This is such a sweet picturebook and a very good introduction to the damage we place on the creatures of Earth with our waste. Jonas is a lighthouse kThis is such a sweet picturebook and a very good introduction to the damage we place on the creatures of Earth with our waste. Jonas is a lighthouse keeper who seems to love his work. One day, he sets off in his boat only to have it capsize in a storm. Who should come to rescue him but a great whale named Blue. Jonas adores his new companion but when he searches for Blue the next day, he is nowhere to be found. Diving (with hat still on) deep into the ocean, Jonas discovers Blue looking ill on the ocean floor. He has swallowed hundreds of plastic bags, mistaking them for jellyfish. Returning the favour of being saved, Jonas removes all the waste and Blue is well again. A very simple ecocritical picturebook that even the youngest reader would pick up on. I enjoyed its fantastical elements which are pitched so well at that youngest of readers. ...more
The 3rd instalment in the almost dad-like-dun-heavy capers of S.U.I.T. investigators, Mango and Brash. Now with Hookline and Slinker free and collaborThe 3rd instalment in the almost dad-like-dun-heavy capers of S.U.I.T. investigators, Mango and Brash. Now with Hookline and Slinker free and collaboration with Crackerdile, the partners must weave through more painful jokes (in all the right ways), Hollywood crime tropes and more fourth-wall breaking than an episode of Family Guy.
What I like so much about Green's creations is that there is humour and madcapery here for the younger but plenty of intertextual nods to other films and series for the adult reader too. And all of this is juggled alongside a nifty plot, a great range of colourful characters and some sweet sub-narratives introduced in order to hook us into the next instalment. Sterling work! ...more
Another really sweet addition to the Omar stories. Zanib manages to be so inclusive with seemingly minimal effort and puts to shame those who make it Another really sweet addition to the Omar stories. Zanib manages to be so inclusive with seemingly minimal effort and puts to shame those who make it so explicit that it can get in the way of a good story. In celebration of World Book Day, Zanib is helping his friend get a book signed by his sister's favourite author since she's poorly. An against-the-time trip from London to Scotland ensues a heart-warming close at the end. All are supported by fun illustrations from Mafaridik and Cheng. I do love these stories. ...more
There was something sweet and experimental about the first Mason Mooney story; as if the creator was finding their feet with the setting of Grimbrook There was something sweet and experimental about the first Mason Mooney story; as if the creator was finding their feet with the setting of Grimbrook and also the concept of how they wanted their version of the graphic novel to work. It was well-paced with a cracking anti-hero, loveable sidekick (partner!) and a wacky sense of the paranormal sprinkled with a good dose of the real stuff too.
The sequel felt as if Miller was in her stride and allowing herself the freedom to unleash the creativity that may have felt a little more reserved in her first outing. In a story that sees a parallel (opposite) dimension open, Mason and Iris must face a new threat to Grimbrook before our hero disappears from reality itself. Concept aside, this is a deceptively rich plot with plenty of longer-term goings-on happening in the background and with enough humour and tongue-in-cheek paranormal-play occurring between the pages. The same cast is here but we have room for more.
I loved Miller's experimental and flamboyant play with framing and position and I found a welcome addition of more written narrative. Whilst unusual in a graphic novel for younger readers, I thought it worked really well. Miller is attempting something new here: a fusion text between a short novella in a graphic presentation. This longer text also meant the introduction of another, super character: the narrator.
The narrator guides us and interjects as the story unfolds and is intrusive in all the right places. They have a dry sense of humour and often give their opinions freely on what's going on. I loved this element and really hope Miller keeps playing and experimenting with this form and story. All in all, I was more than satisfied with the sequel and hope for more. ...more
Another ecocritical picturebook from Cottle, this time heading to the seaside to explore human waste that threatens the wildlife within. Much like theAnother ecocritical picturebook from Cottle, this time heading to the seaside to explore human waste that threatens the wildlife within. Much like the first book, there is a sense of Understanding and then Action here and it was sweet to see the character from The Green Giant make a guest appearance. A beautiful, visual introduction to issues of pollution within the waters and making a change for the good. ...more
Twitch has been happy keeping to his own company: just him and his mum and the chickens. The other children in Year 7 seem to find him odd and too geeTwitch has been happy keeping to his own company: just him and his mum and the chickens. The other children in Year 7 seem to find him odd and too geeky to fit in; at least, that's what Twitch thinks. But there is other company that Twitch values as much as all the others; birds. With his hide in a local wood, his binoculars and a growing knowledge of the natural world, Twitch is happiest logging and viewing his feathered friends.
As the summer holidays begin though, a series of events occur to turn Twitch's world upside down. From bullies to a suspected murderer, Twitch must learn to navigate a dangerous new world in which he will have to learn to read people as well as he can read birds and in which his trust in others will be tested to the limit.
