Review: The Tree That’s Meant to Be by Yuval Zommer

A joyous celebration of the natural environment, told through the tale of a tree, this book is a “must” for festive reading lists! Firstly the cover simply shouts “Christmas” with its sparkling, green tree, topped with a glittering star and placed on a rich, red background. However, rather than being surrounded by a festive family, this tree is encircled by forest birds and animals, hinting at its celebration of nature.

Inside, on pages painted in the broadest range of greens, yellows and browns, and populated by sparse paragraphs of text, we learn of the tree, grown from a tiny seed, which never manages to grow tall and straight like the other forest trees. As the seasons roll around the forest suddenly turns white and humans arrive to cut down the trees. In an inversion of the classic “little fir tree” folk tale, our little tree is the one left behind in the forest, whilst all the others are cut down in their prime for a brief seasonal trip indoors.

The following pages are suffused with the beauty of the natural world, as the wonky tree is adorned with decorations of nuts, berries, leaves and cones. It provides a focal point for the woodland creatures’ Christmas celebrations and subsequently becomes a home for birds and beasts. It is surrounded by love. The final, perfect illustration shows it providing shelter for two reading children.

My words simply cannot do justice to the magic of this book. Yuval Zommer’s finely detailed illustrations and lyrical text command hours of attention, the more closely you observe each page the more you are rewarded by the sight of delicate insects, beautifully patterned feathers and a sense of awe at the diversity of life.

As we hear the calls to protect our planet, this book provides a timely reminder of the wonder of the natural world. I hope that this picture book will be shared by adults and children, and that it will encourage the members of my generation to reflect upon the need to act to protect and nurture the glory of our planet. I am sure that The Tree That’s Meant to Be is going to be very popular at school where we are trying to be stewards of creation, and I will certainly be gifting copies to the youngest relatives this Christmas.

I am most grateful to OUP Children’s Publishing for sending me a review copy.

Review: A Home for Luna by Stef Gemmill and Mel Armstrong

New Frontier Publishing are releasing some outstanding picture books into the market this autumn, and this one is sure to melt hearts, as bedraggled Luna searches for a new home.

The author, Stef Gemmill’s words are accompanied by wonderfully detailed illustrations in a muted, natural, colour palette created by Mel Armstrong. I believe that this is the first picture book that she has illustrated – it’s a stunningly impressive debut. In an inspired nod to her target audience there is a small hermit crab to find on every page, an activity that little children will love and that again emphasises the theme of searching for a home.

It is not clear why the little cat Luna has washed up on a strange shore, only that “sounds of danger had made her leave her home.” She is tired, friendless and hungry, but gradually she finds a trusting friendship with a huddle of penguins and an unlikely partnership develops. The simple, elegant text and characterful pictures convey this poignant story perfectly for a young audience. The tale can be enjoyed at a surface level as one of developing friendship and finding a new home, and on another level this book could be used as the start of a discussion about displacement and refugees with young children.

I am most grateful to New Frontier Publishing for sending me a review copy which will be added to our school library, and is a lovely addition to our “Read for Empathy” collection.

Review:Who’s Afraid of the Quite Nice Wolf? by Kitty Black

Who’s Afraid of the Quite Nice Wolf? written by Kitty Black and illustrated by Laura Wood

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Meet Wilfred, he’s a wolf, but not a scary one! On the front cover of this adorable hardback book he appears, holding a sunflower and a red marker pen, with which he has clearly added the words “quite nice” to a more traditional title. Open to the first page and you will find Wilfred hosting a tea party in his garden, serving delicious looking cakes and biscuits to chickens, sheep and a duck; animals that you would expect to find on his menu! Meanwhile, two mean-looking wolves are glaring at him over his garden fence.

Poor Wilfred, as the story progresses it is very apparent that he does not fit in with the rest of his pack…he’s “even a VEGETARIAN!” The Leader of the pack is determined that Wilfred will learn to be a proper wolf and join an attack on the sheep. However, Wifred has other ideas, and along with his friend Mildred he devises a plan!

