This enchanting tale follows Rene, an ambitious chef who opens a café on the edge of an enchanted forest. With the help of**Review for BooksforKeeps**
This enchanting tale follows Rene, an ambitious chef who opens a café on the edge of an enchanted forest. With the help of her quirky assistant, Glumfoot, Rene is prepared to serve a unique clientele of mythological creatures. But there’s a twist: her customers have a taste for peculiar, often unappetising dishes. Faced with these unusual requests, Rene and Glumfoot must get creative to keep the café thriving. Please’s storytelling is both humorous and heartwarming, carrying a gentle message about embracing the unexpected and adapting to new places and people. His rhythmic, playful text invites young readers to revel in quirky dishes like “pickled bats� and “maggot fondue,� while the tone remains lighthearted as Rene navigates her patrons� eccentric tastes. Complementing the text are Please’s rich, intricate illustrations, rendered in thick lines and a palette that balances warm, earthy tones with vibrant splashes of colour. With clever framing and perspective, each spread adds tension and warmth, enhancing the whimsy throughout the narrative. Delightful details invite readers to linger, exploring the fantastical elements of the café’s visitors and setting. Expressive characters, particularly the lumbering, tusked ogre and the ever-helpful Glumfoot, add charm and depth, drawing readers further into Rene’s imaginative world. A lushly illustrated fusion of picture book and graphic novel, it is a welcome “beast� of a story that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the joy of embracing the strange and unfamiliar. A delightful addition to any bookshelf that promises new discoveries with each reading. ...more
A spine-chilling middle-grade novel that mixes humour with elements of horror, perfect for readers aged 9+ (although note the setting is Year 7). The A spine-chilling middle-grade novel that mixes humour with elements of horror, perfect for readers aged 9+ (although note the setting is Year 7). The story follows four students—Hallie, Angelo, Naira, and Gus—who are stuck in a Saturday detention at their school, only to find themselves entangled in a terrifying mystery. What begins as a frustrating punishment quickly escalates into a nightmarish adventure when their teacher is mysteriously dragged underground, and the school’s creepy caretakers start acting suspiciously.
Killick blends suspense with witty banter, creating characters that are relatable and endearing, even as they face terrifying challenges. The group must navigate eerie settings and battle unseen horrors, all while learning to work together despite their differences. The tension is perfectly balanced with humour, making the novel engaging without overwhelming younger readers.
There's fine character growth here, as the children confront both external threats and their internal struggles. The creepy atmosphere, cliffhanger chapter endings, and clever twists keep readers hooked until the end�. For those much older, think Goonies - meets - Breakfast Club - meets - Arachnophobia. I'll be reading all the others in the series. ...more
Set in the 19th-century frontier of Idaho, this delightfully quirky but true tale unveils a fascinating chapter of history with a touch of humour and Set in the 19th-century frontier of Idaho, this delightfully quirky but true tale unveils a fascinating chapter of history with a touch of humour and resourcefulness. The story opens with the discovery of silver in Idaho by a prospector's dog, and one harassed gopher, leading to the birth of the Minnie Moore Mine. Soon after, it is sold to Henry Miller, an Englishman, who marries Annie, a local woman. Henry builds an opulent mansion for his wife, the Millers� Minnie Moore Mine Mansion. Tragedy strikes when Henry passes away, leaving Annie conned by a dishonest banker and determined to raise pigs for her livelihood. However, the townspeople disapprove of her porcine endeavour. Not willing to abandon her home, Annie hatches a bold plan to move the mansion outside the town limits, and with remarkable ingenuity, the improbable feat is accomplished: this is the log-rolling crux of the story.
At its core, "Moving the Millers� Minnie Moore Mine Mansion" celebrates human perseverance, ingenuity, and resourcefulness. It highlights the power of determination and the ability to overcome adversity with clever solutions. The story resonates with themes of home, family, and the importance of holding on to one's dreams even in challenging circumstances.
Júlia Sardà's exceptional illustrations breathe life into this stranger-than-fiction tale. The earthy and subdued colours evoke the historical setting while providing dynamic energy to the scenes; I'm not sure anyone captures movement and energy quite like Sardà, whose attention to detail and fluid artwork enhances the story's humour and dramatic moments.
