Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Favourite Children's Book Picks - JULY 2025 UK

 

Pil Van Martin - The Spick and the Span - Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books (31 July 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008724788 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

Imaginative, magical, wildly funny, and with a truly unique world, The Spick and the Span is an extraordinary, exciting fantasy middle grade adventure – perfect for fans of Jessica Townsend's Nevermoor, Jonathan Stroud's Lockwood and Co, Diana Wynne Jones' Howl's Moving Castle, and Terry Pratchett's Discworld.

Thanks to many generations of careless magicians, the city of Helm is overflowing with magic, which has made it a very dangerous place to live. Leave anything alone for too long and it will transform into something else: your house will turn to gingerbread, your teapot will start pouring pond water or – if you're really unlucky – your floor will turn to lava.

The magicians liked to pretend it’s them who keep the worst magical hiccups in check, but the real heroes of the whole sorry situation are of a wholly different occupation: equally well known but decidedly less respected.

The heroes of the city of Helm are the cleaners.

Ward, an ambitious twelve-year-old cleaner, wants nothing more than to belong to the League of Cleaners, who will grant him the prestige and popularity he's been looking for all his life – if only he can pass three near-impossible tests. Struggling toward this goal with a team he doesn't trust, Ward's world is upended when his friend disappears and mysterious magic-eating monsters appear all over the city and start tearing holes in the fabric of reality. Suddenly his ambitions are the least of his problems…

Hugely funny and exciting, and with an incredibly imaginative, original story, The Spick and the Span is the unmissable fantasy middle grade debut of 2025 – you'll never look at magic the same way again…

Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick - The Museum of Lost Umbrellas - Published by Faber & Faber (31 July 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0571385720 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

Discover a magical island where the houses grant you wishes and the alleyways are secret portals . . .
Faber is proud to launch a show-stopping debut fantasy middle-grade series, The Cloud Witch Chronicles, from award-winning Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick!

When Dilly arrives on the island of Ollipest, she is unsure what to expect from her new life . . . She certainly doesn't expect to find magic!

Until now, the magic of Ollipest Island has been a well-kept secret. Then the Museum of Lost Umbrellas opens after many years of closure . . .

And when the museum attracts some unsavoury anti-magic outsiders, Dilly must unlock her ancestral powers to help keep the island safe.

A dazzling, epic adventure where witches fly with umbrellas, magical dogs walk out of the sea and pet parrots suddenly become humans. This will keep readers on their edge of the seats and leave them desperate for the next instalment.

Ross MacKenzie - The Uninvited - Published Andersen Press (31 July 2025)  - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1839133176 - Paperback - Age: 10+ 

When the Faerie folk flee their world and come to ours, running from the nightmare of war, nobody in the everyday knows what to do. So they are locked away.

Thirteen-year-old Samm Wolfback lives in Glass Forest, a sprawling Faerae refugee camp in England. Life in Glass Forest is hard, poisoned by disease and crime and poverty. But Samm has a unique gift that lines his pockets – he can find lost things.
When Samm is thrust into the centre of a plot to escape Glass Forest and return home, he must use his gifts to unearth two treasures lost in the everyday: a relic that will end the war back in Faerae; and the only person with the power to reopen the door between worlds – the Locksmith. The task will take Samm to dark places filled with danger, from a grimly enchanted circus of nightmares to a museum housing a murderous exhibit, and he will have to use all of his skills to stay alive.
Meanwhile, in the human world, a kidnapped boy with a dark secret begins to realise that he might hold the key to the Faerae folks’ fate. Before all is said and done, destiny’s web will entangle him with Samm and send them spinning towards a showdown with the great evil that lurks in the world beyond the door.

Bali Rai - Escape From Amritsar - Bloomsbury Education (3 July 2025) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1801997720 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

Amritsar, India, 1919. A city on the brink of violence, as tensions between the local people and the British colonial rulers explode.

12-year-old Arjan Singh learns that his father has been falsely charged with serious crimes. But there has been a terrible massacre in the city, as British troops fired on unarmed Indians, and the city is under curfew. Anger and fear have left the population seething and danger lurks around every corner.

