Release Date: 24/05/12
BOOK BLURB:
Strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, glowing people appear from nowhere. Worried that Daire's having a breakdown, her mother sends her to stay with the grandmother she's never met, who lives on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico.There Daire crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes. Her grandmother recognizes Daire's episodes for what they are - a call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, a person who can navigate between the living and the dead. Guided by her grandmother, Daire must be quick to learn how to harness her powers, because Dace's brother is an evil shape-shifter, out to steal them. Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and discover whether Dace is the guy she's meant to be with ...or if he's allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy.
REVIEW:
Alyson is an author who knows how to twist the readers emotion within her writing as she brings a love story to the reader that is not only hard to put down but compulsive reading. Here within this title Daire’s love for Dace is not only clear but one that will test the strengths of them both emotionally as well as physically especially when Alyson throws in Cade, Dace’s brother.
It has some great twists, the characters grow emotionally and their connection to the reader strengthens with each passing page. I can’t say I was surprised at how quickly the pages flew by as for me Alyson is an author I have a hard time putting down but by the stories end I was left demanding more which for an author is always a good thing.
Finally throw into the mix a reader left wondering how the series will develop and imagining all sorts of twists and you know damn well that I’ll be one of the first in line for the next tale.
Release Date: 21/10/11
BOOK BLURB:
THE HUNGER GAMES is a global publishing phenomenon and is soon to be a high-octane, big-budget Hollywood box-office hit. With a full author profile and interesting insights into the three-book series and its main themes - from the nature of evil, weaponry, rebellions and surviving the end of the world - this companion guide will give millions of readers the insider information that they've been waiting for since book one! The New York Times bestselling author of THE TWILIGHT COMPANION, Lois Gresh, once again gives fans the fascinating facts behind the fiction.
REVIEW:
Whilst I’ve not had the pleasure of this series, friends of mine who have read them have let me know that I’ve been missing a treat. In addition to this, with the film coming to a cinema near you I felt that in order to get the full impact from the experience that I ought to read this companion, so settling down yesterday, I picked up this book and began reading.
What I read however soon had me wishing that I hadn’t bothered as rather than a companion this felt more like a book that was there to debate not only the philosophy of the authors world but also who was really in the wrong backing up the relevant points with essays. I didn’t want that in a book that is supposed to be a companion and I suspect that it will more than catch a few others out.
All in, I’d advise you to avoid purchasing this title as it won’t add anything to the series let alone encourage your young reader to enjoy the world of books. A great shame to be honest.
Release Date: 05/01/12
BOOK BLURB:
Gorgeous canines of every shape, size and colour are bounding through this irresistible book. Can you choose one dog to love best of all? With playful pencil and watercolour illustrations to delight children and adults alike, everyone will long to bark along with the Chihuahua and tickle the Dalmatian's tummy. This is a wonderfully satisfying book with a twist in the tail.
REVIEW:
I love Emily Gravett, her use of bright colours, wonderful illustrations and a clever choice of words makes her books an instant buy for me as an Uncle. I love her, my nephews love her and most of all she’s an author who always gives you something imaginative as well as creative no matter the subject within. Finally add to this a great sense of pace a story that will amuse as well as fire the imagination and I’ve had many a fun time spending time drawing and colouring different animals with my nephews alongside creating our own version. Great stuff.
Release Date: 05/01/12
BOOK BLURB:
Come for a tour of Noisy Farm with Sam the farm dog! Visit the animals, lift the flaps and join in with the noises. Rod Campbell is at his best in the board book edition of this popular title.
REVIEW:
Rod is one of those author’s whose work not only grabs the imagination of the young reader but also the adult as they take their child on an adventure. He has a wonderful sense of humour, has a lot of fun within and when you add bright colours and hidden surprises within the title it’s something that will be enjoyed time and again. When I read this title to one of my nephew’s he loved joining in and making the sounds within which really enhanced the experience for both of us. Great fun.
Release Date: 05/01/12
BOOK BLURB:
Buster's staying with Grandma on the farm. But where will he find the eggs for breakfast? Not in the stable - oh dear! Young children will love lifting the flaps as they turn the pages and follow Buster around the farm.
REVIEW:
Flaps and wonderful storytelling abound within this title by Rod Campbell that will enthuse the young reader at bed time. Its wonderfully colourful, it gives the young reader what they want and when you add voices alongside actions to your telling, its something that will be requested time and again.
Add to this Rod’s ability to charm as well as amuse the younger reader and it’s a great way to help them get used to the world in which they live alongside having a story to enjoy time and again. Just make sure you buy some clear magic tape to keep the book in great condition after your multiple rereads.