Eggers' witty narrative, lots of tongue-in-cheek repeating lines, and narrative intrusion to make us smile and lighten the tone, alongside Sardà's masterful illustrations make this book a gem for readers of all ages. Children and adults alike will be charmed by the resourceful protagonist, Annie Miller, and her daring plan to save her beloved home. "Moving the Millers� Minnie Moore Mine Mansion" is a heartwarming and entertaining read that leaves a lasting impression. ...more
Shah takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the vibrant streets of Mumbai, where a group of resilient and resourceful children defy the oddsShah takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the vibrant streets of Mumbai, where a group of resilient and resourceful children defy the odds to chase their dreams and fight against corruption. Set amidst the backdrop of the city's bustling railway stations, slums, and factories, this heartwarming tale showcases the power of friendship, loyalty, and the indomitable spirit of the underdogs.
The story revolves around Ajay, a street kid who earns his living by selling newspapers but aspires to become a journalist. His encounter with a renowned environmentalist and the discovery of an abandoned printing press set the stage for a thrilling adventure. Ajay, along with his diverse group of friends, including a railway apprentice engineer, an artist, a seasoned cook, and a budding cricketer, comes together to start their own newspaper, The Mumbai Sun.
When Ajay stumbles upon a diabolical plan by a corrupt alliance of builders and politicians to demolish a neighbouring slum, he embarks on a relentless pursuit to uncover the truth. Despite their meagre resources and constant threats from goons, Ajay and his crew utilize their street smarts to dig deep and expose the sinister plot. The fast-paced narrative weaves themes of hope, resilience, and the triumph of the ordinary.
Varsha Shah's writing shines through in her ability to depict the energy, ambition, and resilience of the characters. The narrative sparks moments of laughter, concern, and elation, evoking a range of emotions from readers. Its themes encourage discussions about power imbalances, social change, and the impact of individual actions. I thoroughly enjoyed it. ...more
Creeping Beauty is the third instalment in Joseph Coelho's Fairy Tales Gone Bad series, accompanied by the remarkable illustrations of Freya Hartas. ICreeping Beauty is the third instalment in Joseph Coelho's Fairy Tales Gone Bad series, accompanied by the remarkable illustrations of Freya Hartas. In this version of the classic fairy tale, the narrative takes a refreshing turn by shifting the focus to Eshe, one of the fairy godmothers, whose name symbolizes life, rather than the traditional Sleeping Beauty character, Princess Rose.
While the narrative initially echoes familiar versions of Sleeping Beauty, Coelho allows Eshe to take matters into her own hands instead of relying on a prince to save the day. Along the way, the story pays homage to The Frog Prince, emphasizing the agency of women and reinventing this classic tale. Coelho's poetic background seamlessly weaves throughout the prose, with the page layout often adding a poetic touch. Hartas' black and white illustrations are gorgeous and these are sumptuously illustrated books.
Coelho's use of poetic devices and the impact of layout on reading can be explored. Furthermore, the rich and challenging vocabulary in the book presents an excellent opportunity for exploring language and expanding vocabulary skills. It would be interesting to consider the perspectives of male readers, as the male characters in the story prove either inadequate or literally wooden. A fair addition to Coelho's Fairy Tales Gone Bad series. ...more
In the delightful children's book, readers are treated to a satirical tale that explores themes of capitalism, greed, and poverty. Set against the bacIn the delightful children's book, readers are treated to a satirical tale that explores themes of capitalism, greed, and poverty. Set against the backdrop of a disrupted normal life, the story follows a group of cats and the hungry rats they encounter, teaching readers valuable lessons about selfishness and the consequences of taking more than what is needed.
As the humans retreat into their homes, the cats devise a cunning plan to steal all the food they can, disregarding the plight of the poor rats and mice outside. However, their scheme is soon foiled, prompting the starving rodents to take matters into their paws. This classic cat-and-mouse tale unfolds with humour and colourful illustrations, capturing the attention of readers young and old.
