Showing posts with label Chapter Book Roundup 2019. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chapter Book Roundup 2019. Show all posts
Thursday, 28 November 2019
ReadItDaddy's Chapter Book Roundup - November 2019
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Chapter Book Roundup 2019
You might actually ladder them with our first book choice, the brilliant followup to "Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus" - Now we're on "Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus" by Dusti Bowling.
Meet Aven, no ordinary girl - and just as Aven starts to feel comfortable in Stagecoach Pass, with her friends and schoolmates accustomed to her lack of armage, everything changes once again.
She s about to begin high school - a huge place filled with 2,300 new kids to stare at her, and no matter how much Aven tries to play it cool, nothing prepares her for the reality.
In a year filled with confusion, humiliation, fears, loss, and just maybe love, can Aven manage to stay true to herself?
A superb book offering a tweenager's eye view of the world, arriving with perfect timing just as C enters senior school herself.
"Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus" by Dusti Bowling is out now, published by Sterling Books.
"Alien Superstar" tells the story of a super-cool alien called Buddy Burger (you probably couldn't pronounce his real name so don't even try). No one is shocked by the six-eyed alien strolling around the Universal Studios back lot.
The tourists just think Buddy is part of the show. It doesn’t take long for Buddy to land a role on a popular TV show, playing (of course) an alien. He becomes an overnight heartthrob and is suddenly faced with legions of adoring fans, rides in glamorous limos, and appearances at “all-the-shrimp-you-can-eat” red carpet parties.
But can Buddy maintain his secret identity while in the spotlight?
A fun and fabulous story urging kids never to judge a book (or an alien) by its cover. "Alien Superstar" by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver is out now, published by Amulet Books.
In "A Postcard to Ollis" by Ingunn Thon and Nora Brech, Ollis' life is less than perfect.
She's got a new baby brother and, even worse, her mum's neat-freak boyfriend has moved in.
Fortunately Ollis has always got her best friend Gro who lives right next door and they know each other inside out.
Or do they?
Ollis hasn't always been completely honest with Gro and when they find a postcard in a mysterious yellow mailbox in the forest, Ollis lie grows even bigger.
What does Ollis know about the postcard that Gro doesn't?
Brilliantly written with enough neat twists to keep you guessing about its enigmatic central character, this is really fresh and fantastic stuff.
"A Postcard to Ollis" by Ingunn Thon and Nora Brech is out now, published by Wacky Bee Books.
Stunning stuff next, from an author-illustrator who has been such a hugely important person in C's reading journey, here turning her hand deftly to brilliant middle grade stuff for emerging solo readers.
"Hubert Horatio: How to Raise your Grown-Ups" by Lauren Child once again visits the quirky world of Hubert Horatio Bartle Bobton-Trent, back in this hilarious and gloriously illustrated book for ages six and up from the superstar creator of Clarice Bean and Charlie and Lola.
“These stories are about the days when the Bobton-Trents had it cushy, very cushy indeed.”
The Bobton-Trent seniors certainly know how to make the most of their extravagant wealth – socialising, doing things, buying things and generally being more than a little bit … irresponsible!
Luckily for them, their son Hubert Horatio is an exceptionally intelligent, talented and sensible child.
Unluckily for Hubert, this tends to mean that a lot of his spare time is spent steering his rather unruly set of grown-ups out of trouble!
“These stories are about the days when the Bobton-Trents had it cushy, very cushy indeed.”
The Bobton-Trent seniors certainly know how to make the most of their extravagant wealth – socialising, doing things, buying things and generally being more than a little bit … irresponsible!
Luckily for them, their son Hubert Horatio is an exceptionally intelligent, talented and sensible child.
Unluckily for Hubert, this tends to mean that a lot of his spare time is spent steering his rather unruly set of grown-ups out of trouble!
Full of giggles and Lauren's trademark quirky characters, it's an absolute treat!
"Hubert Horatio: How to raise your grown ups" by Lauren Child is out now, published by HarperCollins Children's Books.
Will's awesome granny used to bake amazing cakes and knitted itchy jumpers. Just like any other granny, right? At least that's what Will thought. But when she passed away, Will discovered that this shy retiring old lady was far more than she seemed. Her craft group was a front for a mighty set of magical octagenarians who once again must answer the call as dodgy Jasper Fitchet moves in to their village and dark magic begins to unravel in Knittington.
Can Will and his gran's old craft group tie Fitchet in knots?
With the help of her old motorbike and a flock of magical sheep, they might just do it ... so long as they don't drop a stitch.
We both loved this one, mostly because Granny Magic reminded us of our (late) Great Grandma who also could knit and bake up a storm, and once rode a Norton 500, terrorising the locale where we grew up!
"Granny Magic" by Elka Evalds and Teemu Juhani is out now, published by Chicken House Books.
Time for high adventure in the snowy wastes of Siberia now, in the truly stunning "Nevertell" by Katharine Orton.
The snowy wastes are no place for two young children, who soon find themselves relentlessly pursued by a pack of wolves. But these are no ordinary wolves - they belong to a dark sorceress who will stop at nothing to destroy them, and prevent them from fulfilling their destiny as the true saviours of the land.
Woven with the sort of brilliant and mysterious expertise that we seek out in our fantasy novels, this is perfect for wintry evenings tucked up snug with a cup of cocoa as the blisteringly paced adventure unfolds for Lina and Bogdan.
"Nevertell" by Katharine Orton is out now, published by Walker Books.
Time for something brilliantly inspirational for mighty girls, the sort of book we love!
If you think that legends are just about princes rescuing princesses (and not the other way round) then this book's definitely for you!
Here you can read the story of Vasilisa, who wasn't afraid of the deep dark forest; Mollie Whuppie, who knew how to trick a giant; Tipingi, who was able to call on her friends to help her get out of trouble; Seren, who used her love of singing to help others; and many more fearless female characters in inspirational and exciting stories.
Fiona has chosen the best of the old tales from all around the world and reworked them into new and exciting versions to be enjoyed by everyone, accompanied by magical illustrations by talented artist Ed Fisher.
"Folk Tales for Bold Girls" by Fiona Collins and Ed Fisher is out now, published by The History Press.
Next, we've reviewed many, many versions of Lewis Carroll's classic "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" ranging from the sublime to the standard, but we've never encountered an edition as gorgeous as this.
