What fabulous world building. BB Alston has worked hard to make this a complete world of its own, not just something tacked onto ours as an after thouWhat fabulous world building. BB Alston has worked hard to make this a complete world of its own, not just something tacked onto ours as an after thought. Every bit of this has been thought out and planned. I think my favourite was the Full Moon Festival...I'd love to attend one!
Amari is a great character, full of strength and cleverness. Even when she falls, she doesn't moan about it, she just picks herself up and keeps going. I don't want to spoil anything, but I did really love some of the other characters, and there was a really clever twist near the end, too, setting things up beautifully for more stories down the line.
If I had one complaint, it would be that some of the time is glossed over in a way that I personally found a little jarring. That's a personal thing, though, others may not have that problem, and it wasn't enough to put me off the book or make me put it down. There was no cliffhanger, either, which is always a plus for me, just a few threads for the next book to pick up.
I'm really looking forward to reading more about Amari's adventures and I hope they come out quickly! I'm sure there's plenty more to read about.
What a fantastic ending to a brilliant series. I can't believe it all ends here; there are so many more adventures for Suzy and her friends to go on.
PWhat a fantastic ending to a brilliant series. I can't believe it all ends here; there are so many more adventures for Suzy and her friends to go on.
PG has managed to pull together all the lingering threads, crafting a wonderful story that brings everyone to an ending that suits them. It's full of even more imaginative worlds and strange races, although no one made the one connection I was expecting! I don't want to spoil anyone, so I won't mention it here.
This book has all the humour and comedy you can expect from this series. The new sidekick is brilliant, as is the new ally they make near the end. I'm going to repeat myself; I can't believe this is the end. Although no threads are left dangling, there's plenty of space for new stories and new adventures. But maybe PG wants to move on to a new world. I will definitely be waiting to read it, because it's going to be absolutely amazing.
I've never read a Ben Miller book before. I've seen his comedy show and some of his more serious acting, so I had a general idea of his style. I will I've never read a Ben Miller book before. I've seen his comedy show and some of his more serious acting, so I had a general idea of his style. I will definitely be looking for more of Ben's books.
The story is very clever - there's one twist in particular I didn't see coming - and the humour has just the right touch of absurd. (Thirty seven packets of cocktail sausage sticks for thirty six, anyone?) I will admit, though, I was a little surprised that Lana had reached the age of nine without knowing the stories of Sleeping Beauty or Hansel and Gretel! She didn't seem too sure of Rapunzel, either. Those stories are so embedded in our culture that it seems strange she had absolutely no knowledge of them.
The ending confused me a little bit as well. I can overlook these tiny issues, though, because the story as a whole was fantastic. Also, that cover is amazing and there's amazing illustrations in the story as well. It really brings the whole thing to life.
Sorry, Holly. You didn't make me cry this time. It was a near thing! I'm not ashamed to admit it. A scene where Willow is waiting and the narration teSorry, Holly. You didn't make me cry this time. It was a near thing! I'm not ashamed to admit it. A scene where Willow is waiting and the narration tells us that a few days passed...that nearly got me. But then I realised that she hadn't actually been waiting that long, in the end.
Holly's animal stories are always great and this one is no exception. Her description of Willow's reaction to fireworks made me want to go and cuddle my own cat. I love the thought that through these books, children are learning about what their own pets like and dislike.
Sophy's new, slightly more cartoony style for the cover is lovely, too, and the illustrations strike just the right note. I'd love to see some of these characters meet up with each other! Maybe for the 100th book, Holly?
A great read for a confident reader or animal lover and a wonderful addition to the series....more
It's a mini theme; this is the second book I've read recently about tech putting people at risk, although they're handled very differently. This one sIt's a mini theme; this is the second book I've read recently about tech putting people at risk, although they're handled very differently. This one skews a little older, too.
Morgana's a great character; she knows what she wants and she goes after it, not letting anyone get in her way. I love how she steadily gathers allies and friends as she goes, just by being herself. (I wanted more of Kitty, but she does get a couple of moments to shine, so I'll be happy with that.)
There's a couple of great messages in here too - technology is great, but it's not everything; don't be suspicious of other kinds of people, they're more likely to be helpful than not - but it's all handled very lightly, without any preaching or heavy handedness. Children will know what's meant by it.
