Blog Tour – Super Questers Mission: Rainforest Magic by Paul Ian Cross, illustrator Katarina Gasko

Front cover artwork by Katarina Gasko, published by QuestFriendz, 6 November 2025, ISBN: 978-9083294377

I am so thrilled to be invited to join the blog tour for the second SuperQuesters adventure, Mission: Rainforest Magic, written by Dr Paul Ian Cross and illustrated by Katarina Gasko. This book perfectly blends a fantasy adventure with a multiplicity of STEM content to excite primary school children about scientific learning.

The three friends, Bea, Leo and Lilli are pitching a tent in Auntie Bumble’s garden when they discover a distressed guinea pig, which seems to be suffering from an allergic reaction and possibly an infection. Before they have a chance to find out how their Aunt will treat the unwell animal, their SuperQuester amulets carry them away on a wave of magic, placing them in the exotic surroundings of Questland’s rainforest. Now in their superhero guises, Bea Bumble, Leo Zoom and Lillicorn meet Jamac, a magnificent jaguar, and take on a quest to find a cure for Puddle Waddle, a capybara who seems to be exhibiting the same symptoms as Popcorn the guinea pig. As their mission leads them through the rainforest, the SuperQuesters become aware of the healing properties of the diverse selection of plants, solve logic problems and learn to navigate like the jungle animals.

Like the earlier book in the series, Mission: Rainforest Magic has been very carefully researched and designed to be enjoyable, interactive and educational. It covers many STEM concepts which are taught in the primary school curriculum; I was very impressed this time, with a storyline that will make children think about how medicines can be developed from plants. Additionally, I was excited to find a page displaying a directional algorithm which all teachers or teaching assistants who deliver computing lessons using Bee-Bots will be familiar with. Reading this book adjacent to computing lessons would provide great consolidation of learning. Biological concepts are explained in child-friendly language, and the necessity of protecting the environment which might be capable of providing solutions to health challenges is made clear.

The illustrations throughout the book by Katarina Gasko, add greatly to its appeal and I am delighted that I have permission to share some of them with you in this post. A comprehensive glossary is provided, giving accessible explanations of scientific vocabulary. Finally, there are four activity suggestions at the end of the book, which could be performed at school or home to engage children in scientific experimentation. I highly recommend SuperQuesters Mission: Rainforest Magic to primary school librarians, teachers, parents and carers as a brilliant book to explore with young readers.

My thanks to the publishers, QuestFriendz, for sending me a review copy of this book. Do check out the other posts on the tour schedule.

#BlogTour: SuperQuesters Mission: River Crest Rescue by Paul Ian Cross, illustrated by Katie Kear and Cherie Zamazing

Image credit QuestFriendz, publication date 1 May 2025, ISBN: 978-9083294384

Meet best friends Lilli, Leo and Bea who are magically transformed into the SuperQuesters, Lillicorn, Leo Zoom and Bea Bumble after discovering a transformative board game locked away in an old garden shed! Finding themselves clad in superhero outfits, complete with glowing amulets and in Leo Zoom’s case, a pair of high-tech fact finder googles, they have little time to explore the village of River Crest before being alerted to the danger of rising water levels. A flood from Sunny Creek is threatening to disrupt the summer fête taking place on the meadow and the SuperQuesters are directed by their new fairy friend, Clover, to the source of the flood water. A family of beavers have been building a very haphazard dam, and the three friends are at a loss to explain the behaviour of nature’s remarkable architects. Their investigations eventually lead them to the hideout of villainous goblin, Mortifer, who has built a legion of robotic creatures to disrupt the natural harmony of River Crest.

This is a tremendously enjoyable and interactive story for readers aged 6-9 years of age. It cleverly combines facts and fiction in a fast-paced adventure where scientific and mathematical knowledge is threaded throughout the narrative as well as being highlighted in text boxes. Readers are also invited to engage with the puzzles and challenges faced by the SuperQuesters as they attempt to use their maths and science skills to outwit Mortifer’s plan to destroy River Crest. I loved the way that many different STEM topics were organically included in the plot; from Fibonacci sequences, to programming algorithms and seed bombing for re-wilding. This book really does engage children in many of the STEM concepts taught in KS1 and KS2 in an entertaining fantasy adventure. Furthermore, the book is written in a clear font, with plenty of white space on the pages and includes inviting illustrations by Katie Kear and Cherie Zamazing. Examples of illustrations are included with permission from the publisher:

Included with permission from publisher QuestFriendz

There is an excellent glossary of terms at the end of the story along with instructions for four activities which would be easy to perform in school or home settings; I am very tempted to try the seed bombing activity in my own garden.

