This month we've got a humungous list of books that we've been enjoying as the inevitable pre-christmas rush continues, starting with a hugely prolific author who seems to be able to turn her hand to just about every subject you can imagine.
"Evie's War" by Holly Webb is the heart-melting and poignant tale of a girl living at the time of the outbreak of the First World War.
Set in the gorgeous seaside town of Whitby, the story of Evie and her family begins with a terrible tragedy as Evie's beloved younger brother Alexander dies unexpectedly.
As Evie's mother and father struggle in their own ways to come to terms with their loss, Evie's older brother David distracts himself with the ever-growing threat of war and Evie and her sister Kitty find ways to keep their spirits up.
But when the threat of war turns into reality, David unexpectedly enlists in the army, Evie's mother is truly heartbroken. And as the family does their best to contribute to the war effort, they also struggle with the sacrifices each of them are forced to make.
Atmospheric, heart-wrenching, emotional and thoroughly absorbing, it's another brilliant story from a hugely talented author.
"Evie's War" by Holly Webb is out now, published by Scholastic.
More mighty girl awesomeness from our next book too...
I've a new-found respect for authors who write funny books for children. It's far harder than it sounds, so here's a gigglesome and quite adventurous new series from a debut author whose first "Shiny Pippin" book appeared back in February.
We're just playing catchup with "Shiny Pippin and the Broken Forest", an excellent introduction to a mighty girl character who is anything but ordinary.
But at first that's exactly how Pippin sees herself. Just an ordinary girl living with her granny in a fairly ordinary town called Funsprings.
It's the sort of ordinary little town where nothing extraordinary happens - well, until it does - and Pippin finds out that her diminutive little Granny isn't ordinary at all, in fact Granny used to be a crime fighter - and it looks like she and Pippin are about to take on a new case - investigating the curious case of drained water supplies and missing animals.
An exciting introduction to a madcap caper where nothing is quite as it seems, a story that gets its hooks into you right from the get-go serving up mystery and mirth in equal measure.
As Evie's mother and father struggle in their own ways to come to terms with their loss, Evie's older brother David distracts himself with the ever-growing threat of war and Evie and her sister Kitty find ways to keep their spirits up.
But when the threat of war turns into reality, David unexpectedly enlists in the army, Evie's mother is truly heartbroken. And as the family does their best to contribute to the war effort, they also struggle with the sacrifices each of them are forced to make.
Atmospheric, heart-wrenching, emotional and thoroughly absorbing, it's another brilliant story from a hugely talented author.
"Evie's War" by Holly Webb is out now, published by Scholastic.
More mighty girl awesomeness from our next book too...
Matilda Woods' gorgeous stories are always a treat, and she's back with a tale that's perfect as the wintry weather bites deep.
"The Girl, The Cat and the Navigator" is an enchanting and atmospheric story of bravery on the ice-tipped ocean.
Oona Bright is curious, and always wants to learn more about her world. She's as sharp as a pin, and daydreams of perhaps one day setting sail across the ocean with her father, a ship's captain who has braved the briny deep many times.
Oona has read many mythical stories of a magical creature - the Nardoo - who swims through the stars at night. Restless and impatient, Oona stows away on whaling boat called the Plucky Leopard for an adventure full of myths and marvel among the icebergs and frozen waves.
Full of adventure and a whopping great big heart, reminiscent of the excitement of the "Little Tim" stories with a girl protagonist who embodies all the qualities we love to see in our main characters, Oona really is amazing and brave.
"The Girl, The Cat and the Navigator" by Matilda Woods is out now, published by Scholastic.
On the centenary of the end of World War 1, there have been quite a few books on the subject - including our next title...
"The Button War" by Avi, with illustrations and cover by David Dean once again tackles the subject of how ordinary children were affected by the outbreak of war, and sometimes how divisions began to materialise within communities as to which side was good and which side was evil.
Twelve-year-old Patryk has never left his Polish village and doesn’t know much about the outside world. Then one August, with the clatter-clatter of an aeroplane, the Great War explodes into his village.
As the Germans and Russians fight for control, Patryk and his friends begin their own battle to find the best military button. It starts as a dare, but soon the boys find themselves trapped in a dangerous war.
Just how far are they prepared to go to win?
Twelve-year-old Patryk has never left his Polish village and doesn’t know much about the outside world. Then one August, with the clatter-clatter of an aeroplane, the Great War explodes into his village.
As the Germans and Russians fight for control, Patryk and his friends begin their own battle to find the best military button. It starts as a dare, but soon the boys find themselves trapped in a dangerous war.
Just how far are they prepared to go to win?
Reminiscent of the excellent "The Machine Gunners", this is a powerful tale.
"The Button War" by Avi and David Dean is out now, published by Walker Books.