Arjan sets out on a perilous mission to save his father, in the face of armed troops, martial curfew, and vicious local bandits. Can he escape and get to his father before it's too late?

Jenny Pearson - SHRAPNEL BOY'S - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Shrapnel Boys, by Jenny Pearson, is a historical fiction novel set in London during 1939.  The story follows Ronnie Smith, a young boy both thrilled and terrified by the onset of World War II.  While excited by the nightly bomb raids and the morning's shrapnel collecting with his friends, Ronnie also faces battles closer to home. His little brother is mixed up with a secret job and dangerous new friends, leading Ronnie into a situation that could alter the course of the war.

Pearson, known for her humorous children's books, takes a more serious turn with this novel while retaining her signature wit and heart.  The narrative is praised for its fast-paced and compelling portrayal of the realities of war through the eyes of children. The book has received positive reviews, with comparisons drawn to Robert Westall's *The Machine Gunners* for its depiction of brave children in wartime.  Pearson’s experience as a primary school teacher shines through in her authentic characterisations and understanding of children's perspectives.  

Published to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, *Shrapnel Boys* promises an action-packed and thought-provoking read for young audiences, bringing history to life with accuracy and sensitivity, having been reviewed by the Imperial War Museum. 

Pacy, memorable and a Second World War novel to read in your life time. Get your piece of SHRAPNEL now and give it a read.  Published by Usborne this May 2025. 

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Iszi Lawrence - The Cursed Tomb - Book Review

If you’re ready to dive into a whirlwind of curses, myths, and the magnificent mysteries of ancient Egypt, then buckle up! Iszi Lawrence’s -The Cursed Tomb, takes readers on an exhilarating ride through 1249 BCE, where the only thing more curious than the pharaohs is the eleven-year-old heroine, Henut. 

Skeptical of everything, even the gods—talk about a mood! Henut's world is shattered when a mysterious break-in at her home ignites a series of events that feels like something straight out of a treasure-hunting adventure film. Cue unsettling dreams and a shadowy figure that seems to be on a mission of its own. Will she really venture into the legendary tombs of the Valley of Kings? Well, she might not have a choice, and that’s where the fun begins!

Lawrence crafts a narrative that's not just a thrilling dangerous quest but also rich with authentic historical details. From the rule of the mighty Pharaoh Rameses II to the enchanting practices of mummification, readers will find themselves immersed in the sights and sounds of ancient Egypt. It’s like stepping into a time machine, but with less risk of getting mummified!

Fans of Emma Carroll and *Horrible Histories* will absolutely adore this gem. The humour, the heroism, and the highs and lows of Henut’s adventure combine to create a story that's both educational and  entertaining. So, whether you’re a young reader or just a young-at-heart history buff, grab your copies of *The Cursed Tomb*. It’s a page-turner that will have you racing through the sands of time, dodging curses, and cheering for Henut all the way to the final page. 

Overall, *The Cursed Tomb* is a delightful thriller that embraces the spirit of adventure and the power of belief, reminding us that sometimes, facing the unknown can lead to the most magical experiences. Don’t miss it! 

Published by Bloomsbury Education (30 Jan. 2025)

M. G. Leonard (Author), Manuel Šumberac (Illustrator) - Hunt for the Golden Scarab (Time Keys, 1) - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

M.G. Leonard's latest offering, Hunt for the Golden Scarab, is the first book in a new series called Time Keys. The book will be published late January 2025 by Macmillan Children's Books. It has been amazingly illustrated by the super talented artist Manuel Šumberac with black and white illustrations. 

The narrative is a delightful and immersive journey through time that masterfully intertwines music, adventure, and the rich history of Ancient Egypt. As part of her new series, the author invites readers to explore the enchanting idea that music can unlock doors to different epochs, making it a key and the idea for time travel.

