The love of reading and collecting Children's Books.
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Reading, rumbling and reviewing and collecting all children's books . . . from J.K Rowling to Philip Pullman, as well as up and coming authors. This is for like-minded enthusiasts, who are as passionate about modern-day children's authors as we are. So enjoy, communicate and share the love of books with us.
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Showing posts with label Usborne Publishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Usborne Publishing. Show all posts
Magpie Girl by Rowan Foxwood is an enchanting foray into the world of myth and adventure—a story woven with the threads of phoenix legends and the folklore of Baba Yaga. Published on 1st January 2026 by Usborne in paperback.Which is pitched for readers aged 9 and above. Book cover illustration by Crystal Kung and internal illustrations by Tim Banks.
From the very first glance, the book cover captivates with its striking visuals. The bold title “MAGPIE GIRL” stands proudly, paired with a beautifully illustrated portrait of Lavender Wild—a young girl seemingly caught between the constraints of her tiny village and a world bursting with magic and mystery. The artwork, accented by a red, phoenix-like creature and a hint of a magical bird in flight, perfectly mirrors the novel's exploration of transformation, freedom, and the bittersweet cost of wishes.
Rowan Foxwood, a lecturer of creative writing with a passion for myths and legends, draws on her own experiences as a globe-trotter to craft a narrative that is both richly imaginative and deeply rooted in universal themes. In Magpie Girl, readers are treated to an inventive and poetic reimagining of ancient myths. The narrative unfolds as Lavender, who possesses the rare qualities of growing feathers and communicating with birds, embarks on a flight of fancy—seeking liberation from her daily confines and stepping into a world brimming with wonders, dangers, and the ever-compelling call of adventure.
The book offers more than just a fantastical tale; it delves into themes of belonging and wanderlust, exploring what it means to trust in the transformative power of friendship. When Lavender seizes an opportunity to rescue a friend in peril, the story blossoms into an epic rescue mission fraught with trials—earthquakes, daemons, and witches abound, testing the boundaries of courage and resilience. Amidst these trials, the relationship between Lavender and her steadfast companion Kit deepens, reminding us that sometimes our most profound journeys are those taken together.
Magpie Girl is more than just a children's fantasy adventure—it is an invitation to step into a world where the extraordinary is painted in strokes of magic, where the quest for freedom intertwines with the bonds of friendship, and where every page beckons the reader to dream bigger. Whether you are a fan of myth-laced adventures or simply in search of a narrative that inspires and delights, this book promises to leave an indelible mark on your imagination. Enjoy the journey, and let your inner wanderer take flight!
Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd, 11 Sept. 2025. Illustrated brilliantly by Davide Ortu.
"HELP! Trapped in the Midnight Forest. Come before the lollypops run OUT!"
This enchanting, sugary sweet book whisks readers away on an adventure through a vivid, magical landscape where every page bursts and buzzes with excitement and wonder. Here are some highlights of this spellbinding tale:
Engaging Storyline: The narrative is rich with twists and turns, ensuring that readers remain on the edge of their seats throughout the journey. The story balances heartfelt moments with pulse-quickening suspense, making it a perfect blend of fantasy and adventure.
Vibrant World-Building: The author has crafted a mesmerising world filled with mystical creatures, enchanted forests, and ancient secrets. Every setting feels alive, encouraging readers to lose themselves in the intricate details of this realm.
Dynamic Characters: The protagonists are multi-dimensional and relatable, facing challenges that test their courage, loyalty, and resilience. Their growth over the course of the story adds a layer of depth, making the emotional stakes as important as the physical ones.
Themes of Hope and Discovery: Beyond the adventure, the book explores themes of self-discovery and the timeless battle between light and darkness. It reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, hope and friendship can light the way.
Captivating Writing Style: The lyrical prose and imaginative descriptions draw readers deeper into the fantastical world. The balance between detailed descriptions and brisk pacing ensures that the narrative feels both expansive and personal.
Overall, this book is a delightful escape into a magical world where adventure awaits at every turn. Whether you're a long-time fan of fantasy or a newcomer to the genre, you'll find this tale to be a captivating journey that's both heartwarming and exhilarating.