Teachers’ notes created by the publisher can be found at this link.

I am very grateful to publisher QuestFriendz for inviting me to join the blog tour. If you haven’t already done so, do check out the other posts from a selection of brilliant children’s books bloggers on the schedule below.

#Non-fictionReview: All Brains are Wonderful by Scott Evans, illustrated by The Boy Fitz Hammond, expert advice from Dr Rachel S.H. Williams

Blog tour graphic by bsmall publishing, publication date 3 February 2025, ISBN: 978-1916851245

All Brains are Wonderful is a first class non-fiction text for children and the adults in their life, providing an engaging introduction to brain biology, neurodiversity, mental wellbeing and inclusion. It is written by (neurodivergent) primary school teacher and reading advocate, Scott Evans, also known as The Reader Teacher; with expert scientific guidance from neuroscientist Dr Rachel S.H. Williams. Their words are vibrantly illustrated by The Boy Fitz Hammond, creating an educational book that is a joy to browse.

I really liked the way that the content was structured into three sections: first the Science, then Society and finally Taking Action. This combination of pure science and social science is so valuable and leads to joined-up thinking about the social determinants of health, so seeing this done in a book aimed at children is very positive in my opinion. The science section includes an explanation of brain development and anatomy; progresses through the functioning of the component neurones; and then considers brain dysfunctions and neurodiversity. Then there is an exploration of whether neurodiversity should or shouldn’t be considered a disability, and the complexity of neural connections that make every human unique. This book truly celebrates acceptance of difference and the embracing of everyone’s individual neurological make-up. Readers are encouraged to think about discrimination in relation to neurodiverse individuals, and the need to make reasonable adjustments so that everyone benefits from equal opportunities. There are positive messages for children who are neurodivergent to choose the language by which they wish to be identified – for example “I have dyslexia” or “I am dyslexic”, or even to choose not to explain their neurodivergence if they do not want to. There is positive advice about maintaining good mental health and suggestions of practical steps that we can all take to demonstrate empathy, understanding and allyship.

Throughout the book, scientific vocabulary is used in context, accompanied by clear graphics and explanations in clear, accessible language that children can understand. There is also a detailed glossary at the end to extend comprehension. From my perspective as a health librarian, I welcome the fact that All Brains are Wonderful will provide children (and their adults) with the vocabulary and background knowledge to discuss neurological health conditions. I was also particularly impressed that in the section about the brain’s processing activities there is a message about critically appraising the deluge of information that we receive from all forms of media, as well as from family, teachers and others. In an age where ‘influencers’ and some malicious individuals spread either misinformation or disinformation (often around health subjects) the encouragement to…

be curious, ask questions and check that information comes from reliable and accurate sources, like scientists and detectives do! page 15

is so valuable to take onboard at an early age.

I am aware that school budgets are really tight at present, but if you are looking to add to your non-fiction collection for KS2 classrooms or primary school libraries, then All Brains are Wonderful needs to be at the top of your shopping list.

I am most grateful to Naomi Weeks at b small publishing for inviting me to take part in the blog tour for this wonderful book, for providing me with a review copy and the graphic used in this post. Do check out the reviews written by the amazing librarians and teachers who are participating in the tour.

#PictureBookReview: Kind Little Hands by Kathy Urban, illustrated by Sally Garland

Cover art by Sally Garland, published by Little Steps Publishing,
10 October 2024, ISBN: 978-1915641212

This is the most delightful book for young readers, showing them the importance of taking care of nature in the urban environment. It tells the story of a young boy called Noah who whilst out for a walk in town with his grandad catches a tired bumblebee as it falls from the sky. With no sign of any nectar-bearing plants in the vicinity, Grandpa encourages Noah to bring the bee back to his flat where they try to revive the tired and hungry insect.

Their rescue mission inspires Noah and his Grandpa to do some book research on bees and subsequently to take positive action to improve the barren local urban landscape. At the end of the story there is an interesting section filled with bee facts and a range of practical suggestions, encouraging children to use their “helping hands” to make their local environment more bee-friendly.

