5+: Toys in Space - Mini Grey

Release Date: 02/08/12

Book Blurb: 
What happens when you leave your toys out in the garden at night? They get beamed into space - that's what! Join our plucky band as they explore the cosmos, and help out one lonely alien along the way...

Review: 
Mini Grey is an author who always manages to think outside the box for the reader, presenting a story that is not only meaningful but also one that really brings the bright fun style that she is known for to the readers imagination as the doll tells a story that they can all get behind.

Its vivid, it works very well and to be honest as an adult I like to bring something different to my nephews that lets them know that there’s all sorts of books out there. Add to this that it continues Mini’s own wonderful world that steps out from her imagination straight into the readers (as lets face it, we all know that Toy’s come to life at night) and all in it’s a good bit of fun.

   

3+: Tug of War - John Burningham

Release Date: 30/08/12

Book Blurb: 
Hare, Hippopotamus and Elephant live together, but not happily, for Hippopotamus and Elephant are forever teasing poor Hare. One day, Hare decides to teach his friends a lesson, and so the great tug of war begins ...

Review: 
There’s something special about getting a story from another culture that you may not have heard before as an adult. Here in this book we get a tale from Africa about and Elephant, a Hippo and a Hare who proves that he’s smarter than the other two. Its fun, the pictures wonderfully illustrated and bring this traditional story to life for me as a Western Reader. Its good fun which when backed up with a moral (sort of like an African Aesop’s Fable) which really makes this a lot of fun as smarts outdo strength. All in great stuff.

   

7+: Three Tales of Magic and Mischief - Roald Dahl

Release Date: 27/09/12

Book Blurb: 
A marvellous mix - this wonderful hardback bind-up contains George's "Marvellous Medicine", "Matilda", and "The Witches" - a perfect gift for any child to get swept up in the magic of "Roald Dahl"...

Review: 
To be honest with you I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this novel, but knowing how much fun I’ve had with Pittacus Lore I was hoping for something to fill the gap whilst I waited for the next in the series. What I got was a book that whilst the story was interesting failed to grip me due to the characters. They felt a little flat for me, not rounded and whilst individually they each have their own abilities, as a group I’m not sure how well they’re going to gel in the overall quest.

That aside, the pace is reasonable, the prose solid and all round its readable but for me, if I don’t get on with the characters its always a struggle to carry on. A great shame but here’s hoping that it improves with the next outing.

   

3+: Dog Loves Drawing - Louise Yates

Release Date: 02/02/12

BOOK BLURB:

Dog loves books, but one day he receives a strange one in the post - it's blank! Soon, Dog realises that this book is not for reading, but for drawing, and before long Dog is doodling and drawing himself into a new world, full of friends and surprises.


REVIEW:

I originally read Louise’s Dog Loves Books and fell in love with the lead character because, like him I love books. So when the opportunity arose to read another title featuring this great little white dog I jumped at the chance. Here within the pages, he embarks on his own adventure with drawn friends as he discovers the joy of a drawing book to which he can create his own adventures.

The tale is full of fun, the support cast enticing and perhaps best of all the tale is one big adventure that not only gives the target audience a story of fun but also imparts the lesson of how much fun you can have with pen and paper. All in a cracking little story that is also wonderfully illustrated and one that had my nephews rushing off to create their own tale. Great fun.

5+: Traction Man and the Beach Odyssey - Mini Grey

Release Date: 07/07/11

BOOK BLURB:

Traction Man and Scrubbing Brush are at the beach! Traction Man even has his special Squid-Proof Scuba Suit, perfect for exploring the secret crevices of the Rockpool. But there are adventures in store for our intrepid hero as he faces the thrills of Operation Picnic, the tribulation of being buried in sand and – worst of all – being washed away by a giant wave…

Join the daring duo as they meet new challenges ... and new friends.


