Author Archives: amloughrey

About amloughrey

I write children's fiction, non-fiction and teacher resources for a wide range of publishers. I had two monthly columns in Writers’ Forum, one on writing for children and the other about authors and their research before the magazine shut down. I do school visits and run creative writing workshops . I also review children's books and do blog tours and have special guest authors on my blog. I am passionate about stationery, growing bonsai trees and walking my bearded collies.

Book Review: The Jolt by Alex Woolf

Title: The Jolt

Written by: Alex Woolf

Published by: AW Publishing

Alex Woolf’s The Jolt is a fast-paced and compelling read with few distractions from the central mystery of how they lost their memory. Although the story begins along familiar lines where two strangers meet with conflicting personalities, it quickly takes an intriguing turn, which adds depth and emotional impact.

On a train journey, our two protagonists, Susie and Ryan, begin a casual conversation. Moments later, a mysterious jolt shakes the carriage and both of them lose consciousness. When they wake, they are still on the same train, but twelve months have somehow passed. When Susie returns home, she finds evidence of a man sharing her flat and her bed. Ryan, equally confused, arrives at her door to discover he is now her live-in partner.

The novel’s central idea, a time slip, which leaves the protagonists with no memory of a year of their lives, forms the heart of the story. Alex handles this concept with great skill, using Susie and Ryan’s shared confusion to draw readers into their disorientation and vulnerability.

Friends and family treat their relationship as completely normal, yet neither of them remembers falling in love. As Susie and Ryan grow closer, they are forced to confront the unsettling truth of what happened on the train, the mystery of where they have been for the past year, and the possibility the jolt, which brought them together, might yet tear them apart. Each recovered memory feels immediate and powerful, allowing the reader to experience Susie’s and Ryan’s emotional turmoil in a deeply personal way.

The tension builds steadily throughout, leading to a dramatic and satisfying climax by the river. The subtle use of the paranormal, centred on the mysterious green crystal, adds an intriguing dimension without overwhelming the human drama. The time-slip element and the suggestion the crystal’s effects echo experiences faced by women across history, provides a thoughtful and unexpected layer of meaning.

The characterisation is particularly strong. The ‘will they, won’t they’ dynamic between Susie and Ryan feels authentic and their contrasting personalities, such as his untidiness and her tendency to speak without thinking, make them both believable and relatable. Their relationship demonstrates how opposites can attract and in doing so, help each other to grow. Alex portrays love not as a simple or idealised emotion but as a complex, evolving bond shaped by personal struggles and self-discovery.

The attention to detail in the descriptions of setting and atmosphere makes each scene easy to visualise and adds to the novel’s immersive quality.

If you enjoy time-slip contemporary romance infused with paranormal elements, The Jolt is an excellent choice. It offers an emotional journey where attraction and suspicion constantly compete, leaving Susie and Ryan uncertain of their feelings and of the truth about their shared past.

I have also reviewed this book on Amazon, Goodreads and BookSirens.

Spotlight – Blue Elephant Storyshaping

Today I’m shining a spotlight on editor Natascha Biebow and her inspiring Blue Elephant Storyshaping editorial services. With over 30 years of publishing experience, Natascha has nurtured debut creators and guided bestselling authors and illustrators to bring out the very best in their stories. She truly understands the creator’s journey as both an editor and a published author.

Through Blue Elephant Storyshaping, Natascha offers a range of creative services for children’s book authors, illustrators, agents and publishers. Her one-to-one mentoring provides weekly personalised editorial support that motivates you to explore, experiment and dig deep to find the heart of your story in an inspiring and sometimes gently challenging way. Together you set meaningful goals and deadlines to help you shape and polish your book.

Natascha also runs picture book coaching courses designed to help you uncover the gems in your ‘bottom drawer’ ideas and take your craft to the next level. I can personally recommend her Cook Up a Picture Book course. The combination of structure, encouragement and expert feedback inspired me to create some child-centred picture books I’m truly proud of.

Now, over to Natascha, who shares more about her Cook Up a Picture Book course and her approach to helping creators thrive:

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In Natascha’s words:

I’m a writer, I get it – you show up and write your picture book and then try to navigate the publishing world only to find it’s utterly befuddling. What ARE those editors doing all day and why does it take soooo long for agents to respond? What does it mean when rejection emails say your work is ‘not quite right for our list’ or ‘too familiar’? How can you try to avoid getting rejected in the first place? And how do you know when your book is ready to submit and which of the many stories in your bottom drawer you should choose?!

