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: Emba Oak and the Epic Ending

Title: Emba Oak and the Epic Ending

Written by: Jenny Moore

Illustrated by: David Dean

Published by: Maverick Books

Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow! Wow!

The fourth and final instalment in Jenny Moore’s Emba Oak series delivers exactly what the title promises, an epic ending, brimming with adventure, peril, humour, and heart.

As Emba’s twelfth birthday approaches, the stakes have never been higher. The malevolent Necromalcom inches closer to achieving immortality, and both the human and dragon realms teeter on the brink of doom. With time running out, Emba embarks on her most dangerous mission yet, one that forces her to confront her evil father, make impossible choices, and wrestle with her evolving identity.

Jenny Moore reunites us with all our favourite characters, each of whom is given a moment to shine in this fast-paced, emotionally rich finale. From ghost armies to dragon sacrifices, betrayal to heartwarming reunions, the story manages to be thrilling and deeply moving all at once. Emba’s inner struggles are explored with nuance, especially as she navigates themes of identity, loss, and love.

The narrative remains true to the tone of previous adventures, complete with the signature alliterated chapter headings that fans have come to adore. And while the tone is often light and humorous, Jenny doesn’t shy away from darker, more bittersweet elements, making this a truly layered conclusion.

What makes this finale so satisfying is how seamlessly it ties together the threads of the previous books. Long-standing mysteries, like the origin of the Tome of Terrible Tomorrows and the meaning of the Final Prophecy are finally resolved. Relationships between characters have matured and changed, and while the series comes to a natural close, Jenny leaves just enough intrigue to spark the imagination about what might lie beyond the final page.

Perfect for young adventurers aged 9 and up, Emba Oak and the Epic Ending is a triumphant conclusion to a brilliantly immersive series. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for what Jenny Moore writes next.

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To read my reviews of the other books in the Emba Oak series 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, 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

Spotlight – Ava and the Acorn

My spotlight today is for Ava and the Acorn written by Lu Fraser and illustrated by Paddy Donnelly. This tender, stay-with-you-forever picture book about one little girl’s relationship with her grandad, and the hope that lies in the changing of the seasons and the circle of life is the perfect introduction to life, love and loss for little ones. It was published on 12th September 2024 by Hachette Children’s Books

Blurb

All the things that you’ve lost – that you’ve loved – are not gone,
When they’re held in your heart, a small part still lives on…

Together Grandad and Ava adventure along the twisting path and over the hill where, beneath the canopy of their friend the old Oak tree, they make wonderful memories to treasure and share – from summer picnics with jam-sticky fingers to carefree days kicking through russet leaves in autumn’s soft glow. But as the seasons change, so too does the old Oak tree and Grandad’s health…

Ava and the Acorn is a tender, unforgettable story about one little girl’s relationship with her grandad, and the hope that lies in the changing of the seasons and the circle of life.

A perfect introduction to life, love and growth for little ones, this beautifully lyrical rhyming story coupled with Paddy Donnelly’s perfect illustrations also explores the positive portrayal of intergenerational relationships and shared experiences.

About the Author

Lu Fraser is one of the most exciting new picture book voices. Her debut picture book, The Littlest Yak (illustrated by Kate Hindley) won the Oscars Book Prize, The Sainsbury’s Best Picture Book Award and The Sainsbury’s Children’s Book of the Year Award, whilst her second book, The Viking Who Liked Icing (illustrated by Mark McKinley) was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Award.

Now she gets to write her own books in a shed in her garden. Lu lives in the south of England, in the middle of nowhere, with her husband and daughter and their pets.

About the Illustrator

Paddy Donnelly is an Irish illustrator now living in Belgium. He has over 15 years’ experience as an illustrator and designer, and especially loves working with a textured, painterly approach. His books include Dodos Are Not Extinct, Hom, Here Be Dragons and The Vanishing Lake.

His work has achieved international acclaim as he was nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2022 and shortlisted for The World Illustration Awards in 2018. Paddy’s first book as both author and illustrator, The Vanishing Lake, was awarded the gold medal in the picture book category of the IPPY Awards.

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

Book Review: Call the Puffins! Tiny and the Cave Ghost

Title: Call the Puffins! Tiny and the Cave Ghost

Written by: Cath Howe

Illustrated by: Ella Okstad

Published by: Welbeck Publishing

Blurb

Fourth in a delightful illustrated series about puffins and teamwork for readers aged 5+.

