Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Children's Middle Grade Book Picks (9-12yrs) November 2017 - US Post Two

Sarah Porter - Tentacle and Wing - Published by HMH Books for Young Readers (13 Nov. 2017) - HMH Books for Young Readers (13 Nov. 2017)

Twelve-year-old Ada is a Chimera, born with human and animal DNA thanks to a genetic experiment gone wrong. Because being a “kime” is believed to be contagious, she has kept her condition—complete with infrared vision—hidden. But a surprise test outs her, and Ada is shipped off to a quarantined school for kimes.

There Ada meets kids of many different shapes, stripes, and appendages, such as a girl with dragonfly wings and a seal-boy. As she adjusts to her new life, Ada senses that the facility is keeping a secret that could upend everything the world knows about Chimeras. But will someone put a stop to her efforts to uncover the truth?

Patrick Carman - Mr. Gedrick and Me - Published by Katherine Tegen Books (7 Nov. 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0062421609

New York Times bestselling author Patrick Carman delivers a modern reimagining of the classic Mary Poppins tale in this story about family, grief, and healing--with a dash of magic!

Stanley Darrow isn't sure what to expect when the mysterious Mr. Gedrick appears on his doorstep. He is certain, however, that his family could use Mr. Gedrick's help: Their lives--and their house--have been a mess since Stanley's dad died.

The strange new nanny quickly helps them transform their cluttered home into a sparkling and spotless version of its former self, but it's going to take more than a clean house to help the Darrow family learn to live and love again.

Can Mr. Gedrick help Stanley, his brother, Fergus, his sister, Amelia, and his mom find their way back to each other? And what secrets of his own is Mr. Gedrick hiding behind his crooked grin?

J. W. Ocker - Death and Douglas - Published by Sky Pony Press (16 Nov. 2017) - SBN-13: 978-1510724570

Douglas has grown up around the business of death. Generations of his family have run the Mortimer Family Funeral Home. The mortician and gravediggers are all his buddies. And the display room of caskets is an awesome place for hide and seek. It’s business as usual in Douglas’s small New England town. Until one day an incredibly out of the ordinary murder victim is brought to the funeral home. And more startling: others follow.

On the cusp of Halloween, a serial killer has arrived. And unsatisfied with the small-town investigation, Douglas enlists his friends to help him solve the mystery. With sumptuous descriptions of a bucolic town and it’s quirky people, fascinating yet middle grade–appropriate insider information about the funeral process, and a crackling mystery with a heart-pounding conclusion―Death and Douglas has something for readers young and old.

Matthew Swanson - The Real McCoys  Published by  Imprint (7 Nov. 2017)  

• ISBN-13: 978-1250098528

Her name's Moxie. Moxie McCoy.

Bold, opinionated, and haplessly self-confident, the world's greatest fourth-grade detective faces her biggest challenge! When someone kidnaps beloved school mascot Eddie the Owl, Moxie is on the case--but she's forced to fly solo now that her best friend (and crime-solving partner) has moved away. 

Moxie must interview her classmates--both as potential new best friends and as possible suspects. She finds clues and points fingers but can't save the owl on her own. Enter Moxie's little brother, Milton. Quiet, cautious, and boring as a butter knife, he's a good listener.

Hannah Moderow - Lily's Mountain - Published by Houghton Mifflin (14 Nov. 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0544978003

Lily refuses to believe what everyone else accepts to be true: that her father has died while climbing Denali, the highest mountain in North America. Lily has grown up hiking in the Alaskan wilderness with her dad. He's an expert climber. There's no way he would let something like this happen. So instead of grieving, Lily decides to rescue him. Her plan takes her to Denali and on a journey that tests her physically and emotionally.

In this powerful debut, Hannah Moderow has written an authentic Alaskan adventure that crosses terrain both beautiful and haunting--and ultimately shows the bond of family and the wonder of wild. 

“This is a heartwarming novel that is filled with adventure and would be a solid addition to middle grade shelves, especially where survival tales circulate well.”

