Abi Elphinstone - Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix (Book Two) - Book Review - Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books

 

In "Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix," Abi Elphinstone captivates readers once again with a spellbinding adventure-packed tale that takes us deep into a fantastical world brimming with danger. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Arctic Circle, this second book in the magical series is a testament to Elphinstone’s ability to weave intricate plots with rich, vibrant, and imaginative characters.

Ember Spark’s journey as an apprentice to see Rusty Fizzbang, the vet for magical creatures, is a thrilling ride from the very first page. Guided by a baby frost phoenix, Ember's quest to save the migrating neverwhales evolves into a gripping race against time. As she navigates the icy landscapes and faces the evil Jasper Hornswoggle (such a great name!) readers find themselves on an exhilarating rollercoaster of emotions. The author's storytelling prowess really shines balancing high-stakes action with beautiful moments of warmth and camaraderie.

Brilliantly illustrated by Kristina Kister, the book comes alive with its stunning cover and illustrations that complement the enchanting narrative. Each illustration serves as a portal into Elphinstone's world as they invite readers to immerse themselves fully in the magic and wonder of Ember's journey. 

What makes "Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix" truly remarkable is its underlying themes of bravery, compassion, and the importance of standing up for those who cannot protect themselves. Ember is a relatable heroine whose determination and kindness will inspire readers of all ages to embrace their own adventures and confront challenges head-on.

This book is not just a story, it’s a celebration of the spirit of adventure and the bonds we forge in the face of adversity. Elphinstone has crafted a story that is both thrilling and heartwarming, ensuring that it will resonate with readers long after they turn the last page. 

Published by Simon & Schuster Children's UK (24 Oct. 2024).

**Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐**

**Links:**

- [Simon & Schuster Children's UK](https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk)

- [Abi Elphinstone's Official Website](https://www.abielphinstone.com)

- [Kristina Kister's Portfolio](https://www.kristinakister.com)

MR RIPLEY'S ENCHANTED BOOKS: Children's Book Cover Illustration Competition - ROUND ONE - 2024/25

We welcome YOU once again to Mr Ripley's Enchanted Books 15th Annual Children's Book Cover Illustration Competition! This vibrant event showcases and celebrates the incredible talent and creativity of artists from all around the world. As we continue to foster a love for highlighting the unsung heroes/teams of our favourite book covers.  Join us on this exciting journey and spread the word as we embark on another year of discovering extraordinary artistry that brings enchanting stories to life through the power of illustrations. Get ready to unleash your inner artist and be a part of this remarkable celebration of children's illustration and design! Previous winners HERE!

Mr. Ripley's Enchanted Book Cover Competition Rules 

There will be FIVE weekly heats; each with SIX books to vote for. Although there will be 7 book covers in the final to vote for. All heat winners will make the grand final plus two book covers WITH the highest number of votes from all the previous heats. 

Each week you vote you will be in with a chance to win an exciting prize. 

This week's great prize is a £10 Book Voucher/Hardback book by Cressida Cowell - Which Way Round the Galaxy and a bar of chocolate. Good luck everybody! 

If you are interested all you need to do is:

• Vote for your favourite book cover using the poll HERE  (or at the bottom of the post)
• Leave a comment through this post/poll or see pinned Tweet/X or other socials for more details on @Enchantedbooks
• This poll will end on the 8th of November 2024 at Midnight (UK). 

Have fun and please share with the world through X, Facebook, Threads, and Instagram. Watch the voting develop, and wait to hear whether you've won (once the poll has closed).