I'd love to see more in this series, but if this is what we get, it's good enough for me....more
I love O'Brien's picture books. They're always so sweet, with lovely pictures and a nice story. This one is no different. The excited little hedgehog I love O'Brien's picture books. They're always so sweet, with lovely pictures and a nice story. This one is no different. The excited little hedgehog wants to see Christmas, and he travels around the country, experiencing festivals in different parts of the country. His final decision, which I won't spoil her, is lovely and tops things off wonderfully.
The illustrations are lovely, soft and gentle while still being true to life. The hedgehog visits various places around the country like Tara, which is great for children to look at, and he meets different wild animals as well, showcasing some of Ireland's beautiful wildlife.
All in all a really gorgeous book. I can't wait to share it with my nieces.
The third in this lovely series more than lives up to its predecessors. Hardback and with a ribbon to mark your place, this features more than sixty pThe third in this lovely series more than lives up to its predecessors. Hardback and with a ribbon to mark your place, this features more than sixty poems, along with snippets of poems and sayings. (And it has a wonderful new book smell, but your mileage may vary on that one.) Steve McCarthy's illustrations add just the right touch of whimsey and fun.
I was a little disappointed that some songs only have a chorus or one verse while others are printed in full. But obviously sacrifices have to be made to fit this many awesome songs and rhymes into one relatively thin book, so I think it was worth it overall.
It's hard to pick a favourite when there's this many amazing ones - I kept stopping to go "Oh! I remember that one!" and I sang a lot of them, much to my housemate's dismay - but I do have a soft spot for I Saw a Ship A-Sailing, just because it was in a collection I adored as a very small child. This is definitely one I'm going to come back to and reread bits of, and pay a lot more attention to the illustrations - Steve deserves it but I didn't have a lot of time this time around! Next time, Steve, I promise.
This book is going to be an amazing Christmas present. I can't wait for the boxset of all three!...more
The first thing you'll notice about this book is the size. It's a square book, just a little wider than your average paperback. I assume this is to acThe first thing you'll notice about this book is the size. It's a square book, just a little wider than your average paperback. I assume this is to accommodate the (many, beautiful) pictures inside, but it has the added benefit of fitting really well in your hands, assuming your hands are anything like my hands in size. :D
The second thing you'll notice is all the wisdom contained within. Captain Picard is the thinking man's captain, after all, and all his best nuggets of wisdom are in here. Most are just his line; where set up is necessary, other character's lines have been included as well. Each has its' episode name, and the season and episode number, printed with it. And to my surprise, some lines from Picard have been included! I thought it was too recent, but no, they're there. (No pictures of Captain Rios, though. Sigh.)
The pictures are full colour and nice and clear, and all the pages are made of shiny paper to show the pictures off better. I did read this book right through, but I'll come back to dip into it again and again, whenever I need to know WWPD. This is a wonderful book for any fan of Star Trek or of Sir Patrick. Perfect....more
Well, this is a first. I'm happy to admit that a good book can often make me cry, especially if animals are involved. However, this is the first time Well, this is a first. I'm happy to admit that a good book can often make me cry, especially if animals are involved. However, this is the first time I've welled up over an animal that not only doesn't exist in real life, but doesn't even exist in the story. Here's the line:
He felt his eyes begin to sting at the thought of a loyal, waggy‐tailed spaniel eagerly awaiting his master's return � a master who would never return...
Honestly. I'll have to stop reading books at all if things go on like this.
And that would be a shame, because I'd miss out on gems like this. I thought Orphans started out slowly, but just before the above quote things started to pick up pace, and all the strange asides and funny quirks started to make sense and fold in beautifully together. Sophie draws in dangling plot threads brilliantly and gives us a very satisfying conclusion. For one heartbeat I even felt sorry for the villain, right at the end!
The illustrations are brilliant, too, really adding to the story. The only problem I have in a line near the end telling us that St Cod's is right beside the Mending House, when on the map they're clearly some distance away with other buildings between. But that's a minor problem, really, in a fantastic read full of action, adventure and humour. I hope there's more to come in this series, because I'd love to find out what happens next. Just brilliant....more
This is a fantastic read. At first I thought it was a retelling or an homage, an up to date version of the story, but it's actually a sequel. The PebbThis is a fantastic read. At first I thought it was a retelling or an homage, an up to date version of the story, but it's actually a sequel. The Pebbles discover that the Fossil children existed, and their search to find out more forms a large part of this novel.
