army who thinks Scarecrow is incapable of ruling and wish to overthrow him and take over, but when they do, their interest is in the emeralds that line the streets of the city, the gowns that the treasury can buy them and chocolate which is prepared in the kitchens for Jinjur. The men of the city are made to do the work while women simply roam the streets and gossip. This picture I was sure was somewhere inspired by the suffragettes, confirmed now by a loose search on google, but it also had me wondering what Baum actually thought of them, an idea about which I was confused because he does have women ‘rulers� in say, Glinda the good witch also with her all-woman (and far more capable than Jinjur’s) army and Ozma, the rightful heir who eventually takes over the throne of Oz. But he is certainly poking fun at the suffragettes as well, using stereotypical images and perceptions—whether this was meant as a gentle tease as some commenters suggest or hinted at some degree of disapproval, I couldn’t really decide.
When I embarked on this revisit of this second Oz book (part of very belatedly catching up with Lory’s #Ozathon24), I had expected another entertaining fantasy adventure. And while I did get that, I also got far more from this rich and clever book! ...more
Maybe because the Dark can only reach people at extremes—blinded by their own shining ideas, or locked up in the darkness of their own heads.
Set amidsMaybe because the Dark can only reach people at extremes—blinded by their own shining ideas, or locked up in the darkness of their own heads.
Set amidst the Welsh landscape and weaving in Welsh and Arthurian legends, Silver on the Tree (1977) brings to a satisfying conclusion Susan Cooper’s The Dark is Rising sequence where all the characters come together for that final confrontation with the dark, its looming and growing presence at most times palpable but not necessarily tangible, in the process also realising that external darkness is only perhaps part of the darkness we need to ‘fight�.
Told in four parts, as the book opens, we find ourselves back at the Stanton farmhouse where Will seeming at this point an ordinary eleven-year-old is spending time with his brothers, the older Stephen home on leave from his ship. But of course, Will isn’t ordinary but an ‘Old One� and even when out fishing with his brothers begins to notice stirrings across time, able to see people at different points in the past fleeing the dark which fast catching up. In the present too, this begins to happen with vicious minks suddenly appearing in their surroundings and darkness also materialising in other forms like bullying and intolerance.
Things are coming to a head and while tasks have been done, relics recovered and things accomplished, there are still those final steps before Dark can be finally checked. The scene shifts to Wales and Will’s uncle’s farm where The Grey King unfolded, and here we again find Bran whom we met and whose identity we learned in that book as well as the three Drew children, Jane, Barney and Simon. While the three now understand something of Will and accept him as a friend (Barney and Simon mainly for Jane always realised he was different), they are somewhat sceptical of Bran. As they start out on those final steps of their adventure, dark is on their heels too, the Black Rider and White Rider often visible and the presence of dark felt or seen in other forms, while our characters move between present and past and reality and legend, these times and spaces existing alongside each other and our characters moving almost seamlessly between them. But dark dogs their every step even anticipates them at times—amidst this, do our young heroes manage to defeat their foes?
While Silver on the Tree is structured as and is indeed a fantasy–adventure with a central and several sub-quests, it is also far more, not only in its weaving in of myth and legend but also in the profound questions it brings to the fore whether it be the source/s and forms of ‘dark� in our lives or the very nature of reality (�Real is a hard word� almost as hard as true or now …�) issues as relevant in real life that fantasy is only a vehicle to explore.
Once again, I enjoyed the elements of myth and legend that Cooper weaves in be it the Arthurian aspects or indeed the story of the lost islands, or Cantre’r Gwaelod, the sunken kingdom ruled by Gwyddno Garanhir. We visit this latter with Will and Bran in a segment of the story which is much like a fairy tale quest, complete with its riddles, mazes and magic—a magic of its own, unaffected by the forces of light or dark. This segment was an especially beautiful one, and had very much an ‘Arabian Nights� feel to it. Even within Cooper’s world, it is a curious place, free of all forces but its own—yet even in such a space, neither dark nor light are entirely powerless. And if we needed any more confirmation of Uncle Merry’s identity, we get that too!
At the level of an adventure story, we certainly get a fitting conclusion, various quests and sub-quests being attempted and completed, our characters needing to rely as much on strengths of character as on magic. The final confrontation or task in that sense too delivers as we get our moments of drama and excitement as the scene plays out. But in the ultimate, Cooper wants us to look and think further, at the good versus evil battle being a continual one which surfaces in different and many forms at different times, at ‘evil� not being only an external force and even when it is, its influence being very much within our control; and as much at our own responsibilities in the world, not awaiting or expecting mythical rescuers or casting blame one way or the other.