We're just playing catchup with "Shiny Pippin and the Broken Forest", an excellent introduction to a mighty girl character who is anything but ordinary.
But at first that's exactly how Pippin sees herself. Just an ordinary girl living with her granny in a fairly ordinary town called Funsprings.
It's the sort of ordinary little town where nothing extraordinary happens - well, until it does - and Pippin finds out that her diminutive little Granny isn't ordinary at all, in fact Granny used to be a crime fighter - and it looks like she and Pippin are about to take on a new case - investigating the curious case of drained water supplies and missing animals.
An exciting introduction to a madcap caper where nothing is quite as it seems, a story that gets its hooks into you right from the get-go serving up mystery and mirth in equal measure.
"Shiny Pippin and the Broken Forest" by Harry Heape with illustrations from Rebecca Bagley is out now, published by Faber and Faber.
If the first adventure whetted your appetite, then there's also "Shiny Pippin and the Monkey Burglars" again by Harry with illustrations by Rebecca Bagley.
This time there's a twisty-turny mystery involving expertly prepared snacks, a host of miscreant animals, a love story and some truly cringe-making (but hilariously funny) poetry as Pippin embarks on her second case with an all new detective agency righting wrongs and chasing down ne-er do wells in the sleepy town of Funsprings.
We wish we'd picked this up over the summer as it's a breezy sunshiney read perfect for sprawling out on the beach with. Never mind though, curl up in a warm blanket next to your favourite heat source and soak up Harry's brilliant chaotic sense of humour in this second excellent book in the "Shiny Pippin" series, which is fast becoming one of C's fave series of the year so far.
"Shiny Pippin and the Monkey Burglars" by Harry Heape and Rebecca Bagley is out now, published by Faber and Faber
Forget Doctor Dolittle, our next hero definitely has the gift of the gab when it comes to all the animals he meets.
"Zoo Boy" by Sophie Thompson and Rebecca Ashdown is the story of young Vince, who suddenly realises he has that particular very special gift quite by accident.
The problem is, Vince really can't stand animals. Dad works at a zoo (unfortunate) and Mum has run off with a lion tamer (owchies!)
But on his 8th birthday Vince's life changes forever. He discovers he has "the gift" and really wishes he hadn't. If you think humans have a whole raft of 'issues' then that's nothing compared to demanding penguins, primadonna flamingos and picky-eater owls.
They won't rest until Vince does their every bidding - when all the poor lad wants is an ordinary birthday with cake, presents and perhaps even a smidge of mum and dad's time perhaps?
This is a brilliantly observed story from Sophie, with a truly relatable central character who'd do anything for an ordinary life and perhaps even a bit of peace and quiet now and again!
"Zoo Boy" by Sophie Thompson and Rebecca Ashdown is out now, published by Faber and Faber.
...and if the first book rocked your world, there's also "Zoo Boy and the Jewel Thieves" by Sophie Thompson and Rebecca Ashdown.
Once again poor Vince is dashing around all over the zoo, trying to meet the demands of the picky and annoying animals who constantly clamour for his attention (and snacks).
But there's a criminal on the loose - so Vince, aided by his furry, feathery and fuzzy animal sidekicks - must track down the ne-er do well before any more valuables go missing.
Will they be able to reveal the secret identity of the daring jewel thief?
There's a delicious twist to this second adventure from Sophie and Rebecca, perfect for kids who love completely madcap off-the-wall humour (and of course cute and sometimes thoroughly annoying animals).
"Zoo Boy and the Jewel Thieves" by Sophie Thompson and Rebecca Ashdown is out now, published by Faber and Faber.
We're huge fans of Astrid Lindgren and also of Studio Ghibli's sublime animated features. The studio has recently taken Astrid's amazing stories and turned them into an utterly peerless animated series for Amazon Prime.
This new paperback edition is illustrated with black and white artwork based on the series throughout, so it's a real treat.
Ronja is the wayward and strong-minded daughter of the robber chieftain.
She lives an idyllic existence, roaming the forest and hunting, fishing and having adventures - but she must always beware of the grey dwarves and wild harpies who live in the deepest darkest glades of the forest's depths.
When she befriends Birk, the son of her father's greatest enemy, it causes uproar. Ronja and Birk can no longer be friends . . . unless they do something drastic. Like running away . . .
Suddenly they are fending for themselves in the woods, but how will they survive when winter comes? And will Ronja's father ever accept her friendship with Birk so they can go home?
It's easy to see why Ghibli were attracted to the original stories, with so much depth and sublime fantasy elements that loan themselves really well to Ghibli's cinematic story telling. The book is, of course, an absolute pleasure to re-read with the new illustrations. This really is something very special indeed.