This picture book is absolutely wonderful in the way that it subverts the traditional “Big Bad Wolf” fairy-tales. The illustrations by Laura Wood are beautiful in their earthy colour palette, with so much detail to observe and discuss on every page. I love the contrast between Wilfred in his buttoned-up shirt and bow tie, and the rest of the wolf pack with their bandanas, eye-patches and ripped jeans! In very few words the author, Kitty Black, has conjured an incredibly enjoyable story imbued with the message that is ok to be different and to be true to who you are, perfectly pitched for a young audience.

I think this will be a very enjoyable story to share with children aged 4-7, and I am grateful to New Frontier Publishing for sending me a review copy.

Fabulous First Books

I have recently been very grateful to receive a selection of fabulous first books published by Catch a Star, an imprint of New Frontier Publishing. All of the following books are printed on glossy, thick, quality card, making them sufficiently robust to share again and again with young children. They are 16.5cm squares, an excellent size for toddler hands to grip.

The Little White Fish series, written and illustrated by Guido van Genechten follows the adventures of a very cute little fish whilst introducing young children to colours, comparative language and prepositions,

The first book Little White Fish opens with our small marine hero crying because he has lost his mummy. On each subsequent page he meets an ocean creature which is named and described by colour; in a nice scientific touch they appear in the order of the colour spectrum, until at last he finds his rainbow-hued mummy.

Little White Fish Has a Party presents comparative vocabulary (big/small, long/short, sad/happy etc) as we are introduced to all of the party guests. Finally Little White Fish is So Happy introduces prepositions as the little fish bids his friends goodbye and describes where they are positioned. All three books share strikingly colour-block illustrations, with simple, clear outlines perfect for young children alongside simple, repetitive language.

The Can You Find? Series, illustrated by Nancy Bevington are a gorgeous introduction to animals and objects: At the Beach, In the Forest, On the Farm and Under the Ocean. The illustrations are exquisite – detailed enough to encourage even the youngest reader to linger and enjoy, with all of the creatures possessing cute, googly eyes which make them hugely appealing and friendly-looking. I am not an expert in fonts, but these books have been printed with a clear, handwriting-style font, which to my eye looks like sassoon, perfect for the target audience.

It appears to me that great care has been taken with the production of these books, ensuring that they will be wonderful for sharing with very young children. The simple, repetitive language, rhythm and beautifully realised illustrations being perfect for an early introduction into the pleasure of shared books. In my school I can also see these titles being extremely useful as an EAL resource, especially in Reception class. Where, again, the simple text and bright clear illustrations will be perfect for vocabulary acquisition

My thanks to New Frontier Publishing for gifting me this collection in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Planet Stan by Elaine Wickson

Meet Stan, a boy obsessed with the solar system and owner of quite possibly the most annoying little brother in the entire universe! When he is not having to avoid the plague of snails that Fred has housed under his bed, or sidestep placing his feet in toothpaste- filled slippers, Stan likes to draw detailed maps of the planets or describe his life in pie-charts, his best friend Liam calls him Graph Vader!

The book begins with a trip to the local museum, where Fred adores the T-Rex skeleton, known as Rory, so much that he colours its toenails with his crayons. Fortunately, Stanley always carries wet wipes when he is left in charge of Fred, and averts disaster with the grumpy curator. Unfortunately, the museum plans to replace Rory with a different exhibit, which causes multiple meltdowns from Fred. The story follows Fred’s attempts to protest the removal of Rory in parallel with Stan’s attempts to win a real telescope with his science-fair presentation team.