"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass" by Lewis Caroll, with brilliant illustrations and paper engineering by awesome art collective MinaLima really is the most collectable and scintillating version we've seen to date.
Combining the classic story of Alice and her bizarre trip underground to a fantastic and surreal land ruled over by a harsh queen, each and every aspect of both stories is brought to stunning life in new and innovative ways.
The Game's Afoot in an all new adventure for a fabulous kid detective next.
In "The Artie Conan Doyle Mysteries: The Scarlet Phantom" by Robert J. Harris, Artie and his best friend Ham are investigating the strange case of the Scarlet Phantom, a jewel thief who seems to walk through walls and disappear at will.
But there's a rival detective on the case, a paranormal investigator who claims that only he can capture this phantom thief.
With the help of their new friend, girl scientist Peril Abernethy, Artie and Ham follow a trail of baffling clues and impossible dangers, but can they catch the Phantom before the invisible fiend pulls off the greatest robbery in history?
Robert brings the young Conan Doyle to life in the third instalment of this ingenious detective series full of twists, turns and clever reveals, shot through with a fantastic buzz of excitement and adventure set against the amazing backdrop of Edinburgh.
"The Artie Conan Doyle Mysteries: The Scarlet Phantom" by Robert J. Harris is out now, published by Floris Kelpies.
Looking ahead for our last two chapter books covered in our 2019 roundups, let's gaze into our crystal ball for two books we've seen early copies of, and are bowled over by.
"Mickey and the Animal Spies" by Anne Miller and blog fave Becka Moor is coming next February from OUP.
So it's her lucky day when she spots a strange poster on the bus home from school written completely in code.
Within the strange jumble of letters is a curious message, one that leads to an exciting adventure-with diamond thieves, dognappers, and an extraordinary group of animal spies!
Written with the genius touch of including real coded messages, can you crack the codes before Mickey does?
Such a fantastic idea, and one we're hoping to see turning into a successful series in 2020. "Mickey and the Animal Spies" by Anne Miller and Becka Moor is out on 6th February 2020 published by OUP / Oxford Children's Books.
...and coming from Nosy Crow in January...
"The Girl Who Stole an Elephant" by Nizrana Farook once again features a strong female protagonist who's not afraid to speak up and make her voice - and her actions - loud and proud.
Will stealing the queen's jewels be the beginning or the end of everything for the intrepid gang?
Chaya is the sort of character we just can't get enough of and despite her diminutive size, she's not afraid to make a stand for what she believes in - and finds hidden strength with her newfound elephant friend.
"The Girl Who Stole an Elephant" by Nizrana Farook is out on 9th January 2020, published by Nosy Crow.
With our next book, you had us at "Deep in the forest, magic is waiting". The sort of hook line that instantly makes us sit up and pay attention, and with "Shadows of Winterspell" by Amy Wilson, that attention is well deserved as this is a scintillating slice of middle grade magic indeed!
Stella has been living behind the magic of the forest for most of her life.
"The Girl Who Stole an Elephant" by Nizrana Farook is out on 9th January 2020, published by Nosy Crow.
Stella has been living behind the magic of the forest for most of her life.
Lonely, she enrolls at the local school, and as she begins to make friends, she discovers that she is even more different than she thought.
But as autumn turns to magical winter, Stella realizes that uncovering her own family secret is the only way to release the forest from the grip of a dark and old magic.
A wintery magical adventure from the critically-acclaimed Amy Wilson, author of A Girl Called Owl. "Shadows of Winterspell" is out now, published by Macmillan Children's Books.
A wintery magical adventure from the critically-acclaimed Amy Wilson, author of A Girl Called Owl. "Shadows of Winterspell" is out now, published by Macmillan Children's Books.
The next book in our pile is an amazingly original slice of awesomeness with a really unique 'layout' as the story of an unlikely friendship unfolds.
"In the Key of Code" by Aimee Lucido is an original, inventive and heart-warming novel from an exciting debut author about a lonely new girl and an unlikely friendship formed in a school code club.
When twelve-year-old Emmy's musical family moves to California so her dad can take a job with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, Emmy has never felt more out of tune.
When twelve-year-old Emmy's musical family moves to California so her dad can take a job with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, Emmy has never felt more out of tune.
But when she ends up in a school computer science club, she finds that she can understand code through a language she is familiar with: music.
Slowly, Emmy makes friends with Abigail and the two girls start to discover their voices through the programming language of Java.
Extraordinarily crafted, the novel begins to incorporate Java's syntax and concepts as Emmy, and ultimately the reader, learns to think in code. By the end, Emmy doesn't feel like a wrong note, but like a musician in the world's most beautiful symphony.
Extraordinarily crafted, the novel begins to incorporate Java's syntax and concepts as Emmy, and ultimately the reader, learns to think in code. By the end, Emmy doesn't feel like a wrong note, but like a musician in the world's most beautiful symphony.
Fantastic for mighty girls who love coding and music (a bit like C, then!), "In the Key of Code" by Aimee Lucido really is one not to be missed. Out now from Walker Books
Our final book for our 2019 Chapter Book Roundups returns to the fantastic, spooky and exciting series from the late John Bellairs, picked up by Brad Strickland to win over a whole new audience.
"The Doom of the Haunted Opera" comes from the same series as "The House With a Clock in its Walls" and is every bit as nailbitingly tense and dramatic, perfect for kids who love stuff like "Goosebumps" or "A Series of Unfortunate Events".
Soon, all the adults are enamoured - and enspelled - by Henry Vanderhelm. A mysterious fog descends upon New Zebedee and everyone is trapped inside it. It is up to Lewis and Rose Rita to stop the dead coming back to life.
Brilliant stuff with Brad picking up the awesome legacy of John's spooky storytelling perfectly. "The Doom of the Haunted Opera" by John Bellairs and Brad Strickland, with a cover by Nathan Collins, is out now, published by Piccadilly Press.
And that's all she wrote for 2019's chapter book roundups. Please do stay tuned for the rest of our blog posts for November, and of course our Booky Advent Calendar through December, and our end-of-the-year blowout celebrating the best books and publishers, and hopefully stick with us in 2020!
Wednesday, 30 October 2019
ReadItDaddy's Chapter Book Roundup - October 2019
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Chapter Book Roundup 2019
So let's start with "The Ghouls of Howlfair" by Nick Tomlinson.
