Publisher: Chicken House - Clucking New Summer Reads 2013

                                   

Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams - BK 6 - Terminal - 2nd May 2013 - 11+
In this sixth and concluding book of the Tunnels series, the Styx and their cohorts of deadly Armagi have swept across England, leaving death and devastation in their wake. It seems nothing can stop them now. Only a miracle can save the day and, in the inner world at the centre of the earth, Will and Elliott might just have stumbled upon one as they uncover ancient secrets that are fundamental to al human and Styx life.     
      

Rachel Ward - The Drowning - 2nd May 2013 - 14+
What happens if you've done something terrible? But you can't remember what. And you don't know how to put it right ... When Carl opens his eyes on the banks of a lake, his brother is being zipped into a body bag. What happened in the water? He can't remember And when he glimpses a beautiful girl he thinks he recognises, she runs away.Suddenly he knows he must find her - because together they must face the truth before it drowns them.
                                         

Sam Hepburn - Chasing The Dark - 6th June 2013 - 11+
Joe's mum is dead. Killed in a hit-and-run car crash, along with someone he's never heard of. Angry and alone, Joe takes his dog for a late night walk. He finds himself at the gates of an empty mansion: a house of glass belonging to an old movie star. And it's here that Joe unlocks the dangerous mystery of what happened that night ..
        

Dan Smith - My Friend The Enemy - 4th July 2013 - 9+
Summer, 1941. For Peter, the war is a long way away, being fought by a faceless enemy, marching across places he's never seen. Unil the night it comes to him. A German plane is shot down over the woods that his Dad looked after, before he went off to fight. Peter rushes to the crash site to find something exciting to keep. But what he finds instead is someone: a young and injured German airman. The enemy. Here. And in trouble. Suddenly, helping him seems like the right thing to do.

William Hussey - Haunted - Book Reveal - Published by OUP

Mr Ripley's Book Cover Wars contender, this year! What do we think, people?

-Illustrated by the phenomenally talented Rohan Eason whose previous credits include his brilliant, atmospheric work on The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, it reflects the dark fairy tale vibe of a story in which a young girl must overcome her grief to battle the spectral forces that are threatening her town. The cover shows our hero, Emma Rhodes, approaching the derelict (and quite possibly haunted) Sparrow House: the former residence of a mass murderer, the Victorian ruin now harbours a mysterious newcomer to the cursed town of Milton Lake.

As Emma approaches so the spirits of the ‘unmade’ swarm around her. It is a bold, stark design which, we hope, will catch the eye and stir the imagination. It hints at the tone of the book – mystery, intrigue, spookiness galore and more than a few heart-stopping surprises – but also leaves much to the imagination…

Here’s a look at the full book design. On the back you can see the fabled ‘Ghost Machine’ telephone discharging its ectoplasmic, spirit-forming energy onto the page. This then forms into those shadowy characters that threaten Emma Rhodes. Book cover Images taken from: http://www.williamhussey.co.uk/

SHORTLISTS FOR 2013 CILIP CARNEGIE AND KATE GREENAWAY MEDALS

                                                     

About the CILIP Carnegie Medal

The Carnegie Medal, awarded annually, was established in 1936, in memory of the Scottish-born philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie (1835 - 1919). A self-made industrialist who made his fortune in steel in the USA, Carnegie's experience of using a library as a child led him to resolve that "If ever wealth came to me that it should be used to establish free libraries." He set up more than 2,800 libraries across the English speaking world and, by the time of his death, over half the library authorities in Great Britain had Carnegie libraries.

About the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal

The Kate Greenaway Medal was established in 1955, for distinguished illustration in a book for children. Named after the popular nineteenth century artist known for her beautiful children's illustrations and designs, the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal is awarded annually for an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people.

