Review: The Feeling Good Club – Say How You Feel Archie by Kelly McKain & Jenny Latham

Cover image by Jenny Latham, publisher Little Tiger, 11/05/2023

Written in journal form, this narrative non-fiction title is aimed at children of 8+ and promotes mindfulness practice and helps children find the language to talk about their feelings.

Archie and his two best friends have formed the ‘Feeling Good Club’ after attending a mindfulness activity at school. Each of them are keeping a journal to record their feelings although Archie writes in the opening pages that his will be more focussed on his activities and his love of everything to do with space, than on his feelings. However, in the true nature of reflective writing, Archie’s feelings are clearly apparent as he recounts the many examples of his Dad being distracted by other things when Archie is hoping to receive some dedicated attention. Mum is away on a scientific expedition overseas and Dad is up to his eyeballs in running a new business as well as managing a household containing three young boys! In fact, much of the time it is Archie who is left with the responsibility of entertaining boisterous six-year-old twins, Ed and Amos.

In his first journal entry, Archie impresses readers with the level of detailed attention that he has put into his science fair project on the moon Europa, only to be devastated when Dad forgets to show up for the presentation in the school hall. Despite the kindness of best friends Shazmin and Bella, teacher Mr Krzysik, school secretary Mrs Crossfield and Shazmin’s mum, Archie cannot help but feel cross and disappointed with his Dad. I really liked the way that Archie voices the physical symptoms of his distress – stomach churning, feeling sick, the urge to shout, stomp and cry – because this will help young readers recognise these feelings when they arise in their own lives.

As the journal entries progress it is clear that Archie is struggling to cope with the fact that his Dad is regularly ‘not present’ for him, continually looking at his phone and answering messages even in the rare moments when they are having some 1:1 time. Archie is left juggling the dilemma of whether he should be honest about his feelings, or whether this will be too upsetting for Dad (who he realises is under stress) and whether this might lead to an even greater rift between them.

The gentle encouragement of his loyal friends helps Archie to resolve the dilemma and this wise, kind book is likely to do the same for many KS2 and KS3 readers. Author Kelly McKain infuses Archie’s journal with plenty of humour alongside the mental wellness content. The clear, well-spaced font and fun black and white illustrations by Jenny Latham only add to the enjoyment of this book, at the end of which you will find some instructions for conducting some mindfulness activities.

I highly recommend The Feeling Good Club – Say How You Feel Archie to primary and secondary school librarians and school staff who might be involved in supporting children with emotional needs. The content is presented in such an accessible and relatable manner with practical strategies to consider. I am most grateful to Little Tiger Press for sending me a copy of this book to review.

Latest titles from the Little Book, Big Idea series by Noodle Juice: What Is Art? and What is Music?

Cover art by Katie Rewse, publisher Noodle Juice, 15/06/23

This month sees the publication of two more titles in the ‘little book, Big Idea’ series, What is Art? and What is Music? will provide answers for curious children who want to explore these topics. Like the previous two books that I have had the pleasure to read from this series, the information is easily accessible for children of 6/7 years and above. Each double page spread poses a question, and the explanations begin with a very short paragraph written in plain English which is then enhanced by small blocks of text accompanied by eye-catching illustrations. The range of information on both music and art is incredibly comprehensive and there are detailed glossaries at the end of each hardback book.

What is Art? provides answers to many topics including the following: what does art do? when did art start? can you use a computer to make art? how does art help people? I think that the range of information provided here will be fascinating for all children, both those who are talented artists themselves and those who perhaps do feel that they are “artistic” (I would fall into this group) but want to investigate the role that art plays in cultural enrichment.

What is Music? explores questions such as: what makes a piece of music? what is a choir? what is an orchestra? is music the same all around the world? I loved one of the final spreads which investigates the many ways that music can positively impact mental wellbeing, from the perspectives of both performing or listening; the final message of “music makes you happier” definitely sums up the message of this wonderful book.