A wonderful read not only for children as an adventure but as much or more for adult readers who have many layers and complexities to peel away.
I received a review copy of this book from Nosy Crow via NetGalley for which my thanks.
A cursed gemstone, a dark secret society, a colourful circus anI received a review copy of this book from Nosy Crow via NetGalley for which my thanks.
A cursed gemstone, a dark secret society, a colourful circus and a sweet sloth, all amidst nineteenth century Paris where a young Indian girl must find her missing father and solve the mystery of why she was so suddenly sent to Paris make Secrets of the Snakestone by Piu DasGupta an entertaining read full of mystery, adventure and some drama as well!
In the book we meet Zelie Dutta, a young girl from Bengal, working as a lady’s maid with the awful Madame Malaise. Because she has mismatched eyes, the other servants in the house see her as a witch, all too eager to blame not only all that goes wrong but their own mistakes on her as well. Zelie is not too sure why she was withdrawn from school and sent there in the first place for her father Robi’s story of owing the Malaises some money doesn’t ring true, and she knows there is more to it. When she meets a young sewer boy Jules who has found her father’s locket in a Paris sewer, thousands of miles from where it (and he) should be, she knows something is very wrong. With the initially reluctant Jules� help, and her own resourcefulness, she sets off to solve the mystery, on the way encountering a dark society up to no good and sinister villains and uncovering various secrets while also rescuing a darling sloth on this adventure which takes them from the sewers and catacombs under Paris to secret lairs and a circus full of flamboyant characters.
This fast-paced and adventure-filled read was absolute good fun from start to finish and besides the mystery and quest elements also weaves in themes of family, friendship and trust, as also the important lesson of not judging people, much like books, by their ‘covers�.
The author packs in numerous shades and aspects into the story from the classic sensation-novel elements of cursed stones and mysterious societies (and of course, the ‘India� connection) to riddles, steampunk, circuses and a very dramatic, film-like conclusion but without it feeling like too much. Additionally there are aspects of colonialism, prejudices, class elements and the setting itself which takes one mostly through the city’s underbelly.
Zelie makes for a great heroine, who while not faultless, is courageous, resourceful and determined, willing to go to any lengths to help those she loves. Her little pep talks to herself (mostly reiterating her various achievements, from doing away with a dangerous snake to beating her father at chess multiple times) are great fun, as is the inspiration she draws from the fictional character she enjoys reading about, Count Rodolphe (from The Mysteries of Paris by Eugene Sue, an actual book as the author points out in her afterword as are also some of the other historical elements woven in with the fictional). Jules too makes for a very likeable character, drawn into the mystery unwillingly but soon a valuable participant.
I loved that the animal characters too were different from the usual but felt ‘natural� and not contrived whether it be Zelie’s ‘pet� pigeon, Rodolphe or Jules� pet snails, or even the sweet baby sloth they rescue along the way.
The ending keeps open possibilities for newer and further adventures, so if the author does decide to develop this into a series, there will be lots more fun to look out for.
I received a review copy of this book from Bookbuzz via NetGalley for which my thanks.
From the pen of a young author of only 21 comes this cute and fuI received a review copy of this book from Bookbuzz via NetGalley for which my thanks.
From the pen of a young author of only 21 comes this cute and fun little children’s adventure, Kat Doggers: Superspy, the first in a series of so far 2 books. Kat Doggers is an ordinary housecat living with her humans and their other pet, Sam the dog. Sam is about to celebrate his gotcha day and Kat, a little jealous, ends up spoiling things a little. But Kat isn’t just that ordinary housecat, she is also the newest recruit in FUR, the Feline Undercover Regiment. When she is contacted by FUR, she takes off on her specially fitted skateboard (well, it belongs to her humans but it is customised for her to be operated by paw print) finding out at mission control about the latest case on hand. Though as a new recruit, she should be starting with simpler jobs, circumstances turn out such that she is ends up with the top agents Emily Doggers (also her cousin with the same tawny fur) and a tuxedo tom, Ace Knight, the ‘James Bond� of the unit. Neither is very optimistic about Kat’s skills, but then things take another turn and they are captured, leaving it up to Kat to save the day. Can she do it? Alongside she must also mend things at home.