Often being a creator is lonely, dispiriting work.

What if you could have an experienced editor on tap, in your corner, who could take your hand and help you to build a commercial body of work, navigate and understand the marketplace, and pitch your books so they really grab editors and agents?

When I started Blue Elephant Storyshaping, I wanted to spend my time doing what I love most – editing and empowering authors and illustrators (who want to write) to tell the stories they love. Every day I have so much fun doing just that – chatting about ‘what if’ story possibilities, choosing mentor texts to help people with their ‘a-ha!’ moments, and keeping them current with the fast-changing marketplace. Because I come from an editorial background and I have some distance from their work, I can often quickly see what is niggling.

Here are three biggest mistakes I see again and again that stop authors from selling their picture book:

Submitting too soon – often, authors are so excited when they’ve completed a draft, they want to send it out right away. But unfortunately, all too often, your book is OK, but not shiny – yet!
Not hooky enough – the best picture books are those you want to read again and again. Why? Because they speak to the reader, they have layers, they have something hooky to make them memorable and unique. An in-depth knowledge of the market and how children think is key to figuring out how to make your book stand out. But it’s often because your book isn’t yet solid that you can’t figure out how to fix it . . .
Characters and plots that have the reader (and agent!) muttering ‘so what?’ and grabbing a biscuit instead – a story must have characters and some kind of problem to keep readers turning the pages. This seems obvious, but it’s how you do it that makes it hooky enough (see above).

Because I know how tough it can be to navigate through the noise, to stop second-guessing yourself, and to be accountable.

Because I see how important it is to have solid craft skills and a hooky pitch that sells your work, I created a comprehensive signature Cook Up a Picture Book Course that will help you to:

find your voice
hone your craft
expertly pitch your books

It’s a deep dive based on my bespoke method honed over many years of storyshaping.

Imagine you have an editor on tap (yes with live, ask-me-anything Q & As) and someone cheering you on to show up and create your book in just six sessions – with all-important breaks to actually implement each tool and actually (no excuses!) write your book.

Through my 30+ years of coaching, mentoring and editing picture books, I have seen all the mistakes and I can help you to create that commercial picture book. So, if you want some help, we can do it together in just three steps:

1. Join the course and a supportive community (it’s fun, I promise!)

2. Ask ALL the questions

3. Write your book.

And dream BIG!

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If you’re ready to take your picture book ideas to the next level, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring Natascha’s Cook Up a Picture Book course. Her insight, encouragement and editorial expertise make the creative process both inspiring and rewarding.

The Cook Up a Picture Book Course starts on 6 November and runs until Jan 2026, with breaks for writing. Email Natascha at hello@blueelephantstoryshaping.com to get your exclusive discount code (valid until 31 Oct 2025).

Natascha Biebow, MBE, lots of ideas, many hats: mum, author (The Crayon Man:The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons), experienced picture book editor, founder of Blue Elephant Storyshaping, Editorial Director (Five Quills), creative writing tutor at Write for Kids, All Stories and Jericho Prize.

Spotlight – Twinkl Originals

The latest Twinkl Originals middle grade (Key Stage 2) novel, Wildcat Summer, was published on 23^rd September 2025.

Here, we catch up with the author, editors, illustrator and designer to find out more about the book and Twinkl’s publishing process.

Author – Victoria Williamson

The way Twinkl stories begin is with our Educational Content Lead – Pete Lambden – researching what topics and themes are being searched for by teachers and parents on the Twinkl website. He identified that ‘environmental issues’ was a popular choice, and he drew up a brief for the team to work on a book related to rewilding.

The writer starts with the brief and produces a range of different short synopses for the team to choose from. Once we’ve met to discuss our favourite ideas, the writing begins!

I really enjoyed working on this story – it has a Famous Five feel, much like the stories I enjoyed reading when I was in primary school. For this book, I got the opportunity to draw on my experience of teaching classes with additional support needs, as well as my own experiences of Scottish nature. We aim to create diverse books at Twinkl, and we included a main character with hearing loss in this story so that children using hearing aids could have a chance to see themselves represented in a team adventure. Having grown up in Scotland, I was very happy to have a chance to write a story set in Kingussie in the Highlands, featuring not just the spectacular scenery and the wildcat rewilding programme run by the Highland Wildlife Park, but also some Scottish Gaelic phrases!