Grumpfort: Meet the World's Worst Monster Hunter by Jamie Hammond. Published by Usborne Publishing (13 Mar. 2025).
Jamie Hammond introduces readers to an enchanting and thrilling world filled with humour, adventure, and a cast of quirky and likeable monsters. The story follows Mo, an unlikely hero who never wanted to be a Warden, but finds himself thrust into the chaotic role of monster hunter. The premise is both original, engaging and refreshing as Mo's journey leads him to Grumpfort, a secret fortress plagued by a formidable foe—the Grumpsnatcher.
Hammond's writing pulsates with its witty dialogue and vivid descriptions that bring the fantastical world to life. The plot is fast-paced and filled with unexpected twists, making it a delightful read for children all of ages. The illustrations really complement the narrative perfectly, adding an extra layer of charm and dimension to the heartfelt story.
What sets "Grumpfort" apart is its relatable themes of bravery, friendship, and self-discovery. Mo’s grows into a courageous character who confronts his fears is inspiring. Young readers will find themselves rooting for Mo as he embarks on his monster hunt, navigating challenges and forming bonds along the way in a roller-coaster adventure.
"Grumpfort" for me is a must-read for young adventurers and monster enthusiasts alike. It’s a fun, heartwarming tale that promises to leave readers eagerly anticipating Mo's next escapade. Grab your net watch out for traps and join the hunt—this book is sure to become a favourite!
In a world where the living and the dead intertwine with unsettling ease, debut author Alex Atkinson takes us on a thrilling ride through the shadowy corridors of a funeral parlour and beyond. This is a tale where the urn serves as the catalyst for the heady chaos to come. Spooksmiths Investigate will be published by Usborne Publishing on 10 October 2024.
Indigo and Rusty are two-spirited siblings who, despite their unusual home, have always dismissed the notion of the supernatural. However, when an innocent accident sends an ancient urn crashing to the floor, they inadvertently unleash the Cinderman — a nightmarish ash monster determined to blanket their town in a suffocating layer of dust and despair. What follows is a race against time that is as heart-pounding as it is humorous.
This story has a fantastic blend of humour and horror, breathing life into a cast of spine-chilling characters. The Blasted Banshee, with her wailing wisdom, and Chuckles the Phantom Toddler, who somehow manages to be both adorable and eerie. Each ghost is a testament to Alex's creative flair, providing both comedic moments and unexpected depth as they confront their own struggles.
The writing is sharp and vibrant as it dances jigs between playful banter and moments of genuine tension. As the clock ticks down to sunset, the stakes escalate, leaving readers breathless with anticipation. The quest for the Cinderman’s true name is not just a matter of survival; it’s a journey of self-discovery for Indigo and Rusty, who must embrace their newfound Spooksmith skills and rally the living and the dead alike in a battle against apocalyptic ash.
This tale is a heartfelt reminder that courage comes in many forms—even if it means teaming up with a ghostly toddler to save the day. So, prepare for a hauntingly good time that will leave you laughing, gasping, and perhaps a little more open to the idea of ghosts lurking in the shadows. Grab your flashlight, settle in, and dive into this enchanting tale of adventure and friendship—before the Cinderman claims your town!
Are you looking for your next favourite read? What about a new series involving magical settings and a trip on a flying canoe? If so, then look no further than the debut book by Jodie Garnish. The Spectaculars will be published in magnificent hardback glory with a brilliant book cover and internal illustrations by Nathan Collins. I can hear you ask when can I get my hands on this book? Well, it will fly into bookshops across the fantasy world on the 29th September 2022 (TODAY!) and has been published by the good people at Usborne Publishing.
After reading the book synopsis, I thought the story sounded rather wonderful. To be absolutely honest, it really is a theatrical delight that I (and I'm sure you will also) fall in love with. It's a far-flung fantasy story inspired by the author's love for drama and theatre. The plot is brimming with charm and magical stardust as the setting fully immerses the reader. Welcome to the WONDRIA - a place full of magical performers with gifted special powers. However, lurking behind every curtain lies nightmares, danger, peril, and a lot of superstition.
