Category Archives: Book review

Blog Tour – Earth Chronicles by J. A. Browne

Today it is my turn on the blog tour for J. A. Browne’s Earth Chronicles. I will be posting two book reviews for this tour. The first is for Hannah and the Hollow Tree and if you scroll down further you will discover my review of the sequel, Gaia’s Revenge.

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Title: Hannah and the Hollow Tree

Written by: J. A. Browne

Published by: Inkberry Press

Hannah and the Hollow Tree PB and HB covers

Begin the epic coming of age fantasy and discover the nature of magic. One for every eco-warrior out there.

What if you were given a choice… to save the Mother of All Nature… or Become Her?

Awoken in the middle of the night by an alarming phone call, Hannah and her mum, Caroline rush to the bedside of Eleanor, Hannah’s estranged Grandmother. One of them has been lying to Hannah and one has been keeping a magical, but dangerous secret.

With deadly forces aligning to destroy the Mother of All Nature’s bloodline, Hannah is rushed to the safety of the Hollow Tree. But will she make it in time. And can a mysterious silverback fox keep her alive long enough to save not just the world we know… but the one we don’t…
Blurb for Hannah and the Hollow Tree by J. A. Browne

This is a heart-felt book full of emotional turmoil and complex mother-daughter relationships. I enjoyed reading about this strong matriarchal family that spans over three generations and beyond.

Hannah and the Hollow Tree opens with a prologue from Caroline’s, Hannah’s mother, point of view. Hannah is only a baby in the pram when Caroline is called to see her own mother Eleanor by Eleanor’s friend Joyce. We gain an insight into Caroline’s and Eleanor’s fraught relationship and a hint of the magical world it is their job to protect.

Chapter One then jumps to when Hannah is thirteen and is from Hannah’s point of view. We see real world through her eyes, her lack of knowledge about the mystical world and a very different mother-daughter relationship based on trust and loyalty. The rest of the book then continues to be interspersed with chapters from Hannah’s, Caroline’s, Eleanor’s and Joyce’s points of view. I occasionally found it confusing whose mother they were talking about, especially when I’d not noticed the chapter heading of whose point of view we were in.

Hannah and the Hollow Tree is packed with family angst and twists. Hannah is being pulled both ways by her mother and grandmother and the turmoil of choosing between them. In the end the choice was taken out of her hands when the survival of the whole planet becomes her responsibility.

The world building was magnificent and the story really picked up for me when we meet Alpha, the magical silver fox who becomes her guardian.

On the whole an exciting YA fantasy with an important environmental message.

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Title: Gaia’s Revenge

Written by: J. A. Browne

Published by: Inkberry Press

The epic coming of age fantasy continues. Unearth the magic of nature and fall in love with Hannah, Alpha and the Ffens as they battle to save the Mother of Nature.

“Have we weakened Gaia so much that she has become a target for annihilation? My heart suddenly feels twice its weight…For the first time ever, I hate the fact that I am human.”

Gaia, the Mother of All Nature has been poisoned. Her fevers are wreaking havoc and mass destruction across the worlds. Hannah has discovered a destiny she knew nothing about. A sacred bloodline under threat. Now, she’ll discover a world and a heritage she could never have imagined. As the heiress to Gaia and with growing power it falls to her and the Elementals, Constance, Jack and Harriet to save Gaia and all of life itself. But Hannah has a terrifying realisation: Gaia will stop at nothing to get her revenge…
Blurb for Gaia’s Revenge by J. A. Browne

This sequel to Hannah and the Hollow Tree is even more fast paced and exciting than the first instalment. So much so, it is easy to miss things. Again there is a strong cast of dynamic female characters as well as a brilliant set of mystical creatures. We learn more about Hannah’s ancestry and mission through her visions and as with Hannah and the Hollow Tree, Gaia’s Revenge is interspersed with chapters from other some of the other characters so you need to pay attention to the chapter headings.

