More children's book reviews: Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire is book two in L. M. Wilkinson's endeMore children's book reviews: Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire is book two in L. M. Wilkinson's endearing A Tail of Adventure series.
In book one, Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria, Titch and friends acquire the Heartstone staff and are on their way to heal the heart of Alluria. However they soon find there is more to this quest, and more to the prophecy, than they first thought.
Titch, Huckleberry and the very cute little Dollop are back again in this rip roaring adventure as they fight a giant bog monster, save a village of brainwashed squirrels and become one step closer to unleashing the power of the Heartstone staff and healing the heart of Alluria.
With themes of being brave, believing in yourself and working together combined with lashing of action, adventure and danger Bravepaw and the Clawstone of Rotwood Mire is sure to delight and entrance middle-grade readers keeping them enthralled from the very first page.
Wilkinson champions cleverness, courage and friendship in this delightful addition to the Bravepaw series.
Together with their new friend, a fearless red squirrel named Briar, the group head off on their next quest.
Large print, wonderfully descriptive prose and enchanting illustrations by Lavanya Naidu make this suitable for even the youngest readers.
Content: mild battle scenes not so scary monsters...more
Set in the 1990's Chickenpox is a fabulously funny graphic novel narrated by the eldest of five siblings, twelve-year-old Abby Lai. Abby tries to get Set in the 1990's Chickenpox is a fabulously funny graphic novel narrated by the eldest of five siblings, twelve-year-old Abby Lai. Abby tries to get away from her siblings any chance she gets. She'd rather spend time with her friends far away from her annoying brothers and sisters. But when they all come down with chickenpox Abby is trapped inside, for two whole weeks.
I found Chickenpox to be outrageously funny. You don't need to have had chickenpox to imagine what it would be like trapped inside with your younger siblings. Plenty of hijinks and antics abound as Abby not only tries to entertain her siblings but also has to navigate friendships by phone whilst always wondering what is going on at school in her absence.
Luckily we now have a vaccine available for chickenpox so readers of Remy Lai's novel may not know the constant itch and isolation but I am sure their parents can remember and have some stories to tell. Content warning if buying for younger readers: it does mention that Santa isn't real....more
Shadows and Secrets is book 12 in Anh Do's smash hit Wolf Girl series and he has delivered another riveting story filled with danger and suspense.
FolShadows and Secrets is book 12 in Anh Do's smash hit Wolf Girl series and he has delivered another riveting story filled with danger and suspense.
Following straight on from book 11, Gwen has left behind her new friends at Simpson Mall and continues her search for her parents.
The Braxons are right on her heels which makes for some nerve wracking moments as Gwen and the dogs battle through some life or death situations as they navigate dark caves, booby traps and raging rivers. Gwen's canine friends add plenty of humour to the narrative which lightens up the story.
Each new book doesn't progress far but there is lots of action that will keep the reader invested. Kids will love it!
Extensively illustrated throughout, by Jeremy Ley, with half and full page black and white sketches, which add an extra element of comprehension to the story.
The book ends on a super cliff-hanger that will have kids eager for the next instalment. Anh Do knows how to keep his readers hooked!
Wolf Girl is a series that needs to be read in order as it is an ongoing story and there is very little backstory included....more
More children's book reviews at: Breaking Pointe is an inspiring story about friendship, dancing and holding oMore children's book reviews at: Breaking Pointe is an inspiring story about friendship, dancing and holding onto your dream.
Breaking Pointe is the second book by Chenee Marrapodi featuring the students of the Perth Ballet Academy. The first book is titled One Wrong Turn.
Valentina is worried that her parents can't afford the dance fees and she may have to give up her dream.
Amelia is not coping, she is tired and can't seem to focus. When she collapses and is rushed to hospital a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis shatters her world. Will she have to give up dancing?
Marrapodi includes themes of cultural differences, the pressure of elite dancing and the complexity of friendships when they are in competition against each other.
I loved that Chenee Marrapodi portrays the type1 diagnosis so accurately. From the point of view of Amelia who felt like it was a life ending diagnosis to the point of view of her parents who fretted, panicked and over reacted. Having an adult child with T1 I could relate to it all.