The illustrations play a significant role in bringing the story to life, providing vivid detail and capturing the subtle humour in every scene. From the cats lounging on their humans' laps to the dramatic tones of black, grey, and red throughout, the artwork adds depth to the narrative, inviting readers to explore the welcome, busy visuals on each page.
"The Cats Who Wanted More" serves as a political satire that remains relevant today, introducing children to important concepts such as capitalism and poverty. The book is not only a great read-aloud for children, but also an invitation for readers to closely too. A little furry bundle of joy. ...more
Galvin's second outing is another historical fiction novel this time transporting us to Victorian Brighton. Set against the backdrop of the arrival ofGalvin's second outing is another historical fiction novel this time transporting us to Victorian Brighton. Set against the backdrop of the arrival of a giant octopus at the seafront aquarium, the story follows 12-year-old Vinnie, who finds herself staying with her aunt in Brighton while her mother attends to business in Paris. Having already enjoyed Darwin's Dragons, I was really impressed to find that I enjoyed this second outing even more.
Beyond the captivating setting, the novel sheds light on the harsh working conditions of industrial Victorian Britain, particularly regarding child labour. The author highlights the disparity between the privileged and the less fortunate. At its core, the book celebrates the power of friendship through the bond between Vinnie, Charlie, and Temitayo. Each character is endearing in their resourcefulness, loyalty, and unwavering sense of justice. Temitayo's determination to forge her own path and reject the predetermined future set by others adds an empowering element to the narrative.
The incredible octopus, Ghost, serves as a central character, revealing its astonishing capabilities and emotional depth: it helped that I had read several octopus non-fiction texts prior to this. I felt like I already knew Ghost. The bond between Vinnie and Ghost is particularly heartwarming, drawing readers even closer to this fascinating animal.
A carefully plotted novel that combines historical accuracy, captivating storytelling, and memorable characters. Vivid descriptions and attention to detail create an immersive reading experience that both educates and entertains. Highly recommended KS2+ ...more
In "Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun" by Tọlá Okogwu, readers are transported into a world where a young British Nigerian girl named Onyekachi must cIn "Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun" by Tọlá Okogwu, readers are transported into a world where a young British Nigerian girl named Onyekachi must confront her untamed hair and unlock her hidden powers.
Onyekachi despises her unruly curls, yearning for a way to make them behave. But when her hair unexpectedly saves her best friend Cheyenne from drowning, Onyekachi's life takes an exciting turn. Her mother reveals her Solari heritage, and they journey to Nigeria for Onyekachi to attend the Academy of the Sun. However, tragedy strikes as her mother disappears, propelling Onyekachi into a world of emotional growth, confidence-building, and forging new bonds. This first book in the series explores overcoming scars, discovering one's gifts, and immerses readers in a captivating solar-powered Nigerian techno-wonderland.
"Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun" tackles essential themes of self-acceptance, embracing individuality, and the transformative power of self-discovery. Through Onyekachi's journey, young readers learn about the value of confidence and the responsibility that comes with unique abilities. The story emphasizes the importance of forming new bonds, overcoming challenges, and showcases the timeless clash between good and evil: the fact that Onyeka's hair and heritage are what gives her strength (the very things she has shunned, felt embarrassed about or not acknowledged). An enthralling adventure that seamlessly combines magic, self-discovery, and Afrofuturism. I'm very much looking forward to the rest of the series.
Owen and the Soldier is a heartwarming and multi-layered story that explores themes of courage, companionship, and standing up for what you believe inOwen and the Soldier is a heartwarming and multi-layered story that explores themes of courage, companionship, and standing up for what you believe in.
Owen, a lonely boy, finds solace in a stone statue of a soldier in a memorial garden. When he discovers that the statue is scheduled for removal, Owen must step out of his solitary world and be brave to protect it. The book beautifully portrays Owen's journey as he overcomes his fears and becomes an advocate for the statue.
Thompson sensitively weaves in topics such as young carers, social anxiety, and remembrance, making this story both accessible and thought-provoking. The language is simple yet the story offers rich opportunities for discussion.
