Heather James's Blog, page 3

Barrington Stoke October Releases

Magical maps for saving worlds, hilarious Shakespeare retellings and adventures in the Amazon Rainforest - Barrington Stoke's October releases have it all!

The Griffin Gate by Vashti Hardy

Grace dreams of being a warden like her mother and brother and saving people using the Griffin Map. Fed up of being told she's too young for the responsibility, when the perfect opportunity presents itself, Grace takes matters into her own hands and sets off into the unknown. But will she be the one in need of rescuing? 

Full of fantasy, fun and family, The Griffin Gate is going to be very popular in school libraries. Grace was an instantly likeable and relatable character, who is desperate to have the same grown up responsibilities as her older brother. Aided by a clockwork companion and a teleporting map, there's nothing Grace can't do when she puts her mind to it. There's plenty of mystery and tension in this story too, so its guaranteed to keep readers on the edge of their seats, desperate to find out what happens next. 

Rock Bottom A Midsummer Nightmare

Nick is in love with Jessie, but she doesn't even know he exists. In a final attempt to win her heart before she moves to drama school, Nick plans to take the lead in the school production A Midsummer Night's Dream. His plan crumbles when he's cast as the comedic relief, Bottom, instead. But Robyn, the school prankster, has a plan to see him take centre stage... 

Full of comic chaos and Shakespearean fun, this story is a brilliant way to introduce audiences to the plot of A Midsummer Night's Dream and provide lots of laughs along the way. Nick and Robyn's plan goes from bad to worse, before reaching its explosive conclusion. 

The plot of A Midsummer Night's Dream is explained really well, in a clear and simple to follow way (despite how complicated it is!) and Bottom's play makes a special appearance. 

World Burn Down

Carlos's mum works for an organisation which protects the Amazon rainforest from illegal activity. Her job is dangerous, not just for herself, but also for Carlos. Kidnapped by a gang who want to keep his mum out of the way, Carlos finds himself lost in a forest filled with fire and criminals. The beauty of the rainforest is eclipsed by wildfire and destruction, and there is danger at every turn. Can Carlos survive as the world burns down around him? 

World Burn Down is full of danger and excitement, with an important environmental message. This story is incredibly gripping and will leave readers with a lot to think about. The author's note at the end contains some practical suggestions on how to save the rainforest, and the planet. This story will appeal to readers looking for a fast paced adventure, but also to fans of Greta Thunberg who want to learn how to protect the environment. 

The Queen of King Street

When the queen's brother gambles away the crown, the royal family are forced out of Buckingham palace and into a small house of King Street. With no room for horses, a lack of servants and no more private school, the royals struggle to adjust. Why do the people of King Street get so angry when the royals tell them what to do? And will the queen ever adapt to eating pot noodle for dinner? 

This story is very funny. It's a light-hearted look at how we should treat people, the value of community and friendship, and adapting to change. There are lots of laugh out loud moments, although it is at its end that this story really made me smile. 

Thank you so much Barrington Stoke for sending me this brilliant bunch of books to review!

Picture This: Afraid of the Dark

Moving to a new place can be scary, especially at night-time, but this beautifully designed, very sweet picture book will help young readers to feel at home. 

Amy is moving house with her dad and their dog, Pickle. She's not sure she likes her new house, or her new room - especially not at nighttime, when the shadows outside are scary and unusual. But kind new friends, a bedtime story and some very special stars soon help her to settle in. 

Afraid of the Dark is a brilliant story for little ones who are about to move house, or for children who are afraid of the dark. It explores making new friends and feeling comfortable in new places. 

The illustrations are really sweet, with a soft muted colour scheme that adds to this story's bedtime feel. I loved Amy's bunny, and my children and I would really like to visit her local library!

Afraid of the Dark is written by Sarah Shaffi and Isabel Otter and illustrated by Lucy Farfort

Thank you Little Tiger for sending me an advanced copy for review. 

Chris Riddell's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Chris Riddell's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a visual delight and will be loved by Alice fans young and old. 

Every page has been illustrated, in a mixture of black or white, and full colour, making this a perfect story for children who are ready for something longer at bedtime, but still want pictures on every page (something I am always on the look out for!) 

Classic characters have been reimagined in new and surprising ways, bringing a fresh perspective and unexpected twists. We watched an event hosted by the British Library last weekend, and watching Riddell draw these characters was fascinating. My six year old particularly loves the Mad Hatter's tea party, the Red Queen, with her heart shaped dress and hair, and Alice playing croquet. I think my favourite page might be the sisters in their treacle well, although the Dormouse is also particularly adorable. 

There are lots of extra details, such as Carroll's boat trip with the Liddell sisters, and Riddell's Alice looks very like photos of the real Alice Liddell.
This edition of Alice would make a perfect Christmas present, both for children who have yet to discover the story, or for older readers who are firm fans. This is a book I can see us returning to again and again, and it will be a firm favourite on our bookshelf for years to come. 

Thank you so much Macmillan Children's Books for sending me a copy for review.