Breaking Pointe is an invaluable resource, not only for children who have been diagnosed with T1 but also their friends and teachers.
Breaking Pointe is a story that teaches empathy and understanding about cultural differences and living with a chronic condition.
Breaking Pointe will be particularly enjoyed by girls and boys who love to dance. ...more
Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria by L.M. Wilkinson is the first in a new fantasy series for young readers.
Titch, a young mouse, is enamoured wiBravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria by L.M. Wilkinson is the first in a new fantasy series for young readers.
Titch, a young mouse, is enamoured with the legend of Bravepaw - the bravest mouse who ever lived. She loves to swing her sword and pretend to be a warrior.
Her mother tells her they don't need warriors as there are no monsters anymore. However, when the monsters return, trying to suck all colour and heart from their world, Titch, along with her friend Huckleberry, must draw on all her courage to defeat the curseworms and save the villagers.
Bravepaw and the Heartstone of Alluria is the most endearing tale. The book opens with a map and a prophecy which had me immediately engaged. This story has action, danger and suspense in bucketloads. Titch is the cutest protagonist I've seen in a long time and you can't help but love her.
This enchanting tale is about friendship, bravery, believing in yourself and doing the right thing by others. Filled with adorable characters, from the lovable Titch and her faithful friend Huckleberry to the oh so cute little Dollop. I'm excited to read the next book to see what adventures and dangers await this little trio as they venture on their quest to heal the heart of Alluria.
Large print and enchanting illustrations by Lavanya Naidu make this suitable for even the youngest readers.
More children's reviews at: The Vanishing is one of four books written by Mark Greenwood for the History HunteMore children's reviews at: The Vanishing is one of four books written by Mark Greenwood for the History Hunters series.
The Vanishing delves into the 1978 unsolved disappearance of a pilot whilst flying across the Bass Strait.
Mark Greenwood recounts the disappearance of 20 year old pilot Fred and his plane after radioing the control tower about seeing a UFO. After extensive air and sea searches no sign of the plane has been found.
Greenwood sets out the facts and includes Fred's radio conversation, photographs, newspaper articles and the submitted flight plan.
It's up to the reader to decide what could have happened in this cold case disappearance.
If your child is fascinated by all things extra-terrestrial they will love The Vanishing! Fascinating and a little bit eerie....more
More children's reviews at: In his wonderful new history hunter series Mark Greenwood brings the stories of loMore children's reviews at: In his wonderful new history hunter series Mark Greenwood brings the stories of lost explorers, glittering treasure and baffling mysteries to life. Awe filled stories to entice young readers to explore the unimaginable.
History Hunters is a four book series with books 1 & 2 out now. The Dragon's Treasure opens in 1931 Australia when two young boys find ancient coins on a Western Australian beach. However it started long before this with a shipwreck off the coast of WA in 1656.
Mark Greenwood recounts the story of the shipwreck and the subsequent search for the ship and survivors but nothing was found. It wasn't until 1963 when divers found the wreck of the Gilt Dragon and it's sunken treasure. To this day no-one knows what became of the survivors.
Wonderfully written with the inclusion of photos, illustrations and maps it will ignite the imagination of young readers and hold their attention through the whole story.
The Dragon's Treasure is a fascinating story that will have junior readers searching for more information on the Gilt Dragon and its treasures....more
Father of the Lost Boys for younger readers is a rewrite of the adult edition to be appropriate reading for younger readers aged 8+ years. I haven't rFather of the Lost Boys for younger readers is a rewrite of the adult edition to be appropriate reading for younger readers aged 8+ years. I haven't read the adult version but I feel this book will have less graphic detail of the death and destruction rained on the people of Sudan.
Yuot recounts the harrowing journey of Mecak Ajang Alaak as he walks 20,000 displaced boys aged 8-12 years, over a period of 2 years, to freedom. He was a man of tremendous moral and ethical stature and he instilled this in his son and the boys that looked to him for guidance
Not only is Father of the Lost Boys a wonderful story of courage and perseverance it also teaches a lot about the history of unrest in Sudan and neighbouring countries. I learnt a lot from Yuot's story.