This combination of Sarah Walden’s age appropriate, clear explanations and the engaging artwork of Katie Rewse allow children the time and space to explore both of these cultural topics which contribute so much to human society. I think that many teachers and librarians will welcome the addition of What is Music? and What is Art? to school bookshelves and libraries, especially as timetable constraints often mean that time allocated to music and art can be restricted due to other curriculum priorities. For Year 6 teachers, who I know often start to discuss future life ambitions with pupils at this time of year, there is interesting information about careers which can be based on artistic or musical talent. I feel this is a valuable message for those children for whom the pressure to pursue STEM subjects to the exclusion of all else holds no appeal. I am so impressed at the ambition of these books and applaud the creatives behind Noodle Juice for promoting art and music which add so much to the human experience. I think that these eye-catching, hardback non-fiction titles will be enjoyed by some children in Key Stage 1 and could be used extensively in lessons and discussions in Key Stage 2 of primary schools.

My thanks to Noodle Juice and Antonia Wilkinson PR for sending me review copies ahead of publication on 15th June 2023.

You can read my previous reviews of What is Philosophy? and What is Money?

Chapter Book Review: Magic Faces – Superhero Mega Mission by Esi Merleh, illustrated by Abeeha Tariq

Cover image by Abeeha Tariq, publisher UCLAN, 01/06/2023

The second magical adventure for twins Austin and Alanna and their cute sidekick, Ozzy the sausage dog is a colourful burst of joy in super readable format. This book is a marvellous choice for children of 6+ who are beginning to read independently.

The twins enjoy spending time in their Auntie Kessie’s art studio, where they are able to let their imaginations roam free, creating their own comic strip stories. These get an extra helping of creative magic courtesy of the battered old tin of enchanted face paints. When the tin springs to life, it offers Austin and Alanna a superhero adventure; transforming them into Austin Steel and Alanna Storm and setting them and Superpooch loose in a big city to race against the magical painted wristwatch on a mission to protect a precious jewel.

When the self-proclaimed

cleverest, wickedest, most devious supervillains in the land
page 38

turn up at City Museum to steal the jewel, Awesome Alanna and Audacious Austin will need to harness all their superpowers to stop them!

Superhero Mega Mission is not only super colourful thanks to the boldly drawn artwork of Abeeha Tariq, it also celebrates: the magic of art, museums as spaces that benefit communities and the positivity of teamwork. It is a perfect length at 74 pages to allow a young reader the sense of achievement gained from completing a non-reading scheme book, a great choice for KS1 and early KS2 classrooms and primary school libraries.

I am very grateful to UCLAN Publishing and Antonia Wilkinson for providing me with a review copy of Magic Faces – Superhero Mega Mission.

You can read my review of the first book in this series here: Magic Faces – Heroes of the Pirate Ship.

Non-fiction Review: Who’s Afraid of the Light? by Anna McGregor

Cover image by Anna McGregor, publisher Scribble Kids Books an imprint of Scribe, 13 July 2023

Come on a trip to the deepest, darkest depths of the ocean. There are many fascinating creatures that call it home. There’s nothing to be afraid of…

…is there?
back cover blurb!

Melbourne-based author and illustrator, Anna McGregor, has created a book which I would have loved as a child, which my children would have loved and which I love now as a mother of grown up children! It combines humour, narrative and facts with stunning artwork in a palette of fluorescent neon. And yes, the cover really does glow in the dark!

The first few pages of Who’s Afraid of the Light? submerge you into the different depth zones of the ocean. Illustrations of the birds, mammals, fish and cephalopods found at each level encourage the reader to dive deeper at each turn of the page. Eventually, you reach the Midnight Zone, at depths beyond 1000m, where no sunlight penetrates and here we are introduced to Fergus. The genius of this book is that Fergus appears simply as two eyes and a speech bubble on a black background. He continually disappears from view as fascinating, bioluminescent sea creatures swim into each double-page spread, but each time he drops a hint about his own appearance. This provides scope for so much interactivity and conversation based on the simple text that accompanies the illustrations. The playfulness with which the bioscience around light and visibility is explored terminates with a spectacular revelation!

Who’s Afraid of the Light? is first class narrative non-fiction which I highly recommend for all children of 5+. It would be a perfect book for adults to share and explore with individual children, small groups or whole classes to encourage curiosity about the natural world.