I have no idea how Leonard manages to juggle so much in one book. The complexity of friendships at the start of Secondary School, bullying and self-esteem in amongst a cracking little mystery that arrives in his home town. With an ending that just shows how good Leonard is at plot and character, Twitch was a little welcome hit of my reading year. I think Maya has this extraordinary gift of writing in the style of those excellent post-war writers whilst keeping the themes contemporary and relevant....more
Oh, I really wanted to like this. It was literally the Forgotten Realms for younger readers (I'd say MG but I really hate the term so think 7+) and I Oh, I really wanted to like this. It was literally the Forgotten Realms for younger readers (I'd say MG but I really hate the term so think 7+) and I thought that with such a rich world and backstory that it would be ripe for the picking.
Zellidora has grown up in the Dungeon Academy for most of her life. Raised by two minotaur mums she has successfully integrated herself into the monster culture and society as they train to fight and take on the humans who would get in their way. Think Hogwarts but replace humans with Monster races. Unfortunately, there's a hitch. Zelli is absolutely no monster nor a minotaur: she's human. So when she discovers an image of a brave warrior in one of the library's lore books who looks 'just' like her, she sets out in search of the woman who could be her biological mother. But she's not alone, several monster companions believe in Zelli and join her on her quest.
I think it was the whole carnivalising of the genre that perhaps didn't work for me but probably 'will' work for younger readers. Having played around in the Realms for decades I had envisioned a young group of adventurers heading off but I suspect there's something more playful in having the monsters be the centre of attention.
I also think this could have worked if I didn't have a problem with 'how' Zelli gets by as a minotaur in the Dungeon Academy for so long. Zelli and her minotaur mothers believe that Zelli's disguise is good enough because she's wearing a pair of fake horns - but it is also because she has thick hair and is black too? Would it have worked if the character was white and blond? I think it's this concept that I just didn't feel sat right with me.
The story too was a nice idea - evil necromancer trying to take over the realms but it felt as if the author was trying really hard to juggle plot and character at the same time. Again, parallels to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone abound but Rowling manages that balance a little better by a gradual introduction to the 'bad guy' perhaps.
There are many things that could and probably will work in the future though: the Monster cast is sweet and I think if their characters are allowed to grow then all the better. I had a really sweet spot for Bauble the mimic (who doesn't like fighting) but uses their smarts instead. I also thought that Probert's illustrations were gorgeous too. It's clear that we're to expect more from the series and I just hope that character building continues.
A final niggle was the format of the book. For some reason, the text starts a little higher at the top of each page and I thought this an unusual design. Younger readers tend to enjoy less text on the page and slightly larger gaps between lines and I wondered what the choices were here.
Overall, I felt that Roux had a LOT to juggle here - there are attempts at diversity that are admirable but are problematic in places; there's the introduction to a host of monsters that children might not know (which makes it difficult to understand the audience - a Bestiary at the back could have helped?) and then there's the plot which is thin on the ground but will probably grow as the series continues.
** I don't think it's fair to star this as it's the first review on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ and I'd rather her from other readers' perspectives**...more
Based upon a traditional African trickster tale (stated on the back), The Giant Jumperee began as a play and was turned into a picturebook accompaniedBased upon a traditional African trickster tale (stated on the back), The Giant Jumperee began as a play and was turned into a picturebook accompanied by Helen Oxenbury's utterly delightful illustrations (it even looks she used the setting from We're Going on a Bear Hunt). A cumulative tale which begins with Rabbit being scared of a creature living in its hole. Seeking support, she calls on her friends who get larger and more boastful in how they will dispose of the intruder. Finally, stern words and a new approach from mummy Frog seem to work out the riddle of who is hiding in Rabbit's home. A flit between rhyme and narrative accompanies Oxenbury's delightful watercolours.
I was a little nervous that something would be lost in a sequel to the Cardboard Kingdom: identities had been established and friendships forged so whI was a little nervous that something would be lost in a sequel to the Cardboard Kingdom: identities had been established and friendships forged so where would the team of writers and lone illustrator, Chad Sell go next without a narrative or focus feeling forced? Still keeping with the 'crafting costumes from cardboard' theme, the second book takes place in the week leading up to Halloween and two of our gang are either out of commission through fear, injury or a nasty episode with the local teens. It takes the whole group together to overcome the mysterious monster that is terrorising the neighbourhood but in coming together, they all defeat the monster within too.