Reading Father of the Lost Boys gives the opportunity to teach empathy and compassion for refugees and displaced persons. A real eye opener for children to see what children in other countries deal with and how they work together and still manage to find joy in the simplest things in life....more
More children's book reviews at: It was a delight to follow this wholesome group of young teens as they celebrMore children's book reviews at: It was a delight to follow this wholesome group of young teens as they celebrated the end of Middle School (grade 8 in the USA) and their academic and sporting achievements, cheering each other on and planning towards their futures.
I like that the group of girls and boys have been just friends enjoying hanging out together but now about to enter High School (turning 14) they are beginning to pair up experiencing the first thoughts of a relationship. Sweet, wholesome and good fun!.
Young readers will love all the fanfare of getting ready for graduation and will relate to the worries about losing friendships when they go to different high schools.
This edition mainly focuses on the graduation and the characters' burgeoning relationships but there are still plenty of sport filled moments with a golf day and a friendly hockey match.
Tanya Zeinalova's illustrations are an added delight and I loved trying to pick which illustration was which character. ...more
Hide and Seek is the eleventh installment in Anh Do's smash-hit Wolf Girl series.
Gwen and her canine friends escape Moon City but the Braxans are notHide and Seek is the eleventh installment in Anh Do's smash-hit Wolf Girl series.
Gwen and her canine friends escape Moon City but the Braxans are not too far behind them. With the help of friends they manage to evade the soldiers and hide in an abandoned shopping centre. But they soon find out they are not alone!!
Hide and Seek is another action packed addition to the Wolf Girl series. There are no boring bits in this story, it's action galore! There is lots of danger and also lots of fun as an assortment of tricks and traps are set up to thwart the evil Braxan soldiers. Wolf Girl's canine friends add plenty of humour with their doggie banter and funny antics.
Extensively illustrated throughout, with half and full page black and white sketches, which add an extra element of comprehension to the story.
The search for her parents continues as Gwen and her canine friends move on to a new adventure.
Wolf Girl is a series that needs to be read in order as it is an ongoing story and there is no backstory included.
I've always been fascinated by the great explorers. Men and women who brave deadly conditions to advance our understanding of the world we live in.
JoaI've always been fascinated by the great explorers. Men and women who brave deadly conditions to advance our understanding of the world we live in.
Joanna Grochowicz has written a gripping rendition of Mawson's Australasian Antarctic Expedition which ran from 1911 - 1914. Their main goal was to chart a section of the coast. I liked the addition, in the front of the book, of a list of the men who were part of the expedition and the job each man was assigned to although, once there, it was soon clear that everyone had to pitch in wherever.
The unforgiving landscape and the men's battle with exhaustion, hunger and frostbite is all vividly described and as I read I was never in doubt of how bitterly cold it was and how dangerous a sudden change in the weather could be.
In Mawson in Antarctica Grochowicz uses the notes and diaries kept by the explorers, plus extensive research, to recreate the ambience and conversations between the men to write a highly engaging story about ordinary men who rose to extraordinary heights of courage and endurance.
Perfectly written for the intended age group of 10 - 14 years. I love that children are not only getting a totally immersive and gripping read but they are also learning an important part of Australian history and I hope, like me, it encourages readers to search for more information on Mawson and his team of adventurers.
Includes insert pages of photographs taken during the expedition.
Publisher recommended age: 10 -14 years My age recommendation 12+ years CONTENT: The men are reduced to eating the dogs to stay alive. ...more
The Witches Council is the fabulous second book in Xavier Bonet's Lily Halfmoon series. In book one Lily finds out she is a witch and learns all about The Witches Council is the fabulous second book in Xavier Bonet's Lily Halfmoon series. In book one Lily finds out she is a witch and learns all about the Royal Library of Magic, all the different gems and magical spells.
In The Witches Council we are back with Lily and her friends GiGi and Mai for the biggest day of the year when witches all over the world get together to introduce their gems and guardians and learn new skills.
Lily is faced with a moral dilemma when she has choices to make about her future. This is also a story about the power of empathy and understanding how others feel.