Molly Thompson has lots of questions.
Questions like, is her Aunt Carol an undead fiend who drinks the blood of the living? (Possibly!)
Is she secretly lurking in the attic? (Most definitely!)
And is Molly's friend Lowry a descendant of a long line of Kroglin werewolves? (The hair might be a bit of a giveaway).
Molly loves history and diligently does her research into these strange goings on, suspecting that the creepy legends about her tourist town of Howlfair are starting to come true.
Molly loves history and diligently does her research into these strange goings on, suspecting that the creepy legends about her tourist town of Howlfair are starting to come true.
But when her mother bans her from doing any further research, bookworm Molly and her friends - scatty Lowry and guardian-cat Gabriel - become covert monster-hunters to keep Howlfair safe. It seems that someone is secretly trying to summon Howlfair's mythical monsters, and with the election of a new town mayor looming, everything – and everyone – is becoming increasingly suspicious.
With a dose of chills, thrills and scares alongside a mighty middle grade heroine par excellence, this is perfect for a Halloween read.
"The Ghouls of Howlfair" by Nick Tomlinson is out now, published by Walker Books.
Next up, more mighty girl action - or should I say mighty girls, as we meet 8 unique princesses for the rebel girl generation.
"Eight Princesses and a Magic Mirror" by Natasha Farrant and Lydia Corry is a superb collection of stories featuring brave, curious and mighty girls who each have their own stories to tell.
'Mirror, mirror on the wall... what makes a princess excellent?' An enchantress flings her magic mirror into our universe.
Reflected in it are princesses who refuse to be pretty, polite or obedient. Through the centuries and around the world these girls are fierce, brave, and determined to do the rescuing themselves.
The desert princess protects her people from the king with the black and gold banner. The forest princess takes a crocodile for a pet. An island princess explores the high seas. A mountain princess puts kindness above being royal. And in a tower-block in a city, Princess saves her community garden from the hands of urban developers.
These are brilliant modern stories that also feel traditional and beautifully crafted. Definitely one for girls and boys who love reading about strong and determined female characters (well, that's all of us then, right?)
"Eight Princesses and a Magic Mirror" by Natasha Farrant and Lydia Corry is out now, published by Zephyr.
Next, a series that we've been raving about - both in its original Graphic Novel form and now in this superb series of chapter books teasing out the story of those amazing mighty girls staying at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types.
"Lumberjanes: Ghost Cabin" by Mariko Tamaki and Brooklyn Allen takes Ripley, Jo, April, Molly and Mal on more crazy and spooky adventures with a supernatural twist.
This time the girls realise there seems to be a mysterious extra cabin in camp. No ordinary cabin this - it's entirely populated by ghosts? But what do the supernatural fiends want? Certainly not just a couple of smores or a weiner on a stick.
This is book four (sob, the last in the series) so hoover up the rest as well as this one, you're in for a solid treat!
"Lumberjanes: Ghost Cabin" by Mariko Tamaki and Brooklyn Allen is out now, published by Amulet Books.
Now something rather special, a book that kicks off a whole new series for an author who has stamped his mark on a genre that we didn't know existed (but have just invented) Superspy Fairytale Magic Fiction!
It's the return to the world of Artemis Fowl, but this time introducing "The Fowl Twins" by Eoin Colfer.
Beckett is blonde, messy and sulks whenever he has to wear clothes.
Myles is impeccably neat, has an IQ of 170, and 3D prints a fresh suit every day – just like his older brother, Artemis Fowl.
A week after their eleventh birthday the twins are left in the care of house security system, NANNI, for a single night. In that time, they befriend a troll on the run from a nefarious nobleman and an interrogating nun both of whom need the magical creature for their own gain . . .
Prepare for an epic adventure in which The Fowl Twins and their new troll friend escape, get shot at, kidnapped, buried, arrested, threatened, killed (temporarily) . . . and discover that the strongest bond in the world is not the one forged by covalent electrons in adjacent atoms, but the one that exists between a pair of twins.
A week after their eleventh birthday the twins are left in the care of house security system, NANNI, for a single night. In that time, they befriend a troll on the run from a nefarious nobleman and an interrogating nun both of whom need the magical creature for their own gain . . .
Prepare for an epic adventure in which The Fowl Twins and their new troll friend escape, get shot at, kidnapped, buried, arrested, threatened, killed (temporarily) . . . and discover that the strongest bond in the world is not the one forged by covalent electrons in adjacent atoms, but the one that exists between a pair of twins.
Superbly written, full of all the glorious neat and original touches of the original Artemis Fowl books but now with two crazy protagonists to keep track of, this is sure to be a huge huge success and was a completely immersive and awesome read for both of us.
"The Fowl Twins" by Eoin Colfer is out on 5th November (remember, remember), published by HarperCollins Children's Books
We're huge cat fans on the blog so we were delighted to finally catch up with this next book series.
"Toto the Ninja Cat and the Superstar Catastrophe" by Dermot O'Leary and Nick East is the celebrity's children's book series, written with a deft touch and definite insider knowledge of all things catty (as Dermot has two himself!)
After months of keeping London safe from notorious animal bad guys, Toto the Ninja Cat is going on a well-earned holiday to the world's most famous music festival - Catstonbury!
But a villain has a dastardly plan to hypnotise the crowd when a world-famous band is on stage, turning them into evil minions. How can Toto possibly prevent the catastrophe when everyone thinks the band is the cat's pyjamas?
It will take all Toto's ninja skills - and some help from a friendly otter - to save the day.
"Toto the Ninja Cat and the Superstar Catastrophe" by Dermot O'Leary and Nick East is the celebrity's children's book series, written with a deft touch and definite insider knowledge of all things catty (as Dermot has two himself!)
After months of keeping London safe from notorious animal bad guys, Toto the Ninja Cat is going on a well-earned holiday to the world's most famous music festival - Catstonbury!
But a villain has a dastardly plan to hypnotise the crowd when a world-famous band is on stage, turning them into evil minions. How can Toto possibly prevent the catastrophe when everyone thinks the band is the cat's pyjamas?
It will take all Toto's ninja skills - and some help from a friendly otter - to save the day.
Fast paced, action packed and with plenty of moggy giggles along the way, it's rather good indeed!