With its dyslexia-friendly font, it is also a great choice for struggling or disengaged readers: a compelling read that left a lasting impact on me and a few years shed too. ...more
In "A Snail in Need of Space," we meet Marjorie, a snail who cherishes her alone time. Although she loves her family and friends, sometimes the world In "A Snail in Need of Space," we meet Marjorie, a snail who cherishes her alone time. Although she loves her family and friends, sometimes the world becomes too overwhelming and she needs to take a step back. But no matter where she goes, she always leaves a trail that well-meaning snails seem to follow. Marjorie searches far and wide for the perfect hiding spot and finally discovers one. But will she be able to find her way back home without leaving a trail? Fortunately, her friend Bernard comes to her rescue and shares his secret to remaining undiscovered. Together they find solace in each other's company, sometimes playing games and other times enjoying the peace and quiet of simply being alone whilst in each other's company.
A sweet portrayal of introversion and the need for solitude. The story is relatable, and many children will be able to identify with Marjorie's desire for alone time. It's refreshing to see a book that celebrates introversion and doesn't make the introverted character conform to societal expectations. This is a great book for parents to read with their children, helping them to understand and accept different personality types....more
The Boy Who Grew a Tree, written by Polly Ho Yen and illustrated by Sojung Kim-Mcarthy, is a heartwarming story about a boy named Timi who has a passiThe Boy Who Grew a Tree, written by Polly Ho Yen and illustrated by Sojung Kim-Mcarthy, is a heartwarming story about a boy named Timi who has a passion for growing plants and observing nature. When Timi's mum becomes pregnant, he is sent to after-school club and looked after more by his auntie. When his mum has the baby early, she has to stay in the hospital until Timi's new baby sister is big enough to come home. Feeling lonely and abandoned, Timi discovers a plant growing unexpectedly in a derelict library, and returns regularly to look after it. The plant responds rapidly to his care and attention and soon fills the library, but its days may be numbered as the library is due to be demolished.
The story is a celebration of the natural world, the importance of libraries, and the power of community activism. It also sensitively explores a child's unsettled feelings and changing family dynamics when a new baby is born, particularly in cases where there are initial health concerns. The cyclical nature of the story is satisfying, and the themes of nature and community are important.
The book features a diverse cast of realistic, modern children and is accessible and engaging for newly independent readers. Timi is a well-developed character, highly observant and introspective, which will be relatable to introverted children who enjoy being alone. The soft black and white illustrations by Sojung Kim-Mcarthy perfectly match the warmth of the story and offer good support to those who may struggle to visualize as they read. Family life is depicted with great skill, and Timi's emotions are conveyed through his expression and body language.
A gentle and thought-provoking short novel that celebrates quiet children and offers a relatable story for those who have experienced the birth of a sibling: great for KS1. ...more
Protest! How People Have Come Together to Change the World is a well-written history of protest movements from around the globe, organized both chronoProtest! How People Have Come Together to Change the World is a well-written history of protest movements from around the globe, organized both chronologically and thematically. The authors, Alice and Emily Haworth-Booth, describe their own experiences of protest and provide a clear-eyed view of the history of protest movements, highlighting both their successes and failures.
The book covers a wide range of movements, from the Kalabhra Revolt in India to the French Revolution to the fight for civil rights in the United States. It also examines lesser-known movements, such as Chile’s protests against food shortages in the early 1970s and Nigeria’s Abeokuta Women’s Revolt in the 1940s.
What sets Protest! apart is its focus on the protestors themselves. The authors write from their perspective and present the movements in line with their own sympathies. This imbues the book with a sense of excitement, possibility, and shared humanity, making it accessible and genuinely inspiring for readers.
While the book does not shy away from explaining that not all protests are successful and that many involve police or state violence, it maintains an overall positive and empowering tone. It is particularly timely given the recent surge in youth activism and involvement in protests.
The book covers MANY topics so many over the overviews are just that; overviews. But fear not, an extensive bibliography and suggestions for further reading can be found at the back.