Release Date: 05/01/12
BOOK BLURB:
Jackson Meyer is hiding a secret. He can time-travel. But he doesn't know how he does it, how to control it or what it means. When Jackson, and his girlfriend Holly, find themselves in fatal danger, Jackson panics and catapaults himself two years into his past, further than he's ever managed before, and this time he can't find a way back to the future. All the rules of time-travel he's experienced so far have been broken and Jackson has no choice but to pretend to be his younger self whilst he figures out a solution. Jackson is tearing himself apart with guilt and frustration, wondering if Holly survived. He's also become the target of an unknown enemy force and it seems even his dad is lying to him. Jackson is racing against time to save the girl he loves, but to do that he must first discover the truth about his family and himself. And stay alive.
REVIEW:
I love a debut and when it’s something that plays to my tastes I can really get behind the book to enjoy it for all its worth. What this title does is play with the old concept of time travel and with the added twist that whilst its only minor time to begin with (in Jackson’s case a couple of days) it all goes to pot when the key plotline kicks in and he finds himself transported back two years with no way of getting back.
It’s clever, has a solid plot and with the solid concept and prose, makes this a title that really was a joy to read. Add to this a reasonable attempt at pace (it does get slow in places) and its overall a satisfying debut with a good solid premise for the overall arc. I’ll look forward to seeing what Julie comes up with next.
Release Date: 02/02/12
BOOK BLURB:
There's a commotion in the classroom as Goat and the other animals spend the day at playgroup. The musical instruments and the dressing up box are lots of fun, but oh dear! Goat gets into a muddle or two. Luckily, it's not long before everything is all better.
REVIEW:
Children are a lot of fun and with a nephew who is like Goat in the story (independent and likes to do his own thing) I fell in love with the whole tale as it gave me a laugh as I recalled what his Mum told me about his antics. Its colourful, has a great concept and when you add into the mix that its by Julia Donaldson, it’s a story that will appeal to the young reader as well as the adult for its wonderful sense of whimsy.
Add to this bright colourful art by Nick Sharratt who brings it beautifully to life and overall it was a successful book for me. I really look forward to sharing it with my nephews, in particular the one who reminds me of Goat so much.
Release Date: 02/02/12
BOOK BLURB:
Set in the haunting and barren landscape of a new ice age, After The Snow is the story of fifteen-year-old Willo, a "straggler" kid who loses his family in the opening pages. Completely alone, he is immediately flung into an icy journey of survival, adventure, friendship and self-discovery - with only the dog spirit inside his head to guide him. Meanwhile, across Britain, outlawed followers of survivalist John Blovyn are planning an escape to the fabled Islands talked of in a revolutionary book...
REVIEW:
Stories have to sell themselves with the book jacket to the reader, whether it’s the pretty cover or the cleverly worded jacket text that makes the reader hunger for more it has to deliver on the promise of the premise without leaving the reader feeling cheated.
Sadly this title by SD Crocket is like the old Video’s that talks a good game but has difficulty delivering. The prose didn’t feel apt for the age, the authors use of pace was sadly lacking and whilst the concept was good, it felt that a lot of the content could have been edited to help pick up the arc to keep not only the reader interested but to forego a lot of the unnecessary detail within.
Finally add to this a character that doesn’t stand on their own two feet and unfortunately I felt that this was a tale that fell far short of what it could have been.
Release Date: 03/09/11
BOOK BLURB:
The much-loved classic Christmas poem is brought beautifully to life in this gorgeous new picture book and CD set, sure to bring visions of sugarplums to everyone's head. With dreamy, magical artwork by Eric Puybaret and an audio CD recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary, this is the perfect Christmas present for any child. REVIEW:
When you come up to Christmas there are two stories that make it to the readers pile as a special treat. One is the Charles Dicken’s Christmas Carol, the other is Clement C Moore’s Night Before Christmas which is the young readers title of choice.
This version is wonderfully illustrated with bright colours and quirky illustrations by Eric Puybaret and when you add the vocal talent of Mary Travers (from Peter, Paul and Mary fame) on an accompanying audio CD it’s a title that will be read time and again for quite some time and hopefully become a household Christmas favourite. I really am looking forward to reading this to my nephews when they go to my parents this year.
Release Date:
BOOK BLURB:
Touch the Gruffalo's terrible tusks, feel his knobbly knees and tickle his purple prickles in this bold, eye-catching book with touch-and-feel elements on every page. Part of the exciting new "My First Gruffalo" series, this title features all your favourite characters from the "Deep Dark Wood". The nation's favourite bedtime story made perfect for small paws.