The CILIP Carnegie Medal 2013 shortlist in full:

• The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan, Bloomsbury
• A Greyhound of a Girl by Roddy Doyle, Marion Lloyd Books
• Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner, Hot Key Books
• In Darkness by Nick Lake, Bloomsbury
• Wonder by R.J. Palacio, Bodley Head
• Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick, Indigo
• A Boy and a Bear in a Boat by Dave Shelton, David Fickling Books
• Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein, Electric Monkey

The CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2013 shortlist in full:

• Lunchtime by Rebecca Cobb, Macmillan Children's Books
• Again! by Emily Gravett, Macmillan Children's Books
• Oh No, George! by Chris Haughton, Walker Books
• I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen, Walker Books
• Pirates 'n' Pistols by Chris Mould, Hodder Children's Books
• King Jack and the Dragon by Helen Oxenbury (illustrator) and Peter Bently (author), Puffin Books
• Black Dog by Levi Pinfold, Templar Publishing
• Just Ducks! by Salvatore Rubbino (illustrator) and Nicola Davies (author), Walker Books

The winners for both the CILIP Carnegie Medal and the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal will be announced on Wednesday 19^th June 2013 at an afternoon ceremony at the Natural History Museum in London. The winners will each receive £500 worth of books to donate to their local library and the coveted golden medals. Since 2000, the winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal has also been awarded the £5,000 Colin Mears Award cash prize.

Book Review: Seven Wonders: The Clossus Rises - By Peter Lerangis

                                    

Peter is the author of over 160 books. Some of his recent books from The 39 Clues have been listed in the New York Times Bestselling Series.  However, this is the first book that has been published as part of a new series of seven books and will be published in the next two years or so. 

Jack McKinley's normal life has just ended. Rushed into hospital he is told that he only has six months to live. However, when he awakes he finds himself on a mysterious island. A secret organisation promises to save his life, but on one condition. Jack and his new found friends Cass, Ally and Marco need to retrieve seven magical objects that, only when combined together, keep them alive. They need to work together on a mission, they have no choice but to undertake the quest. Solving clues and working out the mysteries to the secret locations they find themselves weaving through lost civilisations and mythology.

One of the books hidden strengths is the cast of great characters. You will bond with each one as you follow them through their adventures - battling the consequences of their genetic disorder which enhances their unearthly powers. This aspect of the story reveals many emotions and teenage angst, giving it both a human and realistic quality that I liked. The book also delivers a timely and humorous nature to the story which is played out in a fun way and will have you chuckling along at various points. 

This is a great introduction to the series - an epic fantasy, which is fuelled by high-octane action and great imagination. It will fuel the minds of both the young and old. An immersive book that will be an instant hit with reluctant readers. It's a book in my opinion that is hard to put down unless you have to do so. Well depicted, it is set in a breathtaking fantastical setting, with sparks of both magic and danger around every corner. It finishes on a real nail biter with a hive of film-like quality sequences that will leave you wanting more. 

If this sounds like your kind of book or you need a little more persuading to read it, then check out the book series website. You will also be able to read and download a free prequel ebook (Seven Wonders journals) and lots of other cool things. Just follow this link HERE

  

Book Review: Liesel Schwarz - A Conspiracy Of Alchemist - Book Review

                                               

On a recent trip to Paris, I visited my favourite Parisian bookshop, Shakespeare & Company, situated in the breath-taking region of Notre Dame Cathedral. It was an especially welcomed visit on a particularly cold and rainy day. This was the first book that I selected fron the vast shelves of books. The cracking book cover first drew me in. However, it soon turned out to be a book that I particularly liked the sound of. Interestingly, the book begins in Paris in 1903 - that'sfate if you ask me! It will come as no surprise that I really needed to read this book during my wonderful stay. 

This is the first book in The Chronicles of Light and Shadow series. It is a brilliant debut book that encompasses so many fantastic elements into one book. It is based around a nineteenth century gothic setting which is particularly mesmerising to read. It has so much distinctive details that it will take your breath away. The fantastic steampunk elements are set in the golden age of steam with spark reactors powering nearly everything from airships to the coffee machine on the Orient Express. 

The Light and Shadow realms are weaved into the real world - spirited fairies mingling with the Nightwalkers. This brings a much needed supernatural element to the book that will give readers a lot of enjoyment. Blood-thirsty in nature, they roam the dark hours of the night and walk openly among the unsuspecting populace reeking havoc.