"Toto the Ninja Cat and the Superstar Catastrophe" by Dermot O'Leary and Nick East is out now, published by Hodder Children's Books.
Time to step back to the swinging sixties with a new mystery book from the awesome author of "The Secret of the Night Train".
"Trouble in New York" by Sylvia Bishop is a fab adventure for three awesome kids.
Meet Jamie Creeden who has always wanted to be a reporter. Jamie jumps at the chance when he is offered a tour of the famous New Yorker newspaper.
"Trouble in New York" by Sylvia Bishop is a fab adventure for three awesome kids.
Meet Jamie Creeden who has always wanted to be a reporter. Jamie jumps at the chance when he is offered a tour of the famous New Yorker newspaper.
But a chance phone call draws him into a strange mystery surrounding the disappearance of a famous actress.
Soon Jamie, along with his new friends Ellie and Rose, must navigate a tense world of infamous villains, double crosses and carefully planted clues - a world in which he can trust absolutely no one.
He still longs to be on the front page - but at what cost?
With quite an unusual setting for a middle grade book, but brilliantly tight writing, this is fabulous stuff.
With quite an unusual setting for a middle grade book, but brilliantly tight writing, this is fabulous stuff.
"Trouble in New York" by Sylvia Bishop is out now, published by Scholastic Children's Books.
We love books that help children bridge the gap between large sized picture books with minimal text, to something more text heavy but retaining lots of brilliant colourful illustrations.
In Little Tiger's new range of storybooks you'll find exactly that, and here's "Speedy Monkey" by picture book superstars Jeanne Willis and Chantelle & Burgen Thorne.
Speedy can't keep still – all day long he whoops and swoops, prances and dances.
The other animals are tired of Speedy's crazy capers and long for some peace and quiet. Then danger strikes and the animals have to act fast.
The other animals are tired of Speedy's crazy capers and long for some peace and quiet. Then danger strikes and the animals have to act fast.
But where is Speedy when they need him?
An energetic story about being yourself, perfect for kids who are gaining in confidence with their solo reading.
An energetic story about being yourself, perfect for kids who are gaining in confidence with their solo reading.
"Speedy Monkey" by Jeanne Willis and Chantelle and Burgen Thorne is out now, published by Stripes / Little Tiger Press.
Also from the same range is the fabulous "A Sea of Stories" by Sylvia Bishop and Paddy Donnelly.
But on her latest stay, Grandpa explains that he can’t go down there any more – the path is too steep and overgrown for him to manage. Poor Grandpa!
Instead Grandpa tells Roo the stories behind the many objects that fill his house.
All of Grandpa’s stories feature the cove and Roo realizes that now, even though they’re so close to the sea, Grandpa is cut off from it.
Is there anything she can do to bring Grandpa to the place he loves the most?
An inspiring tale about the importance of sharing stories. "A Sea of Stories" by Sylvia Bishop and Paddy Donnelly is out now, published by Stripes / Little Tiger Press.
Thursday, 25 July 2019
ReadItDaddy's Chapter Book Roundup - July 2019
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Chapter Book Roundup 2019
"Jemima Small Versus the Universe" by Tamsin Winter is a gloriously observed and positive book about being plus size.
Jemima Small is funny and smart. She knows a lot of things. Like the fact that she's made of 206 bones, over 600 muscles and trillions of cells.
What she doesn't know is how that can be true and yet she can still sometimes feel like nothing.
Or how being made to join the school's "special" healthy lifestyle group - aka Fat Club - could feel any less special.
But Jemima also knows that the biggest stars in the universe are the brightest. And maybe it's her time to shine.
Tamsin has captured so many elements of what it feels like when the world assaults you with 'fake' visions of what it means to be perfect, and what it also means when you're perfectly happy with yourself and your own body and image, but others feel it's their duty to steer you onto their own path of what their ideal is. Absolutely loved this, Jemima is a fantastic character and you will fall in love with her just like we did.
"Jemima Small Versus the Universe" by Tamsin Winter is out now, published by Usborne.
Oh lordy, when you see Andy Stanton's name on a book, you can pretty much guess that at least one of the following are going to be in there somewhere. Farts, Poos, Wees or Smells.
How about a combination of all of the above, along with a dose of humorous history in his latest book "The Paninis of Pompeii", with illustrations from Sholto Walker.
You'll meet the household servant, Slavius; thrill at the misadventures of Barkus Wooferinicum and generally have an uproariously hilarious time of it all.
Full of ludicrous characters, surreal escapades and outrageous word play – if you thought Mr Gum was weird, then get a load of the Ancient Pompeiians!
Absolutely guaranteed to elicit hoots of laughter from every 7-11 year old. "The Paninis of Pompeii" by Andy Stanton and Sholto Walker is out now, published by Egmont.
What's it like to leave everything you know behind, to embark on a whole new life that's massively different and full of wonder - and challenges anew? In "The Collective" by Lindsey Whitlock, meet Elwyn, who feels like he's wasting his life in the rural idylls of Badfish Creek.
Elwyn longs for change so when his uncle offers him the chance to leave his rural roots behind, he jumps at the opportunity, eager to move to Liberty to gain an education and become part of a flourishing world embracing a new industrial age.
Finally, life seems to be opening up to him.
But it is not long before he understands that all that glitters is not gold: there are things going on in Liberty that Elwyn cannot ignore. Things that profoundly threaten the world he has rejected and things that he has to fight against.
The Collective is a richly realised debut novel about tradition, change, the meaning of home and the struggle to be true to yourself. Another intelligent and thought-provoking winner from a publisher who excels at producing brilliant books, "The Collective" by Lindsey Whitlock is out now, published by Pushkin Children's Books.
But it is not long before he understands that all that glitters is not gold: there are things going on in Liberty that Elwyn cannot ignore. Things that profoundly threaten the world he has rejected and things that he has to fight against.
The Collective is a richly realised debut novel about tradition, change, the meaning of home and the struggle to be true to yourself. Another intelligent and thought-provoking winner from a publisher who excels at producing brilliant books, "The Collective" by Lindsey Whitlock is out now, published by Pushkin Children's Books.
It feels like an entire generation (or multiple generations) of kids have fallen under a collective spell, and absolutely adore everything and anything to do with Unicorns. C is one such kid, so the new "Unicorn Magic" books by Daisy Meadows, author of the Rainbow Magic series, are absolutely bang on with their timing - with several books arriving throughout the rest of the year.