I am very grateful to Scribble Books and to Liz Scott for my advanced copy ahead of publication on 13th July 2023.

Non-fiction review: I Have the Right by Reza Dalvand

Cover image by Reza Dalvand, publication date 08 June 2023, Scribble an imprint of Scribe Publishing

This wonderful book, written to celebrate the publication of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, is an essential for every school, every library and as many homes as possible. It simply, joyfully and directly reminds every reader, child and adult alike, of the fundamental rights of every child from the minute of their birth. Despite the fact that 140 countries have adopted the Convention, these rights are sadly not adhered to in many parts of the world, and this book should be welcomed as a reminder to everyone that children should be valued, kept safe and enabled to develop to their full potential.

Author and artist Reza Dalvand has created the most beautiful book in which each of the 16 double-page spreads is devoted to one of the Articles, expressed in the simplest terms and accompanied by his distinctive, colourful artwork. He has converted the legalistic language of the Articles into first person statements, which enhances their power, especially if read aloud. It gives the book the feel of a majestic poem which imparts a sense of agency as it is read and I would imagine will enable many children to learn the text by heart. From pictures of children being rescued from small boats under the statement

I have the right to safety and shelter
page 11

to a family pictured enjoying an Asian meal under the statement

I have the right to nutritious foods
page 5

we are prompted to think of those children who might not benefit from these rights even in a nation like our own.

I Have the Right is a profoundly thought-provoking book which I whole-heartedly recommend to every school and classroom library. I would imagine that my teacher friends will find many uses for this text in classroom discussions and projects.

I am most grateful to Scribble Kids Books and Liz Scott PR for my review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

MG Review: The Wonder Brothers by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, illustrated by Steve Lenton

Cover image by Steve Lenton, Publication date 20 July 2023, Macmillan Children’s Books

If you want to encourage children to love books and stories and to read for pleasure, then I urge you to buy (or borrow from your public library) a copy of The Wonder Brothers and spend some time this summer reading it with children that you love. Frank Cottrell-Boyce delivers a story which is monumentally entertaining, and which I guarantee you will not want to put down until the final “Ta-dah”! His writing has the capacity to transport you on a raft of merriment through an adventure where big dreams, hope and magic combine with laugh out loud comedy. He is so obviously an author who believes in the huge capacity of children’s imaginations, and The Wonder Brothers is a story bursting with wit and warmth, and which delivers awe and wonder in every chapter.

The tale revolves around three cousins, Middy, Nathan and Brodie, and literally chewing the scenery and stealing the show, Queenie, the greatest fictional rabbit since A. A. Milne’s version. Every summer holiday Nathan and Brodie travel from their respective homes to stay with Middy in Blackpool, where Middy’s dad, Uncle Kevin is the electrician responsible for the Blackpool illuminations and Middy’s mum, Auntie Anya, is the plumber responsible for the waterworks in the Blackpool Tower. These job roles are essential to the plot, in the first instance because they allow the children to be present when Perplexion, the world’s greatest magician visits the home of magic to switch on the Illuminations as the penultimate step of his final world tour. Not only do Nathan and Middy, the eponymous Wonder Brothers, hijack his TV appearance with one of their own magic tricks, but when Perplexion makes the Blackpool Tower disappear, grand showman Nathan announces to the nation that The Wonder Brothers will make it reappear. The children then perform their own vanishing act, accidentally getting locked into Perplexion’s equipment trailer and many hours later emerging as illegal entrants to Las Vegas.

What follows is a brilliantly plotted comedy caper, woven through with everyday magic seen in the small details of life, the kindness of strangers and the ingenuity of the human spirit. There’s a world weary Las Vegas police captain recounting the story as a deadpan crime account; frequent quotes from Karabas the Modest; hilariously worldly nuns; and best of all the chance to get to know Nathan, Middy and Brodie whose personalities pulsate with life and who genuinely remind readers “that they live among wonders”. Steve Lenton performs his own illustrative magic in depicting the wonder of Frank Cottrell-Boyce’s words through his black and white drawings. As an adult reader, it is clear that the author has packed so much detailed research into the story but he has the literary sleight of hand to conceal it in the narrative without missing a beat. Thus you can enjoy this book as pure entertainment or, if inclined, you can dig beneath the surface for deeper themes and factual nuggets. One of my favourite examples is the children finding shelter in a little Las Vegas church, which just so happens to be named after the patron saint of illumination, metalwork and fugitives; you couldn’t make it up. Ta-dah!