You will need to keep your wits about you as you join Harper, Trick and Thief in a fast-paced adventure that will elevate you off your feet. The plot is full of marvellous mayhem and unexpected explosions. It's an epic and enchanting zip wire extravaganza full of mystery as the characters look to save their travelling theatre and boarding school from closing for good. The characters are larger than life as they face rivalry, villains, scrapes, and near misses that pull you through epic scenes in a surreal and dramatic way. The story is full of surprises which are all pieced together like a jigsaw to keep the readers both interested and entertained. The author has left a lot of unanswered questions which allows the next installment to be introduced and continue seamlessly; this is going to be a fantastic new series.
It was a wonder and a delight to read this book; it shines brighter than the North Star. One of the best debut children's books that I have read this year. May you be cursed with the stings of a thousand bees and may your toes be chewed off by wolves! Keep this in mind as you decide whether to embark on this new journey. But be warned that if you don't then you'll miss out on the best SPECTACULAR adventure in town.
Are you ready to return to another world written and illustrated by Tim Tilley? If the answer is YES then I'm delighted to introduce the author's new book which will be published in September 2022 by USBORNE. You only need to look at the cover for it to pique your curiosity. However, within the covers, this story is another masterclass in creating a narrative that has all the ingredients to make your fantasy dreams come true.
We have all the characteristics of the first book as it is set in the same story world as Harklights. The ecological nature subtly plays out in the story; it really gives the book grounding as it asks What If questions of the reader. For example, what if you woke up after three hundred years, how much of the natural landscapes, forests, and wild open spaces would have disappeared? What would you feel? This is the idea that intertwines itself with a magical ride of joy, fun, and puzzle solving.
The story is an illustrative delight - full of family adventure and wonderfully colourful characters that light up the sky like a rainbow. However, also be prepared to travel head-on into the eye of a storm and face a magical battle that explodes with action and drama. If this sound like your adventure then this is a great Halloween read for you. So pull up your socks and join Will on an EPIC quest filled with missing parents, lost treasure, mythical storm-lions, ruined towers, and many broomstick chases through a plot thicker than witches' soup. What more could you possibly ask for?
I really love the mix of classic fairytale themes in Tim's books. He is a FANTASTIC daydreamer; I'm sure he must have a cauldron of ideas that he brews and stews. Each book is a magical journey that will both endure the test of time but also be keenly loved by everyone interested in a good story. This is another sure-fire winner from one of my favourite authors and publishing houses. Thank you for sending this book; it was a real privilege to read. Keep up the amazing work!
Welcome to Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books and the chance to read our wonderful interview with debut author and illustrator Tim Tilley. Harklights has been published by Usborne Publishing and is our favourite book of May 2021. It is a fantastic illustrative delight. We've recently reviewed the book so if you fancy taking a look you can find the link HERE.
We are running a competition to give away a free copy on Twitter @Enchantedbooks please see the pinned Tweet. The competition ends 20th May 2021 and is open to the UK only.
We would like to thank Tim Tilley and Jacob Dow (Usborne Publishing) for taking the time to put this post together. We hope you enjoy it and have a great week.
Harklights is a fantastic debut novel. How would you describe it without using any part of the synopsis?
Harklights is full of nature, adventure, heart, and wrapped in magic. It is also filled with a message of hope, that you are never too small to make a difference.
How did you select the names for your characters?
The idea to give the orphans new names when they arrived at Harklights came from a trip to the Foundling Museum in London. Back when the place was the Foundling Hospital, mothers would leave their babies with swatches of fabric – cut from their dresses – which would fit into place if they were reunited. Mothers would also leave unique tokens. Some of these tokens were keys, rings, buttons, engraved coins, flattened thimbles, and padlocks.
The Hospital gave the babies new names too. There are some fantastic ones, such as John Tempest, Molly Lightfoot, Admiral Benbow, and Inigo Scotland.