The mysterious Mr March is a human Warlock who lives for centuries. However, he showed no particular magical powers throughout the book and, in my opinion, needed perhaps a little bit more spark to do the role justice. The Alchemists on the other hand were great fun to read about as they plotted to unleash a magical apocalypse.  Stylishly written in a particularly imaginative and creative way they really add to the story. 

Elle Chance is the main character - she shares her perspectives and feelings throughout the story. She creates an inner glow that is radiated through every page and leaves you feeling very content. She's a particularly feisty female in charge of her own business - a small flight freight service. However, one day, a cargo that was supposed to be delivered sends her life through a changing set of events. These prove to be pretty spectacular events that hold some punchy twists and turns.

The books attention to detail really makes it stand out and makes for a fantastic reading experience. The only thing that perhaps let this book down was the romantic liaison between the two lead characters. It got a little too much towards the end of the book. I would have preferred to have seen a different approach as it spoilt it a little bit. Nevertheless, this book is a fantastic read full of surprises. As part of a series, I hope that the next book will deliver another eclectic mix of all things good. 

Published February 7th 2013 by Del Rey

News: Shortlist for Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2013

          

The shortlist for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, created to reward and champion new and emerging talent in children’s writing has been announced. Now in its ninth year, the Prize consists of three categories: picture books; fiction for ages 5-12; and teen books, to reflect the breadth of quality in children’s books. Six books will compete within each category to be crowned category winner, with the three category winners then vying for the overall title of Waterstones Children’s Book of the Year 2013.

Picture Books:

• Lunchtime by Rebecca Cobb (Macmillan Children’s Books)
• Rabbityness by Jo Empson (Child’s Play)
• Oh No George! by Chris Haughton (Walker)
• The Worst Princess by Anna Kemp & Sara Ogilvie (Simon & Schuster)
• The Journey Home by Frann Preston-Gannon (Pavilion Children’s Books)
• Can You See Sassoon? by Sam Usher (Little Tiger Press)

Fiction 5-12

• The Wolf Princess by Cathryn Constable (Chicken House)
• Atticus Claw Breaks the Law by Jennifer Gray (Faber and Faber)
• Wonder by R.J. Palacio (Random House Children’s Books)
• The Secret Hen House Theatre by Helen Peters (Nosy Crow)
• The Chronicles of Egg: Deadweather and Sunrise by Geoff Rodkey (Puffin)
• Barry Loser: I Am Not A Loser by Jim Smith (Egmont)

Teen

• Seraphina by Rachel Hartman (Random House Children’s Books)
• Skin Deep by Laura Jarratt (Egmont)
• Insignia by S.J. Kincaid (Hot Key Books)
• Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (Bloomsbury Children’s)
• Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher (Indigo)
• Geekhood: Close Encounters of the Girl Kind by Andy Robb (Little Tiger Press)

The Waterstones Children’s Book Prize is unique in that it is voted for by booksellers across the country. Final judging is currently underway.

The winners will be announced on Thursday 21st March. The winner of each category will receive £2,000 with the overall winner picking up an additional £3,000.

Andy Briggs - The New Adventures Of Tarzan: The Savage Lands - Book Review

                                               
We are now swinging into the third instalment featuring the world's first eco-warrior, Tarzan. The Savage Lands is Andy's latest explosive adventure which sees Tarzan being brought back to life within a modern day setting. Tarzan will be a hot topic this year as he is celebrating his 100th birthday and an animated Tarzan movie (by Constantin) is due to hit the UK at the end of the summer. Therefore, there is no better read in which to get you into the mood of Tarzan and his fascinating life.

In this epic book we see Lord Greystoke arriving at the logger's camp which is found deep in the Congo. Hoping to track down his elusive long-lost cousin Tarzan, he will stop at nothing to eliminate the potential of him inheriting the Greystoke legacy. However, Lord Greystoke also has other things on his mind, which become much clearer later on in the story.