This was a short and quick read and very entertaining all through. The author takes what is perhaps not an unusual idea of house-pets being ‘secret spies� but spins it into a fun story which is executed well. There are plenty of ‘Bond� touches with not only a high-tech MI-6 kind of organisation with special gadgetry—whether it’s Kat’s special skateboard or even special aircraft—but also a typical sinister Bond-type villain who uses the most dastardly methods to target the agents, and Agent Knight even has his own theme song (sung by no less than Parrot Hilton—I wanted to leave that for readers to enjoy, but just couldn’t resist mentioning it). There is a bit of a mystery to the case they are assigned to, the answer not being as obvious as it first seems.
A short read but lots of fun. There are also illustrations by Marie Amelie Marquaire—not full colour but using a limited palette—which add to the story.
The second set of Savages back-to-back, though not linked with the first at all, except that both books have children in them with this one focusing oThe second set of Savages back-to-back, though not linked with the first at all, except that both books have children in them with this one focusing on them more than on the adults.
But before I say anything about the book itself, I just have to say that my new favourite word (noun/adjective, whichever one sees it as) is Howliboo! I loved it the moment I read it and am sure will be using it often!
Back to the beginning now. When Arpita from a Bag Full of Books announced over on her Instagram page a readalong of Christmas with the Savages, I was immediately interested as from the cover itself it looked a lovely children’s book and the author Mary Clive was a completely new name to me. So I went ahead and ordered a copy. Lady Mary Clive or Mary Katherine Clive (who died in 2010 at the age of 102) was the author of memoirs of her family, some biographies (John Donne and Edward IV) as well as a handful of novels written under the pseudonym Hans Duffy. A debutante in 1926, she wrote amusing memoirs (Brought Up and Brought Out) of her experiences and the rather disappointing crop of young men (‘bumper dowdy year�) whom she and others met. Christmas with the Savages (1955), though fictionalised, is based on Christmas spent with her mother’s parents, the Earl and Countess of Jersey and the various children portrayed are based on her own brothers and sisters and cousins.
Christmas with the Savages is narrated in the voice of the fictional Evelyn, about eight years old, the only child of wealthy parents in London, brought up with every comfort and also a little spoiled perhaps (by the standards of the day) being allowed in the drawing room regularly unlike others of her age. Being mostly on her own, Evelyn is accustomed to thinking herself rather grown up, and carries herself with various airs and graces. As the book opens, we see in a typical scenario that Evelyn’s parents are away in Scotland where her father has taken ill, with the result that they won’t be back as planned and Evelyn is to spend Christmas with her mother’s friend Lady Tamerlane, whom she remembers as ‘brisk� and ‘not playful� but who sometimes gave her half crowns. But she won’t be ‘alone�; there will also be Lady Tamerlane’s grandchildren, the Savages. On the train down from Paddington with her maid she meets them, Lionel the oldest, absorbed in his book, Betty, fat and round, the youngest in her picture book, and Rosamund and Harry in the middle, out to classify everyone they meet as Cavalier or Roundhead. There’s also a baby who stays with his nurse. Unused to children Evelyn is somewhat taken aback by their constant chatter and chanting of poems. At Tamerlane Hall are also the Glens, Peter and Peggy and the older Malcolm and Alister who sit with the grownups, and the smaller and pretty ‘Howliboos�, the eldest of whom is Tommy and whose real surnames we never learn, nor indeed the other children’s names as they are much too young to play.
As the visit carries on, the children get up to various antics, from reciting poetry to playing games, besides (when the weather is good) going out for walks and rides and exploring the house itself (a rather interesting old place). Then there are the Christmas celebrations of course and other little entertainments, including the putting up of a play (which needless to say turns out hilarious in its performance), the writing of a magazine and even the running of a marathon, as we also witness the interactions and dynamics between the children
This turned out a charming and humorous read, which though surprisingly not strongly Christmassy, gives one a delightful look into childhood (and more broadly life in a typical country home) in Edwardian England.
