Archives

Journey To The Kingdom Of No Return by Leslie R Henderson

Jun4

Enchanting, Engaging And Entertaining

Journey To The Kingdom Of No Return by Leslie R Henderson is an exciting children’s book, just perfect for ages ten years and over. It is the second book in the Shelf Life series but can be read as a stand-alone. I would recommend reading book one first for maximum enjoyment and to set the scene.

Once more we follow the adventures of Little Book who proves himself to be brave, loyal and fearless. He steps out into the darkness on a rescue mission.

We see the value of good friends as his two mates refuse to let him journey alone.

Once more there are some very clever names that are a play on words. Children are unlikely to ‘get’ them but adults will be highly amused.

The focus of the series is the books coming to life once the bookstore closes. It is an engaging idea.

Continue reading →

A Bite-Sized Pirate by K.S. D’arcy

May31

Simply Beautiful

A Bite-Sized Pirate by K.S D’arcy is a simply beautiful book for the under fives.

The story is written in simple rhyme with just four lines per double page. There is a rhythm to the words, enabling our children to join in when they have heard it a few times.

Each page is beautifully illustrated by Zenja Gammer. A friendly looking parrot is the subject of each illustration. His big, beautiful eyes draw the reader in. We learn that he visits us in our dreams. As he watches over us, we feel safe.

Continue reading →

Escape To The River Sea by Emma Carroll

May16

Captivating

Escape To The River Sea by Emma Carroll is an exciting children’s historical novel that is guaranteed to entertain all those aged eight years and over.

The novel is set at the end of World War II as we follow a young girl who was sent to England from Austria before war started as she was Jewish. Her mother and sister were left behind. Now war is over, and she is looking and waiting for the post with a letter to say her mum and sister survived. The reader can ‘feel’ the tension and disappointment as each day passes with no news. However, she still clings to hope.

There was another search running parallel. This takes the characters and the reader to the Amazon to look for the famed Giant Sloth. We are treated to the sights and sounds of the jungle under the skillful pen of Emma Carroll.

Continue reading →

The Boy At The Top Of The Mountain by John Boyne

May11

Corrupting The Young

The Boy At The Top Of The Mountain by John Boyne is a powerful children’s historical novel that consumed me from the start. It is perfect for ages ten and over.

The novel is written in the third person from the point of view of young Pierrot who is half French and half German. It is set in the 1930’s and into the end of World War II. John Boyne has cleverly written the story which draws the reader in. We ’hear’ and ‘see’ the action through Pierrot’s eyes whilst also remaining detached to witness the character change. We are far more aware of what is going on than the character.

In Paris there is light and love and family. In contrast to the mountaintop which should have clean air but is tainted with deceit, fear and evil.

Continue reading →