Muffin, Tiny and the rest of the trainees are busy learning the skills they need to become rescue puffins. Life is always busy on the island of Egg, and the friends are delighted to be taking part in a special day of celebrations called Puffin Power, where they can practise all the things they’ve learned.

But when a chick goes missing the young rescuers must put their training into practice, and before long they’re deep in the cave network searching for the lost chick. It’s dark and spooky – what if the legend of the ghost puffin that haunts these caves is true? Muffin, Tiny and the others need to gather their courage and work as a team to rescue the chick and lead everyone to safety!

This highly illustrated series featuring a cast of adorable puffin characters is perfect for families to share, or for newly confident readers to enjoy reading to themselves.

Review

This delightful story, beautifully illustrated in black and white, features an irresistibly charming cast of puffins that young readers will want to return to time and time again. Ella Okstad’s expressive illustrations perfectly complement the narrative, supporting children who are transitioning from picture books to early chapter books.

I like the way that Cath Howe has alternated the main character in each of the Call the Puffins books. For the fourth adventure set on the Island of Egg, we are in Tiny’s point of view and his fear of the dark caves they have never explored. Flotsam the chick, who hatched from the rescued egg in Book One, bonds with Tiny but when Tiny is distracted during rescue practice Flotsam wanders off. Our heroes believe the only place Flotsam could have disappeared is into the cave. Tiny and Muffin quickly organize a rescue mission, leading to another suspenseful and heartwarming adventure.

One of the most impressive aspects of this book, and the series as a whole, is its use of foreshadowing. Cath Howe masterfully plants narrative clues, such as Old Kintyre’s bedtime story about the wandering puffin, which later echoes through the plot when Flotsam disappears. Similarly, the puffins’ earlier practice balancing on slippery logs cleverly sets the stage for a key rescue scene later in the story.

The book gently explores themes of belonging and rising to challenges, all within a framework of teamwork, empathy, and resilience. Readers will find messages about loyalty and cooperation woven subtly throughout.

Perfectly pitched for its audience, the story offers just the right mix of peril, suspense, and heartwarming moments to keep young readers engaged. It’s a joy to revisit these familiar characters in new situations, and the series continues to encourage developing reading and comprehension skills through its rich storytelling and thoughtful design.

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To read my review of the first book in the series see: Book Review: Call the Puffins

You can also read my review of the second book in the Call the Puffin series here: Book Review: Call the Puffins! Tiny’s Brave Rescue

And the third book in the series, Call the Puffins! Muffin and the Shipwreck here: Book Review: Call the Puffins! Muffin and the Shipwreck.

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.

Blog Tour – Star Quest Academy: Above and Beyond by Adrian Lynch

Today I am posting my review for the a thrilling new sci-fi adventure for middle-grade readers that introduces a high-stakes intergalactic challenge, Star Quest Academy: Above and Beyond.

Blurb

For centuries, trillions of life forms throughout space have allowed humanity to believe we’re alone in the Universe. Any alien who dared to befriend us has met an unfortunate end: eaten, squashed, sent to a zoo, or even planted in a garden pot. But our advances in space exploration now threaten every civilisation across the Cosmos.

Amelia, a savvy, street-smart orphan, is one of four exceptional children selected from around the globe to represent humanity in the Human Inclusion Programme at the intergalactic Star Quest Academy. Here, they’ll unravel the Universe’s wonders, explore strange new worlds, and encounter magical creatures. Earth’s safety from invasion hinges on their success as cadets, but if any of them fail, Earth will be invaded by ruthless warlords.

When a series of sinister incidents jeopardise their mission, it becomes clear that someone – or something – wants them to fail. To save their world, the cadets must overcome their differences and combine their unique skills.

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Review

Title: Star Quest Academy: Above and Beyond

Written by: Adrian Lynch

Book Cover by:

Published by: The Book Guild

Star Quest Academy is an exciting new sci-fi adventure for middle grade where four exceptional children are chosen to represent Earth in an Inclusion Programme at the Star Quest Academy. Their success at the Academy has high stakes in that if they fail Earth will be invaded by the ruthless warlord, Lord Fog.

The novel’s premise is immediately engaging, with a compelling blend of friendship, teamwork, and cosmic danger. Our main protagonist, Amelia, stands out with a well-developed backstory in that she is an orphan navigating deep emotional wounds and a longing for belonging. Her character arc adds depth and heart to the narrative. The dynamics between Amelia and her fellow Earthlings, Jaelyn (Jingles), Karim, and Trumpton, show great promise. I like that each are exceptional in their own way. The theme of their overcoming differences to work as a team is both meaningful and well executed.

