Written by  Dev Kothari Cover Illustration by Tara Anand Published by Walker Books Welcome to my stop on the Blog Tour for Bringing Back Kay-Kay. I have a wonderful piece from Dev Kothari to share with you where she reflects on train journey adventures. You can also read my review of this wonderful story here: Bringing Back Kay-Kay. Adventuring on trains Growing up in a small town near Mumbai, in India, I walked or cycled to school, to the shops, to my best friend’s flat. To get to nearby towns, we took buses mostly, rickshaws and taxis were a luxury. And for farther distan ..read more

Written by Jordan Lees Illustrated by Vivienne To Published by Puffin Books The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found is a stunning, dark epic fantasy that swept me into an unforgettable quest in a richly imagined world with two incredibly brave children, hoping to find what they have lost. Eleven-year-old Benjamiah Creek loves reading factual books and believes in science and logic.   But everything he believes in is challenged when he is sent a strange doll – a poppet which transforms into a capuchin monkey, a dormouse and a nightjar.  When he follows the nightjar into ..read more

Written by Lucy Strange Cover Illustration by Katie Hickey Published by Chicken House The Island at the Edge of Night is a dark, suspenseful, gothic mystery that completely captured me as I was swept into an absorbing adventure on a remote Scottish island where danger lies and secrets unfold. Something happens to 12-year-old Faye Fitzgerald one fateful, stormy night, a night in which she creeps towards an ancient yew tree guarding a graveyard, a night in which she hears a scream … but Faye’s memories of that night are buried deep within her.  The events of that night are the reason that F ..read more

Written by Natasha Mac a’Bháird Cover Illustration by Lauren O’Neill Published by The O’Brien Press The Tower Ghost is a brilliantly spooky, gripping mystery set in a 1960s Irish Boarding School where danger lurks, friendships grow and truths unfold … perfect for readers of 9+ who are sure to be enthralled by this intriguing story. Twelve-year-old Clare O’Neill’s dream of attending Sycamore Hill Boarding School has come true after being awarded a scholarship there.  Whilst trying on her new uniform, she meets Rose Carlisle who is two things she is not:  confident and well-off.  ..read more

I’m about half way through Serpent of the Sands as my evening read and am absolutely loving it. It’s a fantastic adventure with plenty of surprises and danger. I’m really enjoying having Gan as a main character, but it’s still wonderful to have Maud and Arthur mentioned. I’ve read a proof copy of Flame Chasers (which is being published in June) which I absolutely loved. I have posted my review. I also read Fablehouse: Heart of Fire which was a brilliant second book in this series. I loved the references to Arthurian legend and the growing magic powers of the children in Fablehouse. I will p ..read more

Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm is an exhilarating, mesmerising fantasy adventure that completely captivated me as it took me on an unforgettable quest with the most brilliant cast of characters. Everyone knows that libraries are magical places where adventures unfold, so don’t be surprised when you arrive at the Bodleian Library, Oxford to find its dryad librarian asleep, having eaten too many jellybeans, unaware that a break-in is taking place.  Don’t be alarmed when you discover that the perpetrators are a twelve-year-old Terran girl, Peregrine Quinn, and her godfather, an immort ..read more

Written and illustrated by Rose Lihou Published by Puffin Books Published on 18th April Tiny Dogs:  Bea’s Secret Friends is the first book in the start of a delightful new series for younger readers with full-colour illustrations throughout.  This is a charming, gently humorous story, with some wonderful messages, that is sure to captivate its readers. Seven-year-old Beatrix Bloom and her mum are moving to live with Bea’s Grandma and Grandpa in their large house, Bloom Cottage.  She has not seen her grandparents for a long time, but is immediately warmly welcomed by them.  ..read more

Written by David Owen Illustrated by George Ermos Published by Usborne Alex Neptune:  Zombie Fighter is the fourth amazing adventure for Alex and his friends Zoey and Anil in this action-packed, exciting and fun series … perfect for readers of 9+. Out on their rowing boat, Alex Neptune is teaching his friends, Anil and Zoey, how to control their sea magic when a heavy fog creeps towards them.  Racing it back to Haven Bay with the help of the new Water Dragon, they watch it blanket the town.  When Alex arrives home and the pirate Brineblood’s skull begins to glow, he knows that t ..read more

I’m reading Flame Chasers which is released in June. I love Julie Pike’s The Last Spell Breather so was very keen to pick this one up. I’m really loving this action-packed adventure as Ember chases the Falmebirds across the seas to try to save her father, and something else very special. I can’t believe I’ve waited so long to start Serpents of the Sands! It’s wonderful being back in the world of Brightstorm with a different main character who was wonderful in Fire Song. This is going to be another brilliant adventure! I’ve read Alex Neptune: Zombie Fighter which is the fourth book in this fa ..read more

Written by Manon Steffan Ros Cover Illustration by Cynthia Paul Published by Firefly Press Me and Aaron Ramsey is a heartachingly tender and hopeful story of a football-loving family facing hardships and dealing with difficult changes in their lives. Sam loves football, both playing and watching.  He may not be the best footballer, but it is clearly a passion for him, his family and friends, something that unites them.  Whilst his dad is a hero to Sam, he also has another hero, Aaron Ramsey, so when he gets the opportunity to attend a friendly match between Wales and England in ..read more