Editors – Rachel Poole-Fenwick and Sally Baines

As editors, we have input into the story at every stage of its development. At the beginning, we meet with the writer and Educational Content Lead to look at possible story synopses and, once one has been chosen, a breakdown of how the chapters might progress. After the writer has written the first draft, we meet again to discuss the story – we focus on whether the story has a clear plot structure and help to refine the characters so they’re relatable and age-appropriate. We also make sure the language and tone match the intended age group.

Usually, the story goes through a couple more drafts and we give our feedback on these. Then, it comes to the editors for us to check the spelling, punctuation and grammar is in line with Twinkl’s style. We make sure any names, places and timelines are consistent throughout the story and check any factual information – in this case, the facts about the wildcats.

As editors, we’re really lucky to work on so many great stories – and this one was no exception! We loved following the journey that the main character goes on and the beautiful backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. We got to learn a lot about wildcats and rewilding initiatives too.

The editors also write and check all the additional teaching resources that are available alongside the story. For Wildcat Summer, we created a Scottish Mythical Creatures reading comprehension, some mindfulness colouring sheets featuring Scottish Gaelic greetings and a glossary containing key phrases linked to rewilding.

Illustrator – Alex

Illustrating books with Victoria is always a pleasure as our interests tend to cross over quite a lot. I am drawn to the fantastical and natural worlds as much as she is. The timing on this one worked out perfectly as I had just returned from a camping trip in the Highlands and felt inspired by the remarkable landscape.

Illustrating each book is often a similar process each time. I’ll read the text and after discussing illustration ideas with the team, I’ll present rough drawings to them. When approved, I’ll develop the rough into a more finished piece and then I’ll check with the team again before finalising the picture. It’s a many-step process with lots of checks and development along the way, making it much more collaborative than one might think, but it’s always a pleasure.

Designer – Tony Anderson

My role in designing the book is to bring everything together.

By the time I start, each book has already been in production for some time. The story has been written and edited, and the text is ready to place in the book. Work has already begun on concept illustration – often, rough and final illustrations have been started and can be slotted into the book.

My role in making the books is both technical and creative. There are lots of elements that go into a book: chapter starts, contents page, fonts and illustration placement. I also need to make sure that our books keep to the Twinkl brand ‘style’.

The cover is an aspect of the book we like to have ironed out early in the process – we might use the same cover fonts inside the book on things like chapter starts. A lot of team discussion goes into deciding on a final cover design.

I also design the resources that go with the books.

Educational Content Lead – Pete Lambden

At Twinkl Originals, while our commitment is always to create stories that are fun and exciting for our young readers, we also work to ensure that our books are based on educational and relatable topics that reflect the world children live in. My job is to guide the development of the book so that it has a place in the classroom as well as on children’s own bookshelves. I’m particularly proud of this book, as I think it provides lots of opportunities for discussion on how to be responsible stewards of the environment, and how children can take a positive, active role in their local areas of nature. We would love to hear how children and educators have used the book, so please do leave a review on our site if you’ve enjoyed reading it!

Together, the KS2 Originals team combine their unique talents and backgrounds to produce captivating and educational books that resonate with children, parents and educators alike. Their commitment to quality, diversity and curriculum alignment ensures that each story not only entertains but also enriches the learning experience for young readers. Find out more about the Originals books here: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/twinkl-originals

The Twinkl Originals books can be downloaded by signing up to an account, which gives access to the library of 100+ eBooks plus nearly 1 million Twinkl resources: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/premium/choose

Book Review: Shadow Thieves

Title: Shadow Thieves

Written by: Peter Burns

Cover by:

Published by: Farshore (an imprint of Harper Collins)

An incredibly gripping YA dystopian novel offering a dark glimpse into the criminal underworld that mirrors aspects of our own society. Quite unlike the books I usually choose, yet I was hooked from the very first chapter.

The map of the three empires was fascinating. I appreciated that the geography was inspired by our own world rather than an entirely fictional one. The key was especially compelling with its use of distinctive symbols to represent assassin spies and intelligence outposts. Studying the map drew me deeper into the story.