REVIEW:

Mini Grey is one of those authors who comes up with something not only unusual but something that really is a bit of a cult classic in the field of childrens titles. Here in this, the second Traction Man story he undergoes an adventure in the garden with a firm mission in mind as well as objectives that really keeps this title moving along at quite a pace. It’s quirky, it’s a lot of fun and when you add into it the nostalgic feel for the reader (assuming it’s a parent) it’s a story that will quite quickly find a way into your own heart alongside the childrens.

All in this was as much fun for me as for my nephews and whilst they were a little confused with it, when I showed them one of my old Action Man’s (yep the Side to side eye ones in his scuba gear) their eyes soon lit up. Great fun.

5+: Traction Man Meets Turbo Dog - Mini Grey

Release Date: 01/10/09

BOOK BLURB:


The little boy, Traction Man, and his brave pet, Scrubbing Brush, are inseparable--until the boy's father throws the "unhygienic" Scrubbing Brush in the trash and replaces it with a "real" toy, the battery-operated TurboDog, in this exciting sequel. Full color.


REVIEW:

Mini Grey is one of those authors who comes up with something not only unusual but something that really is a bit of a cult classic in the field of childrens titles. Here in this, the second Traction Man story he undergoes an adventure in the garden with a firm mission in mind as well as objectives that really keeps this title moving along at quite a pace. It’s quirky, it’s a lot of fun and when you add into it the nostalgic feel for the reader (assuming it’s a parent) it’s a story that will quite quickly find a way into your own heart alongside the childrens.

All in this was as much fun for me as for my nephews and whilst they were a little confused with it, when I showed them one of my old Action Man’s (yep the Side to side eye ones in his scuba gear) their eyes soon lit up. Great fun.

5+: One Smart Fish and Scruffy Bear and the Six White Mice - Chris Wormell

Release Date: 06/01/11

BOOK BLURB:

Long ago in the deep ocean, there lived...one smart fish! He wasn't the biggest and he wasn't the boldest, but he was the cleverest. What this smart fish wanted more than anything else was to walk upon the land. But everyone knows that fish can't walk...can they?


REVIEW:

I love books that have an interesting angle and give the reader something that is quite unexpected. Within this book is a story that will lead on to further questions, help inquisitive minds and above all else give the parent just as much fun reading as entertainment to the young listener. It’s great fun with some cracking illustrations which are not just bright but something that will stick vividly in the readers imagination. Add to this a very creative story arc, carefully chosen words and a book that will stick with the reader for a long time. This is definitely a must for any young person’s library.





Release Date: 06/01/11

BOOK BLURB:

One day a small scruffy bear meets six terrified white mice; they're scared of the dark forest and all the predatory creatures that live there, including an owl, a fox and a slithery snake...But never fear, Scruffy Bear has all kinds of ingenious ideas about how to keep them safe!


REVIEW:

My second outing with Chris and one that didn’t disappoint as Scruffy Bear is charming, wonderfully drawn with a story that really does enthuse as well as amuse. It’s wonderfully colourful, the characters fun and above all else it’s a tale that will stay long after the final page is turned, so much so that I had to read it three or four times on the trot just so my nephew could get the most from it as he loved looking at the illustrations. Chris really has a special talent and is one of the picture book authors that I have to solidly recommend.

7+: The Giraffe, the Pelly and Me - Roald Dahl

Release Date: 02/09/10

BOOK BLURB:

Take a giraffe with a magic neck, a pelican with a retractable beak and a very agile monkey, and what do you have? The world's finest Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company, of course! Add in their friend Billy, the Duke and Duchess of Hampshire and the Cobra, the cleverest and most dangerous cat-burglar in the world, and you have all the ingredients for a deliciously funny tale - all in the pursuit of walnuts, salmon and the pink and purple flowers of the tinkle-tinkle tree, not to mention the Grand Opening of The Grubber...


REVIEW:

A Dahl title I hadn’t eard of prior to it’s landing, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. What does occur however is a tale about friendship, about fortune and how good deeds are not only their own reward.