Andy was a great choice of author to write this series of books. He has a fantastic style in which he writes descriptive and realistic settings. Upon reading, you feel like you're actually in the jungle looking down from a massive tree and watching all the action that is going on first hand. It's Andy's personal jungle vision that he shares with us through words, but like no other author does.

It would appear that his involvement in writing movie projects such as Freddy Vs Jason has perhaps, in my mind, given him the experience to pack a book with a lot of screen-like action. Travelling through this high-octane journey you will visit the sprawling ancient city of Opar. It feels like something straight from the movie set of Raiders of the Lost Ark. The evil insane Queen La is an absolute joy to read. She is a seriously twisted and dark-to-the-core female character. I loved her role in the book; I really wanted to read more.

This book finishes with a breathtakingly action-packed finale, which will definitely take a little bit of time to sink in. I really loved reading the Savage Lands. In my humble opinion, this is the best book in the series, so far. This is another fantastic read -  hopefully there's a lot more to come.

Published By Faber and Faber (7 Feb 2013)

++++ New Children's Book Picks March 2013 - Post Two UK ++++

                                        
This is post two as there are so many great books out to read in March.
There might even be a third post, so keep your eyes peeled for more. 

Will Hill - Department 19: Battle Lines - Published By HarperCollins Children's - 28th, March 2013

Dracula is on the verge of coming into his full power. Department 19 is on the back foot. Ladies and gentlemen: welcome to war. The stakes? Mankind’s very survival…

As the clock ticks remorselessly towards Zero Hour and the return of Dracula, the devastated remnants of Department 19 try to hold back the rising darkness.

Jamie Carpenter is training new recruits, trying to prepare them for a fight that appears increasingly futile. Kate Randall is pouring her grief into trying to plug the Department's final leaks, as Matt Browning races against time to find a cure for vampirism. And on the other side of the world, Larissa Kinley has found a place she feels at home, yet where she makes a startling discovery.

                                      

Dan Wells - Fragment (Partials) - Published By HarperCollins Children's - 28th, March 2013

Fighting to stop a war that could destroy everyone alive…
Kira Walker nearly died searching for the RM cure, but the battle for survival is only just beginning. The genetically-engineered Partials are inextricably bound to a greater plan that could save both races and give Kira the answers she desperately seeks.
Venturing deep into the wasteland, Kira’s only allies are an unhinged drifter and two Partials who betrayed her yet saved her life – the only ones who know her secret. Back on Long Island, what’s left of humanity is gearing up for war. But their greatest enemy may be one they didn’t even know existed.
It is the eleventh hour of humanity’s time on earth; this journey may be their last.

                                
Claire McFall - Ferryman - Published By Templar Publishing - 1st, March 2013
When teenager Dylan pulls herself free from a train wreck and emerges onto an almost deserted Scottish hillside, she believes she is the only survivor. Seeing the figure of a boy on the bank she enlists his help. But Tristan is no ordinary passerby, and Dylan soon learns that instead of being the only survivor of the wreck, she is in fact the only fatality. And, Tristan is no normal teenage boy - he is her ferryman tasked with guiding her through the wasteland to her afterlife. As the pair journey further together through the dangerous wraith-infested wasteland, they fall deeply in love. When they reach the other side, Tristan promises to cross over with Dylan, but when she steps across the threshold and turns back, he is not there. Confronted with life without Tristan, Dylan vows to find him, but that means traversing the dangerous wasteland without a guide - A truly moving, epic love story, that's exciting, scary, funny, thought-provoking and truly original.
                         