I liked how each of the children has their different personality and quirks, all of which we see through the eyes of Evelyn—Betty for instance (and it is she who is our author, and not Evelyn) strongly voices her opinions against anything she thinks is untrue, not sparing even her grandmother; Lionel is the leader, writer of plays but also quite cruel to poor Peter Glen, though the others do manage to get him back. Evelyn herself is keen to be taken notice of by the grown-ups, seen as a ‘grown up� (the Savages to her are ‘childish�) and seeks admiration, but it is apparent that she is very much a child and starts to almost enjoy being part of the group, and even getting up to mischief of her own (including snatching a mouthful of jelly on the sly and then not knowing what to do with it for swallow it, she can’t). She enjoys playing with little Tommy Howliboo too, though she mayn’t want to admit it, but does admit she doesn’t treat her nurse too well. The grown-ups are good fun too, not your typical stuffy adults, with some admitting the mischief they committed as children, Papa Savage sharing quite a good relationship with his ever-curious children and having some wise things to say, and Lady Tamerlane too (though she insists on calling Evelyn Everline, even though Evelyn has corrected her) kind to them in her own way. No one minds their mischief, even the governesses (and the butler Mr O’Sullivan) overlooking their tricks, except when they do sometimes take things too far. But by and large, they are allowed to do as they please and have a grand time of it. Their relationships and dynamics do keep changing of course, as things between children do, and it is interesting to watch these unfold.
As I mentioned, this wasn’t contrary to expectation a book that felt entirely Christmassy but that doesn’t mean we don’t get any Christmas either. In fact, I loved seeing the Christmas celebrations, from decorations being put up (including by the children in their rooms) to the stockings going up, the anticipation over what they would contain, preparations (nice and not-so-nice) to welcome Santa and the opening of presents from others, dancing and feasting.
There is plenty of humour in here, in the writing, the various characters and their antics, and there re plenty of laughs all through.
I’m not sure if the original version had illustrations across the book, but this Puffin ed I got has lovely pictures by Phillip Gough at the start of each chapter giving one a perfect flavour of what’s to come.
A gentle and amusing tale of a simpler time when children could simply be children, entertaining themselves with their imaginations and enjoying themselves thoroughly.
My thanks to BooksGoSocial for a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
Written in simple verse and with vivid and appealing artwork, Lucas the Spy CaMy thanks to BooksGoSocial for a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
Written in simple verse and with vivid and appealing artwork, Lucas the Spy Cat (2022) is a picture and activity book by Samantha Shannon and illustrated by Lei Yang.
The books opens with the story of Lucas, whose human sisters are interested to know what adventures he goes on when he steps out each night. They decide to find out by fitting a spycam in his collar, but before the ‘results� come in, indulge in a little imagination, trying to think up what kinds of things Lucas might be getting up to—solving cases perhaps, or problems other animal friends have? Or even curing some animal pals who are hurt? But in the end the girls assume, the animals most certainly have a party—and as current-day animals, with music, dancing and taking selfies! When Lucas actually returns, the girls are excited to see the truth, but a surprise awaits them and us!
This is a cute little story about something anyone with cats (those that are allowed out or ‘escape� sometimes) are sure to wonder—what do they get up to when they’re out and about? The author has included both scenarios from the childrens� imaginations and what really turns out—both great fun.
The verse format is enjoyable to read and fast-moving, and the artwork is lovely and colourful with not only Lucas and the girls but also an assortment of animal friends he might meet out on his adventures. I especially loved that photographs of the real-life Lucas and his (cat) sister, Nemo were included at the end.
After the story are also activity pages including a word-finding puzzle, hidden images, counting the cats, and space for the kids to create their own adventure with Lucas, pages children can spend a fair bit of time with after they’ve finished reading or between reads. There are also some helpful tips for teachers and adults working with children for activities to help increase creativity, the key to developing different ways of thinking and much problem solving across one’s life.
A great book for the intended audience for both the story and the many other fun activities (on the pages and which teachers/parents can have them do with the prompts given) it will allow them to enjoy.
for some of the artwork, have a look at my blog: ...more
My thanks to author Sean Anderson and Sulis International Press for a review copy of this book.
A children’s/middle-grade fantasy–adventure, An AdventuMy thanks to author Sean Anderson and Sulis International Press for a review copy of this book.
A children’s/middle-grade fantasy–adventure, An Adventure Through the Togetherwood (2023) by Sean Anderson is a lovely story of friendship where our three adventurers, lost in the Togetherwood, face many challenges, learn (and help others realise) many things—from the relevance of communication to seeing the brighter side of things, and make new friends, forming bonds for life.