The story is fascinating, the combo of the friends not only quirky but a stupendous mix and I don’t thin anyone but Dahl could have combined it them to the level of success that is achieved within.

Overall a great offering and when the artwork of Quentin Blake is added, one that will be enjoyed a number of times. Definitely worth the hardback price although, personally, I think that some of the shorter offerings should have been combined in a twofer type of value for money title.

7+: Danny Champion of the World - Roald Dahl

Release Date: 02/09/10

BOOK BLURB:

Danny lives with his dad in an old gipsy caravan behind a filling-station. Danny's dad is the best - a wonderful mechanic, a brilliant storyteller and a genius at kites. But, as we all learn as we get older, grown-ups can be complicated creatures, and so it is that one day, when he is nine years old, Danny discovers that his dad has a deep, dark secret. It is a secret that is just about to lead them on a dangerous and thrilling adventure...


REVIEW:

This was perhaps my first Roald Dahl read so is one that will always have a place in my heart with fond memories attached. Whilst it’s not my favourite, that first title that brings you to a new author who will become a childhood friend for a number of years will always have a special place and be one that you can recall what you were doing the first time you read it.

This offering, which unfortunately is now pretty dated, is beautifully written with characters that could just step off the page and appear to the readers imagination. Back that up with a great villain, a bold daring plan and an overall arc that is not only impressive but a standard for others to follow and you’ve got another tale that is worth the price of hardback.

7+: Georges Marvellous Medicine - Roald Dahl

Release Date: 02/09/10

BOOK BLURB:

George's grandma is a grizzly, grumpy, selfish woman with pale brown teeth and a small puckered-up mouth like a dog's bottom. Four times a day she takes a large spoonful of thick brown medicine, but it doesn't seem to do her any good. She's always just as horrid after she's taken it as she was before. So when George is left alone to look after her one morning, it's just the chance he needs...


REVIEW:

I originally read this title a few years ago and enjoyed this book as George, the tales hero, invented a marvellous concoction that did all sorts of magical things.

As usual with Dahl, the tale is beautifully written, the characters something that children can identify with and backed with a sprinkle of the Dahl magic you get a story that will satisfy the young reader. All in a great story and when backed with a hardback finish one that will stand the test of multiple rereads which will most assuredly happen.

7+: The Witches - Roald Dahl

Release Date: 02/09/10

BOOK BLURB:

The Grand High Witch of all the World has gathered together the witches of England for an annual conference at the Hotel Magnificent in Bournemouth. Their agenda is the elimination of all the children in the country and the prospects for their young victims look bleak. But the Grand High Witch and her cronies have reckoned without the spark and ingenuity of a young guest at the hotel and his rather brilliant grandmother...


REVIEW:

Perhaps one of Dahl’s most recognisable books especially as the film stars Anjelica Huston. Beautifully written, Dahl blends magic, folklore and a tale (or tail later in this offering) to entertain the reader for a great many tellings. Ideal material for the young reader or one that can be read together to help encourage the young readers love of books.

I had an absolute blast reacquainting myself with this Dahl offering as well as imagining the fun my nephews will have when it is their turn. Pure Dahl Magic.

7+: The BFG - Roald Dahl

Release Date: 02/09/10

BOOK BLURB:

When Sophie is snatched from her bed in the middle of the night by a giant four times as tall as the tallest human, she thinks she is about to be breakfast. But luckily for Sophie, her giant is the only nice and jumbly giant in Giant Country, and the pair are soon thinking of ways to disappear the BFG's nasty neighbours...


REVIEW:

This I have to say is my absolute favourite Dahl title. Beautifully written with the usual Dahl ingredients as he (the Big Friendly Giant that is) and Sophie save the world’s children from the evil giants and bring the world of dreams to the reader in a new an virtually unseen manner.

