With Christmas fast approaching, I have decided to rerun one of my book reviews each day in the hope that they might provide inspiration for anyone looking to buy a book as a gift for a child this year. It has been incredibly difficult to select only 24 from the 2023 bookshelves, but I hope that you like some of my choices.
December 10th
Katherine Rundell is a uniquely gifted writer with the ability to distil profound truths into exhilarating and entertaining tales. I have read each of her books, with a growing sense of astonishment, over the past 10 years. I think that this is her best yet and would encourage you to buy (or borrow from your library) a copy for anyone over the age of 9 years. Perfect for confident readers to read independently and also ideal as a shared read between adults and children. When my youngest relatives are a bit older this will be high on my gifting list!
With Christmas fast approaching, I have decided to rerun one of my book reviews each day in the hope that they might provide inspiration for anyone looking to buy a book as a gift for a child this year. It has been incredibly difficult to select only 24 from the 2023 bookshelves, but I hope that you like some of my choices.
December 9th
You can read my full review of 21 Miles here. This is a deeply moving and relevant novel aimed at secondary school children, I would recommend it for 11 years old and above. It recounts an extraordinary day in the lives of two 17 year old protagonists, Donny and Zoe, as they set of for a day trip to Calais to practise French for their upcoming exams and find themselves caught up in the tragedy of teenage asylum seekers.
Written by a secondary school teacher who has experience of volunteering in the Calais refugee camps, this story brilliantly captures authentic teenage voices and experience, and brings alive the plight of young individuals who seek the chance to join relatives for a life of safety. Donny is a charming protagonist, who has escaped a desperately hard upbringing himself and has the empathy and idealism to want to help others. It is beautifully crafted, enjoyable to read and makes you think; a great combination!
I was sent a review copy of 21 Miles by publisher Hope Road and Lisa Shakespeare PR.
With Christmas fast approaching, I have decided to rerun one of my book reviews each day in the hope that they might provide inspiration for anyone looking to buy a book as a gift for a child this year. It has been incredibly difficult to select only 24 from the 2023 bookshelves, but I hope that you like some of my choices.
December 8th
You can read my full review of Kate on the Case – The Headline Hoax here. It is written and illustrated in the most incredibly stylish manner by Hannah Peck and I cannot recommend it highly enough as a gift for a young reader of 7/8 years and above as an introduction to the detective mystery genre. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read, very accessible due to the short snappy chapters and plentiful illustrations and combines a marvellously constructed plot with a sophisticated sense of humour and clever wordplay. As if all of this wasn’t enough, Kate has a trusty sidekick in her faithful mouse, Rupert, who can be relied upon in a tight spot. This is the third book in the series and can be read as a standalone – but I suspect young fans will want to read the entire series!
I was provided with a review copy of this book by publishers Piccadilly Press.
Published by Emira Press, graphics courtesy of James Haddell, publication date 6 December 2023
I am delighted to join the blog tour for Dagger, Spear and Sword, the fourth book in the Tales of Truth and Treasure series by James Haddell. This engrossing adventure quest continues to blend the story of a present day family of archaeologists with Arthurian legend, brilliantly merging the search for self-identity with a magical treasure hunt.
Tia and her adoptive family, along with best friend Pasco, have travelled to Wales to join a group of archaeologists who are exploring the depths of a lake for submerged artefacts. While the adults are investigating the lake by canoe and scuba diving, Tia, Meghan and Pasco are continuing their private quest to gather the seven Hallows of Arthur in the surrounding villages. These three children make an excellent team. Pasco can be relied upon for the detailed historical research and unravelling of complex clues, Meghan is a born leader, and Tia knows that she is somehow connected across the centuries to Arthur, feeling the physical pull of his treasures whenever she gets close to them. Throughout this story, as in the previous novels, the trio are immensely supportive of each other, consistently demonstrating kindness and encouragement so that you can almost feel the bonds between them.
Although clearly surrounded by love and acceptance in her new family, Tia still has frequent episodes of self-doubt as she yearns to learn more of her family history and discover her true destiny. The pendant that she has worn since babyhood is her main clue to her past and as she, Meghan and Pasco seek its symbol of a Solomon’s knot in ancient churchyards and ruins, they uncover more of the clues which might provide Tia with the answers she needs. The plot is packed with thrills and tension; secret pathways lead to enchanted forests, terrifying tunnels, and submerged sculptures, where ancient treasures hold supernatural powers. Old enemies from previous books in the series reappear and will stop at nothing to get their hands on the Hallows for their own nefarious purposes, pushing Tia to summon up all her reserves of bravery and intelligence to survive their wicked ploys.