At the heart of the story is twelve-year-old Sim Lockier, a relatable and spirited protagonist who, along with his friends, is on a quest to uncover the secrets of Nefertiti’s lost tomb. The excitement builds as he fights against the sinister Council, who wish to control the mystical powers that can open time doors. The author's vivid descriptions transport readers to the Valley of the Kings, where the ancient past springs to life through well-researched details and magical plot moments. Sir John Soane's connection with the book had me hooked. I would have loved to have seen him feature more but, hopefully, the connection will continue through the rest of the series. 

The author's passion for music and history shines through her writing. Her background in the arts adds depth and authenticity, making the adventures feel both educational and entertaining. The narrative is steeped with a sense of wonder, encouraging readers to appreciate the present while exploring the mysteries of the past.

In Hunt for the Golden Scarab, M.G. Leonard has created a tale that is not just about adventure, but also about friendship, courage, and the power of curiosity. It's a perfect read for young adventurers and history buffs alike, leaving them eagerly anticipating the next installment of the Time Keys series. Highly entertaining and very much recommended!

The Best Children's Book Picks OCTOBER 2024 - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Welcome to Mr. Ripley’s Enchanted Books, where we believe that every child deserves a great story! As we dive into October 2024, we’ve curated a delightful selection of children’s book picks that cater to every taste and age group. Join us as we explore these enchanting reads that are sure to captivate young and old hearts and minds!

Garth Nix - We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-Year-Old Overlord - Published by Hot Key Books (15 Oct. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1471417351 - Paperback - Age: 9+

From master storyteller Garth Nix, the chilling story of a strange object that falls into the wrong hands and has the potential to destroy the world. Perfect for fans of STRANGER THINGS and Neil Gaiman.

It's not fair. Kim's always lived in the shadow of his younger sister, Eila - which is not how it's supposed to be. Eila is a prodigy, and everyone talks about how smart she is but, in Kim's eyes, she has no common sense.

One day Kim and Eila are walking in the woods, and Eila finds an enigmatic, otherworldly object. Kim thinks it's bad news . . . but Eila begins to commune with it. Kim has every reason to be worried, because soon Eila is able to control the minds of everyone around her - in ways she says is the best for everyone.

Ruta Sepetys & Steve Sheinkin - The Bletchley Riddle - Published by Rock the Boat (10 Oct. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0861549023 - Paperback - Age: 8+

A thrilling middle-grade historical adventure from bestselling authors Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Remember, you are bound by the Official Secrets Act... 

It is the summer of 1940. The world is at war. These days, you don’t know who you can trust or who might be a secret spy…

Maths whizz Jakob Novis has been recruited to the secret codebreaking center at Bletchley Park. As Jakob works to crack the Nazi’s Enigma cipher, his younger sister Lizzie is busy on an undercover mission of her own: to find their mother.

Filled with codes to decipher and mysteries to unravel, this is the unputdownable historical adventure that will have you on the edge of your seats.

Guy Bass (Author), Alessia Trunfio (Illustrator)  - SCRAP: The Good, the Bad and the Rusty - Published by Little Tiger (3 Oct. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1788956932 - Paperback - Age: 7+ 

I’m not going to pretend life had been easy up until then. But when we got to the Elsewhere? That was somewhere else. It was in the Elsewhere that things got weird… 

After surviving a brutal attack by Mayor Highshine, Scrap, Paige and Gnat head into the wild Elsewhere in search of the Pink-Footed Goose, the rocket ship they hope can get them off-world. The place is fraught with danger, but they discover Mooch, a nomadic wandering town inhabited by robots who have rejected Highshine’s views. 

Welcomed aboard Mooch by the Marshall Wired Bill, Gnat and Scrap instantly feel at home. However, Paige is haunted by visions of ghostly humans, including her mother, whom she’s convinced is guiding them to the landing site of the Pink-Footed Goose. But nothing in the Elsewhere is quite as it seems, and as the trio pushes on with their mission, they make a discovery that will rock them to the core… 

Susan Cahill - The World between the Rain - Published by  Everything with Words (24 Oct. 2024) ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1911427315 - Paperback - Age: 9 

It's the week before Halloween and Marina is about to turn thirteen. Her father died a year ago. Her mother has strangely fallen asleep and no one can wake her. She is sent to live with her mysterious grandmother who tells her that you can enter a strange world between the ever-falling rain in the west of Ireland. Marina enters a haunting watery world full of strange creatures, demons, gods and dreammakers. Meanwhile, in our world, a strange sleeping sickness has taken over. Will Marina be back in time? Can she survive?