I loved the characters. The husband and husband team of magician and actor, the huge, incredibly clumsy stunt coordinator, even Petunia the door keeper with her ever changing accessories. Everyone was wonderful and they all added something special to this magical tale. The few characters from Ballet Shoes we saw were great, too.
It's not necessary to have read Ballet Shoes...although you should read Ballet Shoes, really...to understand this story; it stands on its own with everything you need to know. You'll miss some of the fum little injokes, but nothing serious.
I wish I could visit the Pebble Theatre. I'd love to see a very special show there. But as is, I'll just read the book over and recommend it to as many people as possible....more
Omar and his friends are back! This time around they're investigating why their lovely teacher, Mrs Hutchinson, has vanished into thin air and been reOmar and his friends are back! This time around they're investigating why their lovely teacher, Mrs Hutchinson, has vanished into thin air and been replaced by a far more grumpy teacher. All the clues are pointing towards alien abduction. Are there really aliens? And what do they want with Mrs Hutchinson?
This series is great. Brilliant fun, really funny, and kids are learning something as well without realising it. In this book Omar and his family visit Pakistan for a family wedding, and readers get to follow along with the vivid descriptions. Omar is Muslim, but he's never singled out for it; an excellent way to show children that people of other faiths are just like us.
The illustrations really add to things. Every page has something, whether it's just a little doodle, a note written in handwriting, or a full page drawing. Kids will love picking out details in the illustrations to match what they're reading. My favourite is the drawing of Omar's cousins, Amber and Ambreen, although the alien in the toilet is a close runner up.
This series is perfect for a child who wants to try something a bit longer, but isn't quite ready for full novels yet. I hope it runs and runs. I'd love to see what other trouble Omar gets himself into. ...more
Fairy tale retellings are tricky beasts. They can't just be a beat for beat retelling of the original. At the same time, if they're too different, reaFairy tale retellings are tricky beasts. They can't just be a beat for beat retelling of the original. At the same time, if they're too different, readers won't connect them to the original, and they might as well be completely original works at that point. It's a very fine line, and few authors are able to walk it successfully.
I'm glad to say Ivy Hollins is one of them.
With a well thought out background and fantastic world, the Rose Princess is a strong, fierce character. Within days of learning she's a princess she's already concerned about her people, working to better things for them. Caradoc is slightly less well sketched out but still an intriguing character, and this isn't his story, after all.
Although I did have a couple of reservations about the plot - why didn't the Duchess just pick a random girl and off her once she wasn't needed anymore? Wasn't that one revelation about Talia's background convenient? - it's nothing that ruined the story for me, and I don't think it would ruin it for anyone else. The tone was great, the side characters were brilliant, and I'm very much looking forward to reading Book 2, which looks like it might be Beauty and the Beast!
One small thing I noticed; early on, Talia's aunt tells her 'the three of us will come with you' which I took to be Talia's parents and the aunt. It turns out to be Talia's mother, the aunt, and another aunt who'd gone unmentioned until they were on the road. A small detail, but one that knocked me out of the story for a minute until I figured it out.
Otherwise, I really enjoyed this and I'll be watching out for the next one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
Take in that cover, people. Absorb it. Let it sit for a while.
Ah. That was soothing, wasn't it?
I love a fairy tale retelling, especially one that digsTake in that cover, people. Absorb it. Let it sit for a while.
Ah. That was soothing, wasn't it?
I love a fairy tale retelling, especially one that digs into the background and really builds a functioning civilization out of the bits we're given. The queen of this, for me, has always been Shannon Hale, and the jewel in her crown is the Book of a Thousand Days. Maybe it's destiny that the Book of Snow and Silence is drawing level with her.
Zoe has created three completely functioning civilizations, although we don't see much of the mermaids and we're never actually in Yamarr at all. However, since Theoai often thinks of Yamarr and contrasts her new home with it, we gain quite a good picture of it.