This book is a delight to read with its short chapters, illustrated throughout with Stan’s unique pie charts, Venn diagrams and bar charts. The illustrator, Chris Judge, has created some amazing diagrams to visualise the crazy details of Stan’s existence, for example:

In the age of data visualisation I think that this book is a wonderful way to introduce children to these concepts. Additionally, the humour will greatly appeal to MG readers with the numerous sticky situations caused by Fred. Finally, Stan is a really sympathetic character for whom you root in his ongoing battle to produce a presentable science competition entry in the face of a continuous onslaught of snot, spilled drinks and low flying spaghetti bolognese! An excellent addition to any Key Stage 2 classroom or school library and one which I highly recommend to all readers of 8+!

If you love Planet Stan, then look out for Action Stan!

The second book in the “Stan” series again charts the chaotic family life of Stan and his permanently sticky little brother Fred.

Fred’s new obsession is a TV adventurer named Flint Danger, and he claims that like his hero, “danger is in my DNA”. He decides to test this by signing up for the school camping trip to Whispering Woods, and Stan – lured by the prospect of light-pollution-free star-gazing recklessly volunteers as a mentor. Oh, how he will come to regret that decision!

A hilariously action and mud-packed adventure ensues which will have readers laughing and turning the pages with relish. As with Planet Stan, the fun and fact-filled text is accompanied by a marvellous range of illustrated graphs and charts created by Chris Judge.

I think that this is a wonderful series of books which will be enjoyed by anyone in Key Stage 2, and I can’t wait for the next instalment of Stan’s escapades.

Review: Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue by Paula Harrison

Kitty is an energetic, graceful and adventurous girl. She wishes more than anything to be a superhero like her mum – but there is a slight problem. Kitty is afraid of the dark! While her mum dresses in her black cat superhero outfit each night and uses her abilities to see in the dark, sense danger, climb walls and balance perfectly on rooftops, Kitty wants to feel safe and secure, snuggled up in her bed.

Then, one night a cat called Figaro arrives at her bedroom window, searching for her mother, to help with an emergency in the old clock tower. Amazed to find that she can communicate with a cat and not wishing to disappoint him, Kitty remembers her mother’s words:

“Don’t let fear hold you back. You’re braver than you think!”

and takes a leap in the dark!

This story, the first in the Kitty series, is an utter delight and a perfect book for emerging readers. The striking cover design (by Jenny Lovlie) in black, orange and white is continued throughout the book, making this a memorable reading experience. The story itself is perfectly pitched for upper Key Stage 1/lower Key Stage 2 children with an exciting plot and an inspiring message of finding the ability to rise to challenges, especially when someone shows their belief in you. I think that Kitty will be immensely popular with fans of Isadora Moon, Amelia Fang and the Rainbow Fairies books, as well as with all cat-lovers.

One final interesting touch in this already appealing book is the collection of super facts about cats at the end of the story. I am looking forward to adding this to the library shelves at school, and predict that it will jump into the hands of willing readers very rapidly!

My thanks to OUP Children’s Books for sending me a copy of Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue to review.

Review: The Good Thieves by Katherine Rundell

Good Thieves

I am always slightly worried when I review a new book by Katherine Rundell that I won’t be able to do justice to her talent, but here are my thoughts on The Good Thieves.

Although I bought this book on publication day, I saved reading it until I was actually away on holiday so that I could enjoy it without distractions. It certainly rewarded the wait!

Firstly, it is an absolute page-turner, hooking the reader from the opening line

“Vita set her jaw and nodded at the city in greeting, as a boxer greets an opponent before a fight”

and refusing to let you go until Vita has executed her bold plan. She arrives in 1920s New York, with her mother to discover that her beloved and recently bereaved grandpa has been cheated out of the ancestral home, Hudson Castle, by Mr Sorrotore – a mafiosi figure. As the opening line suggests, Vita is a fighter and sets out into the unfamiliar city to confront the villain and demand restitution. Of course, such a direct approach from a child has no effect other than to anger Mr Sorrotore, so Vita must employ other means to reclaim the castle and its contents.