New Frontier Publishing Picture Books

New Frontier have some lovely titles out this Autumn. Here's a mini review of their September releases. 

What's in My Lunchbox? 

This simple, fun picture book will have children giggling on every page!

A little boy opens his lunchbox and is disappointed to find an apple. But when on subsequent days he finds a live fish, a dancing bear and a dinosaur, he decides that, on balance, apples aren't so bad after all!

This story was an immediate hit with my children - particularly my three-year-old. We really like Peter Carnavas stories and this one is lots of fun. The first time we read it, we were never sure what was going to happen next and it hasn't lost its charm on subsequent rereads. 

Kat Chadwick's artwork is cute and funny, bringing this series of surreal lunches to life. 

What's in my Lunchbox is written by Peter Carnavas and illustrated by Kat Chadwick

Ruby and Graham

Ruby and Graham are best friends who are very different: Ruby loves to party, but Graham would rather keep things organised. But when Graham watches how much fun the other animals are having with Ruby, he decides it might be time for a change - he can be fun too, can't he? 

Wishing you were more like someone else often leads to disaster, and this story is no different. Ruby and Graham is a wonderful story about being yourself, but also about working together with friends. Being organised doesn't mean that you can't have fun, and sometimes the best fun of all takes a little organisation and planning.  

I really love Barnard's illustrations, which is bright and sweet. They are full of fun details like Graham's purple hat, and my children looked at the double page spread of animal disasters for ages, spotting all of the individual calamities. 

Ruby and Graham is written and illustrated by Lucy Barnard

Yellow Dress Day

Ava has a different coloured dress for every day, depending on the weather. But one morning she wakes up and can't find her yellow dress anywhere. An old box of dressing up clothes provides some surprising solutions, and ensures Ava has the best yellow dress day ever.

The artwork is lovely and the text is lyrical and full of rich imagery. My daughter was so inspired by this lovely story that she wrote her own version, complete with pictures. 

Some of the proceeds from the sale of Yellow Dress Day go to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. 

Yellow Dress Day is written by Michelle Worthington and illustrated by Sophie Norsa

My Life as a Cat

A beautiful novel about family, friendship and life on earth.

An inter-galactic mixup leaves Leonard stuck on earth as a cat, many days journey from his pick up point in Yellowstone. Befriended by a human girl called Olive, Leonard tries to make the most of his time on earth, experiencing everything from cheese sandwiches to monopoly. But Olive, her self-confidence shattered by her mum's new boyfriend, on the verge of a move to another state, needs just as much help as Leonard. With road trip adventures, bison and a desperate dash to Old Faithful, will Leonard make it home before it's too late?

My Life as a Cat is a touching, emotional story with so much heart. It uses its unlikely friendship to explore what it means to be human, while racing towards an exciting, geyser filled conclusion. 

Olive was a special character who I think lots of readers will see themselves in - anyone who knows what it's like to be considered weird, or to appreciate the value of one true friend. Over the course of the novel,  with lots of encouragement from Leonard and the inhabitants of Turtle Beach, Olive learns to accept herself and not let other people's negative opinions change how she sees herself. 

My Life as a Cat is a touching Middle Grade which will stay with you long after you've finished the final page. 

Thank you Nosy Crow for sending me a copy of My Life as a Cat by Carlie Sorosiak to review

A Clock of Stars: The Shadow Moth

A story of moths, magic and monsters, The Shadow Moth will be a hit with young fantasy fans everywhere. 

When Imogen and Marie follow a moth through a door in a tree, they find themselves in a world of night-roving monsters, princes in towers and a mountain with a missing heart. It is a world of wonder and adventure, of larger than life huntsmen, fortune telling clocks and prophecies of royalty and power. But it isn't home. And if Imogen and Marie ever want to return to their mother, they will first need to make friends with the prince, the monsters and - hardest of all - each other. 

With all the magic and wonder of the Chronicles of Narnia, A Clock of Stars is set to be a future classic. Gibbons' writing is beautiful, and this is a lovely story to read aloud, so will be a huge hit at bedtime or in classrooms. The world building is also immersive and exciting. I'm so pleased that this is the start of a series as it's a world - and group of characters - I can't wait to return to. 

Aside from the monsters and magic, this is also a story about friendship and sisterhood. The bond between Imogen, Marie and Prince Miro is very relatable and will really appeal to young readers. Their adventure is filled with sibling rivalries, loneliness and plenty of heated arguments, where people say things they don't really mean, but there is also laughter, fun and forgiveness. 

There is a small taste of Riddle's artwork in the NetGalley version of this novel and I'd love to see the finished work - the hints I've seen on twitter are stunning! 

Picture This: The Littlest Yak

Gertie, is fed up with being the littlest yak of all. Having curly wool and grippy hooves isn't as exciting as being big and tall. She tries everything she can think of to grow - from eating vegetables to reading books - but when disaster strikes, Gertie learns that there are plenty of things only a small yak can do. 

The Littlest Yak is a sweet picture book which celebrates being young and enjoying childhood, without rushing to grow. 