If you were to write a spin-off about a side character, which would you pick?
I think all of the characters have their own stories to tell. I’ve already written a short story with Nissa, which is set before Wick arrives at Oakhome. But there are definitely opportunities for others. Petal is one of the few orphans who remembers her parents, so there’s lots to explore there.
There is an environmental element throughout this book. What was the influence of nature on the story?
I grew up with a love of getting close to nature. Some of my favourite places include The Forest of Dean, where my dad grew up, and Bradgdate Park, a medieval deer park north of Leicester. Bradgate has ancient oaks, many of which are hollow but still alive. My younger brother and I used to crawl inside and climb them, imagining they were wooden castles.
I’m a huge fan of the Usborne Spotter’s Guide series – field guides full of facts and information on the natural world. I remember one time, aged ten, filling an old fish tank with pond water and frogspawn, so we could watch the spawn turn from full stops into commas, then tadpoles and tiny frogs.
You studied illustration at Anglia Ruskin University. Did you ever think you would be writing and illustrating your own children's book?
I hoped so. The course had strong leanings into children’s books (this was before the fantastic MA Children’s Book Illustration course). We had children’s book authors and illustrators who came to visit and worked with us on a range of projects. Harklights itself, originally started life as a picture book.
The story sparked on a return trip to Bradgate Park. I was amazed to see that the hollow oaks, my brother and I had played in, half my life ago, were still alive. As we left, in the fading light, what appeared to a distant tree, stood up and revealed itself to be a stag. The moment burned in my mind and gave me the idea for Half Crown.
As a picture book, the story revolved around a boy meeting a tree-stag, but then a match factory orphanage came along, and then a baby in an acorn-shaped cradle, and suddenly the story grew and grew.
You have a magical theme in the book which in my opinion is not overly used. Was this the intention when you started writing the book?
Growing up, I always loved fairy tales and stories with magic in them, so it was inevitable that magic would wind up in some of my own stories. I loved The Box of Delights, the Narnia books, and James and the Giant Peach.
One of my favourite non-fiction books was – and still is – The Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, that belonged to my grandmother. Brewers is packed full of history, myths, folk tales and legends. I loved going on afternoon adventures poring over the mottled pages.
Brewers wove its way into the roots of Harklights – the Hobs take their name from Hob, a Scottish household spirit. And Nissa’s name comes from Nisse, meaning gnome in Norwegian.
What comes first for you, the words or the illustrations?
Images always come first, whether I’m writing or illustrating. When writing, I always see the scenes as a movie playing out in my mind. Visualising the scenes comes easy, it’s putting them into words, and finding the perfect word, that takes time. When rewriting Harklights – after I decided it wasn’t a picture book – I made sketches along the way, but I didn’t set out to fully work on the illustrations until I’d finished the manuscript.
Are there any significant ways in which your book has changed since the first draft?
Lots of the story bones I set in place in the first draft still remain. However, the introduction of Nissa in the second draft, opened up the story in so many ways. Suddenly, Papa Herne had a daughter, who was quietly jealous that she was being side-lined when Wick arrived at Oakhome. Nox, the Hob who is wary of humans, was also introduced in the second draft. Both of these characters deepened the story and added lots of extra dimension to the plot. Not everyone wants to embrace change.
I'm a massive fan of illustrations. What do you think makes an illustration effective and why?
Growing up, I loved illustrated books and losing myself in their details. I especially loved Jill Barklem’s Brambly Hedge series, which took the magic miniaturisation of dolls houses and brought it to the countryside. Another favourite was The Troll Book by Michael Berenstain, an illustrated history and guide to trolls, filled with myths and information on their family life. One of my favourites illustrations was of a tall fir tree that was used as a look-out tower.
For me, an illustration is effective if it adds something to the text. This could be showing character action, reaction and interaction, but it could also show the setting and establish a mood.
I really love the book cover. Were you involved with the development or production of this? If so, how did it start life e.g. as a series of sketches or was it all done digitally etc? (It would be amazing if you could share any of these images with us!)