We dug into "Unicorn Magic: Shimmerbreeze and the Sky Spell" by Daisy Meadows and C was drawn headlong into a secret world full of magic, unicorns and friendship!
In the faraway land, Aisha and Emily are learning all about unicorn magic.
But when the evil unicorn Selena steals Shimmerbreeze the Sky Unicorn's special locket, the beautiful air of the kingdom is polluted!
Can the girls help Shimmerbreeze find the locket and save the skies?
With plenty of fun and sparkle, and a subtly woven in eco-message as well, this is a winner for girls and boys from 7-10 years old.
"Unicorn Magic: Shimmerbreeze and the Sky Spell" by Daisy Meadows is out now, published by Orchard Books.
Time for a waggy, shaggy tale, a Dog's tail of course...!
Cosmo's life is in turmoil though. His family is falling apart. And it's up to Cosmo to keep them together.
He knows exactly what to do. There's only one problem. Cosmo is a Golden Retriever.
But like most good boy dogs, he's not going to let a little matter like being a dog stand in his way.
Can Cosmo achieve his aim and reunite his family, bringing back a bit of love into a household filled with turmoil and strife? And perhaps snaffle a few rashers of bacon into the bargain?
Beautifully written and hilariously well observed with plenty of dogginess that anyone who's ever owned a pooch will readily identify with.
"I, Cosmo" by Carlie Sorosiak is out on 1st August 2019, published by Nosy Crow.
There's just something about using a lighthouse as a setting that instantly grabs our interest. So it was with "The House of Light" by Julia Green.
The authorities have already been troubling Bonnie and Granda for breaking rules, but how can she leave this boy when he has no-one?
Bonnie does her best to keep the boy hidden from the border guards, but as their suspicions grow, she wonders if it's time to escape the life she's always known.
Under cover of darkness they set sail to the 'house of light' in search of a new beginning, and a sense of hope.
Atmospheric, life-affirming with a brilliantly woven in message of acceptance and kindness, "The House of Light" by Julia Green is out now, published by OUP / Oxford Children's Books.
Atmospheric, life-affirming with a brilliantly woven in message of acceptance and kindness, "The House of Light" by Julia Green is out now, published by OUP / Oxford Children's Books.
A fabulous and fun new series next. "Warrior Monkeys and the Volcano Adventure" is the first in a new book series from M.C Stevens and Steve Brown.
Suki and Bekko are brave enough to find out why wild dogs are on the prowl, why Mount Niru is rumbling and stinky, and who has brainwashed an army of meerkats.
Suki and Bekko are training to be Warrior Monkeys. They're a brave and resourceful duo and, with the help of their armoured bear, Kuma, are ready to face any of the harsh challenges and evil plots that threaten the safety of their island home.
Using all the skills they learn in the training hall, Suki and Bekko show the kind of determination, focus, bravery, and spirit that has put them on the path to become true Warrior Monkeys!
"Warrior Monkeys and the Volcano Adventure" by M.C Stevens and Steve Brown is out now, published by OUP / Oxford Children's Books.
Anne Booth's brilliant bird-based series is back with a fabulous new book that once again introduces a new bird species through an entertaining and scintillating story for younger readers
"The Magical Kingdom of Birds: The Silent Songbirds" by Anne Booth and Rosie Butcher once again begins with Maya exploring her amazing colouring book "The Magical Kingdom of Birds".
Using the book she's transported to a beautiful realm filled with magnificent birds and their fairy friends.
In a spectacular tropical glade, Maya can't believe her ears: she's attending a songbird concert in the Magical Kingdom of Birds! But all is not as it seems - Lord Astor is stealing the birds' beautiful voices to keep for himself!
Will Maya and her friends be able to return the music to the kingdom?
This series is perfect for kids who are just starting out with chapter books, illustrated throughout by Rosie Butcher, with fabulous positive themes and a grand adventure, plus a chance to learn something new about fascinating real-world bird species with some interesting information on the featured species at the back of the book.
"Magical Kingdom of Birds: The Silent Songbirds" by Anne Booth and Rosie Butcher is out now, published by OUP / Oxford Children's Books.
A superb science fiction dystopian adventure is up next in the fantastic "Earth Swarm" by Tim Hall, part of the Hal Strider adventure series.
London is being held under siege by huge numbers of terrifying drones, controlled by a nefarious artificial intelligence.
London is being held under siege by huge numbers of terrifying drones, controlled by a nefarious artificial intelligence.
Scientist John Strider helped create the machines, but has disappeared leaving his teenage son Hal to try and piece together his father's final moments before his disappearance. Along with his sister Jess, both of them hotshot drone pilots, they must try and track down their missing father and prove his innocence once and for all.
But can they defeat the machines? They're going to need help!
This is a blisteringly paced novel that will appeal to fans of stories like the Alex Rider adventures, with a ton of brilliant science and a truly mesmeric storyline that barely stops to take a breath. Hugely enjoyable.
"Earth Swarm" by Tim Hall is out now, published by David Fickling Books.
Time for a change in a vastly popular series that just gets better and better!
"Beast Quest: New Blood" by Adam Blade introduces three new heroes with the power to tame mystical beasts.
Time for a change in a vastly popular series that just gets better and better!
Amy, Charlie and Sam - three children from our world - are about to discover the powerful legacy that binds them together.
They are descendants of the Guardians of Avantia, an elite group of heroes trained by Tom - the star of the previous Beast Quest series.
Now the time has come for a new generation to unlock the power of the Beasts and fulfil their destiny.
Nearly a hundred years ago, the Guardians escaped from the evil wizard Malvel and sought refuge in our world, along with their hoard of magical Beast eggs. Living among non-magical humankind, the Guardians adapted to Earth society. But they knew that one day their descendants would unlock their connection with the Beasts ... and have to face Malvel once more.
For Amy, Charlie and Sam, that time has come.
Join a new generation of heroes as they discover their destiny, and experience the awesome power of Beast Quest as never before in this fast paced, gripping and exciting adventure with book 2 scheduled to arrive very soon so keep an eye out for it!
Nearly a hundred years ago, the Guardians escaped from the evil wizard Malvel and sought refuge in our world, along with their hoard of magical Beast eggs. Living among non-magical humankind, the Guardians adapted to Earth society. But they knew that one day their descendants would unlock their connection with the Beasts ... and have to face Malvel once more.
