Pages & Co - Anna James

Pages & Co - Anna James

'Be brave, be kind, be curious.'

Matilda (Tilly) lives with her grandparents, Elizabeth and Archie, in the family bookstore, Pages & Co, where she finds comfort in books.  With her mother's disappearance several years earlier, having never known her father and with friendship issues at school, Tilly decides to spend her half-term holiday with friends she can count on: books.  In particular, her favourite books, Alice in Wonderland and Anne of Green Gables.  However, Tilly soon discovers that Alice and Anne are able to wander from their stories to visit her and, what's more, they can help her to wonder into their books.  

Once she discovers that she can wander into any book she pleases, she and her real-life friend Oskar head off on their own adventures.  But who is Chalk? And can Tilly and Oskar discover the truth about her mother's disappearance?

K's opinion

A book about living in a bookshop, being surrounded by books, reading, meeting favourite characters and being able to wander into any book ... I think Anna James has tapped into my idea of a dream world!  This book is simply wonderful!  Beautifully written with great characters, this book grabs you from the first page and allows you to immerse yourself completely in the world of books.  With just the right amount of mystery and adventure, this book seems to have it all!

I love Tilly's stubbornness and Oskar's loyalty but also rather like Elizabeth and Archie (I think we all look at our grandparents in a certain way and forget that they had lives before we were around!).

With some great lines ('Be brave, be kind, be curious' is now proudly displayed on my classroom wall as a reminder to the children and myself!) and mouthwatering descriptions of bookshops and reading, this is a book you need to enjoy whilst curled up in front of the fire with a large mug of thick hot chocolate.  It's a book that will wrap its arm around you and give you an enormous hug ... and will definitely make you want to move in to your local bookshop!

O's opinion

From the start, I loved the idea of the story being set in a bookshop; that was a perfect setting and I found the story equally brilliant. At the end of every chapter, I was hooked and read on, much to my mum's annoyance as I also needed to tidy up my room!

I found Tilly an amazing character with an abundance of curiosity and determination. I loved how sometimes she sat somewhere quiet, opened a book and began to read. I also loved the fact that she could travel to books and have characters visit her: something I am sure we will all want to accomplish very soon after reading the book!

This is an amazing book and I loved it! Thank you Anna James!!!

'Books can change minds and change worlds, open doors and open minds, and plant seeds that can grow into magical, terrifying things.  Stories are things to be loved and respected at the same time; never underestimate the power of them.'

We're both looking forward to the next adventure!

Bloomsbury Book-Post

We always love it when another set of books from Bloomsbury drop through the door with a satisfying thud and this time was no exception.

Let's Talk About When Someone Dies
It's never easy when somebody dies and talking about it to children can be difficult but this book will certainly make things easier.  Divided into 12 chapters (each one is only a double page), this books seems to cover everything a child may ask when it comes to death, from different words for death to why people die and what happens at a funeral.  The title of each takes the form of a question which is then explained in a child-friendly but non-condescending way, and also has an 'it's important to know...' box which gives extra, useful bits of advice.  The colourful illustrations finish off the book, making it one that children will want to pick up.

This is a book that children will be able to read and understand themselves but will also be perfect for parents and children to read together - a great way to spark discussion about a difficult topic and allow children to ask questions whilst giving parents well constructed answers at a time when they may be struggling themselves. 

Having lost my Gran this summer, this would have been a wonderful book to have used with O.  Although he's that bit older, the fact that the book covers every angle of death would have helped, especially as this was his first funeral.

Well done Molly Potter for producing such a great book.  This will definitely be heading straight to school on Monday where I know it will be an invaluable resource.

Rama and Sita The Story of Diwali.

I always enjoy teaching the story of Diwali in school and now I have the perfect book to accompany the lessons!  The bright, colourful illustrations perfectly reflect the fact that Diwali is the festival of light and help to bring the story to life.

This book will be a great addition to my bookshelf at school.



Getting the Blighters to Behave

This book is packed full of sensible advice on what to do when children are being ... well ... children!  

Why is it that children always refuse to do what you need them to at the worst possible moment?  Running late?  You can guarantee that this is when they'll decide to refuse to put their shoes on!  Guests round?  Definitely the time they will repeatedly moan for chocolate!

O is older now but this is a great book for those who have children from 2 to 10 years, giving a wealth of sensible and easy to use tips on maintaining the status quo.  

Skycircus - Peter Bunzl

Skycircus - Peter Bunzl

Lily, Robert and Malkin are back for another thrilling adventure, this time in the midst of a travelling circus - called Slimwood's Stupendous Travelling Skycircus - that includes hybrids like Lily: people with a mechanical element added to their body. She is very intrigued and wants to know more about the hybrids, so attends.

Read the book to find out what happens! 

It is Lily's birthday, but it seems to her that nobody is paying any attention to her because her father is getting an award from the Mechanist's Guild. Then a parcel comes through the door, containing a letter, a ticket to the Skycircus and her Mama's notebook. She is invited to the show with VIP tickets, so she decides to go to the performance. Meanwhile, Robert is just finishing her birthday present so he can give it to her. When he finds Lily, she shows him the letter and persuades him to go with her, but Robert says they have to be back before 9. Lily doesn't know that her father is going to present a speech about her birthday then, but Robert doesn't want her to miss it. After meeting up with some old friends, Anna and Tollie, she, Robert and Tollie set off to the Skycircus. When they arrive, Lily is pampered with sweets and gifts from two clowns, and then the show begins. After witnessing amazing acrobats, Luca the Lobster Boy and Deedee Long-legs, they watch Angelique Airhart soar around the tent as the finale. After the spectacular show, they try to find the hybrids, but end up being captured by the show's presenters: Slimwood and Madame Lyons-Mane. 

Will they escape their clutches? Read the book to find out. 

O's opinion

I loved how Lily always wanted to find out about her mother in the book and how adventurous she is, rushing into danger without a second thought, especially when either her or Robert's lives were at stake. I felt that I was living through this book with her and Robert the whole time, it was that intense and realistic! Robert was just trying to look out for his friend and I love that he wanted to keep her safe as she rushed in. The fact that they both looked out for each other in all the tough situations they faced, and that they try to find out as much as they can about Lily's mother whilst being captured impressed me and demonstrated their commitment to each other. This is why they are my favourite duo. 

This is by far Peter Bunzl's best novel and I hope he writes another one. The way he makes it seem like I was living this adventure with Lily and Robert is astounding! This is my favourite book so far this year, and that's a long list to compete with! I was overjoyed at being able to write this review as Peter Bunzl is one of my favourite authors. Thank you!

K's opinion

The final instalment of the Cogheart trilogy was eagerly anticipated in our house as we'd both loved the first two books and we were thrilled to be sent an early copy.

The book most certainly didn't disappoint and was a thrilling page turner from start to finish.  It was full of excitement and kept me on the edge of my seat (literally!).  I won't give anything away but it's safe to say that this is a wonderful, poignant end to the series and I actually hugged the book once I'd finished it!

We're now looking forward to seeing what Peter will write next!