The story opens with eleven-year-old Eleanor exploring the woods near her home, a favourite spot. On the way back however, she spots and follows an owl, ending up following a path her father had warned her against. This takes her to a mysterious cardboard box which magically transports her to strange surroundings, which she later learns is the Togetherwood. Before long she meets two others, Dax a black labrador retriever who might be a little ‘dim� but is loyal and full of enthusiasm and his friend Claire, an orange tabby who quite typically drips sarcasm. The two have similarly tracked a lost ball and an owl and ended up lost. The three decide to travel together and find their way back home, the journey introducing them to an assortment of animals (all of whom can talk, of course) and who help and are helped by our trio.
We meet frogs and badgers, beavers and ducks, a deer and a raccoon and even a gorilla. But none of these are ordinary, for among them are a professor and an explorer, battling armies, petulant children and overprotective mothers, a wise storyteller and even a soul who believes in the power of transcendence. Yet as our adventurers find, willing (and some unwilling) to help though these may be, many, in fact most are as lost as themselves, though in different ways. What starts off as a journey to find the way home, thus turns into one which helps numerous lives and forms strong bonds of friendship and loyalty.
This was a sweet and enjoyable adventure story which has many important messages to give but does so mostly by showing rather than telling, though in some instances the thought or idea may be spelled out.
Our three main characters are in some ways typical (Dax for instance shown to be not too bright and Claire caustic and sneering), but as we travel with them, we learn their backstories (each with sorrows from their past) and get a better sense of why they might be as they are. And yet, they are also far from typical for despite being so very different from each other and having different ideas of what they should do, they manage to stick together and be there for each other, solidly all the way through. There are moments of dejection and despair as there would be when one is lost in a completely unknown place, and tempers are at times ruffled but ultimately their friendship withstands every test and carries them through. All three (in fact all the characters we meet by and large) are also very likeable.
In these adventures and the encounters with the various animals they meet, the author explores a range of themes. Many, in fact most are ‘lost� souls, experiencing negativity or a loss of relevance, escaping reality either through stories or a too-deep belief in transcendence or engaging in battles when none is needed, or simply misunderstanding each other (with a couple of less than scrupulous characters in the mix). Through interacting with our trio, both sets realise the relevance of communication, of optimism and belief, of friendship and of not only helping but being open to accepting help (things even adults often lose sight of), things equally important in the real world.
All of these aspects and characters come together in a grand finale with more than one soul finding a home!
A lovely story which adults can enjoy as much as the intended readership! ...more
My thanks to Francis Lincoln books for a review copy of this book via Edelweiss.
Having loved the Christmassy and beautiful flap book, Cat Family ChrisMy thanks to Francis Lincoln books for a review copy of this book via Edelweiss.
Having loved the Christmassy and beautiful flap book, Cat Family Christmas (2022) last year, I was thrilled to see the author–illustrator team of Lucy Brownridge and Eunyoung Seo back with another adventure of the cat family, a visit to the museum.
In The Cat Family at the Museum: A Lift-the-Flap Book (2023), we see that Grandpa and Grandma cat are visiting, and have promised to take the kittens Sorrel, Bud, Lupin and Pip for a treat. The four with their individual interests, Sorrel in animals, Pip and Lupin in rockets and Bud in dinosaurs each wish for separate outings, Sorrel to a farm, Pip and Lupin to the park to test their model rocket and Bud, simply to stay home and play with his dinosaurs.
Grandma and Grandpa cat have the purrfect solution, taking them to a place where each of them can find something of interest—the museum. Here they visit the Viking exhibit learning about cats� crucial roles on Viking ships, the fashion exhibits with clothes from various periods in history, European art (with the [cat] Girl in the Pearl Earing and [cat] Van Gogh) among others), the East Asian room with kimonos, hanboks and pottery; a room focusing on natural history, and one on space. The kittens love their visit which ends with a snack and each of them allowed to choose a postcard from the souvenir shop.
Like the first book, this too is a flap book, and on each page are various flaps revealing what’s hidden from the eye, whether under the lids of the dishes served at breakfast when they are at home, or inside cupboards, glass cases and hidden nooks and crannies in the various rooms in the museum and even the backpacks of different visitors. In the e-version, this is done with alternate pages highlighting what’s beneath the flaps and fading off the main picture, so that we can see the butter in the butter dish or the pages of the books around or the little mice enjoying their everyday activities in their hideaways, among others. The intended audience can have a fun time lifting each, and even in the e-version, studying all the tiny details. The world these cats live is not one of only cats and among the visitors at the museum, we see various other animals including sheep, foxes, dogs, racoons and others, even a wheelchair bound visitor.