The Best Children's Book Picks SEPTEMBER 2024 - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Philip Reeve - Mortal Engines: Thunder City - Published by Scholastic (26 Sept. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0702335471 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

An epic, thrilling, action-packed city-eat-city adventure starring brave fighter Tamzin Pook, who must travel from the spectator sport combat arena in Margate to the Thunder City, where a chilling, ruthless villain has seized power. She will face Revenants - animal/machine hybrids with ferocious appetites - dangerous mercenaries and must learn to trust a group of oddballs whose eccentricities mask their huge hearts and steadfast courage.

Lindsay Galvin - The Great Phoenix of London - Published by ‎Chicken House (12 Sept. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1915026972 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

An exciting new middle-grade historical adventure from the bestselling author of Darwin's Dragons.

London, 1666

When fire breaks out, eleven-year-old Gil is separated from his family in the chaos. One of his few remaining possessions is a mysterious ball of rock that fell from the sky.

As he races to beat the inferno spreading across the city, neither he, nor his new friend Jennet, has any idea that the stone in his satchel is an unhatched bird of myth and fire. And that there are some who will stop at nothing to get their hands on a legendary phoenix . . .

Helena Duggan - The Light Thieves and the Terrifying Dawn - Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd (12 Sept. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1474991124 - Paperback - Age: 8 

The third and final action-packed eco-techno-adventure in The Light Thieves series from Helena Duggan, bestselling author of A Place Called Perfect.

People know that the sun is being stolen by tech-billionaire Howard Hansom, who's been spinning everyone a massive lie.
The only person who can stop him from plunging the world into darkness is the mysterious White Rose. She must keep her identity a secret, so she's been sending out coded letters hoping good people will find them and work out what's going on. Young heroes, Grian, Shelli and Jeffrey have been deciphering her letters and are close to solving all the puzzles. But they need one more set of clues to help them in their quest. 
Can they find the White Rose before it's too late?

Anne Fine - ON THE WALL - Published by Old Barn (5 Sept. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1910646991 - Paperback - Age: 9+ 

Can you find happiness anywhere? Anywhere at all?

Amid the chaos of breaktime, Finley Tandy sits peacefully on the wall. Mr Goodhew, watching from the staffroom, is in awe of the boy's gift for stillness, and his seemingly cast-iron happiness. But tranquility may be catching. Because gradually everyone in the school comes to appreciate what Finley's long silences can offer. Even Juliet finds answers to her crushing worries when she's close to Finley, up on the wall.

A warm and witty novel, with a lot to say about the value of silence and self-acceptance, this new young teen story from Anne Fine is the perfect 'transition read' for those approaching the new challenges and joys of the first year of secondary school.

Liz Hyder (Author), Tom de Freston (Illustrator) - The Twelve - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Strap in readers for a mind-bending journey through time with Liz Hyder's thrilling new book. "The Twelve" will be published in hardback by Pushkin Children's Books this coming October (2024). It has been illustrated throughout by Tom de Freston, and I expect it to be a marvel just like the book cover which gives an excellent insight into the story. 

"Someone is sneaking around in my bedroom". Dark shapes start to grip the reader's fantasy imagination from the very first page of this compelling story. As the Winter Solstice casts an ethereal glow over the land, siblings Kit and Libby venture towards a mysterious white tower to unlock a prophecy that transcends the boundaries of time. But when Libby vanishes into the depths of history, Kit is left to navigate a world where her sister has been erased from existence itself.

 Kit teams up with the enigmatic character, Story, to unravel the secrets behind Libby's disappearance. Together, they travel a landscape steeped in ancient folklore. They encounter dangers and a past that challenges the harmful damage to the planet that has been caused by the human race. Their very understanding of reality changes beyond belief. As they confront personal and political responsibilities as well as the true power of love and family, their friendship emerges as a beacon of hope in a world teetering on the edge of chaos and earthly magic. 