For Amy, Charlie and Sam, that time has come.
Join a new generation of heroes as they discover their destiny, and experience the awesome power of Beast Quest as never before in this fast paced, gripping and exciting adventure with book 2 scheduled to arrive very soon so keep an eye out for it!
"Beast Quest New Blood" by Adam Blade is out now, published by Orchard.
Last but not least, something for budding K-Poppers with the latest in the "Rainbow Magic" series.
Kirsty and Rachel are so excited to be going to see their favourite boy band in concert!
But when Jack Frost steals Jae the Boy Band Fairy's magical microphone, everyone gets stage fright and forgets their moves.
Can Kirsty, Rachel and Jae help the show go off without a hitch?
Another great addition to the Rainbow Magic series, perfect for kids who love their music and performing arts.
"Rainbow Magic: Jae the Boy Band Fairy" by Daisy Meadows and Georgie Ripper is out now, published by Orchard.
"Rainbow Magic: Jae the Boy Band Fairy" by Daisy Meadows and Georgie Ripper is out now, published by Orchard.
For those of you familiar with the awesome "The House with a Clock in its walls" movie, be prepared for more mystery, magic and things that go bump in the night with the fabulous book series from John Bellairs and Brad Strickland with awesome illustrations from Nathan Collins for both covers and internals."The Vengeance of the Witch Finder" and following closely on its heels "The Ghost in the Mirror" are the perfect summer reads for those of us who like the chilling sensation that we're being watched, or that someone's just walked over our graves.
We catch up with Lewis and his Uncle Jonathan who have travelled to England to visit family at Barnavelt Manor, much to Lewis's delight - he hasn't visited family outside of America before!
Lewis becomes friends with the housekeeper's son, Bertie, and as the two boys explore the manor's garden maze, Lewis accidentally unleashes demonic forces that summon the ghost of an evil wizard adamant on destroying his entire family (you know how it is, you're visiting a foreign country, you unwittingly unleash a wizard that could destroy the world, standard summer holiday stuff, right?)
Can Lewis fight the maniacal wizard, or will all the Barnavelts perish?
And in "The Ghost in the Mirror" Mrs Zimmermann is at a loss - she still hasn't regained her powers from her last encounter with dark magic and Uncle Jonathan and Lewis have left for the summer to travel around Europe, leaving her and Rose Rita bored and lonely at home.
That is until Mrs Zimmermann keeps on seeing visions and shadows of her old magic teacher, Granny Wetherbee, who is trying to contact her from beyond the grave. But just what is going on? And can Granny perhaps hold the key to Mrs Z's problematic lack of magical ability?
These are brilliant, funny and darkly delicious. Catch up with the awesome series with "The Vengeance of the Witch Finder" out now in Paperback, and "The Ghost in the Mirror" coming up in August.
AND we're done! A short and sweet one this month. August is mammoth though so do check out our August roundup towards the end of next month and in the meantime, enjoy a fab summer of reading!
Thursday, 25 April 2019
ReaditDaddy's Chapter Book Roundup - April 2019
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Chapter Book Roundup 2019
The exquisite "Cloud Boy" by Marcia Williams is the sort of book that beautifully charts the highs and lows of friendships, and our ability to cope with joy and sadness in equal measure, in a truly heart-wrenching but gorgeous book.
Harry Christmas and Angie Moon are best friends and almost-twins.
Ever since they were born two days apart they’ve been partners in cloud-spotting, sweet-eating and treehouse-building.
But when Harry is taken to hospital for headaches that won’t go away, he needs Angie more than ever. Because when things fall apart, only a best friend can stitch them back together.
Marcia tells the story through Angie's voice and observations with pin-sharp clarity in a really stunning tale.
"Cloud Boy" by Marcia Williams with cover art by Markus Motum is out now, published by Walker Books
Our next book is fantastical, whimsical and light-hearted - the sort of book that makes you think "What if..."
"We Won an Island" is Charlotte Lo's truly impressive debut for Nosy Crow.
But things don't go entirely to plan - no one expects Luna's younger brother to win a Sheep Pageant, for example.
Then plans for their secret island festival go completely awry.
But the island is beautiful, and the family are happy, and maybe Luna will get her donkey after all!
A book that just begs to be read ahead of the summer, to get you right in the mood for days of sunshine and sand, this is a thoroughly original and amusing book.
"We Won an Island" by Charlotte Lo is out on 2nd May 2019, published by Nosy Crow.
More thoroughly original stuff now, based partially on factual events at the turn of the 20th Century, and adapted from Jill Jonnes' fascinating book for grown-ups.
"Eiffel's Tower (for young people)" by Jill Jonnes and Rebecca Stefoff has kept C and her mum enthralled over the past few weeks.
On two sides of the Atlantic Ocean, the French and Americans are preparing for the World's Fair.
As Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley become the toasts of Paris and Gustave Eiffel, builder of the tower, rises to the pinnacle of fame, only to suffer a tragic fall from grace, this amazing story plays out against the backdrop of a world of innovation, amazing scientific discoveries and above all huge progress and change.
Revolving around two nations, whose potent symbols were the twin poles of the fair. France, with its long history of sophistication and cultivation, and with a new republican government eager for the country to take its place at the forefront of the modern world, presented the Eiffel Tower - the world's tallest structure - as a symbol of national pride and engineering superiority. The United States, with its brash, can-do spirit, full of pride in its frontier and its ingenuity, presented the rollicking Wild West show of Buffalo Bill Cody and the marvelous new phonograph of Thomas Edison. Eiffel, Cody, Oakley, and Edison are just a few of the characters who populate Jonnes's dramatic history.
A sprawling novel that encompasses amazing human stories depicting the achievements of the day, this is a must-read for kids who have thrilled to the era of "The Greatest Showman" and want something that's even more spectacular.
"Eiffel's Tower (for young people)" by Jill Jonnes and Rebecca Steffof is out now, published by Seven Stories Press.
Time for something completely engrossing and gripping. "The Middler" by Kirsty Applebaum begins with Eleven-year-old Maggie, who lives in Fennis Wick, enclosed and protected from the outside world by a boundary, beyond which the Quiet War rages and the dirty, dangerous wanderers roam.
Maggie has known no other life.