REVIEW:
If like me you’re a fan of the Gruffalo then this title from Pan Macmillan will hit the spot as its updates it with a touch and feel option so that the young reader has things which they will love, from his sticky warty nost, to the smooth furry belly, from the rough teeth to the bubbly knobbly knees.
It’s fun, it will entertain and if you can find the animation on the BBC this year, it will be something that will be demanded more than one time. Finally add to this the wonderful artwork of Axel Scheffler with the cracking storytelling of Julia Donaldson and all in it’s a wonderful product.
Release Date: 01/10/11
BOOK BLURB:
Enroll in Monster High with this fab journal featuring a foil cover and ribbon book mark! All your favorite Monster High characters prompt you to share your dreams, fashion sketches and more, while offering royal beauty secrets, scary-cool inspirations, drop-dead gorgeous fashion tips and even some freaky-fabulous DIY projects!
REVIEW:
Having felt that the last YSH title was a little rushed at the ending I was still looking forward to this one so that I could see the character develop future skills that he would utilise to save Victorian England. As with the other titles in the series it has a cunningly crafted plot, the characters are outstanding and when you add a foe to worry Sherlock’s mentor, its one of the most hair raising adventures for our young hero to date.
Finally add some additional background to a certain housekeeper, a fast moving plot and above all else a title that doesn’t let up from the word go and it’s a book that very much hit the mystery spot to leave us sated as a reader. Great stuff.
Release Date: 07/10/11
BOOK BLURB:
16 years ago, Waverly and Kieran were the first children born in space. Now a perfect couple, they are the pride and joy of the whole spaceship. They represent the future. The ship is their entire world. They have never seen a stranger before. Old Earth is crumbling, and the crew is hoping to reach (and colonise) New Earth within fifty years. Along with their allies on the second spaceship - who set off a year before them and whom they have never met. One day, Kieran proposes to Waverly. That same morning, the 'allies' attack - and Kieran and Waverly are separated in the cruellest way possible. Will they ever see each other again?
REVIEW:
A different type of Science Fiction novel for Teens and one that is a great way to introduce them to the adult world of the genre. This story is cleverly plotted, the characters within cracking and have a realistic flair that allows the reader to sympathise as well as link with them which when added to the authors writing style generates a title that is not only hard to put down but one that can be enjoyed by a great many.
Add to this a wonderful set up for the whole series with a whole chain of events that will lead you to wonder if there is any hope for mankind and for me it’s a delightful debut and one that I hope I can continue to enjoy as Amy develops as a writer.
Release Date: 07/10/11
BOOK BLURB:
"PARP!" Pssst! Do you know the story about Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603) and the -- er -- farting courtier? One day, when bowing low to Her Majesty, the Earl of Oxford couldn't help but break wind. The poor man felt SO embarrassed, that he left the court -- and some say the country -- for SEVEN years. Upon his return, after such a long absence, the first thing Good Queen Bess said on seeing him was, "Lord, I had forgot the fart!"
REVIEW:
To be honest with you, we love books full of weird facts from history and whilst our usual tastes are met by books like Horrible Histories we gave this book by Philip a go as we thought that it would contain more of the same sort of thing. Whilst it is fun, parts of it are unsubstantiated and we like the bits that have basis on reality as well as having the information for the common man.
I’m not saying it isn’t decent or a fun book but when you own a large number of other historical fun facts, a lot the information within has already been printed in those titles. A great shame to be honest but if you don’t have any others, it’s a great way to pick up fun facts for going out and about and helping to breath life into the past with your young reader.
Release Date: 07/10/11
BOOK BLURB:
It's nearly Cedric the dragon's bedtime -- there's just time for his mum to read him his favourite book. Unfortunately for her, Cedric likes the story so much that he wants to hear it again ...and again ...and again ...with incendiary consequences! A typically clever and quite irresistable book from a star talent.
REVIEW:
Apart from Julia Donaldson, one author that I aways keep an eye out for is Emily Gravett, I love her sense of whimsy and the wonderful illustrations that back her style of storytelling as well as enjoying reading the titles time and again to my nephews who find something new to enjoy with each reading.
Add to this bright colours, full of movement illustrations as well as some wonderful twists and the reader really will get a blast (literally looking at the back cover) from this title as it goes to show that patience has its own virtues. Magical.
Release Date: 07/10/11
BOOK BLURB:
The Gruffalo's Child returns with her very own song to introduce a truly monster musical session! As well as being the UK's most successful picture book author and the 2011-2013 Children's Laureate, Julia Donaldson is a gifted songwriter for children. This volume contains nine of her best-loved songs, including The Gruffalo's Child, Nut Tree and The World Inside a Book, as well as a number of other fun-filled action songs, all of which have been wonderfully illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Each score includes piano accompaniment and guitar chords. The songs will be familiar to anyone who has heard them on TV or radio, or enjoyed one of Julia's hugely popular live performances. Now everyone can sing along!