"The Twelve" is a mesmerising and thought-provoking narrative that will captivate readers. Prepare to be spellbound by this brilliant story of loss, resilience, and the enduring quest for truth in a universe where anything is possible. This is one of the best books showing ways to enlighten the plight of nature and friendship that will shape many readers to come. This is definitely going to be one of my favourite books of the year. Make sure you seek this dazzling exploration into fantasy, buy this book, and give it a read. You will not be disappointed! 

The Best Children's/Kids Book Picks JUNE 2024 UK Post - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Welcome everybody to our June 2024 edition of children's book picks! As we enter the summertime, we are delighted to present a curated selection of enchanting and captivating stories that will spark the imagination of young readers. Join us on a literary adventure as we explore magical lands, brave heroes, and heartwarming tales that are sure to inspire and delight children and adults of all ages. Let's dive into our handpicked selection of must-read children's books for June! What are you looking forward to reading this month? 

A. D. Downton - The Cavern Under the Lake - Published by A.D. Downton (11 Jun. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1068661600 - Paperback - Age: 9+

 

The best explorers speak of a power in nature. Not everyone can see it, not everyone can feel it, but it’s there, and it’s dying...

Seeing is believing. That was the world as Levi understood it. But when a young boy goes missing around a mysterious frozen lake, the lone cartographer gets drawn to the edge of a hidden world. A world of stubborn townsfolk, ruthless industry and a stream that never freezes.

Meanwhile, the missing boy, Sigmund, attends a journey of his own. At the hands of a frozen Viking come to life, Sigmund is shown the power of his ancestral inheritance. But that power is fading, and the terrible mark of frostbite is closing in.

The age of exploration is still very much alive in the 1800s, but Levi and Sigmund must both put their convictions aside if their Arctic world stands any hope of surviving…

A.D. Downton’s clean-fiction debut novel is aimed to bridge the gap between Adventure and Christian fiction, whilst keeping its key theme of caring for the natural world at its core. Its omniscient nature, mixed with its cinematic scene-setting and dialogue, creates a historical fantasy universe that children, teens and adults can all feel a part of.

An inspiring and uplifting low-stakes fantasy novel suitable for those who enjoyed such adventures as The Last Bear or The Chronicles of Narnia.

Patrick Gallagher - Transcendent - Published by Orion Children's Books (6 Jun. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1510112421 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

JOIN THE TEAM. SAVE THE WORLD. Twin geniuses Jacob and Kira are recruited to take part in a high-tech mission to protect the planet ... but will their dreams of adventure come true, or is the threat too great to handle?

Jacob and Kira live in the heart of Mbale, Uganda with their conservationist mother and navigate life as unsuspecting geniuses; Kira with hopes to explore outside the hot terrains of Uganda, and conspiracy theorist Jacob, whose fear often holds him back from the answers he so desperately wants to uncover.

But when they discover that someone has been watching their every move in the hopes of enlisting them in a top-secret agency called Transcendent, their lives are turned upside down.

Soon the twins are hurtled from the luscious landscapes of Mbale, to the sleek streets of London, where - alongside other selected protegees - they must undertake three rigorous trials, each more difficult than the last, to be accepted into Transcendent. If they are successful, they will be launched into space to complete a high-stakes mission to fight the greatest threat the world has ever seen.

Only, the twins soon realise they have more to contend with than they bargained for ... is there a more sinister reason they have been chosen?

Two kids, one top-secret agency and an epic mission to save the world. 

Clare Povey - The Wednesdays: Journey TO Fantome Island - Published by Usborne Publishing (6 Jun. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1803708089 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

Are you brave enough to join the Wanderdays in their first thrilling adventure? They're off on an edge-of-your-seat underwater quest to find out what's really happening on the secret Fantome Island. 

Meet Flo and Joseph Wanderday.

Their mum is one of the world's greatest explorers, but she's gone missing on her latest expedition. When a mysterious stranger appears, they discover the sinister reason for Mum's trip.

This was no ordinary expedition and Mum was trying to uncover crimes committed by Sir Frederick Titan, a much-loved TV presenter who claims to be a protector of the natural world.