That said, while each character is distinct, the emotional depth in key scenes would benefit from more ‘showing’ rather than ‘telling.’ At times, the text states characters’ feelings (fear, excitement, etc.) without grounding them in gesture, internal dialogue, or sensory detail. Adding these layers would help bring the characters to life in a more vivid, three-dimensional way.

The story builds tension nicely, especially with the reveal that spies for Lord Fog are working from within the Academy. These twists create a strong sense of intrigue. A few scenes, while humorous, felt more like digressions and didn’t significantly advance the plot. Tightening these moments could enhance the pacing and overall impact of the story.

There are charming literary nods to Alice in Wonderland and clear echoes of the Harry Potter series, which will appeal to fans of whimsical yet high-stakes fantasy. As a potential series opener, Star Quest Academy lays a solid foundation, and there’s exciting room for further development, especially in exploring the backstories and arcs of the other team members.

In all, this is a fun and imaginative read with a lot of potential. With some refinement in character depth and narrative focus, it could really shine as a standout in middle-grade science fiction.

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About the Author

Adrian was born a long time ago in Harrow Weald, North London. He is dyslexic, which wasn’t allowed in those unenlightened times. As a kid, when he wasn’t learning to be ‘normal’, (he failed), he would hang out in the nearby bluebell-carpeted woods. To him, they harboured space aliens, mysterious creatures and the ghosts of Grims Dyke whose mournful songs rustled autumnal leaves. This inspired stories that Adrian would tell eager audiences for pocket money.

Following successful careers within the NHS and as a Company Director, Adrian obtained a BA degree in Creative Writing from the Open University and is now bringing those fantastical stories to life in his novels. The Star Quest Academy – Above and Beyond is the first to be published. Adrian hopes that it will be as exciting and fun to read as it was to write.

Adrian now lives in North Bedfordshire.

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You can read more reviews here:

Storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/79fe4e6c-7911-4343-b8ed-c0290ed1cf8d

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223726420-star-quest-academy

Amazon: https://a.co/d/6jjdGea (Canada) https://a.co/d/fZhLPiZ (USA) https://amzn.eu/d/fQelUs8 (UK)

Cover Reveal: Pirate Academy Sword Echoes

Today I am excited to be part of the cover reveal for the anticipated next instalment next instalment of Justin Somper’s exciting fantasy series, Pirate Academy, due to be released on Thursday 29th May, 2025 by Uclan Publishing.

Sit back and watch this dynamic video to get a sneak peek at the next thrilling episode for Neo and his friends.

Blurb

The Barracudas are at sea in the third thrilling Pirate Academy adventure…
The kids of Barracuda Class are shocked to the core when one of their favourite teachers is revealed to be an agent of the League of True Pirates. Jacoby tries to make sense of the betrayal – and discovers evidence that one of his own classmates may be LOT P’s next target. Jasmine launches a maverick sailing mission to reunite with her father, but soon finds herself voyaging in highly dangerous waters. Neo is following a treasure-trail left by his mother, far away from the Academy. At the end of his journey lies an amazing gift: a sword with untold powers that, in the right hands, might just change everything.

About the Author

Justin Somper is the award-winning author of eight novels for young people, all with a focus on high-octane fantasy adventure, driven by strong, complex characters. Justin’s Vampirates sequence comprises, to date, six main novels and has been published in 35 countries and 25 languages. Justin developed his acclaimed Pirate Academy series with UCLan Publishing in 2024.

About the Illustrator

Teo Skaffa has lived in many places but currently lives in Istanbul. He grew up in a small town in the Netherlands you’ve probably never heard of. Besides making art, he likes video games, the colour pink and weird electronic music. He uses simple shapes filled with texture and detail to tell a story and is grateful that he’s able to make a living by drawing, especially since he’s not particularly good at anything else.

Book Review: Do Not Say These Words

Title: Do Not Say These Words

Written by: Frances Tosdevin

Illustrated by: Rhian Wright

Published by: UClan Publishing

Do Not Say These Words by Frances Tosdevin and Rhian Wright is an absolute giggle-fest. This book delivers belly laughs with a brilliantly bonkers premise that each time we chuckle at cheeky words, we unleash a dangerous Giggle-Gas. If we don’t stop, the whole world might zoom off into space like a rogue balloon with a puncture.

