March Round-up.
It's been another incredible bookish month for us.
We were privileged to hear Angie Thomas talk about her YA books and her inspirations (O has read and loved both her books; they're on my to-read list for Easter) and we were honoured to help Dan Smith celebrate the launch of his latest book, She Wolf, at Seven Stories (it's a brilliant book so if you haven't already read it, you really should! It's so popular in school that it still hasn't made it to the library as it's snapped up as soon as somebody returns it!)
We've also managed to read a few books as well so here's our views on the books we've read this month!
Wildspark - Hashti Vardy
The Dragon in the Library - Louie Stowell
(Publication date: 6th June)
Kit hates reading and loves getting muddy and having adventures; however, her friends, Alita and Josh both love to read. So when they persuade Kit to make a quick stop at the library, Kit isn't very happy; however they meet Faith, the librarian and then Kit discovers that strange and magical things happen when she reads a book. This leads to magic, dragons, adventure and an attempt to save the dragon in the library.
This is a wonderfully exciting story of friendship, the power books, reading and libraries (I had an image in my head throughout the book of the local library I used as a child). Kit is a reluctant reader who is clumsy and makes mistakes - it's wonderful to see this and I'm sure there will be many children who will relate to her. With great illustrations, this is a perfect books for children aged 7-9.
Starfell - Dominique Valente.
(Publication date: 2nd May)
Willow lives in the town of Starfell with her family. Not everybody has magical powers but Willow does: she can find things that people have lost. She lives in the shadows of her mum and sisters, believing that their powers are far more exciting than her own. So when Moreg Vaine, one of the most feared and infamous witches in Starfell, visits to ask for her help to find last Tuesday which she thinks has gone missing, Willow jumps at the chance. Armed with a few hastily-chosen belongings and Oswin (the monster from under her bed) all stuffed into a green, shaggy-hired carpet bag, Willow sets out on the adventure of her life. But as she journeys and meets characters such as Festhering, Noun Sometimes and Essential Jones, can she discover what happened to last Tuesday?
We liked the quirkiness of the characters, their individuality and the fact that so many of them didn't quite feel they fit into 'normal' society.
This is a story about being different, accepting and embracing your uniqueness, and trusting your instincts. It teaches us that we should love and embrace who we are.
The Closest Thing To Flying - Gill Lewis.
This the story of Semira and Hen (Henrietta): 100 years separate them but a hat and a hidden diary bring them together. Semira is a refugee, brought to England with her mother and being 'looked after' by Robel who claims to be helping them but is very controlling. When Semira stumbles across a hidden diary, it unlocks a new world to her - that of Henritta (Hen) who lived in Victorian Britain. As the similarities become apparent, can they help Semira uncover the secrets of her own past and also help give her the strength to be brave enough to do what's right in this life?
A touching story that covers several rather difficult but relevant topics in an age-appropriate way. It's a heart-warming story that flows well between the 2 time-periods. With 2 strong, female lead characters, it shows readers that it's good to develop a sense of self and what is right. We also like Patrick, who doesn't feel the need to conform and is accepted because he is true to himself.
A great book and definitely one we recommend.
The Great Chocoplot - Chris Callaghan.
Be warned: this book will make you want to eat chocolate!
'In 6 days there will be no more chocolate in the world ... ever!'
And so beings the great Chocopocalypse and mass hysteria abounds round the country as everybody grapples for chocolate before it's gone for good.
Jelly lives with her parents (her dad has been made redundant and her mum works nights at the local supermarket) and her gran lives in a caravan on the front drive. Things are tight but they love chocolate and the prospect of no more leads Jelly and her gran to search for the truth about the great Chocopocalypse!
This is a great read, full of fun and quirky touches (twists on names/places/shows from 'real life'). It's a choctastic book and I can't believe it took us 3 years to get round to reading it!
My Dad's A Birdman - David Almond.
A touching story of a father who is determined to do whatever it takes to win the Great Human Bird Competition in which competitors need to fly across the River Tyne without falling in! He decides to take things literally and become as bird-like as possible. With Lizzie, his daughter, looking after him, the pair set about trying to win the competition.
This is a touching story told in a relatable way, the book is distinctively Almond in its style and you can hear the Geordie voices coming through - I love it!
This is a story about love, family, not giving up, having faith and taking risks. Perfect for children in Years 3 and 4.
Horrid Henry Up, Up and Away - Francesca Simon
O and I loved reading Horrid Henry books when he was young, so it was a real treat when then 100th book, marking 25 years of Horrid Henry books, dropped through the door. It comprises 4 new stories, packed with the usual antics from Henry, from heading on holiday on a plane, writing a history essay for a school competition, messing up a play and a visit to a water-park. With changes of font style & size, and great illustrations, this is a fun and appealing books that will engage younger readers. I'm just pleased I'm never around when Henry is!
The Words that Fly Between Us - Sarah Carroll
(Publication date: May 2019)
This is a YA book about a girl called Lucy who has a supposedly perfect life: her father is a massive name on the property market and her mother is perfectly happy. But on the inside, her bully of a father oppresses her about her 'hobby' of drawing. Can she be the person she wants to be without her father getting in her way?
This book is a great example of standing up to a bullying and Sarah Carroll writes it perfectly. I loved how Lucy tries to help her friend Megan stand up to Hazel, her 'friend' that posts mean comments on her blog. This makes me think that Lucy is a person that just wants the best for her friends. I think everyone should try to be like Lucy and should help their friends through hard times.
This book has a clear message running through the lines: stand up to bullies; your life will be better for it. This is why Sarah Carroll is an amazing author: only good will come from this book.
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