The Best Children's Book Picks April 2023 - US Post - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

Skye Melki-Wenger - The Deadlands: Hunted - Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (April 4, 2023). - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250827692 - Hardback - Age: 8+ 

Wings of Fire meets Jurassic Park in this action-adventure middle-grade debut series by Skye Melki-Wegner about five outcasts―and former enemies―who are the only hope to save their warring kingdoms from impending doom.

The battle rages between the dinosaur kingdoms of Cretacea.

When the Fallen Star struck, it brought death and despair, ash and toxic rain. But some dinosaurs survived . . . and were changed. Their minds grew alert. They learned to speak. To dream. To wage war.

As the two remaining dinosaur kingdoms fight for territory, Eleri, the disgraced son of a prince, is exiled from his home for saving an enemy soldier. Banished to the merciless Deadlands, a terrifying desert full of tar pits, poisonous gas, and ruthless carnivores, he must join forces with a group of questionable allies―including the enemy soldier he saved―to avoid becoming prey.

When Eleri and his fellow exiles discover the horrific truth behind the war, the unlikely heroes must do all they can to save their kingdoms from a lurking predator. . . and a secret plot that might destroy them all.

Jonathan Stroud - Notorious Scarlett and Browne - Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers (April 25, 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593430408 - Hardback - Age: 9+ 

The now notorious outlaws Scarlett and Browne are back in their second death-defying adventure—and this time it’s not just their own lives on the line. . . .

Albert and Scarlett are a formidable pair. With his ability to read minds and her way with a weapon, no bank can keep them out and no jail can keep them in.
     But their notoriety may have spread a bit too far. Now old enemies from Scarlett’s past and a sinister new threat from Albert’s world are boxing them in—and holding their friends hostage.
     To win their freedom, the outlaws Scarlett and Browne are charged with pulling off an impossible mission.
     And the clock is ticking . . .

Fans of Jonathan Stroud's The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne won't want to miss their next adventure.

Gavriel Savit  - Come See the Fair - Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers (April 11, 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593378663 - Hardback - Age: 8+

An unforgettable story of magic, mediums, and séances set during the Chicago World’s Fair from the author of the National Book Award finalist The Way Back.

Twelve-year-old orphan Eva Root travels the country pretending to channel spirits at séances. Her audiences swear their loved ones have spoken to them from beyond the grave. This, of course, is impossible.

But one day, Eva experiences another impossibility: she hears a voice in her head telling her to come to the World’s Fair in Chicago. There, she meets a mysterious magician who needs her help to bring magic to life. But as their work progresses, Eva begins to suspect that the project's goals may not be as noble as they seem. And when tragedy strikes, Eva will have to reach beyond death itself to unravel the mystery of the magician's plan—before it’s too late. 

From the author of the National Book Award finalist The Way Back comes a story of what to do when you get burned by the magic you’ve been looking for all your life.

“Gavriel Savit is an alchemist. Fusing history and magic with the shimmering ghost light of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, he has conjured a perfect potion of adventure and suspense. 

Matthew J. Kirby - Star Splitter - Published by Dutton Books for Young Readers (April 25, 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0735231665 - Hardback - Age: 11+

Survival and self-determination collide in this haunting, pulse-pounding science fiction novel from Edgar Award–winning author Matthew J. Kirby that spans both space and time.

2199. Deep-space exploration is a reality and teleportation is routine. But this time something seems to have gone very, very wrong. Seventeen-year-old Jessica Mathers wakes up in a lander that’s crashed onto the surface of Carver 1061c, a desolate, post-extinction planet fourteen light-years from Earth. The planet she was supposed to be viewing from a ship orbiting far above.

The corridors of the empty lander are covered in bloody hand prints; the machines are silent and dark. And outside, in the alien dirt, there are fresh graves carefully marked with names she doesn’t recognize. Now Jessica must unravel the mystery of the destruction all around her—and the questionable intentions of a familiar stranger.

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Children's Book Picks UK - April 2023

 

Lee Newbery (Author), Laura Catalán (Illustrator) - The First Shadowdragon (The Last Firefox) - Published by Puffin (27 April 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0241628560 - Paperback - Age: 7+

All legends start somewhere . . .

After defeating the evil Grendilock and saving Cadno, the last firefox, Charlie Challinor is looking forward to a well-earned rest. But when a familiar face appears from the realm of Fargone, Charlie's family is once again swept up into adventure.

Along with Lippy, Roo and new magical friend Blodyn, Charlie must travel to Fargone to face the dreaded Draig, the shadowy monster that is slowly draining the life from the land - and uncover the lost secret that links Draig's history to Charlie's own . . .