Whilst it didn't quite have the fluidity of the original with regards to the plot, and it was a little darker (quite literally with colouring), thematically, I still think this was a fine addition. Sell and company are keen to never have a simple case of good or bad when it comes to character and there is always a sense of redemption and learning throughout that I really enjoy. The diversity of the gang with regards to race, body shape, gender identity and ethnicity is never the focus but is extremely welcome: I adore the Sorceress....more
I didn't think this could be anywhere near as good as Sheets but I was wrong, it's possibly better. With the inclusion of a neurodiverse Black female I didn't think this could be anywhere near as good as Sheets but I was wrong, it's possibly better. With the inclusion of a neurodiverse Black female character in Eliza, it explores identity and the complex weights that come with growing up into your teenage years. Messy, emotionally wraught and painful - with the help of her ghostly friends, Marjorie learns a valuable lesson of what it is to fit in and what it means to find the right fit for who you are. ...more
With Serpine defeated, it's time for a new enemy to step into Valkyrie Cain's world and the threads of her part in the arrival of the Faceless Ones beWith Serpine defeated, it's time for a new enemy to step into Valkyrie Cain's world and the threads of her part in the arrival of the Faceless Ones begins to tighten (I really love that slow build-up -Voldemort-style that is happening). This time, it's another old foe of Skulduggery's, Baron Vengeous whose quest to resurrect a monstrosity named the Grotesquery. Should the Baron succeed, then the path for the Faceless Ones to return will be unavoidable. Can Skulduggery, Valkyrie and their companions halt the villain and his allies? Well yes, there's more in the series...but that's not the point!
I love the humour in this series, it's borderline Pratchettesque in places and never takes itself too seriously, except when it does. Although I felt in this one that there were too many chance arrivals at key moments, it was still plenty of fun! For a further recommendation, the audiobook is read by Rupert Degas who brings that strong, wonderful Irish lilt to the whole thing. Handy since it's all set in and around Dublin for the most part. ...more
**spoiler alert** Set in an isolated, remote village in a heavily wooded area, the story follows a single father and son (who are heavily anthropomorp**spoiler alert** Set in an isolated, remote village in a heavily wooded area, the story follows a single father and son (who are heavily anthropomorphised hares) as they embark on a towering project to find out what lies beyond the boundaries of their community.
The village is surrounded by dense evergreen forest, and the story begins there as the camera pans over to the father's mill where his son and their dog play. It is the father's curiosity - of challenging those ancient fears of ogres and wolves that roam the boundaries of their safety - that is the fulcrum of the plot and his desire to build a tower that will help him see above the trees in order to find the truth.
At first, he sells his bread in trade for stones but when a great storm destroys his work, he finds that the rest of the anthropomorphic community come together to help him finish the job. The ending is a pleasant surprise that will leave the reader grinning.
Wonderful pen and ink illustrations have a mid-century retro feel that evokes mid-20th-century picture books. ...more
Sophie has been touted as a gifted spell-weaver by her mother and grandmother and has shown so much potential that she has been head-hunted by the mosSophie has been touted as a gifted spell-weaver by her mother and grandmother and has shown so much potential that she has been head-hunted by the most prestigious school of magic. Before going there, both her carers suggest she spend some time with her aunt and grandmother and learn more about the magic that is bound strongly within their heritage.
But the pressure of success is far too much for Sophie and she finds herself angry, frustrated and conflicted over her future. When she finds herself in mortal danger, a series of events occur in which her life is bound up by that of a young sea-dragon and both must face their fears or face the wrath of the oceans upon both of them.
With strong nods to Miyazaki in terms of its otherworldly tenderness and that bridge between the real and fantastical, Xu's story is lovely. Sophie has her faults and she's a stronger, more engaging character for it; but so do the adults in her world too. This is heartwarming and dear and would work very well throughout primary and secondary. I particularly liked how Xu's style had strong nods to Manga but that she has absolutely made it her own.
Finally, there is a message here about following your own dreams and pursuing in life what you want to be rather than adhering to her expectations of those with greater power over you. As a book for younger readers transitioning into secondary school or going through Primary, this provides you with comfort and assurance. ...more
Well, this one had me in tears at the end. Barrington Stoke often delivers high-quality stories with a rich narrative in a very short space of time. BWell, this one had me in tears at the end. Barrington Stoke often delivers high-quality stories with a rich narrative in a very short space of time. Blossom is a young girl just about to begin Secondary School. She recently lost her grandparents on her father's side and with their deaths, her father inherits their famous flower stall. Whilst he is very happy to take over, Mum is not - she has other ambitions around the sciences. As they both argue over their own dreams and futures, Blossoms begins to see her world fall apart.