The definition of a ‘con’ at the beginning helped establish the tone and atmosphere. I had hoped to trace the different stages of the long con as the story progressed, but this didn’t materialise. I suspect this is because the long con will unfold across several instalments.

The manipulation of history to create this extraordinary alternate world, where various types of criminals dominate in a Victorian style London, was executed with skill. The characters felt authentic, particularly Tom Morgan whose responses to the situations he faced were believable. His portrayal as a reluctant hero was convincing. He reminded me of John Wick and I could easily picture Tom as a young Keanu Reeves.

Beaufort’s School for Deceptive Arts was thoroughly developed. I enjoyed the final chapter and hope the Corsair makes a return in future books. I am eager to see what new challenges await Tom as a member of the Shadow League. With so many enemies, it would not surprise me if multiple bounties were placed on him.

Tom has also gained several allies who owe him their lives, even if their loyalty must remain hidden. I am curious to see how these connections will influence events in the next books of the series.

I have also reviewed this book on NetGalley, Goodreads and Amazon.

You can buy copies of Shadow Thieves byPeter Burns from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.

Book Review: Emba Oak Series Round Up

Title: Emba Oak series

Written by: Jenny Moore

Illustrated by: David Dean

Published by: Maverick Books

The Emba Oak series by Jenny Moore, published by Maverick, is a masterfully crafted quartet of middle-grade fantasy novels that together form an unforgettable journey filled with humour, heart and high-stakes adventure. From the moment readers meet Emba, a girl hatched from a dragon’s egg who appears almost human except for the scales on her arms and legs, they are swept into a vividly imagined world where magic, mystery and meaning intertwine.

One of the greatest strengths of the series is Jenny’s distinctive narrative voice. Emba is a fiercely loyal and courageous protagonist and her thoughts and feelings guide the reader through every twist and turn. Although written in third person the story remains tightly connected to Emba’s perspective, creating an immersive experience. The books are filled with clever alliterative chapter titles and brilliantly named locations like the Pool of Perilous Perception and the Sleep Sucking Swirl of Slumber, giving the series a unique rhythm and charm.

The supporting cast, though relatively small, is full of personality and depth. Characters such as the boastful yet endearing Odolf Bravebuckle and the wise Fred of Witchingford Woods complement Emba perfectly. Each brings something essential to the story as they journey through increasingly perilous challenges. Together they learn that true bravery comes not from magical artefacts but from the choices we make and the people we care about.

Across the four books Emba’s dragon abilities begin to emerge and so too does her understanding of herself. Her recurring dreams of her dragon mother, her trust in new allies and the evolving tense relationship with her father Necromalcolm add emotional complexity to the adventure. Jenny explores important themes such as identity, friendship, belonging and the meaning of family with warmth and nuance.

The final book, Emba Oak and the Epic Ending, delivers on everything the series promises. The stakes are higher than ever as Necromalcolm nears immortality and both the human and dragon realms hang in the balance. Emba must face heart-wrenching choices and grow into the hero she was always meant to be. With ghost armies, dragon sacrifices, betrayals and moments of deep connection the conclusion is both thrilling and deeply moving.

What makes the series truly shine is how well Jenny brings everything full circle. Long-standing mysteries are resolved, relationships mature and the world feels richer for everything Emba and her friends have endured. While the story comes to a satisfying and natural close there remains a hint of wonder about what adventures might still lie beyond.

Perfect for young readers aged 9 and up the Emba Oak series is a magical heartfelt and exhilarating journey. Jenny Moore has created a vivid world and a powerful heroine that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned. I can’t wait to see what she conjures up next.

Other series of books I have reviewed include:

To read my in-depth reviews of each of the Emba Oak books in the tetralogy take a look at:

To read my interview with Jenny Moore about the writing of the Emba Oak series see: Special Guest Q & A with Jenny Moore.

To find out more about Jenny Moore and her books take a look at her website: https://jennymoorechildrenswriter.weebly.com and her blog: https://jennifermoore.wordpress.com/. Or follow her on her various social media outlets:

You can buy copies of all of Jenny Moore’s books from your local bookshops, which are always top of the list – if they don’t have the Emba Oak books in stock they’ll be able to order them in for you. Or you can purchase direct from the publisher Maverick Publishing, who have a specia offer if you buy all four books at the moment.

Otherwise Jenny recommends Hive books or any of the usual online retailers, such as uk.bookshop.org, an organisation with a mission to financially support local, independent bookshops.