Flo, Joseph and their friends Funmi and Isaac find a map and follow clues taking them to a secret island to save Mum and expose Titan's fishy plans...

An exciting watery adventure packed with brilliant baddies, bravery, friendship and real passion for protecting the natural world.

Lucy Strange (Author), Julia Moscardo (Illustrator) - The River Spirit - Published by Barrington Stoke (6 Jun. 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1800903258 - Paperback - Age: 9+ 

Trapped within the oppresive warrens of the city’s chimneys, young sweeper Tom longs for fresh air and freedom in this atmospheric and ghostly tale from Lucy Strange.

Young chimney sweep Tom has started seeing strange, supernatural things – fairies in the flowers by the river, a soot monster crouching in the darkness of a chimney, and then the mysterious river spirit Elle. Elle joins Tom and the other children apprenticed to cruel master sweep Mister Crow. Together, they shimmy up the town's narrow, filthy chimneys. But Tom has an ominous feeling in his bones, and when he faces his most dangerous job of all, the reason for Elle's magical appearance becomes clear . . .

Yu Pei-Yun (Author), Zhou Jian-Xin (Illustrator) translated by Lin King - THE BOY FROM CLEARWATER: BK 2

 

 

‎Beautiful and Artful Graphic Novel Published by Levine Querido (May 7, 2024) in Paperback and Hardback. 

An accessible, timely account of Taiwan’s struggles for democracy and human rights as experienced through a personal lens.

After his imprisonment in Green Island, Kun-lin struggles to pick up where he left off ten years earlier. He reconnects with his childhood crush Kimiko and finds work as an editor, jumping from publisher to publisher until finally settling at an advertising company. But when manhua publishing becomes a victim of censorship, and many of his friends lose their jobs, Kun-lin takes matters into his own hands. He starts a children’s magazine, Prince, for a group of unemployed artists and his old inmates who cannot find work anywhere else. Kun-lin’s life finally seems to be looking up... but how long will this last?

Forty years later, Kun-lin serves as a volunteer at the White Terror Memorial Park, promoting human rights education. There, he meets Yu Pei-Yun, a young college professor who provides him with an opportunity to reminisce on his past and how he picked himself up after grappling with bankruptcy and depression. With the end of martial law, Kun-lin and other former New-Lifers felt compelled to mobilize to rehabilitate fellow White Terror victims, forcing him to face his past head-on. While navigating his changing homeland, he must conciliate all parts of himself – the victim and the savior, the patriot and the rebel, a father to the future generation and a son to the old Taiwan – before he can bury the ghosts of his past.

About the Author

Yu Pei-yun graduated from the Department of Foreign Language, National Taiwan University and holds a doctoral degree in Human Science from Ochanomizu University, Japan. Currently teaching at the Graduate Institute of Children's Literature at National Taitung University, she is devoted to the studies of Children's Literature and Culture. Yu also writes, translates, critiques, curates exhibitions about and plans the publication of children's literature.

Zhou Jian-xin holds a master's degree from the Graduate Institute of Plastic Arts, Taipei National University of the Arts and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Children's Literature at National Taitung University.

Lin King is a writer and translator from Taipei, Taiwan. Her work has appeared in publications including Boston Review, Joyland, Asymptote, and Columbia Journal, and has won the PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers. She translates from Mandarin Chinese and Japanese to English, and her translation of Yang Shuang-zi's Taiwan Travelogue is forthcoming from Graywolf Press.

The Best Children's Book Picks MAY 2024 UK Post - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

Alastair Chisholm - I Am Wolf - Published by Nosy Crow (9 May 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1839945311 - Paperback - Age: 9+ 

Coll is Wolf.

He lives with his clan on a Construct, a huge technological "creature" driven by the clan's combined willpower. Together they roam their world, fighting other clans and absorbing them into their own.

But when a new and dangerous Construct attacks them, Coll is thrown clear from Wolf and left behind. Now he must survive life on ground and get back to his clan. He is helped by Rieka, a "Tock" who makes the Constructs work. She promises Coll a way to return, but can she be trusted? And what is she really trying to do...?