Enter the ever-serious Professor has devised a ridiculous but totally hilarious solution to ban all the funny words. To enforce this, she has invented a machine that changes them into something completely different. Fancy saying Floppy Peach-Cheeks instead of Bottom? Well, you’d better get used to it.

This book is a riot of imagination, encouraging kids to dream up their own side-splitting word swaps. Every page bursts with colour and chaos with Rhian Wright’s bold and bright, edge-to-edge illustrations.

Do Not Say These Words will have children (and grown-ups) laughing out loud, making up their own silly alternatives, and coming back for more. Even the most reluctant reader won’t be able to resist this books charm.

Book Review: The Whisperwicks

Title: The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found

Written by: Jordan Lees

Illustrated by: Vivienne To

Published by: Puffin Books

The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found book cover

The Whisperwicks: The Labyrinth of Lost and Found is a brilliant middle-grade fantasy adventure debut by Jordan Lees, blending mystery, mythology, and an intricately crafted world. This atmospheric and emotional tale takes readers on a thrilling journey through grief, friendship, loyalty, and hope. It is a story that will make you laugh, cry, and immerse yourself in its rich world-building.

The novel follows Benjamiah Creek, who stumbles through a mysterious door into the parallel world of Wreathenwold. This eerie realm, filled with nightmares and peculiar laws, echoes the dark whimsy of Neil Gaiman’s Coraline and the intricate soul-bound companionship of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials. In Wreathenwold, every person possesses a ragdoll-like poppet that can transform into different animals, acting as an extension of their soul.

One of the book’s standout elements is its celebration of books, bookshops, and reading. Benjamiah’s life revolves around bookstores, from Once Upon a Time, where he lives with his grandfather and parents, to Follynook Bookshop, where he befriends Elizabella Cotton after her father rescues him. For Benjamiah, bookshops are sanctuaries, yet he prefers logic and science over magic, a stark contrast to the world he finds himself in.

Wreathenwold is a maze of shifting streets where mapping is forbidden. Those who wander too far forget their way home, and the sinister Hanged Men, family-men dragged from their homes and given a choice between execution or eternal servitude, enforce the law. Within this world of ever-changing paths, playing cards serve as currency, and the poorest even sell their eye colour for survival. Benjamiah’s shock at these strange customs deepens as he joins Elizabella on a mission to find her missing twin brother, Edwid Cotton.

The story is enriched at the beginning of each chapter with excerpts from A Brief History of Wreathenwold by Archscholar Collum Wolfsdaughter, offering fascinating insights into this mysterious world. The names Benjamiah and Elizabella stand out as different but familiar enough to remember, adding to the novel’s enchanting quality.

Central to the plot is the search for the Whisperwicks. These are candle-lit lanterns that, when extinguished, whisper a hidden message. Edwid had custom-made four of these lanterns and concealed them throughout Wreathenwold, leaving behind a cryptic riddle for Benjamiah and Elizabella to solve. Their quest leads them through a labyrinth of dark secrets and plot twists, testing their courage and trust in one another. Benjamiah, skeptical of magic, struggles to bond with his own ragdoll companion, further deepening his personal conflict.

The novel’s world-building is outstanding. From the ever-shifting streets of Wreathenwold to the magic of the poppets, where injuries to these soul-bound dolls harm their owners, every detail is meticulously crafted. The Hanged Men enforce the rule of a terrifying monster, a minotaur, at the city’s heart, but we can’t help wondering who is the real villain, adding an element of fear and high stakes. The story expertly balances tension, danger, and poignancy, making it an engaging read.

Beautifully illustrated by Vivienne Tor, The Whisperwicks is a visually and narratively stunning adventure, perfect for KS2 readers and fans of magic-infused fantasy. With its intricate plot, vivid descriptions, and compelling characters, this book is a must-read for those who love imaginative, well-crafted tales filled with mystery and wonder.

I am looking forward to reading the second book in the series, The Whisperwicks: The Impossible Trials of Benjamiah Creek, when the paperback is released on the 3rd June 2025.

The Whisperwicks: The Impossible Trials of Benjamiah Creek book cover

Book Review: Little Lion Girl

Title: Little Lion Girl

Written by: Olivia Hope

Illustrated by: Fiona Woodcock

Published by: Bloomsbury

Blurb

The city roared like a jungle.
Leonie roared back at the city.
She shook her mane and swished her tail.
She was a lion girl.