— School Library Journal

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Children's Middle Grade Book Picks (9-12yrs) November 2017 - US Post

Linda Fairstein - Digging For Trouble (The Devlin Quick Mysteries) - Published by Dial Books (November 7, 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0399186462

Twelve-year-old supersleuth Devlin Quick heads to Montana to dig out dinosaur bones, but instead, she uncovers a mystery in this second book in the thrilling series from New York Times bestselling author Linda Fairstein.
After successfully apprehending a map thief at the beginning of summer, Dev is going to spend the second half of her summer vacation in Montana with her best friend, Katie, exploring the outdoors and NOT getting into trouble. But after participating in a dinosaur dig, Katie and Dev suspect that someone bad is in the Badlands when Katie's found fossils are switched out for old rocks. The good news? With Mom back in New York, no one can stop Devlin from investigating! But the fossil thief isn’t the only danger here, as snakes, scorpions, and bears abound, making Montana a treacherous place for finding answers. 

And when the mystery takes Dev and Katie back to Manhattan—to the Museum of Natural History—the case gets even more complicated, even with Dev’s friend Booker there to help. Dev has to use her brains, brawn, and yes, okay, the lessons learned from her police commissioner mother if she wants to dig up the truth once and for all. This is the perfect read for fans of Nancy Drew and Theodore Boone.

Jonathan W. Stokes - Addison Cooke and the Tomb of the Khan - Published by Philomel Books (November 14, 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0399173783

 

Indiana Jones and James Bond rolled into one, for the middle-grade readers. Addison Cooke's second laugh-out-loud adventure a journey through Asia in pursuit of the legendary tomb of Genghis Khan!

Fresh off of a victorious treasure hunt and rescue mission in South America, Addison Cooke just can't seem to steer clear of rogue bandits, pesky booby traps, and secret treasure troves. But it sure beats sitting around in school all day.

Addison's aunt and uncle, on the other hand, are none too happy about their habit of attracting kidnappers. When they become pawns in a dangerous gang's plan to steal the most prized possession of the notorious Mongolian leader Genghis Khan, Addison and his friends find themselves once again caught in the middle of a multi-million-dollar international heist. Armed with nothing but their wits and thirst for adventure, they travel across Asia in an attempt to rescue Addison's family and stop the treasure from falling into the wrong hands.

Brimming with round-the-clock action and tons of laughter, Addison Cooke and the Tomb of the Khan is perfect for fans of Indiana Jones, ancient history, and James Patterson’s Treasure Hunters series.

About the Author

Jonathan Stokes has written screenplays on assignment for Fox, Paramount, Universal, Warner Brothers, New Line, Sony, and Indian Paintbrush, and for actors such as Will Smith, Jeremy Renner, and Hugh Jackman.  Jonathan’s last four spec screenplays were all recognized on The Black List, an annual survey of Hollywood executives’ favorite screenplays. He is also an author with a three-book deal at Philomel Books and a four-book deal at Viking Press, both published by Penguin Random House.

Jonathan has washboard abs, incredible taste in dishware, and 96% accuracy with high-fives. For updates on his current projects, visit the press page.

Amy Wilson - The Lost Frost Girl - Published by Katherine Tegen Books (November 7, 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0062671486

 A modern-day fairy tale full of frosty magic, Amy Wilson’s stunning debut about a girl who discovers that she is Jack Frost’s daughter will enchant fans of the Emily Windsnap series and Frozen.

“As magical as frost itself, The Lost Frost Girl is a truly special tale, told with gorgeous prose and filled with compelling characters. I absolutely loved it!”  —Sarah Beth Durst, author of Journey Across the Hidden Islands

With a name like hers, Owl never expected her life to be normal, at home or at school. But when Owl finds out that she is Jack Frost’s daughter, her world shifts beyond what she could ever imagine.

Determined to meet him, Owl delves into Jack’s wonderful world of winter and magic—the kind of place she thought only existed in fairy tales. And as she notices frost patterns appearing on her skin and her tears turning to ice, Owl starts to wonder if being Jack Frost’s daughter means that she has powers of her very own.