                                    
Mark King - Frenzy - Published By - Book Guild Ltd - 28th, March 2013
Daniel leads a peaceful life with his family until he finds out a repulsive secret about the Over-seers, the saviours of humanity , and his security is blown to smithereens. He enters a world where death is the only certainty and quickly learns to kill or be killed. Enter Gwendolyn, with the charm of a snake and a bite that s twice as dangerous. People skills aren t her thing but she knows how to survive in a post-apocalyptic world; she s a hotshot with a bow and arrow and can rustle up a mean rat soup. Mary is the only person left alive over forty. She s not too good at fighting but she knows where to find the one thing that could save their lives; the golden shield. Only Mary can remember life before the invasion, before humanity was brainwashed into following the procedures. Pursued by the Over-seers, the Triclops and the barbaric hunters, can the three brave rebels triumph in their quest for the golden shield? The odds are stacked against them hold tight for a white-knuckle ride through a landscape of devastation!

                                       
Philip Reeve - Goblins Vs Dwarves - Published by Marion Lloyd Books - 4th March 2013
Another fantastically exciting novel set in a land of magic from the award-winning Philip Reeve. The heroes of GOBLINS continue their adventures outside the walls of Clovenstone castle. Awaiting Skarper and Henwyn are powerful dark forces that must be vanquished, monstrous creatures to be fought, and astonishing mysteries to be solved.

Sharon Gosling - The Diamond Thief - Book Review - Published By Curios Fox

Today for review is one of the first books to be published by Curious Fox. This is a new imprint offering young readers, of all ages, creative and jaw-droppingly enjoyable books. These books promise to take readers on a journey of new adventures and experiences. Therefore, with this statement in mind, can these books deliver that promise or not?

With curiosity stated as a focus of the publishing company, The Diamond Thief by Sharon Gosling is my first opportunity to test the waters. Overall, the production of the book sparkles to match the title. It shines out to the potential reader through the very attractive book cover. However, is the content equivalent to a shiny gem or a bit of rusty old copper in need of a polish? 

The start of the book is particularly good - it wastes no time in setting up the murky waters of the Thames and the smoky hard times of Victorian London. Sharon has the great ability to paint a picture for you to visualise.

Remy is the main protagonist in the book; she is fantastically written and very likeable. Plucky in spirit, she is portrayed very well by making the reader want the best for her. As a result, we are treated to some interesting twists and turns, and some fantastic reading moments.

At points in the book you are hit with little steampunk elements. Whilst the great action scenes will have you lapping up the pages. The introduction of the mysterious Professor and his amazing lab certainly starts to get the ball rolling. In fact one of my favourite scenes involves the Professor and his gas pistol. The idea of the micro transmitting/tracking device that he uses not only creates a great effect, but is also really cool! 

From this point on the book goes into overdrive - making for a more gripping and imaginative read. Abernathy's plotted scheme comes to light. The underground chambers and an array of crazy metal monsters are well thought out. Although they could have perhaps had a little bit more focus at times. Nevertheless, the story still weaves its magic on the reader and will leave you wanting more.

Sadly, I have encountered just a couple of issues with the story. Firstly, I felt that in some places the author took a slightly safe route. For example one of the characters is trapped and suddenly develops a magical and mysterious ability out of nowhere. Interestingly, the character is able to help them escape in the nick of time. Finally, the relationship between Rémy and another leading character, Thaddeus Rec, was also an issue for me. I think the author managed to focus on this too much at the end of the book, and it just became too overpowering for me. I felt that it stole, what could have been, a really brilliant ending.

I really enjoyed reading this book and actually didn't want to stop reading it in order to go to work. It has shiny amounts of storyline and a sparkle of creative ideas which are full of promise. The ending perhaps needs a little bit of polish. However, this author is certainly one to watch in the future.

Published By Curios Fox, 14 February 2013 - ISBN-13: 978-1782020134

++++ New Children's Book Picks March 2013 - Post One UK ++++

                                                   
Kate Kae Myers - The Vanishing Game - Published By Bloomsbury - 3, March 2013
The Vanishing Game Seventeen-year-old Jocelyn follows clues apparently from her dead twin, Jack, in and around Seale House, the terrifying foster home where they once lived, and with help from childhood friend Noah she begins to uncover the truth about Jack's death and the company that employed him and Noah. 

            
Derek Landy - Tanith Low in the Maleficent Seven - Published By HarperCollins - 28, March 2103

A brilliant, hilarious one-off novel in the Skulduggery Pleasant universe, from number-one-bestselling author Derek Landy

This time, the bad guys take the stage.

