8+: Wanted - Kate Thompson

Release Date: 07/06/12  
BOOK BLURB:  
Marcus is a young baker in Ancient Rome, living with his family in the shadow of the murderous Emperor Littleboots. When a slave boy shoves the reins of a sleek, beautiful horse into Marcus' hands seconds before he is killed by a soldier, Marcus knows he's in danger - because the horse is Incitatus, the Emperor's most prized and powerful animal. Will Marcus find a way to keep Incitatus hidden? Are the rumours of Littleboots' death true - or is it all a trick? And how can Marcus save himself, and his family? This is a fast-paced adventure from the winner of both the Whitbread Children's Book Award and the 2005 "Guardian" Children's Fiction Prize.  

REVIEW:  
Kate is an author that I love to spend time with, she weaves history within her pages, generates a wonderfully addictive tale and for any adult wanting to interest their child in history she is the author that I’d use to introduce them. Here within this book is the tale of a young baker, Marcus who has the reigns of Emperor Caligula’s horse, Incitatus thrust into his hands just before the slave holding him is killed. The book is a wonderful amalgam of mystery, fear and of course brings the period to life through the emotions of all those involved during the mad emperor’s reign. Add to this great use of prose to keep the tale moving within a wonderfully paced tale and whilst short, it’s a cracking addition to any young readers shelf. 
 

8+: Highway Robbery - Kate Thompson, Ill. Jonny Duddle

Release Date: 07/07/11

BOOK BLURB:

'Hold the mare for me, lad. And when I come back I'll give you a golden guinea.'

It's more money than the street urchin has ever dreamt of. But who is the rider, and why is there so much interest in his big black horse? And will the boy ever see the money he has been promised?

There's highway robbery in the air, but it isn't always entirely clear just who is trying to rob who.


REVIEW:

As the old saying goes “A story never loses anything in the telling” and that’s the premise of this tale by Kate Thompson, aimed at the seven year old market.

It’s witty, the protagonist a cunning as well as witty narrator and above all else the story wends it’s way in such a wonderful pace that it wouldn’t have been out of place at the Santon Bridges yearly competition (held at the Bridge Inn.)

Finally, add to the mix the enchanting artwork of Jonny Duddle and it’s a story that’s fanciful play on words will entertain the reader for a long time. I definitely look forward to more of Kate’s work.