When Coll uncovers the truth, it destroys everything he thought he knew about his clan, the world they live in, and even himself. In a world full of danger, and suddenly without meaning, can he find a way back?

Jennifer Bell - Magicalia: Race of Wonders - Published by Walker Books (2 May 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1529506143 - Paperback - Age: 7+

From the internationally bestselling author of Wonderscapeand The Uncommoners, comes a spectacular new fantasy series for 9+ set in a world of magical creatures, ancient meteorites and secret organizations, irresistible to fans of Pokémon, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

FEEL THE MAGIC. CONJURE THE IMPOSSIBLE.

When her dad is kidnapped by a woman with a giant hamstoceros, Bitsy and best friend Kosh are swept into a secret world of ancient meteorites and strange beasts called magicores, each conjured using a different emotion. Using a powerful bestiary called Magicalia, the friends must quickly become conjurors themselves, before following a trail of clues that will take them from London to India to Paris, in a race to rescue Bitsy’s dad from a mysterious villain…

Jasbinder Bilan - Nush and the Stolen Emerald - Published by Chicken House (9 May 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1915947024 - Paperback - Age: 8+ 

A stunning new historical children's novel from Costa Award-winning author of Asha & the Spirit Bird.

Anushka is furious. As princess of an Indian kingdom, she has watched the British East India Company take land and her family's most divine jewel – an emerald the size of an apple.

So when her father, the Maharaja, decides to visit Queen Victoria at Buckinham Palace, Nush goes too – determined to bring back the gem that can heal her country. 

• A fabulous new historical direction from Costa-winning and Waterstones-shortlisted author, Jasbinder Bilan.
• Themes of colonialism and identity, mixed with an action-packed royal mystery.

Alexandra Page - The Secret Society of Very Important Post - Published by Bloomsbury Children's Books (9 May 2024) - ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1526644336 - Paperback - Age: 7+ 

It's 1953, just days from the coronation of Queen Elizabeth, and Penny Black can't get into the summer holiday spirit. Not when she's about to move to Scotland - and away from everything she knows - for good. 

But when Wishyouwas plops into the fireplace in a cloud of soot and chaos, with a summons from the Royal Postmistress herself, all of Penny's plans suddenly go up in smoke.

The intrepid pair are soon on the trail of a mysterious traitor and a potentially deadly plot to halt the coronation. Their investigation will take them across London's busy streets, high up in the air and deeper into danger than they've ever been before.

Barbara Henderson - The Boy, the Witch & The Queen of Scots - BOOK REVIEW - Blog Tour

Welcome to our book review for the third stop on The Boy, Witch & The Queen of Scots by Barbara Henderson's blog tour. Please say Hello at all the other stops (you can check out the list of stops below). We hope you enjoy this review and that it encourages you to read this wonderful book. 

Barbara Henderson's "The Boy, the Witch & The Queen of Scots" is a captivating journey through Scottish history and is published by Scottish independent Publisher Luath Press Ltd (11 April 2024). It's a story of espionage with hints of witchcraft and religion. The plot is full of both danger and peril as it takes a journey through the darker side of life with The Queen of Scots. 

The reader dives and soars into the world of 12-year-old Alexander Buchan as he navigates treachery, terror, and intrigue at the court of Mary, Queen of Scots. The author weaves a tale of moral dilemmas and bravery as Alexander faces the challenges of outwitting a murderous messenger and standing against his own treacherous Earl. With themes of friendship, loyalty, and majestic birds of prey we are faced with the impending turmoil of Reformation Scotland. This book is a must-read for young readers, armchair adventurers, and history enthusiasts alike. 

The author's storytelling talents shine in this engaging and thrilling adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their Arthur Seats until the very end. A true gem in children's literature, "The Boy, the Witch & The Queen of Scots" is a triumph that brings history to life in a way that both educates and entertains. It was such a joy to read and an absolute treat to go back in time and relive this historical Scottish event with all the great characters in a gripping immersive plot. 

www.barbarahenderson.co.uk/

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