This book is a delight to read, firstly for the cracking adventure combined with intriguing historical mystery and also for the positive depiction of an adoptive family where kindness and support provide the basis for everyone to grow in confidence and to find their place in the world. If you are looking for a mystery adventure to suit a child of 9 years and above, I highly recommend Dagger, Spear and Sword, which is published this week.
I am very grateful to James Haddell for providing access to an electronic advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
With Christmas fast approaching, I have decided to rerun one of my book reviews each day in the hope that they might provide inspiration for anyone looking to buy a book as a gift for a child this year. It has been incredibly difficult to select only 24 from the 2023 bookshelves, but I hope that you like some of my choices.
December 7th
You can read my full review of Utterly Dark and the Tides of Time here. I was spellbound by this historical fantasy which is the final part in the Utterly Dark trilogy. The author Philip Reeve weaves a masterful tale which involves magnificent world building and a plot which plays with time as it explores the nature of friendship and the ancient magic of the natural world. It is a gripping read, filled with peril, wonderful descriptions of landscape and the tension between science and magic. If you are looking for a book to fire the imagination of a reader of 10 years and above, I highly recommend presenting them with a copy of Utterly Dark and the Tides of time.
I was sent a review copy of this book by David Fickling Books.
With Christmas fast approaching, I have decided to rerun one of my book reviews each day in the hope that they might provide inspiration for anyone looking to buy a book as a gift for a child this year. It has been incredibly difficult to select only 24 from the 2023 bookshelves, but I hope that you like some of my choices.
December 6th
Drawn to Change the World is a stunningly ambitious and important graphic novel which presents the biographies of 16 young climate change activists from around the world. It is truly global in reach, presenting the stories of young leaders from many indigenous groups and with each biography illustrated in graphic novel style by an illustrator from a minority group. The entire project was managed and edited by Emma Reynolds and she supplies the artwork for Greta Thunberg’s biography. This book is likely to appeal to all readers of 9 years and above, I could see it being as popular with teens as with children at the top end of primary school.
I have listed all the names of the young activists and the illustrators in my full review, which you can read here.
I was send a review copy of this book by Harper 360.
With Christmas fast approaching, I have decided to rerun one of my book reviews each day in the hope that they might provide inspiration for anyone looking to buy a book as a gift for a child this year. It has been incredibly difficult to select only 24 from the 2023 bookshelves, but I hope that you like some of my choices.
December 5th
Behind the Advent window today is an exhilarating, debut middle grade fantasy novel featuring three teenagers who must venture into the heart of Jujuland on a quest to save their civilisation. Set in the fictional land of Olórí, the novel is infused with the Nigerian heritage of author Maria Motúnráyò Adébísí. One of the standout elements of this novel is the blend of London teenage slang with Yoruba words and phrases, as Kòkú adapts to the land of his birth and finds his place in the world. The book is illustrated with manga style artwork by Simone Douglas, which adds to its appeal for a readership of 10 – 14 years of age. You can read my full review of Kòkú Àkànbí and the Heart of Midnight here.
I was sent a review copy of this title by Hachette Books.
With Christmas fast approaching, I have decided to rerun one of my book reviews each day in the hope that they might provide inspiration for anyone looking to buy a book as a gift for a child this year. It has been incredibly difficult to select only 24 from the 2023 bookshelves, but I hope that you like some of my choices.
December 4th
My choice for today is an outstanding graphic novel, written and illustrated by Jerry Craft. School Trip is the third book in a fabulous series which details the experiences of a bright, lovable student, Jordan Banks, who has won a scholarship to an upmarket private school in New York. Jordan and his classmates embark on a literal journey to Paris and a figurative life journey, learning valuable lessons about acceptance and teamwork. Throughout this enjoyable and accessible story the teen voices are totally authentic as themes of inequality, racism and micro-agressions are explored.
This book is perfect for readers of age 9 and above.