Here are the six brilliant book covers to vote for this week: 

BOOK ONE: Philippa Leathley - Inkbound - Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books (30 Jan. 2025) -  Book Cover Illustration by Brie Schmida - VOTE HERE

BOOK TWO: Tom Palmer - Angel of Grasmere - Published by Barrington Stoke (9 May 2024) - Book Cover Illustration by Tom Clohosy Cole - VOTE HERE 

BOOK THREE: M. G. Leonard - Hunt for the Golden Scarab - Published by Macmillan Children's Books (30 Jan. 2025) - Book Cover Illustration by Manuel Šumberac - VOTE HERE

BOOK FOUR: Susan Cahill - The World Between the Rain - Published by Everything with Words (24 Oct. 2024) - Book Cover Illustration by Holly Ovenden - VOTE HERE

BOOK FIVE: Liz Hyder - The Twelve - Published by Pushkin Children's Books (10 Oct. 2024) - Book Cover Illustration by Tom DE Freston - VOTE HERE

BOOK SIX: Sarah Harrison - School of Doom - Published by Chicken House (13 Mar. 2025) - Book Cover Illustration by Isabelle Follath - VOTE HERE

HAPPY VOTING! 

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?

Hilary McKay (Author), Keith Robinson (Illustrator) - Rosa by Starlight - Book Review - Mr Ripley’s Enchanted Books

In "Rosa by Starlight," Hilary McKay weaves a captivating tale that is at once whimsical and poignant, inviting readers into a world where magic exists just beneath the surface of everyday life. This enchanting story follows Rosa, a young girl whose search for wonder leads her to an unexpected friendship with Balthazar, a large black cat who embodies the spirit of adventure and companionship. 

Rosa's journey begins against the backdrop of a dreary existence with her dreadful aunt and uncle, who threaten to dull her vibrant spirit. Yet, with Balthazar by her side, she is reminded that magic can be found in the most unexpected places, even when life feels particularly heavy.

Moving further forward the plot is set against the breathtaking canvas of Venice, McKay’s storytelling shines and shimmers as she captures the city’s enchanting beauty and rich history. The ancient canals and vibrant streets become a character in their own right, providing a stunning backdrop for Rosa’s adventures. As she navigates the complexities of her new environment, the presence of magic becomes palpable, intertwining with the themes of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of friendship. You also discover this feeling with the beautiful black-and-white illustrations from Keith Robinson. 

While the story is undeniably whimsical, it does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of Rosa's life. Feelings of abandonment and loneliness are juxtaposed with moments of joy and discovery, creating a rich emotional tapestry that resonates deeply with readers of all ages. McKay's ability to balance light and shadow is a testament to her skill as a storyteller.

As Rosa confronts her fears in the face of adversity, readers are invited to reflect on their own journeys. The message that magic can be found even in the most difficult times is both uplifting and empowering. The bond between Rosa and Balthazar serves as a reminder of the importance of connection and the unexpected ways in which support can manifest.

"Rosa by Starlight" is not just a tale of adventure; it is a celebration of imagination and the indomitable spirit of a young girl who refuses to let her circumstances define her. Hilary McKay has crafted a story that sparkles with wonder while also gently addressing the complexities of life.  It is a book that will leave readers with a full rainbow of emotions, encouraging them to look beyond the ordinary and embrace the magic that surrounds us all. Published by Macmillan Children's Books. 

Julia Donaldson (Author), Axel Scheffler (Illustrator) - Children's Picture Book Biography 1993-2024

Book One: A Squash and a Squeeze - Published by Methuen Children's Books - 1993 (Hardback No Dust Jacket?) 

The very first picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, before they went on to become international stars for their beloved picture books. 

A goat on the bed and a cow on the table tapping out a jig? My readers collapsed in heaps and then had to have it read again. And again.'' Vivian French in the Guardian'Wise old man, won't you help me, please? My house is a squash and squeeze.''What can you do if your house is too small? The wise old man knows: bring in a flappy, scratchy, noisy crowd of farmyard animals. When you push them all out again, you'll be amazed at how big your house feels!

Book Two: The Gruffalo - Published by Macmillan Children's Books - 23 March 1999 (Hardback (1500 First Editions/First Printing - No Dust Jacket ?)

A mouse walks through a wood and encounters three predators—first a fox, then an owl, and finally a snake. Each of these animals invites the mouse into their home for a meal, the implication being that they intend to eat the mouse. The mouse declines each offer, telling the predators that it plans to dine with a "gruffalo". The mouse then describes the gruffalo's frightening features, such as "terrible tusks, terrible claws, and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws".  The mouse tells each predator that the predator is the gruffalo's favourite food.