Hannah has embraced the fact she is the bloodline of Gaia, Mother Earth, who is seriously ill and continues with her quest to save her. She has joined forces with new friends Constance, Jack and Harriet and I enjoyed the dynamics between them and the unique gifts of the Elementals.

As the title would suggest there is a strong theme of revenge as well as betrayal running throughout. There is a lot going on and the book ends with a shocking twist that turns everything on its head. In fact, the whole book is an emotional rollercoaster. One minute I was laughing out loud, the next I was angry and then I was heart-wrenchingly sad.

This is fantasy at its best with duplicitous characters and ingenious magical rules. I particularly enjoyed the links to Celtic legends and mythology and how J. A Browne has weaved her interpretations of them seamlessly into the plot.

I was lucky enough to receive a hard back copy of the book which contains bonus material at the back of The Unearthing of Eleanor A Novella. I do not know if this is in the paperback edition. I must say though the ending left me bewildered and I am not sure if Alpha my favourite character is alive or dead. I guess I will have to read Hollow’s End Part I to find out.

The prefect book for all young adults who love fantasy.

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J.A. Browne is an Amazon Bestselling children’s author born in Yorkshire in the U.K. Her environmental fantasy series, Earth Chronicles introduces you to Hannah Walsingham, a thirteen-year-old with a destiny she knows nothing about…until now.

Passionate about environmental issues, Jane began writing the climate fiction series about the death of Mother Nature and the potential that lies within children whilst studying to become a primary teacher in her home city of Leeds. Now, having graduated with an MA in Creative Writing, she followed her dreams to become a full-time author. Her love of literature began when she was little, sharing books with her grandmothers, filling her head with fairy tales and whimsical adventures.

Whilst holidaying in Norfolk, Jane was captivated by a tree struck by lightning in grounds of the home of Anne Boleyn and began scribbling down the idea of a girl whose destiny was hidden within the depths of a hollow tree…a destiny that would save worlds…

She now lives with her husband in the Calder Valley aka ‘Bronte Country’ and still teaches occasionally and enjoys reading and long walks in the countryside to get the creative juices flowing.

Sales of the Earth Chronicles funds the planting of trees.

Check out Jane’s website at www.jabrowne.com and join her “keep in touch” list to get the Secret Chapter for Hannah and the Hollow Tree. There, you can keep up to date with all the news, events or snap up an exclusive signed paperback and free bookmark.

Follow her on Instagram @jabrowneauthor and on X @jabrowneauthor.

To follow the rest of the tour please check out the schedule below:

I would like to thank Anne Cater from Random Things Tours for inviting me to take part in this blog tour. Thank you.

Book Review – Emba Oak and the Screaming Seas

Title: Emba Oak and the Screaming Sea

Written by: Jenny Moore

Illustrated by: David Dean

Published by: Maverick Books

Another writing masterpiece written by Jenny Moore and published by Maverick Press. In the third book of the Emba Oak series we join Emba as she searches for her best friend Odolf, who was kidnapped by her wicked father, Necromalcolm. Emba follows the trail back down the mountain to the Screaming Sea where she befriends the Grand Thief Master and steals a pirate ship in pursuit of Odolf, which has been perfectly portrayed on the fabulous front cover illustrated by David Dean.

I am always in awe of Jenny Moore’s characterisation and their unique voices. Emba continues to leap off the page and into the reader’s hearts. In fact, I will be bold enough to say, the whole Emba Oak seriesis a masterclass in how to create a strong protagonist voice. Written in third person we are still strongly in Emba’s mind and point of view.

Full of peril and adventure this is another epic journey that will keep the reader on the edge of their seats. I would like to thank Maverick for sending me a review copy. It was great to be able to join our intrepid heroes again and follow Emba as she discovers more about her dragon powers.

I am looking forward to the next and last book in the series.

I have also reviewed this book on Amazon.

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

Book Review: The Clockwork Conspiracy by Sam Sedgman

To celebrate the release of the The Clockwork Conspiracy by Sam Sedgman last week I am posting a review.