Thank you. I worked closely with Will and Sarah, the wonderful designers at Usborne, but we had feedback from everyone in the team, so the cover really took a village to raise. Interestingly, the cover illustration altered the story. The idea to have some of the Hob homes up in the branches was something that was evolved when developing the cover illustration. I then went back to the text and found ways to bring this into the story.
In terms of the process, everything started out as pencil sketches, then developed into final pencil drawings. I like to work with lots of drawn elements and textures, and then bring everything into Photoshop to work on.
We had lots of ideas for the cover, but we settled on the final design as we wanted to show Wick in the forest setting. I also developed the lettering for the cover, inspired by the tiles at Postman’s Park, near St. Pauls in London.
Could you tell us a bit about any of your upcoming projects?
I’ve just finished a new draft for Witchstorm. The story is set in the same world as Harklights, and focuses on a cast of new characters, but there’s a crossover. There’s a surprise appearance from ... I can’t say more, without giving anything away.
Looking into this book cover is like looking into the star-lit future. Harklights will be published on 13th May 2021 by Usborne Publishing but it needs mentioning early so you can pop it on your pre-order list now. The author and illustrating duties are both by Tim Tilley, who has accomplished a dual spectacular from the illustrative and narrative point of view. A former Winner of the Joan Aiken Future Classic prize, Tim has now made his foray into a middle-grade fantasy where he will be noted for a truly reflective story. The proof copy is gorgeous but, of course, is missing some of the illustrations so I'm really looking FORWARD to seeing them in the finished copy.
The story feels like a Dickensian tale that meets the Borrowers with an environmental overtone. I thought it really worked and loved every minute of this book. In fact, I read it in virtually one sitting. It all begins at Harklights which is an Orphanage and Match Factory. All the children work for an old tyrant called Old Ma Bogey which is a fantastic name for a character. All the characters have new names to reflect the factory. Wick is one of the unfortunate characters who lives in this dark and dreadful place. They really are dire living conditions where the children work tirelessly with no way out. However, one day something happens out of the ordinary, a bird drops something beyond belief - a tiny baby in an acorn cradle.
From this point forward, the narrative takes on a wild turn of magical events that are both imaginative and captivating. Wick dreams of escaping but as midnight chimes he is visited by the Hobs (miniature protectors) and the guardians of the forest outside the factory. His dreams come true and he escapes on a magical tree stag where he finds happiness and love like he has never known. If this was a HAPPY fairytale the story would end here. However, that would not do as Old Ma Bogey woman has something else to say. With wickedness, a shotgun, and the willful destruction of the forest she leads us down a path that will leave you shivering with fear and trepidation as the story further unfolds.
This is a thrilling tale about the importance of looking after nature and the environment. It has a moralistic view of future innovation vs mankind's greed and cruelty. This heartwarming story is about family, friendship, and a message filled with hope. The amazing setting has a sparkling, magical theme that is not overly used.The only thing to ask is: are you ready to strike that match to pursue a fantasy bonfire that you will want to escape into? If so, then what are you waiting for? This is a story I would fully recommend - it's a real treat.
Good Morning. Welcome, Everybody to Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Books. I hope you are all faring well and keeping safe. It's a great pleasure to be apart of The Super Miraculous Journey of the Freddie Yates blog tour. This is one of my favourite funny books of the year. It has bags of humour and features many fantastic characters. If you like to find out more about the book please check my book review Here. Today's stop features a post by Jenny Pearson. It talks about her favourite books with heaps of humour and heart. What are your favourite funny books? Please let us know what yours are on the blog or share them with us on twitter using the #Freddie Yates and tag us all in the tweet. Happy reading and enjoy your day.
While I hope there are lots of funny parts in the Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates, from accidental pant snuffling to exploding toilets, I wanted to make sure it was also packed full – like Phyllis’s pear and potato turnovers – with some heartfelt moments. I love books that have heaps of heart and humour and I’m going to share with you some of my favourites.