"Ronja the Robber's Daughter" by Astrid Lindgren, illustrated by Studio Ghibli / Katsura Kondo is out now, published by OUP / Oxford Children's Books.
Just in time to go on your christmas lists is a new fantastic compilation from Enid Blyton.
Collecting together a massive selection of Enid's short stories from magazines and periodicals, "A Treasury of Bedtime Stories" (with illustrations from Becky Cameron) truly has something for everyone.
This glorious new hardback edition contains over 300 pages of beautifully illustrated short stories to read and share at bedtime.
Each short story stands alone and takes the reader on a brand-new adventure. From the pixie seamstress who makes dresses for the Fairy Queen, to the little boy who turns into a steam engine, meet a host of magic and memorable characters, brought to life by Becky Cameron's charming illustrations.
It's a weighty tome but absolutely perfect if your little ones love stories that can be gobbled down greedily in one sitting (absolutely the best way, of course!)
"A Treasury of Bedtime Stories" by Enid Blyton and Becky Cameron is out now, published by Hodder Children's Books.
It's the return of a decidedly strange (but good-hearted) duo now, Clare Elsom's next book in her fantastic "Horace and Harriet" series.
In "Horace and Harriet: Friends, Romans, Statues" Lord Commander Horatio Frederick Wallington Nincompoop Maximus Pimpleberry the Third (or Horace, for short) has been a statue on a plinth in Princes Park for hundreds of years.
But now he's friends with Harriet and every time he leaves his pedestal he's ready for all sorts of adventures!
This time the two meet up in Rome where Horace poses as a gladiator, impresses as a statue, and is reunited with a long-lost relative.
Packed with splendiferous pictures this is a rollicking read for children of five and up who love a good time-hopping mystery, and a crazy cast of characters.
We really love Clare's illustrations for the book too, a real treat!
"Horace and Harriet: Friends, Romans, Statues" by Clare Elsom is out now, published by OUP / Oxford Children's Books.
Our next book is something quite unique, heartbreakingly honest and thought-provoking. In fact I don't think we've ever read anything quite like this.
"Child I" by Steve Tasane is an all-too-real account of what life is like for children when they're incarcerated in refugee camps.
The story concerns a group of undocumented children with letters for names who are living life in limbo at one refugee camp, with stories to tell but no papers or 'official' documentation to prove them.
As they try to forge a new family amongst themselves, they also long to keep memories of their old identities alive.
Will they be heard and believed? And what will happen to them if they aren't?
An astonishing piece of writing that will enchant and intrigue children; perfectly pitched at a 9+ readership - dealing with a very strong subject matter in a way that children will take to almost immediately, increasing their empathy, knowledge and hopefully understanding. Truly something really special, this one.
An astonishing piece of writing that will enchant and intrigue children; perfectly pitched at a 9+ readership - dealing with a very strong subject matter in a way that children will take to almost immediately, increasing their empathy, knowledge and hopefully understanding. Truly something really special, this one.
"Child I" by Steve Tasane is out now, published by Faber and Faber.
Last but not least in our Chapter Book Roundups for 2018 is a story that follows on from one of the greatest works of children's fiction of the 20th Century.
Edit "E" Nesbit's sublime "Five Children and It" has an official sequel in the form of Kate Saunder's brilliant Costa Book Award winning "Five Children on the Western Front".
The story opens on the eve of the First World War, and is particularly poignant in this centenary year of the end of hostilities. The five children have grown up - war will change their lives for ever.Cyril is off to fight, Anthea is at art college, Robert is a Cambridge scholar and Jane is at high school.
The Lamb is the grown up age of 11, and he has a little sister, Edith, in tow.
The sand fairy has become a creature of stories ... until he suddenly reappears. The siblings are pleased to have something to take their minds off the war, but this time the Psammead is here for a reason, and his magic might have a more serious purpose.
Before this last adventure ends, all will be changed, and the two younger children will have seen the Great War from every possible viewpoint - factory-workers, soldiers and sailors, nurses and the people left at home, and the war's impact will be felt right at the heart of their family.
Kate picks up from where Nesbit leaves off with an absolutely brilliant eye for how the characters would evolve and change as adults, and how the shadow of war will impact them all. Make sure you've got plenty of tissues towards the end of this one though, fair warning!
Before this last adventure ends, all will be changed, and the two younger children will have seen the Great War from every possible viewpoint - factory-workers, soldiers and sailors, nurses and the people left at home, and the war's impact will be felt right at the heart of their family.
Kate picks up from where Nesbit leaves off with an absolutely brilliant eye for how the characters would evolve and change as adults, and how the shadow of war will impact them all. Make sure you've got plenty of tissues towards the end of this one though, fair warning!
"Five Children on the Western Front" by Kate Saunders with an all-new cover by David Dean is out now, published by Faber and Faber.