Protest! How People Have Come Together to Change the World is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the history of protest movements, particularly for young readers. It presents a broad range of movements and provides a valuable perspective on the protestors themselves. I thought it to be an incredible achievement. ...more
In this humorous and heartwarming book, a father and daughter engage in playful make-believe, taking on the roles of trees with complete dedication. DIn this humorous and heartwarming book, a father and daughter engage in playful make-believe, taking on the roles of trees with complete dedication. Despite encountering various challenges, such as birds nesting on their heads and spiders building webs on their arms, they remain committed to their roles.
The story celebrates the power of imagination and the deep love parents have for their children, as the father is willing to do anything to make his daughter happy even if he is being played to both the reader's and his daughter's delight. A book about the joy of being outdoors, the reluctance of children wanting to go to bed and the humour that comes with children challenging parental authority.
Captivating and poignant, Wolf's novel, the first that I have read, has told me that I will now be reading everything she has written. Her writing is Captivating and poignant, Wolf's novel, the first that I have read, has told me that I will now be reading everything she has written. Her writing is masterful not just in its deceptively-simple prose but in its depth with regard to character and moment. A true gift. Touching on themes of prejudice, justice, and empathy through the eyes of a twelve-year-old Annabelle, living on her family farm in rural Pennsylvania during the 1940s. When a new girl, Betty, arrives at school, she quickly establishes herself as a bully and sets her sights on tormenting Annabelle, her brothers and other children in the town. As Betty's behaviour escalates, Annabelle must navigate her own fears and confront the concept of lying to her parents in order to protect them and the enigmatic and distant Toby - a survivor of World War 1.
The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with Annabelle serving as a brave and resilient protagonist who grapples with the weight of responsibility on her young shoulders. Wolk skillfully balances the darker elements of the story with moments of warmth and hope, and her exploration of the impact of war on small communities is both thoughtful and nuanced. Honestly, it's an excellent achievement. ...more
In "The Dream of the Butterfly," Tutu finds herself trapped in a valley where winter never ends, surrounded by talking animals and under the rule of aIn "The Dream of the Butterfly," Tutu finds herself trapped in a valley where winter never ends, surrounded by talking animals and under the rule of a robot Emperor fueled by oil and a desire to find something greater than his parts.
Tutu is tired of working in the Emperor's polluting factory and wonders if the butterfly that appears in her dreams is the key to changing the valley's fate. With the help of a talking cat, rabbit spies, and the Flying Bandit, can Tutu make her dreams a reality and save the valley from destruction?
A satisfying conclusion to a story that has more depth with each new reading.
Dan Santat's 'The Aquanaut' is a visually rich graphic novel that follows the adventures of a group of sea-dwelling creatures who, in manning a portabDan Santat's 'The Aquanaut' is a visually rich graphic novel that follows the adventures of a group of sea-dwelling creatures who, in manning a portable yet mechanical diving suit, seek out the daughter of a deep-sea researcher who died with a special mission unresolved.
Sophia is full of humour and wit but feels abandoned by her Uncle who is too busy drowning in the guilt of surviving the shipwreck that his brother survived. His only drive is the hope that his research will be a lasting testament to his brother. Can this strange cast of sea creatures bring Sophia and her uncle together?
Richly illustrated with fine moments of drama and action, this is a funny story but with a touch of pathos to it. I found the creatures sweet too - as if the finding Nemo cast trapped in the tank escaped into this book. Nods to Jacques Cousteau were welcome too and tapped into the themes of conversation. Would do well throughout KS2. ...more
I adored this book from Pushkin. From Jacqueline Molnár's illustrations, where her strong-colour play evokes a richly traditional form in storytellingI adored this book from Pushkin. From Jacqueline Molnár's illustrations, where her strong-colour play evokes a richly traditional form in storytelling, to Anna Bentley's incredibly deft touch in translating Lázár's imagination - it's an absolute success and all the richer from a second reading. It tells, in a traditional tale format with a modern twist, the story of Poor Jonny, our classic wanderer through tales, and Princess Arnica a - in some part - stereotype-challenging female protagonist, as they search for a way to lift a witch's curse off them.