Frank Cottrell-Boyce is an absolute genius. I love all his books. All of them. I first read Millions and adored Damian – he has such a unique look on the world which is both endearing and amusing – I laughed, I cried, and I became a lifelong fan at that moment. I then read Sputnik’s Guide to Life on Earth and I could not have loved that alien-dog more. Framed, Cosmic, The Forgotten Coat, Broccoli Boy, Runaway Robot – honestly, if you haven’t read any of Cottrell-Boyce’s books, do yourself a favour and read them all. They are so so good. You will thank me for this, trust me.
Lara Williamson is an author who knows how to create wonderfully loveable characters who take you on an emotional rollercoaster of laughter and tears. If you haven’t met Beckett (The Boy Who Sailed the Ocean in an Armchair), Dan (A Boy Called Hope), Adam (Just Call Me Spaghetti-Hoop Boy), and Mabel (The Girl With Space in her Heart), you simply must get yourself acquainted.
The Charlie Changes into a Chicken series by Sam Copeland is a firm favourite in my class, and as a teacher, I have had so many parents tell me how this is the series that got their child into reading. It is incredibly funny – from the narrator teasing his readers and arguing with the publishers and his illustrator, to the footnotes and the hilarious plot – this series guarantee laughs and lots of them. But alongside the laughter, Copeland deftly touches on childhood anxieties including illness, loss of a parent’s job, and divorce.
The Best Medicine by Christine Hamill is another one of my favourite books. Twelve-year-old Philip writes hilarious letters to his hero, Harry Hill, looking for advice to help him achieve his goal of becoming a comedian. But Philip’s life is interrupted when his mum gets breast cancer. What follows is a story which is heart-warming, uplifting, moving and also very funny.
Jenny Pearson has been awarded with six mugs, one fridge magnet, one wall plaque, and numerous cards for her role as ‘Best Teacher in the World’. When she is not busy being inspirational in the classroom, she would like nothing more than to relax with her two young boys, but she can’t as they view her as a human climbing frame. She has recently moved to the North East of England and while she has yet to meet Ant or Dec, she has learned how to use canny in a sentence. Which is dead canny, like.
This is a book to look forward to as part of the latest adventure from Jenny Pearson. The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates is set to be published on 30th April 2020 by Usborne Publishing. The book illustrations and cover have been illustrated brilliantly by award-winning illustrator Rob Biddulph. He has done an amazing job of depicting the story visually to enhance the very engaging narrative.
This story will definitely capture the reader's attention from the very first page. The main character, Freddie Yates, loves facts. You can rely on them. An example of one such fact is: the fastest time to eat a raw onion is 29.56 seconds which was achieved by Yusuke Yamaguchi in Japan 2013. You may think this is a bizarre fact to choose but it is very relevant to the story, as you will find out if you read the book. This thought-provoking, family adventure is full of many other fun facts. For example, did you know that Dolly the sheep was the first mammal to have been successfully cloned from an adult cell in 1996?
The book will take you on a hilarious journey following three boys on an adventure of a lifetime. Armed with a spare pair of underpants, they go in search of Freddie Yates's Dad whom he has never met before. However, things don't quite go according to plan! The adventure is fraught with danger and includes some very strange events along the way. The narrative is delivered comically as the three boys argue and fall out - just like most friends do.