More magical adveturing in a fantastic new book that was gobbled up super-quick by C...
"Unicorn Girl" by Anne-Marie Conway could almost have been written specifically for her. She's unashamedly in love with Unicorns (in fact the only thing better than a Unicorn is a Llamacorn - a cross between a Llama and a Unicorn) but let's take a closer look at this gorgeous and heart-warming story.
Ariella loves her grandmother very much, but when Granny Rae dies, she leaves behind a family heirloom, a precious Unicorn charm.
As Ariella slowly comes to terms with the loss of her beloved grandmother, something very strange and magical happens. As she looks out of her window one day she spies a Unicorn, a real actual real-life Unicorn, standing in the field at the bottom of her garden.
When Ariella goes to investigate, she knows she's made a brand new friend. This gangly-legged rather scruffy Unicorn is named Albert - who seems to see right into Ariella's soul with his piercing violet eyes.
Soon Ariella spends as much time with Albert as possible, and he becomes her most trusted secret keeper as Ariella copes with all the normal everyday stuff girls have to put up with, from starting a new school or making a wish that Albert could somehow repair her baby brother's hole-in-the-heart.
Ariella also realises that her new friend is an outsider himself, and might need her help just as much as she needs his. So their friendship becomes strong, but it's a friendship that cannot possibly last forever - or can it?
C told me that anyone reading this might be ugly crying with happiness / sadness by the end of the book so consider yourself suitably forewarned.
"Unicorn Girl" by Anne-Marie Conway is out now, published by Silverwood Books.
Last but not least, squeezed in at the last moment purely because it's just come out, is the fantastic "Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow" by Jessica Townsend.
Catching up after the cataclysmic events of the first Nevermoor Wundersmith book, Morrigan has escaped her cursed life in Jackalfax to join the Wundrous society. For the first time ever Morrigan feels protected, welcomed and has a sense of belonging, all the things she's sought her whole life.
But there's a catch - the welcome is less than warm, and Morrigan Crow realises that being an all-powerful Wundersmith comes with the stigma of being feared as truly evil.
Can she rein in her power enough to convince her new friends that her powers can be used for good?
It's taut storytelling with a nice lick of dark humour here and there, and some utterly magical moments of triumph - but be ready for a real whump in the guts at the end of this one, and a bit of a wait until book 3 (which we're absolutely all-in for!)
"Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow" by Jessica Townsend is out now, published by Orion Childrens Books.
More magical adveturing in a fantastic new book that was gobbled up super-quick by C...
Ariella loves her grandmother very much, but when Granny Rae dies, she leaves behind a family heirloom, a precious Unicorn charm.
As Ariella slowly comes to terms with the loss of her beloved grandmother, something very strange and magical happens. As she looks out of her window one day she spies a Unicorn, a real actual real-life Unicorn, standing in the field at the bottom of her garden.
When Ariella goes to investigate, she knows she's made a brand new friend. This gangly-legged rather scruffy Unicorn is named Albert - who seems to see right into Ariella's soul with his piercing violet eyes.
Soon Ariella spends as much time with Albert as possible, and he becomes her most trusted secret keeper as Ariella copes with all the normal everyday stuff girls have to put up with, from starting a new school or making a wish that Albert could somehow repair her baby brother's hole-in-the-heart.
Ariella also realises that her new friend is an outsider himself, and might need her help just as much as she needs his. So their friendship becomes strong, but it's a friendship that cannot possibly last forever - or can it?
C told me that anyone reading this might be ugly crying with happiness / sadness by the end of the book so consider yourself suitably forewarned.
"Unicorn Girl" by Anne-Marie Conway is out now, published by Silverwood Books.
Catching up after the cataclysmic events of the first Nevermoor Wundersmith book, Morrigan has escaped her cursed life in Jackalfax to join the Wundrous society. For the first time ever Morrigan feels protected, welcomed and has a sense of belonging, all the things she's sought her whole life.
But there's a catch - the welcome is less than warm, and Morrigan Crow realises that being an all-powerful Wundersmith comes with the stigma of being feared as truly evil.
Can she rein in her power enough to convince her new friends that her powers can be used for good?
It's taut storytelling with a nice lick of dark humour here and there, and some utterly magical moments of triumph - but be ready for a real whump in the guts at the end of this one, and a bit of a wait until book 3 (which we're absolutely all-in for!)
"Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow" by Jessica Townsend is out now, published by Orion Childrens Books.
(All books kindly supplied for review).
And that's it for 2018's Chapter Book Roundups. I think we ended with a brilliant selection, don't you agree?
We will resume our Chapter Book Roundups in January 2019 - and until then you can keep up with all the very best chapter books in our "Chapter Book of the Week" slots. See you there!