I would like to thank Maverick Publishing for sending me a review copies of these book. Thank you.

Book Review: Peregrine Quinn and the Mask of Chaos

Title: Peregrine Quinn and the Mask of Chaos

Written by: Ash Bond

Cover by: Katie Foreman

Published by: Picadilly Press

Peregrine returns, and the quiet life her famous mother wants for her is not to be. Recruited by Olympus Inc as a spy, she is tasked with uncovering the identity of the thief who broke into a supposedly secure laboratory.

We see the return of some great characters and the narrative is once again shared between Peregrine, Cal, Rowen and Hekate, with chapters shifting between their viewpoints. Cal’s role is more prominent this time, and his character feels deeper and more developed. The sequel also introduces intriguing new figures, including the enigmatic Linus and the devious Dionysus.

While Peregrine competes in the high-stakes Cosmic Games and tries to persuade the other contestants to work as a team, Cal and Rowen pursue leads in the hunt for the thief. The tension is heightened throughout, and the antagonist’s storyline carries more weight. Alongside the plot, we gain further insight into Peregrine’s relationship with her mother and continue to see Peregrine’s distinct character take shape.

For me, the world building was particularly compelling, linking the familiar Terran Realm with the mythical Mount Olympus of the Cosmic Realm. The fusion of ancient mythology with futuristic technology gives the novel a unique science fiction feel. Again the beautifully detailed maps at the front of the book were appreciated as they add a useful extra layer to this incredible and immersive setting.

Although, I was initially concerned that the build up to the Cosmic Games might not live up to the initial hype. They turned out to be inventive, unpredictable and thoroughly entertaining. They held my attention right through to the dramatic conclusion. A standout moment for me was their atempts at retrieving the golden apple tree, which was vividly portrayed and full of atmosphere.

You can read my review of he first book in the series here: Book Review: Pergrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm.

You can buy copies of Peregrine Quinn and the Mask of Chaos by Ash Bond from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.

Blog Tour – Madame Eldridge’s Wayward Home for Unruly Boys by Benjamin Ryan

Madame Eldridge’s Wayward Home for Unruly Boys was the 5th place finalist in BBNYA 2024. It is a YA fantasy and mystery that keeps you gripped to the end.

Blurb

Deep in the heart of Virginia’s dense backwoods, the Wayward Home for Unruly Boys hides more than just troubled youth. Under Madame Eldridge’s watchful eye, three strict rules govern their behavior

1. What happens here stays here.

2. You must complete all eight steps—no exceptions allowed.

3. Forget your name; you’ll be known only by your problem.

But, there’s one unspoken rule that sends shivers down the boys’ never enter the forbidden third-floor bedroom of the boy who vanished, leaving nothing behind but whispers.

When Vandalize and Stealer defy this warning, they uncover a treasure trove of bewitched artifacts, each with a strange and powerful ability. Using these relics, the boys tackle Madame Eldridge’s whimsical—and often bizarre—challenges, only to learn magic always demands its price.

Amidst the chaos, Fibbsy stumbles upon a peculiar object that sends him hurtling back in time, revealing an unfathomable truth about Madame Eldridge, the eerie town, and the missing boy’s fate. But who will trust the words of a liar?

Bound by the house’s darkest mysteries, Fibbsy, Defiance, Slob, and Secret form an unlikely friendship as they race to unveil the shrouded secrets surrounding the Wayward Home. Together, they confront their deepest fears, uncovering that the real magic lies in facing their own personal demons—and each other.

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Review

Excellent writing style. Great pacing. Well edited.The plot pulled me in and made me want to keep reading. I believe the story is original as I have read a lot of YA books and not read anything similar.

Elliot’s character was well established and his feelings and reasons for being at the Home were clear. He is a rather spoilt boy with a misguided view about lying, which gives a lot of scope for character development and a strong character arc. I also like the way we were shown Sassy’s (Ishir’s) character through his actions and dialogue.

The book takes a dark turn with a lot of gratutious violence when Madame Eldridge enters the story. She wastes no time in renaming the boys, giving them unsettling new titles like Fibbsy, Stealer, Bully, Cheater and Defiance. Each name reflects a personal flaw and signals the beginning of a deeper transformation that each boy must face.