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Title: The Clockwork Conspiracy

Written by: Sam Sedgman

Published by: Bloomsbury

Aspiring inventor Isaac Turner lives with his dad, the Chief Horologist in charge of Big Ben. But when his father vanishes from the belfry on the night the clocks go back, leaving behind only a smashed pocket watch and a cryptic message, Isaac determines to find him.

Hunting a trail of clues through London’s landmarks, Isaac uncovers a sinister plot in the gears of government and embarks on a race against time to save his father – and time itself.
Blurb for The Clockwork Conspiracy by Sam Sedgman

Review

This is a clever mystery adventure with a brilliant concept that expertly uses science and maths to validate the idea of New Time. Sam Sedgman skilfully creates a megalomaniac antagonist intent on dominating the whole world by manipulating time for their own devious ends. This exciting quest around London is well plotted and keeps a good steady pace. It had me turning the pages to find out the reasoning behind their terrible plans.

Issac Turner’s father is kidnapped in the early hours of the morning on the day the clocks go back whilst they were both recalibrating the time of Big Ben‘s clock. His disappearance prompts Issac and his new friend Hattie to embark on a thrilling puzzle-filled journey to discover why significant horologists from all over the world are going missing. The clues and their solutions are cleverly devised. Issac and Hattie are well-rounded, likeable and believable characters.

I particularly enjoyed how the book is set in London around the British Parliamentary system and some of London’s most iconic landmarks. After reading The Clockwork Conspiracy by Sam Sedgman I made a visit to Little Ben to see the clock for myself.

Ideal for readers who enjoy mysteries set in prominent cities such as:

The Jules Verne Prophecy by Larry Schwarz and Iva-Marie Palmer

Libby and the Parisian Puzzle

Libby and the Highland Heist

Libby and the Manhattan Mystery

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An abridged version of this review has been published on NetGalley, Amazon and Goodreads.

You can buy copies of The Clockwork Conspiracy by Sam Sedgman from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.

Book Review: Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm

Title: Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm

Written by: Siobhan McDermott

Illustrated by: Yuzhen Cai

Published by: Hodder Childrens Books

Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm is a greatmagical fantasy adventure that had me gripped from the start. Twelve-year-old Zhi Ging was born under mysterious circumstances. From the start the reader has the impression that she has an important destiny. She grows up feeling different from everyone else in her village Fei Chui and not understand why. Her grandmother Aapau has been sent by the Lead Glassmith to the roaming tower for her final year meaning Zhi Ging has nowhere to live and will have to work in the treacherous post pipe to make a living. On top of this she is being picked on by the Lead Glassmith’s daughter, Iridill, who falsely accused her of summoning the spirit of Fui Gwai.

Zhi Ging believes her only escape would be to go to the magic training school, Hok Woh, to learn the skills to become a Cyo B’Ahon. But when she doesn’t pass the entrance exam Zhi Ging makes one final desperate bid to be accepted but her plea is interrupted by the appearance of the prowling spirit of Fui Gwai and not the whole village believe Iridill that she summoned the spirit. Now Zhi Ging has to escape the village more than ever. Through sheer determination and stubbornness she receives an acceptance lantern which allows her entry into Hok Woh where she has to succeed in twelve trials to pass her Silhouette year.

The characters are well rounded and believable. Zhi Ging’s character has been extremely well thought-out and her back story has significant repercussions for the plot which was good to see.

The world building was magnificent throughout the book. Siobhan McDermott uses all the sense to create stimulating descriptions to provide the reader with an evocative picture of the floating market, the dragon boat races and I could imagine the corridors and various classrooms of Hok Woh vividly. The map really does not do it justice but is a useful addition to help get ones bearings.

Events happen really fast especially as we reach the climatic ending. I hardly had enough time to breath. For some this may be overwhelming but for me I thought it was brilliant. I like the feel I am in the thick of the action and do get bored when reading meandering prose, so The Fight for the Hidden Realm was ideally paced for me.