Tanith Low, now possessed by a remnant, recruits a gang of villains – many of whom will be familiar from previous Skulduggery adventures – in order to track down and steal the four God-Killer level weapons that could hurt Darquesse when she eventually emerges. Also on the trail of the weapons is a secret group of Sanctuary sorcerers, and doing his best to keep up and keep Tanith alive is one Mister Ghastly Bespoke.

When the villains around her are lying and scheming and plotting, Tanith needs to stay two steps ahead of her teammates and her enemies. After all, she's got her own double-crosses to plan – and she’s a villain herself…

                                        
Andrew Beasley - The Claws of Evil (The Battle of Ben Kingdom) - Published By Usbourne Publishing - 1, March 2013
Welcome to Victorian London; the home of the Artful Dodger, Sherlock Holmes...and Ben Kingdom, cocky street urchin - and the saviour of mankind. Unknown to mere mortals, an ancient battle is being waged across the city. Below the streets lurk the Legion, an evil gang of miscreants and criminals in league with the monstrous Feathered Men - determined to unleash Hell on the streets of London. Above the city's rooftops soar the Watchers, a ragtag band of orphans, mystics and spies, dedicated to protecting the vulnerable and guarding London against evil. Only Ben can put an end to this war - the only problem is, he doesn't know which side to choose. 

                                          
Simmons Kristen - Breaking Point (Article 5) - Published By Tor Teen - 13, March 2013
After faking their deaths to escape from prison, Ember Miller and Chase Jennings have only one goal: to lay low until the Federal Bureau of Reformation forgets they ever existed. Near-celebrities now for the increasingly sensationalized tales of their struggles with the government, Ember and Chase are recognized and taken in by the Resistance - an underground organization working to systematically take down the government. At headquarters, all eyes are on the sniper, an anonymous assassin taking out FBR soldiers one by one. Rumours are flying about the sniper's true identity, and Ember and Chase welcome the diversion...Until the government posts its most-wanted list, and their number one suspect is Ember herself. Orders are shoot to kill, and soldiers are cleared to fire on suspicion alone. Suddenly Ember can't even step onto the street without fear of being recognized, and "laying low" is a joke. Even members of the Resistance are starting to look at her sideways. With Chase urging her to run, Ember must decide: Go into hiding...or fight back?                          

Julia Golding - Young Knights of the Round Table - Book Trailer

            

Looking forward to reading this, book cover and trailer are fantastic.                                           

HUMANS ARE THE ENEMY! 

That's what Rick's been taught to believe by the Fey Folk who stole him. Taken to the magical realm of Avalon, he's been trained, alongside other kids like him, into an elite force of warriors. 

When rumours start that a new generation of knights are re-forming the Round Table to attack Avalon, the Fey entrust Rick with a mission: go to Earth, find the knights, and stop them. 

Simple, right? 

Well, not exactly . . . No training could prepare him for the shock of being a modern teenager. And when he discovers that the Fey have been lying to him, Rick has to ask: if humans aren't the enemy-who is?

 Published by OUP Oxford (April 2013)

Mr Ripley's New Picks: For February 2013 - US Published Books

                                             

Patrick Carman - Pulse - Published By Katherine Tegen Books - 26 February 2013 - Age 13+

In the year 2051, who has a pulse?

With the help of her mysterious classmate Dylan Gilmore, Faith Daniels discovers that she can move objects with her mind. This telekinetic ability is called a "pulse," and Dylan has the talent, too.

In riveting action scenes, Faith demonstrates her ability to use her pulse against a group of telekinesis masters who are so powerful they can flatten their enemies by uprooting streetlights, throwing boulders, and changing the course of a hurtling hammer so that it becomes a deadly weapon. But even with her unusual talent, the mind—and the heart—can be difficult to control. If Faith wants to join forces with Dylan and save the world, she'll have to harness the power of 

both.