As the story progresses, the boys are drawn into a series of unusual and often dangerous trials. The setting, a shadowy Victorian residence, becomes a place of mystery and tension. The boys must learn to cooperate and think independently if they are to uncover the truth behind Madame Eldridge’s increasingly cruel and puzzling tasks.

The narrative moves between the ordinary and the fantastic. There are moments of fear and bravery, innocence and insight, as the boys’ journey becomes more surreal. Vivid scenes and sharp dialogue keep the pace brisk, while each answer they find leads to more questions and an unsettling sense that more is always just out of reach.

This debut novel stands out for its originality and strong character development. Themes of loyalty, perseverance and self-discovery give the story heart. The writing is richly visual, with a cinematic quality that suggests real potential for adaptation. Readers of fantasy, mystery and coming-of-age stories will find much to enjoy.

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Links to More Reviews

Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/2xhAZT8 (Canada) https://a.co/d/gy4ZbEk (USA) https://amzn.eu/d/6gb1kDI (UK)

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221648688-madame-eldridge-s-wayward-home-for-unruly-boys

The Story Graph Link: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/dae36be6-672b-4648-9308-594850a53715

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About BBNYA

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 15 finalists (16 in 2024) and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.

Author Bio

Once upon a time, there was a military brat named Benjamin Ryan, who traveled the world and embraced every unique experience he encountered. Being the new kid in town wasn’t always easy, and as he struggled with weight issues, he also had to deal with the hardships of teasing, male friendship, and acceptance. But, he was determined to find his place in the world and used his love for writing to create adventures that would transport him to a different world, where he could see things from a new perspective.

Through his writing, Benjamin Ryan discovered his authentic self and found a way to inspire others. Armed with degrees in Art History, Education and World Religions, he became a New York City public Special Ed teacher, where he uses whimsy, creativity, and acceptance to inspire the youth of tomorrow. And thus, Benjamin Ryan was born—an author that embraces the power of storytelling to inspire and create change. With a deep understanding of the struggles that come with being different, Benjamin Ryan creates content that speaks to the heart and soul of their audience. He is active on twitter in the writing community (@BRClothwrites), hosting writing prompts, engaging with life’s unique perspectives, and inspiring others to create their truths.

Spotlight – Betty & the Yeti: Friends at First Fart!

To celebrate the release of the second book in the series later this month, I am spotlighting Betty & the Yeti: Friends at First Fart! which was written and illustrated by Hugh Raine and published on 27th March 2025 by Farshore Books.

Make a new friend at first fart in this first instalment of the funniest, messiest and smelliest new comic book series from the Beano!
The hugely popular and much-loved Betty & The Yeti comic strip, created by Hugh Raine, has featured in the Beano comic since 2016 and is a firm fan favourite.
Includes awesome activities for you to complete as you go.

Blurb

Betty and the Yeti are the best of friends, but Yeti is, well… a yeti, and Betty isn’t supposed to have a yeti living in her room – not that she’s asked! What the groan-ups don’t know won’t hurt them, right? Well, just their house, their garden and their bank accounts! But shh! You wouldn’t tell them about Yeti, would you?

Join Betty and Yeti as they get to grips with being roommates and Yeti learns how to act like a human to blend in.

Will it end in disaster or will they become friends?

About the Author-Illustrator

Hugh Raine has two heads. Yes, two! He has one for writing and another one for illustrating! When he has his writing head on, he looks really sophisticated in a tweed jacket and rollneck jumper, walking through the West Yorkshire countryside while thinking up humorous stories about rampaging yetis and frolicking flamingos!

When he has his illustrating head on, he sits hunched at his desk, surrounded by hot chilli plants and tiki cups, with crumbs all down his jumper and messy hair as he draws another fart cloud or makes a pop-up Disney card. But when he puts those heads together, he creates very silly stories for brilliant comics like the Beano!

Be sure to read, or reread, this Beano favourite, as Betty and the Yeti A Monstrous Mess is due for release on the 31st of July, 2025.

I would like to thank Antonia Wilkinson for sending me the PR information. Thank you.

Book Review – Call the Puffins Series Round Up

Today I have decided to do an overview of one of my favourite series for young readers, Call the Puffins by Cath Howe and Ella Okstad.