Without ever actually being told, we know that Yamarr is a desert country, probably somewhere in what we'd think of as Africa, and that Silingana is at the very least a Nordic country, maybe even more northerly, like Greenland. (I know this novel isn't actually set in this world, but it helps me grasp the distances and differences.) Zoe evokes the sights and sounds of these countries so well. I was shivering for most of the novel.
I loved Theo; she's fierce and clever and loving, and we never get to see the 'other princess's point of view. She's usually condescendingly kind, but there was none of that here. I liked Shell. She's brave and strong and smart, and we could see all that even though this wasn't her point of view. I didn't hate Uldar. He was just young and coddled. Katja was lovely. Several other characters now feel very real to me. There'll be ice palaces and Northern Lights in my dreams for a while. (But hopefully not bears. They were scary.)
The writing is smooth and lyrical. Several things mentioned in passing became important later on, and I didn't realise (character spoiler censored here) at all, which is very unusual for me; I almost always catch that kind of thing. I also didn't guess that (minor spoiler censored here, sorry guys!)
I've loved Zoe's books since the days of Shadows on the Moon. I was so thrilled to hear about this new one and so glad to get to read it. I'm really looking forward to holding a copy in my hands once it goes on sale. I think this will be really popular with fans of fairy tales, or clever stories, or beautiful writing. I hope there's more in the series; I'd love to explore more of this fabulous, magical world.
This room was not large, but it was beautifully appointed. Roughly circular, with walls of a strange silvery colour and texture. The floors were thick with plush, soft rugs in shades of blue and silver which made it pleasant to walk even in my bare feet. The bed was a four poster, hung with silky material, draped lavishly so that so that it pooled on the rugs. There were no windows. The light streamed down, chilly and just as blue as the silk, from a round glass cupola in the high, white ceiling.
And it was silent. Utterly silent. I could have thrown a pin from one end of the room to the other and heard it fall. If, of course, I had owned a pin.
Wrapping my arms around myself and wishing for something to wear - anything, even a dressing gown - I walked uncertainly through the adjoining chamber. A dressing room, complete with cabinets, dressing table, mirrors and the other expected fittings, all empty because the possessions that should have adorned them were now bait for fish. The final chamber would be my receiving room. Much smaller than my public room at home, and again, circular. The furnishings were rich velvets and brocades in shades of midnight, with the odd accent of silver and white. There was a nook with a writing desk of pale wood. I gravitated towards it, absently picking up the leather bound book that sat on the blotter to flick through its pages. The thick cream paper was blank. A journal, then, probably intended to record social engagements.
I closed it and brought it to my chest, wrapping my arms around it. Any book, even a blank one, was better than none....more
Poor Fern. What an awful back story. I felt a little for Oliver as well, but not nearly as much. Maybe oneA very clever start to a new fantasy series.
Poor Fern. What an awful back story. I felt a little for Oliver as well, but not nearly as much. Maybe one of the upcoming books will be from his POV and I'll change my opinion.
The fantasy was brilliantly done and very smart. I found it easy to follow, with new concepts introduced at just the right speed. I especially love the idea of lockers hidden in plain view that only ppear when you do something specific - I may have to use that sometime!
The side characters were great. Two particular ones broke my heart; no spoilers, but if you've read it I'd love to know what you thought. I love that the regiments were named after Arthurian knights. It miakes sense with the backstory, of course, but it's such a clever touch.
I can't wait to find out what happens in the next titles. What a brilliant new series....more
In a futuristic city-ship, El is trapped in her stepmother's home, forced to work for her keep. A city wide contest is her only chance of escape...if In a futuristic city-ship, El is trapped in her stepmother's home, forced to work for her keep. A city wide contest is her only chance of escape...if her stepmother doesn't stop her from going.
This is a fantastic start to an exciting new series. The world building is well thought out and cleverly doled out, not so much to overwhelm but not so slowly that I got bored waiting for it. The characters are well written and I hope they at least cameo in the following stories, which I very much hope I get read! It's a great series overall.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily....more
Stix, a tiny mouse who lives behind the washing machine, has always followed his grandmother's rules to avoid contact with the mans who live in the flStix, a tiny mouse who lives behind the washing machine, has always followed his grandmother's rules to avoid contact with the mans who live in the flat. But, separated temporarily from his grnadmother, he makes friends with some of the other creatures in the house and sets out to make a real PEST of himself...