The artwork as in the first book is lovely and for an older audience who might pick this up, there are plenty of details to enjoy, whether it is the different clothes in the fashion room (from 17c French clothes to �60s and 70s ones) or the art in the European exhibit, where one can identify the originals from Van Gogh to Degas.
A colourful and lovely volume which can be enjoyed by children and adults alike!
I first noticed the Geronimo Stilton books in the shelves of someone I was visiting (or rather their children’s shelves) I think back in 2010, and sinI first noticed the Geronimo Stilton books in the shelves of someone I was visiting (or rather their children’s shelves) I think back in 2010, and since the had French (I think) eds, I didn’t try the books. I finally got to read and enjoyed a couple of them when I first started reviewing on NetGalley. But now having read a physical copy of one of these, the spin off Thea Stilton series, I realise these are meant to be enjoyed in this form, and the ebook doesn’t work quite the same way.
Thea Stilton is Geronimo Stilton’s sister (Geronimo is a nervous and not very brave mouse who edits and publishes The Rodent Gazette and is constantly and reluctantly dragged into various adventures, many times by his sister. The series was originally in Italian and has since been translated into various languages) and in this series of Special Edition books teams up with a group of mouselings who attend Mouseford Academy, where she sometimes teaches to save various fantasy worlds in trouble. She and the five girls (Collette, Paulina, Pamela, Violet and Nicky—all her students) work with the Seven Roses Unit which studies fantasy worlds, and where they help Will Mystery. Whenever one of these worlds is in trouble, they must go there and find out why, and put things to rights
In this book, it is the world of clouds or the Cloud Castle which is in trouble, something that is indicated by cracks appearing in the map of fantasy worlds at the Seven Roses office. Just as the girls are starting their vacation, Will mystery contacts them and Thea telling them of this new problem and enlisting them for the mission. The Seven Roses Unit has a special elevator which would usually have taken them to the Land of Clouds but the crack means this can’t be used and they must go the old-fashioned way, finding the path from the top of the highest mountain, when the way is shown by a specific arrangement of stars. This takes them to the home of the mythical elephant Airavata who guides them but only to get started on an adventure that involves many challenges as the fairies who live in cloud castle have stopped spinning the silver thread needed to make clouds and without this the land will fade away. Will, Thea and the girls find out soon that the fairy who’s been held responsible for this is innocent but saving her and the world is no easy task. They must face various dangers and solve puzzles and dilemmas, all requiring different skills while travelling through a beautiful and magical world full of colours.
As I said at the start of my review the real magic of this book comes through the actual physical book which very creatively done with various fonts, colours and effects, for instance the words ‘fear� or ‘terror� in spiky fonts, words emphasized in different colours and both full page or double spread illustrations and illustrations woven through the paras. There are maps and introductory pictures as well.
The story too is good fun, quest-like with various phases of the adventure each involving different elements, whether a rescue or recovering something (an amulet or key). Each is such that the different skills of each of the group comes in handy at different stages, with them realising that this is the key to their success on these missions. The friendship between them is another strength which gets them through the most difficult of challenges (these range from simple math puzzles, to seemingly simpler though in practice more difficult, belief or trust in oneself). There is a very light touch of romance as well, just enough for a middle-grade book.
The world created here is lovely and imaginative, colourful to look at and with many different inhabitants from guardian fairies to sleep fairies, Scarlet Lightning fairies and many others, each with different functions and characteristics. Some elements may feel familiar like the flower fields that put one to sleep (like The Wizard of Oz’s poppy fields) or even a sleeping beauty moment, but they are all still enjoyable. I loved the incorporation from Indian/Hindu mythology of the figure of Airavata (the elephant of the God Indra) whom we meet and who helps our adventurers. In the book, he appears with his seven trunks, but with the added character of each being one of the colours of the rainbow.
This was a fun read, enjoyable as much for the story as the lovely book—lots of creativity and colour and pretty artwork to enjoy.
My thanks to Floris Books for a review copy of this one via Edelweiss.
Finnish writer Inkeri Karvonen and illustrator Hannu Taina give us Little Tomte�My thanks to Floris Books for a review copy of this one via Edelweiss.