Book Three: Monkey Puzzle - Published by Alison Green Books - 24 March 2000 (Hardback) 

"I've lost my mum!"
Where is Monkey's mummy? It's not too much fun being lost in the jungle, and little monkey wants his mum. Kindly butterfly is keen to help, but they don't seem to be having much luck and keep finding the wrong animals! But eventually, they find . . . Dad! It's just as well that he knows exactly where mum is, and she's waiting with a well-deserved cuddle.

Book Four: Room on the Broom - Published by Macmillan Children's Books - 27 August 2001 (Hardback)

The witch and her cat fly happily over forests, rivers and mountains on their broomstick until a stormy wind blows away the witch’s hat, bow and wand. They are retrieved by a dog, a bird and a frog, and each animal asks for a ride on the broom. They climb on, one after the next, until the broom is so heavy that it snaps in two! What will happen next as they tumble into a bog and meet a greedy dragon?

Book Five: The Smartest Giant in Town - Published by Published by Macmillan Children's Books - 1 January 2002 (DJ Hardback)

George didn't like being the scruffiest giant in town, so when he sees a new shop selling giant-size clothes he decides it's time to update his image. With smart trousers, a smart shirt, stripy tie and shiny shoes, George is a new giant. But on his way home, he meets various animals who desperately need his help. . . and his clothes!

Book Six: The Snail and the Whale - Published by Macmillan Children's Books - 5 September 2003 (DJ Hardback)

When a tiny snail meets a humpback whale, the two travel together to far-off lands.  It's a dream come true for the snail, who has never left home before.  But when the whale swims too close to shore, will the snail be able to save her new friend?

From the creators of Room on the Broom and The Gruffalo comes this touching tale of adventure and friendship.  With vibrant illustrations and rhymes that are both playful and lyrical, here is a story that shows us that even the smallest creatures can help others in a big way.

Book Seven: The Gruffalo's Child - Published by Macmillan Children's Books - 3 September 2004 - (DJ Hardback) 

One night, the Gruffalo’s child wanders into the woods to search for the Big Bad Mouse. But instead, she comes upon a small mouse in the woods . . . and decides to eat him! But wait, what is that? A shadow of a very large, scary creature falls on the ground. Could it be the Big Bad Mouse after all?

Book Eight: Charlie Cooks Favourite Book - Published by Macmillan Children's Books - 2005 (DJ Hardback) 

Charlie Cook is reading a book about a pirate captain, who is reading a book about Goldilocks, who is reading about a knight, who is reading about a frog . . . From kings and queens to aliens and ghosts, there's something for everyone in Charlie's amazing book!

Book Nine: Tiddler - Published by Alison Green Books -  2007 (DJ Hardback) 

The smallest fish can tell the tallest tales ... "Sorry I'm late, Miss. I set off really early but on the way to school I was captured by a squid. I wriggled and I struggled till a turtle came and rescued me." "Oh, no, he didn't." "OH, YES, HE DID." Tiddler is a little fish with a BIG imagination! What ever will he come up with next?

Book Ten: Stick Man - Published by Alison Green Books -  2008 (DJ Hardback) 

'Stick Man lives in the family tree 
With his Stick Lady Love
and their stick children three.'

But it's dangerous being a Stick Man.

A dog wants to play with him, a swan builds her nest with him. He even ends up on a fire! 

Will he ever get back to the family tree in time for Christmas? Perhaps Santa can help...

Book Eleven: Tabby McTat - Published by Alison Green Books -  2009 (DJ Hardback) 

"Me, you and the old guitar.

How perfectly, perfectly happy we are.

MEEE-EW and the old guitar.

How PURRRR-fectly happy we are!"

Tabby McTat is purr-fectly happy, singing along all day with Fred the busker. But when Fred gives chase to a thief, the two are separated. Will they ever find each other again?