I had already praised Sequin and Stitch for similar exploration of family and people and Blossom is just as good if not that little bit better with a broader cast. Ogilvie's illustrations bring them all that little bit closer. As with all BS's books, these are deceptively simple stories with some real depth to them. ...more
Oswald Minkelhoff Honey Bunny the 3rd has always been the centre of attention at his home and with a catty-ego to boot too. So when a little kitten coOswald Minkelhoff Honey Bunny the 3rd has always been the centre of attention at his home and with a catty-ego to boot too. So when a little kitten comes along (named Pom-Pom), Oswald's world and demeanour are turned upside-down. Beautiful illustrations and a book my eldest loved (he's a huge cat fan) but the message about sharing is caring just felt a little too flighty for me with little emotional resonance. ...more
Written in the form of a dual-narrative, The Blue Book itself contains the written recount of Rowenna and her son, Dylan, as they struggle to survive Written in the form of a dual-narrative, The Blue Book itself contains the written recount of Rowenna and her son, Dylan, as they struggle to survive in North Wales in the aftermath of a post-apocalyptic event. With, possibly, multiple nuclear events sweeping across the world, Rowenna and her son, along with baby daughter, Mona, struggle to live along within the little town of Nebo, living off the land and foraging for materials to help them live within the abandoned homes.
Encounters with a radiation-scarred rabbit, memories of the time before the fallout and a tense and semi-distant relationship between mother and son make for a deeply touching and painfully honest recount between two people who are bound together through blood but growing up in this new world through very different lenses.
Ros' writing is careful, measured with slow reveals throughout but nothing too revelatory, just gentle unveilings that only help to make the reading more tender. This is a book with layers and layers and layers with each character and each encounter leaving much for contemplation. I adored the Welsh connection - this meant a lot to me and I wondered how much of the Welshness was to be found in Rowenna and Dylan's demeanours and relationship with the land and language.
Absolutely nuts in a way that only Nadia Shireen is capable of. Shades of Mr. Gum here but this is less word-play funny and more 'madcap-moments'. PleAbsolutely nuts in a way that only Nadia Shireen is capable of. Shades of Mr. Gum here but this is less word-play funny and more 'madcap-moments'. Plenty of anthropomorphic silliness abounds when two sibling foxes set off to escape the evil shenanigans of the local cat bully. There's a plot in here somewhere but we're all far more fascinated in all the humour to be found. A great read aloud for children from Year 1 upwards. ...more
Dulcinea is very happy living in the woods with her father and the animals who provide for them. Although her father always allows her to play and expDulcinea is very happy living in the woods with her father and the animals who provide for them. Although her father always allows her to play and explore and take risks, travelling into the forest beyond their land is forbidden for it is ruled by a terrible, angry witch. Yet when Dulcinea's birthday arrives and they released they're missing blueberries for her pancakes, her father 'must' break his own vow and enter the forest for the fruit...
Set with a variety of fairy-tale elements yet with a modern, female character full of sharp wits, Dulcinea is full of minimal yet delightfully surreal illustrations throughout. The confrontation between the witch and Dulcinea is fab. The story, presented in chapters, borders between brief writing but with a rich use of language. Translated by Shelley Tanaka. ...more
During their sophomore year, four girls find themselves together through friendship and hardship. Whilst three of the girls have been friends for a whDuring their sophomore year, four girls find themselves together through friendship and hardship. Whilst three of the girls have been friends for a while, newcomer Sasha is rescued by them when she suddenly begins her period...in the middle of the school hallway.
What begins is a graphic novel story of four girls exploring relationships, making their way through a challenging year - emotionally - and navigating the injustice of a school system that is predicated on spending money on sports but nothing on sanitary products. For Abby, this is shameful and she takes to social media to share her views. When she takes a stand that even her friends are uncomfortable with, it tests their friendship but perhaps one person making a strong stand is what it takes to make a change.
I found it really refreshing to read a graphic novel that dealt with a subject that constantly seems painfully taboo: even Sasha's mum won't talk about it and you can feel Williams' own frustrations at this silence come through in the story. At times it felt as if the authorial intention almost overcame the narrative but the four characters are more than strong enough to hold the important message.
Not a complaint at all but rather a request - I really would like to see something similar pitched at a slightly younger audience so that people have another space in which to have these discussions. ...more
This was such a sweet graphic novel with a lot of Moominesque qualities about it. A pair of orphaned Goblins find themselves and their community in peThis was such a sweet graphic novel with a lot of Moominesque qualities about it. A pair of orphaned Goblins find themselves and their community in peril when the island they inhabit becomes threatened by a series of earthquakes. Is the Earth Queen unhappy with them? The younger of the sisters, Pella - who is definitely channelling a lot of Little My, sets off into the Enchanted Forest to find out. But no one ever returns from the Enchanted Forest...will her older sister, Bix, be brave enough to go after her?
This is a lovely book about companionship, being happy with who you are and the strength and loving and caring for one another. A little delight. My 8-year-old son, a reluctant reader of fiction, devoured it in a single evening. ...more
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