Her brother Jed is an eldest, revered and special. A hero. Her younger brother is Trig - everyone loves Trig, and like every youngest sibling he has a habit of getting away with everything.
But Maggie's just a middler; invisible and left behind.
Then, one hot September day, she meets Una, a hungry wanderer girl in need of help, and everything Maggie has ever known gets turned on its head.
Told in Maggie's often irreverent, funny and charismatic voice, we experience the trials and frustrations of being the forgotten middle child, the child with no voice, even in her own family. A truly brilliantly observed story of sibling relationships, human failings and amazing circumstances, set against a thoroughly original fantasy backdrop, this is another book that has really wowed us this month.
"The Middler" by Kirsty Applebaum is out now, published by Nosy Crow.
We always like to include a few books for younger readers beginning their solo reading journeys with illustrated chapter books, and the antics of one "Spot Guevara, Hero Dog" by Zaro Weil, with illustrations and cover from Katy Riddell is absolutely perfect for animal-loving kids everywhere.
Life on the streets is hard, and one terrible day Spot's entire family are carted off by the Dog police and he vows never to give up searching for them.
This is the beginning of Spot's many adventures as he roams the city meeting new friends, fending off danger and learning about humans and other dogs. Can Spot be a hero? Will he need a friend or two along the way?
This is fast-paced but really fab stuff, perfect for kids who are moving on from picture books and want an exciting waggy dog tale.
"Spot Guevara Hero Dog" by Zaro Weil and Katy Riddell is out now, published by Troika Books.
We're really excited about this next one...We absolutely loved Stewart Foster's "The Bubble Boy" and now he's back with a new story, and a character that's sure to win his way into your heart.
"Check Mates" by Stewart Foster is the story of Felix.
Some people think that Felix is a problem child, lazy and inattentive in lessons. But Felix is actually a child with a problem.
His ADHD makes it hard for him to concentrate and his grades are slipping.
Everyone keeps telling him to try harder, but no one seems to understand just how hard he finds it.
When Mum suggests Felix spends time with his grandfather, Felix can’t think of anything worse.
Granddad hasn’t been the same since Grandma died.
Plus he’s always trying to teach Felix boring chess. But sometimes the best lessons come in the most unexpected of places, and Granddad soon shows Felix that there’s everything to play for.
Just like "The Bubble Boy" before it, this is a story that has you completely gripped as Felix's story unfolds, and the relationship with his granddad grows.
Be warned though, there are moments in this where you will definitely need a lot of hankies to mop up your tears!
"Check Mates" by Stewart Foster is out on the 27th June 2019, published by Simon and Schuster Children's Books.
More great stuff for younger readers now, with the latest greatest adventure for that scruffy but loveable little urchin.
"Dirty Bertie: Spider" by Alan MacDonald and David Roberts is the 31st (!) book in the series, and once again the titular scruffbag is up to various tricks involving soap dodging and bath-denying.
Just an ordinary day in the life of Bertie then!
A fun romp with tons of gigglesome humour and David's trademark awesome character art, even if you've never heard of Bertie before but love funny books, get your Bertie collection started today!
"Dirty Bertie: Spider!" by Alan Macdonald and David Roberts is out now, published by Stripes.
Another awesome well-loved but misbehaving character is back for four new adventures in his latest book. "Horrid Henry: Up, up and away" by Francesca Simon and Tony Ross sees the titular scamp finally being allowed to go on a plane, on a real holiday! Wow, imagine the other poor passengers' reactions when they find out!
Kids absolutely love living vicariously through this thoroughly naughty scamp's adventures, with the usual brilliant art from Tony Ross - and a ton of misbehaving fun to be had.
Again, the perfect read if you're jetting off on holiday with the kids and they want four awesome stories instead of one!
"Horrid Henry: Up, up and away" by Francesca Simon and Tony Ross is out now, published by Orion Children's Books.
A truly powerful book next, that pulls no punches about what life is like for children in war-torn Syria.
"No Ballet Shoes in Syria" by Catherine Bruton tells the story of young Aya, who at 11 years old has just arrived in Britain with her mum and little brother, seeking asylum from a terrible war that is tearing her home country apart.
But at the same time, Aya and her family must fight to be allowed to remain in the country, to make a home for themselves and to find Aya's father - separated from the rest of the family during the journey from Syria.
With beautiful, captivating writing, wonderfully authentic ballet detail, and an important message championing the rights of refugees, this is classic storytelling - filled with warmth, hope and humanity, and so timely for children to learn and understand about the conflict that affects innocent children and families who just want a safe place to live and thrive.
"No Ballet Shoes in Syria" by Catherine Bruton is out on 2nd May 2019, published by Nosy Crow.
"Lampie and the Children of the Sea" by Annet Schaap tells the story of Lampie the Lighthouse-Keeper's daughter.
Every evening Lampie must climb sixty-one steps to light the lantern, to warn ships away from the rocks and keep them safe.
One night, in the midst of a terrible storm, she discovers that her matches have run out... Disaster strikes, and an adventure begins as Lampie must dig deep into her own reserves of courage and resourcefulness.
Lampie is sent to work as a maid at the Admiral's Black House, where rumour has it that a monster lurks. What she discovers there throws her into a world of pirates and mermaids and puts her in terrible danger.
Can she find a way to save the ones she loves?
Who can possibly resist the lure of a book so entangled and entwined with a love of the ocean. This is beautifully told and realised, with tons of atmosphere.
"Lampie and the Children of the Sea" by Annet Schaap is out now, published by Pushkin Children's Books.
This amazing tale begins a year after the death of Prue Haywood's beloved older brother.
Prue's family is still shattered by grief. But everything changes when a stranger arrives at the farm.
A new, incredible technology has been discovered in the city of Medlock, where a secretive guild of inventors have developed a way to capture spirits of the dead in animal-like machines, bringing them back to life.
Prue knows that the "Ghost Guild" might hold the key to bringing her brother back, so she seizes the stranger's offer to join as an apprentice.
But to find her brother, she needs to find a way to get the ghost machines to remember the people they used to be.
Yet if Prue succeeds, all of society could come apart, and this new innovation could be exposed for what it actually is.
Yet if Prue succeeds, all of society could come apart, and this new innovation could be exposed for what it actually is.