I am most grateful to NetGalley and to Macmillan Children’s Books for allowing me access to an eARC of The Wonder Brothers ahead of publication. I will be purchasing a copy of the book when it is available.

It will be no surprise to regular readers of my blog that Frank Cottrell-Boyce is one of my favourite authors, I read all of his early books to my own children long before I started blogging but I have reviewed his previous title which you can read here: Noah’s Gold .

Picture Books from Farshore: Captain Looroll by Matt Carr and Hello Summer by Jo Lindley

Picture books published by Farshore, Captain Looroll April 2023, Hello Summer, June 2023

I do love picture books, they bring back so many happy memories of reading with my own children, and I am excited at the thought of the enjoyment they will spark in the current generation of young children. These two latest publications from Farshore have contrasting styles and offer great entertainment for 3-6 year olds.

Captain Looroll written and illustrated by Matt Carr is a bold, bright, funny tale of a super strong and very long superhero who is fed up with hanging around in the downstairs loo! When an emergency call arrives via the plumbing, announcing trouble in the upstairs bathroom, she dashes upstairs with the Clean Team; Ray the Spray, Victoria Sponge and Barbara Bogbrush. There, they are faced by extremely stinky ToileTroll. After his unfortunate accident falling into a loo, he is now on a destructive mission to make the world as revolting as himself. Young children will be squealing in disgusted delight at his antics and the Clean Team’s attempts to save the house from devastation in this fun-packed, pun-packed picture book. I imagine that it will be extremely popular in pre-school and early years classrooms, and it would appear that this is just the first in what appears to be a hilarious series.

Hello Summer written and illustrated by Jo Lindley is a delightful story about the summer season and would be an ideal book to share with youngsters who will recognise their seasonal activities and surroundings in the lively artwork and simple text.

Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter were best friends. They played together all year round, taking it in turns to wear the weather crown and lead the games.
page 1

This book (part of a series of four) depicts the seasons as child pixies, with the current season wearing the crown and deciding which activities the four friends will take part in. Their summer adventures consist of playing ball, having a picnic and building a magnificent sandcastle on the beach. However, their plans do not proceed as smoothly as Summer would wish and as he grows more frustrated, his emotions overwhelm him to the point where he explodes with rage. Fortunately, his good friends are there to help him calm down, teaching him a calming counting and breathing technique to reset and recommence the fun. This gentle book shows the youngest children how to recognise their feelings and begin to self-regulate, whilst the sumptuous artwork provides a wealth of opportunity for discussion about summer environments and activities. A perfect summer holiday treat to share with children of 3+.

I am most grateful to Farshore for sending me review copies of these beautiful books in exchange for my honest opinion.

Upper MG Review: The Lorikeet Tree by Paul Jennings

Cover art by Joy Laforme, published by Old Barn Books 27 April 2023

In the centre of a 60 acre former farm situated on the Great Ocean Road, some distance from the rural town of Warrnambool, stands a magnificent manna gum tree. Housed within its branches are hundreds of lorikeets and a beautifully crafted treehouse which provides a sanctuary for 15-year-old Alex when life threatens to overwhelm him. The refuge provided by this ancient tree sits literally and metaphorically at the heart of this beautiful story, in which the interdependence of all life is sensitively explored.

The story is told through a literature assignment written by Alex’s twin sister Emily. Well-known Australian author, Paul Jennings, has captured the authentic voice of a smart teenage girl as she recounts a traumatic year in her family’s history with searing honesty. In so-doing, he makes the writing accessible to an upper middle grade through to young adult readership, the prose is totally relatable to the intended audience. I loved the device of including the teachers’ comments at the end of each seasonal account.