In the course of planning her heist, to steal back the rightful belongings of her family, Vita enlists a team comprising Arkady (a circus performer with a gift for training animals), Sam (a trapeze artist) and Silk (a pick-pocket who has fended for herself since childhood). They combine their skills with Vita’s deadly aim and gift for planning, to take on the villainous gang.

The author effortlessly portrays the contrast between the glamorous, brightly-lit, night-life of the wealthy inhabitants of the city and the dark, dangerous underside where some of the wealth is generated. The writing fizzes and sparkles with wit and energy, and as usual there is no hint of a cliche anywhere. Instead the unique style rewards the readers with original descriptions. For example, a seagull, “gave the scandalised cry of an angry duchess” when hit by one of Vita’s stones! (If you are a long-time fan of Katherine Rundell, you will find the statutory “Belgium joke” on page 63).

I love the way that Katherine Rundell is able to capture a child’s sense of outrage at injustice, and their determination to take agency to put right a wrong. I think that many young readers will recognise this aspect of themselves as they enjoy this hugely entertaining adventure, which for me brought back memories of the classic Emil and The Detectives. The descriptions of Vita’s refusal to allow her physical disability to hold her back are inspirational and the overall feeling of love and hope make this story a rewarding one. Finally, I should mention the gloriously stylish cover and interior illustrations by Matt Saunders, which further enhance the quality of this book.

Overall, a wonderful MG adventure which I will be recommending to all upper KS2 pupils. For adults wishing to read aloud in class or as a bedtime story, be prepared for pleas of “one more chapter”!
This #Book13 of my #20BooksofSummer challenge hosted by Cathy at 746Books. I have enjoyed taking part in the challenge for the first time this year as it has encouraged me to blog more regularly and has introduced me to a new community of fantastic book bloggers. I am sorry that I won’t meet my target of 20 reviews, but this is partly due to the fact that I’ve read a number of “grown-up” books and even a rare YA novel this summer, but limit my blog to MG and Early Years reviews.

Review: The Children of Castle Rock by Natasha Farrant

Castle Rock

I can think of no better way to summarise this book than this quote, which appears almost half-way through:

“This is the story of a girl who lost her mother and her home, and was afraid of losing her father, and needed to find herself.”

The story opens in heart-breaking fashion with Alice bidding farewell to Cherry Grange, the house that has been home to generations of Mistlethwaites for over a hundred years, culminating with her digging up the white rose bush which was planted in memory of her late mother.

She sets off with her Dad, Aunt Patience, a couple of suitcases and boxes and the plant known as mum, “driving towards an unknown and terrifying future.”

It seems that worse is to follow. In her attempts to pull Alice out of her imaginary world and force her to engage with real life, Aunt Patience has decided that boarding school will be good for Alice. She is thrust onto the sleeper train from Euston to travel to school at Stormy Loch Academy in Scotland and on the journey meets Jesse Okuyo, the youngest of 4 brothers, who longs for adventure. Stormy Loch is “an unconventional school with an approximate approach to health and safety”, run by The Major who likes to rescue waifs and strays. On arrival in the vastness of the Scottish Highlands, something about the atmosphere of the place makes Alice believe that her stories can come true…and the adventure begins.

The plot hinges around an Orienteering Challenge and a stolen jade statue, it explores parenting, teamwork and trust and weaves all of these threads perfectly.

This book had me mesmerised with its relatable protagonists, exuberant celebration of the majesty of the landscape, thrilling plot and imaginative writing. I loved the way that Natasha Farrant used her authorial voice to drop hints and teasers throughout. There were frequent, knowing nods to other boarding school books which I am sure will be enjoyed by readers, and the development of the three main protagonists, Alice, Jesse and Fergus was beautifully described.

I can’t believe that I’ve had this gem sitting, undiscovered, in my “to be read” stack for months – I absolutely recommend that you don’t delay for as long as I have, but get hold of a copy and read it. A fantastic book for confident readers of 9+

This is #Book12 in my #20BooksofSummer challenge hosted by Cathy at 746Books.