Add to the mix Blake’s artwork, the great film accompaniment and the chance for Readers to escape this mundane world for the budgetless one of imagination which demonstrates why Dahl will continue to be a favourite for years to come.

A real joy and with the pure fun of a childhood revisited one that I’ll re-enjoy a number of times with my nephews.

7+: Esio Trot - Roald Dahl

Release Date: 02/09/10

BOOK BLURB:

Mr Hoppy, a retired bachelor, harbours a secret passion for his neighbour, the lovely Mrs Silver. Unfortunately, she lavishes all her affection on another...Alfie, her pet tortoise. Mr Hoppy's wildly ingenious plot to defeat his rival and win the love of his lady will delight and amaze, involving as it does a cryptic riddle and no fewer than a hundred and forty tortoises, large and small.


REVIEW:

Another re-release in hardback from the perennial children’s favourite, where, in this offering, love conquers all. It’s beautifully creative, has some magical moments and with the indomitable artwork by Quentin Blake, you know that it’s definitely a title to treasure.

My only complaint with this book is that it seems a bit short weighing in at a low 60 pages for the price. Whilst Dahl fans will still love this book and want to add it to their collection I do feel a little cheated at its low number and felt that it might have made a nice addition to another tale by the author as a bonus book so to speak which would have felt fairer. Still a great addition to any child’s library and one that will definitely entertain.

7+: The Twits - Roald Dahl

Release Date: 02/09/10

BOOK BLURB:

Mr and Mrs Twit are extremely nasty, so the Muggle-Wump monkeys and the Roly-Poly bird hatch an ingenious plan to give them just the ghastly surprise they deserve.


REVIEW:

This is another of my childhood favourites and one that clearly demonstrates that perhaps no other author has ever had such an insight into children’s minds as that of Roald Dahl. We all may not be the pretty ones or the smartest, but we all have something special about us and we shouldn’t judge others is the message within this title.

It’s a cracking story and one that has remained with many readers since their childhood and will remain with the next generation even longer. A real treat and one that will demand a reread time and again. Definitely something special and one that we really can’t recommend enough.

7+: Matilda - Roald Dahl

Release Date: 02/09/10

BOOK BLURB:

Matilda Wormwood is an extraordinary child with thoroughly ordinary and rather unpleasant parents, who are contemptuous of their daughter's prodigious talents. But underestimating Matilda proves to be a huge mistake, as they, along with her vile headmistress Miss Trunchbull, are soon to discover...


REVIEW:

OK, so this title by a firm children’s favourite was a bit after my time but I have memories of my younger sister getting a lot of pleasure from this book. Due to this (and also having seen the film) I had high hope for this, my first reading of this Roald Dahl title and with the bonus of it being reprinted in Hardback it seems the publishers think that you’ll get a lot out of it as well. So what did I get for my time?

What occurs within is a story that is brought together with the usual Dahl magic. You get wonderful story telling that seems almost effortless, you get great characters, devilishly evil villains and the message that brains, courage and justice prevail.

Add to the mix a great story, some truly memorable magic and a feisty heroine and you know that it’s got all the ingredients for a magical reading experience that demonstrates that even 20 years after his death, why Dahl is a master to set standards by.

5+: Three by the Sea - Mini Grey

Release Date: 30/09/10

BOOK BLURB:

In a house by the sea there happily live a dog, a cat and a mouse. Well, happily enough until a stranger knocks on the door one night, offering them each a special free gift. Who is this mysterious salesman blowing into their little world and turning it upside-down? And can their happy home survive his trouble-making gifts?


REVIEW:

A fun frolic with three unforgettable characters, cat, mouse and dog who prove that an ordinary life, can be something special and that no matter what the argument, friendship is a bond that is far stronger than anger.

It’s fun, the characters are memorable and as a modern fable it’s beautiful. Great fun for any reader and a title that will be requested time and again by the young adult in your life especially when backed with the beautiful accompanying colourful artwork. Definitely an author to watch.