Alex and Emily’s dad has made it his life’s work to return what was once barren farmland back into an indigenous forest. providing a habitat for native species from blue-tongued lizards, to koalas, fairy wrens and of course the lorikeets. In addition to this, he has raised his twins alone since their mum was killed in a car crash in their early childhood. Emily shares both his passion for wildlife and for writing, whilst sensitive Alex who has a natural flair for building has helped with the treehouse construction. However, the teenagers now have to face their greatest challenge as their once strong and vital father grows weaker from an untreatable brain tumour. Emily’s incredible reflective writing details the emotional journey that her family are on; with honest admission of the struggle of being the “strong” one; her conflicted feelings when Dad appears to go against all his principles to allow Alex to keep a feral kitten and her unspoken feelings towards Matthew, the forest and wildlife officer, who helps them out.

This is a book with a huge heart; compassionately dealing with the impending death of a parent; showing the power of family love and empathy; and reflecting on the oneness of the natural world. I loved the Australian bushland setting and the vivid descriptions of the local ecology and don’t mind admitting that a few tissues were required. I would suggest that this book is best suited for readers of 11+ with no upper age limit, as a middle-aged librarian, I found the writing profound and enriching. I highly recommend to all secondary school librarians and classroom book collections and to anyone working in the field of teenage mental health.

I am very grateful to Old Barn Books and Liz Scott PR for providing me with a review copy of The Lorikeet Tree in return for my honest opinion.

Graphic Novel Review: Surprisingly Sarah by Terri Libenson

Cover illustration by Terri Libenson, published by Harper 360 UK, 11th May 2023

The seventh in the Emmie & Friends graphic novel series, Surprisingly Sarah is a wonderful addition to this series of books for a middle grade readership. For anyone who has read the earlier novels, it will be a joy to recognise many of the protagonists, but this book can certainly be read as a standalone. Part of the reason is that author and cartoonist, Terri Liberman, has innovated with this book in making Surprisingly Sarah a split narrative, with two separate stories unfolding, based on which decision Sarah makes in the opening chapter. This is very cleverly achieved by telling the story from two viewpoints, Sarah’s and her lifelong best friend and next-door-neighbour, Leo’s. To avoid any confusion, the narratives are each presented in a different style; Sarah’s story is depicted as blocks of text broken up with illustrations and speech bubbles whilst Leo’s narrative is presented as a classic cartoon strip. I thought that this hybrid of illustrated fiction and graphic novel was a very effective method for telling the two alternative arcs of the story and one which might encourage readers to try books of a different style to their current preferred format.

And what a warm and insightful story it is! Sarah and Leo’s close friendship is clear to see, from their daily interactions to their shared childhood memories. Although from contrasting backgrounds, Sarah lives with her hardworking single-mother and has a lot of freedom and independence whereas Leo’s more affluent two dads take more of a helicopter approach to parenting and have sent him to private school, they have many shared values and are both surrounded with loving adults. Now aged thirteen, the first wave of adolescent emotions are stirring and when Sarah admits that she has a crush on Leo’s best friend Ben and wants to ask him to the school dance, their friendship becomes dramatically altered. Sarah’s story follows the narrative on the basis that she plucks up the courage to ask Ben to the dance. Leo’s story pursues the narrative that she “chickens out” but the fact of her crush and his knowledge of Ben’s attitude towards Sarah weighs heavy on his side of the friendship.

An interesting, honest, humorous portrayal of young teens with all their conflicting emotions as they navigate friendships, school and the onset of adolescence, I am sure that Surprisingly Sarah will be hugely popular with readers of 10+. It presents a clear message of recognising inner feelings and being honest to yourself; being the best person that you can be; and in the wise words of Sarah’s Mamá “surrounding ourselves with people who choose to love us back.” Highly recommended to primary and secondary school librarians, you’ll have a long reservation list for this one!

I am most grateful to Harper 360UK and Antonia Wilkinson for my review copy in return for my honest opinion.

You can read my review of Remarkably Ruby from the same series here.