At once breathtaking and brimming with heart, The Lost Frost Girl is a story of family, friendship, and the magic of embracing who you are meant to be.

Stel Pavlou - Daniel Coldstar #1: The Relic War - Published by HarperCollins (November 7, 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0062126054

An epic and funny outer space adventure from acclaimed science fiction author and screenwriter Stel Pavlou!

Bestselling author of Artemis Fowl Eoin Colfer says of Daniel Coldstar: The Relic War: "Sci-fi has never been so much fun. I loved it!"

Below the surface on a forgotten planet, Daniel Coldstar searches for relics from a lost civilization. Daniel has no memory of his past. All he knows is to do his job and fear the masters of the mines.

Until he unearths a relic more powerful than anything he has ever seen. A relic that might help him escape…

What follows is an epic outer space adventure filled with Truth Seekers, atoms, Leechers, and the evil Sinja who seek to control the universe.

All that stands in their way is a boy named Daniel Coldstar, whose journey will change the galaxy forever.

A.F. Harrold (Author) Levi Pinfold (Illustrator) - The Song from Somewhere Else - Book Review

Frank doesn't know how to feel when Nick Underbridge rescues her from bullies one afternoon. No one likes Nick. He's big, he's weird and he smells - or so everyone in Frank's class thinks.

And yet, there's something nice about Nick's house. There's strange music playing there, and it feels light and good and makes Frank feel happy for the first time in forever.

But there's more to Nick, and to his house, than meets the eye, and soon Frank realises she isn't the only one keeping secrets. Or the only one who needs help. 

One of the good things social media does is highlight important issues. This week it's #AntiBullyingWeek where we're celebrating what makes us All Different All Equal. The Song from Somewhere Else by A. F. Harrold is the exact book that covers this topic in a clever and unique style. The book was published on the 2nd November 2017 by Bloomsbury.

When you turn the book cover, you will be greeted with Levi Pinfold's amazing illustrations. He has done a sublime job of interpreting the story and creating the mood that the plot encapsulates. Levi delivers a FANTASTIC balance of brooding charm that manifests through the illustrations; a CREEPING darkness with a blend of solitude in a black and white world. This is a clever feature that makes the book stand out from the crowd. It is a book that should be bought and read.  

When the first page is turned, you are already on the backfoot as the narrative draws to the loss of the main character's pet cat, Quintilius Minimus. This leads the reader down a wildly imaginative plot that is equally heartbreaking and uplifting. The story engages the reader with the theme of bullying - it is the driving force of the narrative.

The developing friendship between Frank and Nick is deeply moving. Their worlds crash together in an atmospheric tale of difference and isolation. The book explores deep inside the workings of a child covering loss, friendship, betrayal and family life. This is intertwined with another plot that is so far removed from reality. It is a fantastic blend of fantasy involving a Troll and shadow type stick men.

I loved Frank, the main character, she had an internal dialogue with her stomach depicting her feelings and emotions. I found this refreshing as it delivered a naivety and really highlighted the character's perspective and thinking. This is a brilliant read that covers a really serious issue that many kids will be facing today. The story gives readers hope. In the face of adversity, courage and brave actions that lie within the story, give us inspiration and make the book a very special and poignant read. This is a brilliant book that will make you think on your magical fantasy feet - so flex those toes and give it a read. 

Kids/Children's Middle-Grade Book Picks - November 2017 - UK Post Two

Connie Glynn - Undercover Princess (The Rosewood Chronicles) - Published by Penguin (2 Nov. 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0141379852

Lottie Pumpkin is an ordinary girl who longs to be a princess, attending Rosewood Hall on a scholarship.

Ellie Wolf is a princess who longs to be ordinary, attending Rosewood Hall to avoid her royal duties in the kingdom of Maradova.

When fate puts the two fourteen-year-olds in the same dorm, it seems like a natural solution to swap identities: after all, everyone mistakenly believes Lottie to be the princess anyway.

But someone's on to their secret, and at Rosewood nothing is ever as it seems...