Justyn Edwards - The Great Fox Heist (The Great Fox Books) - Published by Walker Books (6 April 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1529501957 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

The stakes are high in this fast-paced mystery adventure starring young magician Flick Lions. The second book in the Great Fox series.
How well do you really know someone...?

Flick is a magician who needs answers. Her father is still missing, and top illusionist the Great Fox doesn't seem interested in finding him, despite his promises. Meanwhile, she and her friend Charlie must represent the Great Fox in a new competition in the Swiss town of Linth. The Global Order of Magic is electing a new chancellor, and the Fox insists that if he wins, it will help – but Flick isn't so sure. Determined to solve the mystery of her father's disappearance and of The Bell System, his greatest and most mysterious magic trick, Flick must pull off an impossible diamond heist to win. But danger lurks around every corner, and nothing is what it seems.

Jess Butterworth (Author), Rob Biddulph (Illustrator) - Lost on Gibbon Island - Published by Orion Children's Books (13 April 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1510110328 - Paperback - Age: 8+

The Last Bear meets The Life of Pi in this adventure-filled survival story set on a lush Cambodian island! Meet 12-year-old Lark, who finds herself ship-wrecked with no one but a baby gibbon for company. Can she survive storms, lack of food and jelly-fish infested waters and find her way home?

'If you're reading this, hopefully you've come to rescue me. My name is Lark Taylor, and I've been shipwrecked on an island. The last mainland I was on was Cambodia, miles and miles away from home...'

When Lark's mum takes her family with her on a research trip to Cambodia, Lark never expects that she'll end up stranded on a deserted island! But that's exactly what happens when her boat is shipwrecked.

With her only companion a baby gibbon, Lark faces many dangers - brutal storms, scorching sunshine and jellyfish-infested waters. And with dwindling food and water, she must make a plan to find her way off the island before it's too late...

Formatted as Lark's diary with lined journal pages, gorgeous design details and a special map of Gibbon Island by Rob Biddulph, this is a gorgeous survival story that will have you on the edge of your seat.

David O'Connell (Author) Seb Burnett (Illustrator) - The Smidgens United - Published by Bloomsbury Children's Books (13 April 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1526640604 - Paperback - Age: 7 

The third book in David O'Connell's funny and magical series about tiny people having ENORMOUS adventures! Perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett, Max and the Millions and The Borrowers

The final battle to save the Smidgens has begun! In order to defeat the evil Claudia Slymark and her ghosts once and for all, Gafferty and her friends must reunite the three Smidgen clans, and stop anyone piecing back together the legendary Mirror of Trokanis. The race is on to find the remaining fragment. Will Gafferty save the day?

Liz Flanagan (Author), Joe Todd-Stanton (Illustrator) - Wildsmith: City of Secrets (The Wildsmith) - Published by UCLan Publishing (6 April 2023) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1915235077 - Paperback - Age: 7

Rowan starts to embrace her gifts as a magical Wildsmith who heals and speaks to animals. But saving a young pegasus brings difficult decisions. Danger comes closer than ever, threatening her family and even Rowan’s own life. When she is betrayed, which friends can she trust? With her family divided and war still raging, where does Rowan belong now?

Daniel Dockery - Wendington Jones and the Missing Tree - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

We have a big theme on the blog this year as we're shouting about all the fantastic debut children's authors that have books coming out in 2023. Daniel Dockery has written plenty of gripping TV scripts for some of our well-loved soaps e.g. Hollyoaks and Coronation Street but the question is can he deliver a hit with his first book? Wendington Jones and the Missing Tree is due to be published on the 6th April 2023 by UCLan Publishing. The book cover illustration has been fantastically produced by Marco Guadalupi and really reflects the story inside.  

The story starts off rather sad and very reflective as the main character, Wendington Jones, mourns her mother's death. Unfortunately, her adventuring mother dies in a car crash in the late 1920s. This tragic accident sets the scene for a very fast-paced start as Wendington receives a mystery parcel in the middle of the night. As a result, she finds herself undertaking a global adventure to find the legendary Tree of Life. Wendington is a remarkable character who has many roles: a daughter, friend, and traveller. She is clever, inquisitive, witty, and, multi-talented: twice Latin scholar, adequate horse rider, and the second-best fencer in three countries. However, she's going to need every ounce of these skills to solve her mother's mystery. 

After the fast-paced start, the story slows down a little which gives you time to settle into the story. The journey enables you to float along a fantastic and surreal plot that has a different feel from other books in this genre. You get to think about what is happening and allow all the actions and consequences to be absorbed. I really loved this as it enabled me to become fully immersed in the world.

Another strong point of the book was the ending - I really did not expect it. It felt unusual and really made me reflect on the adventure I'd just been on. So, if you are ready to flex your detective skills, fly into peril, stop a boat from exploding, and explore the theme of immortality then this might just be the read you're looking for. Expect drama, bloodshed, and sugar bombs as you meet a truly extraordinary character. She will certainly stay with me for some time. This story is a brilliant titanic read that does not sink.  