Finnish writer Inkeri Karvonen and illustrator Hannu Taina give us Little Tomte’s Christmas Wish (originally published in 2004 and in English in 2013), a tale featuring a tomte (gnome like figures from Scandinavian folklore) and one that captures the Christmas spirit and magic. In this we have little Tomte who lives alone in a cosy little home outside which are a cluster of trees which grow close together like one large one. Little Tomte loves watching the changes in the tree as the seasons change, be it the blossom and buds of summer accompanied by the birdsong of various birds sitting in is branches or the red, brown and gold leaves of autumn which he loves to collect. Come winter, the snow begins to fall, rendering the landscape white and the tree beautiful, but also making poor little Tomte long for warm and cheer, or in other words, for Christmas. Since Christmas is not quite here, he decides to create it for himself—but Christmas songs in his own lonely voice seem sad and cheerless, and when he tries to bake gingerbread men or plum pastries or make Christmas porridge, he finds many of the things he needs missing. Forlorn, he is unsure what to do when an idea strikes him. When he acts on it, another piece of magic occurs, enabling him to create a Christmas atmosphere with his beloved tree. No sooner does this happen, do friends (forest creatures—the badger, the deer, other gnomes) start pouring in, and Tomte’s wish is fulfilled after all!
Another very sweet story with lots of Christmas spirit and cheer in which the message is perhaps to not let things bring one down, but keep persevering, like Tomte does to create his Christmas even when many attempts fail. This one too has some lovely Christmas illustrations, especially at the end when things come together for the little Tomte, and also others that capture nature over the year, in changes in his tree and such. I also loved the animals that come in at the end and the little details like a mouse enjoying what’s left of the feast once the guests have left.
My thanks to Floris Books for a review copy of this one via Edelweiss.
As an introductory note in The Tomtes� Christmas Porridge by Sven Nordqvist explMy thanks to Floris Books for a review copy of this one via Edelweiss.
As an introductory note in The Tomtes� Christmas Porridge by Sven Nordqvist explains, tomtes are gnome-like creatures who live in farms and help the family with various little tasks (usually with the animals). They aren’t visible to the eye—my impression was something like the Borrowers, living in secret spaces in the home, though unlike the Borrowers, the tomtes seem to meet their wants themselves.
Stockholm-based Swedish writer and illustrator Sven Nordqvist tells a story of The Tomtes� Christmas Porridge (first published in 1986 and in English in 2011), based on traditional folklore according to which every Christmas, the family whose home the Tomtes live in (and whom they help in various ways across the year, especially caring for the animals on the farm) must leave out a bowl of Christmas porridge (or rice pudding) for them. In the farm in this story, we have Papa and Mama Tomte, their children Polka, Pulka, and Pilka (Pilka being only four years old) and Grandfather Tomte (who is now 427 years old). It is Christmas and Papa Tomte eagerly awaits the bowl of Christmas porridge. It isn’t a question of want (the Tomtes� own Christmas dinner is being prepared including a soup of mushrooms, herbs and berries and their magical beer which on its own varies in strength depending on the age of the drinker) or indeed taste as we learn when little Polka points out that mama’s porridge is just as delicious but a sign of respect and thanks, and if the family missed putting this out, Papa would be very angry indeed. Mama Tomte being a mother, has a different temperament and sixth sense and realises (in a moment rather reminiscent of the Bear and the Nightingale books—of old traditions and spirits being forgotten) that the family is more likely to be absorbed by Father Christmas and would likely forget to put out the tomtes� Christmas Porridge. She is unwilling to have Papa get disappointed or angry (for this can have consequences) and makes up a plan to prevent this. We see how this plan is carried out, and its outcome for the humans and Tomtes—a happy one, don’t worry.
This is a charming little tale, with lovely Christmassy illustrations (and palette)—there’s snow, lights, family, food—everything to make it joyous and lovely, and Mama’s solution is a pleasant one too, which unintendedly leads the family to realise their slip as well, and promise to never forget the tomtes� porridge in future. They also realise that they’ve been lucky as it was Mama Tomte and not Papa who took matters into her own hands. A great way to learn some Scandinavian folklore too.
My thanks to author Genna Rowbotham for a review copy of this book via Booktasters.
A cute and colourful picture book, Where is Lamby? (2022) by Genna My thanks to author Genna Rowbotham for a review copy of this book via Booktasters.