Nicholas Bowling - Witchborn - Published by Chicken House (2 Nov. 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-1911077251

It's 1577. Queen Elizabeth I has imprisoned scheming Mary Queen of Scots, and Alyce's mother is burned at the stake for witchcraft. Alyce kills the witchfinder and flees to London - but the chase isn't over yet. As she discovers her own dark magic, powerful political forces are on her trail. She can't help but wonder: why is she so important? Soon she finds herself deep in a secret battle between rival queens, the fate of England resting on her shoulders ...

Ross Montgomery - Christmas Dinner of Souls - Published by Faber & Faber (2 Nov. 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-0571317974

It's a dark and lonely Christmas Eve in the dining room of ancient Soul's College. The kitchen boy, 11-year-old Lewis, has helped prepare a highly unusual meal, made with unrecognisable ingredients, cooked by a mysterious chef. And then the guests arrive ... and carnage ensues. They are ex-students of Soul's College, and they are all completely demented. They demand bottle after bottle of wine, flinging their cutlery and howling like banshees until ... silence. The Dean of Soul's College has arrived, and the evening's ceremonies must begin.

For this is the annual meeting of a secret club for those who despise children, warmth, happiness, and above all Christmas. Each member must try to outdo the others by telling the most terrible, disgusting story they know.

A spooky, shocking, bloodthirsty alternative to festive cheer that will appeal to, fascinate and delight young readers.

Joe Pasquale - Deadknobs and Doomsticks - Published by Caffeine Nights Publishing (30 Nov. 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-1910720912

Deadknobs And Doomsticks is a collection of twelve illustrated short horror stories. Ranging from the darkly bizarre to the horrifically surreal, many of the stories are laced with a theme of bullying and bullies.  Dark undertones and malevolent overtones interweave with characters and situations that pull the reader to the edge of their seat. Wit and black humour is prevalent through the stories, each with a delicious payoff for the reader.  Joe Pasquale shows that where there is laughter there is also a dark and disturbing voice that is drawn to the horror genre to find its release.  With illustrations by the author, this collection shows a rich depth of talent as an artist and author. Joe shows he has as unique a voice in the world of horror writing, as it is in comedy.

Philip Caveney & Danny Weston - Exclusive Interview (Down a Dark Alleyway in Edinburgh)

I have been summoned to do an exclusive interview with Philip Caveney and Danny Weston. Wandering down the back streets and alleyways of Edinburgh in search of the elusive duo, a whispering sound of bagpipes mixed with fireworks can be heard overhead. It's a dark and cloudy night in early November and I'm following a slithering shadow of a Scarecrow in search of our rendezvous. We arrive at a large empty house on a deserted street. I knock and enter through the huge creaking door. 


There is one empty large room with ghostly cobweb tendrils sweeping the room. A large table, with three chairs, seat two unsavoury characters glaring at each other. I sit down on the third chair and enter into the following conversation.

Perhaps you’d like to start by telling us a little bit about your new books? 

Danny: Well, Scarecrow is about a teenage boy whose father is a whistle-blower. He’s revealed some information about dodgy dealings in the bank where he works and realises he may have gone too far – he’s named some very powerful people. So he takes his son out of school and the two of them run off to a remote part of Scotland, to lie low. But then, the boy becomes involved with a very angry scarecrow… 

I hear you also have a new book out as well, Philip? 

The Slithers is about a teenage boy living with his father in a remote part of Scotland who finds something amazing beneath the ground – an ancient stone that grants him incredible good luck. But the stone belongs to the terrifying subterranean creatures of the title and of course they want their stone back… so they come looking for it. 


It’s interesting, isn’t it, that both of you have written supernatural books based in Scotland?


Philip: Yes, well that’s because I moved to Edinburgh about a year ago and started finding inspiration there – and, of course, Danny decided to follow me… 


Danny: No I didn’t! I’d always planned to move to Edinburgh! In fact, I think I thought of it first. 


Umm… yes, well… does it ever annoy you that people tend to mix the two of you up? 


Danny: Well, they do say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery… 


Philip: What’s that supposed to mean? 