This super fun, brilliantly engaging story will certainly have tears streaming down your face from laughing too much or from the thought of eating a raw onion. You can expect some well-timed miracles: a seagull with a deadly shot, naked scarecrows, three kids running down the high street with superhero costumes on and an exploding toilet. Yet at its heart, it's also a book that explores the importance of kindness, hope, and understanding what really matters. This is definitely a book for younger readers or someone with a good sense of humour. It's not overly complex but it has enough within it to keep an adult entertained. The book relates to the ups and downs of family life. In fact, it's a human rollercoaster of emotions but all make for great entertainment and reading. What more could you possibly ask for? Pre-order your copy now. Read a free chapter HERE
The first book published in 2019 by A. M. Howell was Garden of Lost Secrets. It is a deliciously enchanting tale that has been loved by many readers and longlisted for the Branford Boase award. The next book, published this month (6 February 20020) by Usbourne Publishing, is The House of One Hundred Clocks. The fantastic book cover illustration is by Finish illustrator Saara Katariina Söderlund. Saara's work is inspired by nature which enables her to create some amazing artwork. This book cover is another inspired piece which really does give the book the best start towards its journey onto many bookshelves for readers to enjoy. The House of One Hundred Clocks is set in the Edwardian period of June 1905. The book was inspired by a trip to Moyse's Hall Museum in Bury St Edmunds. The tick-tock of many clocks planted a story idea that grows into a chiming fantasy. I'm sure that it will strike a chord with many readers. The fantastic plot takes the reader down the fantasy hole of intrigue and adventure where you will be hooked, claws first, into a spirited narrative that starts the brain ticking. Helena and her father have moved to Cambridge with her loveable pet parrot - a blue-fronted Amazon parrot called Orbit. Her father has been appointed clock-winder to a rather amazing collection of timepieces belonging to one of the richest men in England. Her father agrees to a bizarre contract which raises the stakes of the plot and adds a nervous tension: THE CLOCKS SHOULD NEVER STOP. This story hurtles the reader into a mysterious household with many secrets and a hidden past. It's a very descriptive story that creates a spooky atmosphere. The author explores the Edwardian time period by weaving historical factual elements into the story. For example, Women's rights, inventions like the TELEPHONE and other social changes that were starting to take place. One of my personal favourites includes the development of flight which makes the story come alive and adds a sense of wonderment to the plotline. This story is a joy to read. It captures the heart with many poignant moments of friendship, family, hope, and moving on. Both sets of characters have lived through tragic life experiences that propel the story with action, fear,ghostly encounters, strange noises, and a bird reciting nursery rhymes. It has the traits of a classic story with a brilliant ending to satisfy the reader. It will leave you with a sense of loss and happiness which will make you reflect on life and time. It's definitely time to pop it on your to-read pile.
Here we are being whisked away on another fantasy adventure all aboard the Impossible Postal Express. The Great Brain Robbery is the second book by P.G Bell and will hit the bookshops this month (October, 2019) with a fanfare of smoke and whistles. It has been published by Usborne Children's Books in amazing hardback goodness. The book cover has been superbly illustrated, once again, by the talented Flavia Sorrentino. Remove the holographic dust jacket and it will reveal an illustrative treasure; a marvel of design and colour that fully captures the reader's attention. Whilst inside, the book has twelve brilliant illustrations to complement the story. In this book, we are treated to another all-out adventure which has clearly stretched the author's imagination. The inventiveness and playfulness is a really strong feature of the story; it makes a fantastic reading experience. You will easily find your self immersed in a quirky race for time in an unpredictable plot that will have your pulse and brain buzzing with energy and excitement.
We return to the Union of Impossible Places with Postal Operative Suzy. The magic shimmers from the very first page, as we slide back into a sparkling universe that will make your dreams sing and your heart pulse with eager expectations. The town of Trolliville is in danger - cracks begin to appear as tremors shake the foundations but what exactly is afoot? The crew of the Impossible Postal Express has a mystery and a puzzle on their hands. However, Suzy, Wilmot and friends soon uncover a dastardly plan that might derail their postal duties and bring Trolliville crashing down.
Delivering the post has never been so deadly. However, "A good Postal Operative is not only courteous and efficient but embodies the ideals of honesty, courage, and trust" (Book of Knowledge - Postal Operative Handbook). With this in mind, you'll be rampaging across the amazing landscape in seven-league boots. Flying across the sky in a fold-away hot air balloon called Bertha and visiting secret caverns. Life has never felt so impossible in this thrilling narrative both above and below Trolliville.
This is another treasured book with a fantastic story to match. It's full of great ideas, humour, adrenalin and mild emotion that will be loved by everyone. Strap yourself in for a narrative full of mayhem and madness that will have you eating the pages up in no time at all. The story has a great ending to whip up a memorable fast-paced fantasy storm that will leave you wanting so much more. This is an excellent book so buy it or borrow it but you definitely have to read it; it is a great armchair reading experience.