Just as inventive, compelling and original as "Brightstorm", Vashti once again expertly weaves a book world par excellence and populates it with characters you'll root for, placing them in situations that will test them to their limits. It's all so rich, visual and gorgeous so definitely do not miss out on this one.
"WildSpark" by Vashti Hardy is out on 2nd May 2019, published by Scholastic.
The summer holidays might be a way off yet, but you can definitely notch this next book up as the sort of summer treat that you could stretch out for the whole holiday long.
Enid Blyton's "Animal Stories" is a new compilation of 30 of Enid's short stories, all with animal themes.
Animals of all shapes and sizes will charm children aged 6 and up.
Enid Blyton's "Animal Stories" is a new compilation of 30 of Enid's short stories, all with animal themes.
Animals of all shapes and sizes will charm children aged 6 and up.
From pet puppies to woodland wildlife, garden birds to pond-dwelling frogs, Enid Blyton was a devoted and knowledgeable animal-lover and it really shows in the variety and cleverness of these little tales.
Readers who feel the same way are bound to love her wonderful stories about our furry friends - and scaly, feathery or fluttery ones too!
These delightful stories are ideal for newly confident readers and are the perfect length to be read aloud in the classroom or at bedtime.
"Animal Stories" by Enid Blyton, out now from Hodder Children's Books.
Very happy to see this next one as we adored "Ella on the Outside".
"Not My Fault" by Cath Howe is the story of two sisters.
Maya and Rose won't talk to each other.
Ever since a tragic accident Maya has never been the same, running wild and causing trouble.
Rose doesn't know what to do with her or about her.
Now Maya and Rose have to go away together on a week-long school journey.
But will the trip - and a life-threatening adventure - fix their relationship... or break it for good?
A sharply observed and beautifully emotional story of families and relationships, particularly between siblings who don't always see eye to eye.
"Not My Fault" by Cath Howe is out on 2nd May 2019, published by Nosy Crow.
Love a trick or two? Then this next book is for you!
"The Fire Maker" by Guy Jones is a truly prestidigitatious book indeed.
Meet Alex, who really loves magic tricks - and he's good at them, too.
But when he stumbles into eccentric Mr Olmos's back garden, he sees a kind of magic he can't explain: three tiny flames floating in the air.
Before long Alex meets the mysterious magician himself and soon, Alex and Mr Olmos are swept up in a great adventure of secrets, genies and an ancient, bitter rivalry.
Fun, original and thoroughly absorbing, with more than a few tricks and twists up its capacious sleeves.
"The Fire Maker" by Guy Jones is out now, published by Chicken House.
"Tin" was definitely one of the highlights of our middle-grade year last year and we're delighted to see Padraig Kenny back with the glorious "Pog", new from Chicken House Books.
Imagine how amazing it would be to live in a house surrounded by dense forest just like David and Penny.
Love a trick or two? Then this next book is for you!
Meet Alex, who really loves magic tricks - and he's good at them, too.
But when he stumbles into eccentric Mr Olmos's back garden, he sees a kind of magic he can't explain: three tiny flames floating in the air.
Before long Alex meets the mysterious magician himself and soon, Alex and Mr Olmos are swept up in a great adventure of secrets, genies and an ancient, bitter rivalry.
Fun, original and thoroughly absorbing, with more than a few tricks and twists up its capacious sleeves.
"The Fire Maker" by Guy Jones is out now, published by Chicken House.
Imagine how amazing it would be to live in a house surrounded by dense forest just like David and Penny.
It's the childhood home of their mother, but she has recently passed away leaving David and Penny to fend for themselves against the unexpected. You see it's not just their home, but home to many other magical creatures.
Like tiny, hairy Pog.
He's one of the First Folk, protecting the boundary between the worlds.
As the children explore, they discover monsters slipping through from the place on the other side of the cellar door.
Meanwhile, David is drawn into the woods by something darker, a nefarious force that insists there's a way he can bring his mother back.
This one wraps its dark tendrils around you and drags you into a truly atmospheric and astonishing story, instantly feeling like a classic fairy tale but with huge contemporary appeal. Absolutely stunning stuff.
"Pog" by Padraig Kenny is out now, published by Chicken House.
Here's one that'll grab you the minute you spot that glorious cover.
"Bloom" by Nicola Skinner is the tale of a girl. Not an ordinary everyday girl, but a truly extraordinary one - a character that will have you nodding in recognition if you've ever felt like you don't quite fit in with the usual crowd.
Sorrel Fallowfield is growing up – in a REALLY surprising way.
She is so good at being good that teachers come to her when they need help remembering the school rules – and there are LOTS of school rules (we all identify with that, right?)
Luckily, Sorrel doesn’t have any trouble following them, until the day she discovers a faded packet of Surprising Seeds buried under a tree in her backyard.
Now she’s hearing voices, seeing things, experiencing an almost unstoppable urge to plant the Seeds in some very unusual places… and completely failing to win her school’s competition to find The Most Obedient Child of the School.
And all that’s before flowers start growing out of her head.
Funny, heartwarming and absolutely blisteringly original stuff.
"Bloom" by Nicola Skinner is out now, published by HarperCollins Children's Books.
Finally, something really different, fresh and original from a publisher whose books are really grabbing our attention at the moment.
"White Horse" by Yan Ge is a gorgeous book that underpins a sharply psychologically-driven story with the most wonderful chinese brush art.
Yun Yun lives in a small West China town with her widowed father, and an uncle, aunt and older cousin who live nearby.
"White Horse" by Yan Ge is a gorgeous book that underpins a sharply psychologically-driven story with the most wonderful chinese brush art.
Yun Yun lives in a small West China town with her widowed father, and an uncle, aunt and older cousin who live nearby.
Yun Yun's life is content, simple and easy but then her entire world is ripped apart, her life no longer as simple as it once was.
Through Yun Yum's keen observational eye, we see her cousin Zhang Qing keen to dive into the intoxicting excitements of adolescence, rebelling against opressive parents.
Ensuing tensions reveal that the relationships between the two families are founded on a terrible lie that Yun Yun will discover the truth of as the story unfolds.
Once again this is mesmerising stuff, filled with a sharply dark wit at times, and at others filled with angst and frustration that many contemporary teens will fully identify with.
Masterfully written, this - and just look at the illustrations!
"White Horse" by Yan Ge is out now, published by Hope Road.
(All books kindly supplied for review).
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