Danny: I’m just saying… The Slithers. That’s exactly the kind of book that I’d have written. 


Philip: Are you suggesting that I’ve copied you? 

Gentlemen, let’s keep this civil, shall we? Danny, you must be very pleased with your recent successes: Your first book, The Piper, won the Scottish Children’s Book Award in 2016, and your recent novel, The Haunting of Jessop Rise has been shortlisted for several prizes. I believe you’ve just been nominated for a Carnegie Medal?


Philip: Can I just say, that prizes really don’t matter that much? It’s the satisfaction of knowing that you've written the best book you can that makes it all worthwhile. 


Danny: Well, you would say that, wouldn’t you? 


Philip: What’s that supposed to mean? I’ve won prizes! 


Danny: Hmm. Not for a while, though… I seem to remember something back in 2012… a school’s prize of some kind?


Philip: Look, you need to get things in perspective! Don’t forget I’m currently celebrating my fortieth year of publication! You’ve only released four books in total. I’ve published nearly fifty!


Danny: Yes, but you know what they say. It’s quality not quantity. 


Look, guys, we really don’t need an argument here. Can we just try to…? 

Danny: I think it’s pretty clear who’s doing the best out of the two of us. Vincent, which of the two books do you like best?

Oh… er… umm (sounds of me choking on a cobweb....)


Philip: Come on, tell the truth! Which one? 

Vincent: Looks underneath the table ...

Well, I think… we need to leave it there. Thanks to both of you for summoning me to this strange place. You can read my reviews of the books on the website. Why don't "you" (the readers of Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books) settle this debate. Grab both of the books above, read them and then leave your comments on this post. Thank you for reading and have a great day!

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books: Children's Middle-Grade Book Picks (9-12yrs) November 2017 - UK Post

Neil Patrick Harris - The Magic Misfits - Published by Egmont (30 Nov. 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-1405290333

The first in a funny and magical new children's books series from Emmy award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris. 

Perfect for children aged 8 to 12 years old and fans of Lemony Snicket, David Walliams, David Baddiel, My Brother is a Superhero . . . and magic!

Cover illustration by David Litchfield, winner of the Waterstones Children's Books Prize 2016 for The Bear and the Piano. 

This book contains a BIG SECRET. Read on if you dare . . .

Do you believe in magic?

Carter doesn’t. He knows magic tricks are just that – tricks. And as a street magician he’s also pretty good at them. But then Carter runs away from his conman uncle and he finds himself alone and in danger from dastardly carnival ringleader, B.B. Bosso. He could really use some magic now . . .

A chance encounter with the mysterious Mr Dante Vernon leads Carter to a magic shop, where he teams up with five other like-minded kids and the MAGIC MISFITS are born! Can the gang use their magical talents to save the day and stop B.B. stealing a priceless diamond?

And now for the BIG SECRET . . .
Inside this book you will find a treasure trove of tips, codes and stage tricks that will help YOU join the Magic Misfits and make some magic of your own. (BUT DON'T TELL ANYONE.)

Hilton Pashley Michael'S Spear - Published by Dome Press (16 Nov. 2017) -ISBN-13: 978-0995672352

The Universe is coming apart at the seams. As Jonathan and his friends fight to save it, their every move is being watched from the shadows. Lilith, the last Archdemon has plans of her own, and with the legendary Michael's Spear under her control.  Jonathan has never faced a more lethal foe. With the odds stacked against him, Jonathan will need all the help he can get if he is to fulfill his destiny. It's time for Gabriel's grandson finally to spread his wings...

Kerr Thomson - The Rise of Wolves - Published by Chicken House (2 Nov. 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-1911077695

Innis Munro is walking home across the bleak wilderness of Nin Island when he hears the chilling howl of a wolf. But there are no wolves on the island - not since they were hunted to extinction, centuries ago. He decides to investigate his island home and accepts an ancient challenge: he who jumps the Bonnie Laddie's Leap wins a fortune. As the wolves rise from the darkness of history, and long-buried secrets resurface, Innis's adventure truly begins ...