The character name explanations at the back of the book made me laugh. I was impressed at the amount of thought Siobhan McDermott had put into it. However, I believe it has confirmed my suspicions on who the other conspirator is. Now I have to read the second book in the series to see if I am right.

Ideal for readers who love fantasy adventure.

You can buy copies of Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm by Siobhan McDermott from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.

I have previously reviewed this book on NetGalley.

Blog Tour – The Butterflies of Meadow Hill Manor

It is my turn on the blog tour for The Butterflies of Meadow Hill Manor by Stephanie Parks.

Here is the blurb:

Amy has been sent to live with her aunt at Meadow Hill Manor in Belper, Derbyshire, to help her ‘recover’. Rumours abound that the house is haunted, but Amy doesn’t care. It’s just another place to live and Amy is determined not to care about anything. What would be the point?

Amy’s obsession with shutting the world out is interrupted when she hears strange noises in the house. Here she finds herself drawn to a mysterious, magical power hidden within the building. Should she ignore it, or should she face her fears and embrace this strange, new magic?

Heart-warming and unique, The Butterflies of Meadow Hill Manor is a moving fantasy fiction which sensitively weaves themes of grief and anxiety along with friendship and discovery to deliver a truly magical story.
Blurb for The Butterflies of Meadow Hill Manor by Stephanie Parks.

Stefanie Parks was born and raised in the beautiful county of Derbyshire which became the inspiration and setting for her stories. She trained as a teacher at Derby University and after working locally for five years, decided to explore the world with her husband.

Together they worked their way around a handful of countries and are currently living in Christchurch, New Zealand. Stefanie has written consistently during her travels; her stories always linking her back to her homeland.

My stop on the tour takes the form of a book review.

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Title: The Butterflies of Meadow Hill Manor

Written by: Stephanie Parks

Published by: The Book Guild Ltd

The atmosphere and setting of The Butterflies of Meadow Hill Manor is set from the very first page drawing you into this spooky tale. The descriptions were beautiful.

Twelve year old Amy moves to Belper in Derbyshire on Halloween to live with her Aunt Wilhelmina (aka Weirdo Wilma) at Meadow Hall manor, a creepy gothic-looking house with gargoyles peering down from the eaves and no wi-fi. Not that Amy wants wi-fi as she is mute after a traumatic experience.

The plot had me intrigued but it took too long to answer important questions that may have helped me warm to Amy sooner. I liked the way the butterflies were used to help the story unfold adding a touch of mystical magic to this emotional story of loss and coping with grief.

On the whole it was a captivating read suitable for higher middle grade.

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To check out the rest of the tour take a look at the schedule:

I would like to thank Kelly Lacey from Love Book Tours for inviting me on this tour and organising an e-book copy for me to read. Thank you.

Book Review: The Serpent’s Eclipse

To celebrate the release of Saviour Pirotta’s latest book published by Maverick Books, I am posting a book review.

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Title: The Serpent’s Eclipse

Written by: Saviour Pirotta

Illustrated by: Jo Lindley

Published by: Maverick Books

It is always sad when we come to the end of a series with characters we have grown to love and this is how I felt after reading the final episode of The Nile Adventures by Saviour Pirotta.

The Serpent’s Eclipse sees the return of the evil Paser who we met in the first and second books of the series who has been joined by Merit and The Jackal, the antagonists from the third novel.

Paser has ramped up his goal in this final saga – not only does he want to get rid of the Pharaoh he has set his sights on killing the god Amun-Ra, so all of Kemet will descend into chaos allowing him to conquer all the land and make himself a god. It is up to the brothers, Renni and Mahu, to defeat him with the help of their friends Prince Khaem and the Fenkhu Princess, Balaal.

Again the chapters are written from the point of view of brothers, Renni and Mahu with each section beginning with an introduction from the point of view of Paser who has disguised himself with a serpent mask. The four friends split into two groups of two whose journeys take them on different paths but meet up in Per Bast and the Temple of Baslet. The final climax see the revealing of who The Jackal really is, which came as a bit of a surprise to me.