We have been spoilt for choice this month with so many fantastic children's books having been published. One of them is A. M. Howell's - The Garden of Lost Secrets - which was published on the 13th June 2019 by Usborne Publishing. This is a magical middle-grade mystery and a book you will certainly want to explore and escape into. I thought it was a great opportunity to find out more about this book and get to know the debut author a little more. Hopefully, this Q&A style interview will pique your interest and make you want to pick up a copy very soon. Perhaps you could read it whilst hiding out in your own magical back garden. Please remember to follow the author on Twitter: @AMHowellwrites or visit her website: amhowell.co.ukThanks for reading and have a great day.
The Garden of Lost Secrets is your first book, what is it about and why should we read it? The Garden of Lost Secrets is a historical mystery set in a real walled kitchen garden within the grand country estate of Ickworth Park in Suffolk, now managed by the National Trust. It’s centred around Clara who goes to stay with her aunt and uncle, who work on the estate, while her father recovers from gas poisoning during WW1. There are lots of strange goings on in the book – a locked door and a hidden key, a strange boy who appears in the walled gardens of the country house at night, and a scheming pineapple thief! I hope that anyone who likes multi-layered stories and unravelling secrets and mysteries will find this an enjoyable read. Every character has a secret to tell, especially Clara the main character of the story, so what would her secret be? Secrets are a key theme running through the book, and Clara brings with her a big secret from home when she goes to stay with her aunt and uncle, one she keeps hidden in the pockets of her apron. It’s about her brother who is away fighting in the war, but you’ll have to read the book to find out what it is as I don’t want to spoil any surprises! What makes a magical garden? For me, a magical garden is anywhere green I can sit in peace and quiet with a good book and a cup of tea with only the sounds of rustling leaves to keep me company. My own garden is very small and new and I’m working hard on making it green and magical with lots of different plants and shrubs, and pots with edible things like strawberries, raspberries, and tomatoes, apples and pears.
What research did you do for this book? I did do a lot of research, but much of it involved visiting places rather than reading! I visited the servants’ quarters of Ickworth House to find out what it would have been like to work ‘downstairs’ in a grand country house. The head gardener of Ickworth was also very generous with his time and shared his knowledge of how the gardens used to look and work. I also visited the Cambridge Botanical Gardens to sit in the hothouses so I could write authentic scenes when Clara and Will are staking out the hothouses trying to catch the pineapple thief. What songs does this book make you think of? I have to admit that sometimes I had the orchestral theme tune of Downton Abbey running through my head when I was writing, a programme I absolutely love! What do you think of the book cover? How well does it convey what the book is about? I absolutely adore the book cover! It was designed by Kath Millichope at Usborne and illustrated by the very talented Amy Grimes. I love seeing Clara through the keyhole at night which is surrounded by mandarins and blossom – which is very significant to the story. It’s almost as if we are seeing Clara from inside one of the hothouses which is just perfect, as this is where she spends a lot of time hunting for the thief. You were selected to take part in a Curtis Brown Creative Writing course for Children, what did you learn that helped you write this book? The course was excellent in that every few weeks I would be sent my fifteen course mates’ views on the latest 3000 words I had written. At first it was a bit overwhelming as the comments were all so varied, but I started looking for areas where a few people had given the same feedback and it all clicked into place and made me focus on the parts that needed changing. I had some friends and family, and of course my lovely agent, read early drafts of this book and because of this experience I was able to much more quickly spot problem areas which most people agreed needed addressing. You're hosting a literary dinner party, which authors/illustrators/famous people would you invite and why? This is a tough question! I would definitely invite Enid Blyton, as I used to devour her books when I was young, particularly The Famous Five and Adventure series. I would also invite Louisa May Alcott to have a chat about Little Women, which is one of my favourite books, and ask her why she decided to let Laurie marry Amy and not Jo! There would also be a place at the table for Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake and present-day authors Emma Carroll and Lucy Strange, as I haven’t met them yet and would love to sit down and have a good natter about historical fiction and children’s literature today.