Helen Cooper - The Hippo at the End of the Hall - Published by David Fickling Books (2 Nov. 2017) - ISBN-13: 978-1910989753 

Helen Cooper is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator whose picture books include Pumpkin Soup, The Baby Who Wouldn’t Go to Bed. Both of which won the CILIP Kate Greenaway award. Her debut novel, The Hippo at the End of the Hall, will be published by David Fickling Books on the 2nd November 2017 which is a fantastic accomplished debut and an absolute joy to read. It is a visual story that will you not forget. Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - BOOK REVIEW HERE

In the Gee Museum there's an insect room. (Insects inspired partly by the wonderful Natural History Museum Oxford.) #GeeHippo @morethanadodo pic.twitter.com/kp55V9Rc1O

— Helen Cooper (@HelenCooperbook) November 3, 2017

The Hippo at the End of the Hall is published today! This is the Gee Museum.Come Inside Sometime and meet the inhabitants. #GeeHippo #Museum pic.twitter.com/wC51C5JSrz

— Helen Cooper (@HelenCooperbook) November 2, 2017

 

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Guest Post - Danica Davidson - and The Minecrafters Blog Tour! (Minecraft and Humour)

Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books welcomes Danica Davidson on the  Minecrafters Blog Tour!  Over the next few weeks, bloggers across the internet will be taking part on the Danica Davidson’s Minecrafter book blog tour for middle-grade readers. There will be a host of interviews, guest posts, book reviews and much more! My post by Danica is about the balance between "Minecraft and Humour." It is a brilliant post to find out more about these best-selling books. Please also check out the other stops by using the #BooksForMinecrafters on twitter. I hope you enjoy this post. 

There are a lot of things you can do with Minecraft — build castles, fight monsters, even improve your math and science skills. What do I like to do? Write adventure novels for kids that take place as if Minecraft is a real world. When I do this, I’m balancing an actual video game, adventure with lots of chapter cliffhangers, and real-world issues like cyberbullying. And I like to keep in a touch of humor. 

Millions of kids around the world are in love with Minecraft, so when I was first coming up with ideas for these books, I thought it should be told from a kid’s point-of-view. So enter the main character, Stevie: an eleven-year-old boy who lives in the Minecraft world. He has trouble fitting in with the kids from his village and fighting off monsters, which has him feeling insecure about himself. But then he accidentally discovers a portal to Earth, and everything changes. 
Stevie meets Maison, an 11-year-old girl who doesn’t fit in at her new school and who is bullied by some older kids. When monsters from Minecraft also break through the portal, it’s up to the new friends to stop them. From there, the two continue to go on missions, including stopping a zombie takeover of Minecraft spearheaded by a cyberbully to stopping Herobrine, a mythological villain in Minecraft lore. 

These are adventure stories first and foremost, so people who don’t play Minecraft can read them as well, but Minecraft players will notice a lot more references. This is part of where the humor comes in. Stevie experiences total culture shock finding Earth, and I like to play around with what he thinks about stuff that’s normal to us but absurd to him. For instance, I’m typing this right now with fingers. But for Stevie, who lives in a world where everyone has finger-less, box-shaped hands, fingers are pretty weird. Likewise, he’s baffled by cars, schools, computers, the Internet, all sorts of things. I think this can be fun for kids, too, because it gets them thinking about how different people will have different perspectives, and gets us thinking about things we take for granted. It might be a fun thing to do for a class project — ask kids, “If you’re a Minecraft character who just came to Earth, what would stand out most to you?” You can have quite a bit of fun with this. A number of my reviews, including ones from big publications like School Library Journal, point out the humor I make sure to include.

Sometimes just day-to-day life gives us plenty of humor, like with people’s idiosyncrasies. As the series continues, more characters are included with their own set of quirks, like Stevie’s cousin Alex who loves adventure, no matter how much danger it may put her in, or Yancy, a boy from Earth who usually has a few pretty good one-liners. Humor can also be a great way to talk about serious issues, because it can take some of the sting out of them and get to people’s real feelings. I hope when kids read my books, they can’t stop turning the pages because they care about the characters and what’s going to happen to them — and I also hope they get in a few good laughs.