REVIEW:
Coming from a musical background I’ve always wondered if some children’s books have a tune to accompany them, here, in this title by Julia Donaldson, she brings her other talent for music to the fore giving the reader a set of wonderful tunes with which to sing along and entertain at the same time as reading the story.
All in a lot of fun and a book that I know my nephews are going to love, especially when they get to bang their toy drums in time to me playing the guitar to give them the full experience. Great fun all in although you may have to look up some of the chord patterns. Other than that add to this a CD with the tracks upon them as performed by Julia and the reader really will have a lot of fun joining in.
Release Date: 07/10/11
BOOK BLURB:
Belladonna Johnson has got used to having parents who are ghosts, and most of the time they're just like other parents. The only problem is, no one can see them but her. When someone catches her having a conversation with thin air, Belladonna is carted off to a foster family. But all is not as it seems - there's something very weird about her new guardians, and something even weirder about their house. Soon Belladonna and her friend Steve are forced to go on another mission to the shadowy underworld - facing more than one bloodthirsty mythical beast along the way . . .
REVIEW:
Having read and loved the first Belladonna story I really couldn’t wait to see what Helen would come up with next, what arrived with this book was a story that readers will love, it has a great lead character and one that demonstrates positive traits that help the character make her way through the current set of problems. Add to this a deeper story arc that shows that Helen has a whole host of deeper issues for Belladonna to work her way through and it’s a series that will be a deep joy to unravel with each passing title.
Lots of fun, great characters and when you and decent prose and pace which when backed with the authors own identifiable writing style makes this a series that’s hard to put down.
Release Date: 02/09/11
BOOK BLURB:
On Muddle Mountain you can learn to ski and skate, and whizz down the slopes on your sledge or snowboard too. Children will love using the sparkly magnets to create their very own winter wonderland, and with lots to spot on every page they’ll be kept busy for hours! Read the story and do the activities, or use the magnets to invent your own snowy stories. Comes complete with a handy magnet storage compartment, a carry-handle and clasp!
REVIEW:
When you’re trying to get a young child to enjoy a book, you’ll find yourself doing all sorts of things to help make it entertaining such as putting on voices or even pointing to parts of the picture. What this title by Ag Jatkowska does is allow you to take storytelling to a whole new level as you can place the magnets in different places so that it’s a new experience every time. It also allows the adult to make up their own story to help extend playtime.
It is clever, it has a lot of scope for adaptation and it is an item that really will pay for itself in entertainment value alone. All in a lot of fun and something that I think a lot of children will enjoy.
Release Date: 02/09/11
BOOK BLURB:
Once upon a time, a spell went very wrong – and Joe Jefferson found himself transported to Muddle Earth, where the wizards are mad, the pink stinky hogs are stinky, and the jokes are truly terrible. Now, two years later, Muddle Earth needs him back. But even with his Wellies of Power, Woolly Gloves of Determination and a saucepan on his head, can Joe Jefferson really defeat the terrifying spectre of evil that threatens to destroy Muddle Earth?
Get prepared for another epic battle between the forces of good, evil and everything in between!
REVIEW:
As a huge fan of the Gruffalo, I was really excited when I heard about this edition coming out from the publisher. As such it allowed me to help spread the fun and joy with my nephews who loved the chance to play with the magnets as well as listening to the story. It’s colourful, it has great phrases as well as easy to pick up with wonderful artwork by Axel Scheffler. Add to this the sheer entertainment of magnets and it’s a story that will be asked for time and again. Great stuff.
Release Date: 02/09/11
BOOK BLURB:
Join the Gruffalo's Child as she meets Mouse and all your favourite characters from the Deep Dark Wood in this amazing magnetic book! Contains over 60 magnets, a special mini edition of the bestselling story, plus play scenes and exciting activities, including Build a Snow Gruffalo and the Gruffalo's Child Quiz! With a neat clasp and sturdy handle, you can take the fun with you wherever you go!
REVIEW:
As a huge fan of the Gruffalo, I was really excited when I heard about this edition coming out from the publisher. As such it allowed me to help spread the fun and joy with my nephews who loved the chance to play with the magnets as well as listening to the story. It’s colourful, it has great phrases as well as easy to pick up with wonderful artwork by Axel Scheffler. Add to this the sheer entertainment of magnets and it’s a story that will be asked for time and again. Great stuff.
Release Date: 24/05/12