Yvonne Banham - The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie - Author Interview (Q&A) - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

Hello Everybody. It's time to walk this way to read our second interview. This week we are delighted to introduce Yvonne Banham who is showcasing her debut children's book. The dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie is a gothic escapade that will be published by Firefly Press in April 2023. The book looks and sounds fabulous - I already have it on my purchase list. If you need any more encouragement then read our little interview to find out more about the book and the author. In the meantime, if you have any questions please leave them in the comments section below. You can pre-order copies of this book at Firefly Press using this link Order Book HERE. 

• The book cover is brilliant as it says so much about the story. What can you tell us about the plot that might entice new readers to give it a go? 

I LOVE the cover. Nathan Collins’ vision of Delores is spot on. The story opens as Delores is being chased home by a restless spirit These spirits crave Delores’ energy to help them return from the dead. They’re not like ordinary ghosts (simply memories stuck on repeat), these spirits know they’re dead and they’re not happy about it! So, Delores is sent to the mysterious Uncles in Edinburgh Old Town to learn to control her paranormal gifts, but a sinister apparition appears and threatens the lives of her strange new housemates. Can Delores Mackenzie really push back the dead? Read on to find out! If you like Jonathan Stroud, Phil Hicks or Frances Hardinge, you might enjoy this too!

• How much of your personality is featured in the different characters? 

Delores and Prudence have a lot of traits stolen from my daughters (though I’ll never say which is which!)  Delores’ love of gothic fiction, her hatred of coriander and the word lobule are all me, as well as a fair bit of Prudence’s sarcasm sorry to say! 

• Tolbooth Book Store is full of curious surprises, what surprises did you find when writing this book?

 I’m not a planner so there were LOTS of surprises. When I started, I didn’t know about the Uncles, or the little demon gargoyle Bartleby, or how unintentionally funny Prudence would be, I didn’t even know the ending. The biggest surprise was Prudence’s secret and I loved going back and weaving that through the plot.

• What do you think makes a really effective dark mystery and do you think you have achieved this in your debut book? 

Maintaining the tension is crucial, but also having resting spots so the reader isn’t overwhelmed by the dark; include lighter characters such as Katy Starr (great fun to write!), grumpy Bartleby, or Sweet-Shop Esme. Mix the clues amongst lots of twists and turns and tap into things that genuinely scare you. Use those feelings to keep the story dark. I hope I’ve achieved that tricky balance, but really that’s for the readers to decide.

• How much has your story changed since the first draft? 

I’m always going back over sections as I write, so I don’t have as many full drafts as most writers. The biggest changes came when I started to thread new ideas through the existing plot to give a more satisfying ending. I also got to add a scene at the end which in hindsight was crucial to the shape of the story. Delores’ world is also much now more richly curated, and I love doing that part. If I had to put a number on it, I’d say 80% of it is from the really proper, fully worked first draft. 

• If you could have a dangerous gift what would it be and why?

 I LOVE that question. I think I’d choose shapeshifting but as shapeshifters are basically outlaws, I’d need to make sure not to get caught. As I’m sometimes late, being able to fly everywhere would be amazing – and just image what you’d see from the sky! Or I’d be a cat next to a log fire when I wanted to just lie there and create spooky plots in my head.

• What has inspired you the most to write a book for children? 

I read lots of books for children and young adults. I love the plots, the characters and the worlds. When I write, that’s where my head’s at and that’s how my own stories come out. My biggest inspiration is Frances Hardinge. Her books show how far you can push the boundaries in children’s fiction and that subject fascinates me. She never patronises her readers in terms of plot, character, dialogue or levels of creepiness.

• What would you like people to know about you?

 I write dark stuff and adore dark stories, but I also love an uncontrollable, unstoppable belly-laugh. You feel amazing after! 

• What are some of the common traps for new writers as they pursue their dreams of getting their book published?

 Trying to guess the trends or following what’s popular. By the time you’ve written yours, the publishing world will have moved on. And sending stuff out too soon; join a writing community, get some feedback, let your story rest a while and come back to it. That story gets one chance to make an impression so make it count. 

• What and where is the spookiest place you've ever been to? 

The Blair Street Vaults under Edinburgh Old Town. SUPER creepy. There’s supposedly the ghost of a young boy down there. I didn’t see him, but other people say they have. It has a peculiar atmosphere and one of the rooms had a very odd kind of dark. It features in the book; go there, I dare you! I want to visit the Covenanter’s Jail in Greyfriars Kirkyard but so far, I’m too scared to go in! It supposedly has the most active poltergeist in all of Edinburgh and that’s up against some pretty steep competition!