A cute and colourful picture book, Where is Lamby? (2022) by Genna Rowbotham is a story written in simple four-line verse, mostly following the XAXA pattern, with some others slightly different, but which I think would be best enjoyed read out loud, to enjoy the sounds and rhymes as much as the story itself. This is all the more so, as some of the rhymes underline different sounds, whether the ‘Clickety clack� of a train or ‘Clippety clop� of a donkey’s hooves or the ‘squelch� of wet wet sand!
The story of a little girl Bea (Beatrice) whose favourite toy whom she can’t bear to be parted from is little Lamby, cuddly and snuggly with a pink nose, and who accompanies Bea ‘Wherever she goes�! But Bea, as we see in the adventures we follow her on, also seems to have a penchant for losing poor Lamby, and while the latter turns up quite easily on most such occasions, there might be some where the parting is longer and harder, bringing on some heartbreak (and tears) in the process.
In the book, we follow Bea over the course of the week where she goes to different places on different days (all during a vacation to the seaside)—on a train, to the beach, a trip to a castle, the aquarium and a boat ride. Lamby is with her always, whether they are riding a donkey or watching a mock battle between knights, but at each place it would seem, Lamby does the vanishing act, leaving Bea to wonder where or where could Lamby be?
The book has sweet and colourful illustrations by Terry Cooper which take us with Bea to each place she visits, building a sandcastle at the beach or riding a lovely grey donkey with pretty blue reins, the high towers of a castle or even in a bucket of smelly fish!
This is a story that the target audience would certainly be able to relate to, for like many children, Bea too is very attached to but does often misplace her favourite Lamby in the midst of adventures. While Lamby turns up ok, she does end up sandy, smelly, muddy and wet in the process among other things.
A fun little read, where not only the story but the sounds when it is read out will bring much enjoyment!
My thanks to BookBuzz for a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
From the title and cover of this book, I’m sure it’s no surprise that I clicked on My thanks to BookBuzz for a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
From the title and cover of this book, I’m sure it’s no surprise that I clicked on and requested this book the moment I saw it on NetGalley. This is a cute little independently published children’s book about the adventures of a kitten Mur, who grows up to be a Kitty Knight, not only brave but also kind and compassionate. Written by Igor Shnayder, the review copy didn’t mention whether the author himself or someone else created the lovely art which was in the book.
When the tiny kitten Mur is born in the town of Kittengale, his mother knows at once that there is something special within him. And so it is for he is brave and bright but also kind and generous helping everyone he can. His mother knows that he is a ‘Knight of goodness and bravery� and to become that he goes to train with a wise master, Shurko who of course not only helps him build his physical prowess but also strength of mind and spirit. In short chapters, we follow Mur’s various adventures as he locates a missing neighbour, solves a puzzle, resolves a conflict amicably, helps a lost creature find her family, finds a missing relic and competes in a tournament, among others. This is a children’s book meant to convey lessons and through each episode, and seeks to put across (without being didactic) how it is much more than what we call bravery that is truly important, how conflict can easy be resolved by communication, how one shouldn’t do things merely for rewards since helping others is its own reward, and how competition or coming out on top is not necessarily the best outcome but acknowledging the strengths of each is more fulfilling.
These little episodes are very enjoyable, and I liked the different adventures that Mur has, whether it is helping lost folk, recovering missing relics, solving complex riddles or navigating terrains full of obstacles. All of the characters are likeable, especially Mur himself and any child reader would enjoy spending time with them. Each chapter has one full colour illustration, all of which I thought were beautiful. We also have some lovely descriptions, such as of the mysterious ‘Star Lake�:
The lake gleamed in the moonlight, reflecting stars that seemed to have drowned in its depths.
While all the stories were lovely, fleshing out and developing some of them would have made some of them far better. For instance, in the story of the Mysterious Island, we are told that Mur solves a difficult riddle requiring plenty of effort—I’d have preferred to know what it was and how he solved it; similarly, while accompanying the Golden Butterfly, I’d have liked to hear some of her stories and know something of the obstacles they faced, in the Star Lake the secret of the runes, and from the Fox Queen’s ball, who had hidden the relic and why? The honey thief story and that of the dragon were in that sense my favourites since they seemed more complete.
Mur the Kitty Knight is a lovely character and idea, and gives the intended audience some enjoyable stories. If a little more detail is added to some of these, it would make them more satisfying reading.
Lady Clementina
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