Scoop McLaren: Detective Editor Blog Tour – Author Interview with Helen Castles

SM_Blog Tour

Today I am beyond excited that it is my stop on the #Blogtour for Scoop McLaren: Detective Editor, the first in a new MG Detective/Mystery series by Australian author Helen Castles. As well as my review of the book, Helen has kindly answered questions about her inspiration and motivation for this wonderful new series. So, without further delay, allow me to introduce Helen to UK readers through a Q and A!

Hi Helen, firstly, can I congratulate you on your debut novel Scoop McLaren: Detective Editor, which I thoroughly enjoyed. What inspired you to write an MG book?

I loved books as a child, the places they took me to and the people I got to meet. As an author, I wanted to write novels for children, to be able to provide that joy for them that I always felt as a child when reading. I had written two books previously (unpublished), one for middle grade and one young adult novel. The YA novel subsequently got turned into a short film. After a few years of working for a newspaper, meeting so many interesting people and telling so many stories, I thought it would be a good idea to write about my life as a journalist. While still wanting to write a children’s novel, I decided to combine the two and Scoop is the result!

I love your main character, the quick-thinking, bold and determined Henley “Scoop” McLaren. Knowing that you are a journalist I wondered how much of Scoop is based on your own childhood?

I am so thrilled you love Scoop! While I wouldn’t say that any part of Scoop is based on my own childhood, I do love and purposely wanted to focus on the relationship between Scoop and her dad. My own father died when I was nine, so it’s kind of like writing about a part of me and my life that I wished I’d had growing up.

The seaside town of Higgity Harbour almost seems to be a character in its own right, is it based on an actual place?

That’s a great compliment, thank you. It’s not based on an actual place but, in my mind, it would be an idyllic place to live. I’ve always been drawn to the seaside and always wanted to live by the ocean. I really wanted Higgity Harbour to come to life for readers, for them to be able to close their eyes and just see the town so clearly with its cherry blossom lined streets and cobblestone pavement. I grew up in a small community so I also wanted to relay the values of such close-knit communities – friendship, looking out for one another, helping each other – in the novel.

Although the story is obviously set in the modern day, with mobile phones, laptops, internet publishing etc, somehow the story gave me a nostalgic vibe – it reminded me of The Famous Five and The Nancy Drew Mysteries that I loved as a child; was this something you intended?

Yes, so thank you again! I tried to add traditional touches to the language and to the story as well; the kids always referring to people as “Mr” and “Mrs”, that sort of thing. I wanted to add an element of wholesomeness from days gone by to the story, while still keeping it modern.

Who would you see as your target readership for Scoop McLaren?

I think Scoop will appeal to both girls and boys from ages nine through to thirteen/fourteen. While some may think of the book as just appealing to girl readers since the two main characters are female, some of the strongest feedback I’ve gotten thus far has been from boys.

I like the tips and tricks for writing at the back of the book, do you hope to inspire a new generation of junior journalists?

Absolutely! I can just picture children in their school holidays interviewing friends and relatives, collecting and researching stories and turning them into their very own newspaper. I really hope my readers will be inspired to consider journalism as a career because it’s such an important job, keeping people informed. But it doesn’t even have to be journalism – I hope the books inspire kids to just write. To tell their own stories.

I am hoping that there will be a long series of Scoop McLaren books; have you finished writing book 2, and how long will we have to wait for publication?

I am in the final stages of editing book 2 at the moment, and I’m so excited about it! I imagine it will be available early 2020.

How long did it take you to develop the character of Scoop McLaren, and was it straightforward to get a publishing deal?

I first mentioned the character of Scoop to a friend of mine who is a librarian and she loved the idea of a girl mystery-solving newspaper editor. I then left it for a while, mainly due to newspaper commitments, but a few months later I thought, “Right. This is it. I’ve wanted to write this book for so long, I’m going to do it!”. Scoop developed over the course of a few weeks. I had scrap bits of paper everywhere with characteristics I wanted for Scoop that would suddenly pop into my head while I was at the supermarket, or out driving. I’d have to stop and get them down. Over the course of that time, I just grew to love this character and I thought her sassiness and her determination would endear her to readers as well.