There is as usual, a useful map at the beginning of the book to help the reader find their bearing and get an understanding of where things are in relation to each other and also a glossary at the end of the book as well as some very interesting information about the significance of cats in Egyptian legends. I love the way Saviour weaves Egyptian mythology and real historical figures into the story.

Another exciting well-paced and beautifully illustrated adventure. The whole series is perfect for all young readers who have a fascination with mythology, especially in Ancient Egypt.

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To read my interview with Saviour Pirotta about the writing of The Nile Adventure series take a look at: Special Guest Q & A with Saviour Pirotta.

You can follow Saviour on X @spirotta and on Threads as @saviour2858 and on Instagram as saviour2858.

To read my reviews of the previous books in the Nile Adventure series take a look at:

You can buy Saviour Pirotta’s books from any good bookshop. They’re available online at amazon but also direct from the publishers where you can often get great discounts. Here’s the address https://maverickbooks.co.uk/junior-fiction/.

Book Review: Libby and the Manhattan Mystery by Jo Clarke

Title: Libby and the Manhattan Mystery

Written by: Jo Clarke

Illustrated by: Becka Moor

Published by: Firefly Press

In the third adventure of the Travelling School Mysteries, Libby and her Aunt Agatha Mousedale’s travelling school are based in New York where they meet Libby’s best friend’s godmother, actress Eloise Fitzwilliam and her companion Count Alverez. There is also another new teacher at the school, Miss Khatun and a new girl, Anastasia who to Libby’s disgust has to share a room with her and Connie.

This is another well plotted book and it was good to be able to join the believable and relatable characters again. In Libby’s Manhattan Mystery we discover a few new things about their backgrounds. The illustrations were the perfect match gorgeous the text helping to bring the diverse range of characters to life. I also liked the map of New York and vignettes of the main characters at the front of the book.

The clues to the mystery take them to many of the iconic landmarks in New York including the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Times Square, Central Station and Central Library. I was totally immersed in the setting, reminding me of my own visit to New York especially as I was also lucky enough to ride in a helicopter.

The ideal book for all young cosy crime readers who love finding out more about major international cities. A great addition to primary school libraries.

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

You can read my review of Libby and Parisian Puzzle on my blog here: Book Review: Libby and the Parisian Puzzle and my review of Libby and the Highland Heist here: Book Review: Libby and the Highland Heist.

Blog Tour: War of the Wind

Today I am on the War of the Wind by Victoria Williamson blog tour. My stop on the tour is a book review.

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Title: War of the Wind

Written by: Victoria Williamson

Cover design by: Sadie Butterworth

Published by: Neem Tree Press

War of the Wind by Victoria Williamson was published by Neem Tree Press in September 2023. It is another well-written eco-thriller by Victoria Williamson, which leaves you thinking and highlights how technological initiatives can be misused and manipulated.

On a remote Scottish island, fourteen-year-old Max’s life changes forever when he loses his hearing in a boating accident. Struggling to make sense of his new life and finding it hard to adapt in school, he begins to notice other — even stranger — changes taking place when a new wind farm appears off the island’s coast.

With the help of three school friends with additional support needs, Max discovers that a sinister scientist, Doctor Ashwood, is using wind turbines to experiment on the islanders. They must find a way to shut down the government’s secret test before it spins out of control…
Blurb from War of the Wind by Victoria Williamson

It felt very realistic that the government persuaded the islanders to accept the wind turbines with the promise of mobile phones and internet access. But when the wind turbines arrive on the island, the animals start behaving oddly: cows stop producing milk, dogs become aggressive, sheep huddle together, the seagulls no longer visit and a carpet of black bats lay dead on the rocks. Soon all the people become bad tempered and start to argue and fight. Max believes he has not been effected as he can’t hear the noise emanating from the wind farm substation.