I absolutely love this book, which I think would be perfect for children throughout primary school. I imagine that forest school leaders would enjoy sharing the story and practical ideas during outdoor learning sessions. Kathy Urban’s storytelling is heart-warming, both in the portrayal of a loving relationship between Noah and his Grandpa, and in the way that Noah shows concern and takes action on behalf of the unfortunate bee. Her text is beautifully complemented by Sally Garland’s gorgeous illustrations which take on some of the narrative work. I liked the close-up drawings of Noah’s face as he observes the revival of his small charge, as well as the portrayed transformation of the city landscape.

Kind Little Hands is a lovely example of a book which helps children understand the importance of creating insect-friendly habitats and gives them good advice about how they can actively help to achieve this goal. I highly recommend it to teachers, librarians, parents and care-givers.

Disclaimer: I was send a review copy of Kind Little Hands by publisher Little Steps. It was my decision to write a review and all opinions are my own.

Review: Space Blasters ~Suzie and the Moon Bugs by Katie and Kevin Tsang, illustrated by Amy Nguyen

Book cover image by Amy Nguyen, background image copyright free from NASA, book publisher Farshore Books, 05 January 2023

Hold on to your space helmets, Suzie Wen is back for a second action-packed adventure! With foil detailing on the cover, cutely expressive illustrations by Amy Nguyen throughout and fast-paced action, this is the perfect book to encourage 6-8 year olds to read for pleasure.

Although it is the second book in the series, Suzie and the Moon Bugs can easily be read as a standalone thanks to the succinct summary of the backstory provided in chapter one. Readers are plunged straight into the inter-galactic action when TUBS (The Universe’s Best Spaceship) with the Space Blasters crew aboard is forced to crash land on Planet Zorg due to unexplained total systems failure! After hastily evacuating their damaged spaceship Captain Jane, Spaceman Jack, Suzie, Three-headed Tommy and Five-eyed Frank encounter fast growing purple grass and the unsettling replicators as they explore their new surroundings. Thanks to their pre-existing knowledge of the galaxy, the crew realise that they must seek out the knowledge worms who reside in the tunnels deep below the planet’s surface to find out how to repair TUBS. It falls to Suzie and Five-eyed Frank to resume their adventurous partnership, which is nicely balanced between friendly-rivalry and increasing mutual respect, as they venture into the dark tunnels to request assistance from the knowledge worms. The plot includes themes of never being embarrassed to ask questions and admitting and apologising for mistakes which are not dogmatic but enmeshed naturally in the quest.

Katie and Kevin Tsang have written a wonderfully engaging story in which the narrative speeds along at a cracking pace, whilst serving up fascinating science facts and gentle dollops of kind wisdom. The book is perfectly designed for young readers who are building their confidence in independent reading, with short chapters, a clear and large font and plenty of illustrations to break the text into manageable chunks. I highly recommend Suzie and the Moon Bugs as well as the first in the Space Blasters series, Suzie Saves the Universe, as a fantastic choice to offer all readers of 6+. I loved the addition of a new crew member at the end and am looking forward to the next mission, Suzie and the Comet of Chaos!

I am grateful to Farshore Books for sending me a copy of this book in advance of publication on 05 January 2023, in exchange for. my honest opinion.

Books I’ve read from the Gadgeteers Summer Reading Challenge 2022 List

A selection of books from the Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge 2022

One of my favourite activities when my children were young was to visit the public library during the summer holidays to take part in the annual summer reading challenge. I love the way that this initiative has grown over the intervening years and with my science head on, I was delighted to see the Gadgeteers theme for summer 2022. Noticing a number of books that I’ve previously read and reviewed on the list, I thought that I’d post a summary of my reviews in case they help anyone to make their first choices.

Picture Books: here is the official list

One More Try written by Naomi Jones and illustrated by James Jones. Cute shapes demonstrate the principles of perseverance, resilience and tessellation.

The Little Pirate Queen written by Sally Anne Garland. An inspiring tale of a little girl who has learnt to create something from the resources she has at hand, can be read on a literal or metaphorical level and I think therefore appropriate for any class within a primary school.

Early Reader Books: here is the official list

Marv and the Dino Attack by Alex Falase-Koya, illustrated by Paula Bowles. A superhero powered by kindness and imagination saves the day at the Natural History Museum.