I pitched the book to a couple of commercial publishers here in Australia and one liked the pitch and requested to read the whole manuscript. I was so pleased about that because it was the first time a book publisher had said, “Hey, we like it, send it over!”. While they did not end up taking it on, the feedback was good and they really encouraged me to keep sending it out which I did and a few months later New Frontier Publishing offered me a contract. I couldn’t be happier to work with a whole bunch of people who love Scoop just as much as I do.

Growing up in Australia, did you mainly read books by Australian authors, or were British and American writers just as accessible and popular? What were your favourite childhood books?

As a young child, I absolutely loved the Snugglepot and Cuddlepie series by Australian author May Gibbs. British and American writers were just as accessible and popular, and I loved Roald Dahl books. Still do! I can’t imagine my childhood without him, really. I remember reading Black Beauty by Anna Sewell and loving it. When I was a bit older I read George Orwell’s Animal Farm and William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. While I wouldn’t say they were favourites, they were definitely two books that have stayed with me.

Have you read a lot of MG fiction in recent years, and if so, what have been the standout authors or titles for you?

Australian author Morris Gleitzman is becoming a favourite. I love his writing style and how he can deliver important messages in such fun, light-hearted ways.

Have you enjoyed the launch events at schools in Australia and do you plan to attend any book festivals or publishing events in the UK in the near future?

I have so loved going into schools and libraries and introducing Scoop. The children have been phenomenal with their interest in the book. It’s truly amazing to look out into a sea of smiling faces and to hear giggles of delight when I’m reading from the book. As a children’s author, it doesn’t get much better than that.

I don’t have any firm plans to visit the UK in the near future but if the opportunity pops up, I’ll be on the first plane out!

Thank you for answering my questions. I’m sure that your UK readers will be delighted to learn a little bit about you and the background to your debut book and I hope that Scoop’s adventure will prove to be hugely entertaining, engaging and inspiring to middle grade readers here in the UK.

My review

I am always on the lookout for mystery/adventure books aimed at readers aged 7-11, so I was delighted to receive a copy of this book by Australian writer Helen Castles and sent to me by New Frontier Publishing. Before reviewing the content I’d like to praise the production quality of the book itself. The perfectly named Scoop McLaren is picked out in gold on the beautifully designed cover, the glossy illustrations by Beatriz Castro leave you in no doubt that you are about to encounter a young writer and investigator. The cover is also particularly thick, quality card and the pages are very slightly buff-coloured which make the book a tactile pleasure to read.

Onto the story, which is set in an idyllic, small seaside town named Higgity Harbour, where Scoop’s dad is the editor of the local newspaper the Higgity Harbour Gazette (circulation 900). Scoop has been brought up accompanying her dad as he investigates local news stories and now writes her own daily, online newspaper, Click, with the help of her best friend and roving reporter Evie Andrews. Evie is “feisty, pushy, outspoken and over-confident. All the traits you need to be a successful reporter.” The relationships between Scoop and her dad and Scoop and Evie are perfectly crafted and entirely authentic; one example being that Mr McLaren is the only person in the town to call Scoop by her real name, Henley.

Other inhabitants of the town are similarly well-written and relatable with their distinctive personalities which realistically add to the small-town atmosphere, where everybody has been settled a long time and thinks they know everybody else’s business.

When a new online newspaper begins to be delivered to the inbox of every inhabitant at 1 minute past midnight, always predicting the next day’s terrible news (a plague of frogs, flooding, school mean-girl turned to stone) Scoop and Evie cannot understand why the mayor and even Mr McLaren are unwilling to investigate its editor, Sonny Fink. They are determined to reveal the identity of this villain who appears to be predicting events that are causing the destruction of their previously tranquil seaside community. No-one in the small town is above suspicion; will the two young investigators succeed in discovering who is putting on an appearance to cover their true identity!