                                       

                                      

Elsie Chapman - Dualed - Published By Random House -  26 February 2013 - Age 13+

The city of Kersh is a safe haven, but the price of safety is high. Everyone has a genetic Alternate—a twin raised by another family—and citizens must prove their worth by eliminating their Alts before their twentieth birthday. Survival means advanced schooling, a good job, marriage—life.

Fifteen-year-old West Grayer has trained as a fighter, preparing for the day when her assignment arrives and she will have one month to hunt down and kill her Alt. But then a tragic misstep shakes West’s confidence. Stricken with grief and guilt, she’s no longer certain that she’s the best version of herself, the version worthy of a future. If she is to have any chance of winning, she must stop running not only from her Alt, but also from love . . . though both have the power to destroy her.

                                               

                                        

Jesse Karp - What We Become - Published By Harcourt Children's Books -  26 February 2013 - 12+

Two years ago, teenagers Mal and Laura destroyed a corporate empire intent on controlling human thinking through technology. For a while, life was good. But now a new force has arisen: the Old Man. He's hungry for power and he knows who holds the key to getting it: Mal. Mal needs his beloved Laura's help to defeat the Old Man, but is he willing to risk her life in another battle to save humanity? What We Become combines mind-bending thrills with the hot immediacy of corporate greed. It will leave readers wondering who is really in control...

                                   
Kevin Emerson - The Fellowship for Alien Detection - Published By Waldon Press - 26 February 2013  - 9+
Haley and Dodger don't have much in common. Haley lives in Greenhaven, Connecticut; Dodger lives in Port Salmon, Washington. Haley has a family who loves and supports her; Dodger can't seem to ever get his dad's approval. Haley is well adjusted and passionate; Dodger hears strange voices in his head. But they both want something: a new map, a path away from home - or, perhaps, a path toward it.

Of course, this was all before they heard about the missing people, the untraceable radio signals, the unexplained phenomena. Before they both became the first recipients of a summer research grant from a certain mysterious foundation. Before they discovered that their fledgling theories about extraterrestrial life were all too accurate.

Now Haley and Dodger are the only ones who can figure out what is happening in towns across America, who can give voice to the people whispering "alien abduction." At the very least, they're both going to have the most eventful summer vacations of anyone they know.

Book Review: David O'Connell - Monster and Chips

                                 

Somewhere in suburbia, or maybe smack-bang in the middle of your city, there is a very special diner. What’s so special about it? Well it does the best chips ANYWHERE but also its customers are a little bit ‘unusual’… some people say they are monsters… The diner is hard to find, you have to look carefully, in fact some people say only a special kind of kid can find this special kind of diner. But maybe that kid could be you?

When Joe the ‘hooman’ gets a job at Fuzzby’s diner, he learns to bake zombie-cupcakes, exploding milkshakes and not to stare at the customers – even the ones who are see-through. He also foils a terrible plan to sabotage the annual Grand Cooking Competition.

Many thanks to David O'Connell for sending this image from the book.

All you need to brighten up your day is a little yellow book with a green monster on the cover and a little boy proudly holding up a plate of chips. You just know that when you turn to the very first page that everything is going to be fine and dandy. 

This is the first of a three book series which David has both written and illustrated. As soon as I started to read and interact with all of the cartoon-like illustrations, I was hooked. A small smile began to creep across my face. By the end of the book, it was a huge grin!

This is a great read for both the young and old. It's a chuckle a minute read that delves into the crazy and wacky tale of the Monster Diner. It's full of gastronomic delights for you to rustle up in your kitchen to feed your pet monster. However, the core of the story leaves you with a warm fuzzy glow. 

Fuzzyby, the chef, of the Monster Diner is a large as life character. He's the monsters answer to Jamie Oliver for sure. Although, hopefully, you won't find any of his recipes at your child's school as they definitely wouldn't be impressed!

This book serves up a great dollop of imagination and some great sketches too. This is a very enjoyable read - I'm sure that you will all agree. Roll on the next one please. Hmmm . . . time for a portion of chips I think!

Published by HarperCollins - 28 Feb 2013