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Title: Call the Puffins

Written by: Cath Howe

Illustrated by: Ella Okstad

Published by: Welbeck Publishing

The Call the Puffins! series is a heart-warming and engaging collection of stories for younger readers, featuring charming characters, important life lessons, and delightful illustrations. Set on the Island of Egg, each book follows the adventures of a group of rescue puffins as they navigate challenges, learn valuable lessons, and prove their capabilities through teamwork and perseverance.

One of the standout features of this series is its strong emphasis on themes of bravery, empathy, and teamwork. The stories highlight how differences can be strengths, as seen through characters like Muffin, who initially worries about her uniquely curved feet, and Tiny, whose oversized wings make flying difficult. However, through determination, friendship, and encouragement from their mentors, they learn to embrace their individuality and contribute to the rescue team in their own ways.

The books are also incredibly accessible to children developing their reading skills. With short chapters, a larger font, and engaging storytelling, they are well-suited for independent readers or as a shared reading experience in the classroom. The balance of adventure and gentle life lessons ensures that the stories remain exciting while reinforcing positive messages.

Ella Okstad’s black and white illustrations further enhance the reading experience. They capture the puffins’ personalities beautifully, bringing the characters to life with adorable and expressive artwork. The inclusion of maps at the beginning of the books adds to the immersive world-building, helping readers visualize the Island of Egg and its key locations. Additional non-fiction elements, such as puffin facts and real-life photographs, provide further educational value and may inspire young readers to learn more about these fascinating seabirds.

The series is expertly paced, with great foreshadowing throughout, offering just the right amount of excitement and danger to keep children engaged without overwhelming them. The stories emphasize the importance of following rules for safety, considering the well-being of others, and understanding that guidelines exist not to spoil fun, but to ensure everyone’s security.

With a lovable cast of characters, engaging narratives, and a strong moral core, Call the Puffins! is a fantastic series that fosters resilience, inclusivity, and cooperation. Tiny and Muffin make a dynamic duo, and the introduction of new characters with distinct traits ensures that each book feels fresh and engaging. Overall, this series is a joy to read and an excellent addition to any young reader’s collection.

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You can read my individual reviews of each of the books in the series on my blog here:

I have also previously interviewed Cath Howe about her teacher resource, Let’s Perform for Writers’ Forum. You can find out more about this interview here: An interview with… Cath Howe.

You can buy copies of all the Call the Puffins! books by Cath Howe and Ella Okstad from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org.

Spotlight – Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime

Netta Becker and the Timeline Crime by Jennifer Claessen is published by UCLan Publishing. It is due for release on Thursday 26^th June 2025.

Blurb

Legend and edge-of-your-seat action fuse together in this exciting new time travel adventure by esteemed children’s author, Jennifer Claessen. With danger at every turn and new-forming friendships emerging, this middle-grade title is equal parts thrilling and heartwarming, underpinned with an informative feminist retelling of Ancient Greek myth.

A mysterious labyrinth. A desperate king. A rebellious princess.

Being stuck in a crumbling old villa in Crete with her annoying, history-obsessed little brother Remy isn’t exactly Netta’s idea of a fun summer holiday. But before she can even get bored, Netta starts having very real dreams where she is dragged back thousands of years to Ancient Greece. Here, King Minos is preparing for the opening of his precious labyrinth, and there are rumours that a monster lurks inside. As Netta becomes more drawn to the past, her present-day self starts slipping away. Netta and Remy must figure out what is pulling her back before they run out of time – and if they don’t solve the puzzle soon, Netta might just become history herself.

About the Author

Jennifer Claessen born in Reading so, of course, grew up a book worm. She is the author of the A Month of Magic series. She studied literature and theatre at at least five universities. As teacher and theatre-maker, Jennifer loves stories and leads interactive drama-based workshops.

She is currently Writer in Residence at Abney Park, a cemetery in northeast London, where she works with year five students on telling their own stories. Jennifer has two small feral children of her own and is raising them to love reading, travel and ice cream, just like her. You can find her whizzing to drama and creative writing workshops on her yellow bike.

I have previously featured Jennifer’s blog tour for her Month of Magic trilogy on my blog here: Blog Tour – The December Witches by Jennifer Claessen

Praise for the Month of Magic trilogy

‘This is such a warm-hearted and joyful story about finding your magic…A comforting hug of a book, with a sprinkling of peril and adventure too!’ – Yarrow Townsend, author of The Map of Leaves

‘It explores big, complicated feelings about identity and finding your place in the world in a thoughtful and charming way’ Anna James