Although set in the modern day, with mobile phones, laptops and the internet, this book conjured up a nostalgic vibe which reminded me of The Famous Five and Nancy Drew books which I adored as a child. The young teen characters taking matters into their own hands and doggedly tracking down leads to uncover the perpetrator of the villainous deeds will be engaging for MG readers to read alone, or would make a perfect bedtime story. The junior journalist aspect of the plot is likely to inspire to young writers and I could envisage this being used as a teaching resource, particularly when working on newspaper-writing elements of the curriculum or a model for school news reporters. I think this book will be extremely appealing to lower key stage 2 readers, as an introduction to the mystery/sleuthing genre and a fabulous precursor to series such as Ruby Redfort and Murder Most Unladylike. I am certainly looking forward to the further adventures of Scoop and her friends and I will be recommending this series to many young readers.

I am most grateful to the publishers, New Frontier Publishing, for gifting me a copy of Scoop McLaren: Detective Editor and for inviting me to join the blog tour for this exciting new MG series.

Review: Peril en Pointe by Helen Lipscombe

Peril en pointe

This first story in a new series, The Swan House Mysteries, sparkles like the rhinestones on a tutu!

The main protagonist, Milly, is astonished to be offered a scholarship to The Swan House School of Ballet, particularly after her expulsion from her previous ballet school following a disastrously clumsy performance in the Scarlet Slipper Ballet competition. On that fateful night, many months previously her mother, a world-famous ballerina, mysteriously disappeared from the audience, leaving Milly to be cared for by her Russian Babushka (grandmother), “Bab”.

On arrival at the grand mansion in Regents Park which is home to the Swan House Ballet School, Milly is incredulous to find out that it is no ordinary ballet school – in the words of the director, Miss Celia “ ballet dancers make excellent undercover agents. They are physically strong and mentally resilient. They also have good reason to travel the world.” Thus Milly finds herself, not only practising at the barre, but also learning martial arts and espionage skills!

In the manner of all great school-based stories, there is a great cast comprising vicious queen bees, led by the duplicitous Willow, larger than life teachers and our heroine, Milly’s friendship group of misfits: Lottie Li ( a mandarin-speaking, cockney scrapper), Merv Crump (a germ-phobic genius) and Benedict Spencer ( a leather-jacket wearing, rebel). On the staff rosta the standout characters are Madame de la Cloche, the strict ballet mistress, the martial arts instructor, The Captain (referred to as Thor by Milly) and of course Miss Celia the director who is frequently risking life and limb on another undercover mission.

The descriptions of the ballet school, with its extensive grounds, boating lake and secret tunnels make an exciting setting for the intrigue to come. Additionally, the wonderfully old-fashioned Meeks Shoemaking shop plays a key role in the mystery, and had an atmosphere reminiscent of Diagon Alley to me.

The plot revolves around another Scarlet Slipper Competition, with Swan School competing against an American and a Russian Academy. The Russian school is led by Ivan Korolev a former pupil of Miss Celia and now “ inciting discord and war..” Is he responsible for kidnapping Milly’s mother, and will the newly recruited young spies be up to the task of unravelling the mystery. The narrative is as light on its toes as a prima ballerina, the plot gliding effortlessly to the final denouement. Helen Lipscombe has an elegant turn of phrase, for example, “the theatre sighs with the sound of violins” which makes this book such a pleasure to read.

Milly embodies the school motto “ Cycni venustas cor leonis “ grace of a swan, heart of a lion!” and by the end realises that some things are even more precious that a coveted Scarlet Slipper trophy.

I highly recommend this new twist on the adventure/mystery genre, featuring courage and friendship, to readers of 9+.

This is #Book11 in my #20BooksofSummer challenge, hosted by Cathy at 746Books