The Witches Council is a fun and bewitching graphic novel with bright, eye-catching illustrations with journal pages, symbols and charts. There is plenty to pore over and readers will find new things as the book is re-read over and over again.
This is an enchanting book that is sure to delight the middle-grade fantasy enthusiast....more
I purchased this book for Dot hoping to entice her into the Middle Grade Fantasy genre however I was so disappointed with the delivery of the plot it I purchased this book for Dot hoping to entice her into the Middle Grade Fantasy genre however I was so disappointed with the delivery of the plot it never did make it into her hands.
Firstly the book is set in 1985 in Cape Town, South Africa. A time when apartheid was prevalent but this is not fully explored, just mentions of signs on the beach and a boy injured after using the wrong water fountain. A 2020's middle grade reader needs more explanation than vague mentions.
Eleven-year-old Kip lives with her eccentric father and is bullied at school by students and the teacher. On her 12th birthday a bottle drops from the sky and it contains an egg which hatches into a small furry animal and Kip is happy she now has a best friend. When Buffel is kidnapped she must face all her fears to rescue him.
The problems I had with this book were that the humour was a bit ludicrous, the conversations felt unnatural and the racism was never fully explained.
What I did love was Kip, she was strong and resilient. She didn't let the bullies worry her and didn't let her father's distant behaviour affect her. The story dragged a bit but I have to say the cover is beautiful and that's what initially drew me to the book. Recommended age 8+ years...more
I am so glad I read Spellhound first. Although it isn't really necessary. If you have a copy of Fledgewitch and can't wait to read it there is some baI am so glad I read Spellhound first. Although it isn't really necessary. If you have a copy of Fledgewitch and can't wait to read it there is some backstory. So jump right in!!
Our narrator from Spellhound is back with another enchanting tale filled with even more danger, magic and super cute characters than the first book. If that's even possible.
The book opens in the mountains of Quill with Brim living with her mum, dad and brother. She is taken away accused of being a fledgewitch and her parents are told she needs to be cured. Brim is sure she is not a witch, even if she has feathers growing from her elbows.
A young horned-glob named Snort (like a little calf) jumps in the car with Brim. Horned-globs are easily forgotten so Snort has no trouble venturing around as no-one remembers him. He wants to find the dragon, although he is terribly scared of them, to save his family.
This is another fast-paced immersive read. Brim and Snort are the cutest characters, they shake with fear but are courageous when the time comes. Fledgewitch is a delightful tale of friendship, never giving up and using your powers for good.
Brim has her magic power in knitting. I loved this and wouldn't it be wonderful if it encouraged some children to try knitting themselves.
Bumbling laugh-out-loud villains and lots of jaw-dropping twists, which is something Lian does so well. I never see them coming.
Fledgewitch is a delightful story of family, love and working together. Championing commonsense, determination and perseverance....more
Spellhound is a truly adorable and fun story that will be loved by children and adults alike. Delightfully narrated bringing the reader right into theSpellhound is a truly adorable and fun story that will be loved by children and adults alike. Delightfully narrated bringing the reader right into the story.
Flaxseed (Flax) is a minch-wiggin, a tiny tree-dwelling creature. She has grown up knowing she is 'the one' destined to save Minchfold from the dragon. Flax is a wonderful character, she is scared and doesn't want to be the one to save everyone. Luckily they hadn't seen a dragon for 100 years. Then she meets a Spellhound pup who says his parents were taken by a dragon and Flax knows she must help him find them. It's her destiny. When the time comes she shows great courage and intelligence.
Spellhound is filled to the brim with adventure, danger and ever so endearing characters. This is a fast-paced novel that I am certain middle-graders will find hard to put down. Short chapters and cliff-hangers make this an engaging read. There is a crossover into the human world of Harrow when Felicia, the 10 year-old Queen of Harrow, is introduced to the mix as she goes searching for the puppy she could hear crying in the night. The young trio must draw on all their courage to confront the dragon.
A giant magical pup, a tiny tree-dwelling animal, a 10 year-old girl and a talking sword take centre stage in this fantastical adventure story with danger at every turn, jaw-dropping twists, magic wielding enemies, nonstop humour and boundless friendship. ...more
Veronica ⭐️
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Books:
middle-grade
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