Huxley and Flapjack Recipe for Disaster is the fourth book in this series, but the first one that I have read. I thought that it was utterly delightful and am sorry that I have not discovered this series sooner. It is a perfect book to give to children aged 5-7 as they begin to read … Continue reading #Illustrated Fiction Review: Huxley and Flapjack Recipe for Disaster by Alan MacDonald and…
Not to be read after dark…unless you are very much braver than me! This second title from Jack Mackay enhances his reputation as a masterful author of spine-chilling, middle grade horror, following his astonishing debut Gloam last year (you can read my review here). The Haunting of Old Splinter brilliantly combines horror tropes; a haunted … Continue reading #MG Horror Review: The Haunting of Old…
The Pearly Pants is the second book in the Will Shakespeare Mysteries series and lives up to all of the hilarious promise of the first (for which you can read my review here: Will Shakespeare Mysteries The Stinky Stolen Toenails). As an adult reading this book, I love the way that author Kaz Penney has … Continue reading #Illustrated Fiction Review: Will Shakespeare Mysteries: The Pearly Pants by…
Marionetta is a Young Adult, manga-style graphic novel created by Spanish cartoon artist Míriam Bonastre Tur. It is a cult hit on the WebToon platform, and will be published in paperback format for the first time in October 2026 by Rock the Boat in the UK. I count myself very fortunate to have been sent … Continue reading #YA Graphic Novel Review: Marionetta by Míriam Bonastre Tur, colours by…
The Dragon Mountain is a cute fantasy adventure filled with magical creatures and featuring an unusual band of intrepid adventurers. The original French story written by Mathieu Pierloot has been translated into English by Charis Ainslie; the beautiful and distinctive artwork is by François Maumont. In my proof copy, many of the illustrations are printed … Continue reading #Illustrated Fiction…
For those, like me, who thought that Pride and Prejudice ended too soon, please make the acquaintance of Kitty & Mary! I could not believe my luck when I was asked whether I would like to receive a proof copy of this Young Adult novel inspired by my all-time favourite book, and now that I … Continue reading #YA BookReview: Kitty & Mary by Julia Gray and Imogen Russell-Williams →
This month, I read two e-books on my Kindle. The Artist by Lucy Steed was a book group read and with its summer vibes and evocative south of France setting, was perfect to read during the heatwave. Front Desk by Kelly Yang is a tween novel that I have been meaning to read for years, … Continue reading National Year of Reading: My July 2026 Round-up →
Front Desk is a stupendously good middle grade novel, which I am kicking myself for not having read sooner. The story is based on author Kelly Yang’s lived experience as a Chinese immigrant in the United States, and the authenticity of the characters and storylines leaps off the page. Told in the voice of 10-year-old … Continue reading #MG Review: Front Desk by Kelly Yang →
Scaredy Cat is the fourth book in the Bigg School series, set amongst Year 7 pupils attending the Henry Bigg Academy, and continues in the same vein as its predecessors, delivering some wise lessons, skilfully wrapped in a realistic story brimming with humour. (You can read my reviews of books 1-3 in the series at … Continue reading #MG AudioBook Review: Scaredy Cat: Bigg School 4 by Lisa…
The Blue Book of Nebo was originally written in Welsh by Manon Steffan Ros, and translated by the author into this English edition in 2022, which subsequently won the Carnegie Medal in 2023. Written in an epistolary style, as journal entries by a mother and son in a blue notebook found in an abandoned house, … Continue reading #YA Review: The Blue Book of Nebo by Manon Steffan Ros →
Blood of Gods & Girls is an epic young adult fantasy with magnificent world building and resourceful, resilient and bold protagonists. I was gripped throughout, from the first page description of five-year-old girls herded like sheep in pens as they awaited the selection of a new Mortal Goddess, to the final thrilling denouement. On opening … Continue reading #YA Fantasy Review: Blood of Gods &…
