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Secrets Of A Sun King by Emma Carroll

Jul25

Educated & Entertained

Secrets Of A Sun King by Emma Carroll is an absolutely fascinating historical children’s novel that will educate you as you read. It is suitable for ages ten years and over.

The novel is set in the autumn of 1922. It surrounds the opening up of King Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter. This is a subject that has many myths surrounding it. Emma Carroll has spun a tale that is grounded in fact.

The novel is highly entertaining and engaging, whatever your age. It is not only set in 1922 but the reader is transported back to Tutankhamun’s final days in the form of a (fictional) letter. The reader has much sympathy for the young Pharoah who just wanted to be an ordinary boy. “Riches haven’t brought me happiness.” The true riches in life are always found in people and never in possessions.

We also see the role of women in the world. Though they had done men’s jobs during World War I, in the early 1920’s they were treated very much as second class citizens to men.

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The Ghost Garden by Emma Carroll

Jul22

Premonitions

The Ghost Garden by Emma Carroll is a charming children’s historical novel that is perfect for ages 8-10 years old.

The book is set over the summer of 1914. We follow a young boy who is remarkably perceptive about events in Europe as he foresees World War I.

We follow the action through the eyes of the young daughter of the gardener to a big house. She believes that her discoveries in the garden also foretell of events.

This book will educate young readers about events that led up to the outbreak of World War I.

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The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Q Rauf

Jul21

Opening Eyes & Hearts

The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Q Rauf is a powerful contemporary children’s novel that I read in just one sitting. It is perfect for ages ten years and over. I always enjoy Onjali Q Rauf’s stories as she writes about relevant issues that need to be highlighted.

The main focus of this book is the twin themes of bullies and the homeless. Hector, a ten year old bully, takes great delight in his actions and is the main protagonist. He fears no one – teachers, parents, peers – despite being a bully, there are some endearing qualities too as he is caring towards his four year old brother.

As we read “grown-ups only ever help people they like, and I’ve never met a single grown-up who likes me.” The reader wonders why this ten year old has such low self-esteem.

As the novel progresses, the reader witnesses Hector’s character transformation as he begins to bud and blossom. Underneath there does beat a heart of gold. It just needs unleashing.

It is heartbreaking to see the plight of the homeless. They are ignored at best, treated cruelly at worst. We witness the kind souls who see the people beneath the tatty clothes. These folk try to help via soup kitchens and conversations.

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Let The Purring Begin: Sapphire’s Tale by Sallie Cochren

Jul14

A Cats Eye View

Let The Purring Begin: Sapphire’s Tale by Sallie Cochran is a most charming contemporary novel and purr-fect for any cat-lover, whatever your age.

Sapphire’s Tale is told from the point of view of Sapphire, a rescue cat and is in the first person. It is as if the author has jumped inside Sapphire’s head and read her thoughts. As a crazy cat lady, I really felt like Sapphire was narrating the story.

We hear how Sapphire was dumped, wandered the streets and found a home. Her tale is very similar to my rescued cat’s story – also found wandering the streets of Coventry with kittens and she was under a year old.

There is a beautiful bond between owner, Sapphire and her kittens. The owner has a huge heart for animals in need of a home.

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