This is a great story. The illustrations are fantastic and kids will love the humour and characters. This is the perfect next step for someone who's read all the Dogman books; the humour is similar, and it's heavily illustrated but not quite as much as Dogman. I really enjoyed the story and was excited to see how Stix would get himself out of the various scraps he gets himself into!
I think this series is going to do very well and I look forward to reading more of it. ...more
Everyone knows the story. A brave prince defeats a dragon, rescues a beautiful maiden and marries her. That must be what's happened here. Even though Everyone knows the story. A brave prince defeats a dragon, rescues a beautiful maiden and marries her. That must be what's happened here. Even though the maiden has no memories, craves heat, and her bethrothed is oddly off putting...
The language in this book is just beautiful. Proper folktale style. It's a very dark story, and readers should be aware that there's a certain amount of sex and sexual harrassment. Also, look at that cover. In real life it glows, it's fantastic.
Ama is a very interesting character. With no memories, she has no preconcieved notions of behaviour, and while Emory clearly expected this to make her pliable it instead makes her determined to stand up to unfairness wherever she sees it. Emory himself is deceptive at first; he seems polite and dedicated to her, but it's not long before his real self appears. Parts of the story involving Sorrow nearly broke me.
The ending doesn't answer nearly enough questions, but only in that I want very badly to know what happens next; we actually do find out everything we need to know to make the story make sense. I hope Elana returns to this world, to this writing style, because I'll definitely want to read them....more
Ollie's summer fling turns suddenly serious when he joins the same school as his erstwhile boyfriend. Unfortunately, Will is not out and feels he can'Ollie's summer fling turns suddenly serious when he joins the same school as his erstwhile boyfriend. Unfortunately, Will is not out and feels he can't be in his conservative school. Now Ollie has to chose between the moments Will can give him, and his own sense of self worth.
I'll admit it; I'm in the minority of people who enjoyed Grease 2. That really has no bearing on this review, which is fairly solidly based on the original, you say? Ah, but Grease 2 has a plotline of the girls deciding that they're more than their romantic partner's significant other; they are people in their own right with thoughts and feelings. Since Ollie is taking the Sandy role in this version, I think it's still appropriate.
It is quite obviously based on the original, though, right down to the roles some of the characters play. Lara is possibly my favourite, although alterations to her role cut out the pregnancy story line, which is a shame; I'd have loved to have seen how she dealt with it.
In terms of family storylines, Ollie comes out the best...or worst...with a bereavement storyline running through most of the novel and really bursting into the limelight about two thirds of the way through. I may have cried. It's beautifully done, showing a huge range of reactions rather than the one or two that are usually showcased in this kind of novel.
I really enjoyed this read, I think it was really well done and I'm looking forward to seeing it on sale....more
Molly's having a not so good Monday. Her teacher hates her, her best friend is moving away, and her yogurt has leaked all over her lunch. (Ok, one of Molly's having a not so good Monday. Her teacher hates her, her best friend is moving away, and her yogurt has leaked all over her lunch. (Ok, one of those things is worse than the others.) Nothing is going to cheer her up. Absolutely nothing...
This is a cute, funny start to a new MG series. The illustrations are fantastic, they match the tone of the book perfectly and there's loads to look at and unpick. I love Molly's Lists of Things! I agree with most of them, and I remember the pencil topper craze. I was never allowed more than one, though...
My copy of the book came with a postcard with a cut out witch of my very own. So far, as far as I can tell, she hasn't done anything magical, but who knows? Maybe it'll happen yet...
I love this book and I think the series is going to do really well. Do note, though, that despite the back cover saying Wednesday, things start happening on Monday. I was a little confused until I caught up to that! I assume the cover is referencing the fact that the first day Molly's friend is gone is a Wednesday....more
I'm always interested in the different tones that different fairytale retellings have. This version is a very solemn, sober one It keeps the original I'm always interested in the different tones that different fairytale retellings have. This version is a very solemn, sober one It keeps the original ending, not the Disney inspired one, and also includes The Tin Soldier at the end.
You're probably familiar with the stories already, so what's going to draw you to this version is the artwork. It's beautiful, detailed without being busy, old fashioned without being off putting. The cover has hints of gold and pearl, befitting the story.
This is a wonderful present for any child, or for anyone who appreciates a beautiful story....more
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