Told through a dual-blended narrative that reminded me of The Princess Bride, each chapter opens with a discussion between a leading adult storyteller and their younger co-teller. Although the adult steers the story, interjections and questions from the young listener make the telling richer and much wiser. Sometimes both intrude mid-story but it's all for the better. This, for me, was what made the story itself so special for such openings and interruptions acted as opportunities for big questions about life and living in general.
The story itself is made of several episodes in which Arnica and Poor Johnny attempt to lift a witch's jealous curse which sees one of them always having to take the form of a duck. Knowing that somewhere out there is a Seven-Headed Fairy who can cure them, they head off encountering a range of characters along the way and helping each to overcome their own problems. Each encounter is set down to prove how much our heroes love each other but also how such love and kindness can help others too.
Since the narrators are situated in the present, there are moments in which the 'traditional' elements and encounters within the narrative rub shoulders with our time. A witch who has the ability to change form is neighboured by a gang of bandits who find that they are incredibly good at football. A band of 12 selfish brothers are only a few fields away from a man who takes offence at anything said to him. This play between modern sensibilities and activities alongside more traditional tropes and characters is what made the story feel so 'new' yet 'established' at the same time.
Finally, I take my hat off to Molnar's strange, delightful illustrations which play with traditional tale themes too - lots of hidden icons and images throughout celebrate some of the implicit messages. However, I suspect that the reason the story works so well 'now' is down to Anna Bantley's outstanding work in bringing Lazar's Hungarian story across to these shores.
Anyone who has a lovely of books that sit between those liminal spaces of reality and fantasy that is similar to the work of Aiken and Wynne Jones wilAnyone who has a lovely of books that sit between those liminal spaces of reality and fantasy that is similar to the work of Aiken and Wynne Jones will love spending time with Watson's 'Glister' and to think that it's too high-brow for younger readers then misunderstands how clever and adept young, independent readers can be.
Collating together four stories which focus on Glister Butterworth and her life at Chilblain Hall, this series sees our eponymous hero as she seeks to understand, relate to and then save her family home which is very much like Hogwarts with regards to its ever-changing architecture and residents but, perhaps, with a touch more Trollope to it.
From teapots haunted by frustrated writers, to a literal family tree that blooms past members, to a wonderfully folkloric encounter with the fey-folk in which Glister fights for the return of her missing mother, Watson has created a rich and complex narrative, presented in clear lines and muted tones (each book is coloured in a single colour).
This graphic novel thrums with layers of meaning and it's clear that Watson is catering here to many readers who will arrive at Chilblain Hall with different levels of understanding and life experience. I think he knows that, when they return with each new read, they will find something new and exciting to catch their imagination. The sign of a very fine book. ...more
Tickling a lot of fairy tale tropes around young male characters heading off to meet their destiny and supported by a range of animal helpers due to hTickling a lot of fairy tale tropes around young male characters heading off to meet their destiny and supported by a range of animal helpers due to his kindly nature, Kingdom is Aiken's first novel for children full of the dry comedy and high jinks that she is well known for. The Kingdom of Astalon has an ancient enemy that is returning from hiding deep underground in order to exact revenge after decades in hiding. The only heroes that can save it are a young Prince, a horse, a bat, a cat and a raucous gathering of rooks. After being taught how to speak to animals by a venerable old rat called Nicodemus, Michael and his feline companion, Mickle, gather all the friends, tricks and cunning they can to overthrow the enemy. It's a delight precursor to Aiken's hugely successful Wolves of Willoughby Chase which would become her most well-known story....more
In the park one windy day, the witch's three children arise - much to the terror of the local squirrels and pigeons. The children nonchalantly make thIn the park one windy day, the witch's three children arise - much to the terror of the local squirrels and pigeons. The children nonchalantly make their way through the park until they espy a young girl, Gemma, horrified that her toy boat is lost to the park's lake.
Never fear, the children will help...by turning Gemma into a frog (so that she can retrieve her boat), then the trees into a palace, pigeons into guards and so on and so on, until they're never quite sure how the undo all their hiccups. It is the youngest one who knows what to do and calls upon the greatest magic there is - the power of her Mum!
Ayto's wind-swept spreads are glorious and help whip up a humorous frenzy. ...more
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