Book Twelve: ZOG - Published by Alison Green Books -  20010 (DJ Hardback) 

Zog is the keenest dragon in school - and the clumsiest. Luckily, a mysterious little girl always comes by to patch up his bumps and bruises. But will she be able to help Zog with his toughest test yet: capturing a princess? And will Zog ever manage to win a gold star?

Book Thirteen: The Highway Rat - Published by Alison Green Books -  20011 (DJ Hardback) 

Life is not safe for the other animals, as the villainous Highway Rat gallops along the highway, stealing their food. Clover from a rabbit; nuts from a squirrel - he even steals his own horse's hay. Will he finally meet his comeuppance, in the form of a cunning duck?

Book Fourteen: Superworm - Published by Alison Green Books -  20012 (DJ Hardback) 

Never fear, Superworm's here! He can fish Spider out of a well, and rescue Toad from a busy road. But who will come to Superworm's rescue, when he's captured by a wicked Wizard Lizard? Luckily, all of Superworm's insect friends have a cunning plan...

Book Fifteen: The Scarecrow's Wedding - Published by Alison Green Books -  20014 (Poster DJ Hardback) 

The Scarecrow's Wedding is a fabulous love story, with drama, humour, originality - and a happy ending! Two scarecrows, Betty O'Barley and Harry O'Hay, are planning the perfect wedding. But wicked scarecrow, Reginald Rake, has other ideas and almost ruins their special day. Harry must become a hero before he and Betty can have the wedding of their dreams.

Book Sixteen: Zog and the Flying Doctors - Published by Alison Green Books -  20016 (DJ Hardback)  

Meet the Flying Doctors: Princess Pearl, Sir Gadabout and, of course, their trusty 'air ambulance', Zog the dragon, as they fly around the country, tending to a sunburnt mermaid, a distressed unicorn, and even a sneezy lion. Zog and the Flying Doctors is a fabulously original sequel to the bestselling ZOG.

Book Seventeen: Ugly Five - Published by Alison Green Books -  20017 (DJ Hardback)  

Who's that singing on the savannah? It's the top-five ugly animals in Africa! The wildebeest, warthog, vulture, hyena and marabou stork swagger proudly across the savannah, rejoicing in their ugliness - and delighting their babies, who think they're perfect just the way they are. Inspired by the real-life Ugly Five safari animals, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's brand-new picture book is a jubilant celebration of animals who are often rather unloved. The funny, heart-warming rhyme is a joy to read aloud, while bold, comical illustrations bring the savannah spectacularly to life.

Book Eighteen: The Smeds and the Smoos - Published by Alison Green Books -  September 20019 (DJ Hardback)  

Soar into space with this glorious love story of alien folk! The Smeds (who are red) never mix with the Smoos (who are blue). So when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love, their families strongly disapprove. But peace is restored and love conquers all in this happiest of love stories. There's even a gorgeous purple baby to celebrate!
With fabulous rhymes and breathtaking illustrations, this book is literally out of this world!

Book Nineteen: The Baddies - Published by Published by Alison Green Books -  20022 (DJ Hardback)

The Baddies are the meanest, nastiest ghost, witch and troll in the land. They just adore being bad, and fight over who is the worst. When a little girl moves into a nearby cottage, the Baddies can’t wait to scare her out of her wits. But the little girl quickly shows them that you don’t have to be big to be brave, and baddies don’t always win.

Book Twenty: Jonty Gentoo - Published by Alison Green Books -  12 September 20024 (DJ Hardback)

Join a plucky little penguin on the journey of a lifetime, in this fabulous new picture book from superstar author and illustrator Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Jonty the little gentoo penguin longs to find his true home at the South Pole. 

One night, he sneaks out of the zoo and sets off on an amazing adventure, all the way to Antarctica (with an accidental detour to the North Pole!)

Children will be cheering Jonty on as he finally finds his way, in this captivating story of bravery, friendship, and finding your place in the world.

 

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.