Blog Tour: The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams by Victoria Williamson, illustrated by James Brown

Cover image by James Brown, published by Tiny Tree an imprint of Andrews UK, 11 May 2023

The publication of a new book by Victoria Williamson is always a reason to celebrate, and I am honoured to join the blog tour for her latest MG novel, The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams. I was entranced by this illustrated, fantasy novel, which I would summarise as Pinocchio meets Sweeney Todd via Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, blended with the author’s trademark sense of social justice. The quirky illustrations by James Brown are the icing on a delectable treat.

The story is set in the little village of Witchetty Hollow in a land where adults have to rent children from Storkhouse Services as no babies have been born for many years due to the pollution caused by the notorious Gobbelino Corporation. The main protagonist, Florizel, has been rented by poor widow Gammer Oakenshaw for the past eleven years and despite the privations of life in their small cottage, it is clearly a loving home. Sadly, the rent charged for children is dependent on many factors, including their academic performance, and when a family can no longer afford the rent payments the child can be coldly reclaimed by the child collectors from Storkhouse Services and redeployed to another family. Florizel, against all her instincts, has to hide her intelligence at school and deliberately fail every test to ensure that she is not on the list for re-collection. Her presumed lack of intellect combined with impoverishment make her a target for the bullies at school. However when the Gobbelino siblings expand their rapacious empire into Witchetty Hollow, she will need every spark of her bright mind to outwit their cut-throat enterprise.

Florizel is the first of the villagers to spot the arrival of Grimalkin, Griselda and Grendel Gobbelino, as well as an escapee from a recycling trailer that is being towed behind their luxurious carriage. Burble is a sack boy, manufactured by the Gobbelinos for families who cannot afford to rent real children. As Florizel is the only child in the village who shows him any kindness, he tells her about “the strangeness” that occurs whenever the Gobbelinos establish their dastardly three-pronged business model in any town or village. As the stakes rise, these two outsiders need to pool their resources to bring down an exploitative conglomerate. I will not reveal any further plot details as I do not with to ruin anyone’s enjoyment of this beautifully crafted fable. It is a delicious feast of a story, with so many layers to savour.

Victoria Williamson is a writer who can transport the reader into an alternative reality with her perfectly constructed characters and settings, lighten the darkness with moments of levity and elicit an understanding of important issues without ever verging into dogma. In this book, Florizel captures your heart immediately with her curiosity, her kindness and her clear-sighted appreciation of her situation and desire to make the most of it. Burble the sack boy absolutely comes alive in your imagination and the Gobbelino siblings are rendered as unscrupulous predators, profiting from the misery of others:

Griselda had her younger brother dangled by the scruff of his neck and was battering him round the head with a lace fan for good measure, when the carriage door opened and a third figure stepped out. At the appearance of their elder brother, the younger Gobbelinos seemed to grow very silent and still.

Despite the stooped shoulders that were so skeletal they threatened to burst through the mottled skin of his dark-green overcoat, Grimalkin Gobbelino towered over them. He was made taller still by the stovepipe hat drawn low over his pale eyes, wisps of white hair escaping from underneath to frame his withered face. The cavernous nostrils in his long hooked nose flared menacingly as he growled, “What seems to be the problem?”
page 17

I thought that the ease with which individuals can be swept up into consumerism, distracted from important human and existential concerns, and descend into addiction was brilliantly imagined for a young readership. The narrative also makes the reader think deeply about the fate of the children of addicts. Additionally, the reminder that unlike Griselda, we should respect and value life in all its diversity rather than rejecting those who do not meet a judgemental “norm” was gently but meaningfully delivered. I strongly encourage you to buy this book for anyone of 9 years and over, it is beautifully illustrated by James Brown and at less than 250 pages, a length that is an achievable independent read for the majority of Year 5 and Year 6 pupils. I was pleased to see that the book is printed on a light cream paper, which I know can be kinder to dyslexic readers. What’s more, 20% of the author’s royalties will be donated to a children’s literacy charity, CharCharLiteracy, in Malawi.

I am most grateful to author Victoria Williamson and publishers Andrews UK for providing me with a review copy of The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams in exchange for my honest opinion. Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour by some fabulous children’s books reviewers.