I am grateful to publisher Quill Tree Books, an imprint of Harper 360 and Antonia Wilkinson PR for sending me a review copy of School Trip.
With Christmas fast approaching, I have decided to rerun one of my book reviews each day in the hope that they might provide inspiration for anyone looking to buy a book as a gift for a child this year. It has been incredibly difficult to select only 24 from the 2023 bookshelves, but I hope that you like some of my choices.
December 3rd
Today I want to celebrate a picture book which recognises the creativity of young children and also their occasional frustrations when they meet a challenge in expressing their ideas. This exploration of the multi-generational family support given to a young boy to help him write his story is kind, constructive and fun. The bright, bold artwork by Ana Gomez perfectly complements Naomi Jones’ imaginative text in a picturebook which would make a lovely gift for any child aged 3-6. You can read my full review of How to Make a Story, here.
I am grateful to Oxford Children’s Books and Liz Scott who provided me with a review copy of this book.
Cover image by Tomislav Tomić, published by Bloomsbury Children’s Publishing, 14 September 2023, ISBN: 978-1408897416
I am so happy to see the accolades that Katherine Rundell is receiving for Impossible Creatures. This author almost seems to occupy the same rarified space as the mythical creatures in her story; she is clearly fearsomely intelligent and wise, and possesses the ability to distill her knowledge, wisdom and concern for humanity into the most breath-taking stories, of which this is the pinnacle (so far).
I had pre-ordered Impossible Creatures as I have loved her writing since my youngest child discovered Rooftoppers more than ten years ago, so I was pre-disposed to enjoy the book. However, even with my expectations running high and all of the media hype that accompanied the launch, I was not prepared for the power of this narrative, which hit me like an ancient oak felled by lightning. This is one of those rare tales which sink into your heart, disperse through your capillaries and are taken up by every cell of your being. You will feel compelled to talk about it, recommend it, buy a copy for a young relative (if you are as old as me) and re-read it. In other words, it is destined to join the ranks of the classics. The world building is spectacular, the research behind the mythical creatures is clearly extensive although the learning is worn lightly and woven into the narrative without any intellectual grandstanding.
The two main protagonists and their worlds collide when a human boy, Christopher, discovers that his grandfather is a guardian of the ‘Waybetween’ earth and the Archipelago, home to all the creatures of myth and source of the ‘Glimourie’, the power that drives all life in both realms. When Mal, a girl possessed of a flying coat and a baby griffin, crashes through the portal to Christopher’s temporary home in the Scottish Highlands and pleads for help to save the magical creatures, a spectacularly breathless adventure begins. This story boasts an encyclopaedic range of mythical creatures; distinctive and astonishing islands; self-important and arrogant rulers; a berserker smuggler to make your pulse quicken; and enough action and tension to enthral even the most reluctant reader. As with other classic fantasy adventures, there are also magical artefacts, in this case a wonderful compass known as a casapasaran and the glamry blade, which can slice through anything in the Archipelago. However, I think that what makes it so special is the urgency of the message to embrace life in all its uncertainty, challenges and vulnerability. It is a call to bravery, to love and to take whatever positive actions are open to you.
Katherine Rundell certainly does not underestimate the children that she writes for, she allows them the space to read as much into this novel as they please. She has created for them an adventure which fizzes and erupts with imagination, and knowing how many of our young people are already passionately aware of environmental issues, she leaves it to them to see the parallels between the fading glimourie of the Archipelago and our own ecological crisis. The tension between greed and lust for power versus duty and sacrifice is palpable throughout the second half of the story. This book does not shy away from some dark themes and on that basis, I would probably recommend it for a readership of mature 9 or 10 years of age, with no upper age limit. I am far, far beyond the target readership age, but suspect I am not alone in being challenged to remember to stand up for what is right. Young readers who are perhaps more usually drawn to non-fiction will, I am sure, appreciate the fully illustrated bestiary of mythical creatures at the start of the book. Huge credit must be given to Tomislav Tomić for his artwork, which includes sumptuous chapter headers. My final observation is for fellow long-term fans; you will find the customary Belgian joke here and I do hope that another will appear as the series continues!
This book was my own purchase, and I am delighted that I was able to pre-order a signed copy with sprayed edges from Waterstones. I am thrilled that just this week they have announced Impossible Creatures as their Book of the Year for 2023.
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