As usual with a Victoria Williamson novel, there is a wide range of diverse fully-rounded characters who have been portrayed with empathy and understanding. Each have their own problems to overcome, such as Max, the main protagonist, who is coming to terms with becoming deaf after a boating accident; Beatrice (Beanie) Lewis who has Down Syndrome and is coping alone when her aunt becomes seriously ill; highly intelligent David who is unable to communicate until he gets his new speaking computer and Erin who was deaf from birth and harbours a lot of pent up hostility to the way people treat her.

I particularly liked Max’s character arc and how he starts off being angry at his predicament of losing his hearing to the point he rejects everyone’s offers of help seeing it as sympathy and disappointment. He blames them for his isolation as feels they are not doing enough to include him. Finally he recognises his own behaviour has been a major contribution to his isolation as he has rejected their offers of help, such as refusing to join in and not communicating his feelings to the teachers or his parents.

One thing that really niggled me was the cover as it says in the story there are three wind turbines but in the illustration there are four. I felt this should have been spotted before the book went to print.

As with most of Victoria’s books she has donated 20% of her royalties to a charity. This time it is the British Deaf Association in order to support their work campaigning for equal rights for Deaf people and empowering Deaf people to achieve access to their local public services. The BDA also did a sensitivity read to ensure the characters show a realistic representation of those living with hearing loss.

Another great book by Victoria Williamson that I would highly recommend. Suitable for KS2 and higher.

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About the Author

Victoria Williamson is an award-winning author who grew up in Scotland surrounded by hills, books, and an historical farm estate which inspired many of her early adventure stories and spooky tales. After studying Physics at the University of Glasgow, she set out on her own real-life adventures, which included teaching maths and science in Cameroon, training teachers in Malawi, teaching English in China and working with children with additional support needs in the UK.

Victoria currently works part time writing KS2 books for the education company Twinkl and spends the rest of her time writing novels, and visiting schools, libraries and literary festivals to give author talks and run creative writing workshops.

Her previous novels include The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams, The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle, The Boy with the Butterfly Mind, and Hag Storm. She has won the Bolton Children’s Fiction Award 2020/2021, The YA-aldi Glasgow Secondary School Libraries Book Award 2023, and has been shortlisted for the Week Junior Book Awards 2023, The Leeds Book Awards 2023, the Red Book Award 2023, the James Reckitt Hull Book Awards 2021, The Trinity School Book Awards 2021, and longlisted for the ABA South Coast Book Awards 2023, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2020, and the Branford Boase Award 2019.

You can find out more about Victoria’s books, school visits and free resources for schools on her website: www.strangelymagical.com

You can buy copies of War of the Winds by Victoria Williamson from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.

To follow the rest of the tour check out the schedule below:

You can read reviews of War of the Wind by Victoria Williamson on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62027879-war-of-the-wind and Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/War-Wind-Victoria-Williamson/dp/191110750X/

You can read my reviews of a few of Victoria Williamson’s books here:

You can read my interview with Victoria Williamson about the writing of Norah’s Ark here: The Write Reads Ultimate Blog Tour – Norah’s Ark by Victoria Williamson.

You can see my spotlight on The Whistlers in the Dark by Victoria Williamson published by Scotland Street Press here: Blog Tour – The Whistlers in the Dark by Victoria Williamson.

You can view my spotlight of The Haunting Scent of Poppies by Victoria Williamson published by Silver Thistle Press here: Blog Tour: The Haunting Scent of Poppies by Victoria Williamson

You can find out more about Victoria’s books, school visits and upcoming events on her website: www.strangelymagical.com and follow her on X @strangelymagic

I would like to thank The Write Reads for inviting me to take part in this ultimate tour. Thank you.

Book Review: Call the Puffins! Tiny’s Brave Rescue

Title: Call the Puffins! Tiny’s Brave Rescue

Written by: Cath Howe

Illustrated by: Ella Okstad

Published by: Welbeck Publishing

Another fantastic early reader from one of my favourite authors. Cath Howe always manages to make me think and Call the Puffins! Tiny’s Brave Rescue is no exception. This fun, entertaining adventure incorporates themes of empathy, perseverance and team work. The short chapters and larger font makes the book highly accessible to children who are becoming more independent with their reading.