Adventure Against the Endermen: An Unofficial Overworld Heroes Adventure - Published by Sky Pony Press (23 Nov. 2017)

About the Author
Writing has been my greatest love for as far back as I can remember. I've always enjoyed telling stories. I started writing at the age of three by dictating stories to my parents and then drawing pictures to accompany them. This continued during elementary school, though eventually I stopped writing picture books and began writing longer and longer stories. By middle school, I was regularly completing novels. The Los Angeles Times gave me the great honor of interviewing me as a fourteen-year-old novelist.   

Since then I've gotten involved in professional journalistic work, writing for about fifty different magazines, newspapers and websites. Some samples of these can be found on my Published Articles  page. I have also written the English adaptation of Japanese graphic novels when they were published in America. Alongside this I'm constantly penning out my fiction and working to accomplish my dream of becoming a full-time novelist.  You can find out a bit more about this on my Novels page, and you can order my MG novel, Escape from the Overworld, here.  I've never found anything more gratifying, emotional and consuming than putting stories down on paper and seeing where my imagination leads me. 

Website: http://www.danicadavidson.com

Chris Hallatt Wells - King Bones - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books - Greezy Book Review

When Danny's mum and dad get sent to prison for stealing the Crown Jewels, Danny is sent to live with his Aunty Ratbag in the evil-smelling town of Greezy. It's many years since Aunty Ratbag has been able to practice the ancient art of being evil on a child. Once she was an expert, now she is rusty and needs practice. She thinks she has the perfect victim in Danny. But wandering through the murky churchyard of Greezy ( between the dog food factory and the cat food factory) Danny meets King Bones. And King Bones has a very special mission for Danny: he wants his queen back. She has been buried with her ladies in waiting in a separate chamber. Danny discovers that a famous archaeologist has removed her skull and her crown to display them in the British Museum. King Bones and Danny set out for the rescue!

Everything with Words is a small new independent publisher of children’s books. This is the first book that I've read from this publisher which has a big heart and a great ethos. Some of the money will go to helping street children all over the world which is a great cause and one worth supporting. The publisher's aim is to deliver powerful stories that have an edge of darkness and a plot loaded with danger. Chris Hallatt Wells has kicked this off in a magnificent way. King Bones will be published on the 6th November 2017. 

When I received this book in the post, my instant expectations were very low but how wrong I was. It's a brilliant read full of dark energy. The cleverly worded plot gives this book bags of personality and a little uniqueness, in my opinion. It is a rollicking, hilarious, page-turning narrative that will have you gripped to the bones. Chris understands what keeps children gripped and writes with originality and bucket loads of fun. 

The characters burst from the page with gleeful prose. The plot never lets up and marches the reader down a fantasy path that will have you leaping for cover. Aunty Ratbag is a nasty, vile little lady who will have you fleeing the pages with terror. She is fantastically written, loaded with bitterness, hate and has a tongue like a viper. She makes the plot hum with gentle malice. She is one of my new favourite characters as she really stands out from the crowd. The story is silly, outrageous and has a slight Roald Dahl-esk feel which works amazingly well. It is entwined with both a wicked sense of humour that will have you laughing and marveling at certain aspects together. 

The story is very imaginative. Some of the scenes are surreal and play on your fantasy mind in a big way. You will love the quirky story line of floating apparitions on horseback one minute and a museum full of chaos the next. It all fuels a great sense of adventure. This is a great book to escape into and a joy to read. However, you may need to track a copy down from the internet, probably Amazon. I LOVED THIS BOOK! I am looking forward to the next book, Chris. 

