First of all I need to talk about the proof I received. It was awesome with a large scratch down the front and the bottom corner bitten off. In fact, the book itself is just so intriguing even before you open it up as it gives so little away and you just want to step in. The story is that of Ebenezer Tweezer who has been feeding the Beast in his attic for many of his 511 years - anything that the Beast desires. Until one day the Beast requests something that finally makes Ebenezer stop and think about what he is doing and it changes his life forever. This is a story that has a lovely pace which quickly settles the reader into a believable but twisted world. The characters are terrifying and delightful but also have hidden depths. I love the characters of Ebenezer and Bethany and how well the plot progresses with these two at the helm (I'm trying not to give too much away as it will spoil the sheer amazingness of this tale!) I would say the main themes are that of friendship, getting what you wish for and learning lifes lessons the hard way but with a glimmer of hope and lightness which is told with a delicate touch. I loved the illustrations and know that the real final.book will be such a beautiful thing to behold. Recommended for ages 8+ And the best news: there's a sequel to follow in 2021! If you would like to buy a copy why not pre-order one and support your local bookshop and here If you would like to know more about Jack, you can find him on Twitter here If you would like to check out some of Isabelle's amazing illustrations you can find her here
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I love a good fantasy. Especially when there is a cast of characters like in Evernight. The characters are loveable and believable even though they live in a fantasy land. Their plights are equally believable: Lara: an orphan forced to look for hidden gems in the sewers to make her money, Joe: a young boy who just wants to look after his ageing Granny, Double Eight: a white witch who knows that there is more to life than servitude... It is a coming of age story with courage, bravery and finally finding your place in the world. The story is quite dark (excuse the pun) in places with vivid and scary imagery. This book is not for the the faint of heart! For fans of Abi Elphinstone without a doubt! To find out more about Ross, follow him on Twitter here If you'd like a copy of Evernight, why not support a local bookshop and get your copy here
Imagine you are about to embark on the final school trip of your Year 6 time. You are excited to be going to secondary school but you have the reputation for being the bad boy who always gets into trouble and whose attendance record is not great. This is Lance. He has friends but has many secrets to hide and they would have stayed hidden if they hadn't all gone to Crater Lake. Crater Lake is a new activity centre in the middle of nowhere. The children are expecting a few days of adventure and team work... And they get that but just quite in the way they first thought! This book has a super-quick pace which reflects all of the action. The characters are really loveable and believeable (and I'm pretty certain I have met most of them in my time working in schools). The main themes are that of friendship, resilience and not judging a book by its cover. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure, the unexpected and things that go bump in the night! This book is pure delight and a gem. It tells the tale of an Armadillo and a Hare who live together and are friends. They are the very best of friends and the story tells of their friendship, their adventures and cheese sandwiches. A perfect book in times of craziness. Witty and kind. Highly recommended! If you would like to know more about the author click here Support a local bookshop and order your copy here
First of all the concept caught me a bit out of left field but as the story progressed I got more and more used to the fact that it was telling the story of a girl who died before her time and how she copes with a world that is 100 years on from where she died. The character of Frankie Ripley is believable and the concept of a house that is left over from a freak accident is something which doesn’t stretch the imagination too much. But in my opinion the story and the book lost steam and direction. The appearance of Scanlon and his Dad seems to change the mood of the book and also it’s pace. It could almost be two stories in two different books. Having said this Skinner’s style is very readable and, maybe if I had been reading it before I had children myself I would have enjoyed it a lot more. I will definitely be reading something else by the same author as her writing is very poetic and easy. If you would like to know more about the author click here Support your local bookshop and grab your copy here
This is the second year that one of Tom Palmer’s books has reached the Children’s Book Award shortlist and his place is well deserved. The story is that of Jack who loves hearing about war as his Dad is in the TA and he loves playing war games on his computer. He is about to go on a school trip to France and visit the graves of some of the dead for the Second World War. He thinks war is glorious but his mind is changed by his dog, his family, his friends and a young soldier who died in the Second World War. Through this book you see Jack change from someone who has a fixed mindset to one that is more open. You empathise with him and see his inner struggle and want the best possible outcome for him. Tom Palmer has a sensitive and trusting hand and tells a tale that will melt the coldest of hearts. For more information on Tom Palmer click here Get your copy and support a local bookshop here
First of all can I say how amazing Barrington Stokes books are? Dyslexic friendly and the perfect contrast in paper... much applause to you! The story is that of Owen who befriends a statue of a soldier in his local council owned garden. But things are about to change and Owen realises that sometimes, even when times are rough and things don’t look so bright, we can still do little things to change our fate. A perfect book for readers of all ages which is heart warming, lovely and full of hope. Set just before Christmas nearly four years after his sister goes missing in a mysterious storm Gwyn is given some strange and intriguing gifts by his Nain. She tells him that he is a magician. And his whole world changes with the weather. Enchanting and spellbinding with characters you will instantly fall in love with. Jenny Nimmo weaves a tale with so many twists and turns and strange events that I doubt anyone could predict. A story about hope, friendship, family, lost things, being found and being yourself. A bit scary in places but a perfect MG reading book and an absolute classic. My family was already excited by this book as we are all BIG Mr Penguin fans. If you haven’t read the first two it doesn’t matter (but you really should as they are just as good). This story is set when Mr Penguin and his companions set off on a luxury cruise and Something Is Up. Mr Penguin and his hapless friends are catapulted into a sea deep mystery which they will need lots of cunning, Kung fu skills and fish finger sandwiches to be able to solve. The characters are simply brilliant (my particular favourite is Gordon the pigeon) and it will make you laugh out loud in places. The illustrations match the story throughout and are just as comical! For fans of funny and witty books with quirky characters! |
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