This excellent sequel to Call the Puffins! is written from Tiny’s point of view. I like how all the way through we see the world through Tiny’s eyes, a bit blurry at first but he gets there in the end. It was a lovely touch the puffins call humans ‘long legs’. A very apt description.

The gorgeous black and white illustrations compliment the text perfectly showing the puffin’s distinct characters and subtle differences. I like the fact a map of the Island of Egg has been included at the beginning of the book. I think this would have been more useful if the key landmarks, such as the Wings and Things supplies store, the winding track, the windmill, the beach where the bucket could be found and the burrow were labelled. This fantastic addition would then help further comprehension and understanding.

Tiny must overcome his doubts on whether he is good enough to become a Rescue Puffin as he believes he is too clumsy and slow to be a success. But Flight Officer Faroe recognises potential in Tiny and explains sometimes puffins need a little extra kit to help them. with a little guidance Tiny discovers he can be just as good as the other puffins. There is such a splendid and inclusive last line too.

At the back of the book there are some puffin facts with black and white photos to inspire young readers to find out more about these amazing creatures.

Tiny and Muffin are most definitely a dynamic duo. I look forward to reading the next instalment with Call the Puffins! Muffin and the Shipwreck released in March 2024.

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

To read my review of the first book in the series, Call the Puffins! Take a look at: Book Review: Call the Puffins.

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 Call the Puffins by Cath Howe and Ella Okstad from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org.

Book Review: Maggie Blue and the White Crow

Title: Maggie Blue and the White Crow

Written by: Anna Goodall

Illustrated by: Sandra Dieckmann

Published by: Guppy Books

Maggie Blue and the White Crow is full of mystery and intriguing characters. It was great to be able to return to this well-orchestrated world with a fascinating history. The front cover is just memorising.

Maggie Blue is adjusting to a quieter life, back living with her aunt Esme and hanging out with friends Ida and Will as well as her beloved Hoagy the cat. She tries to forget about the events of the previous year – but she’s being watched, and one day a small white crow appears won’t it leave Maggie alone. Little does she know that the Dark World is waiting for her to return… and when her mum is kidnapped and taken there, Maggie only has no choice but to go back. With the help of some new friends by her side, Maggie must go back to the place that she never wished to see again, if she’s ever to see her mum – or gain control of her own life – again.
Blurb from the PR statement

Each character had their own pros and cons and I was quite taken with Oz and wanted more scenes with him in. In contrast I found it difficult to warm to Maggie as much as I had done in the first book, Maggie Blue and the Dark World, which was shortlisted for the 2021 Costa Children’s Book Award, the Sheffield Book Award and nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Maggie has become more sullen and bitter than previously and I found her attitude to her mother’s mental illness quite unsympathetic. This may have been of design as a reflection of Maggie’s age as she reaches her teenage years.

The way we got different points of view as we travelled through the chapters giving us first-hand information of what was happening in the real world and the Dark World was well instigated. The significance of the shape shifters in the trees watching Maggie was a joy to discover. Instead of Hoagy she is accompanied on her adventure by the white crow. The action took a long time to pick up but there was a lot of deep character building that made you think. I never quite trusted the over-enthusiastic Jean and I reckon she has her own agenda. In fact, all the way through I got the distinct feeling I did not know who to trust and which side was actually the right side. Destroying a whole world, even if it is corrupt felt like a misguided goal.

It was evident from very early on that this book was going to leave me wanting more and end on a juicy cliff hanger. Although, I was disappointed that the novel was not a complete story in itself but rather a long introduction to Book Three.

Brilliant world building and riveting characters who make you want to read more.

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

To read my review of Maggie Blue and the Dark World by Anna Goodall take a look at: Book Review: Maggie Blue and the Dark World