Nicholas Gannon - The Doldrums and the Helmsley Curse (The Doldrums, Book 2)

Last year one of my favourite reads was "The Doldrums" - a brilliant visual debut by Nicholas Gannon. However, this book, in my opinion, has generally gone unnoticed by the reading public. Please read what I had to say about it by checking out my book review HERE 

A year later and the second book, The Helmsley Curse, will be published on the 16th November 2017 by HarperCollins Children's in the UK and the US. At first glance, it looks as visually stunning as The Doldrums. I'm really looking forward to reading a copy very soon. If you are interested then please take a look at the author's website The Doldrums Press. http://www.nicholasgannon.com

I hope that you read both of these books - I really don't think you will be disappointed.  

Archer B. Hemsley and friends are back and yearning for adventure in this second beautifully told, stunningly-illustrated story from author-illustrator Nicholas Gannon.

After two years, Archer B. Helmsley’s famous explorer grandparents are finally coming home. They had been missing – abandoned on an iceberg – and Archer and his best friends, Adélaïde L. Belmont and Oliver Grub led an adventurous mission to rescue them.

Archer is overjoyed by his grandparents return. However, he seems to be the only one. Rumours begin to surface that Archer’s grandparents weren’t abandoned after all. People are claiming that they made it all up. Well, Archer knows those rumours are false, and with the help of his best friends and new neighbour, Kana, he is going to prove it. Off the foursome set, into a snowstorm and beyond, to restore his grandparent’s reputation.

The Helmsley Curse from The Doldrums Press on Vimeo.


The Doldrums Process from The Doldrums Press on Vimeo.

Helen Cooper - The Hippo at the End of the Hall - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Book Review (David Fickling)

The invitation was delivered by bees. It wasn't addressed to anyone at all, but Ben knew it was for him. It would lead him to an old, shambolic museum, full of strange and bewitching creatures. A peculiar world of hidden mysteries and curious family secrets . . . and some really dangerous magic. 

But most importantly Ben discovers a connection to his father and the family he never knew he had. And now he has something important to fight for - survival of the gee museum and the promise of finding out who he really is. 

Helen Cooper is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator whose picture books include Pumpkin Soup, The Baby Who Wouldn’t Go to Bed. Both of which won the CILIP Kate Greenaway award. Her debut novel, The Hippo at the End of the Hall, will be published by David Fickling Books on the 2nd November 2017 which is a fantastic accomplished debut and an absolute joy to read. It is a visual story that will you not forget. 

It was a real privilege to read an early chapter sample of this book back in June. I read the small extract and immediately thought I can not wait to read the finished book in its entirety. So when the copy arrived, I was very much excited to see it and get stuck into it straight away. (Thank you very much, David Fickling)

The first thing that I'm going to say is that it's another fantastic production by the team. A glorious red hardback lavished with love, care and detail with a fantastic story inside. You turn the book cover to be greeted with the fantastic black endpapers where you begin to feel the love for the story inside. 

As you start to read this magical plot, you will notice the really charming pencil sketches/drawings which bring the characters and the setting to life. They are a lovely touch and a fantastic way to start you on your big-footed adventure. There are 42 chapters filled with a sparkling and vivid imagination. It is a story that will stand the test of time - a great classic of the future and one of my book picks of the year. 

A visit to the Peabody Museum (Boston) is where the inspiration for the story started. One of the main characters and, my favourite pygmy hippopotamus, began as an initial sketch from here. Whilst many of the other characters were created from a range of other museums. The author collected these sketches and, with time, love and a bucketful of heart, made The GEE museum in this book a wonderous and enchanting place to visit. The story comes to life with a buzz of bees and a menagerie of stuffed creatures that might make you jump with excitement and anticipation. 

The story itself encompasses a re-telling of two old folk tales that intertwine to create the main story. They achieve this rather nicely by delivering mystery, myth, and wonder to the adventure. In my opinion, it enhances the story and creates an exciting wild adventure. 

The story is a real family read that will appeal to everybody. You will gravitate to the mayhem and mystery that follows the main character, Ben. It's a real heartfelt story that pulls on the reality strings of loss and loneliness whilst giving the reader a feel-good moment once the last pages have been turned. You will be sad as you come to the end of this wonderfully descriptive adventure. This is another fantastic book from the children's publisher of the year, in my opinion.