Leonie and her mother are off to the big city!
Inspired by the people, sights and sounds, Leonie can’t wait to discover it all.
Her mother tells her to stay close, but there’s SO much to see.
And surely nothing can scare a brave lion girl, can it?

Review

This is a beautiful story, illustrated in bright smudgy pastels about a young girl, Leonie, visiting London with her mother. Leonie notices the people on the underground all look extraordinary and decides she will be extraordinary too by pretending to be Lion Girl.

This picture book will encourage some powerful discussion around feeling nervous and putting on a brave face. Young children will be able to identify with Leonie when she gets lost in the bustling crowd and her new found bravado escapes her. The ending is satisfying and reassuring to young children.

A great resource for a KS1 class to talk about feelings and what to do when they feel lost and afraid. There are themes of being brave and staying calm in a potentially overwhelming situation.

You can buy copies of Little Lion Girl by Olivia Hope and Fiona Woodcock from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops

Book Review: The Wild Outside

Title: The Wild Outside

Written by: Rachel Ip

Illustrated by: Katie Hickey

Published by: Hodder Children’s Books / Hachette

Blurb

Tulip loves being outside. She loves puddles and pinecones, flowers and feathers, and her pockets are full of nature’s treasure. But Tulip is desperate to know more about the things she sees and finds on her daily walk …

“What is this fruit… this plant… this seed?”
“What is this tree… this leaf… this reed?”

So, when Tulip finds a nature trail drawn in chalk on the street outside her house, she is delighted to discover the names and uses of all her favourite trees, plants, and flowers. Then one day, she comes home to find a carefully wrapped present waiting on her doorstep … A book of nature from around the world.

Every day, Tulip learns more and more about nature, but who is creating the nature trail?

With names and facts given for every tree, plant and flower Tulip discovers, this beautifully illustrated book encourages children to stop, notice, name and celebrate the nature that can be found in their surroundings – and beyond. Because just outside your own front door, there is a whole world of nature to explore.

Review

The Wild Outside is the ideal educational picture book to encourage young children to explore nature and being outside away from TV and their games consoles. It will encourage children to foster a love of the great outdoors and their local environment even when it is raining.

This book displays how their curiosity can spark a wider interest in the plants and fauna found not only in their own gardens but worldwide, from the forest mangroves of Asia, the rainforests and grasslands of Africa, to the cold deserts of Antarctica.

There are some fun activities at the end of the book to inspire young children further. Who knows maybe they will even create their own nature trails, as well as helping them to extend their joy of books.

You can find some video clips and printable resources on Rachel’s website here: https://www.rachelip.c o m/thewildoutside.

You can buy copies of The Wild Outside by Rachel Ip and Katie Hickey from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.

Book Review: Molly and the Pirate Cave

Title: Molly and the Pirate Cave

Written by: Malachy Doyle

Illustrated by: Andrew Whitson

Published by: Graffeg

Molly and the Pirate Cave is a heartwarming and educational picture book that delivers an important message about the changing tides. This is the seventh book in the Molly series, set on an island. The story offers an engaging narrative while encouraging discussions about personal safety, particularly around water.

In this adventure, Molly defies her parents’ warnings when her beloved dog, Gus, goes missing. After a restless night with no sign of him, she ventures into the ominous Pirate Cave, drawn by an unsettling noise. There, in the pitch-dark surroundings, she finds little Bo, paralyzed with fear after also searching for Gus. Offering him reassurance, Molly soon hears Gus barking from a ledge above. The dog’s heightened senses detect the approaching tide, signalling imminent danger. The children scramble to safety onto the ledge with Gus and attempt to make enough noise to attract help.

The beautiful animated illustrations by Andrew Whitson capture the children’s fear and determination as they navigate the perilous cave. The detailed double-page spreads effectively convey the cave’s claustrophobic darkness and the looming danger of the rising tide. The artwork also masterfully transitions to the book’s final, more uplifting moments, creating a compelling visual journey.

Beyond its engaging storytelling, Molly and the Pirate Cave serves as an excellent tool for educating young readers about the power and unpredictability of the sea. It reinforces the importance of respecting nature and heeding adult guidance in potentially dangerous situations.

Overall, this instalment stands as a captivating and meaningful addition to the Molly series, offering both an exciting adventure and a valuable lesson in water safety.