Middle Grade Books: here is the official list

Beetles for Breakfast written by Madeleine Finlay and illustrated by Jisu Choi. A stylishly illustrated exploration of the application of biology to solve some of the problems our planet will face over the coming decades. An absolute feast for the brain!

Sabotage on the Solar Express written by MG Leonard and Samuel Sedgman, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli. Futuristic fuel cells, scientific sabotage and a runaway train in the red heart of Australia all contribute to an edge-of-the-seat, runaway train detective adventure.

Harley Hitch and the Iron Forest written by Vashti Hardy, illustrated by George Ermos. A thoroughly engaging and entertaining mystery for readers aged 8+, with scientific exploration and discovery at its core. Illustrations throughout make this a great choice for children who are emerging readers.

Escape Room written by Christopher Edge and illustrated by David Dean. A fast-paced, immersive adventure with mathematics and artificial intelligence driving the plot.

I hope that you all enjoy these marvellous stories which introduce STEM principles, and find many more books at your local public library, to entertain and engage you in new ideas over the summer holiday.

Review: The Story of the London Underground by David Long

A sumptuous work of non-fiction, published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books, but sure to delight readers of any age. The informative and engaging text combined with the striking images are likely to be enjoyed by anyone who has ever travelled on the London Underground. I have seen a group of 9 and 10 year-old children entranced for almost an hour by the comprehensive coverage of absolutely everything you could wish to know about this famous transport system.

The gorgeous, painted illustrations, by Sarah McMenemy, have a slightly nostalgic feel which seems perfectly in keeping with the historic content at the start of the book. I learned from the back cover that her illustrations are featured on the platforms of Shadwell Station and I am now determined to visit them the next time I am in London. There is quite a lot of text on each page, perfectly readable for 9 and 10 year-olds and packed with interesting facts, but younger children might want to read this with an adult.

Personally, I have always loved the iconic LONDON Tube map, thus I enjoyed gazing at the illustrated tube map towards the end of the book. I was also impressed at the stylish use of the tube map design for the history timeline.

I wholeheartedly recommend this stunning book, as a fascinating insight into an essential part of London, and for its many cross-curricular links in the primary school curriculum.

I am most grateful to toppsta.com and Bloomsbury Children’s Publishing for my gifted copy of this book. A review has previously appeared on the toppsta.com website.

STEM Picture Books with Websites

Recently I have received a number of stunning picture books which are accompanied by interactive websites, I will review two of them in this post.

Firstly, Engibear’s Dream by Andrew King, illustrated by Benjamin Johnston.

A fabulous rhyming story designed to get primary school aged children interested in STEM. Engibear needs to make time to pursue his work and his dreams, and is determined to build a robot to take on some of his workload. However, construction does not go entirely to his beautifully-drawn plans and he finds that he has to learn from mistakes and iterate many times to build his robot.

The astonishing technical detail in the illustrations by Benjamin Johnston will have young engineers poring over the blueprints, and the logical presentation of the improvements presents a great model for progression from initial idea to finished product, in any field.

The rewards of persistence are clear at the end of the book, which is a great example to children to persevere with their dreams. The writer and illustrator have engineered a wonderful book with a perfect mix of colourful and technical drawings, humour, a lovable protagonist and a tool-box-full of educational content to excite children about the marvels of STEM.

There is an accompanying website, with construction simulations and other games here: www.engibears.com

My second book for this post is Goodnight Starry written by D’Arcy Lewis and illustrated by Andrew McIntosh.

A glossy, paperback, bedtime story which introduces young readers to the wonder of the planets and stars. The text has rhyme and rhythm and the same soothing quality for bedtime as such classics as Goodnight Moon. In this lovely, gentle storybook, published in the year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landings, the reader wishes each of the planets in our solar system goodnight. The illustrations by Andrew McIntosh are in a blue and yellow palette, with imaginative and charming representations of the planets accompanied by an interesting fact about each one. An excellent introduction to our closest celestial neighbours for very young children.

The team who created this book have put together a website which you can find here www.goodnightstarry.com The resources and links here have enough fascinating and educational content to be used throughout primary school as an excellent teaching resource.

I am most grateful to the team at Little Steps Publishing for sending me review copies of these delightful, educational books.