Lots of children will be able to relate to Gertie's quest to grow up as quickly as possible, but this story is a gentle reminder that there are lots of exciting, special things about being small too. The rhyme scheme makes it lots of fun to read aloud, and my three year old giggled at all of Gertie's antics. 

Kate Hindley's illustrations are eye-catching and adorable. Gertie is incredibly cute and there are lovely snowy backdrops to all of the scenes. I especially liked the yak constellations in the sky and I would love to be able to buy a print of Gertie on her tower of books. 

Thank you Simon and Schuster for proving me with an advanced copy to review via NetGalley

The Littlest Yak is written by Lu Fraser and illustrated by Kate Hindley.

Lori and Max and the Book Thieves

I read the first book in this series a few months ago, but I had already forgotten how much I loved Lori! She's such a vivid, imaginative character and it's so much fun to see the world from her perspective. 

After the successful rescue of her best friend Max, trainee detective Lori is on the hunt for another mystery to solve. When Max's phone is stolen and a time capsule reveals that a priceless novel is missing from her bookcase, Lori soon finds herself on the trail of not one thief, but two. 

On the surface, Lori and Max feels light a light-hearted, fun mystery, but it contains a lot of serious undertones - children living in poverty, bereavement, bullying, and even how educational cuts are leading to school closures. This is a detective series which lots of children will see their own lives reflected in, and it would also be a good conversation starter for many difficult subjects, especially in a classroom setting.

Lori and Max have a brilliant friendship and I loved the addition of Taylor to their gang. Lori's nan is as eccentric and fun as the last story. I really hope there is more to come from this detective duo and their friends. 

I was provided with an advanced copy to review via NetGalley

Picture This: What We'll Build

Another touching picture book from Oliver Jeffers, which explores family and future. 

A little girl and her dad discover a world of possibilities, and wonder what they will create together as they grow. From tunnels to anywhere, to roads to the moon, the future is filled with endless potential. 

Filled with Jeffers' much-loved illustrations, this story is a visual treat. From hammock on the moon to a boat punching its way through the waves, there was so much to admire and marvel at with every turn of the page. My daughter particularly liked the double page spread of characters around the fire, and we also had fun looking out for the pig in each page's adventure. 

This story prompted lots of conversations, about forgiveness, family and what is important to us. We discussed what the characters hopes and dreams might be, based on the items they carried with them, and enjoyed guessing what would happen next. 

The words are soft and soothing, making this a perfect book for bedtime, or to read to very young children. Up and Down is one of my son's favourite bedtime stories, and he enjoyed seeing some familiar friends in this book. 

What We'll Build is a story I can see families treasuring forever. 

Thank you Harper Collins for sending me an advanced digital copy to review. 

What We'll Build is written and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Jungledrop

Eleven-year-old twins, Fox and Fibber, have been rivals for as long as they can remember. Only one of them will inherit the family fortune and so a race is afoot to save the dwindling Petty-Squabble empire and win the love of their parents.
But when the twins are whisked off to Jungledrop, a magical Unmapped Kingdom in charge of conjuring our world's weather, things get wildly out of hand. An evil harpy called Morg is on the loose. And if she finds the long-lost Forever Fern before the twins, both Jungledrop and our world will crumble.
Suddenly, Fox and Fibber find themselves on an incredible adventure in a glow-in-the-dark rainforest full of golden panthers, gobblequick trees and enchanted temples. But, with the fate of two worlds in their hands, will the twins be able to work together for once to defeat Morg and her dark magic? {goodreads summary}
With adventure and heart on every page, this is another stunning novel from Abi Elphinstone. 
Elphinstone's world is exquisite. I was transported to the heart of Jungledrop and didn't want to leave. It is a world of vibrance, colour and life. The playful inventiveness of the magical plants will have children giggling and gasping in turn. Jungledrop has everything from trees that grow newspapers, to plants that hit you if you don't say "excuse me". 
At Jungledrop's core is the magic of kindness. The strength that comes from believing in others and in yourself. A child's capacity for growth and change and their unwavering belief that everything can be improved, can be corrected, but we all need to look after each other and work together, rather than against each other. The emotional message in this story is just as wonderful as Sky Song and is presented in a way that is clear for young readers to follow, without them feeling as though they're being taught or preached to.
Jungledrop contained strong character growth. Fox and Fibber start their story as squabbling twins in business suits who think you need to push down others to stay on top. They are the opposite of what you'd expect from a pair of heroes. Elphinstone's emotional insight is so astute, helped by Heckle, a parrot who reveals everyone's feelings (perfect for when voicing your fears feels too difficult). I really felt for Fox and Fibber throughout their quest. By the end, they are both amazing heroes, ready to go home and challenge the injustices in their own world using everything they've learnt in Jungledrop. 
This is a story I'm already looking forward to sharing with my own daughter in a year or so. MG readers will love Jungledrop. It will have them looking at rain in an entirely new, magical way and watching hopefully at stations for trains with plumes of green smoke.
Thank you Simon & Schuster for letting me read an advanced copy of Jungledrop through NetGalley.